I didn't know what to say. Finally I muttered, "Is he dead?"

"No. And unfortunately, he got away. Aldo shot him in the leg, not wishing to kill him, which I assure you he could have easily done. The intruder fell back out the window. Aldo is a big man and couldn't fit through the portal and by the time he went around to the door, the trespasser was gone. There was blood on the sill; a fair amount of it. I was awoken by the gunshot and both of us drove the roads around the perimeter of the property but neither heard nor saw his vehicle. My property is isolated and very quiet. I don't understand how we could have missed him."

"Didn't the police set up road blocks?"

"We didn't contact them." When I failed to comment, Mr. Cooms continued. "You see, though I trust Aldo Benitez with my life, for good reason, he has endured a somewhat checkered past. He's not anxious to resurrect any of his prior difficulties. Additionally, I'm not sure the firearm he used would pass muster with the licensing authorities."

"Do you think this was a random break in?"

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"No. There are homes in the area far less secure than mine. To take on this bastion takes balls, to use a crude term, unless there was a highly valuable prize as a reward."

"So you think you were the so-called prize?"

"Yes. However, such an encounter causes me no concern. There were several other surprises in store for the gentleman had he managed to venture further into my home. I am never-the-less deeply annoyed by this culprit's ability to connect me to you."

I could feel a cold sweat passing over me like a ghost at a séance. "Is there a leak in you operation?"

"I can answer no, without a doubt. I can only applaud this man's ability to deduce. I was culpable in contributing openly to the memory of Miss Washington and I was listed in some press accounts as the well-known grandfather of Eric when he was kidnapped last fall. He may have only suspected a connection and his break-in no more than a fishing expedition but it proves his capabilities are admirable."

"May the tipster help?"

"I wouldn't ask but I think it's in your best interest to do so. After all, you're the goal he apparently seeks. What do you need from me?"

We only needed the precise time. The break-in was only hours old and we knew the exact location from Howie's first visit. It appeared there was an excellent opportunity to view the entire incident. I told him we'd get right on it.




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