Free Shay O'Hanlon Caper 03 - Pickle in the Middle Murder by Jessie Chandler. Page A

United States of America, to see my Tulip.” At the mention of Tulip’s name, Rocky’s face brightened even more. “That is exactly one thousand two hundred twenty-five point three three miles from here.”

six
    Rocky decided he wanted to come with us. I didn’t think we’d be gone too long, so we locked up Eddy’s jalopy and hopped in my truck. I know Coop was praying for someone to come along and steal all the phone books, but I was sure most people would stay as far away from them as they could get.
    The city streets were quiet; folks were probably inside getting ready to watch the Vikings lose another one. With luck the cop shop would be empty, too.
    Only half a dozen cars were parked in the precinct lot when we pulled in. Eddy decided to wait in the pickup. If she couldn’t be in the thick of things, getaway driver was her next favorite option. Rocky, Coop, and I trundled through the imposing iron and glass doors.
    Inside, a teen of indeterminate age sprawled on one of the benches in the lobby. The hood of a frayed black sweat jacket covered the top of his head, and his hands were stuffed in his armpits. He tried to appear insolent, but the constant bouncing of his knee told the real tale. I wondered what his story was.
    I hoped the same officer I’d talked to yesterday would be on duty again. No one was behind the window, so Coop leaned on the buzzer.
    About three minutes later, to my relief, C. Chevalier appeared at the window. I stared at her nameplate as she sat down, and something clicked in my brain. Chandra. Her first name was Chandra.
    She keyed the mic with a friendly smile. “Shay, right?”
    I nodded and crossed imaginary fingers. “Yeah, right. Hey, Chandra, when I was here last night I think I left my wallet on Tyrell’s desk.”
    Her smile faded. “He’s not in—”
    “I know,” I said quickly. “He told me to come on down and check.” A small lie for the greater good, right? Hopefully this wouldn’t get back to Tyrell.
    Chandra’s gaze slid to Coop and Rocky, who were crowded in right behind me. “Well, I can see who’s in to escort you up, but your two friends will have to wait here.”
    “I don’t need an escort, I’ll just dash in and right back out.”
    Her lips pursed a moment. “No one’s supposed to come into any secured area without an escort.”
    Before I could say anything else, Chandra scooped up the phone and dialed a number. And waited. After what had to be a full minute of ringing, she said, “No one’s picking up in the squad room. I—”
    “Hey,” Coop interjected, “You can guard Rocky and me here while Shay just runs up quick to see if her wallet’s there or not. If she doesn’t come back, you can arrest us.” He gave her a dazzling, irresistible grin.
    “Well, I really shouldn’t …”
    She was weakening. I added, “I know the way, and it’d be just a second. I won’t get lost, promise.” I flashed her my own pandering smile and leaned conspiratorially toward her until my forehead touched the glass. I lowered my voice. “Chandra, I really need my wallet. Without it it’s hard to buy, you know, items for my monthly …
feminine needs. No cash. I’m in a bit of a pinch here, and I don’t really want to explain that to these goof balls.” I jerked my thumb toward Coop and Rocky.
    A knowing look crossed Chandra’s face. Items for monthly feminine needs were something she could relate to. There was definitely something to be said for the sisterhood of the travelling pads. Or tampons.
    She gave me an exaggerated nod of understanding, bit her bottom lip. Then she said, “All right. But be quick, okay?”
    “Like a gazelle,” I assured her and headed for the door Tyrell had propelled me through the night before. A muffled buzz sounded, and I pulled the handle. The door popped open, so I squirted through it. I caught a fragment of Rocky saying, “Chandra Chevalier, did you know that the Minneapolis phone book has exactly two thousand