Chapter 7 - The Police Spin|
Ricardo didn’t hesitate. He threw the doll directly at the gunman’s face and lunged for the kitchen island.
The man batted the doll away, the silenced pistol letting out a quiet, deadly pfft. A bullet shattered the ceramic fruit bowl on the counter, inches from Ricardo’s hand.
Ricardo grabbed a heavy cast-iron skillet from the stove and swung wildly, catching the second intruder in the jaw with a sickening crack. The man went down hard.
The gunman raised his weapon again, but the apartment building’s fire alarm suddenly began blaring with a deafening screech—Marcus must have pulled it on his way down the stairs.
Cursing loudly, the gunman grabbed the fallen doll from the floor, dragged his unconscious partner by the collar, and fled down the hallway.
Ten minutes later, the apartment was swarming with uniformed police officers.
Detective Vance, a weary-looking man with a cheap suit and a bad comb-over, scribbled half-heartedly in his notepad as Ricardo explained the break-in.
“So, let me get this straight,” Vance said, chewing on a piece of nicotine gum. “Two armed men broke into your apartment in broad daylight... to steal a vintage ragdoll?”
“It wasn't about the doll,” Ricardo insisted, keeping his hand deep in his pocket where the micro-SD card rested safely. “It’s connected to my sister’s death. Lucas is involved. He’s trying to destroy evidence.”
Vance sighed heavily, snapping his notepad shut.
“Look, Mr. Silva. I read the file on your sister. It was a tragic medical malpractice case. It’s closed. Your ex-brother-in-law is a respected corporate director in this city. Without proof, this sounds like a custody dispute getting out of hand.”
“They shot at me! Look at the counter!” Ricardo pointed at the shattered bowl.
“A stray bullet from a burglary gone wrong. It happens. We’ll keep an eye out for guys in gray coats. Change your locks.”
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Vance turned and walked out, clearly dismissing the entire event.
Ricardo locked the door behind the police. The system wasn't going to help him. If he wanted to protect Bia, he had to go on the offensive. He pulled the SD card from his pocket and walked to his laptop.
