Hound Dog Blues Read Online Free PDF Page B

Memphis recently? I think Jett’s involved somehow.”
    “You do.” Bobby nodded seriously, and the teasing light in his eyes had vanished. “And why would you think that?”
    “Look, before I say anything, we need to make a deal here. I just paid off Wells Fargo for my motorcycle and that wiped out all my savings. Crime Stoppers is offering a nice cash reward. So, anything you find out, you have to share with me, as long as I gave you the info to follow up on. Deal?”
    “Not in a million years. You tell me what you know, and if possible, I’ll tell you what I don’t mind you knowing.”
    She sat back. “That’s not a deal. That’s extortion.”
    “No, extortion is—”
    “Don’t give me a damn definition, Bobby. This isn’t police cooperation. Never mind. I’ll just keep my information to myself and share it only with Crime Stoppers.”
    “So, this Bruno Jett—you think he’s fencing stolen jewels?” Bobby scribbled something on a yellow pad, ignoring Harley when she protested, then asked, “What did you see or hear to lead you to that conclusion?”
    “He had an emerald as big as a walnut stuck in his belly button when he was dancing naked on the front lawn.”
    Bobby looked up at her. “Cute. Where’s your civic spirit?”
    “Sitting in Wells Fargo’s vault. I need that reward, Bobby. I’m broke. You tell me what you know, and I’ll tell you what I know.”
    He smiled. “Ah, I like my version of that game better.”
    “I was fourteen. ‘You show me yours’ had more attraction then. Well?”
    He considered a moment, then nodded. “Within reason. So talk.”
    “He had a wad of jewels big enough to choke a mule lying right in the middle of his coffee table. He tried to tell me it was costume stuff, but it wasn’t.”
    “How do you know that?”
    “Costume stuff doesn’t have the same kind of sparkle. I’m sure I’m right on this, Bobby. Check him out. I’m willing to bet he’s got a record.”
    “Loose jewels?” Bobby looked skeptical.
    “No. Necklaces and bracelets—diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. If the stuff is real, it’s worth a fortune.”
    “And he just let you in to look at it?”
    “Of course not. I knocked on his door to ask him if he’d seen King, and even though he tried to block the door, I . . . uh . . . looked around him and saw it lying on the table.”
    “So, a jewel thief—or fence—sits in his living room with a fortune in jewels lying on the table, and opens the door wide enough for any stranger to see it? Doesn’t wash, Harley.”
    She glared at him. “Well, maybe he was expecting someone else. Maybe he was stoned. Or maybe he’s just stupid.”
    “Or maybe it was costume jewelry.”
    She stood up, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. “Right. Thanks for the help. If this is how the MPD solves cases, it’s a wonder any crooks are ever caught.”
    “Aw Harley, don’t go away mad.”
    “I know—just go away. The least you could do is look up his name and see if he’s some kind of ax murderer living next door to my parents. Is that too much to ask?”
    Grinning, Bobby shook his head and leaned toward his computer. “Guess not. Not that I expect to find him listed, but since his name isn’t that common . . . hm.” He’d been tapping away at the keyboard, and something flickered on the monitor screen. Light played over his face as the screen scrolled. Finally, he said, “You may be on to something.”
    “Really? Oh, I just knew it. I’m right, aren’t I? Oh yeah, I’m right. Remember, share and share alike here. If this leads to a bust, I get the reward. I need it.” She smiled. “Maybe I’ll go back over there, sneak around and see what I can find out about Jett. That’d probably help out, wouldn’t it?”
    Not taking his eyes from the monitor, Bobby just nodded absently. When he finally turned to look at her, his eyes were guarded. “Wait. No. Stay away from there, you understand?”
    She blinked. “Why? Is