Page 3 of Gem Warfare

Lily insisted on paying for the cake since I’d scored her thefree hair appointment; then she walked me to my car before leaving for her shift at the bar she owned. I hopped in and drove the whole block down the street, parking in one of the newly empty spaces opposite the salon.

By the time Solomon rang a half hour later, I was already tired of staring through the empty windows.

“What’s the score?” he asked.

“Nil to me,” I said. “I have no idea who could be committing these thefts.”

“Someone will turn up. Do you want company?”

“No, I’m good. Nothing’s happening. I’ll stay until midnight and if still nothing happens, I’ll come home. I’m thinking our next step should be a couple of discreet cameras in the salon.”

“Good plan. If I’m not home when you get there, I’m still out on the mall job with Delgardo. We’re working out the weak spots in their night security. Don’t wait up.”

We disconnected and I shuffled in the seat, trying to get comfortable. An hour later, and a couple of chapters into a funny audiobook, I noticed movement. A man in jeans and a t-shirt, a messenger bag slung over his shoulder, dawdled to a stop. I reached for my camera as the man covered his eyes and leaned in to peer through the windows. I snapped a couple of shots, my shoulders dropping as the man turned and continued walking.

A tap on the passenger door made me jump. On the sidewalk, Maddox grinned and signaled to unlock the door. I leaned over and popped the handle before he hopped in.

“On a job?” he asked. “What’s going on?”

“Yes, and nothing.”

“Fill me in.”

I gave him the lowdown, indicating the salon. “There’s only one entrance,” I said, “So if someone’s coming in after hours, it’s through there.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I’m sure. I walked around the building yesterday. There’s a rear door but the city is making repairs to the drains and it’s currently inaccessible.”

“Ooh, a mystery. Can’t wait to hear how this one goes down. I’m hoping it’ll involve a helicopter, a ring of fire, and maybe a giraffe.”

I could only gape at his suggestions. Maddox shrugged. “It doesn’t seem impossible for you,” he said with a shrug.

“I’m not sure where you think I’d get a giraffe from.”

“I’m not sure why you seem to think getting a helicopter is a more viable option. You concern me sometimes.”

“Only sometimes?”

“Only when I’m awake. Sleep is bliss.” Maddox considered that, then added, “Until you turn up anyway.”

“Stop dreaming about me.”

“They’re more like nightmares.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

Maddox reached for his phone. “I need to look up that word.”

“You’re distracting me.” I returned my attention to the salon. Nothing was happening so in reality, he was distracting me from a whole load of zilch. “Why are you here anyway?” I asked.

“I was going to grab something to eat on my way home and I saw you and thought you’d be more fun than fried chicken.”

“Thanks. I’ll print that on my business cards.”

“You should. It’lldrumstickup some customer. Ha ha.”

“Your chicken jokes need work.”

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