Page 43 of Stone
Chapter 22
Evidence
Elsoglared at the police officer, not caring whether or not the man took offense by his attitude. Behind him, another officer surveyed the ruined safe and scattered contents on the floor.
“And you’re certain all that’s missing is a bag of artifacts?” Officer Billings inquired, taking notes in his pocket spiral.
“Very uniqueand rare artifacts,”Elsomade sure the man understood. Regardless, the officer seemed nonplussed.
“Care to give me a description of those artifacts?”
“I will have my assistant email your department in the morning.”
Billings wrote that down. “And they were inside a small black bag?”
“A black velveteen bag, approximately six by eight inches.”Elsoglanced over his shoulder. “When is the crime scene investigators due to arrive?” It had been nearly an hour since he’d gotten the call from building security. By the time he’d gotten here, the police were already on the scene and waiting for him. Unfortunately, they didn’t seem to be too inclined to investigate any deeper other than to question a couple of people, him included.
Billings sighed loudly. “Mr.Elso, this appears to be a simple break-in and theft. There was no loss of life, although the guard says he shot the man responsible before the guy took a header out that window.” He threw a thumb over his shoulder. “We’re currently searching for the body.”
“The guy could have lived.”
“Twenty-eight stories up?” The officer chuckled.The sound of it grated onElso’snerves.
“How do you know the guy didn’t have a parachute on him?” he countered irritably.
The officer’s expression changed. “It’s possible. I mean, considering he was wearing a costume. He very well could have had one hidden in the costume.”
Elsogave the officer a surprised look. This was the first time he’d heard abouta costume. “What kind of disguise did you say the man was wearing?”
“The security officer who accosted him said he was wearing some kind of bat costume. Not Batman. More like a monster bat, with large wings.”
Elsolifted his chin. “Could it have been a gargoyle costume?”
Billings shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Where is the security guard?I want to speak to him.”
“He was escorted to the station for further questioning, and to have our sketch artist come up with a picture of the suspect,” Billings informed him. “In addition, because the man discharged his weapon, he’s been put on suspended leave until this investigation is over.”
“Hey, Daryl.” The officer who had been checking out the damaged safe wasstanding over byElso’sdesk. He crouched down and pointed to the floor. “What does this look like to you?”
Billings excused himself, adding a request forElsoto remain where he was, and went over to check the carpet where his partner was indicating. Pulling a latex glove from his hip pocket, he snapped it on, then ran his fingers over the plush pile. Nodding to the other officer,he keyed the mic on his shoulder.
“Sixty-four to dispatch.”
“Base, go.”
“We may have a possible one eighty-seven. Requesting CSU at this address.”
“Affirmative, Sixty-four. Dispatching CSU to your location.”
Elsostraightened his shoulders. Having the crime scene unit called meant a new detail had emerged. “What is it?” he almostdemanded.
Billings and the other man stood. “We don’t know, Mr.Elso. We’ll find out once forensics goes over this place. In the meantime, we’re going to have to cordon off this area.”
Elsoalmost sneered, his patience already thinned to the point of breaking. “Well, what do youthinkyou’ve discovered?”
The two officers glanced at each other.
