Page 46 of Screwed

“Yeah, they were flagged and we were able to arrest the suspect before he could get away.”

“That’s good,” I say, my shoulders sagging in relief. “When can I get the pieces back?”

I look over to the display case. It looks strange with it sitting empty but I didn’t have the heart to put anything else there. That spot belonged to my grandparents’ things and nothing else.

“We need them for evidence with the case for a little bit but I’ll make sure that they get back to you as soon as they’re released,” he tells me kindly and I nod, my eyes starting to well with tears.

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” I tell him as I try to wipe the tears on my cheeks away.

“Of course. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“I will. Thank you,” I say again.

I can’t seem to stop saying it but Officer Miles doesn’t seem to mind. He turns and heads for the door and I realize that I never even thought to ask him who robbed me.

“Who was it?” I call, stopping him before he can reach the door. “Who was the thief?”

“His name is Abel Michaels,” he says and my mouth drops open. “Do you know him?” He asks when he sees my reaction and I try to get my emotions under control.

I think that I’m going to be sick.

“Sort of,” I mumble and he gives me a funny look before he heads back out to his police cruiser.

Abel Michaels.

Arlo’s brother broke into my shop and stole from me?

With that thought I run back behind the counter and grab my wastebasket. I dry heave into it, tears streaming down my cheeks and I can’t even decide why I’m crying so hard.

Then it hits me.

Did Arlo know?