Chapter 37

“Any updates?”

“Yes. Vandenburg’s phone records show calls to Ken Brownling.”

“Bingo. He’s part of the organization.”

“That’s the good news. But there’s nothing incriminating about it. Arthur is free to use any legal firm he wants for the Star Candy bankruptcy proceedings.”

The FBI agents nodded in agreement.

“True, but knowledge of the link helps tie things together. Another piece of the puzzle filled in.”

“What about the arson investigation?”

“They’re about to wrap up. All they can do is log a negligence violation regarding improper maintenance on the sprinkler system. There’s not enough proof for anything else.”

“What about the security guards on duty the night of the fire? Any ties to Vandenburg?”

“Not that we can see. None of them have criminal records.”

“Too bad. But on the other hand, if they get the club rebuilt and operational, perhaps we can track illegal activity there.”

“Getting back to Brownling, any dirt on him or his legal firm?”

“There is one thing. Ken Brownling’s home was robbed recently.”

“Aha! Vandenburg playing both sides again?”

“Probably. The police case has no leads and is predictably at the bottom of the pile.”

“Any idea who Steven’s replacement is?”

“No. If you think about it, Vandenburg can safely talk on the phone to Ken Brownling, but his contact with a professional thief is probably in person.”

“What about the Pace cousins? Any telephone contact between either of them and Vandenburg?”

“No.”

“Leon probably takes his direction from the LLC. No reason for Arthur to contact him directly.”

“Right.”

Detective Jones sat back in thought. Lots of information gathered but little progress. We need a break, he thought.