Bats and Bling Read Online Free PDF Page B

safe.” As I was telling him all this I started to wonder if maybe I was giving out too much information. Though the cat was out of the bag so to speak so I couldn’t take it back.
    “Well thank you,” he said. “I think I’ve got what I need. For now anyway.”
    “Really?” I couldn’t help but be surprised that’s all he asked. It didn’t seem very investigative like. But before I could say anything else he turned and quickly left before I could ask any of the million questions running through my mind.
    “What was that all about,” Katy asked as she walked back up to me. She had been helping customers when I was talking to Bert.
    “A guy from an insurance company who is representing the jewelry store. He said that brooch was out on loan. That Veronica hadn’t paid for it.”
    “Who let’s something that expensive out without payment?”
    “That’s exactly what went through my head when he told me.”
    “I might not have the answer to that question, Pres, but what I do know is those two ladies who just came in are definitely in the mood to drop some cash. So let’s see how much we can sell them and brighten up your day and Silk’s bank account.”
    As I went with Katy over to the shoppers I couldn’t help thinking about the fact Veronica hadn’t paid for the brooch. There was something not quite right about that. She was loaded. At least that’s how she portrayed herself and with all the money I knew she’d dropped at Silk in the last couple months she’d have to be rich or seriously in debt. Though maybe she was in debt and didn’t have the money to pay for it.
    The morning flew by, the new customers adding a healthy number to our daily sales which we sorely needed and did help my mood. Anna came in to join us for lunch and the three of us were trying to decide what to eat when the door chimed and we looked up to see it was Willie.
    “Willie,” I exclaimed and walked around the counter to give him a hug.
    “Do you remember my friend Anna?” I said, motioning to her.
    “Of course,” he smiled and held out his hand. “Good to see you again. You too, Katy.”
    “So what do we owe the pleasure?” I asked.
    “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and fill you in on what we have so far about your break in.”
    “I thought you weren’t working on the case?”
    “I wasn’t but I asked Detective Braden if I could take over since I knew you so here I am. How lucky are you?”
    “Super lucky. We have the best detective in Chicago.”
    Willie smiled and I was thrilled that he had taken over this case. I felt comfortable with him and knew I could bug him with updates at any time.
    “Unfortunately there isn’t much to go on yet. They did find several sets of fingerprints on the safe and around the back door and we need you all to come to the station so we can eliminate your prints and see if we have anything left to go on.”
    “Some guy was in here this morning from Windy City Insurance. He said he represented the jeweler who made the brooch. Apparently they let Veronica take it when it wasn’t paid for,” I said.
    “That’s the information we got too,” Willie replied.
    “I can’t believe they let her take something that expensive out of the store!”
    “I’m sure they wished they hadn’t now,” Willie said with a small grin. “Lesson learned I suppose.”
    “We were just heading out to lunch. Join us?” Katy said.
    “I wish I could, but I’ve got to get up town. Crime never slows down. Job security I suppose. You ladies have fun though.”
    “Bye Willie,” I said.
    “He is so damn cute,” Anna said as we watched him walk out the door. Taking in what was a great view of his backside. Anna was right. Willie was very handsome. Not what you’d expect from a cop. Not that cops couldn’t be handsome, he just had a different way about him. His presence, his demeanor, just didn’t scream cop. At least not to me. He had awesome taste in clothes. Expensive suits