Free Lady Justice on the Dark Side (Volume 19) by Robert Thornhill Page A

the door and Andrew Pitts entered carrying the painting in a protective cardboard container.
        Pitts gave me the once-over.
        “And who might this be?”
        “This is Archibald Williams, my art expert.”
        “I don’t recognize the name,” Pitts said, extending his hand. “I thought I knew most of the art experts in the city.”
        “Oh, my goodness no,” Kevin replied. “He’s not from Kansas City. I brought him with me from Boston. I could never trust a stranger on a matter such as this.”
        I had to admire Kevin. He could spit out a lie on a moment’s notice. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do that.
        “Well, let’s see it,” Kevin said, rubbing his hands. “I’ve been waiting so long for a Benton.”
        Pitts carefully unwrapped the painting.
        When it was fully exposed, Kevin examined it closely.
        “Yes, that’s definitely it, the Construction Workers oil.”
        That was the signal Blaylock had been waiting for.
        He entered the room with his badge in one hand and the other hand on the butt of his gun.
        “Andrew Pitts, you’re under arrest. Put your hands behind your back.”
        The expression on Pitt’s face was priceless.
        He had nearly gotten away with the perfect crime, but his greed and a skillfully concocted plan by two senior citizen gumshoes had done him in.
        After Blaylock cuffed Pitts and read him his rights, Kevin gave him a smile. “Told you this would be the easiest collar you’ve ever made.”
        Blaylock just shook his head in bewilderment as he marched Pitts out the door.
        “Great work,” Suzanne said. “I thank you, and my client, Jason Knight thanks you. Just send me your itemized bill.”
        “It was as pleasure working with you, as always.” I said, shaking her hand. “If there’s ---.”
        “Absolutely! If I ever need two, over-the-hill investigators, you’ll be my first call. In fact, I might even spread the word to my colleagues that the two of you are pretty darn good.”
        When she was gone, I turned to Kevin. “Archibald? Really?”
        He just grinned and gave me a wink.
        I was elated.
        Justice had been served, and I felt that my moral integrity was still intact.
        Maybe setting up shop on the dark side wouldn’t be so bad after all.

CHAPTER 10
     
        By mid-week, I had filled out all the forms and paid my fees. As far as the city of Kansas City was concerned, I was a legitimate licensed private investigator
        The next step was to meet with Brian Godfrey, the attorney Suzanne had recommended, to finalize the paperwork that would set up my professional corporation. That was going to cost a small fortune, so I figured before I took that final step I should talk things over with the important people in my life.
        I already had the conversation with Maggie and she was still on board. So far, I had worked four cases and only left my car once, and that was to enjoy a gourmet meal in a fancy hotel room. There had been no bullets, no gang bangers and thankfully, no threats on my life, plus, I had been rewarded handsomely for all four gigs.
        I ordered pizza and summoned the usual crowd, Mary, Willie, Dad, Bernice, Jerry, the Professor, Kevin and Veronica.
        They sat in awe as I shared a few details about the four cases that led up to my decision to become a professional sleuth.
        Dad was the first to speak. “Hot damn! My son --- a shamus! First a cop and now a dick! I couldn’t be more proud.”
        “So are you going to get one of those funny hats and a pipe like Sherlock Holmes?” Bernice asked. “I always thought he was kind of sexy.”
        “No, probably not. That would be a dead giveaway and we private eyes like to stay in the background out of sight.”
        “Sure, I get it,” she replied nodding. “Hush hush stuff.”
        “Have you decided on a