Fire and Obsidian

by Andrew Grey

  “Do you think she’ll call you?” he asked.

  “If she finds out anything… yes.” James was sure of that. The look on Kim’s face had more than told him that if she came up with anything, she’d let him know. But that was turning into a big if. There were no guarantees that their hunch was correct, and hers was the only school that hadn’t looked at him like he was completely crazy.

  “Then what’s next?” Solly asked.

  “James and I have a charity function tonight, and home tours tomorrow. It seems these are two events that our thieves might use to try to check out people who might have something worth stealing.”

  “I contacted the historical society, and Mattias and I are ‘volunteering.’ The head of the tour knows who we are, but no one else does. I’m going to be working the ticket booth so I can size up everyone who buys a ticket. Mattias will be in one of the most lavishly decorated houses on the tour. From what I’ve been able to gather, the owners are going all-out and need docents because the ones they arranged for couldn’t make it. If the thieves are going to case any house, it will be that one.”

  “And this charity event?” Solly asked.

  “Plenty of people wearing their best jewelry and finery. It would be easy enough to check people out and either follow them home or simply engage them directly in conversation,” Mattias explained. “It isn’t hard to get people to open up, especially at an event like this where they are out and about to be seen and to have a good time. People are hoping to network and talk. It’s a thieves’ paradise, and all they need to do is buy a ticket.” Mattias smiled, but the sheriff didn’t.

  “Where did the cost of the tickets come from?”

  “I arranged for them,” Mattias explained. “We also got some proper clothes so James and I will look the part. The whole idea is to mingle and keep our eyes open.”

  Solly nodded. “And what are you looking for?”

  James opened his mouth, but Mattias beat him to it. “He and I will know it when we see it. People always work the room in fairly predictable patterns, going from group to group, introducing themselves, that sort of thing. Thieves are looking for something different from anyone else.” Mattias pushed back his chair. “They may work the room, but they are not going to want to make an impression. They’ll be there and yet try to not stand out.”

  “Sheriff,” James interrupted. “Mattias and I are going on our own time, and the department isn’t paying for the tickets. But if we see anything, we may need backup.”

  “I see.” Solly didn’t sound particularly convinced. “Of course we’ll have someone available if you need it.” He looked around the room. “Are you getting anywhere else?” He seemed nervous and set the local paper on the table. To Solly’s credit, he didn’t rant and rave about the headline, but the words were there in black and white. The lead story was the robberies in the county, and James had no doubt that Parker had a quote in it about the current sheriff. Hell, it wouldn’t surprise him if Parker had somehow arranged for the story. But if James wanted Solly elected to the position he definitely deserved and had worked hard for, then James needed to do his job and get this case solved. He and Mattias had been brought in to specifically get that job done, and so far they hadn’t succeeded in bringing the case to closure. That needed to happen—and fast. A success in the case would cut Parker off at the knees and give Solly a chance to show real success.

  James wished he could say they were making great progress, but things were slowing down and leads were becoming harder and harder to find. “We’re not going to stop, and they’ll make a mistake or show themselves. When they do, we’ll have them.”

  “Let’s hope so.” The sheriff left the room, and James shared a look with the other three.

  “I don’t know him very well, but I don’t think that’s quite his normal self,” Mattias said.

  Pierre and Clay both shook their heads. “Sheriff Briggs is the best,” Pierre said. “He gave Clay and me a leg up when we needed it.”

  “Yeah, he was like a mentor, and I don’t want to work for Parker…. No way in hell. We got rid of a political incompetent not too long ago. We don’t need another one.”

  “Then let’s solve this case.”

  James’s phone pinged, and he checked it. “We need to go. There’s been another robbery.” He made a call and listened to the dispatcher, who gave him the address. “Thanks….” He ended the call. “This time someone was hurt. Apparently they came home while our thieves were inside.” James was already halfway out the door before the others snapped into action. It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon.

  HE CHECKED his watch for the fourth time. “I need to talk to him before you transport,” James told the EMT again. This time they opened the back door of the ambulance, and James climbed inside. Mattias stood on the ground while the EMT prepared the victim to be taken to the hospital. “I’m sorry this happened, Mr. Gunther. Can you tell us anything about what you saw?”

  He nodded, his eyes drooping. “Yeah. It was a man and a woman. The man hit me while the woman took my wife’s jewelry box.” He lifted his hand without the IV to his eyes. “They were all I had of her.” He wiped his eyes and laid his gray head back down. “It was a man and a woman. I didn’t see them very clearly, but I think there was a kid somewhere. I heard his voice, I think.” He rubbed his eyes, and James sighed. He wasn’t going to get anything more from him at the moment.

  “You get better, and we’re going to do our best to get your things back.” He turned toward Mattias, who had an expression of incredible determination on his face.

  “Thank you,” Mr. Gunther said as James carefully climbed out of the ambulance. “I think they had a car. It was green. They parked it out in front of my house.”

  “Thank you for your help.” James stepped away and made notes as the EMTs closed the ambulance doors.

  “He didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. Other than helping to confirm that they are using kids… or at least have them along on their robberies,” Mattias said. “We need to stop these people. They’ve hurt someone now, and they’re either going to escalate, which is bad, or they’re going to realize the heat is on and get the hell out of Dodge.”

  James was afraid of that. Solly’s opposition was already trying to use the robberies to say that he wasn’t equipped for the job, and if they went unsolved, that would create an open campaign issue that could be used against him throughout the election. “I know. Time is of the essence in so many ways.”

  “Then we have to be on our toes this weekend, and with a little luck, we’ll see a nugget of information that will give us our next lead.”

  James bit his lower lip. Something had to break pretty damn soon or they were going to lose their chance. This case would end up like so many others in a file somewhere, unsolved, and the victims would see none of their property. They might end up with a new sheriff as well, and that would be because James failed to get his case solved. He was no stranger to pressure, but he was really beginning to feel it now, the weight of it pressing down on his shoulders.

  “Is there anything else we can do right now?” Mattias asked.

  “No. I need to talk to him some more, but I can’t until he’s feeling better. I figure we can change and have dinner. Then I’ll call in to the hospital before we go to this charity thing you’ve roped me into.” James tried to smile in order to carry off his tease, but his heart wasn’t in it.

  “ARE YOU sure I should actually wear this?” James asked as he stepped out of his bedroom in the tuxedo jacket. “I look like a dork.”

  Mattias flashed him an annoyed look and reached up to redo his tie. “That’s because you have the tie upside down.” He smiled and stepped back. “You do not look like a dork.” Mattias led him into the bedroom and closed the door. “See? You look amazingly handsome.” Mattias folded a silk square and placed it in his pocket. “Just a little more color and everyone—and I mean everyone—at the event is going to want to be s
een with you.”

  “I’m sure that isn’t true,” James mumbled, resisting the urge to tug at his collar.

  Mattias came around in front of him and did something to the front of the shirt and suddenly the pressure eased. “There are stretchers in the collar, but it was stuck.”

  “God, that’s better.” James smiled, and Mattias straightened his shirt.

  “Go put on your shoes while I finish getting ready.” Mattias patted him on the shoulder before leaving the room, and James carefully put on his shoes, trying not to wrinkle… anything. By the time he was ready, Mattias came out of the room he was using, a vision.

  “Love the purple,” James said.

  “The vest is lavender and the tie is eggplant,” Mattias corrected.

  James stood, smoothing his jacket, and joined Mattias.

  “You look amazing, by the way. The red is perfect, and you fill out that tuxedo as though it was tailored for you.” Mattias flashed him a look that raised sweat under his collar.

  James turned away to give himself some breathing room. Damn, how did Mattias manage to get him going with just a single look?

  “So do you. That color is amazing.” He resisted the urge to feel the vest, motioning to the stairs. He got his coat from the hall closet and threw it over his arm. The air was still warm during the day, but he figured the temperature would continue to fall in the evening and he might want it later. Mattias didn’t seem to need one, and they left the house together and got into the car after locking the house.

  “Where is this little soiree?” Mattias asked.

  “It’s at one of the buildings at Dickinson College. They’ve purchased a number of buildings over the years. Some of them are spectacular mansions. Apparently one of them is being used for the benefit.” James started the engine, adjusted the comfort level in the car, and headed out of town.

  “So what do you think we can expect?” Mattias asked.

  “Well, I’ve never been to this kind of thing before, but I bet the heads of the college will be there, and the mayor of Carlisle will probably attend. That sort of crowd also attracts judges and a few other dignitaries. If you get one, you usually get others, and this is a charity that people in town feel strongly about. The theater was built in the golden age of movies and was bought a number of years ago by the Carlisle Theater Association. They’ve restored the inside, and it’s absolutely stunning. They want to redo the outside and take it back to its original appearance. The town council and locals are thrilled about the idea. It will create a downtown centerpiece that will help set Carlisle apart. They want to create a live theater venue.” James smiled.

  “Somebody has been reading up,” Mattias said.

  James nodded. He’d figured it would be best to know what was going on. It would give him something to talk about at the benefit while he was watching people. “Yeah. My head is good for something other than a place to hang my hat.” He figured a little self-deprecating humor was probably a good thing.

  “I never thought you were stupid. Not for a second.” Mattias smiled at him.

  “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “Do you know any of these dignitaries?” Mattias asked. “We want to be there, but it’s best if no one knows you. If people are introducing you around as a police officer, that isn’t going to help us.”

  “I doubt it. I don’t run in those circles. So, while we’re at it, what is our cover?”

  Mattias chuckled evilly. “We are designers and work in interior restoration. We heard about the project, are extremely interested, and had to support the cause.” He grinned, and James rolled his eyes.

  “How about we live in the area, love the theater, and are thrilled to be able to support their efforts? Short, simple, and easy to remember.” James knew keeping any story simple and close to the truth was the best choice.

  “Maybe. But I like mine better. It has style.” James didn’t stiffen when Mattias patted his hand. “So we’ll be friends, then? Or something more?”

  “How about you and I just be us. We leave out the cop part and just be ourselves. Don’t make too big a thing of it. It’s a party, and we’ll have a good time, mingle, watch as many people as we can, and hopefully discover someone with their fingers in the cookie jar.” Something had to happen sooner rather than later.

  He came into Carlisle and found a parking spot a few blocks away from the venue. The area was really full, and they walked across the tree-covered campus to the stunning yellow brick former mansion, where light poured out of elegant stained-glass windows. The building was beautiful, and after handing over their tickets at the door, they passed into elegant surroundings. Once again James wanted to tug at his collar simply because of his discomfort. Mattias, however, stood taller and seemed to fit right in.

  Mattias took his arm and turned to him. “Isn’t this amazing?” he asked as he half escorted James right into a conversation group. “Good evening,” Mattias said as he accepted a glass of sparkling wine from a server. “I’m Mattias, and this is James.” He smiled as he made eye contact with each person in the group. James had spent much of his career meeting people, but this was completely new, and Mattias was so bold.

  “I’m Gladys, and this is my husband, Reginald,” one of the ladies said with a smile. “We just love the theater and go every week.” She leaned close to him. “He and I get dinner and then sit in the very back row to watch the film.” She glanced at her husband.

  “You never watch the film,” one of the other ladies in the group said, turning her nose slightly upward. “The two of you neck like teenagers.”

  The group laughed lightly. This was obviously not news to any of them.

  “Well, maybe James and I will have to join you one of these weeks.” Mattias tilted his eyebrow in that way he had, and Gladys snickered.

  “A little eye candy,” Gladys said, teasing Mattias right back. “How exciting.”

  “So, I’m not enough for you anymore?” Reginald kidded, and Gladys shifted closer to him, taking his arm. The two of them had the look of teenagers in love. It was wonderful.

  “Mattias and I have never been to one of these before,” James said, hoping for a little newcomer sympathy and even a little gossip. It was clear enough that people had truly pulled out the stops. Gladys wore a sparkly lizard broach that was undoubtedly real jewels and caught the light each time she shifted.

  “Oh, sweetheart, Reggie and I are old hats at these.” She smiled as she looked around the room. “There’s the mayor and his wife, talking to a couple of council members. I don’t know the other people in their group, but the Hansens are here. He’s the president of the college. Just take your charming selves over and talk to them.” She took a glass from a server and sipped as Reginald guided her in the direction of the food.

  “Shall we?” Mattias asked. “Groups will shift about all night, so let’s mingle.”

  “I thought we were supposed to be watching people?” James whispered.

  “We are. There’s a couple standing over near the wall. They seem to be watching as well. So mingle and meet as many people as you can.” Mattias smiled. “There’s enough glitter in this room to attract a thieves’ convention. Some of it is fake, but there’s enough real stuff to make someone stand up and take notice. Come on.” He led him into another group and made a quick introduction. “Did I hear you were on the home tour tomorrow?” Mattias asked. “James and I are volunteering to help.” Mattias must have bat-like hearing, because James hadn’t heard anyone say a thing about the tour.

  “Yes. I’m so excited. The historical society has been after us to open our home for years, but Mark and I were never in town before. This year it worked out.”

  “Which home is yours?” Mattias asked, bold as anything.

  “We’re the large stone cottage near Thornwald Park.”

  James took note as Mattias clapped his hands once in obvious delight. “I’m one of your volunteers. How exciting. I’ve driven past your house many times and
just love what you’ve done. It’s stunning.”

  “Thank you. We love it.”

  “I can’t wait to see the inside,” Mattias said, and they talked for a while about landscaping and interior design as though they were old friends. It was amazing how quickly Mattias seemed to be able to put people at ease.

  After a while, Mattias guided them to the appetizers and nibbles. James grabbed a plate and began loading it up because he was starving.

  “Just take a little. This isn’t the Golden Corral.” Mattias took a few pieces of the finger food and stepped away. James went with him. “Eat slowly, and don’t get anything on you.” He winked and took a few bites, emptying his plate, then set it on one of the nearby trays. “Once you’re done, go meet people.” Mattias smiled and walked away in the direction of the wallflowers they’d seen earlier.

  James did his best to talk to people, but he didn’t have Mattias’s charm and easy manner. He was too much of a cop and used to interviewing and questioning people, not engaging them in conversation about the weather or whether the windows were Tiffany. He nabbed another glass of wine and nursed it as he did his best to watch people without looking like he was watching. He was probably failing anyway and was immensely relieved when Mattias returned. “Well?” he asked.

  Mattias sipped his drink. “Not sure. We’ll keep an eye out.” Music started from the other room. Mattias tugged him in that direction. “There’s dancing.”

  “I don’t dance,” James growled under his breath, then finished the wine and set the glass aside. “We’re here to watch people, not mix and mingle.”

  “Sure we are,” Mattias countered. “Look, half the ladies here have on enough jewelry to attract attention. But see over there? The people I was talking to and the couple on the other side of the room, they’re both just watching, not mingling, and when I approached, they tensed and seemed immediately uptight. Why come if you aren’t going to enjoy yourself?”