High Risk by G.K. Parks (books for 10th graders TXT) 📕

video games with your first vic and Michael Tolliver. We ran through them and cross-referenced them to our persons of interest but nothing popped.” She lowered her voice. “Detective Voletek thinks Carter hooked up with the crew in the real world and they only communicate in person.”

“But we believe Carter gained info on Star Cleaners from listening to his roommate and Gardner play video games. Has that changed? Did Tolliver say anything?”

“As far as I know, that’s still the working theory. Tolliver’s been nothing but cooperative. He’s had an alibi for three of the crimes.”

“What about our other suspect?”

“Diego Eisner?”

“Yeah, unless you got a third ID.”

“Sorry.”

“Okay, so tell me about Diego.”

“I really shouldn’t.”

That meant there was something to tell. “Why not?” I reached for my glass and drained it, so I’d have an excuse to go into the kitchen. Once I was out of Emma’s earshot, I said, “I know he has a sheet. He served time for armed robbery. More than likely, he’s one of the two shooters. We think he must have hooked up with the ringleader while in prison, but we’re not sure. I haven’t been able to get a look at his prison records. Brad said he had a juvie record that was sealed. Do you know if anything’s in the works to get that unsealed?”

“Voletek’s working on that. We should know more soon.”

“But you already know, don’t you?” Before Mac came to work at the PD, she’d been a hacker and a damn good one.

“He used to run with a crew during his misspent youth. From what I’ve found, most of them are dead or incarcerated. Two are still alive and walking free.”

“Names?”

She hesitated. “You can’t touch this, Liv. I don’t want to tempt you.”

“Is there something worth touching?”

“If there is, promise me you’ll let Voletek touch it.”

“Fine, but make sure you warn Jake that afterward he might have to go through sensitivity training or face sexual harassment charges.”

She laughed. “Will do.” She lowered her voice “Aubrey Shaw and Mitchell Blake.”

“Well, Aubrey’s out, assuming she’s a she. What about Mitchell?”

“He teaches sixth grade math. No known criminal activity since reaching adulthood. But I’m sure Voletek will follow up with both of them once he officially gets their names.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“You shouldn’t even know this.”

“Do we know when the crew might strike again or what their target is?”

“Lisco found marked subway maps in Diego’s apartment, along with a map that had the LockBox pickup routes marked. She assumed he obtained that information from the driver they killed.”

“Most likely.”

“Only one route corresponded to the markings we found on the map of the subway system. We can’t be certain, but we think that’s the target.”

From what I recalled, LockBox altered its routes every day. “When’s LockBox supposed to run that route?”

“Tomorrow night.”

Thirty-seven

The sound of knocking drew my attention away from the computer screen. I blinked a few times to clear my blurry vision and stood up. My vision clouded even more, and I grabbed the arm of the couch and waited for it to clear.

“Liv, sit down. I got this.” Emma shooed Gunnie away from the front door and peered through the peephole.

“Who is it?” I asked.

“A cop with a gift basket.” She unlocked the door.

“Hey, DeMarco,” a member of the protection detail said, “we intercepted this suspicious looking package. It was delivered to your desk at the precinct. Someone’s got expensive taste.” He glanced into my apartment. “Where do you want it?”

“I’ll take it.” Emma held out her hands.

“It’s heavy.”

“Just put it on the chair, Frank.” I pointed to the spot beside the front door. “Hey, do you guys want some coffee and muffins?”

“That’d be great.”

“Help yourself to the stack of pastry boxes. They came yesterday, so they might be a little stale.”

“I’m sure they’re fine, just as long as the coffee’s fresh.”

“It’s from this morning.” I turned to Emma. “Can you fill up that big thermos with whatever’s left in the pot?”

“No problem.” She smiled at Frank while he stuffed one of the mini muffins into his mouth and knelt down to pet Gunnie who’d been sniffing his shoe.

“How you doing, DeMarco? You staying out of trouble?”

“Nope,” I said.

He laughed. “Just like your old man.”

Emma returned with the thermos. He tucked it under his arm and grabbed the pastry boxes. “When you guys need a refill, just bring back the thermos,” Emma said.

“Thanks, ladies. I appreciate it.”

Emma locked the door and poked around at the newest gift basket. “Who’s sending you expensive chocolates, cognac, and a get well bouquet?”

At the mention of chocolates and cognac, my stomach dropped. Brad should have finished in court a few hours ago, but I hadn’t heard from him. I thought it was strange but figured he was bogged down at the precinct or went home to get some sleep. “Is there a card?” If my partner did what I think he did, I’d kill him.

Emma sifted through the packaging, removing the two boxes of gourmet artisan chocolate and the $200 bottle of liquor. Then she lifted the flower arrangement out of the basket. Bright blue, purple, and white flowers spread in every direction. She put the crystal vase on the table and handed me the card.

I would have hand-delivered it but figured you’d have me arrested. I know how much you enjoy doing that. Feel better, Detective.

“Who sent it?” Emma studied the chocolates before picking up the cognac. “Do you have a lover I don’t know about?”

“Axel Kincaid.” I put the card down and reached for my phone.

“The nightclub owner?”

“Uh-huh.” I drummed my fingers against the table. “You better answer your damn phone, Fennel.”

“How do you know him?”

“I arrested