by M. A. Owens
Knowing the meeting place in advance, I staked it out. Unsurprisingly, it was yet another tucked-away back alley dump. I'd forgotten just how many of these winding back alleys there were in Adria. I squeezed myself between a dumpster and a wall, right next to where the meeting was supposed to take place. Being small did have its advantages.
The first one to show was Fernando. I was a little surprised, but probably shouldn't have been. Even though he used to work for Mr. B, Fernando is clearly in it for himself. Saying nothing, he sat on a nearby crate waiting for others to arrive. The second to arrive was Rick, sporting his Rico bandit disguise. The two waited silently for a few more minutes, but no one else came.
Fernando was the first to speak up.
"First, let me say to you, Mr. Rico, that you made my job difficult. But now that Mr. B is out of the picture, I see no reason for any lasting grudges or ill will between us.
Rick nodded. "Fair enough."
"There aren't many with direct knowledge of the Grand Gobbler. And even fewer who believe it actually exists."
"An understandable position," Rick said.
Fernando grinned. "Well, that gives us a considerable advantage. Because let me tell you firsthand, the Grand Gobbler exists. You will find few, likely none, more abundantly versed in its history than I."
"Have you seen it for yourself?"
Fernando threw his paws outward, in time with an exaggerated sigh. "Have you seen the air you breathe?"
Rick laughed. "I can't see it, but I breathe it, feel it in my lungs. If I try to forcefully keep it out of my body, I get uncomfortable. So, if you've not seen it, just what evidence do you have that the Grand Gobbler exists?"
"For starters, there are countless records where it is mentioned. Second, there is a photo of it on the mayor's mantle shortly after he received it. I also paid good money to a certain broker who filled me in to its presence on an insurance claim. The one who made the claim just happened to match the description of the dog who bought some additional boxes auctioned off by the mayor's great-great-grandson. Those were the only items in the auction I couldn't retrieve personally. Or do you find this is all just some elaborate coincidence?"
"Are you suggesting such a coincidence would be impossible?"
Fernando threw his paws up again in frustration. "No, nothing is impossible. While your skepticism is as admirable as it is irksome, I gravitate toward the simpler solution being the most likely one. Here, I believe based upon the evidence that the Grand Gobbler is real."
Although I assumed Rick was being honest about his opinion, he seemed to particularly enjoy getting a rise out of Fernando. I finally saw what it looked like as an outsider for Rick to tease a person more serious than himself.
"Fernando, I'm afraid you misunderstand me. As you said, there is certainly enough evidence to assume that the Grand Gobbler is real. And because it's real, we can assume that it is indeed somewhere. The question for me is whether or not this Agatha person was ever in possession of it. Also, whether the mayor's great-great-grandson had it to lose. Valuable items like this don't tend to be misplaced in boxes for generations. Given that the public knew of its existence, there was a considerable chance of it being pilfered long before now, without the mayor's son even knowing it. Possibly before the mayor even died.
One of the shadows behind some crates directly across from me moved. It was so subtle that if there had been any wind that day I would've concluded that a light breeze must've blown on the crates and shifted them. Someone was eavesdropping.
I could blow my cover and there was a possibility the three of us could run them down. But there were a few problems with that. The first was that I could be mistaken. The second was that this person, whoever they were, set themselves up perfectly for an emergency escape. These crates were stacked on the corner of a long building which no doubt had several connecting alleyways once they turned the corner. We'd have to split up to have the best chance of catching them, and if this was the murderer who got Constance, I didn't want to chance a one-on-one meet-and-greet if I could help it. There was also the possibility that outcome could be part of their plan. I decided it would be best to stay quiet. Where I was hiding, there was no chance of them seeing me. That and I would gain the advantage of being able to feed information from Rick to Fernando, or possibly others, as long as my presence remained undetected. I continued to listen to Rick and Fernando, but I kept the crates in my peripheral.
Rick continued, "Also, suppose there was a Grand Gobbler just where you thought it was, but it was a fake."
Fernando put his paw on his forehead and shook his head slowly. "My my, Mr. Rico, you really are quite the skeptic. I would have never guessed. Though, I must say that it makes me admire your talent all the more. I must confess that I did not take the infamous master thief to be so thorough. However, in hindsight, perhaps I read too many books. I've realized during our conversation here that you are most likely trying to accomplish two things which are now obvious to both of us. You wish to verify the authenticity of your target and also to exaggerate your own risk as to negotiate a higher advance from your client."
Rick grinned and began a quiet applause. "I'm that transparent, eh? But don't forget that I've also figured you out. A cat as smart as you wouldn't be so confident unless there was more information you were holding out on that verified the bird."
Fernando took a slight bow. "That is correct. I was about to get to that detail. Of course, all of the same questions you had about the Grand Gobbler I had also considered. However, as is sometimes the case with items of this high value, the insurance company sent a very qualified appraiser to verify its authenticity. They determined that this was the original. Only then did they approve the policy."
Finally, another lead. This was someone who'd seen the Grand Gobbler in person, knew it was real, and knew where to find it.
Rick went straight to the money. "All right, that's good enough to go on. It sounds like you're a lot closer to the bird than I am. What do you say? Fifty-fifty on the sale?"
Fernando shook his head and raised his nose indignantly. "The Grand Gobbler will not be sold."
Rick crossed his arms and hissed "Then we'll have a problem. Do you intend to saw the bird in half?"
"Don't even joke that way, sir! No, the bird... I mean... the Grand Gobbler will be placed in my personal collection and I will buy out your half based on the appraised value of twenty thousand dollars."
Rick laughed. "You know it's worth more than that. A lot more. Also, I know that with insurance the owner values the item, and this so-called appraiser merely verifies its authenticity."
"Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money, Mr. Rico, and as you said I've already done all the legwork for you. All we have to do is determine who has it now and how to steal it. Then, you'll steal it, which will be the only part I won't be helping with. Frankly, it's a bargain."
"Let's find this bird first, then we'll come back to my fee."
The two shook paws, and I saw the crates shift ever so slightly. From this point forward, things would be a lot more dangerous, especially for Rick. Just what had I dragged him into?
9
After I was satisfied that everyone was out of sight, I carefully made my way back out to the main street. I found myself a cheap hotel to spend the night in and made my way back to Rick's the next morning. I needed to go over a few things with him; in particular, the mysterious stranger.
I got as far as being in sight of the building when a familiar voice called my name.
"Trigger! Trigger, stop right there a moment."
I turned around to see who it was. I was thinking so hard about the case he scared me half to death. I stopped to let him catch up. This would be unpleasant.
"Colonel Buddy. Good to see you again," I said through gritted teeth.
"I really wish I could say the same, Trigger. Are you aware that you're supposed to be in Black District answering questions about a murder?"
"Actually,
I'm here to help solve it."
He showed a bit of teeth. "This case is already being handled by the ACPD. You need to get yourself back to Black District to help Lieutenant Petey do just that."
"I can't do that just yet, Buddy. Just give me a couple of days. By then I think I'll have it delivered to Petey on a silver platter."
"Now, you listen here Trigger. Let me spell it out for you just so we're clear. A girl gets murdered. You're the first on the scene. Every other witness there said the first thing they saw was you standing over the vic. Right after it happened you sneak off in such a hurry you forget to talk to Petey. Then we find you all the way over here in Adria taking a vacation. I'm of half a mind have you arrested and brought in as the prime suspect. You feel me?"
Now was not a good time to have a bad temper. I clenched my teeth and fought back every urge to let Buddy have it.
"Suspect? Buddy, that's a load and you know it. Did I run when you called for me just now?"
"Give it a rest, Trigger," he snapped. "We both know you didn't do it, but this is police business and I don't need some vigilante with an ego out there disrupting our investigations."
I wanted to point out the irony of him calling my ego the problem here, but if there's one dog I didn't want to make an enemy out of in Adria, it was Buddy. I'd have to try diplomacy.
"You're right, Buddy. I'm sorry for causing you problems. Look, what's the harm in giving me free rein for a few days so I can do some of the legwork and get this case sorted out? It'll make Petey's life a little easier. You know how it is over there in the Black District. The poor dog's probably got a dozen or more other murders sitting on his desk right now and not enough daylight. Should've seen him. Last time I saw him he had bags under his eyes and looked like he hadn't slept a wink in days. Let me do him and you a favor here, what do you say?"
He sighed. "All right, all right. Give the sweet talk a rest, will ya? It doesn't suit you. You've got a point though, I'll admit. If this case has taken you all the way over here to my neck of the woods, it would create a problem anyway. Petey can't exactly catch a break and get over here himself and I'd rather not spare one of my detectives at the moment."
"Thanks, Buddy," I said before turning to leave, but Buddy grabbed my shoulder.
"Trigger. A few days. That's all I can give you. It won't look good for a private detective to get a free pass and look like he's above the law. I'll give you what I can, but you can't just do as you please. Get it figured out in the next few days, or we'll have this conversation again over in interrogation room two. And I can guarantee you that I won't be as nice as I am today, you got me?"
I nodded, then left. Nice guy, huh? Some nice guy. Still, I had a feeling he wasn't bluffing. Something told me Buddy really was being nice in his own way. An angry Buddy was the last thing I needed if I wanted to get anything accomplished in Adria.
Rick looked relieved to see me when I walked into his office.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes."
"Why's that?"
"I'm sure you noticed that our little meeting was being watched."
I nodded. "Saw them when they arrived. Sort of."
"Get a good look?"
"I didn't get any kind of look. They were like the night itself, except they came and went a lot quicker."
He tapped his desk with one claw at one-second intervals, looking down for a moment before speaking. "Do you think this could be Bad Kitty, or possibly even our killer?"
"I'd say the latter is more likely than the former, but I'm also not so sure they're separate," I replied.
"Didn't you say whoever did in your victim took them out in one hit?"
"Yeah, there's that..."
"Heading to that insurance office over in the Black District?" he asked.
"That's the plan. Maybe I can get answers there. I'll have to be careful though, or Petey will be all over it and scare off any would-be bad guys looking to bribe or recruit a small-time private detective. Buddy saw me on my way here just a few minutes ago. Gave me the third degree. You better lie low for a while, too. I'm sure he'll have this place watched by now."
He sighed and put one paw on his forehead. "You don't suppose you could've gone somewhere else to throw him off the trail?"
"Where, the hat shop just down the street? No, by then it was obvious where I was going. If I'd gone somewhere else it would've made me and you both look bad. Like we had something to hide. Which we don't... mostly.
"If you say so, boss. Any ideas on information to feed to Fernando?" Rick asked.
"Not yet. Let's see how far I get with the insurance company first."
"You need to watch your back, Trigger. Maybe that stranger doesn't know you're involved yet, but my money's on them knowing. If I was wanting to silence something like this, you'd be my next target after the girl."
My thoughts exactly.
10
On my way back to the Black District I had second thoughts about Petey. Maybe I wasn't giving him a fair shake. He'd always treated me fairly and gave me easy access to the department's information for cases I was working on. Would he really jump in and make problems for me if I explained everything and asked him to give me some space? Guess I'd find out eventually, but I still preferred to wait. Better that way.
At around noon I finally arrived at my destination, the Rest Well Insurance Company, Black District branch. I stepped inside and was greeted by an overly energetic young feline dame.
"Hello, sir. Can I take your coat?"
"No, thank you."
"Your hat?"
"No, that's all right."
"Coffee? Tea?"
"Tea's fine," I answered, watching her eyes light up. Probably thought she had me with a sale for sure. "Now look, don't get your hopes up. I'm not here buy anything. I'm here to ask questions. Private detective."
Her previously impressive cheer deflated like a popped balloon, and she took on the mannerisms of a cat five times her age. Partially hunched over and moving at a snail's pace, she went to pour me a cup of what was no doubt cold and bitter tea.
"Let me get the manager for you, detective." She handed me a cup of tea and stepped through to the back. I took a sip to confirm my suspicion and quickly poured the rest into the potted plant next to me. She was gone for only a minute before she returned with the tall white cat in a suit. He reached out quickly to shake my paw, which I reciprocated. I handed the teacup back to the young lady with a smile.
"So, you're a private detective?"
"That's right. I'm here to ask a few questions."
"I'll be as open with you as possible, though that depends on the kind of questions."
Oh, here we go. I could almost smell the tough guy act on him.
"It's regarding a policy payout your company did on a very expensive gold turkey statue. It's called the Grand Gobbler. You remember it?"
"I'm sorry, what was your name?"
"Trigger."
"I'm Benny. Anyway, I'm sorry, Mr. Trigger, but we don't make a habit giving out information about our clients."
"I'm not asking for information about your clients. I want to know about that statue. From what I know, someone authenticated it. That right?"
"Well, I suppose it won't hurt to tell you that. Yes, there's actually an expert of some renown who we contract from time to time to authenticate tricky items for us," Benny explained.
"And this expert... they go to the policyholder's home to authenticate these items?"
"Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't. It depends on what Kerdy will agree to."
Bingo! A valuable slip up. Even if I get nothing else out of the guy, at least I've got this expert's name.
"Did Kerdy visit the homeowner in this case?"
"I was under the distinct impression these questions were regarding the statue," Benny said, realizing his slip.
"It is, just trying to get all the facts straight."
"She in some trouble?" he asked.
"You're aw
fully quick to ask that question. She was in some trouble before?"
"You assume just because she's a cat that she must've been around the alley, is that it? Yeah, she's been in some trouble. But not for a long time. Don't go dragging her into any."
"Pal, you never mentioned she was a cat. I'm trying to find a cat's murderer and it's connected to that statue, so talk or maybe I ring up the police and have them come down here and keep you busy for a while?"
He took a deep breath and exhaled. His anger seemed to dissipate, which was, luckily for me, the opposite reaction I was expecting.
"Fine. Fine. It wasn't right for me to judge you like that. Yes, she did the authentication at the client's home."
"How much did your company pay out on the statue, Mr. Benny?"
"Oh, we haven't."
"You haven't?" I tilted my head.
"That's right. We haven't, but we will soon. The investigation has concluded. We're just waiting for the mandatory waiting period to expire. I'd have to pull the paperwork to be certain on the amount and the pending payout date."
He didn't have to give me any of that information. He must really not want the cops coming in here. "No, that won't be necessary. Just write down Kerdy's address for me. I need to talk with her."
He wrote the address on a slip of paper and handed it to me.
"Thanks for looking out for us cats, detective. At least someone is."
I didn't answer. I understood why he felt that way since a lot of cats still thought the cops were against them. It wasn't the case. Not anymore. A few rotten cops were bad for everybody, sometimes cats in particular, but most of the cops these days were good cats and dogs just looking to make the city a safer place.
Kerdy's apartment was one of the biggest dumps in the city. The police were called there so often it would've been easier to just keep one permanently assigned to the building. It was mostly cats who lived here, but a few dogs did too. Everybody joined together in giving me mean glares from every direction. Whatever brings dogs and cats together is a good thing, I suppose.
