AUD SLID through a few yellow lights and sped a good part of the way on his frantic trip across Colorado Springs back to the gallery. He kept glancing over at Leo, who didn’t seem overly distressed at his sudden lack of concern for highway safety or laws. Two patrol cars were still on Colorado Avenue in front of the gallery when they arrived.
“I’ll just hang back,” Leo suggested.
“Okay, but in the gallery.” Aud got out of the car. “If there’s someone out there who was ballsy enough to try and break in, I don’t want you waiting in the car. We’ll all be safer around the cops.”
“Right.” Leo followed him down the sidewalk and into the gallery.
Three police officers stood just inside the door.
“I’m sorry, sirs, the establishment is closed.” The youngest of the three moved to intercept them.
“I’m Aud Sorenson. This is my gallery.” Aud made to go around him. “My employee, Heather Ramsey, called me. This is my boyfriend, Leo.”
“Oh. S-sorry, s-sir,” the officer stuttered slightly. “She told us you were on the way. She’s back by the door with Detective Benet.” He gestured to the back of the gallery.
“I know where it is.” Aud paused and looked at Leo. “You okay here?”
Leo nodded. “Go on. I’m fine.”
Not needing any further encouragement, Aud hurried through the dark rooms. Here and there lights from the street came through the large windows that ran along the front of the gallery. Where the lights moved, shadows danced, cast by the various statues and pieces of artwork. Aud didn’t remember it being so spooky before. The intrusions on his safe areas were starting to shake him. He didn’t like it.
Aud jumped when the loading door slammed shut, sending a loud clank that echoed in the dark room he rushed through. He rounded the last corner and the lights of the loading area blinded him slightly after the darkness he’d just traveled through.
“Aud, there you are,” Heather said. “Detective Benet was just inspecting the door. Looks like someone tried to pry it open.”
The detective and another police officer stood inside the door. Benet nodded at Aud. “Mr. Sorenson.”
“Detective Benet.” Aud closed the distance between them. “Any useful clues?”
“No fingerprints or bloodstains, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m presuming this door hasn’t been used in a while.”
“About a week ago.”
Benet pursed his thin lips and looked thoughtful. “We’ve had a couple of good rains since then. It would’ve been better if your stalker had left some evidence behind. It would’ve been fresh.”
“Did you check the security cams?” Aud asked.
“You have security cameras on your back door?” Benet sounded surprised.
“I have some very expensive artwork here, in case you hadn’t noticed on your earlier visit.” Aud tried to figure out what it was about the man that just pushed his irritation button but couldn’t put his finger on it.
Benet made a few notes on his ever-present pad. “I guess that does make sense. Where is the security feed kept?”
“There’s a copy in the office, and my alarm company has one in their system.” Aud pushed past the two officers so he could take a look for himself at his door.
Where the door latched, the bronze kickplate was scratched and the metal of the door slightly bent. It looked like someone fairly strong had taken a crowbar to it. He frowned. I’ve spotted Randal while he was lifting weights. I know he’s strong. But why would he try and break into the gallery?
His phone rang. It was the number of his security company so he answered it. “Yes, this is Aud Sorenson.”
“Mr. Sorenson,” a cheerful woman responded. “I’m calling to check if you are home. We have an alarm going off at your residence. Would you like us to send the authorities?”
“At my home?” Aud glanced at the police and Heather standing just feet away from him. “Why is my alarm at home going off?”
“I don’t know,” the woman started to reply, but Aud cut her off before she could say more.
“It’s a rhetorical question. Yes, get the cops over there. I’ll be there as quickly as possible.” He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pants pocket as he closed the door and looked at Heather and the officers. “The alarm at my home is now going off.”
A concerned look crossed Benet’s face. “What? How is that possible?”
“If I had to guess, when my stalker tried to break in here and was stopped, he went a couple of blocks to my house and hit there. He’s had more than enough time to do that.” Aud fell silent and tried to figure out what he should do.
“I’ll get a car over there ASAP.” Benet gestured to the officer at his side. “Mr. Sorenson’s address is on the watch list with the department. Get on the radio and get someone over there. Tell them we’ll be there shortly.”