Page 2 of Wild Wolf

I flicked on the lights and continued through the home.

The large flatscreen TV still sat on its stand in the living room. A few books had been pulled from shelves. They littered the floor.

French doors opened to the patio. Reflections from the water shimmered caustics on the walls and ceiling.

I continued down the hallway, flicked on the lights, and cleared the guest bedroom, bathroom, and master.

More drawers had been pulled open, and clothing scattered about. More books rummaged through. The bed had been tossed, the mattress and covers in disarray.

Several pieces of expensive jewelry remained on the dresser in the master bedroom. A nice, flame-top Les Paul guitar with a cherry burst sat on a stand in the corner, unmolested. Whoever broke in was looking for something specific.

After clearing the house and walking around the perimeter, I returned to JD and Taryn in the front yard. “There’s nobody in the house.”

Taryn breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”

“Do you keep large amounts of cash around?”

Taryn shook her head. “No. I’m a professor at the university. What do you consider large amounts of cash? A few hundred bucks?”

I chuckled and shrugged. “I’ve seen people killed over less.”

She frowned. “I’m sure you have.”

“What about guns?”

“I don’t own a gun, but after tonight, I’m thinking of getting one.”

“Did you have anything else of value in the home?”

“Just some jewelry. My guitar.”

“It’s still there. Nice guitar.”

“You play?” JD asked.

“Not really. It was my dad’s. A 1959 Les Paul.”

Jack’s eyes rounded, impressed. “That’s worth a pretty penny. You’re lucky these people were morons. Do you know what that’s worth?”

In good condition, a guitar like that could go for a quarter million or more.

“Not really. But sentimental value is priceless.”

“It’s safe to go back in the home, but your back door isn’t secure,” I said. “I wouldn’t advise staying here until you get that fixed. Then again, leaving the house empty might not be the best either.”

“Especially with that guitar sitting around,” JD added.

“So, what do I do now?” Taryn asked, full of concern.

“Make a list of everything missing, fill out a report online or at the station, and contact your insurance company,” I said.

Her brow crinkled with annoyance. “That’s it?”

“That’s really all we can do at the moment. If they took anything, maybe it will show up in a pawn shop. Hopefully, you’ll get it back.”

She huffed. “Can’t you dust for prints?”

“I can have the forensic team come out, but we’re short on manpower at the moment.”