Hitched

43

While Shauna and Tyler were hauled off in the back of a police car, Regan and Jack went up to Pamela and Arnold ’s apartment for a quick chat.

“Thank you, thank you,” Pamela cried.

“I’m sorry if I was rude to you yesterday, Regan,” Arnold said contritely. “Turns out it’s a good thing Shauna got publicity. Otherwise those two miserable ingrates would be off with all of Pamela’s jewelry.” Arnold ’s face turned beet red. “I just can’t believe we trusted those two in the first place.”

“Calm down, dear,” Pamela said. She turned to Regan and Jack. “This is embarrassing, but Tyler did save my life.”

“They took advantage of your gratitude,” Regan said.

“She even told us she was pregnant,” Pamela said. “They said they’d name the baby after one of us. I’m sure they were lying.”

“We’ll soon find out,” Jack replied with a raised eyebrow.

Regan looked thoughtful. “They’ve been here since January? They weren’t working that whole time?”

Pamela shrugged. “ Tyler did odd jobs for us. We gave him cash but not that much. He chauffeured us in our car when we had to go out in the evening. Shauna did some cooking. They made themselves so helpful. Shauna kept saying she had to get busy and make more jewelry to sell after the wedding. But it never seemed to happen.”

Regan rolled her eyes.

“I know, Regan. It’s ridiculous.”

“Well, whatever,” Regan said. “The police will be going through their suitcases to see if there’s anything else that belongs to you. Be sure to check around to make sure there’s nothing else missing that they might have taken in these last three months and already sold.”

“We’ll go over this place with a fine-tooth comb,” Arnold declared.

“For all we know they could have been in on the robbery at the bridal salon,” Jack said. “Where were they on Friday night?”

“They went out to a concert. We watched a movie in bed, then went to sleep early. We never hear them when they come in. I have no idea what time they got home,” Pamela replied wearily.

“I’m sure you two could use a rest,” Regan said. “We’ll be in touch.”

By the time Regan and Jack got back downstairs, reporters were already camped outside the building. Regan had contacted the Tiger News Network. They had, after all, been the reason that Shauna and Tyler were thwarted.

“Regan Reilly,” one of the reporters began, “one of the April Brides turns out to be a jewel thief. What do you have to say about that?”

“I’m glad she’s been caught.”

“What about her stolen dress?”

“What about it? Alfred and Charisse have one less dress they have to worry about replacing.”

The reporters laughed.

“You were on the air with Brianne Barth this morning. Have you talked to Tracy Timber or Victoria Beardsley today?”

“I haven’t had any reason to.”

“Do you think you will?”

“I can’t say.”

When Regan and Jack got back in the car, her cell phone rang. It was Alfred. He was delighted with all the excitement about Shauna.

“What did you think of her?” Regan asked.

“She was a phony,” Alfred cried.

“We know that now, Alfred,” Regan said with a slight shake of her head.

Jack’s cell phone rang. He answered it, listened, and put his hand on Regan’s arm. “Joyce’s purse was found this morning downtown. Her cell phone and license were in it. No cash.”

Regan’s face looked grave. “Alfred, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”