“I didn’t realize you had hair color requirements for your salesperson,” said the annoyed man.

“I don’t,” snapped Sean. “A saleswoman who helped me before, someone I liked was a brunette. She was possibly Italian or maybe Brazilian. Do you know who I’m referring to?”

“I’m afraid I don’t,” said the salesman. “I’ve been working at this store for two years. None of the women who work here fit that description. There’s Aija, she’s got an accent but she’s a blonde and from Latvia. We have nine stores in Manhattan. Sometimes floaters from other stores spend a few weeks here in our flagship store. Maybe she was one of those? You can try one of our other stores if you’re that committed to only working with that woman. I assure you, I’m very good at what I do and I’d be happy to help you.”

After disentangling from the persistent salesman, Zoe and Sean were out on the street again.

“Damn. We didn’t make any progress and the clock is ticking,” said Zoe shaking her head. “Let’s go see Detective Williams and tell him what we found out at Gucci.”

They grabbed an Uber up to West 100th Street to the 24th Precinct. Like before, everyone inside was masked and an officer stationed at the front door took their temperatures. For a second time, they walked over to the policeman behind the Plexiglass screen. He was the same officer from their previous visit.

“We’d like to speak with Detective Williams,” said Zoe, smiling with her eyes.

“Weren’t you here yesterday?” said the officer, his brow furrowed.

“Yes,” said Zoe, “and it’s imperative that we speak to Detective Williams immediately.”

A minute later, Detectives Williams and Kim walked into the building and passed through the lobby.

“Ms. Brandt,” said Daryl Williams, stopping, surprised to see Zoe waiting there as Heather continued to the elevator.

“We wanted to find out if you’ve made any progress on our case?” said Zoe looking directly into his warm brown eyes. “Since there are only two days left before the murder is supposed to happen, we did some reconnaissance work for you. We think that—”

“Look, Ms. Brandt, I know your heart’s in the right place but we’ve got a lot going on,” said Daryl. “In case you haven’t heard, there’s a serial killer on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I’m sorry but with what you told us, we don’t have enough information to go on with your case.”

Put soundly in her place, Zoe backed down. “I understand,” she said solemnly. “It’s just that time is running out. Can I at least tell you what we found out today about the masked woman.”

Daryl nodded.

“She speaks with a foreign accent, probably Italian or Spanish,” said Zoe.