The Fallen (Amos Decker #4)(102)

“I think that was his plan, but I also think he already knew where the treasure was,” said Decker.

Baron sat up straighter. “What? Then where is it?”

“I’m not sure. But he nicked a letter from the historical society that I think provided him with the answer.”

Jamison said, “But, Decker, Costa couldn’t buy the property himself, could he? That would be like self-dealing. There have to be bank regulations prohibiting that.”

“I’m sure there are,” said Decker. “Which is why he was going to need a straw man.”

“Somebody to buy the property in their name and then let him go up there and get the treasure?”

“Yes. He probably offered the person a percentage of the take.”

“So now we have to find that person,” said Jamison.

“Yes, we do, because that person also murdered Babbot, Tanner, Swanson, and Bradley Costa.” He paused and looked at Jamison. “And I think they murdered Frank too.”





Chapter 58



AS THEY WERE driving back to the Mitchells’, Jamison blurted out, “If you thought they had Frank killed, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I told you before that I suspected his death might not be an accident.”

“Yeah, but now you sound a lot more sure.”

“That’s because I am a lot more sure.”

“But why would they kill Frank?”

“He saw something he shouldn’t have, probably.”

“But it was the robot that killed him.”

“But people control robots. And what if it did exactly as it was programmed to do, while Frank was standing next to it?”

Before Jamison could answer, Decker’s phone rang.

It was Kemper.

“We just did a quick down and dirty on the two houses. Both tested positive for traces of heroin and fentanyl. Decker, I don’t know how long I can sit on this.”

“We need just a little more time. Have you been keeping Ross under surveillance?”

“Yeah, he left yesterday with his duffel. And I’m betting there wasn’t just gym clothes in there. He went into a number of buildings, including the gym. It would have been too conspicuous for us to follow him inside. He came back out each time with the duffel, but there’s no guarantee that the pill bottles were still in there. So there’s evidence that probably just went poof.”

“We’ll nail these guys, Agent Kemper.”

“We better. Because if we don’t my career is over. I just need you to understand that we’re running out of time.”

She clicked off and Decker looked at Jamison, who had obviously overheard the DEA agent’s strident tones.

“She sounds a little panicked,” said Jamison.

“Yeah. I guess,” Decker said vaguely.

“Don’t you ever panic, Decker?”

“Never saw the value.”

“We can’t tell Amber your theory about Frank. Not until we’re sure.”

“I know that.”

The skies opened up and a fine rain began to fall.

“God, Baronville is dreary enough without the bad weather,” observed Jamison as she drove along.

“Dreary with bright spots,” amended Decker. “Look over there at that bakery. Cindi Riley told me about it. The owner had a life insurance policy on her son. He overdosed and his policy paid out enough for her to open a business.”

“You really think something hinky is going on with that.”

“Hinky enough for us to stop there and get some coffee.”

Jamison pulled into the parking lot and they entered the Peacock Bakery. There was a neon sign out front in the shape of the colorful bird.

Inside, the place was neat and well laid out with whitewashed wooden tables, multicolored tablecloths, and glass cabinets filled with delicacies. Behind the counter was a large chalkboard mounted on the wall with the bakery’s menu written on it.

Jamison sniffed the air and moaned. “God, just the aroma makes me want to eat everything in the place.”

A woman appeared from behind a curtain at the back of the counter.

She looked thin and worn and her face was heavily wrinkled, and her hair was shot through with gray. But her smile was pleasant and her eyes twinkled as she looked at them.

“What can I do for y’all?” she asked.

Decker said, “Two large coffees to go.”

Jamison pointed to some items in one of the display cases. “Are those carrot cake muffins?”

“Yes, ma’am, they are.”

“Awesome. We’ll take two.”

“That’s a right good choice. They’re fresh out of the oven. I’m Linda Drews. I own the place.”

“Hi, Linda. I’m Alex and this is Amos. So why name the place the Peacock Bakery?”

“When I was just a little thing I always wanted me a peacock as a pet. That ain’t never happened. So this was the next best thing. And the sign sure is eye-catching, or so folks tell me.”

As Drews prepared their order, Decker said, “This place looks pretty new.”

“Open less than a year. I always loved to bake, so why not make money off it? And I like being the boss. And I’m making good money. Have the fulfillment center partly to thank. We get a lot of traffic from there. All the heavy lifting and walking makes people hungry for dang sure.”