The Case of the Missing Pearls

by Martha Rogers

  When Noreen returned, she handed the key card to Ben. “I entered it for one week. I hope all this will be behind us by then. Mr. Wentworth gave us as much time as he could, but if we don’t come up with something soon, we’ll have a real mess on our hands. We’ll need this all resolved before he comes in to visit with his mother.”

  Noreen stood. “Thank you for your help. It’s good to see our residents so willing to help each other.” She came around her desk. “Ellie’s party was a good distraction, so I’ve asked Taryn to come up with some new activity to involve the whole community. Abby, if you have any ideas, I’m sure she’d appreciate them.”

  That was our cue to leave and get busy with finding our thief.

  On our way out, one of the evening attendants met us.

  “I’m sorry to bother you Mrs. Billings, but Ellie insists that I find you and ask you to come to her room. Her grandson’s visit this afternoon left her in tears.”

  “Oh, dear, I’ll go check on her right away. Ben, you go on in for the buffet. I’ll meet you at our table later.”

  When I arrived at Ellie’s, she sat at her table near the window with a handkerchief grasped in her hands. “Oh, Abby, Scot returned from his business trip and came to see me. He found out about the pearls and is furious. He wants to move me to a place closer to where he lives.” She grasped Abby’s hands. “Please do talk with him. I don’t want to leave Spring Hills.”

  “I know you don’t. Did he say when he’s coming again?”

  “Yes, next week sometime. He’s to call and confirm after he’s checked his calendar.”

  “Good, let me know for sure and I’ll talk to him. I’ll use my most persuasive powers to convince him not to move you.”

  “Thank you, Abby. I hope you solve this mystery before he comes.”

  “I’m going to meet Ben at supper now, and we’ll talk more about what we can do.”

  When I sat down next to Ben, he raised his eyebrows and asked, “What did Ellie have to say?”

  “Scot found out about her missing jewelry and wants to move her to another retirement center.”

  “Then I can understand why she’s so upset. I’ve been talking around with the others, and about all of them will comply with the new rule about locking doors.”

  Bessie leaned forward. “If things keep disappearing when the doors are locked, then I do believe the thief is one of the staff with pass keys.”

  I’d already thought of that, but it didn’t help us right now. “That’s a good point, Bessie. I’ll be sure to write it down in my notes.” We had to get back together and go over our facts again.

  Harry joined the table, and the conversation turned to bridge. As much as I loved the game, I didn’t know why it had to be the topic of so many conversations.

  After dinner, Bessie followed Ben, Harry, and me. Clara and Doris had not joined us for the buffet tonight which made me wonder about their absence. Maybe I should check on them later.

  Bessie squealed and pulled my arm. “Look at this bulletin posted by Taryn. She’s set up some self-defense classes for us. Something like Karate I suppose.” Suddenly she jumped into a typical Karate stance.

  I almost burst out laughing, but swallowed it fast as I could. “My, it looks like you already know the basics.”

  Bessie pulled her plump little body to its full height. “I’ll have you know I took Tai Kwan Do many years ago. After my Frank passed on, I didn’t want to worry about living alone and being attacked in my sleep.”

  Ben’s shoulders shook with the laughter he tried to hold back. I couldn’t blame him. The sight of Bessie fending herself with self-defense moves presented a funny picture I couldn’t ignore.

  However, the idea of the classes was a good one. I’d learned a little about the art when Jack was traveling so often in his work. I could probably use a refresher course as well.

  I hugged Bessie. “You are a dear, and I think I might even try out that course. It sounds like it might be fun.”

  Bessie twittered. “Oh, it will be. I hope I haven’t forgotten how to do some of the defense tactics.” Again she struck a typical position of defense before she teetered away on the high heels she insisted on wearing.

  When she left and was safely out of earshot, Ben and Harry exploded into laughter. Ben shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I just held it in too long. That’s about the funniest thing I’ve seen or heard in a while.”

  I agreed, but wasn’t going to let him know it. “Let’s forget about Bessie and concentrate on our thefts.”

  Harry nodded toward the doors. “Are we going to stop at your house, Abby?”

  “Yes, we need to go back over everything we know and add this new business.”

  We also had to work out our linen closet surveillance plan. If we could figure out the times when most of the thefts happened, we could set it up by that.

  “C’mon guys, follow me. We have work to do.” I strode toward the exit, determined to get to the bottom of our problem.

  Once they were gathered around my table with mugs of coffee in our hands, I pulled out my notebook. “The problem we have, gentlemen, is that we have far too many who could be suspects even if we discount all but a few of our residents. In fact, without looking at the list, I can’t even remember all their names.”

  “Well, we have narrowed it down to the people on the first floor in that one wing. The other wing is the one with the people who need more help and are in nursing care. They haven’t had any thefts, so I think that eliminates them.” Ben sipped his coffee and peered over the rim.

  “That still leaves quite a few.” I pointed to a page with two columns. “Here’s the list of everything taken. I listed the item, the date, and the victim. What do you see that the items have in common?”

  Ben and Harry both read the list and shook their heads. Ben started to hand it back to me, but Harry grabbed it instead.

  “Here, let me look at that again.” He studied the list a few minutes before a grin spread across his face. “Except for Ellie’s jewelry, all of them are shiny, of little monetary value, and they mean more to the resident than they do to the person who could have taken them.”

  “Good eye, Harry. Now, look at the times things were reported missing.”

  This time Ben spotted the clue. “They’re all after or during an activity when most of the residents in those apartments are at meals or the activity room.”

  “And that brings me to an idea on how to set a trap for our thief. Ben and I have a pass key for the linen closet. We need to take turns and go there just before meal time and keep watch until the meal is over. We told Noreen a little of our plan to watch the halls.”

  Harry rubbed his chin. “That would work, but the doors will be locked, so no one can get into the rooms.”

  “Except the staff has keys, but my plan involves a resident. I don’t want to involve Ellie again, so Tillie would be a great accomplice. She’ll be willing to leave her door open with something out in the open to attract our thief. We’ll keep watch on that hall tomorrow evening.”

  Ben shook his head. “Are you sure she can keep a secret? She can spread news faster than a wildfire.”

  “She loves reading mysteries, and I think she’ll love our little scheme. This way she’ll have a part in solving the crime.”

  “I’ll be glad to take a stint in the linen closet and give you and Ben a break.”

  “Thanks, Harry. With three of us, we could man both closets in that wing.

  We then set up a schedule for the stake-out. Ben and Harry decided to take the first watch with one of them on each hall. Nothing ever seemed to happen around breakfast time, so lunch and dinner became our main targets.

  We made our plans, and I agreed to tell Noreen exactly what we wanted to do so she’d make sure Ben and Harry would have dinner. When they finally left, I had more confidence in finding our thief soon. If we didn’t, Mr. Wentworth would call in the police again, or fire the staff, or even worse. I couldn’t let that happ
en.

  Chapter 14

  The next morning, I was sorely tempted to sleep in and skip breakfast, but with so much to be done, I couldn’t afford the luxury of a late morning. Mitzi wouldn’t wait either, so I rose at my usual time. After I let Mitzi out, I sat on my little patio in back.

  I loved sitting here with the sunrise each morning. My special time alone with God always brought peace before the day rolled in like a train coming into a depot. Even the birds had not yet begun their morning song, and the silence gave me time to give thanks and let the Lord order my steps for the day. I ended my prayer and closed my prayer journal and Bible with a sigh.

  The sun now rose in a sky streaked with yellow, coral, and pink, and I was ready to begin my work for the day. The pad with the notes from last night lay nearby, so I picked it up to study it once more. Ben and Harry decided to take the first shift this evening during the meal. I’d speak with Tillie this morning about leaving her door open and go by Noreen’s office to explain what we were doing.

  I glanced up and didn’t see Mitzi anywhere. When I went to look for her, she had her nose in my flowerbed again. At least no dead body greeted me when I picked her up. The sun had risen above the main building, and I glanced that way. The windows of Mrs. Wentworth’s apartment were on this end facing west. From here, it looked like her window was full of smudges. I’d have to tell Noreen about that. The staff here prided itself on good housekeeping.

  Mitzi’s paws were muddy, so I cleaned her up before taking her inside. After securing her in the kennel, I finished dressing and headed to the main building and breakfast.

  The dining hall buzzed with last evening’s events. I made my way through the tables with glances of scorn and frowns thrown my way. Ben and I had let them down. The crimes had not been solved and new ones cropped up. Something had to be done, and I hoped Noreen and Tillie would go along with our idea.

  Of course, the thefts became the topic of conversation at our table. Bessie kept pointing her finger at me and telling me I’d better get busy and find the thief. Even Ben’s words didn’t calm her down until he promised to play Bridge with her again later today.

  When I finished eating, I leaned over to Ben. “I’m going to talk to Noreen and then go see Tillie.”

  “Okay, let me know how it goes.”

  “Sure.” I stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some things to do. I’ll see you back here for dinner.”

  Harry raised his eyebrows, but Ben shook his head to ward off questions. Harry must have understood, because he punched his thumb in the air.

  Leaving the chatter behind, I strode into the hall and down to Noreen’s office. After explaining what we wanted to do with Tillie, she sat back in her chair, skepticism lining her face.

  “Setting a trap didn’t work last time. What makes you think it will work this time?”

  “Because Tillie will be helping us. She’ll tell the girl who checks her room, not to bother anything and leave the door open. Ben and Harry will be in the linen closet on that hall to see who comes that way.”

  “Okay, we’ll try it again, but we really need to have some concrete evidence. Mr. Wentworth called again last night, so we have until Thursday to come up a solution.”

  I rose to leave, but she stopped me. “Oh, and by the way, Maria came back to work today. Her little girl is doing well after the surgery last week.”

  I had completely forgotten Grace was to have her surgery. I had meant to go see her at the hospital, but this theft business really had me going in circles. I must make time to go see her and also to tell Maria how glad I was that the surgery succeeded in helping Grace’s hearing.

  Three days wasn’t much time seeing as how we had found nothing so far, and we’d had plenty of time. From Noreen’s office I headed to Tillie’s room. I caught her just as she was about to leave. Since she’d shed her walker, she was all over the place.

  “I’m on my way to the library to find another good book. You can come with me.”

  “No. What I have to say is best said in your room.”

  She raised her eyebrows at me, but she stepped back into her room to allow me entrance. “So, what’s the big secret?”

  “We’ve come up with an idea about catching the person taking all the things from people’s rooms. We’re not sure if it’s only one person or perhaps two. We need your help.”

  Her eyes lit up with curiosity. “Ooh, that sounds intriguing. What can I do?”

  “Since all of the thefts have occurred on this U-shaped wing, we want to set a trap of sorts. We need you to leave out a shiny piece of jewelry and then leave your door open when you go to dinner tonight. Ben and Harry will be in the linen closet keeping watch on the hallway to see who comes this way or to see if anyone goes into your room.”

  Tillie clapped her hands in delight. “I have just the piece. It’s not really expensive, but it’s shiny and if the lamp is on, it’ll be plain to see.” She giggled. “This is so much fun. Thank you for asking for my help.”

  I stood and hugged her. “I knew you’d like the idea. Now, let’s get on down to the library for your book.”

  I walked with Tillie back to the foyer. Before I left, she grabbed my arm.

  “How about bringing Mitzi over for a visit this afternoon? I’d like to see that little darling.”

  I didn’t really have anything on the agenda today, so why not? “Okay, I’ll bring her by after I read to Ellie. She has a new book she wants to start.”

  After we agreed on a time, I went to find Ben and Harry to let them know our plan was a go for this evening. When I passed through the lobby, I spotted Maria in the hallway. I hailed her and hurried to meet her.

  “I’m so glad you’re back and that Grace is doing well. I’m so sorry I haven’t been to see her, but I plan to, and soon.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Billings. Grace still talks about your visit. She can already hear so much better. And Mrs. Jensen just told me that my arrest won’t hurt my job because I wasn’t charged with anything.”

  “Wonderful.” Then a light clicked in my head. Maria would be the perfect one to help pull off our little scheme. I explained to her what we were going to do.

  Maria’s response rang with enthusiasm. “Oh, Mrs. Billings, I’ll do anything I can to help you and Mr. Martin. I want that thief caught more than anybody.”

  “Good. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open to any unusual activity in the two halls.”

  I said good-bye and let her get back to her work. When I opened the door, Ben met me.

  “Well, how did it go with Tillie?”

  “She’s all for it, just like I imagined she would be. All we have to do now is pray the thief decides to strike again tonight.”

  We walked back to my house. “I’m going over to read to Ellie and then I’m going to take Mitzi to see Tillie. I thought I might drop in on Olivia Wentworth as well. She might enjoy playing with Mitzi.”

  I prayed more than once that I never went into dementia. I enjoyed my friends and family, and I didn’t want to lose that.

  Ben left me at my house and walked on down to his. I went inside to prepare a quick early lunch, so I could keep my tee time and play nine holes before going to see Ellie. With the afternoons now warmer, I wanted to get back into my routine.

  Chapter 15

  When I entered the main building on my way to see Ellie, I spotted Scot Davenport in the foyer. I hurried over to him before he reached Ellie’s hall.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Davenport. I’m Abby Billings, one of your grandmother’s good friends. May I have a word with you?”

  He glanced at his watch. “I don’t have much time, and I need to speak with the director.”

  “I know, and that’s what I wanted to talk about. Ellie tells me you want her to move from Spring Hills.”

  His eyes held a wary look as he hesitated in answering. “Um, yes, I don’t believe it’s safe here for her after the pearls were stolen.”

  “I understand. Have you found ano
ther place?”

  “No. I wanted to speak with Nana first. I have a home in mind, but I want her to see it before I fill out the application.”

  Good, he hadn’t committed himself to a contract somewhere else, so I still had time to change his mind. “I know you want what’s best for Ellie. She’s such a dear, sweet lady. But I don’t believe she’s in any danger. Nothing violent has been reported.”

  “I understand that, but just the idea of someone coming in and taking her things doesn’t set well with me.”

  “With me either, but Ellie has many friends here and enjoys her life at Spring Hills. Besides, another resident and I are working on finding the thief.”

  He furrowed his brow. “I didn’t know that, but how does that help my grandmother?”

  “If we catch the thief, we’ll find her pearls. She’s so well loved by everyone, and we’d all be so disappointed if she left. Can you at least wait until we find her pearls?”

  He pondered my request for a moment then nodded. “I suppose a few days won’t make that much difference. I won’t say anything to her about it today.”

  “Thank you. We’ll do our best to clear this up.”

  Noreen joined us. “Good afternoon, Mr. Davenport. You wanted to see me.”

  Scot shrugged. “I did, but it can wait now. I’ll just go have a visit with Nana.” He turned strode down the hall to Ellie’s room.

  “Thank you for helping me to avoid a confrontation. I know how upset Ellie would be to move. I hope we can convince him to let her stay.”

  “I’m glad my plea worked.” Now getting the thefts resolved and insuring Ellie’s safety became even more important. I left Noreen and returned to Ben and Harry.

  “Okay, we have until Thursday to get this done for Mr. Wentworth and Scot Davenport will wait until we find Ellie’s jewelry.”