Author Anon

Later that evening, Belle returns home and immediately senses something is wrong. Waiting by the door, she switches on the light and looks around. Although everything appears orderly, she can tell that certain items have been moved. Cautiously, she moves about the room, then inspects the rest of the apartment. Feeling a draft, she pulls back the blinds at the sliding door and discovers the damage.

Picking up the phone, she dials the police department. “May I have Detective Daze, please?”

“Speaking.”

“Hi. This is Belle Silverman. There’s been a break-in at my apartment. I’d like you to come over.”

“Be right there.”

Moments later, after inspecting the damage, he turns to her. “Do you have any idea who it might be?”

“Of course,” she says. “You know I went to Les Carr‘s to get the briefcase. I have no doubts that whoever came in here was looking for it.”

“I suspect a jewel thief is behind this,” says Cody.

“A jewel thief?” exclaims Belle. “I have no-”

Cody waits. “You have no what?”

“I don’t keep any jewels in this apartment,” says Belle. “Why do you think it would be a jewel thief? I’m definitely not one to flash around any jewels on campus.”

“Just looking at the kind of damage on the glass,” says Cody. “A jewel thief would have the right kinds of tools to steal valuable gems held under glass.”

“For that matter, any professional thief could obtain those tools if he wished.”

Cody sighs. “Ms. Silverman, would you mind if I called in a couple of guys who may be able to help?”

“Why do you need my permission to handle a police investigation?”

“Well, it might not be a police matter,” says Cody, hesitantly.

Belle raises her eyebrows questioningly. “Why not?”

“I think it would be better if they explained it to you.”

Curious, Belle agrees. When Nicholas and Gavin arrive fifteen minutes later, Belle regrets her decision.

“What do you have to do with any of this?” she asks them.

“We saw it happen,” says Nicholas. “Actually, Gavin saw it happen.”

“And you did nothing to prevent it?” she asks, incredulous.

“First of all, we had no idea what he was up to,” says Gavin. “We only made assumptions and fortunately, we were correct.”

“Who was he?” asks Belle.

“Carl Black,” says Gavin.

“Who is he? Leslie Black’s father? Brother?”

“Her father,” says Gavin.

“So I was right. He came for the briefcase.” She looks at Cody, triumphantly, but Cody looks away. “I don’t know where he got the idea that he was after jewels.”

Nicholas and Gavin look uncomfortable.

“What is going on?” asks Belle. “What aren’t you telling me? You’re both writers and you’re on to something. Spill it.”

“Remember the man in the shop dressed as a woman?” asks Gavin.

Belle nods, then a light comes on. “So he was Carl Black.”

“We presume,” says Gavin. “Do you remember him hovering around the cabinet, almost protecting it?”

“Of course. That was why I went for it.”

“Carl Black is a known jewel thief. His alias was Carl Redd. You may recall that he was the one who knocked Nicholas out.” Belle nods. “I think he was protecting more than just your sketches.”

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you,” says Belle. “I had a warrant to recover what was mine and I only took my briefcase.”

“Did you look inside?” asks Gavin.

“Of course. My sketches were there.”

“Anything else?”

Belle is silent. Gavin raises his eyebrows to indicate that he is waiting.

“Why are you giving me the third degree? What’s it to you besides a good story? I’m sure you could use your imagination and come up with an exciting novel.”

“What are you hiding?”

“Why should I be hiding anything?”

“I don’t think that Carl Black is stupid enough to burglarize your apartment to recover your sketches. And I don’t think you’re stupid enough to believe that either.”

Fury shows in Belle’s face.

“I don’t think we’ll get anywhere if we’re going to fight,” says Nicholas. Belle looks at him.

“What else was in the briefcase, Belle?” asks Gavin, redirecting her gaze.

“Why are you so interested?” asks Belle.

“Because I believe that’s what he came for. I think he left something in that briefcase and did not expect you to just walk off with it, like you did.”

Belle is thoughtful. “What do you think he’ll do since he didn’t find it?”

Gavin answers slowly. “It’s hard to say. He could come after you to tell him. Where is it, Belle?”

“Where’s what?”

“Whatever he’s looking for.”

“Somewhere safe.”

Nicholas throws his hands up. “We’re not getting anywhere fast.”

“Miss Silverman, I suggest you go home for tonight or stay at a friend’s. I’ll make a report and be sure to send it to your landlord.”

Belle goes to the bedroom to pack an overnight bag.

“She’s so stubborn,” says Nicholas.

“She’s trying to maintain her independence,” says Gavin. “She’s too young and inexperienced to understand the consequences of noncooperation.”

“Maybe I should talk to her brother,” says Nicholas.

“No. We can’t get more people involved than necessary. I’m not sure I want her in this.”

“Someone needs to convince her to talk,” says Nicholas.

“I’m ready to leave,” says Belle, coming out again. “I’ll stay over at Claire’s for tonight. It’s just downstairs.”

They walk her down to Claire’s.

“Belle’s apartment was burglarized,” Gavin explains. “She’ll be staying here tonight and I’ll be around tomorrow to check on things.”

Speechless, Claire admits Belle.

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Filed under: All That Glitters