Page 59 of Stone
Brielle stared in disbelief where it landed. “Hold it. Wait a minute.”
OfficerOnepaused and glanced up at her. “What?”
“That card. Can I see that?”
The policeman held it out for her to examine. “Don’t touchit. Do you recognize it?”
She blinked. “Yes. It’s a key card from the museum.”
“The museum where you work?”
“Yes. I’m positive. See that little emblem on the bottom corner? The little blue man inside the broken circle? That’s the AMNH symbol.”
“Is it your card?”
“No.”
“Any idea how he got it?”
“No.”
“Hey, Daley, wasn’t there a break-in a couple of days ago at that location?” Officer Two queried his partner.
Brielle gave a quick nod. “Yes. I was involved in that, too.”
The two officers exchanged glances, and Officer One got to his feet. “Miss Van de Camp, we’re going to need to take you down to the station for further details. This…incident…may nothave been a random act.”
She agreed, glancing down at the suspect. “I’m willing to bet a dozen doughnuts this guy is the same one who broke in and stole some artifacts. Or, if it isn’t him, he knows damn well who did. It’s too much of a coincidence for him to be carrying it around.”
OfficerOnestarted to say more when the door buzzed. At the same time her phone dinged,letting her know she had a message. A quick glance at the text told her it was her uncle waiting below.
“Officers, Dr.Kellingis here, in case you want to question him.” Before they could question why the man would be coming to her apartment, she explained. “Dr.Kellingis my uncle. My mother’s brother.”
She hastened to the front door to let the man in.Kellingthrewhis arms around her the moment she opened it. “Thank God, Brie. Twice now?”
“I’m okay,” she reassured him, then dropped her voice to a whisper. “I told the policeGarenthis from the Egyptian government and is working with you.”
The professor nodded, and she led him into the bedroom where he shook hands with the officers. She noticed her uncle’s face pale as he surveyedthe crippled man.
“Dr.Kelling, would you have any idea why this man is carrying a key card from the museum?”
This time his eyes went wide, and he tossed a look at Brielle.
“Uncle Chet, it’s possible this is the man who broke into the museum and stole the artifacts.”
OfficerOneheld up the piece of plastic. “Can you verify it’s from themuseum?”
Kellingdidn’t need to examine it. “Yeah, it’s from the museum.”
“Any idea how he came into possession of it?”
Kellinggrinned and gave Brielle a wink. “Personally, no, but there’s an easy way to find out. Every key card is coded with the name of the person who has authorization to use it. All you have to do is have that card scanned, and it’lltell you who it originally belonged to.”
Brielle looked over to whereGarenthcontinued to stand inside the bathroom door frame, taking it all in with silent scrutiny. “Uncle, can you letGarenthknow what’s going on?”
The professor tried not to stare at the bald man standing almost at attention and observing the proceedings. In response, he quickly filled the man inon what they’d discovered. When he was done, Officer Two approachedGarenth, but directed his remarks toKelling.
“We’re going to need to see proper documentation for this gentleman.”
