“I see what you mean,” he said. “Tough luck.”
“Yeah, back to the drawing board.”
“Hey, don’t forget the Captain wants to see you.”
Kate sighed. “Yeah, right,” And shaking her head she went in search of the Captain.
* * *
Jo sat at her computer and completed yet another search. Her arm was starting to ache but she was determined to ease back on the pain pills. When the phone rang, she was ready for a distraction.
“Hey, what’s up?” she said, recognizing Kate’s number.
“You’re never going to guess.”
“You just arrested the Energizer Bunny for Battery?”
“Almost as good, we’re getting a medal.”
“A metal what?”
“Not a metal, a medal. A Medal for Meritorious Achievement,” Kate said.
“Meritorious Achievement for what?” Jo persisted, beginning to wonder if the pain pills had permanently clouded her brain.
“The FBI is awarding you and me the Medal for Meritorious Achievement.”
“And I repeat, for what?”
“For finding the book that cracked the sex trafficking case they’d been working on.”
“Wow, we get a medal for finding a book in a wrecked car?”
“Looks like that’s the case.”
“Sweet. So when is this going to happen?”
“The Chief said in a few days. They’ll do it here at the station, but someone from the mayor’s office will probably show up because the FBI will be there. And the Chief said the media would probably be involved, too.
“Damn,” Jo responded. “I hate the media.”
“I know, but hey, why aren’t you wearing your sling?”
Jo glanced around the room. “What… how do you know that? You have x-ray vision all of a sudden?”
Kate laughed. “No silly, we still have the nanny cams up. When I flicked on my computer just now and coded in, I picked you up. You’re in the kitchen and, if I might add, you forgot to comb your hair again.”
“Get a life, Snow,” Jo said and hung up. Standing she went to the window. The little duck, which held the camera, now sported bright green eyes indicating that something was being recorded. After sticking out her tongue at the duck, Jo reached in and clicked off the camera.
“Can’t even scratch your butt in your own house anymore,” she said to Blitz. He lifted his head in question. “I think it’s about time to get rid of all these things.”
With that, Blitz ran to get his favorite pull toy to move it to safety.
Jo went back to her searches when the phone rang again. “What?” she said when it flashed Kate’s number.
“Did you just turn off the camera in the kitchen?”
“Yeah, what’s the problem?”
“No problem, I just wondered why, after seeing the hideous way you contorted your face, the screen went black.”
Jo chuckled. “You should have been able to figure that one out,” she said sarcastically. “After all you’re the detective who’s getting a medal.”
Now Kate chuckled as well. “So what are you working on? You looked so studious before.”
Jo threaded her fingers through her hair. “Do you know how many black vans there are in this city?”
“And that’s important because….”
“Well according to research, silver might be the most popular color but I’m thinking black is a close second.”
“Are you thinking about getting a new car?” Kate asked in surprise. “I thought you loved the Miata, and lord knows I love that it’s a convertible.”
“Nah, there’s nothing wrong with my car I’ve just become obsessed with black vans. I’m seeing them everywhere.”
“Well, black is a popular color for a van, and what do you mean you’re seeing them everywhere?”
“There was one at the park when I was there with the dogs, and I saw one in the parking lot at AL'S.”
“The same car?”
“Can’t really tell,” Jo said with frustration. “Probably not, but I just can’t get this Birdman stuff out of my head.”
“Jo,” Kate cautioned. “You know the doctor….”
“Yeah, yeah,” she interrupted, “the doctor said things from that night could get jumbled up with other things or I might not remember anything because of the concussion. I know that. I just can’t seem to stop thinking about it.” She rubbed at her forehead. “And now I’ve given myself a headache.”
“You’re trying to cut back on the pain pills too soon,” Kate said. “Look if you don’t want to take the strong stuff, at least go get some aspirin or something.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Jo said, wishing she’d been the one to think of it. “And Kate, congratulations on your Meritorious Achievement,” then, chuckling, she hung up.
* * *
Nicole walked around the art bench and eyed the chalk work critically. The 4x4 foot bench was topped by a 3D rendition of a paved road with a huge gap cracking through its surface. A possum, complete with startled expression, struggled to climb out of the hole that appeared to be several feet deep and at least two feet wide.
“This is amazing. I swear you surprise even me. It’s so perfect.” She reached out then hesitated, “Can I touch?”
Willow beamed. “Yeah, it’s been sprayed. Right now it’s pretty set but I wouldn’t do any hard rubbing. I’ve never worked on vinyl before so I don’t know how long the quality is going to last.”
Zeke stood in silent admiration. “I just can’t believe it.” He reached out to gently touch one of the many pebbles that were scattered on the sides. “The illusion is so real you think you should pick them up. How did you manage this?”
Willow stretched and arched her aching back. “Working from the inside out so I wouldn’t smear my own work as I moved.” She yawned hugely. “Mrs. Webster already told me I got an A, but she’s still puzzled by my choice of subject.”
“What made you put the possum in?” Nicole asked. “I mean it’s a cute touch but…”
“It helps give the work depth,” Willow replied. “It makes the hole appear more believable.”
“It’s sure believable to me,” Rhys said, bending over to get a better look at the texture of the pavement she’d created. “How’d you know to use all these colors?”
“That’s the part that fools your eye,” Willow said. “Using different shades you create the illusion of shadows. This entire project is really a study in shadows and perspective that create a special distortion to fool the eye.”
“When this is on the road,” Rhys said straightening, “someone approaching is going to think that a sinkhole has split the concrete. And with the possum struggling to get out, it just makes it that much more real. You are a friggin’ genius. You do the Quills proud.”
“But don’t forget that it only works from one direction,” Willow cautioned. “If you don’t place it right it won’t work.”
Nicole rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “When should we do it? Tonight?”
“No,” Willow said quickly. “Mrs. Webster would wonder what’s going on if I finish the project one day and it disappears the next. In a few days I’ll have it moved to a less conspicuous location here in the art room then we can talk about when.”
Rhys nodded. “You’re right, you’re right. We can afford to wait a few days.”
Nicole frowned. “But not longer than a few days. I can’t wait to see this in action.”
* * *
Jo climbed into the car after a grueling physical therapy session. Her shoulder ached but at least now she could take a deep breath without her ribs screaming. Slipping the sling off her arm, she turned the motor over and sat. She was tired, but the thought of going back home just to sit in the house was making her crazy. Acting on impulse she decided to stop by and see Sylvia at the pet store. Her research into the bird smuggling was interesting but going nowhere. Maybe Sylvia would be able to give he
r some new insights since she was in the business of selling birds.
When she pulled up in front of the store, she found herself glancing around the parking lot. I’m obsessed with black vans, she thought. But seeing none, she just gave herself a mental shake and got out of the car. Inside she found Julie Finch standing behind the counter.
“It’s Julie, right?” She asked walking over to where the teenager stood tissue in hand.
“Yes, and you’re Jo. Jeez, what happened to your arm?”
Jo shrugged, “I sorta fell off a bridge.”
“Oh, my gosh, did you break it?”
“Just my arm,” Jo held up the cast as far as her aching shoulder would allow. “The bridge is fine.”
Julie giggled then sneezed twice. “Can I help you find something?”
Jo shook her head. “Not yet, I was hoping to catch Sylvia. Is she around?”
“She’s here, but she’s in a meeting with a supplier, I think. They’re in the back. Do you want me to call her and let her know you’re here?”
Jo hesitated. “No, that’s okay. It’s not important enough to pull her out of a meeting. I just wanted to chat with her if she was free. So point me in the direction of the dog toys. Mine were upset that I didn’t bring them for a ride, so I’ll make nice and take home some new toys.”
“That’s sweet,” Julie said rounding the counter, “and we have a ton of great toys for you to choose from. We also have some new dog treats. They’re 100% natural and supposed to be good for the dog’s teeth.”
“Hey, you’re quite a saleswoman,” Jo grinned.
“It’s easy, I love working here.” She sneezed again and dabbed the tissue at her watery eyes. “Sorry,” she shoved the tissue in her pocket and pulled out another. “You probably shouldn’t get too close to me. I think I’m coming down with a cold.”
Jo took an exaggerated step back. “How’s that?”
Julie started to laugh but it came out more as a cough.
“Hey, maybe you should call Sylvia after all,” Jo said with concern. “If you’re sick you should probably go home and get some rest. You’re still in school right?”
“I’m a senior this year,” she shoved the tissue back in her pocket. “But really, I’m fine. It’s just a cold, or maybe allergies. Now, are your dogs big or little?”
“One of each,” Jo said, understanding the girl didn’t want to dwell on how she felt. “A shepherd and a Jack Russell. And,” she added as an afterthought, “I should probably get something for the cat.”
“You have a cat, too?”
“Not exactly….”
By the time she was finished, Jo ended up with a selection of new toys, several samples of doggie treats, and a 10-pound bag of dog food that Julie had insisted she try. Her shoulder was throbbing with each heartbeat and her arm felt like a dead weight. Wishing she had kept the sling on she let Julie carry the packages out to her car.
“If they don’t love it, you can bring it back. Sylvia has a great return policy for things like this. A satisfied customer is a returning customer,” she recited, making Jo smile. “Oh, I love your car,” she exclaimed as Jo popped the trunk. “I’d love to have a convertible.”
“It’s a great car,” Jo said, giving the parking lot another look. She froze as she watched a black van pull from behind the strip of stores.
Julie noticed her watching the van. “I think that was Sylvia’s supplier,” she said easily. “Do you want to come back in and see if she’s available now? I’m sure she’s going to be sorry she’s missed you.”
Jo started to say yes, but when she took a step her shoulder sent a pain radiating down her arm. Realizing she was becoming exhausted again and knowing she still needed to drive home, she shook her head. “No, just tell her I stopped by. I’ll catch her next time. You don’t happen to know who her supplier is, do you?” she asked casually.
“Nope,” Julie shut the trunk with a click. “Sylvia was real secretive about that. Seems that a while back one of her assistants decided to court some of her suppliers and then started her own pet store. Sylvia was pretty steamed when she told me about it. I couldn’t tell if she was upset about the competition, or if she actually lost some of her suppliers to the other store.”
“I’ll admit I know nothing about retail,” Jo said, “but it doesn’t make sense that she’d lose a supplier unless there is a limited amount of product. And it seems to me there’s always an abundance of puppies and kittens.”
“Well, she doesn’t have to worry about that with me. I love working here, but next year I’m off to college. No way I’m going to start a pet store and go into competition.”
“Well, tell her I stopped by. It was good seeing you again, and good luck with your classes this year.” Jo climbed into her car then waved goodbye with her good arm as Julie ran back into the store. She sat for another minute trying to wrap her mind around what she’d just learned, and pulling out, she spotted another black van at the far end of the parking lot. I’m obsessed with black vans, she said to herself
Jo paced in the living room as she waited for Kate to finish primping. “Come on, you look great. You’re going to be late for your own award ceremony.”
Kate came out of the guest room wearing a stylish black suit. Her hair had been artfully arranged into curls that framed her glowing face. “How do I look?” She walked over to the mirror behind the sofa and turned one way then the other.
“Jeez, Snow, you look the same as you did ten minutes ago in the other black suit. What’s the difference? You could wear a flour sack and still look good. Can we just go now?”
Kate turned to Jo who was comfortably attired in black slacks and a crocheted black sweater. “I’m glad you got the cast changed. That one looks more comfortable.”
Jo raised her arm. “It’s lighter than the other so I can get away without the sling. And, as you can see, the physical therapy is working so I can raise my arm this high,” she demonstrated. “And that’s high enough to knock some sense into you if we don’t get a move on.”
“The image I project is important to me,” Kate said as they left the house.
“This is torture to me,” Jo mumbled climbing into the car.
The extra cars that filled the police parking lot gave an indication of what was to come. Kate took a deep breath and Jo groaned. When they reached the conference room everyone turned and started to clap. Kate paused for only a moment before smiling and walking down the aisle that cleared for them. Jo rolled her eyes and wished for the event to be over.
The Chief gave a brief speech, welcoming all the invited guests then turned the stage over to the FBI representative. Special Agent Tony Lincoln smiled and gave Kate a wink before turning back to the gathering. He explained how he and other agents had been diligently working to find a break in the sex trafficking ring that was operating in Florida.
“The book that Detective Snow and Officer Cazimer found not only turned out to be a key piece of evidence,” he said, “but Detective Snow’s brilliant detective work unlocked the information in the book. She recognized what she’d found and then through research was able to match initials and dates in the book to the names of listed missing children. Thanks to her and Jo Cazimer, we have now arrested a half dozen key people in the ring and even located three of the missing children.”
The press erupted with questions. “Were any of the found girls from our area?”
“Can you give us the names of the missing children?”
“Have their parents been notified?”
“Were all the children girls? Were there any boys on the list?”
Tony waited until the questions stopped and the room grew silent with anticipation again. “Thanks to these two dedicated law enforcement officers, we’ve made huge progress. But unfortunately the problem still continues. We’ve managed to snap off this arm of the octopus, if you will. But the other arms are still out there enticing children with promises. As many of you know, Central Florida has one
of the highest rates of human trafficking in the country. And since this investigation is ongoing, I’m not here to give specifics about the case or about the individual children who have been found and returned to their parents.
“The Bureau is proud to recognize the efforts of these two officers, and I’m honored to present each of them with the FBI’s Medal for Meritorious Achievement.”
He handed Kate and Jo each a certificate and a small gold pin. They stood as cameras clicked and flashed.
When at last she could ease away from the crowd, Jo found a quiet corner to sip her punch.
“That was quite an accomplishment,” a voice said behind her. “You make me very proud.”
Jo spun around. “Doc Tucker, you’re back.” She gave him an enthusiastic hug. “How was your vacation? Catch any good fish?”
He smiled and peered out of glasses that rode low on his weathered face. “I found the best spot.… ‘
“Where is my hug?”
Jo looked up to see Willard standing just behind Doc Tucker. “Why are you hugging him? You never hug me?”
Doc just shook his head. “Give the girl a break, Will,” he said easily. “I haven’t seen my favorite probation officer in over three weeks.”
Willard stepped up to stand beside Doc. “Congratulations Jo, I’m glad the FBI decided to give you a medal,” he said stiffly.
“Ah, thanks, Willard.” Jo turned back to Doc. “So where did you end up going?”
Willard stood for several moments, then, as if he finally realized he was not included in the conversation, he drifted off.
Jo gave a sigh of relief when he left.
“He been giving you a hard time?” Doc said, putting his arm around Jo’s shoulder.
“I can handle it,” Jo said, but the exasperated tone in her voice was telling.
“Oh, that boy,” Doc sighed. “He’s so brilliant at what he does. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more accomplished assistant. But.…”
“But sometimes he can be a huge pain in the ass,” Jo finished, making the doctor chuckle.
“Oh, Caz,” he said, “you always tell it like it is.”
Jo looked around at all the social elbow rubbing and back patting and groaned. “And what this is, is a huge pain in the .…’
“Hi, Doc,” Kate said striding up to the pair. “Welcome back! I need to steal Jo for a minute, if you don’t mind.”