Greed: An Amber Monroe Crime Thriller Book 1

by C. M. Sutter

  “Then they definitely need our assistance. We have information on two of the three murder victims, the gun, and even the intel we turned over to the Secret Service.”

  “Don’t get overly confident, Amber. I left a message with the coroner but haven’t heard back yet. If he has the slugs and they match the gun, we’ll know definitively it was the weapon used in the three shootings, but we don’t have anybody in custody, and we don’t know how the shootings tie in with the counterfeiting ring. I doubt if we’re on the Secret Service’s speed dial, so that part of the equation will probably be left to them to figure out.” Jack turned to Clayton. “Did you speak with Kyle?”

  “Yep, and he’s waiting for our go-ahead.”

  Moments later, the desk phone in Jack’s office rang. He answered and gave us the thumbs-up. I assumed that meant he was speaking to the coroner from Milwaukee. We busied ourselves with paper shuffling while we waited for the call to end.

  Jack’s long sigh was audible as he exited his office. “Okay, I think we’re actually getting somewhere. The coroner does have the slugs, thank God. Clayton, go ahead and let Kyle know to fire those rounds. Our slugs and the slugs pulled from Officer Jacobs’s body will have to be overnighted to the firearms specialist in Madison. It could take several days before we hear anything back. Chief Ortega said he’d have his officers make the rounds with their CIs. Somebody deep in Milwaukee’s underbelly has to be familiar with the name Juan Martinez.”

  Clayton spoke up. “Kyle said he’d fire the shots and take care of sending them to Madison himself. He’s done that sort of thing before, and he’ll overnight them with a message telling the examiner to compare our slugs to the ones sent by Chief Ortega.”

  “That sounds good. I guess until we know the results, we should get back to our other cases.”

  “Boss?”

  Jack looked at Clayton. “Chad?”

  “What about checking into the printers? I know we aren’t involved in the counterfeiting investigation, but if the cases are somehow related, then wouldn’t finding out about recent high-end laser printer sales help our case too? Charlie helped Joe every few weeks, according to Ben Jessup. There has to be recent activity and video footage of the sale in a store somewhere.”

  “And you’ve already compiled a list of electronics stores?”

  “Yes, we sure have.”

  “And you know the top laser printers to ask about?”

  “That would be another yes.”

  Jack tapped his fingers against my desk. “Okay, go ahead. Divide up what you have so you can all pitch in. I’m going downstairs to watch Kyle fire off those bullets.”

  An hour had passed before Jack returned to the bull pen. He slapped his hands together with what looked like a sense of accomplishment. “Well, that task is done, and the slugs are in the mail. Anything on the printers?”

  I set my phone and list down. “We divided Milwaukee into quarters since there are four of us. I’ve called six big-box electronics stores, and so far, I have nothing.”

  “Are there still mom-and-pop office supply stores in the metro Milwaukee area?” Jack asked.

  “There are,” Kate said. “We’re trying to be methodical, though. We’re going through the big-box stores first since they probably attract less attention when somebody makes a large purchase.”

  “So did any of you come up with anything yet?”

  With grumbles and headshakes, we admitted that, so far, none of us had anything.

  Jack checked the time. “That’s enough for today. I’ll admit I’m beat, but we all deserve a night to relax and enjoy the company of good friends. If any of you want to come in over the weekend and continue this search, be my guest, but there is a night shift that can continue where you left off. Don’t take all the responsibility upon yourselves. So, everyone go home, clean up, and have dinner. According to Amber, we’re gathering at Shooters at eight o’clock.”

  I grinned at Billings, who gave me a wink in return.

  Chapter 44

  “Okay, the doors are opening in one hour. Last night was a huge success with the local big shots, but tonight will be the real test.” Grant looked at each employee seated at the bar tables in front of him. There were seventeen people staffing the opening night. “Every one of you is experienced as a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef, sous chef, busboy, bartender, and the like. Put on your best performance and your biggest smile. Don’t forget, the customer is always right. Keep the band members hydrated with water or soda, no beer or liquor. It’s in their contract with me. No drinking until after they’re done playing for the night. All cash and credit card swipes come through me, Donny, or Drake at the bar, and Bonnie or Trish at the register. Any questions?”

  “Who has our cheat sheets for the specials of the night?” Liz, one of the waitresses, asked.

  “That’s between you and Alex. If they aren’t printed out yet, get to it now. I want every server to know the specials. Does everyone know which tables are theirs?”

  The servers said they did.

  Grant gave them a wide grin. “Okay, this is your night to shine. Some of you might not make it past tonight. I hope that doesn’t happen. You’ll make great tips if you do outstanding work. That’s it. Go do whatever you have to do as a last-minute refresher.”

  Grant gave his cousins a subtle sign. They followed him into the office, and Grant closed the door behind the last one who entered. “Do all of you know what to do?”

  Donny spoke up. “Change is given back to the customer in tens and twenties, depending on what they give us. Every hour, you’ll pull money out of the till and take it into the office. We’re supposed to let you know when we need a cash refill.”

  “Exactly. Okay, let’s make sure Shooters is ready to go. Check everything one last time. Donny, go see if the band needs help setting up.”

  “You got it, cousin.”

  Grant returned to the bar and yelled out, “The doors open in twenty minutes.”

  Chapter 45

  I found Jade already at home when I arrived there. Days like that didn’t happen often, and we took a half hour to sit down together and relax. I cracked open our favorite—two bottles of Scottish Ale. I handed one to Jade as we got comfortable on the couch.

  “Got time to talk?”

  “Of course, what’s on your mind?”

  I took a gulp of ale and swished it around in my mouth. “Man that’s good. I’m so glad you turned me on to this. Anyway, what would you think of Kate moving in with us?”

  Jade coughed. “Wow, where did that come from?”

  I shrugged. “You’re gone a lot more than I originally thought you would be.”

  “So you’re lonely?” Jade gave me a thoughtful smile. “I’ll admit, there are a lot of bad people out there that we’re constantly trying to catch. Being in the FBI is much more time-consuming than working at the sheriff’s office, but that’s what I wanted. I felt too confined having to stay within Washburn County’s borders.”

  “I understand since we’re dealing with that very problem right now. Anyway, we both get along really well with Kate. She lives alone and has to deal with that shithole she lives in, and I bet she gets lonely too. We have a full basement that she could utilize, not to mention she’d help with the bills.”

  Jade nodded. “You have my attention, and I’ll give it some thought. I’ll let you know by Monday.”

  “Thanks, Sis. So, tonight should be a blast, and everyone is coming, even Jack.”

  “Good to hear. He needs a fun distraction once in a while. He’s taken on a lot of responsibility since Clark retired.”

  “Yeah, and I even noticed some gray in his beard stubble today.”

  “Really? Remind me to give him shit about that.”

  I smirked. “Good. You can get away with it, where I can’t. How about a delivery pizza? No mess, no fuss, and we’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll call it in.”

  I heard the doo
rbell ring just as I stepped out of the shower. The timing was perfect. I towel dried my hair, leaned forward with my head down, and finger tossed my natural curls. My hair would be dry by the time we needed to leave. Jade taught me that trick when I was in middle school. We both had the same natural curls, except my hair was brown.

  I slipped on my bathrobe and headed for the kitchen. “Smells like the pizza arrived.”

  “It did, so let’s dig in. I still have to shower.”

  By seven thirty and after several clothing changes, we headed out the door, both looking radiant. Jade drove as I texted Kate. I said we’d be in front of her apartment in eight minutes.

  Jade gave me a quick glance. “I’ve already made up my mind.”

  I dropped my phone inside my purse and slipped a tube of lip gloss into my pants pocket. “Yeah, about what?”

  “About Kate.”

  “Really, already? What’s the verdict?”

  “I say, hell yeah. We’ll have a blast, and I never want either of you to feel lonely again.”

  “Pull over.”

  “What?”

  “Just do it.”

  Jade pulled over, and I leaned across the console and hugged her. “I love you, big sis.”

  “And I love you too. My reason is twofold, you know. Not only will you guys keep each other company when I’m gone, but we won’t have to pick her up for anything anymore. We’ll save money on gas.”

  Jade pulled into a parallel parking spot in front of Kate’s apartment. She beeped three times, and I saw the upstairs light go off. “I’m glad she’ll never have to walk through that scary alley at night again.” I noticed Jade staring off in that direction.

  “Yeah, I’m sure that makes three of us.”

  Kate appeared seconds later, and I got out so she could get in.

  “Seriously?” She grunted as she tried to pretzel herself into the backseat. “I hate sports cars when I have to sit in the back. There’s only three inches of space for my legs.”

  Jade smirked as she looked over her right shoulder. “Looking cool comes with a cost, Ms. Pierce. Deal with it.”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  We arrived at Shooters right on time. Finding a parking spot would be tricky, and Jade was very particular about where she left her car.

  “Damn it. I can’t believe the crowd. Do you see any of the guys’ vehicles?”

  “Not in this sea of cars. Sorry, Jade, I should have driven. I wouldn’t have cared if my Prius got door dinged.”

  “Nah, I have just the place to park. Nobody ever thinks of stashing their vehicles in the back, where the employees park. We’ll have to walk a little farther, that’s all.” After circling the back lot several times, Jade found a tight spot to slip her car in. “You guys get out now before I pull in, otherwise you won’t be able to open the door.”

  “Jeez, can you get any closer to the edge of the woods?”

  “Nope, that’s why you need to get out. This looks like the last spot available.” Kate and I climbed out, then Jade pulled forward, turned off the car, and carefully opened the driver’s-side door. She squeezed out and grabbed her purse. “See, no problemo.” She clicked the fob twice and dropped the keys in her purse. Her eyes lit up. “I can hear the music from here. You know what that means?”

  We both looked at her. “What?”

  “It means we’re going to be dancing tonight.”

  I huffed. “Right, like we’re going to find that kind of room.”

  “Hey, little sister, check it out.” She pointed at a white 4Runner parked tight against the building near the back door. “Isn’t that what you said your boyfriend drives?”

  Kate’s head almost spun off her shoulders. “Boyfriend? Are you holding back information from me, Amber?”

  My heart pounded harder than usual at the sight of that vehicle. In hindsight, I wished I had paid attention to his plate number when he drove out of Dick’s parking lot yesterday, but I was too busy wondering who he was. “Knock it off, you two. I saw a hot-looking guy with a white 4Runner yesterday, that’s all. Now Jade has me married to him with 2.5 kids in tow.”

  Jade enjoyed getting me flustered. “Nah, you have to spend quality time alone with the guy before you start knocking out kids. Rug rats will put a damper on romance in a heartbeat.”

  She and Kate laughed at my expense, but I was curious and excited. What if he was really inside Shooters? “Being parked against the building like that tells me the vehicle’s owner likely runs the place. The guy from yesterday didn’t look like a bar owner.”

  “But mild-mannered Joey did? Hold on a sec. Does anyone know where we’re supposed to find the guys?”

  I shrugged. “I’ll call Billings.” I dialed Adam’s number, and it went straight to voicemail. “It’s probably too loud in there to talk on the phone, anyway. Let’s just mingle. We’ll find them sooner or later.” I pulled open the door and let Kate and Jade pass through in front of me. I scanned the darkened club, but with the hundreds of heads in front of us, none were identifiable at the moment. “Push your way in,” I called out. “I’m stuck in the doorway.” Inch by inch, we moved forward, and I wondered how long it would take us to reach the bar.

  Chapter 46

  It took nearly ten minutes to work our way through the crowd, then we heard someone call out Jade’s name. I nudged her. “Thank God somebody saw us.” A hand waved above the bobbing heads. I pointed. “Go that way.”

  “Believe me, I’m trying. You need to fine the owner of this place. I’m sure there are at least a few hundred people over the fire code allowance in here.”

  “It’s their first night, Jade, and they have the side doors open. People can go in and out of that patio area.”

  She stared at me then grinned. “Lighten up, little sister. I was joking. Hey, I see Jack. Follow me.” Jade waved her hand in return to let the guys know we heard their call. We were working our way toward them.

  We reached our group several minutes later. Five of them sat bellied up to the bar while holding seats for us.

  “How’d you pull that off?” Jade embraced each of the guys and their wives.

  Sue answered for everyone. “By putting our purses and jackets on the open barstools. We were lucky to snag these front-row seats just as a group got called to dinner. Sit down. Let’s catch up.”

  Jade sat between Sue and Jack, and Kate squeezed in next to Adam’s wife, Lynn. I grabbed the last vacant chair on Jack’s left.

  “How long does it take to get a drink?” Jade asked.

  “Not long. Everything is going on my credit card tab. We’ll divide up the bill later. How ya doing, partner?”

  I leaned in so I could hear their conversation.

  Jade gave Jack a wide grin. “Depends.”

  “On?”

  She looked around Jack and gave me a wink. “On how well you’re treating my little sis.”

  Jack laughed. “Don’t worry. Amber is quite capable of holding her own. She’s a chip off the Monroe block.” Jack caught the attention of the bartender standing in front of us. “Two Scottish Ales for these fine officers of the law.”

  “Officers of the law, huh?”

  “Yeah.” Jack looked left and right down the bar. “Other than the wives, we all are.” He yelled out to Kate. “What are you having, Kate?”

  “Tap beer is fine.”

  Jack nodded at the bartender. “Okay, two Scottish Ales and a tap beer. Add it to my tab.”

  I glanced forward and locked eyes with the bartender. I almost swallowed my tongue when I saw the handsome man from yesterday staring at me. I felt my face flush and hoped the darkened room helped conceal it.

  He filled our glasses and set them on the bar then leaned in close and whispered to me. “So we meet again. It must be fate. I would have never guessed you to be a cop, though. You aren’t going to handcuff me, are you?”

  He gave me a wide grin and stared into my eyes, only inches from my face. The scent of his cologne nearly made me fall
off my barstool. The only thing I could think about was being alone with that gorgeous man on the other side of the bar. I looked into his dreamy eyes and smiled.

  How did I get so lucky?

  He grinned playfully at me and continued whispering. His voice was as smooth as melted butter. “This time, I’m in no hurry to leave. I hope you aren’t, either.” He took my hand in his. “I think a proper introduction is in order. I’m the owner of Shooters, Grant Lowe.”

  I was mesmerized and stunned at the same time. “You own this place?”

  “Yes I do. Actually I own quite a few bars and restaurants in the Chicagoland area. I get them going and then move on to the next startup. So, you’re really a cop, huh?”

  I smiled even though my hopes of getting to know him better were suddenly dashed. He was in North Bend only temporarily. I regained my focus, which was just to have a fun-filled night. My visions of running my fingers through his hair for the rest of my life were over. I quietly sighed my disappointment. “We’re all from the sheriff’s office, except my sister over there.” I pointed to the right of Jack. “She’s an FBI agent.”

  “Wow. Guess I better mind my manners, then. You still haven’t told me your name.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s Amber Monroe, present-day deputy but former bartender right here when Joey owned the place.”

  “Really? Guess it truly is a small world.”

  “I’d say small town, but Washburn County is a great place to put down roots. Everybody knows each other in North Bend. It’s hard to keep secrets around here.”

  “I bet it is. Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  I watched as Grant Lowe nodded to another bartender and left the area.

  “You know that guy?” Jack asked.

  “Just slightly. I met him yesterday when I was picking up our lunch at Dick’s, and we had a nice conversation. You know that small-town lifestyle—you’re going to run into people again whether you’re trying to or not.”