Page 32 of Diamond in the Rough

“And they’ll take him out?”

Carl snorted. “Eventually, yeah, but it’s best not to go in with guns blazing. First, we watch, then we wait, then we act.”

****

Carl pushed the storeroom door open and fixed his eyes on Sam. “Can I check the CCTV?”

Sam frowned. “Why?”

“There was this guy a few days ago, I dunno, he left me feeling unsettled. I think he might have been stealing, but I’m not sure.”

“You only just mention this now?”

“It’s been on my mind. I wasn’t sure, that’s all.”

Jake poked his head in the door, but Sam waved him away.

“It doesn’t need both of you.”

“Jake thinks he saw him too.”

Sam banged his fist down on the desk. “Both of you saw a thief and didn’t mention it.”

“We’re not sure,” Carl quickly added.

Sam slumped down behind the desk and tapped away on the laptop. “What am I looking for?”

“Monday, 15:00.”

“That’s damn specific.”

Carl shrugged. “Told you, it stuck in my head.”

“Right…”

Carl reached for the keyboard, but Sam slid it away from him.

“Look,” Carl pleaded, “you don’t need to sort through the files. I’ll do it.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “Feels like you’re trying to get rid of me…”

“Me and Jake will look through it. You open up with Rachel.”

“Why does it feel like you’re telling, not asking?”

“Dunno, maybe it’s your old age.”

Sam frowned. “This doesn’t have anything to do with that police officer, does it?”

Carl shook his head. “Completely unconnected. I’m hoping Jake will be able to help me pick the guy out. I’ll show you as soon as I find him.”

Sam looked past Carl to Jake, then back to Carl again. “What’s going on here?”

“Get the hint, old man, and get out.”

Sam gawped at Carl. “Excuse me?”

Carl’s back was to Jake, but he could see his fists clenched at his sides. Sam took in his expression and leaned away.

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