Page 10 of All He Takes
As Mr. Dumond handed her the box, Nicky was struck by the man's eyes. They were so full of life and happiness. She found it hard to believe that he could be responsible for anything that had happened here. If he was, he was certainly a very convincing actor.
As she looked through the photos, Nicky couldn't help but get distracted by all the old photographs. Most of them were vintage, and didn't seem to be taken with the same camera as the photos of the victims. The photos of the victims were a more tall, thin style of Polaroid.
"Most of these photos have been here for years," Mr. Dumond said. "They're not necessarily for sale. I mean, if someone wanted them, they could buy them, but I mostly keep them out near the vintage cameras to give the area some life." He wrung his hands together. "I have no idea who put those other photos in, or when."
"Do you have any other employees?" Nicky asked.
"No," Mr. Dumond said.
Nicky exchanged a look with Ken, then nodded.
"We can safely assume somebody casually came in and dropped them," Nicky said. "Can you think of anyone strange or suspicious who you've seen in the shop in recent months?"
"Goodness, no," he said. "My customers are mostly locals, and they're all so sweet. We have a high elderly population here, you see, which is why so many of us antique enthusiasts settle down here. We draw in crowds of antique lovers from all over the country."
"I guess there are a lot of antique enthusiasts in Pine Grove," Ken said.
"Oh, yes," Mr. Dumond said. "Most of the people in this town are really into the old ways. I mean, we still have a town square where people just hang out and talk. It's so quaint!"
"Sounds like a nice place to live," Ken said.
"Oh, it is!" Mr. Dumond said. "It's got a nice, small town feel to it. I live a good distance outside of town, but I come in most days for work. I'm lucky enough to have my own shop, and don't need to worry about a boss."
"I suppose that's true," Nicky said. "And I'm sure you've seen just about everybody in town."
"Just about," Mr. Dumond confirmed. "I know most of my regulars, and I remember all their faces. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, but I do get a little excited about antique shop talk."
"But you also said you get a lot of tourists, so you must be used to new faces too," Nicky pointed out. "So, if a stranger came in, it wouldn't be odd."
"Yes, that's correct. We get many tourists as well."
"Right," Nicky said. "One more question, Mr. Dumond. Do you have security footage?"
A Cheshire cat-like smile took over his face. "As a matter of fact, I do."
CHAPTER FIVE
Nicky felt a wave of relief wash over her as she stood in the antique shop. The security footage could help them find more answers, no doubt.
"Can we take a look at it?" Nicky asked.
"Without a doubt," Mr. Dumond said. "You know, I forgot to mention it to the police, although they didn't ask to see it."
"That's what we're here for," Ken said.
Mr. Dumond led them behind the counter, to a small room, an area where he had a desk, a cabinet, and a desktop computer. He sat at the desk and opened the computer. "I just need to bring up the system."
The computer was built in the style of a decade ago, with a bulky tower and a large screen. The screen flickered on, revealing a login request.
"Is this the same computer you've always had here?" Nicky asked.
"Yes. It doesn't do me much good," Mr. Dumond said. "We don't have a theft issue in this town." He looked up at them and wagged his finger. "I can't believe that I forgot to tell the police about this. I'm so sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Nicky said. "We're just glad you remembered."
"I have a terrible memory," Mr. Dumond said. "But it's not so bad when it comes to my work. I mean, I don't forget what a gramophone is, or a sandwich-board. But I can't remember if I put my keys in my left pocket or my right."
He indicated for them to sit down at his desk, and Nicky and Ken obliged.
