Author's note: decided to update the story every Monday. Don't bother checking daily for updates.

part 6

The person on the other line was Morgan Phelps, big kahuna of cops in Lost Haven. He used to be my partner when I was on the force, and he used to look up to me. Now it's my turn to look up to him, and all I get are nosebleeds whenever I try.

"Hey, Phelps."

"Theo. What'dya want?"

"Guy can't call to catch up wit' their old partner?"

"Get to da point, Theo. I'm busy."

"Right, right, fine. Need a favour from you. It's really urgent."

"I'm busy here. Hurry the hell up."

"Need to find out more about this dame who gave me a case today."

"What kinda case? Briefcase?"

"No, a job. Listen, you got anything on a Cassandra Bouchard?"

"Sounds classy. Like French or something."

"Yeah, I figured. When can I get this?"

"Soon as it's done, Theo. Bye."

The phone slammed down on the receiver, leaving in its wake a series of monotone. Outside, the rain had stopped. Down on the street, the people slowly resumed their routine, like ants from a hill. Never stopping to pause for breath or a refresher. Above, the sun shone, just like it did everyday. And in my office, as always, I was clueless. I pulled open the grime-streaked window for a breather and winced a little. Sunlight hurts the eyes of those not used to it. If nothing else, I needed a breath of fresh air. Down on the street, Rancini's boys were roughing up the cornershop owner, while the other ants continued on, following the path of the other ants before them.

You know how everything seems clearer after it rains? The rain washes away all the smog and the dust, and for a while it seems like a new day.

Rancini, the local crime magnate. He was a hard man, and that same policy oozed through in his boys. The family never did anything the soft way. Among other things, Alberto Rancini was a liar, a cheat, and a lousy husband. For all his influence, he never did realise his wife was sleeping with about twenty guys around town.

More importantly, though, he collected antiques.

Rancini was the key.