“I never even connected the bag,” he replied. “Okay, I agree that we’ve got probable cause, but we can’t do a thing without a search warrant. And I don’t want to go waltzing into Markson’s store unless I’m sure what we’re looking for.”
“I’ll write up everything I know,” she said. “Meanwhile, is there any way we can get back the DNA results on that blood Gil sent off?”
“I’ll make a few phone calls. I do know someone at the state crime lab.”
“All right!”
“Meanwhile, I’ll get Gil back in here and have him put together all the facts he’s gleaned about the antiques that were stolen earlier.”
“Gary hasn’t had time to travel anywhere. Odds are that the desk is still in his possession,” she said. “Probably right there in the store.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it. But we won’t say anything. I don’t want to spook him.”
“His poor father,” Meadow said sadly.
“He’ll get over it. We can’t let the boy get away with this.”
“I know. It’s just sad,” Meadow said.
Dal pulled her close against his side. She said she’d meet Jeff at the office first thing in the morning and hung up.
“I solved a crime,” she said, all eyes.
He chuckled. “Indeed you did.” He bent and kissed her nose. “I’m proud of you. It’s just . . .” He sighed.
“Just what?”
He cocked his head. “Despite that cool sheriff in the movieFargowho was solving crimes with a belly the size of a basketball, I really wish you could consider a less dangerous line of work. While you’re pregnant, at least.”
Her eyebrows arched. “I’m not pregnant.”
He pursed his lips and his dark eyes twinkled. “Yet.”
Her lips parted. She didn’t know quite what to say.
“I’ll go through my grandmother’s rings tonight when I get home,” he said softly. “She had four different engagement rings because she couldn’t decide on just one. She had all the money in the family. So what do you like best, emeralds, rubies, sapphires or diamonds?”
“Rubies,” she said at once.
“I’ll bring the ring down to your office in the morning and we’ll have a late breakfast, after you’re through solving crime. Okay?”
Her heart soared. “Okay!”
He lifted her up against him and kissed her hungrily. “I’m not leaving because I want to,” he whispered. “But it is a small community, and I don’t want people casting doubts on that spotless reputation your father was so proud of.”
“Thanks,” she whispered back.
He grinned as he let her go. “See you in the morning.”
“Good night.”
“When can we bring Snow home?” he asked.
“Tomorrow.” She glanced toward the door, where Jarvis was sitting. “Is he staying?”
“I don’t know. Are you staying?” he asked the cat.
Jarvis looked up at him, meowed, and went trotting back to Meadow. She just laughed.