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“Breaking and entering?”

Quinn grinned, and for a second, he looked exactly like his old self. “Not exactly.”

“Don’t try to tell me you’re a cop.” Quinn did not look like the cops Andy knew. There was something about him, though. An air of authority. He was very sure of himself.

“Not exactly. But I do have investigative experience.”

Andy remained wary. “What does that mean? You’re a-a PI?”

“Not—”

“Exactly,” Andy finished. “Got it. I appreciate the offer, but no thanks.”

Even as he said it, he wondered if he was making a mistake, reacting out of hurt pride and injured feelings. Sixteen years was a long time. They were both different people. Quinnexuded confidence and competency, and Andy could use a little of that in his life just then.

Quinn studied him for a moment, his eyes unreadable in the shadowy light. “Okay,” he said slowly, “but I’d like to make some things up to you.”

“No. You don’t owe me anything.”

Quinn kept on, as though Andy hadn’t spoken. “And, I don’t mean to butt into what isn’t my business, but you look like you could use a hand.”

To Andy’s astonishment, Quinn reached out, lightly, gently brushing Andy’s bruised temple. His expression was grave, even pained.

Andy winced, though that feather-fall of a touch was too light to hurt. He said bitterly, “Thanks, I’ve already had one.”

Something dark and dangerous seemed to slither through Quinn’s gaze.

“Want to tell me about it?”

“No. I really don’t.” Andy added reluctantly, “But…I guess if you want to take a look around the shop and see if something jumps out at you…”

Quinn winked. “I’m assuming you don’t mean literally.”

“No promises. Someone broke in earlier today. Though that might not have had anything to do with last night’s break-in.”

Quinn stopped smiling. “Wait a minute. Someone broke in heretoday? There was asecondbreak-in?”

“Yes.”

“Did you get a glimpse—”

“No. I didn’t see anything. I heard whoever it was moving around in the back, but they took off through the bathroom window before I could get a look.”

“So maybe they were after the safe?”

Now that was interesting. How did Quinn know that the safe was in Uncle C.’s office? Andy had never shared that information. Or was Quinn just drawing a logical conclusion?

“Maybe.” Andy was doubtful. “But they could hardly try picking a lock in broad daylight. The bathroom window was probably the safest way in.”

Quinn looked thoughtful. “And what did Millard say about the second break-in?”

“I didn’t talk to the chief. But Ruthanne Wolf believes that teenaged boys—possibly her own sons—are after Uncle C.’s repro armor.”

“Why wouldn’t they have taken it with them last night?”

Andy shook his head.

“Okay. Where was Cutty found?”