A Secret in Time Read Online Free PDF Page B

Two uniformed officers were standing just inside the door. Nancy recognized Sergeant Rudinsky. To her left was ayoung man with a ruddy complexion and straight black hair.
    â€œThis is Sergeant Margaret Rudinsky and her partner, Joseph Brody, who’s just graduated from the police academy. They’ll be investigating this case,” the chief said as he sat down behind his desk. “Now, let’s see what you’ve got, Nancy.”
    Nancy removed the handkerchief-wrapped brooch from her purse and delicately lifted back the corners of the cloth.
    â€œYou found it!” Officer Brody exclaimed happily. “Case closed. That was easy.”
    Sergeant Rudinsky’s expression did not change, but Nancy saw her eyes move left to look at Brody.
    â€œThe case is not quite closed,” Chief McGinnis said. “We still have no idea who stole the brooch in the first place. And since the thief wasn’t successful, he or she may try again.”
    Officer Brody blushed and looked down at the floor. “Is this the brooch?” Chief McGinnis asked Mr. Brown.
    Mr. Brown nodded excitedly and reached forward to grab it, but the police chief put his hand out to stop him. “Whoa,” he said. “We’ve got to dust it first for fingerprints.” He picked up the phone and pressed some buttons. “McGinnis here,” he said. “I want you to send a lab technician up right away.”
    Within moments a young woman wearing a lab coat and surgical gloves took the brooch and placed it in an evidence bag.
    â€œI want it back quickly,” Chief McGinnis told her, “along with the results.” After she left, he turned back to the others. “Our best shot at catching the thief is Nancy’s clock. For all the thief knows, the brooch is still hidden inside it and hasn’t been discovered.”
    â€œI see what you’re getting at,” said Nancy. “We could use the clock as bait to trap the thief. I think whoever stole the brooch is already looking for it.” Nancy went on to describe the apparent break-in at Henry Gordon’s store.
    â€œWhat if Mr. Gordon stole it?” Bess pointed out in a quiet voice. “He already knows you have the brooch.”
    â€œThat’s true,” Nancy said, looking at Chief McGinnis.
    The police chief rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “We’ll put a tail on Gordon. That way we’ll know if he does anything suspicious.”
    Nancy nodded. “And if the thief isn’t Mr. Gordon, he or she probably knows that the clock is mine. There was a card at the expo with my name on it. Also, Henry Gordon must have an invoice for the clock repair in his office that has my name on it. If the thief went to the trouble of breaking into Past Perfect, what’s to stop him or her from coming to my house?”
    â€œExactly,” Chief McGinnis said. “And if that happens, we’ll be right there waiting. We’ll set up a twenty-four-hour surveillance outside your house—plainclothes officers in an unmarked car.”
    â€œHold on a minute,” Mr. Brown cut in. “Are yousaying you want to leave my brooch inside her clock instead of giving it back to me?”
    â€œWell, if we give the brooch back to you, the thief would have no way of knowing it,” Chief McGinnis said. “He or she might still come after the clock.” The police chief sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “But do you think the brooch will be as safe with you, Mr. Brown, as it would be under constant police protection?”
    Over his glasses, Russell Brown eyed the police chief with doubt. “How do I know you and Ms. Drew will keep it safe? I’m sorry. It’s just that after what happened yesterday, I’m not feeling too trustful.”
    â€œIt’s quite all right,” Chief McGinnis said. “I leave it up to you.”
    Mr. Brown looked nervously from Nancy to the police