Hitched

60

Jack hated leaving Regan. He had an uncomfortable feeling and wanted to get back to her as quickly as possible. After his meeting with the police chief from Philadelphia, he stopped by his office briefly to check in.

One of his detectives was poring over the surveillance tape from the previous day’s bank robbery. “Take a look at this, boss,” he said to Jack as he rewound the tape and played it again.

The bank robber came into the bank, closed his umbrella, and headed for a teller. His face was pretty well covered by his rain gear, beard, mustache, and glasses. He handed the teller the note and then glanced around. He reached back and massaged his neck quickly, then rested his gloved right hand on his right cheek, with his index finger pointing up. Then he let his hand drop. It all took just a few seconds.

“I’ve been studying all the tapes,” the detective said. “This little mannerism is on all of them.”

“No surprise The Drip’s got tension in his neck,” Jack said. “Anything new on Dan’s Discount Den or the stolen credit card?”

“We’re going over the card owner’s charges for the last couple of months, checking out where he’s been. Unfortunately he’s a big spender. He’s been everywhere with that card. Any number of sales clerks have had their hands on it.”

“Okay, I’m heading back to Club Zee.”

“Nothing new on the missing girl?”

“Regan hasn’t contacted me, so I guess not.”

“Those situations usually don’t end up so well.”

“I know,” Jack said somberly as he strode out the door.