The Relic: A Savvy Macavoy Story Read online

  “He won’t be,” Adler said from the doorway. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Ms. Macavoy, can I sit with him?”

  “If that’s what he wants,” she watched Leonard’s lips form a smile.

  “Thank you,” he limped into the room.

  “Here, take my seat,” she touched the chair. “Leonard, I’ll be back, bright and early,” She grabbed her notebooks and pushed them into her bag. She flung it over her shoulder and leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Get some rest,” She headed out of the room, closing the door behind her.

  Adler sat down and touched Leonard’s hand. “I brought your textbooks and some whiskey.”

  “You read my mind,” Leonard smiled. “How d’you get my books?”

  “I stopped by the Agency on my way back here and Mr. Strickland was nice enough to give me the few textbooks that were on your desk. He said you liked the Kentucky brand of Whiskey.”

  “That and Irish Whiskey, but I don’t always splurge on the expensive stuff.”

  “Well, I did,” Adler pulled a green bottle out of his shoulder bag. “I hope this goes with morphine.”

  “Me, too, ‘cause this arm really hurts.”

  “All right. Let me quiz you and you just lean back and relax. I ordered dinner for us for later, so it’ll be here in an hour or so. Your favorite.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course,” he smiled. “I stopped by Capone’s Bar and asked that… uh, Harry, what you always ordered. He told me his lasagna with homemade meat sauce. So, I ordered two servings. He said he could drop it off and I agreed as long it wasn’t Friend delivering.”

  “Oh, right, Friend. Do we need to talk about him?”

  “No,” he leaned forward and kissed Leonard’s cheek. “I’ll ask, you answer,” he leaned back in the chair, setting the first textbook on his lap.

  “If you insist,” Leonard smiled. “Do I get a drink?”

  “Of course,” he pulled out two plastic cups from his bag and poured them both a cup of whiskey. “I filled it. Saves time.”

  “Uh, Adler, thanks,” Leonard said.

  “Always,” he lifted his cup up. “Now,” he opened the textbook. “Statute of limitations. Ooh, sounds interesting.”

  15

  Savvy walked into the back door of her home and closed it behind her. She set her bag on the kitchen table, when she noticed the red doors that led to the Agency were opened. “Strick?”

  “In here,” he called back.

  She walked into the Agency’s office. “What’s going on?” She watched as he and Harry were nailing large plastic sheets to the wall that connected to the next building.

  “Construction will start in four days. We’re just getting a head start,” Strick explained. “We already found the door upstairs that leads from here to the new apartment. It was supposed to be two apartments on that floor, but we think the best thing to do is open it up for Leonard as one apartment.”

  “Oh, sure,” she sat on the edge of her desk. “This won’t affect our investigations or Leonard studying, right?”

  Strick walked over and kissed her cheek. “I need to talk to you about some things I found today, but I think mine may help you out. We can talk later. How is Leonard?”

  “Mr. Stein is with him now,” she smiled.

  Harry glanced at his watch. “That reminds me. I need to get their dinner over to them at the hospital,” he kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back to help out tomorrow,” He headed out the front door.

  Savvy locked the door behind him and turned to face Strick. “So, what’s this other thing about?”

  He put his arms around her waist. “Tomorrow, or later, but right now, you need to relax. I’ll get dinner.”

  “You’re going to cook?”

  “I put a roast in the oven earlier and made some potatoes. You are getting a treat tonight.”

  “Hmm, sounds good,” she smiled. “What’s the special occasion?”

  He put his arm around her waist and led her to the kitchen, closing the red doors. “I know you’re still blaming yourself for what happened today, and I want us to just enjoy each other. Business can wait. You and me, it’s been a while since we’ve had some time to ourselves. Tomorrow, Leonard will be here.”

  “Does that bother you?”

  “Nope,” he kissed her cheek and pulled out the chair for her at the table. “Leonard is like a brother to me. He’s the greatest and I hate that Ryan shot him. I hate that you blame yourself. I want us to both take care of him and I’ll even help him study or whatever. He helped me when I took my PI exam. I just want you to relax. We’ll eat, then go upstairs and curl up in front of the television and watch an old movie or something.”

  “Clint Eastwood?” her eyes lit up.

  “If you insist,” he kissed her mouth softly. “And whiskey.”

  “Sounds like the perfect evening. Will I be getting dessert?”

  “Definitely,” he smiled. “Now, just sit back and relax. I’ll get you a cup of coffee, and then dish out the food. It’s almost done.”

  Savvy curled her legs underneath her as she sat on the sofa next to Strick. He put his arm around her. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “For what?” he kissed the top of her head.

  “Knowing what I need before I even know myself.”

  “You do the same for me,” he smiled. “I love you, Savvy and I probably should say it more than I do.”

  “You show it and that’s all that matters. I never, ever doubt you or your love.”

  “Even when I’m late?”

  “Just worried, not doubt. There’s a difference.”

  “I know, I know,” he smiled. “So, what do you want to do tonight?”

  “Just sit here in your arms,” she smiled.

  “Can we talk about work?”

  She sat up, admiring his eyes. “You have something to tell me?”

  “I don’t know how important it is, but I think you should know before you read my report.”

  “Oh, right, you said you closed your case, right?”

  “Yes,” he lightly touched her cheek. “I found the items. They were traded, through what they call is an underground pawn shop. Legitimate owners of pawnshops, report stolen goods or whatever and there are those that don’t care, but still have their shop. However, these, uh, traders, let’s call ‘em that, the traders, take the goods and they change hands with large amounts of cash. They have everything from appraisers to the thieves and a bunch of traders. I found the stolen goods I was looking for and I reported some of my intel to Tim, you know, that part that had nothing to do with my case.”

  “I know,” she smiled. “I trust you.”

  “Thanks, but it’s always good to hear,” he smiled. “I ran across some names that may help with your investigation.”

  “Oh?”

  “I remember what Stein’s room looked like, the items that were missing and I kept an ear out for anything that would link back to his theft. There are like four names that specialize in rare, military goods, but two of them, go the extra mile and dabble in the rare death collections like Stein does. I don’t know if these guys are involved in the theft, but most likely they could be involved in the sale.”

  “I do wonder if someone is trying to start their own collection using Stein’s collectibles, or someone just wanted money. But if someone just wanted quick cash, they would’ve robbed somewhere else, someone else. It’s too planned and someone has to be familiar with the building or Stein’s set up. I bet it’s someone who has been there before.”

  “Well if you need some help on this,” he smiled. “Just say so. I’m freed up right now.”

  “Well, you could help me with something, but it’s not about the case. I mean, I may need your help on this, especially if I need to do more leg work, but we need to hire an assistant for the office. And, someone needs to stay close to home, when Leonard comes home.”

  “I’m way ahead of you,” he smiled. “I’ll take care of the office wor
k until we get a new hire. We needed one anyway once Leonard gets his law license. And, I’ve posted the jobs in the local papers. They are mapping out the building and updating the blueprints tomorrow, so they can start construction soon. I just hope the construction won’t bother Leonard.”

  “By the time the construction starts, he’ll have already taken the bar exam. He needs to rest and to study. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Mr. Stein around here more often.”

  “Probably,” Strick said. “I just hate what Ryan did.”

  “So, do I,” she said. “Was he dangerous before?”

  “I never knew him to be dangerous. Drunk, yes. A total jerk, definitely. A Fowl jerk if you ask me,” he grinned.

  “Very funny, but you’re right,” she held his face and kissed him softly. “OK, work is over until tomorrow. Whiskey?”

  “I’ll get the glasses and the bottle,” he stood up. “You can pick the movie tonight.”

  “Oh, how ‘bout Magnum Force?”

  “I swear you’re going to wear out that Blu-ray. You should get it on digital.”

  “I like it this way. Up until a few years ago, I had all my collection on VHS.”

  “I remember,” he smiled. “All right, Clint Eastwood it is.”

  “As it should be,” she smiled. “And tomorrow, I’ll let you watch Kelly’s Heroes.”

  He sat next to her on the sofa, setting the rocks glasses and bottle of whiskey on the table. “Your favorite label,” he smiled.

  “You do spoil me,” she lightly tugged on her braid.

  “I love to spoil you,” he leaned back and put his arm around her. “I love everything about you, Savvy.”

  16

  The next morning, Savvy opened the door and led Leonard into the back door of her home. “Just take it easy, go nice and slow.”

  His arm was in a sling, strapped close to his body. “Honey if I walked any slower, I’d be standing still,” he smiled.

  “You just let me take care of you,” she smiled.

  “Whatever will make you feel better and not blame yourself. And I do love that you’re letting me stay with you.”

  “I love it, too,” she smiled. “Do you want to lay down or sit at the table?”

  “I’m kinda hungry and I could use some coffee,” he smiled. “I skipped the hospital breakfast, didn’t look like real food.”

  She pulled a chair out from the table. “You sit. I’ll make a pot. As for food, uh, well, I can order in,” As she said that, the back door opened. “Harry?”

  “We figured you needed food,” Harry smiled, carrying a box.

  Tim followed behind him, also carrying another box. “I’ve taken some time off, but I’m on call, so I’ll be here to help as much as I can,” Both men set their box on the table. “Hot food, cold food, whatever you need.”

  “Why’d you take time? I’ve got this,” Savvy said.

  “Sunshine,” Harry kissed her cheek. “I have Friend covering the bar, along with your brothers. All of them.”

  “Oh, they’re here in town?” she grimaced.

  “Not for you to deal with, but for me to deal with. Tim and I are going to help Leonard, help in the Agency where needed and help with the construction, which started already. Or should’ve. I don’t hear any noise. Why don’t I hear any noise?” Harry asked.

  Strick walked in from the red doors. “That’s because of the sound proof blankets. They’ve put them on the walls on this side and the other side. They’ve created the doorway upstairs from this side to Leonard’s place, but they won’t tear down the walls down here until the renovations upstairs are done,” He walked over to Savvy and kissed her cheek. “I took some calls this morning. Mostly for Leonard. But there was one for you, from a Mr. Gutenberg?” he handed Leonard a stack of pink papers and one to Savvy.

  “Well, I need to help Leonard,” she sighed, looking at the paper.

  “Nonsense. First, you all eat lunch,” Harry said. “We’ll take care of Leonard.”

  “And I’ll take any calls that come in the Agency,” Tim said.

  “Oh, but you’re a… well ...,” Savvy’s eyes shifted to Leonard and then Strick.

  “Yes, I’m a cop, but I’m not going to say that on the phone. I’ll just take messages, that’s all. I’ll be Leonard’s assistant today.”

  “Good,” Savvy said. “Tim, I didn’t mean anything by that, you know.”

  “I know,” he smiled. “Now, let’s eat.”

  After they ate, Savvy touched Leonard’s cheek. “You sure you’re OK with this? I can stay.”

  “Yes, I’m tired, so I’m going to take a nap. When I get up, I have some studying to do. Strick said he’d help me with that. Uh, Adler may stop by.”

  “Oh, that’s fine. I have some work to do on his case. I just have more questions than answers right now.”

  “Well, you’ll figure it out. You always do,” He slowly stood up. “Maybe later I’ll review your notes. I do know a little bit more about Adler than you do,” He smirked.

  “Honey, I love you but whether or not he wears boxers or briefs isn’t going to affect the case,” she chuckled.

  “It’s both, for the record,” he smiled. “I’m going to bed. Are you going to tuck me in?”

  “Of course,” she put her arm around his waist and slowly led him to her bedroom.

  “I was kidding.”

  “I wasn’t,” she smiled. “Leonard, let me do this. It is my fault.”

  “No, it’s not,” he yawned.

  “Do you want a pain killer?”

  “No, I had one an hour ago with my lunch. I’m fine, just tired,” He slowly lay down.

  She covered him up with the blanket and kissed his cheek. “You rest. I’ll check in on you later. Yes, I know Tim, Harry and Strick are here, but I’ll be here, too,” She watched as he quickly dozed off and then she left the room. She headed into the kitchen as Strick walked in from the Agency. “He’s asleep.”

  “Tim is at Leonard’s desk and Harry is upstairs with the foreman. Did you need my help with your case?”

  “You could do some research for me.”

  “Of course, whatever you need.”

  “I know you said your case may be related, or at least give you something to go on. Can you investigate that for me? I need to see Mr. Gutenberg again. I called him, but he didn’t want to talk on the phone. He wanted to meet in his office after the museum closed.”

  “Just be careful,” He smiled.

  “Strick, it’s a museum.”

  “Yeah and there are a lot of ancient weapons there,” he smiled. “I’ve done my research on that place, too.”

  “Gutenberg?”

  “He’s an expert in his field, he’s a credible source, but he may be in touch with someone who isn’t. Just be careful.”

  “I will. I just need to grab my bag,” she smiled. “Oh, dear, I almost forgot to call Angelica.”

  “Savvy?”

  “Well, she worries about me and now, Leonard. If she calls, tell her I’ll call her when I get back. Don’t tell her I forgot.”

  “She’ll understand. She knows you’re taking care of Leonard.”

  “And maybe you can find out why Harry really called all my brothers back home.”

  “Oh, I do know,” he smirked. “And don’t you worry about it. Call it penance.”

  “What? Are they twelve and he’s grounded them?”

  “Close to it. You know your family, they know they must obey Harry.”

  “That’s true, well, they do. Me? Not always,” she grinned. “Uh, Strick, I love you.”

  “I know,” he smiled. “Copy that.”

  “You are so not funny,” she kissed his mouth softly.

  “I love you, too,” he lightly touched her cheek.

  “Copy that,” she walked through the red doors to the Agency.

  17

  Savvy walked up the steps to the Natural History Museum and knocked on the locked door. Jarrod walked over to the door and nodded as he u
nlocked. “Ms. Macavoy, Mr. Gutenberg said you’d be coming.”

  She walked inside. “Is anyone else here?”

  “I think Ms. Jerome is in her office, but that’s it.”

  “Mr. Gutenberg seemed upset when I talked to him a few hours ago. Did you notice anything strange happen today?”

  Jarrod escorted her to the elevators. “He was working on a new display today. The new World War II display. It’s an expanse of our current display. He had two visitors. One was Mr. Stein. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but I wasn’t watching them. I was training two new security officers today,” He pushed the up button and the doors opened. The two of them walked into the elevator. “Sorry, I need to escort you when we’re closed.”

  “It’s fine,” she smiled. “You said he had two visitors?”

  “I never saw the other woman before. She wasn’t here long,” He led her off the elevator when the doors opened. He looked down the hall toward Mr. Gutenberg’s office. “That’s strange.”

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “His door. There’s something on the glass,” he said.

  “Uh, when is the last time you saw Mr. Gutenberg?” she asked as they hurried down the hall.

  “Two hours ago. He came downstairs to tell me you were coming and then he took the elevator back up.”

  Savvy put her hand in her bag, grasping her weapon. “Jarrod, when I point, open the door,” she whispered.

  Jarrod put his hand on the knob, slowing turning it. He nodded.

  “Now,” she whispered and pointed to the door.

  Jarrod slowly opened the door as Savvy aimed her weapon in slightly downward position. Mr. Gutenberg’s body fell into the hallway as the door opened. “Oh, god,” Jarrod covered his mouth.

  Savvy aimed her weapon as she stepped over his body, into the office. She looked around the cluttered room, searching for his assailant. “There’s no one here,” she sighed. She placed her gun in her waistband and kneeled next to Mr. Gutenberg, taking his pulse in his neck. “Faint pulse. He’s still alive. Jarrod, call 9-1-1. Hurry. Someone wanted this man dead.”

  Jarrod pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed.