“No, I dropped her off here around eleven.”
“Do you know where she went after that?” Diaz continued to scribble notes on his small pad.
“Home, I presume. It was late.” The possible meaning of the detective’s question penetrated Aaron’s stunned mind. “She didn’t do it,” he protested.
“I’m sure you’re right. Does she have a key and the passwords?”
“Yes. So do John, myself, my parents, any number of people.”
“I’ll need all their names.”
Aaron groaned.
“I also need a list of the items stolen, descriptions, serial numbers, anything that can help us identify your belongings.”
Belongings? My entire office has been stolen, along with my records. “I have some information at home. I can give you a list of the types of computers, how many desks, chairs, lamps, drafting tables, furniture.”
“That will be great, Mr. Chapin.” The detective put his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “I’ll do my best but. . .”
“I know, I know. Not much gets recovered.”
“Unfortunately. It is Miami’s largest crime.”
Aaron looked at the scattered papers on the floor. A police photographer was taking pictures. Another officer was brushing for fingerprints. Aaron flipped open his cell and dialed Renee’s home number.
“Hello,” she said yawning.
“Hi, Renee. Sorry for calling so late. I need a favor.”
“Aaron, what’s up?”
“The office has been burglarized.”
“What?” He heard the shuffle of bedcovers.
“After I dropped you off, someone broke into the place and stole everything. Absolutely everything, Renee. I don’t even have a seat to sit down on.”
“Aaron, tell me this is some sick joke. No, I know it’s not. No one would call this late. I’ll be right down.”
“Thanks. Bring your laptop. Please tell me your laptop is at home, fully updated.”
“Yes, I have it.” Praise God, he had some backups.
“Great. There should be a file in there with a list of all the serial numbers of the computers, electronic equipment, and a few other things.”
“Should I bring a printer too?”
“Hang on.” He covered the phone. “Detective, can I give you a diskette, or do you need a hard copy?”
“Whichever. I can get it from you in the morning.”
“On second thought, Renee, save yourself running out here now. The police detective said he could get the list in the morning. Call me tomorrow, and I’ll tell you where to find the files.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind coming down now.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Do me a favor, though. Come in tomorrow after placing some calls from your home. I believe I have two appointments, possibly three. Please reschedule for me. At the moment, there isn’t even a phone here.”
“No problem, Aaron.”
“Thanks.”
She yawned. “Is there anything left in the office?”
“There are some scattered papers on the floor. But the walls are barren. The place looks like a tomb.”
“Oh, Aaron, I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”
“I have it covered. I have to go, Renee. God bless, and say a prayer.”
“I will. Good night.”
“Night.” Aaron snapped the phone shut. “She’ll come in tomorrow and bring the list in.”
“Great. I have a few more questions.”
“Sure.” Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled deeply. “I need to sit down. Do you mind taking up some floor space with me?”
Detective Diaz quirked a grin. “Why not?”
The next hour passed quickly. The swarm of police and detectives indicated it was a slow night for crime in the area. Aaron sat with his back against the wall holding a Styrofoam cup of stale coffee one of the officers had brought in with him.
Finally it was over. “Good night, Mr. Chapin.” The last of the men in blue waved as he walked out the door.
Who had a key? The possibilities were limited. The suspects even fewer. His parents were unthinkable. John had been with him for nearly four years, and nothing like this had ever happened before. That left Renee. It can’t be, Lord. How could she have pulled it off after dinner?
The detective pointed out that professionals had come in. Even if none of the four with access had been involved in robbing him, they probably gave a copy of the key to someone else.
Aaron shook his head. “It can’t be, it just can’t.”
Seven
Renee found him sitting with his back to the wall, his knees bent and holding up his outstretched hands. One hand held a coffee cup. His head bent down. “Aaron?”
He lifted his head and gazed at her. His handsome smile slid up the right side of his cheek. She gasped. The office stood naked in the bright fluorescent lights. The only thing breaking up the room was the service counter by the door.
“You didn’t need to come.”
“I know, but I couldn’t sleep.”
“It’s not a pretty sight, is it?”
“No. I can’t believe someone would take everything. Computers, yes, but this is insane.”
She dropped her keys on the counter and went to him. “I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry? Why would you say that?”
A stern look caused her to pause. “I–I.” She took a step closer. “I don’t know. I suppose it’s kinda dumb, huh. Isn’t it what everyone says when someone’s had some trouble?”
He closed his eyes and nodded. “Yeah, I’m sorry. It’s been a long night.”
“Apology accepted.” She sat down beside him. “What are we going to do?”
“Tomorrow I’ll make some calls and get some rental office furniture and equipment. There will be forms to file with the insurance company and a whole host of other things.”
She looked over to the door, the various windows. “How’d they get in?”
“With a key and the security code.”
“No way. How’s that possible?” She placed her hand on his arm.
“You’ve got me. Oh, by the way, a Detective Diaz will be calling you to set up an appointment with him.”
“Ah, so I’m a suspect.” She winked.
“Apparently. So are my parents, John, and. . .and. . .” Aaron jumped up. “The maintenance company.” He flipped open his phone and punched out some numbers.
“Detective Diaz, please.
“Sure, give me his voice mail.” She watched him pace back and forth in the empty building, his feet crunching the papers littered on the floor. Methodically, she picked them up.
“Detective Diaz, Aaron Chapin here. I just thought of another group of people who’ve had a key. The Flamingo Cleaning Company. I don’t have their number off the top of my head, but they’re listed in the phone book. They’ve been cleaning my office weekly for years. Call me if you have any questions.”
Aaron snapped the phone shut. “What are you doing?”
“Picking up the loose papers. What’s this black stuff?” She rubbed her stained fingers on her jean-covered leg.
“Fingerprint powder.”
“Oh. Will they need my fingerprints?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.”
“No, I don’t mind. Aaron, this doesn’t make sense. Why would someone steal everything?” She placed the gathered pages on the counter.
“You’re right, it isn’t normal. Maybe I should have given you the raise John suggested.”
Does he really believe I’m responsible? “Aaron, you really don’t suspect me, do you?”
“No, of course not. I don’t want to believe anyone close to me could have done this. However, you are the most likely suspect, according to Detective Diaz.”
Tears pooled in her eyes. He didn’t believe her, not completely. What had she done to make him doubt? She scooped up her keys. “I’ll see you in the morning, Mr. Chapin.”
“Renee, wait.” He ran up beside her and grasped her elbow. “That didn’t come out right. I’m tired, exhausted even, and have been hit with a horrible situation. Forgive me.”
She turned and faced him.
“Please,” he whispered. “Before this we started a new friendship. I don’t want to lose that.”
She didn’t either. The thought of them beginning a relationship with God at the center thrilled her. She’d never had that with anyone else. Oh, she had some friends who believed as she did, and they talked about spiritual matters from time to time, but she’d never had a relationship that began with Christ as the center. “I don’t want to lose it either, Aaron.”
“Forgiven?” His grin took her off guard.
She smiled. “Forgiven.”
“Thank you. Seriously, you ought to know that’s what the detective was leaning toward tonight.”
“I’ve nothing to hide, Aaron.”
“Good, then it’s not a problem.”
Renee bit down on the inside of her cheek. Nothing current that I have to hide. They don’t need to know about my past. It’s none of their concern and totally unrelated.
“I guess I better go home and get some sleep,” Aaron said, “and you should too. We have a full day tomorrow. Besides, you’ll get to go shopping. A woman’s favorite pastime.”
“That’s a sexist thing to say.” She grinned.
“Maybe, but it’s true.” He winked.
“I never said I like to shop.”
“Come on now, going to the store, buying tons of items and on someone else’s credit card? What’s not to like?” He wrapped his arm across her shoulders.
“Since you put it that way. . .” She chuckled.
Aaron roared. He clicked off the lights and locked the door.
“What about the alarm?” she asked.
“What’s there to steal?”
“I see your point.”
He escorted her to the blue convertible. “Thanks for coming, Renee.”
His fingers played with her hair. She fought down the desire and compulsion to wrap him in her arms.
“Ah, what can I say. I like the Miami night life,” she teased.
“Ah, yes, the girl who comes from New York,” he quipped.
“I don’t know what you’ve heard about New York, but in its defense, I lived there for many years and never had anything stolen from me. Of course, I didn’t have much to steal.”
He chuckled and tapped the hood of her Mustang. “Oh yes, you did.”
❧
Aaron woke with a kink in his neck. After two cups of Cuban coffee and a bagel, he began a series of phone calls. He and Renee went over what they still had records of. He couldn’t stop chastising himself for having let Detective Diaz plant doubt in his mind about Renee. She worked hard all morning without stopping. By five o’clock, they had three desks, three computers, a printer, a file cabinet, phones, and even trash cans all in place.
The bell jingled over the door. Aaron looked up. “Detective Diaz, did you find them?”
He shook his head. “I’m good, but not that good. I’ve spoken with the cleaning company, and they’re sending me a list of employees and former employees who have worked there. They do have a policy of only letting their foreman carry the keys to the customers’ offices. And all of them are bonded and have been with the company for years. But we’ll be checking into them as well.”
The officer looked around and let out a slow whistle. “You work fast.”
“Renee’s a genius.”
“Is she here? I haven’t spoken with her yet.”
“She’s due back any minute. I sent her to the cafО for our dinners. You’re welcome to wait. Oh, I did find one thing that the thieves missed.”
“What’s that?” The detective sat in one of the newly rented office chairs.
“My wife framed my first ad, and it’s hung in the bathroom. It’s worthless to anyone but me, but I’m glad to at least have that.”
The thirty-something officer nodded his head in understanding. Whether he truly understood or not didn’t matter. It was special not because it was Aaron’s first ad, but because of Hannah.
Detective Diaz opened his notebook. “I spoke with your college student.”
“John,” Aaron supplied.
The officer stopped at the appropriate page. “He was up most of the night with a group of other students cramming for an exam and swears he’s never lent the key to anyone. He seems like a decent kid.”
“Yeah, he’s been working for me for years,” Aaron added.
“Your parents I haven’t located. Are you on good terms with them?”
Aaron nodded. “Yes. They went to Orlando with my son. Two days’ worth of sun, fun, and amusement parks.”
The detective closed his book. “How old is your son?”
“Four, and he’s quite a little man. He keeps me on my toes.”
“My oldest is six and started school this fall. Four was a good year.”
“Oh? Is there something I should be prepared for?”
“Girls.”
“Girls? At six?” How absurd. He prayed the officer was mistaken.
“Let me put it this way. Danny came home from school engaged on his first day.”
“What?”
“Seems a little girl named Sam—yes, she’s a little girl, I checked on this—caught his eye, or he caught hers, no one’s quite sure, and proposed marriage. Apparently Sam’s mommy and daddy finally got married, consequently she’s real big on engagements and marriage at the moment. My only problem came when he said he had to buy her a ring.”
Aaron collapsed on his chair. “I’m not ready for this.”
Detective Diaz chuckled. “Neither am I. I did, however, persuade Danny to let Sam know that before a boy and girl get engaged they have to be older and the boy has to have a job.”
“I’ll remember that one.”
“Well, it worked, but only for a couple days. Now Danny wants to get a job.”
Aaron grabbed his sides and roared.
The bell over the door jingled again.
Aaron sobered. “Renee, this is Detective Diaz. Detective, this is Renee Austin.” He walked up to her and took the dinner bags from her. “He’d like to talk with you,” he whispered.
Renee reached out her hand. “How can I help, Detective?”
❧
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Renee.”
“No problem.” The fact that I’m shaking like a leaf has nothing to do with anything, she reminded herself. In all fairness to the police, the detective seemed to accept her explanations. Considering they were the truth, he should; but one never knew with police, and knowing he was looking at her as the prime suspect made her more edgy than she would have been normally.
Aaron took her hands. “Let’s pray.”
She nodded.
“Father, we come before You tonight asking that You give Renee peace. And that You give Detective Diaz wisdom. If it’s at all possible, bring the criminals to justice swiftly. I sure would appreciate it. You know my needs regarding the missing paper files and other important information, but I trust You to help sort out this mess. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
“Amen.” Renee took in a deep breath. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m starved. Can we eat?”
“You didn’t bless the food,” she teased.
He took her hands again. “And Father, we ask You to bless this food to our bodies and thank You for Your provision. Amen.”
“Amen.” She giggled.
“You’re as bad as Adam. He doesn’t let me forget either.”
Renee laughed, then sobered. “Have you heard from him?”
“Yeah, my parents called shortly after you left for the cafО. The boy couldn’t speak fast enough. He did, however, say the appropriate things and told me he missed me and loved me. A man can live on that for a long time.”
She placed the mildly warm plates of fo
od on a desk. “The cafО said this was your favorite, and they said no charge. They are deeply troubled about the break-in.”
“I’ll have to thank them later.”
Aaron lifted the cover over his meal and laughed. “This is Adam’s favorite.”
“Oh, do you want me to go back?”
“No, no, it’s fine. I order this most often because of Adam, so I guess they probably figured it was for me.” He eyed her plate. “What did you get?”
“Pork, black beans, and rice. Want some?”
“No, no, my hot dogs are fine.”
Renee let out another giggle. She was on the border of being giddy. Little sleep and lots of stress tended to bring this out in her. She whisked away one of his hot dogs and handed him her dinner.
“Renee, I can eat hot dogs.”
“So can I. But I’m not giving up my plantains.” She stuck out her tongue.
He laughed. “Woman, you’re good to have around. Even a simple meal is enjoyable.”
“Wait until you see me with pizza. That I don’t share with anyone.”
“Oh?”
The playful banter took them through their dinner. Renee looked up at the clock. “Aaron, I know I said I’d stay and work some more tonight, but I’m too exhausted.”
“I’m not of a mind to work either. Can I interest you in a swim and a movie?”
“Hmm, big spender, huh?” she teased.
“Truthfully, my credit card will be humming for awhile. The insurance adjuster said it wouldn’t take too long, but based on past experience, I know it will be awhile before I receive a payment.”
“I was teasing. Ever since you mentioned that Jacuzzi, I’ve been dying to use it.”
“Great, I’ll meet you at my place. I’ll go by the video store and rent something. What are you in the mood for—comedy, drama?”
Romance, she wanted to say, but figured there was no need to go begging for trouble. “You pick. I like everything but horror.”
“You’re on.”
“Should I get some junk food?” she asked. Watching movies always worked up her appetite.
“Wow, a woman who doesn’t care how much she’s seen eating in front of a man. I’m impressed.”
She slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, I have a boss who works me hard. I have to keep up my strength.”
“And potato chips does it, huh?”
Cords Of Love Page 6