Unveiled Treasures by Kayla Janz Page B

She attempted to make her way to the door.
    “Please, call me Ed. Perhaps some other time then?” he persisted.
    “Perhaps, I really must be going, um, Ed. I left my dog outside.”
    Ed’s face paled visibly. “You brought that vicious beast in to town with you?” he demanded.
    “How dare you! Don’t you ever say anything about my dog. He is a wonderful animal and happens to be an excellent judge of character,” she snapped back at him.
    His already thin lips all but disappeared as his mouth hardened. The beady eyes narrowed to tiny slits as he spoke softly. “Have a care, Ms. Hardy. It’s not polite to insult people. You wouldn’t want to make enemies along the way.”
    “Oh, but it’s perfectly acceptable for you to run off at the mouth? Stay far away from us, Mr. Templeton, very far.” Rachel grabbed her bags, spun on her heel and stomped out of the store. She knew he followed her out of the store. Brutus started to growl low and fierce.
    “We have leash laws in this town, Ms. Hardy. I’d hate to turn him in to the authorities. One look at a beast like that, they wouldn’t waste a moment to put him down.”
    Rachel slammed her bags into the back of the truck, turned around and walked right up to his face. Poking her finger in his chest, she stood toe to toe with him. “Look, buddy, I don’t know what your problem is, but if you have any sort of a brain in that head of yours you will read my lips and hear what I am saying to you. Stay away from me and my dog!” With a final glare, Rachel stomped back to her truck and got in. She drove away leaving him standing on the sidewalk watching.
    * * * *
    Ed slid his hands over his hair to slick it back in place. Straightening his jacket, he walked down the block to his office. He tried avoiding the looks of passersby who’d witnessed the scene. Once behind closed doors, he flew in to a fit of rage. Scattering papers across the desk and floor, he stormed over to the liquor cabinet. “That woman is going to be the death of me, literally,” he said to his reflection in the bar mirror. “Months of planning and preparation are wasted because of her. The paintings and statues are gone, but the necklace is still there. The police haven’t found it and neither has she.” Edward, my dear fellow, you were very clever to hide it in that little chest on the shelf. Now all you need do is devise another plan to get back in there again. You have less than twenty-four hours to recover that necklace.
    Sitting down at his desk, Ed produced a small vial of cocaine. After snorting a line, he immediately felt better. Once the euphoria of the drug set in, he began creating his plan to reacquire his merchandise.
    The telephone rang beside him and brought him out of his momentary haze. “Ed Templeton here,” he answered.
    “Edward, I have received some disturbing news,” the raspy voice said. “I understand my paintings are in police custody.”
    “Y-Y-Yes, sir. Someone found my hiding place before I could ship them off.” Fear clutched his throat making it difficult to talk. “The necklace is still safe, Mr. Vee.”
    “That is good…for your sake. I will let you in on a little secret, Edward. All I really wanted was the necklace. Acquiring the paintings and art pieces made it more challenging…interesting. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    Sweating profusely, Ed replied, “I can get it for you, but I need some more time. It’s a little hot around here right now.”
    “You have until Sunday at noon. It has come to my attention that a very dear friend of mine lives in the area. I have decided to come and pick up the merchandise, personally. My plane arrives in Phoenix Saturday evening. I will acquire transportation and meet you at Slide Rock Park on Sunday. I have surmised that a public place will not draw any undue attention to us. Do not keep me waiting any longer. I find I am growing tired of your incompetence.”
    “Thank you, sir, I’ll be there,” Ed rambled on and