Dead Even by Emma Brookes Read Free Book Online Page A

They all sat silent, listening.
    This time Audra concentrated on the man’s words. An accent table! He is looking for an accent table! I have spent ten years trying to pick up the pieces of my life, afraid of my own shadow, and that bastard is looking for an accent table!
    â€œWe need a copy of that tape,” Bess said as soon as the short segment was over. “Why don’t you two go on out to the car—get some air—and I’ll see if they won’t make me a copy.”
    Audra stood, surprised that her legs would support her leaden body. She moved mechanically toward the door, obeying Bess.
    â€œWhat are you planning on doing now?” Gerald said to Bess. “I think we need to talk about this before any decision is made about contacting the police.”
    Bess looked at Gerald, weary with the vapid young man who had somehow captured her Audra’s heart. What a prick you are. She said, “Don’t worry about it, Gerald. I have an idea or two on that score.”
    *   *   *
    Detective Lieutenant Michael Vincent Ramsey was having a bad morning. “Shit,” he exploded to his partner. “Two damn weeks of stakeouts and the son of a bitch walks!”
    Butch Jinkens kicked the door shut and stood looking around the empty house. “How did they get out of here without being seen, that’s what I’d like to know. And who the hell tipped them?”
    The two men eyed each other warily. This had been their baby. The only other people on the force who knew about the operation were on their relief team. And Captain Markham.
    â€œMust have skipped during the night,” Butch said sardonically. “You’da thought Bill and Harry would’ve noticed a moving van being loaded, wouldn’t you?”
    Mike looked down at the faded gold carpet covering the living room floor. “Doesn’t look to me like they had any furniture in here.” He walked into a back room. “Just a couple of old mattresses thrown on the floor. They were ready to fly in case their hand was tipped.”
    Butch walked into the small bedroom. “What now? Any chance of catching them on the road with the stuff?”
    â€œShit no. They’ll be to hell and gone by now—clean as a whistle. And Markham is going to have our butts for breakfast!”
    â€œWe still have the video of the buyers. We should be able to at least get them on possession.”
    Mike looked at his partner and snorted. “Right. We have pictures of two dozen people walking in this house—and walking out. I’m sure the courts will fucking hang ’em with that evidence!”
    Butch was more optimistic. “Well, at least we have the names so we can start over, and we will be starting over. You can bet your sweet ass on that!”
    â€œYeah,” Mike answered. “If we aren’t busted back to traffic.”
    *   *   *
    â€œAll right,” Captain Markham said to the four men standing in front of him. “What happened? How did you manage to let one of the biggest dealers this side of the Rockies slip through your fingers so easily?”
    Bill Harmon and Harry Windslow looked down at the floor. Finally Bill spoke. “Had to happen on our shift, Captain. They must have slipped out the back and left on foot. Their van was still parked out front.” He cleared his throat and added, “Rental, false name, no prints.”
    â€œShit,” Markham said. “So all we’re left with are pictures of a bunch of locals who like to get high?”
    â€œMaybe not, Captain,” Mike spoke for the first time. “There were four men in that group who seemed to be picking up considerably more than they would need for their personal use, and their tags were Colorado, which matches the information we received. I’d say there’s a good chance they’re dealing.”
    Markham glared at Mike. “Well, isn’t that