Page 127 of Over the Edge

“Thanks. I’m on my way.”

After running a quick search to get a name to go with the address, Jack slid from behind the wheel and rejoined the CSU tech, who was about ready to leave. “I have one more small job for you. Around the corner.” He explained what had happened. “I’m hoping there’s paint from the other vehicle on the damaged car.”

“City may already have a sample.”

Jack gave him a get-real look.

The tech lifted his hands, palms up. “Fine. I get it. With all the other crime downtown, a sideswipe is small potatoes. I’ll follow you over.”

Jack returned to his car, put it in gear, and drove around the block.

He parked in front of the long row of flats that lined the street, wedging in behind an older-model SUV sporting a longscrape along the side. The CSU van claimed a spot farther down the street.

“I’ll alert the owner to what’s going on.” Jack motioned toward the apartment as the tech joined him. “No need to wait around after you’re done here. I could be a few minutes. And it’s getting colder.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

Leaving him to his task, Jack walked up the steps to the porch of the flat and rang the bell.

A mid-twentyish man answered, and Jack did yet another introduction and explanation.

“So you think this car was also involved in another crime?” The man peered toward his vehicle, where the tech was working.

“It’s possible.” The wind whistled past.

“You want to come in? It’s a cold night.”

“Thanks.” He crossed the threshold, into a space that smelled of pizza, beer, and bachelor pad. “I’m hoping you were able to see some of the license plate.”

“I did better than that. Like I told the other cop, they hit my car just as I came outside. They braked for a minute, and I ran down the steps. I waved at them, but they either didn’t see me or didn’t choose to stop. I pulled out my cell and got a picture as they drove off. It’s grainy, but you guys may have tools to clean it up. I sent it to the other cop, but I could give it to you too.”

“That would be helpful.” Jack recited his cell number while the guy worked his phone, and a few seconds later a ping announced its arrival.

“You think I can get them or their insurance company to pay for my repairs?”

“A photo is gold.” Jack clicked on the image. Enlarged it. The picture was grainy and difficult to read without any enhancements, but the first two letters did appear to be N and L.

Yes!

The long shot had become a sure bet.

“That’s what the other cop said. But he wasn’t certain about the cleanup or how long it would take.”

A hit-and-run sideswipe without injuries wouldn’t necessarily be a priority, but when it had a connection to someone whose life was in danger, it got bumped to the top of the list.

“Because this is related to another case, I’ll have someone on it ASAP.”

“Wow. Thanks a lot.”

“We’ll be in touch.” He headed for the door.

“I hope you solve the other case too.”

“We’ll do our best.”

He let himself out. The CSU tech was already gone, sample in hand. Less important now that they had a license plate, but it wouldn’t hurt to rack up supporting evidence.

At the moment, he was more interested in having the County computer folks work their magic on the photo.

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