Chapter 10

Detective Jones surveyed the suspect with satisfaction. Finally, they had a lead.

“Your name?”

“Matt Stevens.”

“You interviewed for a position at the club?”

“Yes.”

“Then why were you sitting in a rental car, watching the place for several days?”

Jones knew the score. A record search of Stevens showed him as a suspected professional thief. Arrested several times, the charges had never stuck, but his name was known. Very likely, he was casing the joint for B&E and a big score. So the usual song and dance went on with questions and lame excuses. To be sure, they didn’t catch the man with robbery tools on him, but that was not their primary goal. The detective wanted to know why Stevens targeted this particular establishment.

Matt knew he was in a tight spot. The police didn’t have evidence, but they knew something was up. For sure, this job was blown, and he didn’t know how he would explain this to Vandenburg. But first, he had to get out of this room.

“I know the rules. You can hold me for 48 hours. After that, you’ll have to charge me with something.”

“True enough. But consider that once you leave, we have our eyes on you. Future B&E jobs will be few and far between with us watching you. Furthermore, this club has some very interesting people in it who might be involved in a high-profile murder investigation. Think carefully, Mr. Stevens. Robbery is one thing, but accessory to murder is a whole nother game.”

“I read you loud and clear, detective. If I have any information for you, or if I hear anything in the next few days, I will be sure to inform you.”

Jones coldly eyed the suspect and made his decision. The man would not crack right now, but the message had been sent. In any case, releasing him was the right move as sooner or later, he would contact his confederates. Who knew where his trail might lead? Nowhere if they kept him in jail. To be sure, he would be wary of tails, but no one could stay home alone for weeks on end. The detective was certain that Stevens would slip up, and he would be there to catch him.