Laina Turner - Presley Thurman 02 - Necklaces & Nooses by Laina Turner Page A

quality or in high demand.”
    “I guess you’re right.”
    “So what are we going to do?”
    “Right now just watch him. I need more proof that he might be involved, if indeed he is. If he comes in here again, obviously, call me right away and try to keep him here until I can get here. Then if he doesn’t actually buy anything, I have more to go on.”
    Willie left, and the next few hours that the boutique was open flew by. It had been a tiring day, and I was so glad to be going home and just sitting back and relaxing. I was tired of cleaning and working. That day had been filled with people just wanting to know what had happened. While I could understand (I was somewhat like those people), I didn’t like being the one who gave out the information. It was tiring to talk about the same stuff over and over. My couch, a glass of wine, and a good book were all I wanted that night.
    I walked in the door of my building and waved hi to Charles, the doorman who had been here forever; he was an adorable old man. I pushed the button to the elevator going up and jumped in when the door opened. I was so tired I didn’t even admire, as I usually did, the beautiful wrought iron spindles casing the elevator. The elevator shuddered to a stop, and I walked off and down the hall to my door—to find it cracked open.
    This was very reminiscent of the store that morning, except I could clearly see someone had broken in. The wood was splintered on the door and the doorjamb right by the lock. It looked like someone had taken a crowbar and pried the door open. Not that I was an expert, but I sure knew who it was, and I knew well enough not to go inside. I grabbed my cell phone out of my purse and dialed what was now a familiar number. Willie.
    “Hey there, what’s up? Change your mind about that drink later?”
    “No, I wish it were that.”
    “Is everything okay?”
    “What’s up is that you’d better get to my place. Someone broke in.”
    “What? Are you all right?” Again he had that immediate concern that was so sweet.
    “Yeah, I’m fine. I haven’t even walked in yet.”
    “Don’t. Go back downstairs and stay with the doorman until I get there.”
    “Okay. But this routine is starting to become way too familiar, and I’m tired of it.” This sucked. I was so tired and now had no hope of getting to bed soon. Willie would come and bring the crime tech guys, they would do their thing, then I might be able to get in. But probably not until tomorrow—and then I would have to clean.
    “I can imagine. I’m sorry, but we’ll get to the bottom of this soon.”
    “Do you think this is related to the break-in at Silk or Solange’s murder?”
    “You know my standard line is I don’t know yet, but I honestly can’t imagine how it’s not related. I’ve got a call in to the crime scene techs to get the results from their processing of the store from earlier.”
    “Boutique.”
    “Ah yes, boutique. See you soon.”
    “Hi, again Charles,” I said, stepping off the elevator.
    “Hey, Red, what brings you back down so soon?”
    “Someone broke into my condo, Charles.”
    “Oh no, Red, I’m so sorry.” He immediately frowned and started wringing his hands.
    “Charles, did you see anyone go up that you didn’t know?”
    “No. I got here at six and only residents have been here, not even any visitors. Red, I’m so sorry. This is my fault. It’s the doorman’s job to keep everyone safe.”
    Poor Charles looked almost in tears. He took his job very seriously and often said we tenants were like family. I had no doubt he had been diligent at his job.
    “Charles, this isn’t your fault. The intruder obviously came in before your shift or snuck in somehow. Please don’t worry. The police will be here soon, and they will figure it out. I don’t blame you.”
    As I spoke, Willie walked in. He was in shorts and a tank top. Most definitely workout clothes, and boy, did he look yummy. I must have called when he was at the