Big Heist

The sun is shining in the cloudless blue skies. Birds are chirping in the treetops above him. The forecaster said it would be in the high 90s by mid-day but feels it's already reached that. Another scorcher, Jeff thinks, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Jeff is heading to a small park on the outskirts of Eureka Springs to meet with Luigi, who insists they go through the plan one last time. Jeff doesn't like the idea of kidnapping a grown man in broad daylight but knows if he doesn't do what he's told, his family will pay the ultimate price. I'll be free from Bambini and all his goons after this," he thinks. The pleasant thought doesn't help.

Historical Eureka Springs consist of beautiful Grand Victorian houses scattered all along its streets. These breathtaking beauties date back to the late 1800s when Eureka Springs first began.

People first came to the town on a promise that its natural healing springs would cure everything that ails them. Word spread fast, and Eureka Springs was established soon after.

The quaint little city was later nicknamed Little Switzerland because of its Victorian architecture and curvy, narrow roads.

Jeff glances over to find an olive-complected girl playing with her toys in the sandbox.

Hearing a car go by, the young preschooler smiles and waves. Southern hospitality at its finest, starting with the young. He thinks. Smiling at the toddler, Jeff waves back.

At first glance, he figures the child is around Abby's age. Looking closer, he realizes she's maybe three.

The child's hot pink shirt brings out the tiny gold specks in her big brown eyes. Her dark braided hair hung on either side of her head. Small pink bows secure the top of the pigtail and the ends. The child has a dainty gold bracelet on her left wrist and a small gold chain around her chubby neck. Small diamond studs decorate each lobe. She's adorable, Jeff thinks, driving past.

Luigi is standing outside his car when Jeff pulls up. "You want to go over it again?" he asks, rehearsing the plans in his mind as he exits the vehicle.

"Scratch our old plan. I came up with a new idea."

Jeff nervously shifts his stance. "I hope it's better than the last one because I can't see how the other could've worked."

"It would've if you followed our plan, but this one will be better, easier on you."

"I like it so far."

Luigi points behind him. "Did you see the little girl playing in the yard?"

Jeff glances her way, smiles, and says, "She's a cute kid."

"Yeah, but she has a sleazeball for a dad, and her mama is dead. He's thought to have something to do with it, but the cops couldn't prove it was him."

"That's a shame."

Well, the child's future is going to change real soon."

"How's that?"

With Antonio dead, her grandparents will have to step in. That will give her a better life, a better chance.

Jeff shifts his weight and nervously asks, "So, what do you want me to do?"

"You need to use her to lure Antonio to your car."

Jeff glances at the child. His girls suddenly come to mind. "Oh no. I'm not using that child as bait."

"It's what Bambini wants you to do."

Jeff becomes livid. "I don't give a damn what he wants. I'm not putting that little girl in harm's way. I'll stick to our original plan, but I won't under any circumstances hold a kid hostage." Jeff turns to leave.

Luigi grabs his arm to stop him.

Jeff spins back around, fire shooting from his eyes when he says, "What."

"Maybe this will change your mind," Luigi hands Jeff a phone and then adds, "Boss wants to make sure you'll carry out his plan."

Jeff first sees Abby secured to their kitchen chair, tears streaming down her sweet little bruised-up face. He then notices Julie motionless on the kitchen floor. "You killed her. You killed Julie. Jeff's knees weaken, then threaten to give. "You killed my wife," he cries, falling to the ground.

***

Rachel and Joe pull up to Bambini's a few minutes later. It's a quaint restaurant a block off the town square. It has a traditional cast iron bistro-style table set, a design found in the Villa Ravello Rose Garden. Floral bouquets are carved into both the table tops, chairs, backrests, and curvy legs. The restaurant is enveloped inside beautiful, white rock walls. Flowers sit above and on either side of the arched doors that lead into the fine establishment.

"Why do you still believe Jeff did it?" Joe asks, parking the car.

Rolling her eyes, Rachel shakes her head and says, "I just have a feeling about this, alright?" He grills her to death every time she has a hunch.

Joe recalls all the times her gut was right, despite what the evidence shows. "Who am I to argue with a woman's gut?"

"You'd be wrong if you did."

Joe raises his hands in a friendly surrender. "I know. I know."

Rachel thinks back to her college days, how Jeff would lecture her for hours when he found out she'd skipped school."Jeff is the last person I'd expect to commit these crimes. Any crime for that matter; he was such a straight-laced goodie."

"Time changes people, and not always for good."

"There has to be a reasonable explanation as to why he's doing these things. There just has to be."

"Hopefully, we'll find out the reason soon." Opening the door, Joe stands off to the side to allow Rachel to pass.

"Table for two?" the Maitre D asks, reaching for the menus.

"We need to speak to the manager, please." Rachel flashes her badge.

The man stiffens up his smile fades. "May I ask what this is in regards to?"

"It's an important police matter on an ongoing case."

"I'll see if I can find him."

Rachel admires the homey decor as she waits for the waiter to return. She realizes the colorful murals represent a piece of Italian history. The soft, warm glow from the candle centerpiece adds to the allure.

"Romantic, isn't it?" Joe asks.

"Yes, very." Rachel imagines she and Joe having a romantic candlelight dinner for two with soft violin music in the background. She then pictures the two of them gliding across the dance floor until the break of dawn. If only it could be. She sighs. Her thoughts are interrupted by heavy footsteps shuffling toward them.

"May I help you, officers?"

Rachel turns to see a tall-thin, toothpick of a man beside her. He has a head of thick black hair and dark brown close-set eyes. That's how Jeff described him in his report. "I'd like to ask you about this guy." She holds up a picture. "Was he in here yesterday?"

"Yes. Yes. That man was here twice."

"What time was that?"

"Around 12:30 and again around 7:30."

"You're sure it was him?" She holds the photo closer so he can get a better view.

"Yes, yes. I remember the man quite well." Noticing the skeptical look, the manager continues. "He made a big fuss about everything."

"You either have the time wrong, or we're talking about a different man."

The manager nervously glances at his boss in the corner. Bambini gives him a spine-chilling glare. He takes a big gulp of courage and then continues. "No, no, it was him. I'd know his face anywhere. He stirs up trouble every time he comes in."

"How could he be here when I spoke to him at his house around seven-thirty?"

"Maybe it was 8:30. Yeah, that's when it was."

"Did he meet with someone?"

The waiter tries to recall what his boss told him to say. "Yes, he met a tall, heavyset guy both times."

"Is this the guy?" Rachel scrolls through the photos on her phone.

"Yeah, it's him. They were in here twice."

"I'll be sure to ask my partner if he enjoyed your food." Rachel pulls her cuffs from their pouch.

"I don't understand?"

"That was a picture of Detective Bower, you moron. You're under arrest for obstruction of justice. Turn around, hands behind your back." She shoves him against the wall.

"Ok. I'll tell you the truth," he whispers.

Grabbing his shoulder, she spins him around. "Spill it." She impatiently taps her foot on the floor.

He glances over to find Bambini is still watching. The manager leans in and whispers, "I... I can't do it here."

"Guess you're coming with me." Grabbing his arm, Rachel turns him towards the door.

"No, wait."

"What now?"

"Meet me at Arvest Bank in an hour, and I'll tell you everything I know," he whispers.

"You better be there."

"I will. I will. Now please go." He glances at his boss again.

Rachel looks over to where he's staring. "Is he threatening you?"

Tears swell in the man's eyes. "Please, just go," he pleas.

"Mr. Donaldson was in here twice, huh."

"Once in the afternoon and then again that night."

"Well, thank you for your time," Rachel replies, loud enough for everyone to hear. Moving in closer, she whispers. "Bambini will be the least of your worries if you don't show." Turning on her heels, she heads for the door.

Joe leans in and whispers. "We'll be watching, so I'd advise you not to run."