Chapter Four
The mall was empty and silent attwo thirty in the morning. Only four people walked past the dark shops.
"Burglary during the major shopping season," remarked Catherine Willows as she walked alongside the security guard leading them to the crime scene, talking to the two people following her.
"The thieves got guts with all the supped up security around this time," the tall brunette woman, Sara Sidle, put forth.
"Mall security includes video surveillance. Got something interesting you'll want to take a look at whenever your ready," added the security guard, Louis O'Conner.
The other man with them had short dark hair and the name on his black vest read Stokes. He walked alongside Sara, behind the other two, looking around the mall.
"You ever sit on Santa's lap as a kid?" Sara asked him as they passed the center of the mall where a large chair had been cordoned to control traffic flow.
Nick Stokes glanced at the chair. "No."
Sara looked at him a minute but did not press the issue, the two of them continuing on in silence.
"Say, Sara, are you joining in the team's secret Santa exchange or what?"
Sara shrugged. "I guess I could."
"Great. Now, everyone on the team is in on it."
"Why this year?"
"Didn't really think about it before. Besides with the year everyone just had, I thought it'd be a good way for the team to bond and enjoy the holidays together before joining up with our families."
"All the shop entrances are locked at night. Entry wasn't forced so the suspect has a way in," O'Conner brought up, cutting in on their conversation.
"Inside job," Catherine nodded.
The team turned the corner, stopping short when they noticed the crime scene.
It was a toy shop. Boxes and stuffed animals scattered the floor. The shelves were all in disarray.
The four of them stepped lightly, careful not to add to the destruction or disturb any of the evidence. Nick had his camera out, snapping pictures as they passed through the shop.
"Someone eager to get the next Tickle-Me-Elmo," Catherine observed.
"Do you have an inventory list of the things that were stolen or damaged?" Sara asked.
O'Conner led Catherine to the register desk before answering.
"Sure, I'll bring you one."
"Alright, Sara, you can start dusting for prints around the toys, I'll dust around the register, and when Nick gets done with the photos, he can sort through the toys with you," Catherine assigned.
Sara nodded and got right to work.
About two hours later, the three investigators were finished collecting evidence.
"I think we'd like to see the surveillance video now," Catherine told O'Conner, who nodded and led them to the security center.
In the security office, they all huddled around the surveillance monitors to watch the night's activities.
"Hold it. Is that who I think it is?" Sara was quick to point out.
On one of the displays, four figures appeared at the entrance of the shop. One of them was a large figure with a beard and hat, appearing as the leader, ordering the other three who appeared to be dressed in elf costumes.
Nick came in closer to look at the display.
"Bad Santa."