Page 54 of In the Line of Ire

"Wemight find out how it got inside," suggested Solomon.

"I couldannounce that something was fake and threaten to report it and seewho panics?" I suggested.

Solomonand Maddox shook their heads while Sadiq nodded. "No," saidSolomon. "If the murder is connected to the counterfeit purses, wehave to assume the perp would kill in a heartbeat to keep theoperation quiet. As far as they know, the boyfriend got arrestedfor it so they're in the clear."

"I'llspread it around that the boyfriend is currently in custody and anyreports that he was released are false," said Maddox. "Solomon'sright, Lexi. That move is too risky."

"ThenI'll be more subtle. I'll let it be known that I want to make someextra cash to go traveling or start something new. They mightapproach me."

"Not ifthey don't know you or trust you. If they're behind this killing,they're probably jumpy as hell," said Sadiq.

We fellsilent again, each of us thinking privately. "We know this can't bea one-man operation," I said; "what if they lost one of their keyplayers and needed a replacement quickly? They might feel like theyhad no choice but to find another willing salesclerk to payoff?"

"Ihaven't found any evidence of the sales floor staff being involved.I'll supply you with their background checks," said Maddox. "AndI'm certain none of the accidental purchasers are involvedeither."

"Well,someoneis involved," pointed out Solomon.

"We canall agree on that," said Maddox. "There's a shipment due tomorrowto replenish the stock. We plan to intercept it before it arrivesand we’re going to hire a specialist in this kind of counterfeitingto check the stock. If any fakes are detected, it takes the heatoff the sales staff and allows us to track the true source of thebogus goods further up the chain."

"And ifthe counterfeit items aren't on the truck, then someone else mustbe smuggling them into the store. Which takes us right back to thesales staff," I said. "We also need to locate the real bags.They're either being stored, sold, or passed on as gifts. I’ll takethat angle."

"Finewith me," said Maddox.

"Tell usabout tomorrow’s delivery. Who's involved? Where does it takeplace?" asked Solomon.

"At aloading bay behind the mall in a secure area that's also used as asmall warehouse. It's shared by all the stores. The truck backs upand offloads the stock, which is delivered on dollies via theEmployees Only corridors. Each department supervisor or managersigns off for their delivery and the stock is transported to theindividual storage areas. In Page's, for example, the accessoriesdepartment has their own storage room since they can't easilyaccess some of the other areas. There's also a huge one for thefashion department, divided into all the labels they carry.Housewares has one on their floor too for the smaller ticketitems," explained Maddox. "I haven't seen any employees going intothe storage areas they aren't assigned to but I'll admit my eyescan't be everywhere at once."

"SoMagda is the only person who not only signs for the stock but alsoescorts it from the truck to the storeroom?" I asked.

Maddoxnodded. "She has the potential to switch the purses, but there'susually a delivery driver accompanying her to move the loadeddollies. She's never left on her own with the stock."

"We'reinvestigating the delivery drivers too," added Sadiq. "Criminalpasts, gang affiliations, any known associations, bad credit ormoney issues. That sort of thing."

"Youneed to get closer to Magda," said Solomon.

"MustI?" I asked.

"On it,"said Maddox. We looked at each other. Of course, Solomon meantMaddox. There was no way Magda would open up to me. One look atMaddox's big blue eyes? Sure. She'd tell him anything he askedher.

"Even ifMagda were involved, I don't think she could pull this off alone,"I said. "Tansy might notice a counterfeit since she collects thesold stock. And don’t forget Joan and Curtis as well as the otheremployees on the floor too."

"Are yousuggesting everyone in the department is on the take?" askedSadiq.

Ishrugged. "It's very possible." I checked my watch and looked up."My shift is due to start and I'd rather not get fired today forbeing late. Is there anything else we need to cover before I goinside?"

"Yourmic," said Solomon, reaching for the box on the desk. He tossed itto me and I plucked the tiny device from the box, placing it insidemy shirt and jiggling it about until I found a comfortableposition. When I looked up, Maddox was staring at the ceiling,Sadiq's cheeks were deep red, and Solomon was raising his eyebrows.Oops.

"Bye," Isaid as I darted out of the van before anyone could check to besure the mic was working. It was better than sitting in what wasrapidly becoming a very tense atmosphere.

I stowedmy things in the employee locker room, greeted Curtis who wastaking a late lunch, and hurried downstairs, arriving in theaccessories section with a sigh of relief. Magda was noticeablyabsent and Joan stood by the cash register so I walkedover.

"Anotherslow day," said Joan. "Although there were two shoppers who mightreturn. They seemed pretty excited about one of the styles andthere's only a couple left. How are you holding up?"

"Withthe job?" I shrugged nonchalantly. "The money is okay and it reallyisn't hard work. You?"

"Same.Hey, tomorrow will be pretty busy so we should try to enjoy thequiet. There's a price promotion of fifteen percent off anypurchase. It was advertised in the newspaper so I think a lot ofour regular shoppers are waiting for that. Magda says we should allbe prepared."

"Whatdoes she mean by that?"

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