Page 79 of Mountain Man’s Mystic Touch

“We’re tracking both directions through the cameras.”

“Has anything been stolen?”

“Not that we know.”

“Threats?”

“No.”

McCall looks at the frozen image. “Then we don’t have grounds to detain them based on this alone.”

“I know.”

“We can talk to them.”

“Not until we locate both. If they’re working together and you approach one, the other disappears.”

He considers the point. “I’ll send the images to the other deputies. Quiet distribution.”

“The auction items are secured in the lodge office.”

“What about the cash vendors?”

“Additional coverage is already in place. No one transports deposits alone. We’ll escort vendors to their vehicles after closing.”

McCall nods. “You think they’re planning to hit more than the display?”

“I think the display may be part of a larger theft or a diversion.”

“Based on what?”

“Booth locks. Cash procedures. Service entrances. A false report designed to move security.”

The lodge coordinator enters before McCall leaves. Concern tightens her face as she views the footage. She confirms that neither person is an auction volunteer, festival employee, or lodge worker.

“Who knew the value of the necklace?” I ask.

“Anyone who saw our social media posts. The gallery donated it three weeks ago, and we featured it several times to increase bidding.”

“Was the case location visible?”

“In photographs from setup yesterday.”

That gives the man time to plan around it. It also explains why he may have arrived before the festival opened to examine vendor booths.

“Did anyone ask about removing auction items after closing?” McCall asks.

“A few bidders asked how pickup works. Winners pay tonight, but higher-value items remain secured until tomorrow morning.”

“Which items?”

“The necklace. A signed sculpture. Two vacation packages, although those are certificates.”

“Total value?”

“Approximately thirty thousand dollars.”

Enough to justify planning. Not enough to explain bringing a gun into a crowded festival unless the people planning it are reckless, desperate, or willing to hurt anyone standing between them and the exit.