chapter 8

“D****t,” Arnold muttered to himself as he and Michele walked out of the holding cell. “Are they trying to make my life difficult?”

“What did you expect? “ Michele was trying to keep pace with Arnold.

Arnold abruptly stopped causing Michele to run into him.” Sorry.” she said meekly.

“Not your fault. “ Arnold replied. I should come with a warning. Caution, prone to sudden stops.” He grinned.

Michele joined him. “Or maybe I need better brakes.”

They both laughed and then Arnold’s face turned serious. “Well, it looks like we need that book manuscript after all. Let’s go see if Maurice emailed me it yet.”

They walked to Arnold’s desk. He fired up his computer and checked his email. There were plenty of emails, but not the one he needed. He pulled out his phone and called Maurice.

He answered on the second ring. “Hello.”

“Maurice, this is Detective Aimsworth again. I still have gotten that email from you.”

“Geez,” Maurice grumbled. “Calm down. I told you I would get them as soon as I could. I’m a bus_”

“I don’t care.” Arnold barked. “I need it ASAP.”

“I already gave you the name of who he dedicated it to.” Maurice sounded annoyed.

“Yeah well, That was a dead end. “Literally.” immediate guilt washed through Arnold.

“What do you mean?”

“Sorry, Bad choice of words.” Arnold sighed. “Izzy died three years ago.”

There was a moment of silence before Maurice. “Who was she?”

“That's what we’re trying to figure out. “Arnold replied sternly. “That’s why we need the manuscript.”

“Okay, okay,” Maurice said hurriedly. “Let me get to his laptop.” Arnold heard the sounds of footsteps and heavy breathing. “Okay, I’m here.”

Do you have the password to his computer?”

“Yes,” Maurice sounded hurt at the question. “He gave it to me a couple of weeks ago.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. He said just in case.” Maurice now started to sound defensive.

Arnold thought that there was something off about that. Before he could reply Maurice said. Okay, I’m in.” He heard the pounding of keys. “So what is your email address?”P [email protected].”

He heard more kets pounding and then Maurice said. “Alright, done.”

“Thank you, Maurice.”

“Sure,” Maurice replied flatly. Arnold disconnected the call. he looked at Michele.”There is something off about him.”

“You sense it too,” Michael said.

Well, I don’t know about you but I’m exhausted. What do you say we pick this up first thing in the morning?”

“Sounds good to me.” Michele rubbed her face. “Boy, what a day.” She stood up and walked towards the exit.

Arnold watched her leave. He shook his head to try and get the fantasies of her out of his thoughts. There were more pressing matters to deal with right now.

chapter 9