I copied the e-mail address that sent the picture and tried to see if I could track it somehow. After an hour of googling and searching, I gave up. I deleted the e-mail and emptied the trash bin.
I had been racking my brain all week about how they knew the house was supposed to be empty. They clearly could have gotten my name from the wallet they stole. The leader's voice sounded somewhat familiar. Where did I know that voice from...If that movie ever got out, my life would be ruined.
I thought about hiring a detective, but that would expose my situation. There had been no activity on any of my stolen credit cards. They probably took the cash and tossed the rest.
I scrolled through my e-mails and noticed a week old reminder from the travel agent about the trip...That's it! The travel agent was the same build as the Leader. That could have been him behind the ski mask! It was only 10:30 AM, so I got to their website and found out they were open until 5:00PM.
I put together a plan. I spoke to a friend of mine in law enforcement I went to school with. He is in another state, but told me most departments have a burglary task force that would be extremely interested in a potential serial burglary ring. There is no way I could have been their first robbery. I called our local police department and got the name of the lead burglary detective. My plan was coming together nicely.
I quickly showered and got dressed, checked my phone was fully charged and headed to the travel agency. I arrived about 12:15. It is a small agency with 2 desks when you walk in and an office in the back. There was a young lady at the desk on the left, no one at the other desk, and the office door was open but the light was off. Daniel Fisher was not in. The attractive young lady asked if she could help me.
I asked, "Danny's not in today?"
She replied, "He just left for lunch. He should be back in about an hour."
"Ok, I will come back in a bit. I have some errands to run...Have you had lunch yet?" I asked casually.
Her answer made my day. "No, I get to take lunch when he comes back."
I smiled looking down at her nametag, Well Beth, if I was 20 years younger, and not married, I would be all over asking you to lunch."
She smiled and I headed to the door, thinking this was going to work out perfectly. I would have the little bastard all to myself! When I returned at 1:15, Danny was at the desk on the right, and no one else was in the shop. I walked in casually, as if I knew nothing.
"Hey Danny, I am hoping you can help me out." His eyes widened as he made eye contact, but he recovered quickly, making me have a bit of doubt.
I continued, "I had to send my family ahead on our vacation last week due to problems at work. I got it worked out and already and have next week off. I am hoping I can still get there to finish out the week with them. Hopefully, without costing an arm and a leg."
He looked at me calmly with a slight fidget in his seat. "Oh yeah I recall, the family was going to the Bahama's. I think your file is in the office, come on in," he said standing up and walking toward the office.
As soon as he spoke all doubt was gone. He was the leader.
"Can I get you a cup of coffee or a coke?" he asked.
"Coffee black sounds good," I said walking into the office.
While he walked to the counter in the back of the lobby area, I entered the office. The blinds were down but half open allowing a view from the parking lot. Before sitting down I closed the blinds for privacy.
He walked in with 2 cups of coffee, handed me mine, glanced at the blinds and did a double take. He hesitated for just a second, as if he sensed something was wrong. Then he calmly turned around, closed the office door and sat behind the desk. I pulled out my phone as if checking it, turned on the audio record and sat it on my thigh, face down.
He leaned down and opened the file drawer on his desk, pulled out a file, placed it on the desk and flipped it open. He scanned it for a moment and before he could speak, I cut in.
"So how'd you like my house last Friday?"
He looked up startled and stammered, "Wh...what do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb, Danny! I know you were the one that broke in, robbed me, and made me suck your cock!" I growled.
"What are you talking about? There must be some mistake. I have never been to your house. I am going to have to ask you to leave," he said standing up.
"Sit down!" I grunted. I shuffled a little in my seat, like I might stand up and to confront him. He sat slowly back down and I smiled as I saw the fear on his face.
Giving him my meanest glare, I continued, "I am really not in the mood to play games, so let me cut to the chase. I have contacted detective Rodger Huffman from the burglary task force. He would love to hear about information, I may have, on an active burglary ring in his town. So unless you do exactly as I say, I will be heading over to see him as soon as I walk out that door! Have I got your attention?" I sat back in my seat and smiled.
He thought for a second and spoke quietly and slowly, "Mr. Thompson, I honestly don't know what you are talking about, but you are the customer and I will do whatever it takes to convince you I have not done anything wrong. I just want to provide the best customer experience I can for you. How can I help you with your travel needs?"
