Chapter 8: A Sketchy Plan

Both men were sitting in the detective's parked car as Fraser paid attention to Kowalski, who was speaking with Francesca on his cell phone.

Now that they got some of the case solved, they needed to fill in the other half: find out what was so important about the information in the vehicle that Collin attempted to break into.

The detective was finding out who that vehicle belonged to, as the paperwork was mostly passed on to Huey, Dewey, and Francesca.

"So it's Lori Glenworth? You sure? Okay, thanks." Kowalski scribbled down the address and shut his phone. "So Fraser, should we hit up this Lori or give Collin a little visit?"

"It's possible that Collin could open up about the incidents, but with his sister on the line, it's highly unlikely," the Mountie articulated.

The detective massaged his neck as he answered. "Just like when we tried interrogating him before." Now he went to stretching his shoulders. "But what about those assaults that have been happening around town? You think Michael's responsible?"

Fraser nodded. "It's quite possible he took that bat from Collin's possession." He peered through the car window to look at Jenna's apartment. "Jenna is probably going to tell

Collin about what she revealed at our meeting."

Kowalski also looked in the same direction. "Well, then we gotta bait Collin to tell us what's happening since we do know more than he wants us to." He started the engine, and moved into the street. "He's probably not at his apartment if Jenna has already talked to him, but we'll see."

"We also know of other locations he's been," Fraser stated as a reminder.

About halfway there, the detective spoke up again.

"So, aren't you suppose to be at the Consulate sometime? When was the last time you were there?"

Fraser, a little taken aback, turned to Kowalski.

"Actually, Ray, I've finished most of the duties for this week. Inspector Thatcher is away, and she instructed me on some paper work and other tasks. I finished in about a day and a half."

"Okay," the detective said, rolling his head around, "what about that statue duty thing?

Ya know, when you just stand there and not blink for a few hours?"

"I'm not required to do that this week, either," the Mountie responded. "Really, Ray, that is an official and important duty and declaration for the Queen. You shouldn't dismiss it so quickly as another meaningless menial job," he emphasized, with raised eyebrows.

Kowalski continued as if the last 30 seconds of conversation didn't happen. "So where's your wolf today?"

"Diefenbaker's with Willie."

"Willie?"

"Oh, right." Fraser cleared his throat, realizing that only the 'other' Vecchio was aware of the (now) 15-year-old who takes care of the wolf on occasion. The Mountie tried to get the detective to play along.

"You remember, Ray. We helped out Willie on a case about 3 years ago when he snatched a woman's purse, and afterwards he became a good friend of Dief."

A slight recognition was apparent in Kowalski's eyes. "Ah, yeah. Then when the wolf was sentenced to be put down, the kid came to the rescue."

"Something like that," Fraser acknowledged.

By this time, the two had pulled up near Collin's building.

There was a small reception area with a very friendly looking middle-aged woman.

The detective let Fraser do the asking about Collin's apartment number. Most people

were more receptive to him because of his manners, anyway.

"Hello, ma'am. Would you be so kind as to point us in the direction of Collin Nicholson's apartment?"

The slightly overweight lady with curly brown hair smiled. "I can't give out that information, but since you're with the law and all, I'll tell ya."

On the way up, the Mountie conversed with the detective.

"Assuming he's there, we'll need a tactic to get him to give away what he's been hiding."

Fraser gave Kowalski a pointed look. "No threats of physical harm are necessary, unless in dire need."

"Awww, but he scares so easily it would be fun and productive," Kowalski smirked.

The Mountie slightly shook his head at the teasing, trying to hid an amused look. He was getting used to the detective's offbeat nature. He had gotten used to Vecchio's bursting personality, so it was natural.

"Well, we can do it a couple of ways," the detective decided. "Either play it that we understand the position he's in, you know, the sympathy card. Or, we can hit him fast and hard with evidence that he's linked to the assaults."

"So you are saying that we either play the role of an understanding nature, or of a threatening one."

"Fraser, it's called 'good cop, bad cop'. Ya know, are we wearing the white cowboy hat or the black. Catch up, would ya?"

"Well, actually the hat I'm wearing is-"

Kowalski purposely increased his pace to make a point.