Chapter 1

Jimmy O’Malley sat in the commander’s office, knowing that one day, he’d move into the space. Today, however, he was waiting to hear why he’d been summoned. He hadn’t been a detective long enough to screw up, so the reason eluded him. He’d been working doggedly on some property crimes that went nowhere. Most of the detectives from his class had gone on to investigate violent crimes. He’d been relegated to burglary and vandalism.

Commander Elks hung up the receiver and stood. “I hear good things about you, O’Malley.”

“Thanks, sir.”

“I’ve been contacted by the mayor about a special assignment.”

Jimmy tried not to get excited. “Special” could mean anything from initiating a new task force or babysitting a dog. He really hoped for the former.

Elks sat on the front edge of the desk. “You’ll be going undercover to gather information.”

Undercover sounded good. “Information on what?”

“A possible theft.”

“Possible?”

Elks shook his head and crossed his arms. Jimmy realized the commander wasn’t happy about this assignment.

“The mayor has a friend who was burglarized. He wants us to quietly look into it.”

“Did he file a report?”

Elks shook his head. “Like I said, it’s a special assignment.”

A sinking feeling hit him. Not the good kind of special.

“Here’s the deal, O’Malley. The mayor’s buddy was robbed, but he didn’t report it. I’m still not clear as to why, but the mayor thinks his friend is not the only victim.”

Jimmy shifted. “He...