“We’re police officers. What’s the story on Box 1126?” The clerk surveyed them from below his green eyeshade. “I’ll tell you one thing—it’s a federal offense, and that’s no laughing matter.” “What happened?” “Last night someone comes in and jimmies the box door. These doors aren’t built to withstand assault. He’ll regret it, whoever he is. Once the Feds get on a man’s tail, they never let up.” “What time did this happen?” “Hard to say. Some time after six, probably.” “What’s missing? What was in the box?” “No idea. You’ll have to get that information from the boxholder” “No chance of that,” said Collins. “She’s dead. That’s why we’re here. No one witnessed the act?” “Nobody’s come forward, but it’s hardly likely the crime was seen. It would only take a minute: put one of these new ripping bars into the crack, give a yank, and the door flies open.” “Who fills the boxes?” “I do. That’s part of my duties.”
