The Case of the Missing Pearls

by Martha Rogers

  When he returned, I was ready with coffee to get our brains in gear. I handed him his. “Black, just as you prefer, and I’m surprised you went to church with us this morning.”

  “Thanks for the coffee, and as for church, well I’ve been thinking about it lately. It seems to me that you, Harry, and the others put great stock in your faith.”

  He sipped his coffee and peered at me with bunched eyebrows, so I made no comment.

  He set the mug with the napkin under it on the table. “I remember how much it meant to my wife and how we enjoyed going together. After her death, I let my attendance and my faith slip and decided church wasn’t worth the time. I’m beginning to change my mind.”

  That brought a smile to my heart. “And that’s a good thing. You’ll feel much better about everything.”

  “I’m still angry with God for taking my wife, but I’ve seen the difference faith can make. Now, if the good Lord would only help us solve our missing pearls mystery, I’d feel even better. Have you come up with any new ideas?”

  Well, that ended that conversation. Maybe I could return to it later. “Wish I had some new ideas, but I don’t and it really puzzles me. The only solution I can see not is that it’s one of the residents, and the only ones we can really rule out are the bedridden patients in the nursing wing.”

  “You’re right. But do you think someone in a wheelchair or on a walker would be agile and quick enough to get in and out of a person’s room without the tenant knowing about it.”

  I frowned and sipped my coffee. “That doesn’t seem likely, but it might be possible. We must be missing something.”

  “We are, but what? I still don’t think we should rule out the possibility of it being an employee. And it doesn’t have to be just one.”

  I tapped my chin with my finger, a new thought forming. “You know, you could be right about that. What if the thefts started out with just one person, but then when that person wasn’t caught, someone else decided to try the same thing?”

  Ben shrugged. “I keep going back to the fact that none of the jewelry or other items was of any real value. So, why would an employee risk his or her job for so little?”

  “We’re going around in circles with so many different scenarios that it muddies the waters even more than they already are.”

  Ben read thru the lists again. “I really appreciate your input and thoughts on this. Sometimes we men miss the perspective a woman can bring to an issue.”

  “Thank you. I guess it does helps to have another viewpoint on something like this. I just wish we could come up with a solution.”

  “Well, I do too. And I believe we will. Are you going to see Tillie? She might come up with new information.”

  “Yes, I am going over there after you leave. She’s always up on what’s happening around Spring Hills, so I don’t know why I haven’t talked with her before now.”

  Ben pushed back from the table. “She does amaze me with the things she knows about what’s going on around this place. I’ll go home now and let you get on with your sleuthing.”

  I wasn’t sure I’d call it that, but after I put the mugs in the dishwasher, I headed for Tillie’s room.

  Chapter 12

  When I arrived at Tillie’s, her door stood open, but I knocked before entering.

  “Abby, come on in. I have so much to tell you.” She sat near the window, reading.

  “Oh, and I imagine it’s about the loss of your note box and letter opener.”

  “Yes, but that’s not all. I discovered my bracelet is missing as well. It’s the one with my grandchildren’s charms on it. It must have disappeared at about the same time.”

  “Really, I hadn’t heard about the bracelet.” This mystery grew bigger every minute.

  “At breakfast this morning, Helen Grayson told us her gold chain with the gold heart on it is missing, and Jim Tate is sure the thief took his gold pen. I’m glad we’re locking our doors now, but if it’s one of the employees, will that do any good? After all, they do have master keys.”

  Noreen had mentioned that in case of emergency, and it hadn’t really occurred to me about other access, but Tillie had caught the implications of that.”

  “So what is your opinion of all the thefts?”

  Tillie knit her eyebrows and scrunched up her mouth. “A few things crossed my mind. Those of us in the independent wings are pretty free to come and go as we please. Even those who need assistance have help whenever they need it to go to the activity center. With someone accompanying them, it doesn’t seem likely for any of them to stop in a room with an open door and take something.”

  That was about the same conclusion Ben and I had made, so that was no help.

  “Think about it, Abby. All of us, who’ve had things taken, live in the independent apartments on the first floor. All of the thefts have been on this floor, too. So, it has to be someone working or living in this area.”

  “My goodness, you’ve really thought a lot about this, haven’t you?” Ben, Harry, and I had the same information, and came to the same conclusion, but I let her think she’d come up with a new idea. “And what you say makes a lot of sense.”

  “Pooh, it’s plain as the nose on your face. Why didn’t you think of it?”

  “I really don’t know. I guess we were looking at too big a picture, but this sure helps to narrow it down even more than we have.” As long as Tillie thought she helped us, she’d come up with more information and ideas.

  We sat in silence a moment, and I gave thought to her observations. In looking at the floor plans earlier, I had paid special attention to the shape of the first floor. As I had seen on my own visits with Olivia, her apartment provided the connection to the two independent wings to give it the U-shape that allowed residents to visit on that floor without having to come through the front foyer. That realization led to all kinds of scenarios Ben and I needed to consider.

  Tillie thumped her fist on the arm of her chair. “I’ll tell you something else, that Olivia Wentworth needs a full time care-giver. She’s always lost and asking who I am and if I’m a visitor in her home.”

  “I’m sure that as soon as the new wing is completed, Mr. Wentworth will move his mother there. Her memory does seem to be getting worse.” Maybe I needed to pay her another visit.

  Tillie sat back in her chair and shook her head. “Olivia’s lonely. That son of hers doesn’t come to visit very often although his wife tries to make regular visits. I’ve had tea with Olivia a few times, and I will say they’ve gone all out to make sure she has the most comfortable quarters.”

  I hadn’t been to see Olivia but once since last fall when she helped with Pete’s murder, but I remembered her apartment. The kitchen, living area, and bedrooms filled the bottom of the U shaped wing. Her bedroom window faced the courtyard between the main building and my cottage.

  At the time of my last visit, she had moments when her memory rang clear as a bell, and she told us things that led to solving the crime. I really did need to make another visit just to check on her.

  “Tillie, you’ve given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate all your help. I’ll leave you now to finish your reading. My sweet Mitzi needs to be let out to roam around a bit. She’s been cooped up most of the day.”

  “Oh, Abby, I just love that little darling. Please bring her over to visit with me again. We had such a good time before when you did.”

  “I will do that. I think she enjoyed it as much as all of you did.” Mitzi loved people and Noreen had given me permission to bring her into the activity room, and everyone loved having her.

  I left Tillie’s and walked around the U end past Olivia’s door. I decided to stop and see if she was up for a visit.

  She answered the door, and a bright smile greeted me. “Hello, won’t you come in for a cup of tea.”

  Olivia stepped back, and I walked into her apartment. “Thank you, Mrs. Wentworth. I’d love a cup of tea.”

  I followed her to the kitchen
and dining area. The fact that she still had a fully equipped kitchen disturbed me. With her memory problems, should she be allowed to cook? I watched her closely, but she found the tea kettle and tea without any problems and filled the kettle with water.

  After turning on the electric unit, she joined me at the table. “How are you today? Aren’t you Abigail Billings, that friend of my son’s wife?”

  “Why yes, I am.” It’d been months since I’d been here when her daughter-in-law had been visiting, but Olivia still remembered me. I guess I would never truly understand the ins and outs of dementia.

  “I’ve been hearing things about thefts in our neighborhood. Isn’t that terrible? I’ve hidden away all my nice jewelry so it won’t get taken.”

  “Yes, it is terrible. The new rule of locked doors may help to stop that.”

  “Oh, I always keep my doors locked, even when I’m home. I still have people coming in and out at odd hours, and my maid does come in and change my linens and take care of my laundry.”

  Did she think she was in her home and had maid service? The kettle whistled, and her eyes opened wide.

  “What is that noise?” She placed her hands over her ears. “It’s so shrill.”

  I jumped up and turned off the element and poured water into the cups on the counter. I returned to the table with them and set them before Olivia.

  Olivia grinned up at me. “Why thank you, dear. I always love a cup of tea in the afternoon.” She gazed about the room as though seeing it for the first time while she sipped her tea. “This is a lovely place. I think my daughter-in-law has done wonders with it. It’s not as large as my home, but it’s nice.”

  We visited for a while longer, and I realized she still confused the past and the present. Mr. Wentworth or his wife must know she needs someone here to take care of her and see that she doesn’t harm herself.

  When I rose to leave, sadness entered her eyes and touched my heart. She followed me to the door. “Please come again. I’ve enjoyed our visit.”

  “I will, Mrs. Wentworth. Thank you for the tea.”

  “You’re welcome.” With that, she closed the door. I would definitely have to plan to make time for more visits with her.

  On my way out, I spotted Mrs. Davis, our director for the week-ends. I hurried over to where she spoke with one of the staff and waited for her to finish.

  When the staff member departed, Mrs. Davis turned her attention to me. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Billings?”

  “I was just in visiting with Olivia Wentworth. I’m little concerned she doesn’t have someone staying with her all the time.”

  “Mrs. Jensen feels the same way and has told Mr. Wentworth that he should have experienced help to care for her, but he thinks any major changes now and then another one at the end of May when the new memory care center is ready will do more harm than good.

  I could understand that, but she needed more help than she had now. “I plan to visit her more often so maybe that will help her not be quite as lonely.”

  I left Mrs. Davis and headed back to my house, once again thankful for my independence and good health. Maybe I hadn’t accomplished as much as I needed, but at least I had given Olivia a bright spot for the afternoon. Next time I brought Mitzi over to visit Tillie, I’d make sure we included Olivia.

  Chapter 13

  Later that evening, before going back to the main building for our Sunday night buffet, I snapped on Mitzi’s leash and took her outside for a walk. When we reached the side yard, she put up a fuss and yanked at the leash. At the same time, voices echoed from the front of my house.

  I jogged to keep up with Mitzi and turned the corner to find Ben and Bessie in a heated conversation. Of course, my curiosity sent me over to see what the commotion was all about.

  When Ben saw me, he gestured for me to come over. “Bessie, tell Abby what you were trying to tell me.”

  Bessie fanned her heat-filled face. “Oh, it’s awful. There were two more thefts this afternoon. Alice Murphy said her turquoise bracelet and a cameo brooch are missing from her dresser top and Leona’s necklace is missing.”

  Oh no, not again. Ben and I were failing miserably at clearing up this mystery. Tears glistened in Bessie’s eyes. I hugged her then stepped back. “You say it happened this afternoon? Weren’t the doors all locked?”

  “I don’t know, but it scares the beejeebies out of me. I’m going back to my house and make sure all my stuff is locked away. You two better get busy and find this thief, or we’ll all be in danger.” Bessie turned and hurried to her cottage as fast as her short legs could carry her.

  Ben frowned. “This does put us in a bind. We have to solve this before something worse does happen. I wonder if Mrs. Davis has contacted Noreen.”

  “I don’t know, but we can check on it now before we go to dinner.” It must have happened after I spoke with Mrs. Davis earlier. I hoped she had already contacted Noreen.

  Ben struck off toward the main building and I followed him. When we entered the lobby, residents sat around the area in small groups as though waiting for someone or something. Several of the ladies sat around Alice and Leona. Mrs. Davis stood by the reception desk speaking into her cell phone.

  As soon as she disconnected, Ben spoke to her. “Excuse me. Abby and I just heard about the problem here this afternoon.”

  Mrs. Davis wore a harried look in her eyes, and she hugged the clipboard to her chest. “Oh, Mrs. Billings, it’s terrible. I found out right after you and I spoke earlier. I’ve called Noreen and she’s on the way here. She’s really upset, and I can’t blame her.”

  “Good, we can wait until she arrives. Tell us who lost what.” Ben retrieved his pen and a pad from his jacket pocket.

  “Alice Clark couldn’t find her turquoise bracelet and a matching pin disappeared from her dresser. Then Leona Hill couldn’t find her silver cross necklace she usually wears. Says she left it on her on her nightstand because the clasp broke.

  Ben took notes while I tried to make sense of what was going on and went over to the group around Alice and Leona. I knelt beside Alice who dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “I’m so sorry about your jewelry. Tell me exactly what happened.”

  She sniffed, but the tears trickled down her cheeks again. “I didn’t think anything about it until I decided to wear my bracelet. It wasn’t where I left it, and I searched for it, and I discovered the pin missing. They’re gone, Abby, they’re gone.”

  Leona snorted. “Oh, Alice, get hold of yourself and stop crying. It isn’t going to bring back your things. I was stupid and left my door unlocked when I came out to check the posted menu for tonight’s buffet. Whoever did this will have to pay for it.” She glared at me. “I thought you’d have this solved by now.”

  I’d seen Leona’s bluntness before, and she’s one tiger I wouldn’t want to tackle in situations like this. Even now with her arms crossed over her bosom, her eyes spit fire. I ignored her comment and turned back to Alice.

  “Alice, did you leave your door unlocked?”

  The sobs began again. “Yes. I forgot to lock it and even left my door open when I went down to the activity room. I’m so sorry, and Mrs. Jensen will be so angry with me.”

  I reached up and hugged her. “No, she won’t be angry, and Ben and I will do everything we can to help find your jewelry.” I nodded at Leona. “And yours, too.”

  Leona pursed her lips. “Well and good, but I don’t see how. I locked my door to come to dinner. I didn’t later, but I was only gone a few minutes, just long enough to come here and go back. That’s the only time someone could have gone in.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Noreen’s here.”

  By the look on Noreen’s face, upset wouldn’t begin to describe her feelings.

  She inclined her head toward Ben and me. “Meet me in my office as soon as I’m finished talking with the ladies.”

  I grabbed Ben’s arm. “We’ll go there and wait for you now.” He started to protest, but I squeezed his arm and pu
lled him toward the hallway.

  Once in Noreen’s office, Ben yanked his arm away. “What was that for? I wanted to stay and make sure she wasn’t too rough on Alice and Leona.”

  “She won’t be, but I’m more concerned about what’s going on.”

  Ben plopped into a chair and raked his hands through his hair. “This puzzle is getting more complicated day by day, and we’re no closer to finding the thief.”

  Before I could comment, Noreen walked in and closed the door behind her. “Don’t you two have any ideas? I’m about at the end of my rope, and with these new incidents, Mr. Wentworth is sure to want the police involved again.”

  I shuddered to think of what police involvement might do to the sense of security for our friends. “Can you hold them off a little longer?”

  Noreen blew out her breath. “Mr. Wentworth will be furious if he thinks we’re hiding things from him. He did give us a deadline, and we have a few more days before it comes, so I’ll hold off until then.”

  “Good. That will help. We’ll spend more time on this now. Won’t we, Ben?”

  “Yes. I’m anxious to see this come to an end.”

  “Well, of course, today’s thefts wouldn’t have happened if they’d locked their doors, but then the new rule hasn’t actually been posted yet, and I guess I can’t expect them to always remember. I hope this will be a good reminder for them to follow the new rule now.”

  “Yes, and Noreen,” he leaned forward, “could we have a key to the linen closet? It’s the perfect place to keep watch over that hallway.”

  Noreen bunched her eyebrows as though thinking through Ben’s request. Then she nodded. “Okay, Ben. You were Dad’s good friend and helped him in more than one situation, so I know you’ll do whatever you can to end these thefts.” She reached into her drawer for a plastic card. “I’ll code this for you.”

  My mouth dropped open, but I shut it in a hurry. Ben never once said a word about knowing Noreen before coming to Spring Hills. Then again, it wasn’t really my business to know who he knew. At least this friendship did get us a place to hide and observe. I decided not to pursue that tidbit of information any further. Some things didn’t need an explanation, but I did wonder why he hadn’t asked for a key for our watch during Ellie’s party.