Chapter 11

Leon looked up in surprise as the officer walked into his office. Jones identified himself as a detective and sat down in front of the executive desk.

“What can I do for you, detective?”

“A couple of things. First, this is a courtesy report from your local police force. We detected a professional thief casing your establishment for a potential B&E score. I’m happy to tell you we interviewed him and stopped a possible theft and burglary of your business.”

“Thank you, officer. Your support and attention to detail are one of the reasons my business is successful. Please convey my deepest thanks to your superiors.”

Jones smiled to himself as the game of gratitude went back and forth. Then, he played his next card.

“Do you know Jasmine Howard?”

“Yes. She’s a part-time employee here at the club.”

“Do you know her well?”

“No. I make it my business to meet all of my employees, but I’ve only spoken to her a couple of times.”

“Are you aware that her boyfriend recently disappeared?”

Leon’s antenna went up at the question about Damon. There was no recordable connection of their dealings, but he had to appear natural with his answer.

“Yes, Jasmine mentioned it. What a terrible thing. Any luck finding him?”

“Well, sir, the longer Damon remains absent, the worse the situation looks. Did you know him?”

“No. I might have seen him around when he met Jasmine at the club.”

“Are you also aware that Damon’s home was robbed a few weeks before his disappearance?”

“No, sir.”

“It seems that professional burglars are very active lately. Any reason you can think of why they might target your club and Mr. Field’s residence?”

“There’s no telling what thieves might do, officer. But I can tell you that I am very unhappy to be on their target list.”

Once again, the detective’s antenna went up. There was nothing incriminating in Pace’s answers, but Jones felt that Leon knew Jasmine much better than he let on. And maybe Damon too. There was a connection there; he just had to find it. Meanwhile, he would continue shaking the trees.

“We would appreciate any information you could give us. As I’ve related to other interviewees, robbery is one thing, but disappearances and murder are quite another.”

“Understood. Thank you for coming by, detective. Rest assured, I will contact you with any information that might help you.”

Jones was quietly satisfied as he left the building. Still no real evidence, but a couple of trails to survey and follow for sure.