to the first floor and opened the door, I saw Ciro wasn’t alone. Detective Glass was standing right there with a smirk on his face. I clearly didn’t hide my surprise well.
“Yeah, Glass here wouldn’t let me do this my way and get the photos from the con. Once I told him the info, he was all by the book. That’s why it took two days. He obtained a warrant.” Ciro shrugged and walked in.
“Oh, well, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. This way if you recognize him and it’s who Mr. Zabel says approached him and Ms. Mason in the parking garage, it’s all legal and he can be arrested properly.”
We stepped into the elevator, and the sound of Ciro scoffing made me laugh. “Don’t mind Ciro. You’re by the book and so is he, but it’s his book, written and edited by him.”
“I figured as much,” Glass said as the elevator opened and naturally, Lion roared. “What the fuck?”
“That’s my bird, stand down, Detective.” Just then, Lion swooped over and landed on my shoulder.
“Great alarm system, I guess.” Detective Glass couldn’t hide the redness in his cheeks or how scared he’d been a moment earlier. Lion was a great security system. I’d have to give him treats later.
“The best. Now, let’s see these pictures.”
Shane was still in the kitchen, the platter of cupcakes there as well, and I smelled coffee brewing.
“Hey, Ciro, and Detective Glass, what a surprise.” Shane’s inability to hide his emotions was yet another reason why I liked him. I wasn’t sure if he’d even tried to mask how he felt; either way, it was apparent he wasn’t a fan of the detective.
“Mr. Reeves, always a pleasure.”
“Mmhmm. Sure. Cupcake?” He held up the platter, and much to my amusement, Ciro darted over to him.
“I’d love one. Is that coffee I smell too?” Ciro appeared positively happy. Shane was shocked too, given he was staring at the man with his mouth open.
“Yeah, want some?”
“Please.” Ciro dropped the file on the counter and sat on the stool. He chomped on the cupcake, moaning in pleasure.
“The man loves his cupcakes,” Detective Glass said.
“I love food, Detective.” Ciro’s mouth was full, but it didn’t seem like he cared.
“Anyway…” Shane placed Ciro’s coffee in front of him. “Can we see these photos?”
Ciro pushed them over to Shane, and I went to stand beside him. When we opened the file, the first picture was a little blurry.
“Some weren’t the best. But there are a couple of good ones.” Detective Glass gestured to the coffeepot, and I waved at him to go.
The fourth picture was very clear, and it was taken at the signing. I remembered him now. He was awkward, and I’d just thought he wasn’t good with social interaction. I supposed that could be the case, but he was also a lunatic.
“Yep, that’s the guy.” Shane slapped the pictures on the table. “Weirdo extraordinaire.”
“Figured as much. There were some others that fit his description on the videos, but this guy, yeah, to the T.” Ciro wiped his mouth after devouring three cupcakes in record-breaking speed.
“What’s his full name?” I asked.
“Registration has him as a Charles Parker. I’m running background—legally—through the proper channels.” Glass side-eyed Ciro.
“That’ll take forever,” he mumbled into his coffee mug.
“I don’t recognize the name. Can’t think of ever hearing from him before the con, and even then, he wasn’t remarkable enough to remember.”
Glass nodded. “For all we know, that was his intention. I’ll know more when the background is done.”
“Oh, Ciro, will you take me to my apartment to water my plants and get my mail? And I need clean clothes. My clothes.” He pinched the too-large shirt he was wearing.
“No problem.”
“And here.” I handed Ciro a couple of drives. “Songs to give Atlas. He asked for them.”
Ciro pocketed the drives and finished his coffee. We talked for a little while longer with the detective. He wasn’t able to find any fingerprints on the gifts other than mine, Ciro’s, and anyone else he expected he’d find. Obviously, Charles was careful.
Shane said he’d return in an hour, give or take, and when they all left, I took the time to shower and think about setting up the living room for a movie night with Shane. The guy made me think cheesy thoughts, and I laughed at myself when I realized he’d only been gone ten minutes.
When I got out of the shower, I saw a text from Shane saying he’d be there as soon as possible; he had to talk to his