Hidden Deception. Leann Harris

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      Daniel and Raul walked the length of the alley behind the shops on the square. Cars from the shop owners and their employees dotted the alley. Parked behind the back door of Past Treasures was a cleaning truck. Daniel walked up the three steps that led to the door. The top step broadened out to make a small landing.

      Carefully, he studied the back lock.

      “Do you think it was a random robbery?” Raul asked. He glanced up and down the alley.

      “Could be, but why not break into the jewelry store or the art gallery? Wouldn’t it be easier to fence jewels or one of the smaller paintings than some antique chest?”

      “Naw, you couldn’t give away that art, but you might be able to get rid of the jewelry.”

      Daniel studied the back door. “I don’t see any signs of the lock being forced.”

      Raul joined Daniel on the top step. “So a pro did this, not an amateur or some teenager high on something.”

      “Sounds right to me. Let’s check the statistics on robberies in the area, but I don’t think it was random. I think whoever broke in was after something in that shop.”

      The back door opened and a man stepped out with a steam cleaner. He looked up and stopped. “The store’s closed today.”

      “I was so sorry to hear about Joyce.” A woman’s voice floated out of the open back door.

      Daniel pulled out his ID and showed it to the man. He shrugged and walked to his truck.

      “Is there anything I can do for you?” the woman continued.

      “No, but thank you. There’s nothing at the moment.”

      Daniel recognized Elena’s voice.

      He knocked on the back door to announce their presence.

      Elena and her mother and another woman turned toward the sound.

      “Detective.” Diane Jackson moved forward. “Is something wrong? Do you need more information?” A hint of panic colored her voice.

      He smiled to ease her anxiety. “We’ve come to look at your shop in the light, to see maybe where the murderer might’ve come from.”

      All three women paled.

      Daniel turned to the woman he didn’t know and introduced himself. “And you are?”

      “Susan Marks. My husband and I own Mama Rosa’s on the corner of the square.”

      “Did you know Joyce?”

      “Yes, I did. She helped with the homeless shelter. We donated food to the facility, and she helped us take it over there and serve.”

      “How long has she been doing that?” Raul questioned.

      “The last year and a half.”

      “Have you noticed anything unusual about her in the last few weeks?”

      “No.” Susan glanced at her watch. “I need to get back for the dinner rush.”

      Daniel pulled out his business card and gave it to the woman.

      After she left by the back door, he turned to Elena and her mother. “I’d call a locksmith today and have that back lock switched out. Whoever broke in here didn’t have a difficult time. Make it harder for anyone if it happens a next time.”