_____
“Listen, Nan, I’ll have to call you back,” I said into my cell phone as I ran up the steps to my front door. “I’m back at my house now. I have to get something for Peter then race back to the office before he leaves for the airport.” Digging my keys from my purse with my free hand, I shooed Bruce out of my way as he came racing toward me.
“Okay, call me later. Bye, bye. Shoo, Bruce, I don’t have time to pet you,” I said, clicking off my phone as I slid my key into the front door.
Bruce meowed loudly in feline frustration as I pushed open the door and hurried inside the house. Dumping my purse on the foyer table, I hastened over to the small desk in the corner of the living room. Spying the green storage flash drive Natasha had given me yesterday, I snatched it up when I noticed something. A hum. A computer hum.
My desktop computer was on. That couldn’t be. I always turned it off after using it; I didn’t want to risk forgetting the old desktop and leave it running. I usually used my laptop and only used the desktop for personal files, family files, and such.
I stared at the darkened monitor screen and saw the telltale green light blink. It was on. I reached for the mouse and moved it on the mouse pad. The screen brightened immediately, revealing the “My Documents” file.
My pulse skipped a beat. I never left my files open when I shut down. The old system was on its last legs, so I didn’t want to risk a hard close. I stood up from the desk, and that’s when I noticed the bottom desk drawer was halfway open. Something else I wouldn’t do. I always closed drawers so they were neatly flush. An anal accountant trait, no doubt, but one I always performed.
And I always pushed the desk chair back into place. Now the chair was sitting a foot from the desk. I wouldn’t leave it sitting out like that.
My pulse sped up.
I pulled open the lower drawer and this time my breath caught. Instead of being filed neatly with her other papers, Karen’s old daytimer was placed on top of the files in the drawer. I picked it up and saw the three blue flash drives that Celeste Allard had given me last spring—before she died in the gas explosion. They were in the bottom of the drawer where I’d left them.
My heart started pounding. Was I imagining things? Had I simply forgotten to shut down my computer? Left the chair sitting a foot from the desk? Forgotten to close the desk drawer?
Maybe you could have accidentally left the computer on and forgotten the chair—but you haven’t opened that lower desk drawer with Karen’s things in over a month.
My heart sank to my stomach. I frantically looked over my shoulder, halfway expecting to see an intruder standing behind me. Panicked suddenly, I ran for the front door, snatched my purse, and raced outside into the front yard. I stood beside the terraced gardens, my heart beating so fast I could barely breathe.
What do I do now? Call the police? What do I tell them? That I found my computer on and the drawer open? They’d think I was crazy. Was I crazy? Was I simply imagining things?
I tried to slow my breathing and order my thoughts. I needed to get back to Peter. But I couldn’t just ignore what I’d seen. Had I seen anything?
No, you didn’t, my practical side spoke up, sounding remarkably like Sober-and-Righteous. You’re simply acting like a little kid, scared of the dark. What’s the matter with you? Running out of your house like that. You’re a grown woman, not a child. You’re imagining things that aren’t there.
The Hell she is! shouted Crazy Ass.
Just then, Bruce’s insistent meow broke into my tangled thoughts. The big tabby stood at the edge of the yard meowing loudly. It was a strange meow, strident and hoarse. I’d never heard him make that sound before.
“Stop it, Bruce, not now,” I said, trying to dismiss him so I could think straight.
Instead of being silenced, however, Bruce meowed even louder, pacing back and forth. Annoyed at myself for acting like a scared child and aggravated at Bruce, I walked around the side of the house as Bruce raced ahead into the backyard.
“All right, all right, I’m coming. But you’d better not show me some bird you just killed.”
Bruce ran straight to the back door. He meowed once, then sat down and stared at me.
“Is that what all that noise was about?” I asked him as I approached. “You want me to go inside and open a can of tuna? Good Lord, Bruce. You are more than spoiled. I never should have started feeding—”
I broke off admonishing Bruce as I reached for the door handle with my keys. I stopped and stared. The door wasn’t completely closed. Not the way I had closed it this morning, giving it an extra yank to hear it click. Of that, I was absolutely sure. No doubt in my mind.
TOLD YOU! Crazy Ass screamed. Now, do something!
I did. I ran back to the front yard as fast as I could, frantically digging my cell phone from my purse. I forced myself to calm down as I flipped open the phone and pressed Danny’s number.
“Hey, there,” his warm voice sounded.
I took a deep breath. “Danny … could you come over to my house? Right now, I mean?”
“Molly, what’s the matter? Where are you?”
“I’m at my house … I came back a few minutes ago to get something for Peter … and … and I think someone came in while I was gone. The back door wasn’t closed properly like I always do. I yank it until it’s shut and … and it was open. And my computer was on and—”
“I’ll be right over. Where are you now, Molly? Are you inside the house?”
“No, no, I’m outside in the yard. I panicked … and I ran outside.”
“Good. Stay there. I’m coming over now. Have you called the police?”
“No … not yet.”
“Okay, I’m on Connecticut Avenue right now. I’ll cut across and be there in a few minutes. And Molly, don’t go inside. Promise me.”
“I promise.” But my slowly relaxing gut started to twist again.
As soon as Danny clicked off, I found Peter’s number and took a deep breath. His brisk voice came on the line. “Hey, Molly, I hope you’re around the corner because Casey just pulled up front.”
“Peter, go ahead to the airport. I’ll e-mail those files to you. I came home, and I think someone got into the house while I was gone this morning.”
“Holy crap! Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Whoever it was messed around in my desk, and the back door was partially open. I always yank it shut when I leave in the morning.”
“Damn, Molly. Have you called police?”
“Not yet. I called Danny and he’s coming over. I’m thinking maybe I scared whoever it was when I came back this morning. I must have surprised him … or her. I didn’t see anything missing in the living room. But I haven’t checked anywhere else.”
“Listen, I’ll tell Casey. He’ll probably want to come over when he returns from the airport. I’m so sorry, Molly. Will you be okay?”
“Yeah, Danny is spending the night with me. No way would I stay here alone after this.” I surprised myself with my blatant honesty.
Peter chuckled. “Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Keep me posted. I want to know what’s happening. You want me to tell the senator?”
“No, don’t. I don’t want him to worry. Maybe later.”
“Okay. Talk to you later. I hear Casey beeping outside.”
“Fly safe, Peter.” I clicked off the phone just as I spotted Danny’s car turning into my narrow driveway.
Danny was out of the car the moment it rolled to a stop. “You stay out here, Molly,” he said, taking me by the arm. “I’m going to have a look around. Then you can show me what you found, okay?”
“Do … do you think he’s still there?” That thought froze my insides.
“I don’t think so. Sounds like your sudden arrival surprised him and he ran off. I just want to make sure.” He leaned do
wn and kissed my forehead. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
Danny started toward the front door, and I followed after him despite his admonition to stay put. All sorts of scary images danced before my eyes now. Scruffy criminals, burglars climbing out of windows, running out my front door.
“What do I do if he runs out the door? Scream? Call the cops?”
Danny glanced back at me. I didn’t even try to hide how spooked I was. “Come on,” he said, beckoning. “Stay behind me.”
I obeyed without a word, one of the few times ever.
Danny stepped into the foyer as I followed after. He reached inside his jacket and withdrew a large pistol. Any calming thought that might have hovered on the edge of my mind fled the scene at the sight of the pistol. If Danny brought a gun, it really was something to worry about. I swallowed down whatever scary thought kept popping into my head as we walked throughout the entire downstairs level and then the upstairs. Danny opened closets, pushed back clothes, peered behind furniture, checked windows, looked under the beds. I stood silently watching.
We walked down the stairs and into the foyer once more. “There’s nobody here, Molly,” Danny said as he holstered the gun. “Like I said, whoever it was took off the moment he saw you return. Now, why don’t you show me exactly what you found.”
“Okay … I came home and walked straight to the desk,” I said, retracing my path. “I picked up the flash drive I was looking for and was about to leave when I noticed a humming noise, like my computer was running. But I always shut it down whenever I use it, which isn’t often. So I moved the mouse to shut it off, and I saw this.”
I demonstrated and watched the screen brighten with the “My Documents” file staring back. I watched Danny’s expression change, ever so slightly as he stared at my computer.
“I would never leave any files open. I’m kind of anal that way. Just like I wouldn’t leave the chair sitting a foot away from the desk or the drawer half open.” I pointed to the lower desk drawer. “That got my attention right away, and when I looked in the drawer, I found Karen’s daytimer pulled out from the other stuff and sitting on top.” I pointed below.
“Can I see it?” he pointed toward the daytimer.
“Sure. It’s just regular office stuff,” I said, handing him the black spiral-bound book. “Notes about meetings and appointments.”
Danny paged through the daytimer, scanning the pages. “Looks like most office daytimers.”
“Yeah, I know. But that’s the drawer with Karen’s things, and I haven’t opened it for over a month, I’m positive. So, when I saw that, well … I panicked and ran outside.”
“And called me. Good instincts,” Danny gave me a little smile as he handed me the daytimer.
“Actually I didn’t call right away,” I confessed. “I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things or not, then Bruce started meowing and—”
Danny did a double take. “The cat?”
“It’s hard to explain. Come outside and I’ll show you.” I beckoned as I hastened out the front door. Danny followed, with a puzzled expression. “I know this sounds strange, but Bruce started making a racket like he was trying to get my attention, then he ran into the backyard.” I hurried across the small front lawn and around the corner toward the backyard, Danny right behind me.
As if on cue, Bruce himself suddenly ran out of the bushes and accompanied us to the back door. Not a meow to be heard.
“Anyway, he ran up to the door, then sat down. I figured he wanted me to go inside and give him a can of tuna. But when I reached to unlock the door, I saw it like this. Partially open.” I pointed at the telltale gap between the door and the frame. “I leave through here almost every morning, and I always give the door an extra yank to make sure it clicks closed. The wood is swollen.”
Danny’s slight smile disappeared, and his eyes narrowed as he stared at the door.
“That’s when I knew it wasn’t my imagination. The only way that door would be open was if someone was in the house and came out this way. Someone in a hurry, who wouldn’t stop to check the door.”
Danny nodded slowly, still looking at the door. Then he glanced at the brick walls above. “You’re right. Someone was in your house this morning.”
“That’s when I called you.”
Danny looked at me. “You did exactly right. Now I’m going to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” He gave me a quick kiss then pulled out his cell phone. “You need a high-level security system, and I know exactly who can install it.” He glanced down at Bruce, who was sitting a few feet away, observing us. Inscrutable kitty expression intact. “Good job, Bruce. You got yourself a watch cat, Molly. He deserves a can of tuna,” Danny said, then pressed a number on his phone.
“Wait … I should check with Peter first before you call someone.”
“I’m paying for it,” Danny gave me a smile. “I’ll make sure they send Peter a bill with a discount.”
“I don’t know …”
“Don’t even try to argue with me, Molly. I don’t want you in this house until it’s secured. The intruder clearly knew your routine. Otherwise he wouldn’t have tried a daylight morning break-in. Yeah, this is Daniel DiMateo. Put me through to Bennett, please.”
I watched Danny talk into the phone and pace the lawn at the same time. I heard all sorts of terms I’d never heard before and guessed they were discussing equipment. But I wasn’t really paying attention. All I could think about was Danny’s comment: “The intruder clearly knew your routine.”
That cold feeling in the pit of my stomach returned. Who would be watching me?
nineteen
Later Tuesday morning
Raymond looked up from the laptop screen and reached for his ringing cell phone. “That’s faster than usual, Trask. What’d you find?”
“Not as much as I wanted. Malone broke pattern and showed up at her house out of nowhere. Suddenly I heard her voice outside, talking on her phone. I barely made it out the back door in time.”
“Shit!” Raymond slammed the laptop closed.
“First time that’s ever happened. At least I copied the flash drive. And, I put a bug in her living room wall, near her computer. I figured you guys might be interested.”
“You figured right. Damn.” Raymond lit another cigarette. Half of another was already burning in the ashtray. “Where are you now?”
“I’m in traffic, couple of blocks from your office. I want to see what’s happening at her house. I had to move the van because they’re remodeling two houses across the street. Trucks everywhere. But I’m guessing she figured out someone broke in, because I just heard her talking to some guy a few minutes ago. She told him she found her computer on. I couldn’t make out anything after that because of traffic noise.”
Raymond pushed back his desk chair. “Lemme go take a look,” he said heading toward an adjacent room. Electronic equipment filled the shelves that lined two walls of the windowless inner office. Raymond went to the desk with the video monitors.
“She’s with a guy, all right. Looks like the same one who was over there last weekend. They’re standing in the front yard.”
“No wonder I’m not picking up any conversation. What’re they doing out there?”
“Just talking. Wait a minute … a car’s pulling into the driveway. No, a Suburban. Black Suburban. Who the hell is this?” He reached over and manipulated a control on the board. Leaning over, he peered at the screen. “Can’t read that logo. Boyfriend is walking over … uh, oh. Hurry up, Trask. You need to see this.”
“I’m a block away.”
Early Tuesday afternoon
I leaned on the living room doorjamb, watching Danny and the security specialists maneuver about my home. I sipped some of the fresh coffee I’d just made. My single contribution to the proceedings taking place. Another man sat at my ancient deskto
p computer, examining files, financial accounts, even the family photos. I might not know much about security systems, but even I could tell the system they were installing was way above average. I’d seen a neighbor’s being installed in Colorado years ago, and it only took the man about an hour to set it up.
My office cell phone rang inside my purse and I grabbed it. Casey’s name flashed. I retreated outside to the back patio to answer.
“Hey, Molly, Peter told me what happened. I’m on my way to your house now, as soon as I can get out of this traffic and across the bridge.”
“No need to hurry. Danny’s here with some guys he’s hired to install a security system, even as we speak.”
“Wow, that was fast. I’d like to see the security system. Have you called the police yet?”
I paused. “No, I haven’t. I … I didn’t want to come across as some panicked female who was imagining things. All I found was my computer on, a drawer halfway open, and the chair pushed back. And, the back door partially open. Now, I know those things are suspicious because I know my routine. But the cops would think I was a nut. So … I’m not calling it in.”
“Okay. I see your point.”
“And nothing is missing. I think I scared the guy away when I came home unexpectedly. So, I was lucky, I guess.”
Funny. I didn’t feel lucky.
“Even so. I feel better you’re getting a security system installed. That’s a pricey neighborhood, so thieves regularly check it out to see which houses are vulnerable. Now yours won’t be. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Danny stepped out onto the patio as I clicked the phone off. “Casey will be here in a few minutes. He’d like to see the system.”
“Good. I want to make sure he’s in the loop.”
“How’s it going in there?”
“They’re almost finished. Bennett found something you need to see. First, do you know who rented this townhouse before you? Or was it privately owned?”
“I don’t know. But I could find out easily. Why?”
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