Standing on Main Street, half a block from Harp’s store, Kate reached down and lovingly scratched Oliver’s ear. “So what do you think?” she asked, patting his soft flank. “Is he our burglar?”
She had a hard time reconciling the bon vivant shop owner (and beleaguered husband) with the mysterious figure who terrorized her just a week ago. At the same time, something felt “off.” But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“C’mon, Ollie, I promised Maxi we wouldn’t be long. She’s holding down the fort—two forts—on her own. Let’s go give her a hand. And a paw.”
As they walked up the block, Kate happened to glance across the street. And spotted a familiar form. “Not again,” she said under her breath.
Purposefully, she turned in the other direction and hustled through the nearest shop door.
“Welcome to Wheels! Would you like to buy, rent, or browse?”
The upper-crust British accent took her by surprise. So did the girl herself. With large china-blue eyes, blunt-cut blond bangs, and pink cheeks without a speck of makeup on her flawless skin. A perfect English rose.
“Could I use your phone? Your landline?”
“Right over there on the wall,” she said, pointing. “So how’s Oliver this morning? Are you enjoying your walkies?”
Kate looked over to see the girl had two biscuits in her hand. For his part, Oliver stared into her face entranced.
Kate grabbed the handset of the wall phone and dialed 911.
“I need Ben,” she said urgently when the operator came on the line.
“Emergency or nonemergency?”
“It’s not life threatening. But it’s very important. He asked me to call if I spotted someone. And I’ve just seen him. But he’s going to get away. Please. I need to speak with Ben.”
“Detective Abrams is off duty. I can put you through to Officer Hardy. Please hold.”
“No! I mean, not Officer Hardy. Detective Abrams. He was very specific that I speak with him only.”
“He’s at lunch. Let me see if I can raise him. Please hold.”
It felt like forever. Meanwhile, she wondered. Did Ball Cap Man know she’d seen him? Would he escape? Again?
Her stomach clenched into a knot. Her throat felt like sand. She drummed her fingers on the handset. Where was he?
After what seemed like an eternity, Kate heard a familiar voice on the line.
“Detective Abrams. Who’s this?”
“Detective, thank goodness. This is Kate McGuire. The man with the ball cap. He’s here.”
“Stay calm. Where are you?”
Kate looked around the store. “It’s a bike shop. Downtown.”
“Tell him you’re in Wheels,” said the English girl, who had obviously overheard every word. “Ben’s likely just down the street at the pub. They’ve got chicken pot pie today,” she added helpfully.
“Wheels. I’m at Wheels. He was right across the street. The shop with the blue and white awning. But I’ve been on hold forever. He’s probably slipped away again.”
“What’s he wearing this time?” the detective asked.
“Faded olive ball cap. Cream-colored Hawaiian shirt with some sort of pattern. Tan cargo shorts. Big sunglasses. Gray sneakers. White socks. And he’s carrying a large brown shopping bag.”
“I’m on it. Stay where you are inside the shop. Don’t leave. I’ll come for you after I canvass the neighborhood. Just sit tight.”
“I’m sorry I interrupted your lunch,” Kate said, near tears. It was all she could think of to say.