Guilty Photographs

by S I Taylor

  Her cheeks rose and McKinley could tell she was smiling underneath the mask.

  “For now, let’s find Deputy Harry and get the information we need. There’s no need to continue in this place if the bodies are gone and the scene is being cleaned up,” Coolidge said. She scanned the area one last time to make sure she took in everything before they left.

  “You’re right.” McKinley paused to look around and get a good sense of the scene.

  “There must have been at least two or more perpetrators. There weren’t any shell casings so a gun can be ruled out for now,” Coolidge said.

  “Not really. We don’t know if they were shot somewhere else and then brought here to finish them off. So we have to wait for the autopsy report.”

  “Either way, there weren’t any casings in the warehouse,” she said.

  “Not that we noticed. And the blood, although it seems to be splattered, was more localized in the area where the bodies were found. However, there was also blood smeared by the entrance,” he told her, pointing at the blood smear on the wall.

  “The blood samples taken will give us an insight on the number of people involved,” she said. She kneeled to get a closer look at the dried pool of blood.

  “Yeah, but somebody was hurt and either died in there or made it out alive. The locals must have seen something,” McKinley said. He walked around, careful not to tamper with the markings or disrupt the few remaining forensics personnel.

  Coolidge walked toward the smeared blood on the wall and started snapping pictures. “We need to get that interview session started with the list of names that were provided to us.”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” he said as he took his notepad to make a rough draft of the scene and write down things that he would bring up about the scene later. “We also need the press and the media involved to get the community aware of the crime.”

  She paused and walked over to McKinley and took more pictures. “We should wait until we have a lead to get the media involved, don’t you think?”

  “No, I want the killer to be scared, to know that we are aware of the crime. A killer like this needs to be scared. They want publicity and that’s what they’ll get,” McKinley told Coolidge. “Besides, Trivaldi Senior was so kind to start the press going, so I guess we can use them to get people to come forward with information.”

  She nodded in agreement as they walked toward the back of the warehouse, lodging their attire in the trash. After sanitizing their hands they went to locate Deputy Harry and to coach him on what to say to the media.

  Chapter 9

  The money was delivered as promised. Barbara grabbed a wad of cash and stashed it in her backpack as she took a cab to Nixon’s place to give him his cut and go over the strategy once more.

  As soon as Barbara stepped inside Nixon’s apartment, Reagan jumped into Barbara’s arms and they both plopped on the couch.

  “Hi, Barbie doll,” Lori said, and Reagan mimicked her mother.

  “I’ve missed you, butterfly,” Barbara told Reagan. Barbara tickled Reagan and she squirmed, avoiding her, but she laughed, and Barbara laughed along with her.

  Reagan was the sweetest little girl Barbara had ever known. She was the only person who opened a sensitive side of Barbara. Her rosy cheeks and her big genuine smile brought joy to Barbara’s heart. Barbara felt at ease when she was around Reagan. The little girl’s round brown eyes brightened when she saw Barbara and Barbara honestly felt the same.

  Being around Reagan reminded Barbara of her father. How she would wait for him after school, especially on Fridays when they would go camping, hiking, or biking. She loved the outdoors and its fresh natural woodsy scent. Reagan brought joyful memories of her childhood that her nightmares would suppress. She almost forgot how she used to enjoy doing those things. In fact, she almost forgot she used to do those things at all.

  She felt jealous of Reagan’s innocence and sometimes wished she could get hers back. If only she could turn back the hands of time. But there was no need to dwell on the past. She lived for the future.

  “No, no, no. You don’t come visit me, so you don’t miss me,” Reagan protested. She frowned and placed her hands on her hips. Barbara was sure she learned that gesture from Lori.

  “I came a few days ago, but your cousin took you to daycare early,” Barbara told her. She reached for Reagan as Reagan’s expression softened.

  “I had to practice for my re… re… re… Mom, what’s that ‘re’ word I have tomorrow night?” Reagan yelled. She was smiling brightly, waiting for a response.

  “It’s a recital, sweetie,” Lori said from the kitchen.

  “Yeah, yeah. That’s what I was doing, dancing and singing with my friends, having fun. For my re-ci-tal. Yep,” Reagan said. She shimmied as she talked.

  Barbara smiled while looking at her prancing around. “You sound excited, butterfly,” Barbara told her. She touched Reagan’s cheeks and tucked a loose curl behind her ears.

  “I am.” Reagan nodded proudly.

  Lori came and gave Barbara a hug. “We haven’t done that in years.”

  “I know,” Barbara said, still hugging Lori. “My schedule has been hectic and by the time I stop by you’ve left for work.” Barbara knew it was a lame excuse but telling her that she was a thief would change their friendship for the worst, or maybe not. However, that was a topic Barbara was not willing to navigate—not just yet anyway.

  “I missed that feeling. I’ve missed our bonding, our girl talks, our time together as friends,” Lori said.

  Barbara knew that her tight squeeze was a reassurance that they could always go back to how things were. Barbara wished she could tell her everything and she wished she could be part of their lives regularly. But Barbara didn’t want them to get hurt because of her. She’d rather not have anyone to take care of in case of her premature departure or death. She didn’t want anyone caring for a lost soul without hope.

  Barbara pulled away.

  “It’s so nice to see you, Barbie doll. I’ve missed you,” Lori said again. Her voice trailed into a soft whisper.

  “Yeah, I’ve missed you too, Barbie doll,” Reagan mimicked, looking at Barbara and hugging her leg, the only part where she was tall enough to hug.

  “I’ve been busy,” Barbara told Lori, not trying to meet her gaze.

  Barbara knew Lori wanted her to be honest, but Barbara couldn’t. She didn’t want Lori or Reagan in her complicated life. The less they knew the better.

  Lori didn’t sound convinced of Barbara’s response. “Sure. I don’t blame you.” Lori paused. “I’ve been rather busy myself. But we need to make time for each other.”

  “I know,” Barbara said. Lori reached for Barbara’s arm and guided her to the couch.

  They sat at the couch and Reagan sat on Barbara’s lap as she stroked Reagan’s hair.

  “I really do miss our girl bonding. I have so much to tell you,” Lori pleaded.

  Barbara looked at her, pursing her lips with the nagging feeling that she wasn’t being honest, and she hated that she was unable to tell Lori anything.

  “You’ve been closer to my cousin than me these past few years,” Lori said as she looked between Nixon and Barbara.

  “We’re friends, that’s all. She comes when she needs computer assistance. So I help her. You know I like that techy sort of thing,” Nixon said.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Lori said. She twirled her ponytail between her fingers. She looked at Nixon and Barbara once more and looked at the time again. “Let’s go, young lady. You need to get to daycare, and I need to get to work on time.”

  Reagan leaped from Barbara’s lap. Lori stood, grabbed her keys, and handed Reagan her backpack and sweater.

  “Yes, Mommy,” Reagan said. She placed the backpack on the floor and put one arm through her sweater and then the other. Once satisfied she tried to button her sweater but missed two buttons. She looked at herself and was satisfied with her work and then took her backpack and
placed it on her back.

  “We haven’t had time to hang out and I’ve been working so much. Between taking care of Reagan, catching up with bills, and looking for a new apartment, I’ve forgotten about our friendship. You should come to Reagan’s recital and stay over for dinner tomorrow night. If you’re free, that is,” Lori said. She looked at Reagan and frowned.

  “Come here sweetie.” Lori kneeled in front of Reagan and readjusted the buttons.

  “I did it myself, Mommy,” she said proudly.

  “I know. You did a good job. Soon you won’t need me anymore.” She looked at Reagan and kissed her cheeks.

  Barbara watched as Lori stood and approached them. “I wouldn’t miss my little butterfly’s recital for anything.” Barbara playfully patted Reagan’s head.

  “Yay!” Reagan pranced around the room.

  “The recital is at four so don’t be late. You tend to cancel at the last minute, Barbie doll,” Lori said. She raised a brow as if warning her.

  “I won’t cancel, I promise,” Barbara told her as she scooped Reagan into her arms and kissed the girl on the cheeks.

  “Mommy says when you promise you can’t break it,” Reagan said. She pursed her lips and nodded at herself.

  “Your mommy’s right. This promise I won’t break,” Barbara reassured her. Not like the promise her father broke years ago. She wouldn’t want to imagine Reagan’s disappointed face if she were to miss her recital.

  Barbara hugged Reagan tightly, kissed her once more on the cheeks, placed her gently on the tile floor, and watched her as she raced to the door.

  “No running in the house, Reagan,” Lori said in a singsong way.

  “Yes, Mommy, I forgot,” Reagan said. She stopped and started tiptoeing.

  Lori opened the door and looked back at Barbara, who was standing next to Nixon. “Remember, tomorrow at four.”

  “Yes, I won’t forget,” Barbara reassured her with a smile.

  “Give Mommy your hand, sweetie,” Lori told Reagan. She ran to her mother, forgetting again the no running rule.

  “Okay, Mommy,” Reagan said. She looked up at her mother smiling. Lori sighed and smiled back.

  Barbara watched them as they left holding hands. She waited until she could no longer hear their footsteps down the hallway. Then she grabbed the small duffel bag she’d discarded on the floor and slung it on the kitchen counter, unzipping it to reveal its contents.

  Nixon came to stand next to her. His light brown eyes popped in astonishment. “Barbara, how much money is this?”

  “It’s enough money to buy you a piece of paradise anywhere,” she said.

  “How much is my cut?” he said. His eyes glimmered when he looked at her.

  “I took mine already. After we purchase the van, the costume, and the equipment for your gadgets, the rest is all yours,” she said.

  “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said this job was huge, but you know I’m not only doing it for the money,” he said. He stepped back from the bag and looked at her.

  “I know.” She glared at him. “I took a cab from G’s shop straight here. This is the safest place for this cash. Just make sure you put it somewhere safe.”

  He patted the bag on the kitchen counter. “I have a place to stash it safely,” he replied.

  “Good.” She watched as he zipped the black duffel bag and took it to the back room, leaving her staring at the empty space.

  He returned with a determined look. “I’ll take it somewhere else later, but it’ll be safe in there for now,” he said.

  She nodded. “I’ve discussed some of the plan with Iggy, leaving out major parts. I don’t fully trust him knowing too many details. I only told him that we’ll start in two days and pose as exterminators.”

  “I agree with your logic. Were you able to get the blueprints?”

  “Yes, I was and here they are. The infamous blueprints.” She searched through her backpack and handed them to him.

  “Sorry, I can usually get those from my online contact but he didn’t have this particular one and the Google footage of the house was not helpful,” he said and shrugged.

  “I thought we decided that we weren’t going to research the owners of the house to eliminate any online footprint or to know about their background. So that we could be as disconnected as possible.” Her tone was a few octaves lower than usual, but she remained calm.

  He sensed her annoyance. “I know, but I couldn’t resist, besides, I was able to clear my digital footprint. I was saying that I couldn’t get this blueprint. For some reason it was difficult to get.” His tone was calm and soothing as he spoke.

  She looked at him. She knew he was skilled in computers and was an expert at masking his tracks. That fact eased her worry.

  “It wasn’t an issue. I just placed the guard on an early break, maneuvered my way into the filing room, and took what I needed,” she said.

  “Sounds dangerous,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

  “Not as dangerous as your task,” she said quickly.

  He smirked. “Don’t play down your role,” he said.

  “I’m kidding. Iggy’s contact gave it to him when they delivered the duffel bag.”

  “I worry about you sometimes,” he teased.

  “What?” She shrugged. “It was a joke.”

  He shook his head and proceeded to unroll the blueprint.

  “Did you see them?”

  “See who?”

  “Iggy’s contact.”

  “Oh, no, he left just before I got there.”

  Nixon sighed.

  “This house is huge,” he said, “nothing compared to the images online.” He scanned the blueprints. His eyes went from the top corner to the bottom corner inspecting the drawing.

  “Yeah, you’re right. It’s bigger than the last place.”

  He nodded as he continued to scan the blueprint carefully.

  “Iggy’s contact told him that the safe is here on the second floor.” She pointed. “He’s not aware of the exact location of the safe but he’s certain that it’s in that room.”

  Their hands brushed, sending prickles through her skin. They quickly glanced at each other and proceeded with the plot.

  “Are you sure you don’t need any help for this part? That’s a lot of jewels to take by yourself,” he said.

  “I’m sure. No one else gets involved. I’ve been double-crossed twice already, and I’ll be damned if anyone screws this job for us.”

  He seemed as if he wanted to ask about her comment but then thought better of it. “We’ll have to drive a few hours out of the city to the house,” Nixon said instead. His eyes lost their shine when he looked at her.

  “I noticed the distance. Which makes this job a huge payout. The house is in the most expensive district in the state.” She moved her gaze toward the blueprint.

  “Aren’t you alarmed by the location? Why would they keep jewels in their house instead of in a safe at a bank?” he asked, changing the mood as if he sensed her uneasiness.

  “The jewels probably have sentimental value, but if Iggy’s contact wants it, then it’s probably worth more than we expect considering the advance we got.”

  “You’re right,” Nixon said nervously, as he cleared his throat. “I’ve been working on this invention and this new program for you,” he said. “Follow me to my office so I can show you.”

  Barbara followed, walking through the brightly lit hallway with a portrait of Reagan and Lori and another of his parents. Those pictures always reminded her of the family she wished she had.

  She entered the room and watched as Nixon grabbed a device resembling a camera from his worktable.

  “What’s that?” she asked.

  “It’s a digital reprogramming transfer interface. I call it DRTI,” he said.

  “That’s great, but what does a DRTI do?”

  “It takes any physical diagram and transfers it into a three-dimensional digital form.” He pointed to his monitor as the blueprin
t came to life on the screen.

  “Impressive,” she said.

  “I know. The best part is this.” He slipped a black silicone watch with a large face on Barbara’s wrist and turned it on. “Now press the green button,” he said.

  She did so.

  “There’s only a red blinking dot,” she responded.

  He got excited. “I know. Isn’t it awesome?”

  “I… guess?”

  “I’ve downloaded the 3D image on the watch to guide you once inside the house. This eliminates the constant talking to direct your moves. Once you’re inside I can tap into the surveillance cameras using Wi-Fi via Bluetooth I installed in the watch.”

  “I like the upgrade.”

  “We can test the watch here too. I have downloaded the 3D image of my apartment as well. If you scroll down on the screen you should see house one, which is my apartment, and house two, which is the heist.”

  She scrolled and clicked on the first house and the 3D image appeared.

  “There isn’t a red dot on this one?”

  He went over to his computer, typed rapidly a few sentences, and then walked over to her.

  “Okay, now you should see it. Reset the screen by tapping the back button and clicking on the house again.”

  “I see it now. What should I do?”

  “Try to decipher its location by maneuvering through the apartment.”

  “Okay.”

  A few minutes later she came back with a small box.

  “Good you found it. Did you notice that the blinking red light accelerated the closer you got to the box?”

  “Yeah, that was thrilling. I felt like I was on a treasure hunt,” she said as she handed Nixon the box.

  “That’s the idea. We’re on a treasure hunt, like pirates looking for a treasure chest.”

  He took the box and removed a small device.

  “I improved the earpiece device as well. I made it smaller and sleeker. It’s now a mini robotic droid that travels inside your ear and implants itself in your cochlea,” he continued.