Chapter 14

Tasha was livid. The officer did everything he could to calm her down.

“Please, ma'am. I’m just relaying the current status of the investigation.”

“Really? After months with nothing, this is all you have?”

“I admit it’s not the news you are hoping for. However, this could be a very big break in your husband’s case.”

“So you’re telling me that a white burglar, who you think may have robbed our home, was found dead in another state? How does that help find my husband?”

“It doesn’t directly help. But it is a significant finding in the case. Tracking his known associates may lead us to the perpetrators of the robbery and your man’s disappearance.”

“So white lives matter? Now that your people are getting killed, you’ll finally kick this investigation into gear?”

“I understand your frustration. However, I will remind you that your Black Lives Matter allies have provided no help in this case. The discovery of the alleged white robber’s death was through our constant and continuing investigative efforts.”

“Great. Wonderful. Please keep me informed of any further developments!”

Jones closed his eyes as Tasha stalked out of his office. Updating the victim’s relatives was never easy, but this investigation, with all the political implications and racial firestorm, was one of the toughest he had to endure.

Even worse, Matt Steven’s death hampered the investigation. The detective had hoped that the professional thief would lead the police to his colleagues. Now, it was clear his confederates had killed him to cut their losses.

The only solution was more patient research. Jones ordered that the investigation of Steven’s known associates be intensified and travel further back a full year into his past. Phone call logs would be analyzed to determine anyone the thief might have contacted. The detective was certain that someone was pulling the strings. Somewhere, there would be a link to Steven’s handler.