Chapter 34

“Anything else on the Star Candy arson investigation?”

“We’re still investigating the security guards on duty. Nothing yet but the digging goes on.”

“Ok.”

“Also, the club has formally entered into bankruptcy proceedings.”

Detective Jones surveyed the FBI agents as they delivered the briefing.

“Who is handling the bankruptcy case?”

“The legal firm of Brownling and Watkins. Ken Brownling is the lead partner handling the case.”

“Why not one of the associates? Does a simple bankruptcy case merit his attention?”

“It seems so. Maybe we should take a closer look at Brownling and Watkins.”

“You think Brownling might have ties to Vandenburg?”

“Makes sense for the organization to use one of their own legal firms to handle the case.”

“Ok, let’s open a file on him. Anything else?”

“Yes. Guess who walked into Sparkles last week?”

“More guessing games that I hate. Who was it?”

“Jasmine Howard.”

Jones was surprised. After testifying against the Pace cousins, he would never expect her to return to them. On the other hand, desperate people with no place else tend to frequent their usual haunts.

“You think the extortion racket is going live again?”

“No. Too much publicity. The Paces must have a new game going.”

“Yeah. Keep up the surveillance and let’s see what else transpires.”

“What about the Stevens case?”

“The Florida trial against the ex-cop hit man is proceeding.”

“If they convict him, maybe the little birdie will start singing?”

“Or cut a deal if a conviction seems imminent. But for now, it’s wait and see as the trial goes on.”