Page 74 of Benjamin and the Thief

“I’m sorry,” he added and finally stepped out of the shadows. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

When a light from the building hit his face, she recognized him.

“I’m Judge Norton,” he introduced himself.

“I know who you are.”

“I’m here because more evidence in your brother’s case has come to light, which leads me to believe that he is, in fact, innocent.”

At first, she couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. The words were tumbling around in her head.

“Miss Vargas, what I’m saying is that I have something that will set your brother free. I would like to show it to you, and then we can get the process started to have your brother’s conviction overturned.”

“Oh, my God! I knew it. I always knew that he didn’t do it.”

Finally, Santiago would be free, and everything would be alright again. Well, everything apart from the fact that vampires existed and that she’d dated one.

“You were right, Miss Vargas.” Judge Norton motioned to a dark SUV. “My car is over there. Let’s go. This is time-sensitive.”

“Of course,” she said quickly as he ushered her to his car.

“She’s not there,” the guard at the San Francisco Jail on Seventh Street said.

Benjamin’s heart stopped.

“What do you mean by she’s not there?” Anita asked, her voice raised.

“She’s gone.” He tapped on his clipboard. “She’s supposed to be in cell 17C, but she’s not there.”

“Was she released?” Benjamin asked, his pulse speeding up.

“No, there’s no paperwork that she was released.” The guard looked nervous. “I’ve gotta report this.”

“Are you trying to tell us that you lost her?” Benjamin growled.

Something wasn’t right. He could feel it. A tingling sensation worked its way up his spine, putting him on edge.

“No, no, not lost. I’m sure she’s somewhere. She must be. I mean, she was checked in. She should be there.”

“The Police Chief won’t be happy about this,” Anita said, her voice sharp. “Show me the cameras covering the corridors leading to and from her cell.”

“But I can’t just⁠—”

“Would you rather I call Chief Donnelly on his cell phone and wake him up?”

Anita’s threat landed where she intended it.

The guard simply swallowed and shook his head. Quickly, he sat down behind his computer and tapped on the keyboard.

“Open up the door,” Anita demanded.

“Yes, Detective,” he quickly replied and pressed the buzzer.

Benjamin and Anita entered the small guard room.

“Okay, now show us the CCTV,” Benjamin demanded. “Go back to when she was brought in.”

The guard looked at a sheet, and Benjamin followed his gaze to read the time Catalina had been admitted to the facility. Every second the man took to find the right camera and time felt like an eternity, but finally, he saw Catalina being led to her cell, and a guard locking the door behind her.