His detective girlfriend

Chapter two

Chapter Two:

A few folks gathered at the home of Andy, and more friends and relatives were yet to arrive. Mike, the police inspector, exhaled before leaving the cruiser with two other officers.

Yesternight, a thief broke into Andy's house and stole a very valuable property. The police came, but the call came in too late; the thief had long gone through a white van, according to Andy's wife, Barbara.

Now, his department will take it from here. Mike warmed his hands together and started at the luxurious home.

His assistants officially dismissed the folks, and after much chit-chat, they retired back to wherever they came from to allow them to carry out official business.

Mike was particularly interested in striking up a conversation with Andy; his wife and two daughters were present in the living room, but he was not.

"He can't talk with anyone right now," Barbara assured Mike and the two other officers that accompanied him.

Mike exhaled and shot a glance at the other officers. This might take longer than expected; the famous sculptor and painter must be going through an emotional breakdown.

"Look, I know this must be very hard for both of you right now, but we need to speak with him. I am sorry for your loss."

"Loss?" Barbara squinted. "I thought you were here because you would find the thief; isn't that your job?"

Mike teared up. He shared a gaze with his partners before shifting back his gaze at her.

"About that, you are going to tell us everything we need to know."

"All right, Investigator." Barbara nodded.

Mike and his men assumed their seats on the couch, and Barbara began a fresh explanation of what transpired last night as a witness.

Mike listened intently, asking questions where necessary, and she kept feeding them constructive information to the best of her knowledge while his assistants penned down sensitive details.

And then she took them through the corridor, as Mike had insisted, and his partners took samples before they were led to the backyard.

They took a sample of the window that the thief had carved out. Barbara also emphasized the white van she saw and, lastly, the glove she had managed, unintentionally, to pull off his wrist before he escaped.

Mike folded his hands across his chest. They already have plenty of information they could use to track down whoever the stealer was, but Barbara emphasized particularly on the art lovers Andy had brought into his gallery before the robbery.

Of course, all three of them were default suspects, but Barbara was taking it too personally, as though she hated Andy's choice of friends.

Well, he is a man who is acquainted with his job, and the first rule is that nothing is certain until it is proven.

They retired back to the house, but Mike needs to speak with Andy right now; if Andy wanted him to help, then Andy must help him too.

"He is not in a good mood right now," Barbara reassured him.

"I am not suggesting; I am trying to do my job here." Mike vented his frustration.

"Ma'am, we need to collect all the information we can; we just need to ask him a few questions." One of the officers said

"I have been married to Andy for over a decade; trust me when I say this is not the best time."

Mike shared a glance with the other officers; their attempts to interview the victim were all void.

"But you can take samples at the gallery if you want. I think I can help you with that." Barbara said, flaunting the keys in their faces.

Mike eyed his partners, and they followed her back to the corridor, walking closely behind her.

Did Andy approve this? After what happened? Mike placed a hand on the side of his waist. Well, it doesn't matter; if they were going to help, they had to break a few rules.

They arrived at the door; Barbara went ahead to unlock the door, and they followed closely behind her into Andy's exhibition space.

"So here it is," Barbara said, throwing out her hands. "I thought it might be helpful."

For a moment, Mike and his men glanced around, taking in the artistic wonder of Andy.

Mike shot a stare at Barbara; her husband is amazing, and this art is spectacular. His eyes landed on one of the paintings on the wall—an ebony pregnant lady that was heavily pregnant. He teared up at the sight of that, on account that his wife, who was also African American, had been pregnant for quite some time now, and it won't take too long before he is going to be a father.

He must admit, these arts are captivating, and on the other hand, while the others were considering the sculptures, whatever their taste is, he finds the paintings much more interesting.

"Are you guys taking samples or what?" Barbara called their attention back, and they responded as though they were just jerking out of bed from a noisy alarm.

She grinned, familiar with that feeling. Andy is a magician and knows how to take people on an adventure with his art; besides, it was their first time in here and probably their last, but it's going to be a long-lasting impression. Somehow, because of their profession, they are given the rare privilege of visiting Andy's gallery.

"Yes, about that." Mike shot a stare, while his men walked around the room looking for any evidence they could use.

"It was right here." Barbara pointed at the glass table, and Mike bent down and touched it. He exhaled before turning his attention back to her.

"This is going to take a while."

"But you will find it, right?" Barbara gave him a solemn stare.

"It's my job to apprehend whoever the robber is."

"Promise me you will find it, please." Barbara took his hand. "It means a lot to him; I know Andy, of all his sculptures, that was exclusive; please promise me, Mike."

"We will do our best."

"No, you don't understand; Andy will never recover from this; please promise me you will recover the sculpture."

Mike gazed at the other officers, and they gestured with their hands. He turned his gaze at Barbara, who gripped his hand.

"I promise." He grinned.

"Thank you, detective. If you need anything else, I will be glad to help."

"I just need to take a photo of that lady, if you don't mind." Mike requested, and she turned her attention to the painting of the pregnant lady. She stared at him for a moment and nodded.

Mike took out his phone and captured the painting with his phone camera.