Chapter 3: The Golden Gift: Part 3
Smasher wasn't kidding about the lobster rolls, as he ate three of them with a side of onion rings and a few vodka coolers. Crispin was tempted to buy a few drinks and celebrate with him, but he was too focused to let drinks take away his focus. They had a decent lunch, but after walking Smasher back to the shop, Crispin started to hit pawn shops in an effort to look for the jewelry that once belonged to Mrs. Jones. Like most states, pawn shops were required to stash newly items purchased from anywhere from one to two months, just in case the police came looking for it. If not claimed within the mandated time period, the pawn shops were free to sell the items without penalty and conduct business as usual. Crispin had forgotten to ask Mrs. Jones when the items were stolen, but he was hoping the lady hadn't waited too long to seek help and that they might still be stashed in someone's backroom awaiting the time period to expire. He had already checked two shops that afternoon and neither had the jewelry he was looking for. Crispin believed them because the pieces in question were quite flashy and would be hard for any pawner to forget. It wasn't until Crispin hit the third shop of the day when he hit pay dirt. He walked into the shop and the man he was looking for was at the cash and twiddling his thumbs as the empty shop suggested the man was having a very slow day.
"Artie!" Crispin said, as he walked up to the cash. "Happy holidays!"
"Humbug," Artie said, not in the mood for playful holiday banter. "What the hell are you doing here, Mills?"
"Can't a friend pop in to say hello?" Crispin countered.
"You could," Artie said, "But I'd prefer if you were here to spend some money."
"Fraid not, big guy," Crispin said, "I'm on the clock and looking for stolen property."
"Aw shit," Artie said, aware of what was coming. "You think I got hot items here?"
"You might," Crispin said, "I'm not here to bust your balls, Artie. Help me with this case and I might be able to make it worth your time."
"Alright, I'll bite." Artie said, as he liked the sound of that. "What are ya looking for?"
"These," Crispin said, laying down the photos Mrs. Jones gave him. The man behind the cash didn't have to say a word as his face gave him all the answers Crispin needed. The jewels were here and as Artie had feared, they were as hot as the sun that beat down on their beautiful white beaches.
"God damn it," Artie cussed, "I knew they were too good to be true."
"Calm down, Artie," Crispin said, taking the pictures back, "Are they still here?"
"Yeah, of course they are!" Artie said, slightly offended. "What kind of crook do you take me for, Mills?"
"Hey, settle down." Crispin said again, "I'm just checking as I didn't know exactly when they were stolen. As a matter of fact, the client hasn't filed any reports. As far as the fuzz are concerned, they're not hot. Not yet, at least."
"Is that so?" Artie said, "That's interesting, and it explains why a P.I. is asking the questions instead of a detective. Did your client steal them first?"
"I don't think so," Crispin said, amused by his imagination. "My client wants to know who it did first because she's unsure if she even wants to press any charges at all."
"Oh, alright." Artie said, intrigued himself.
"So, how long have they been here?" Crispin asked.
"Almost four weeks." Artie said, "I intended to put them out in a few days."
"You still might be able to," Crispin added, "Just tell me who sold them to you."
"He was a pretty young fella," Artie said, thinking about it. "I'd say mid-twenties but no older than thirty."
"Alright," Crispin said as he pulled out another photo, "Does this jog your memory?"
He had placed a photo of Mrs. Jones' son on the counter. Artie looked at it long and hard but was unable to recognize it.
"I see a lot of people," Artie confessed, "I just don't know."
"Well, I know you keep all your tapes." Crispin said, "So give me the ones that were made the day these jewels were sold. I'll bring it back after I'm done with it."
"Alright," Artie grumbled, "Gimme a sec to find it."
The big man wasn't kidding as he first had to lookup the receipts of when the jewels came into his possession and then use that date to find the tapes recorded that day. He always meant to go digital but was too lazy and cheap to do it. It was usually on days like today when he needed access to files, that Artie was reminded how fast and organized he could be if he took the time to upgrade. About a half hour later, Artie came back out with three video tapes and handed them over to Crispin.
"That covers the whole day," Artie told him, "But I have no idea which one he's on."
"No worries," Crispin said, taking the tapes. "I have a machine that can play them."
"What about the goods?" Artie asked, "Do I keep them stashed?"
"Hang onto them for now," Crispin said, "My client is very rich so let me check and see if there's any sentimental value to them. Odds are you might be reimbursed and even get a reward on top of that."
"That loaded, eh?" Artie asked, grinning. "She single?"
"Probably not," Crispin said, "And if she was, you can get in line."
"Ha ha," Artie said, knowing his friend was full of crap.
"Just keep them stashed," Crispin said, "And I'll get back to you. Thanks for the tapes."
"I want those back," Artie said as Crispin started to walk out, "Don't forget that."
"I won't," Crispin said, "See you around."
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