The man joined him less than thirty seconds later. “Half a dozen punctures in the sidewall.”

“Same here.” He rose.

“Nasty prank.”

Too bad that wasn’t all it was.

“There’s a note too.” He rejoined Eve, who was leaning against the car, arms tightly crossed. “They’re flat.”

“I assumed they would be.”

“Would you like to sit while we talk?” He motioned toward the driver’s seat.

“I’d rather stand.”

He gave the area another slow scrutiny. Everything appeared to be calm—and it was unlikely the perpetrator was lingering, now that law enforcement was on the scene. Today’s mission had been accomplished. Why hang around and risk being spotted?

“That’s fine. Walk us through what happened this evening.”

Myers took notes as Eve told her story. Brent asked the necessary follow-up questions, but her account was thorough—and she provided her contact information to the officer without being prompted.

“You know the routine.” Myers flashed her a quick smile.

“I’ve had recent experience—sad to say.” Her lips rose a hair, then flattened again. “Any idea how someone got into my locked car without doing any damage—other than to my tires?”

“All it takes is a wedge for the top of the door and a long rod.” Myers continued to jot in his notebook. “Power locks give a false sense of security. And jamming devices that prevent the car from locking even though you hear the familiar click are all over the open market. Car alarms can help—but those aren’t infallible either.”

“That’s not the most comforting news I’ve heard today.” She motioned to the sheet of paper on the passenger seat. “There’s the note. Obviously I already touched it.”

“No worries.” Brent pulled a pair of latex gloves out of the back pocket of his jeans. “We have your elimination prints on file from the fake bomb incident. But I doubt we’ll find anyone else’s on this. As I’ve mentioned, these”—he held up the gloves—“are a criminal staple these days—just like they are for law enforcement. Give me a minute to grab an evidence envelope from my car.”

Myers continued to scribble in his notebook while Brent retrieved the envelope, placed a call to the Crime Scene Unit, and tugged on his gloves.

Eve moved aside as he reached across the driver’s seat and picked up the single sheet of paper. Read it. Showed it to Myers before sliding it into the bag. “You have any other questions?”

“No.” The man stowed his notebook.

“CSU will be here soon. Can you wait around until they show up?”

“Sure.” Myers angled toward Eve. “Don’t hesitate to call us if there are any new developments, ma’am—but you’re in capable hands with Detective Lange. My report from tonight will be available by tomorrow if you want a copy for insurance purposes.”