Chapter 9
The next morning we went straight down to the police station for the public tours. Greg told us that he had talked to Jack. Jack agreed to meet us down there. Greg had wanted to come, but I turned him down. Jackie and I together would have enough difficulty sneaking around. A third person would be even more conspicuous.
A huge crowd had gathered for the tours. Secretly, I was pleased. The more people, the better we can slip away. We got in line and waited our turn to be allowed in. It finally came. We found ourselves bustled in with a group of people. A nice young lady in black skirt suit led us into the main lobby. “Here is where members of the public enter and wait to speak with the next available officer,” she said. I ignored her.
“Look around for Jack,” I said.
“We don’t even know what he looks like,” said Jackie.
She was right. We hadn’t thought about that part of the plan. We hung toward the back of the crowd hoping that Jack would find us. A hand grasped my and Jackie’s shoulders. We turned around to be met by a man putting a finger over his mouth signaling silence. He pulled us around a corner and away from the rest of the crowd.
“Jack,” I said.
He nodded. Jack wore black rimmed glasses and had on slacks and a button up shirt. “I hope you two know what you’re doing,” he said.
“Just take us to where Detective Reiss is,” I told him.
“All right,” Jack replied, “But be careful. They found out about my hacking into that file. They don’t know it’s me, but everyone is on high alert.”
Jack led us through the building on many twists and turns. I quickly became confused. I hoped I wasn’t going to have to try and find a way out. Jack took us to a secluded part of the building. “Here,” he said. “Reiss’ office is here. Just don’t get caught.”
A noise sounded in the distance. Jack ran off to check it out muttering something about staying put. Jackie and I didn’t listen. I watched Detective Reiss intently. He fiddled around in his office. Someone ran in, gave him a message, and left. Reiss glanced at the piece of paper, crumpled it, and put it in the garbage. He left his office.
I motioned to Jackie to follow. We tip toed down the hall after Reiss trying our best to be quiet. We stayed a distance away so as not to attract attention. We squeezed against a wall in the shadows when he turned around. He didn’t want to be followed.
Jackie and I continued after him. He went down some stairs and into the basement. We went after him. He passed through another door and I caught it before it could close. Jackie and I slipped through. I pulled her behind some crates. Reiss stopped at a desk. He talked with the guy behind the counter. I couldn’t hear what he said.
The guy behind the counter pressed a buzzer allowing Reiss through. He went in. Jackie and I waited. Neither of us talked for fear of giving ourselves away. After a couple of minutes, Reiss came out the door holding something. I noticed he shoved it in his pockets when the guy at the counter looked at him. He filled out some form and then headed back to the door.
I bolted for the door and once again caught it before it closed. Jackie and I stepped into the stairwell. Reiss had already made it to the first floor. Jackie and I trailed after him. We took the stairs two at a time being careful not to make any noise. We went through the door only pausing long enough to check that we hadn’t been noticed.
Reiss was nowhere to be seen. “Where’d he go,” I whispered.
Jackie shrugged her shoulder in response.
I motioned for Jackie to follow. We crept through the hallway. I searched in rooms, but found no sign of Detective Reiss. My mind raced trying to discover what happened to him and wondering if we should go back to the lobby. I had almost reached a decision when—
“What are you doing here,” demanded a gruff voice.
Jackie and I whirled around. Detective Reiss stood before and he looked angry. I immediately disliked the guy.
“We were on the tour,” I began “And we got lost searching for the restroom.”
“Why were you following me?”
My heart skipped a beat. I pinched Jackie to remind her to stay silent. I hoped he didn’t see me. “Following you?” I tried to sound incredulous hoping my voice didn’t give away the truth. “We were not following you.”
“Really,” growled Detective Reiss.
I had the sudden impulse to run. Only my resolve kept me from acting on it.
“There you two are.” Jack marched down the corridor towards us. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you two. Don’t you know you are supposed to stay near the tour group and not wander? Come with me.”
“These two are with you?” asked Detective Reiss.
“Of course they are,” replied Jack, “I’ve been searching for them everywhere.”
The expression on Reiss’ face told me he didn’t buy it.
“I apologize if they caused you any inconvenience, Detective,” said Jack. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a tour to run.” He motioned for us to follow. Jackie and I didn’t argue, grateful to be out of there.
“What did you two think you were doing,” hissed Jack. “You should have waited for me.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “But you disappeared and I didn’t want to lose a chance to follow Detective Reiss.”
“What did you find out?” asked Jack.
“He went to the basement,” said Jackie. “And took something from there.”
“The evidence locker is down there,” said Jack. “We’ve had problems of things missing from there. And it’s strange that Reiss would be down there since he hasn’t arrested anyone lately.”
“Do you think he’s stealing from the evidence locker?” I asked.
“That’s quite an accusation,” said Jack, “But I guess it’s possible.”
We had reached the entrance to the building. I thanked Jack and we left. Jackie and I went back to our apartment. We had nothing else to do that day and I wanted to get ahead on my school work.
Rachel popped in as had become her habit. “Vincent doesn’t do much that can be considered illegal,” she said. “He hits on just about every young female he finds. But otherwise, he didn’t do anything worth calling the cops.”
“I found some drugs in his office,” I said.
“Really?”
“Yeah, but I want to get him and that detective on more than just possession.”
“That detective likes to frequent a place on the outskirts of town,” said Rachel. “It’s called Sal’s. It’s a strip joint.”
“I guess I know where I’m going tonight,” I said, “When does he go there?”
“About every night at midnight,” said Rachel.
Sugar And Spice And Not So Nice Page 9
