Zaiba nodded, walking over to Georgia, and then slipped the pen from her shirt pocket. “And where Maysoon was meant to have her press party. Until the self-check-in machine mysteriously went haywire and everything was cancelled. It’s also where Georgia got this pen that she’s been using since she arrived here. It’s their father’s hotel!” Georgia tried to snatch the pen back but Zaiba popped it in another evidence bag she’d been given by Aunt Fouzia.
Clark dabbed at his forehead with one of his long sleeves.
“The self-check-in machine mixed up everyone’s names – they lost all the booking details,” Georgia blurted out.
“So it was just a coincidence then.” Zaiba raised her voice slightly. “That you both ended up here right when two big events were planned.”
Mr Ainsley narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. “You’re Graham Stevens’ children…” he said in a grave voice. “He and I have known each other since napkin-folding training. It brings me no joy that I will have to tell him his children have been committing crimes in my hotel!”
“You know their dad?” Zaiba asked.
“Why of course,” Mr Ainsley replied. “All the hotel managers in this town know each other. Once a year we meet to exchange tips.” He turned to Clark. “I taught your father everything he knows about folding napkin swans, so I will give you two options. Either you confess immediately or I ring the White Hall and tell your father myself!”
There was silence. Clark and Georgia looked at each other and Zaiba swore she saw Clark’s bottom lip tremble. Clearly their father was not a man to mess with!
Zaiba knew this was the time to strike. “Clark and Georgia, I am accusing you of not only sabotaging the other hotels in town, but also taking off Roberto’s lead, luring him into the maze using the smell of prime steak—”
“Wait, WHAT?” Maysoon said in horror before Aunt Fouzia shushed her.
“And finally stealing his diamond collar to stash away in the attic, ready to take later. My only question is … why did you do it?”
This was it. The moment Zaiba had been waiting her whole life for. Would Georgia and Clark confess, or would her reputation be ruined before she’d even started her journey to becoming the best detective of all time?
“Please, Mr Ainsley, don’t tell Dad!” Clark cried out, his face crumpling into panic. “He already thinks I’m good for nothing. I was going to use the money to start my own hotel, so I could show him I’m not useless after all!”
Georgia finally blinked and rushed over to her brother’s side.
“I thought if I could get rid of competition from the other hotels before mine even opened, I’d be sure of success,” Clark continued.
Georgia patted her brother’s shoulder and sniffed back tears.
“So you sabotaged your own father’s hotel to get ahead?” Hassan interjected.
Zaiba slowly reached her hand into her purse and pressed “record” on her phone. She wanted to get Clark’s confession on tape, clear and simple.
“Yes, OK!” Clark snapped at Hassan. “And I knew I couldn’t steal the diamond if the event happened at the White Hall. Not with Dad breathing down my neck the whole time. So I broke the self-check-in machine … those things are stupid anyway!”
Mr Ainsley smirked a little.
“You stole Roberto’s diamond collar to get money?” Zaiba prompted.
“Yes,” Clark snarled, his head in his hands. “When Georgia got the job as Maysoon’s PA I saw the opportunity. She paid off the chef to hide the steak out in the maze, slipped off his lead and then I was there to take Roberto’s collar when the mutt showed up.”
“He isn’t a mutt,” Maysoon sniffed. “Georgia, I can’t believe I trusted you.”
A few silent tears fell from Georgia’s eyes. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Maysoon.
“But how did you know that we’d leave the door open for Roberto?” Zaiba asked.
Clark laughed nastily. “You just made our job quicker and easier for us!”
Zaiba felt a slight flush of guilt but pressed on. None of this was her fault. “And why didn’t you run away once you had the collar?”
Clark suddenly stopped laughing and fixed her with a stony glare. “What, you can’t work that one out for yourself, great detective? If I had run away I’d immediately have been a suspect. I was planning to set up a new hotel here in town – I couldn’t be a wanted criminal!”
Zaiba felt her brain ticking over as she joined up the dots. “You got Georgia to hide the collar up in the attic, using the servant’s door in Maysoon’s suite. And you snuck down to the cellar using the secret staircase.”
“I was so close to getting away with that diamond,” Clark spat. “And I wanted to leave a nice parting present for him.” Clark jutted his chin at Mr Ainsley.
“You mean ruining thousands of pounds worth of champagne and covering my vintage cheese in dust!” Mr Ainsley was outraged.
“Sneaky Stevens,” Poppy tutted.
“But how did you know that the staircase existed?” Zaiba wanted to be sure she had every detail of this case locked down.
Clark’s eyes darted about until finally Georgia spoke up. “Actually, that was me,” she said in a small voice. “I used to read these books when I was little and the author writes about a hidden staircase at this hotel. I never wanted to be a criminal – I always wanted to be a detective!”
Zaiba and Poppy stared at each other in amazement, their mouths wide open. Georgia was an Eden Lockett fan? Zaiba couldn’t help feeling a little more sympathetic towards her. It really seemed that Clark had forced her to be part of his plans. Zaiba loved her brother too, but she would never let him steer her towards a life of crime!
The sound of approaching police sirens cut through Zaiba’s thoughts. Everyone in the room began shifting around, preparing for the upcoming drama.
“Before the police arrive, I would like to say that I feel betrayed by you, Georgia,” Maysoon declared, standing up from the gold seat where she had been perched. “However, I don’t think you’re entirely at fault. Clark is clearly a bad influence on you. But to put an innocent animal in danger is unforgivable.” She gave Roberto a little kiss and clasped the collar, still in its evidence bag, tighter. “Roberto and I trusted you.” She shook her head and slowly sat down just as three police officers arrived at the door to the lounge.
“Good evening, officers,” Mr Ainsley greeted them and he and Aunt Fouzia began speaking with them confidentially.
Zaiba watched as the three police officers listened intently to Aunt Fouzia before looking up at Clark and Georgia. They gave a small nod before two of them walked over to the siblings, reaching for handcuffs in their back pockets.
“No … please, I’m sorry!” Georgia cried. But she held out her hands limply as they were handcuffed. Clark on the other hand did not say a single word. Instead, he stared at Zaiba with his small icy-blue eyes.
Zaiba returned his gaze, taking a deep breath and drawing herself up tall. Thankfully the third police officer approached Zaiba, and Clark looked away.
“I hear we have you to thank for some stellar detective work,” she said, bending to shake Zaiba’s hand.
“No problem at all,” Zaiba said in her best adult voice. “There’s also a dodgy chef in the kitchen I think you should go and question. Oh, and I have some evidence to submit. I’ve alphabetized it here on this sheet of paper, including the crime scenes you should go and dust first.”
LIST OF EVIDENCE IN THE CASE OF THE MISSING DIAMONDS
Diamond dog collar and diamond charm (dust for prints)
Dog lead
Phone recordings taken in hidden staircase and cellar and of confession
Photo of the plate of meat that lured Roberto to the maze (CHECK THIS CRIME SCENE AND DUST PLATE FOR PRINTS)
Photos of Clark and Georgia’s footprints in the dust
White Hall Hotel pen
The police officer smiled. “You’re very thorough. I’ll ha
ve my boss go and question that chef. Now I must speak to the victim. I can’t believe I get to meet Maysoon…” She winked and gave one last handshake to Ali and Poppy.
More police had arrived now and they were questioning other staff members. Among the hubbub, Zaiba just managed to see the sneaky Stevens as they were led out to the police car. Zaiba felt a pang of sadness in her stomach. She was glad that the crime had been solved, but she knew what it was like to want to impress your parents. Had the siblings just been silly and naïve?
“You did the right thing.” Aunt Fouzia approached, giving Zaiba a hug. “And solved your first crime! It’s hard to watch, but criminals must see justice done.”
Zaiba’s dad ran over and scooped Zaiba up in a hug. “My superstar! Listen, I’m sorry I was hard on you. But it’s for a good reason. When your ammi went missing … it made me worry about you even more.”
“It’s all right, Dad. I understand.” Zaiba smiled and hugged her dad tightly. She knew he worried, but that just meant he loved her!
Jessica sidled up beside them. “Zaiba, honey, I’m sorry I was so strict about your clothes. If you’d just told me what you were doing…”
“We couldn’t,” Zaiba explained, patting her bag with Eden Lockett’s Detective Handbook in it. She recited from memory, “Revealing your findings before the crime has been solved can hinder the investigation!” She paused. “And I couldn’t have done it without Ali and Poppy.”
“We’ll win awards for being the best detective’s assistants ever!” Poppy cried, linking her arm through Zaiba’s.
There were murmurs of appreciation from everyone in the room as they looked over at Zaiba, Poppy and Ali. They’d really solved a crime. A real-life crime!
“What an evening!” Maysoon sighed dramatically, bringing the attention back to her. “It’s already eleven o’clock! Now Roberto and I really must get our beauty sleep before tomorrow’s reception.”
“You mean, you still want us to host it here?” Mr Ainsley brightened.
“Why, of course.” Maysoon smiled. “I have my lucky charm back.” She ruffled Roberto’s fur and the little charm, freshly dusted for prints, tinkled on his glittering collar. “As long as you think you’ll be able to get enough champagne.”
Mr Ainsley immediately began ordering staff all over the hotel to resume preparations. “Reorder the champagne, ready the cheeses, pay double if you have to!” He paused and then added, “Please.”
He shot out of the room. The Royal Star was back in business and maybe its manager was going to be a little less strict from now on.
Maysoon started after him, but then she turned to Zaiba and her family.
“You should go to your rooms and get some rest too. After all, being VIP guests at a champagne reception can be very tiring work.” She winked and flounced out, Roberto following her with an excited yip.
“Did she just invite us?” Sam’s jaw almost dropped to the floor and she embraced Tanvir, hopping up and down in excitement. “We’re VIP guests at a celebrity champagne reception! How many couples get that as a present on their Mehndi night?”
Zaiba grinned. She and her friends hadn’t just saved Sam’s Mehndi party – they were going to help Maysoon celebrate in style too!
“This is the BEST day of my life!” Poppy squealed as she tried on her fourth outfit of the evening. This one was a floral silk dress with matching print leggings – it was a masterpiece. They were getting ready for the champagne reception and Maysoon had arranged for a local boutique to bring outfits for the girls to try on.
In addition to being invited to Maysoon’s party, Mr Ainsley had arranged for Zaiba, Ali, Poppy, their parents, Aunt Fouzia and the engaged couple to stay in the hotel for an extra night after the reception, “Free of charge of course!” Although there hadn’t been much rest going on last night as Zaiba and Poppy had been far too excited to sleep.
“I’m going to go and show Maysoon this outfit,” Poppy said, rushing out of their room. She was fully taking advantage of being friends with a famous celebrity.
Zaiba smiled and went to rummage in her suitcase for a pair of tights. She had opted for a deep purple gown. It was the only dress she’d ever worn that reached all the way down to the floor. As she searched, her hand touched something hard and she moved aside the socks and PJs to uncover another of her Eden Lockett novels. It was book number six, The Hidden Staircase. The book that was inspired by this very hotel. She must have packed it by accident. Picking it up she flicked through the pages, stopping to have a look at each of the little notes her ammi had written across the margins. One stood out in particular. The most exciting mysteries are the ones left unsolved!
Zaiba wished she could solve the mystery of what happened to her ammi, but where would she even begin? A tear crept down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.
“Sweetie, is everything all right?” It was her dad, coming to check whether she was ready to leave. Hassan came over to the bed and sat down next to Zaiba, his arm resting on her shoulder.
“Dad, did Ammi ever leave anything else for me?” Zaiba asked, her voice a little wobbly.
Hassan sighed and picked up the book. He gently placed it back in the suitcase and then took Zaiba’s hands.
“Zaiba, you know I usually say leave the past in the past. I’ve been waiting to tell you something and, well, I can see that you’re old enough now and your love for detecting isn’t just a phase…”
Zaiba held her breath and looked up into her dad’s eyes. They glinted as if he was remembering something … remembering someone.
“Your ammi,” Hassan began, “started the Snow Leopard Detective Agency with Aunt Fouzia.”
Zaiba’s mouth flew open.
“She was an agent too. It was on one of her missions that she went missing and passed away, which is why I can get so worried about you investigating. I’m sorry, Zaiba.”
Zaiba paused before throwing her arms round her dad. “Sorry? Why? This is great! My ammi was a detective just like me!”
Hassan looked at Zaiba with quizzical eyes before he chuckled and squeezed her back, even tighter.
Zaiba smiled and breathed in the scent of him.
In a fit of giggles Poppy rushed back into the room, twirling her floaty silk dress round in a circle.
“Maysoon says this is the one!” She beamed.
“Then I guess it’s time to go down,” Zaiba said, her face brightening.
Hassan went to get Jessica and Ali. Jessica had even given Zaiba one of her best handbags to put her Eden Lockett book in for the evening. And Ali… Ali was wearing his favourite hoody!
Opening the door, Zaiba saw Hassan, Jessica and Ali waiting in the corridor, matching smiles on their faces. They were going to arrive all together, as a family. Just as it should be.
Sitting among the stars, glitz and glamour, Zaiba felt like she was dreaming. The private lounge of the Royal Star Hotel had been transformed overnight into an A-list venue. The chandeliers were sparkling, all 314 crystals in each, and there were candles lit in every corner of the room with important-looking people gliding about in expensive gowns and suits. Liza had been allowed to attend and she and Mr Ainsley were busy greeting guests. It looked as though they’d put their disagreements behind them. It was like a scene in a film and, for once, Poppy was lost for words. Ali was freely running across the polished floors and then sliding on his knees to the music. Zaiba shook her head. They couldn’t take him anywhere!
“Esteemed guests,” Mr Ainsley announced from a small podium in the centre of the room. “Please join me in welcoming the star of the evening, Maysoon.”
Everyone clapped and Maysoon appeared in the doorway in a beautiful turquoise cocktail dress. She smiled confidently with her head held high. Even Roberto seemed to have a confident air, with a matching bow on his collar next to the lucky charm.
Once the fuss around her had died down, Tanvir approached Maysoon respectfully. “Maysoon, would you mind taking a picture with my fiancé? S
he’s such a big fan of yours and it would make our uh, extended, Mehndi party so special.”
“Why, of course,” Maysoon sang in a cheerful voice. “Let’s take a selfie!”
Sam gleefully rushed over to Maysoon’s side and the two women took quite a few pictures together, chatting away happily. Finally, Zaiba heard Maysoon say, “I can’t wait for the wedding!” Sam’s favourite celebrity was going to come to her wedding! Zaiba felt her tummy flip over.
Next it was Zaiba, Poppy and Ali’s turn for pictures. Tanvir was photographer, making sure to include the beautiful surroundings of the room.
“I’m going to upload this one straight away and write just how wonderful my stay here has been,” Maysoon said, smiling at Mr Ainsley. Zaiba looked over Maysoon’s shoulder and watched her add four golden star emojis to the caption. Mr Ainsley was sure to get those four stars now!
“This is the best night of my life,” Mr Ainsley said in a small voice.
“Hey, same here!” Poppy laughed, giving him a high five. He didn’t quite know how to do it, but Ali showed him.
“Like this!” He held up his hand and slapped Poppy’s then Mr Ainsley did the same. Zaiba bit her lip to stop herself from laughing, while Mr Ainsley ran a hand over his head as though that was the most rebellious thing he’d ever done. It probably was.
Zaiba went to sit on a plump-cushioned chair and take in the scene. Sam and Tanvir were giggling together and watching Aunt Fouzia dance with Hassan and Jessica. Zaiba felt a huge smile stretch across her face. She’d managed to make SamTan’s Mehndi party unforgettable and made her parents proud. She might not have her ammi here to see her success, but she had her notes and her Eden Lockett books. Not to mention her partners-in-crime-solving, who were rushing over to her.
“Maysoon is going to take questions from the press now,” Poppy said excitedly, sitting down next to Zaiba. “You’ll be happy to know that Damon Harvey was ejected from the building for trespassing!”
The Missing Diamonds Page 11