CHAPTER FOUR

Peter Got back in the car,

“We will give them a few minutes to give up the chase. So, Becky what did you find out?” Peter asked.

“Nothing, everything worked perfectly, all the way down the production line. The steam presses were amazing. I checked each piece of equipment thoroughly. If the last set of defective gears and sprockets were supposed to have been manufactured yesterday, I can’t for the life of me figure out how they did it.” Becky said.

“Well, that is good news, because it narrows down our suspect to one. I was called downtown today, and for once, Lieutenant Brown’s science nuts, got something right. They got enough evidence to be able to get a search warrant for R.D.R. Parts and Equipment. They may have not found everything they needed in the bomb that was planted in our car, but they found something better, They found several shipping containers full of perfectly good Hartmore gears and sprockets, and several more shipping containers with cheap defective gears and sprockets with the Hartmore label on them.” Peter explained then glanced at his watch.

“I will explain more on the way.” Peter stated as he started the car.

They pulled out of the parking garage and parked again on the street, one block away from the Hartmore plant.

“Think about it Becky, who was the only one that knew where you would be at lunch time. Good job by the way, I see those Judo lessons are paying off.”

“Funny how I had not needed to use them, until I came to work for you.” She said gruffly.

“Yes, well anyway, I also purposefully picked you up late, figuring that Mr. Aviaries would not leave before you.”

“That is a little farfetched, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, except when you add the fact that Aviaries had total control over all shipping duties. The R.D.R. Parts and Equipment company had never placed orders for Hartmore’s gears. and…”

Peter paused because he saw Aviaries come out of the front of the building and get in a cab.

“I have a suspicion that Mr. Aviaries is not going straight home. Sparky contact the good Lieutenant and let him know our mark is on the move.”

Peter trailed the cab to the Chicago Electric Company.

“That dirty two timing smart mouthed brat!” Becky said and pounded her fist in her hand.

“Sparky can you target our eavesdrop toward the top of that building, and don’t forget to copy the Lieutenant.” Peter stated.

“Coming right up.”

Sparky flipped several switches and turned a few knobs. The first thing they heard was a knock on a door. They next heard Mr. Millers voice.

“Ah Aviaries, good, I see you brought the papers I requested.”

“Yes, all these files and records have been in my personal safe for months, I do not understand why you want to see them.” Mr. Aviaries said.

“Well Aviaries, it goes something like this. The cops made a raid on R.D.R. and discovered all Hartmore’s gears and sprockets. And since I own that company, I can not risk them getting hold of your shipping records.”

“Oh, that would be bad.” Aviaries stated.

“Yes, and another sad thing is I can not have the cops asking you any questions either.”

The next thing they heard was several gun shots. Becky gasped. They then heard Miller say,

“Okay boys, get him out of here and make sure his body and these records are never found. These little loose ends cared for, it will be back to business as usual.”

They next heard more gun fire and then the sound of a door being kicked in.

“Drop them, hands up.”

“Well, Lieutenant Brown, this is not going to end well for you. All I need to do is put in a call to my friend the Mayor, and the best you can hope for is a walking beat down on Water Steet.”

“Cuff them boys. Will see about that. You are allowed one phone call, will it be to the Mayor, or your Lawyer? The Lieutenant asked as the men were muscled down to the squad cars.

Peter and the others watch the cars drive them away. Then Peter brightly turned to Becky,

“Well Sis, how about that dinner now?”

She looked at him and smiled,

“Only if you are buying.”

The next morning Becky was back at her regular desk, and Peter and Sparky were going over some paper work, when Mr. Hartmore waked in.

“Ah, so nice to see you Miss. Fletcher. Your as beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hartmore, you are the charmer.”

“Mr. Hartmore, what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” Peter called out from his office.

“Because you saved my company countless dollars, as well as lost accounts, I decided to bring your payment in person. I also added a small bonus to show my gratitude. All I ask is if you would kindly give me a receipt for this transaction.”

“Of course! Miss Fletcher will care for that.” Peter stated as he went to put the cash in his safe.

“Miss Fletcher, this is for you.”

Mr. Hartmore handed her an envelope.

“What is this for?” She asked

“I owe Miss Fletcher, the efficiency expert, one weeks wages, and an opportunity to fill a vacancy in my company that just came up.

Becky smiled.

“I appreciate the offer, I really do, but just putting up with these two is enough for me.”

“Your choice, but if you ever change your mind, let me know.” Mr. Hartmore tipped his hat and left the office,

Becky peeked inside the envelope, and about fell out of her chair. She quickly got her purse out if the bottom drawer of the desk and stuffed the envelope down in it. She shut the desk drawer and took a moment to catch her breath.

“Hum, this Hustler gig may not be so bad after all.” She mumbled to herself, before the phone rang.

“42^nd Street Hustle, this is Becky can I help you?”

“Oh yes Ma’am, we handle all sorts of cases.”

“Missing persons? Absolutely! I can set you an appointment to see Mr. James tomorrow morning,”

“9 am. Yes, ma’am I have you down and we will see you then.”

Becky got up and went into Peter’s office.

“A missing persons case, tomorrow at 9.” She told him.

Peter smiled.

“Okay team, we are on a roll.”