by Belle Astor
"I suppose even policemen have social lives," Maisie hoped she sounded laissez faire.
"I thought I overheard Lily say," Katie paused, "I shouldn't say anything really." Maisie could feel herself tightening up. But their conversation on Katie took place after Katie had left.
"Tell me, Katie." Maisie was insistent.
"Only that George thinks you're swell. I thought he might have asked you on a date, that's all. But the good news is I didn't seem him with anyone."
Phew! Maisie felt relieved. George would need to be more careful.
"Katie, are you free tomorrow? There's a new tea shop that I want to visit. We could go." Maisie watched as Katie stretched her legs and considered her respect. "Sure, but not too early. I need my beauty sleep," Katie said as she stretched out. "Time for bed. See you in the morning." Katie stood up and was walking out the door when she turned round. "Are you not coming up?"
"I'll finish my tea and clean up. Goodnight."
It had been a very strange night. Maisie wasn't sure what to think about Katie. Did she know more than she let on? Or was it pure speculation on Maisie's part. She would have to find a way into Katie's room to see if her book was still there. Of course, Maisie had no idea if knowing this would help in any way. Her only hope was that George would be able to break the code and figure this whole thing out. She could sleep now if only she had a bed, but as she hadn't, she settled for the couch, pulling the throw over her and closed her eyes.
"Maisie, you have a perfectly good bed in your room, what are you doing down here?" Mrs. Hopkins' tone jolted Maisie from her slumber. She wiped her eyes as the glare of the sun came through the window. It was morning.
"I couldn't sleep and came down to read. I must have fallen asleep. Sorry, Mrs. Hopkins." Maisie sat up. So last night was real.
"Young girls these days. No idea of how to behave," Mrs. Hopkins muttered to herself as she prepared for breakfast. "Go get yourself cleaned up. Silly nonsense, falling asleep on the couch."
Maisie rolled her eyes, Mrs. Hopkins was in one of her moods. She hoped George would be able to convince her of his need to check Maisie's room. She couldn't suppress a giggle imagining what excuse he might come up with. Katie was coming out of her room and heading for the rest room.
"Did you ever get to bed?" she asked.
"No, I must have dozed off, and Mrs. Hopkins is none too happy, let me tell you."
With Katie in her bedroom, Maisie knew it was her chance to take a quick look in her room. She opened the door and stuck her head in. The book was gone. Maisie wasn't sure if she felt relieved or not. As she was about to close the door, she heard the bathroom door unlocking. There wasn't time for her to get to her room.
Maisie had no choice she had to go into Katie's room but where was she going to hide. The door handle began to turn, and Maisie dropped to the floor and rolled under the bed. Katie was humming as she walked around her room. Maisie was stuck for now. She had to hold her nose to stifle a sneeze. Didn't Mrs. Hopkins clean under these beds, she asked herself.
As she saw Katie's feet move around the floor. George was very clear that their suspicions were not to be revealed. She hit off something with her head. Thinking it was a shoe box, she was shocked to discover it was the book of love poems. It could only mean one thing, Katie had taken the book from her bedroom. She gasped but hoped Katie hadn't heard her.
Katie's humming paused. Maisie held her breath and closed her eyes. However, the humming resumed and Maisie had to bide her time for Katie to leave the room. How much longer was she going to take? Maisie never considered the effort that went into Katie's look. At last, she seemed to be done as Maisie could hear Katie telling herself she was beautiful. It saddened Maisie that a beautiful girl lacked confidence. But she couldn't linger for much longer. Katie would be looking for her downstairs.
Maisie could finally breathe as she closed the door of her bedroom behind her. Knowing that Katie had been in here the previous night, didn't make if feel safe. She couldn't think about that now. It was time to get dressed. She thought about writing a note for George but it wasn't safe. The plan was to take Katie out of the house and she would stick to this.
Her arrival at the breakfast table brought commentary about her tardiness. Katie challenged her over not answering her door when she knocked.
"I lay down and fell asleep for a few minutes. I didn't hear you," was all Maisie could muster in response.
Mrs. Hopkins tutted at such a silly notion. Maisie wondered why she was so cranky. Lily sat at the table but wasn't saying much. Maisie took it that was due to Katie's presence. Maisie kept looking towards the window. George could be trying to do his job.
"What's got into you, Maisie? It's like you're on high alert. Are you expecting a certain gentleman caller?" Katie teased as she winked at Lily.
"It's time we left. Have you finished Katie? Lily, we're going out for a while, care to join us?" Maisie was trying to act natural but it wasn't easy to pretend all was well. Lily declined her invitation, saying she was going to visit family for the day. It would be Katie and Maisie on their own. Maisie chided herself. She had to settle herself down. Detective work meant being able to act normal. If Maisie had any aspirations of being a detective, now was a good time to learn to act properly.
"Isn't it a bit early to visit a tea shop. We've only had breakfast." Katie had noticed the flaw in Maisie's plan.
"We can go for a walk and work up an appetite. Or better yet, go to Macy's." Maisie smiled. She should have led with that.
"That's a wonderful idea. We can look in their shop windows. I'll get my coat."
Katie had gone back to her room and Maisie pulled Lily aside.
"Are you really visiting family today?" Lily nodded.
"George is going to call around, no time to explain why. Will you give him this message - tell him…" Katie was back. Goodness, that girl moved fast when she wanted, Maisie told herself.
Katie took Maisie's arm as she asked "so what mood was Mrs. Hopkins in today? Lily was very quiet. What's your estimation of their behavior?"
"Lily is nervous of meeting relatives. As for Mrs. Hopkins, who knows? Although she was definitely holding on her ill humor for longer than usual." They chuckled as they walked. Maisie had missed this side of Katie.
"You should come out with me and Rene some night, Maisie. I'm sure we could get you into one of my dresses. Rene is a blast. It would be such fun."
"Maybe one night, I will, Katie. Look at this dress. And look at the price." They spent some time window shopping. Maisie was becoming distracted. She wondered what was happening at home. Had George come and gone? Would Mrs. Hopkins' bad form mean she wouldn't let him investigate? Soon they were at the street with the new tea shop.
"Come on Katie. I need to sit down."
It felt so good to rest her legs and as Maisie rubbed her calves, Katie ordered tea and cakes.
"Katie, how did you meet Rene?"
"About a week ago. It's been a quite intense experience. He's very full on and very generous." Maisie was horrified. She had met him after the murder.
"Don't be so judgmental Maisie. It's love."
"It's not that, Katie. I thought you had been seeing him for a while. Didn't a man call for you a few weeks ago?"
"That was Gerald Grayson. Turns out he was two-timing me with some shop girl." Katie turned her nose up in the air at the very thought of his behavior. We got into a fight, and he left me alone in a speakeasy. Rene came to my assistance and offered to escort me home."
Maisie couldn't keep her eyebrows in place. Katie became defensive at being judged.
"How could you? You didn't know the man."
"But I did, Maisie. Not directly. He said he knew Mrs. Hopkins and was happy to drive me home. It was all very much above board. Why would he lie? He said he been jealous of Gerald for the longest time. He didn't think it gentlemanly to take another man's girl. He invited me to dinner and sent me flowers and a diamond bracelet."
&nbs
p; "But Katie, you don't know him. What did Mrs. Hopkins say when you told her?"
Katie became quiet. She seemed very interested in her cake on her plate, picking the crumbs and dropping them.
"Katie, what did Mrs. Hopkins say when you mentioned Rene?"
"I never asked her. You see, I knew it was a lie, but he was so… I knew you'd never understand." Maisie couldn't believe how careless Katie was. They began to argue, and it ended with Katie storming out of the tea shop. She was being set up, Maisie had told her. This was not what Katie had wanted to hear. Maisie had gone too far, and she knew it. If only she hadn't been so dismissive of Katie's feelings. Now, Katie may be likely to tell Rene about Maisie's distrust.
Maisie had no option but to go home. She may even find George there if any luck. She didn't want to go to the police station. She wasn't up to being dismissed by either the desk Sergeant or Detective Blake. Fatigue was taking its hold, and she wanted to go to bed, even though it was early evening.
Her arrival home was met with silence. Mrs. Hopkins had taken to her bed, Lily didn't seem to be back. Maisie's bedclothes had been changed so at least she had a fresh bed to fall into. It also meant George had been around. She fell back onto her bed. It was then she heard crying. It was coming from Katie's room.
Maisie knocked on the door. Katie didn't reply. Maisie knocked again, and the crying stopped. At least she hadn't gone to see Rene. And this pleased Maisie. To her mind, it was a sign that Katie wasn't part of whatever this was. She was a pawn.
Maisie returned to her room. Katie would come round, Maisie knew. She wasn't the type to hold a grudge. That much was clear from how easily she forgave Rene's previous behavior. Maisie lay back on her bed and closed her eyes.
Chapter Ten
Maisie woke with a start. What was that sound? It was the front door closing. For whatever reason, Maisie felt the need to look out the window. Her bedroom overlooked the front, and to her dismay, she saw Katie sitting into Rene's car. There was nothing she could do. It was up to the police to solve the case, and Maisie had to stop upsetting her friends.
She checked her clock. It was 9 pm. Maisie had slept for four hours. Lily was at Maisie's bedroom door asking if she was in.
"Come in. I fell asleep, Lily. How was dinner with your relatives?"
Lily told her about spending time with her aunt and uncle. They were her father's family and were not well known to her.
"Did you see George today?" Maisie asked.
"Oh yes, George told Mrs. Hopkins, he wanted to do a security check of all our rooms. Whatever was he up to, I don't know. He frightened Mrs. Hopkins. She began to fret about what could happen and told him he could check all rooms but hers as she was going to lie down. I had to leave. He was gone by the time I came back."
"I was back earlier and he wasn't here." Maisie felt dismayed. She wanted to know if he found anything but couldn't very well march herself to the station. Lily was talking about her relatives. Maisie half listened. She couldn't stop thinking about Katie. Was she really involved in all of this? The main question was, did she know?
Tomorrow she'd have work, and unless George came by, Maisie would have to spend the day in this limbo. It was exasperating. Lily was talked out and left to return to her room. Maisie just lay in bed. She wanted to close this case. Was this why Detective Blake was a grumpy sort? Her humor was definitely affected by constantly thinking about the case.
By morning, Maisie woke. She didn't feel refreshed. It was with great effort she got herself ready and went downstairs for breakfast. Lily was finishing her breakfast.
"Good morning sleepy-head. I knocked on your door, but you must have been asleep." Maisie wasn't ready for Lily's joyful disposition and she just fake smiled at her. Lily didn't notice. Mrs. Hopkins came to the table with fresh tea.
"Is Katie still sleeping? Lily, will you knock on her door? She'll be late for work." Mrs. Hopkins was talking to herself as she walked back into the kitchen.
Lily leaned over to whisper in Maisie's ear. "I didn't hear Katie come home last night."
Maisie's interest was piqued.
"Really. I'll come up with you."
The young women went upstairs. Maisie knocked on the door.
"Katie, it's breakfast time. Mrs. Hopkins is complaining your breakfast will go cold."
Maisie looked at Lily.
"Try the door, Maisie. I really don't think she's there, but Mrs. Hopkins won't like it."
Maisie pushed down the handle, and as Lily suspected, the door opened. Katie's bed hadn't been slept in. Maisie felt a cold sweat develop. Was her friend in danger?
"We have to tell George."
"Maisie, there isn't time. Call the station from work. Miss Carnegie won't stand for it if we're late."
It made sense. Katie had left last night, and there was no knowing where she was gone.
"Let's go now. We'll tell Mrs. Hopkins that Katie must have left for work already. Hang on. I want to check if her clothes are here."
Oh no, Katie's wardrobe was empty. What was she up to?
"Mrs. Hopkins, it looks like Katie's left for work. We're heading off now." Maisie called out. They left before Mrs. Hopkins could come to them because Maisie wasn't sure that Lily would be able to lie.
They walked as fast as they could. George had details on Rene. Maisie hoped her fears were unfounded. Something felt off. She had never been so eager to get to work before.
As they arrived, Maisie went to her chair and put on her headphones, getting ready to ring the police station. But she was interrupted by Miss Carnegie who called her into her office. It was down to Lily to call George. Lizzie watched what was going on.
"Miss Mills, today will be your last day with us."
"Excuse me," Maisie spluttered. "But I haven't done something?"
Miss Carnegie stood up. "Your work is unsatisfactory. Do not make a scene. You will be paid until the end of the week."
"I don't understand," Maisie said as she shook her head.
Miss Carnegie went to the door and opened it. The discussion was over. It wasn't her ideal job but how was she to help George if she couldn't listen on the calls. She was barely out the door when Miss Carnegie shut the door behind her. Maisie was deflated. She couldn't tell Lily or Lizzie as they were busy on calls.
She sat at her station wondering what she was going to do. She plugged into the system and could hear a man talking. It was the man's voice she had heard before, Rene's and he was saying "loose ends being tied up. I'm getting out of the city today."
Maisie paused. She had to contact George. The exchange the man was calling from was actually near the station. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Maisie downed her head set. She was being fired anyway so she may as well go out with a bang. As she grabbed her cloche hat and coat, Miss Carnegie was coming out of her office. Miss Carnegie was about to call out but changed her mind.
George's police station was three blocks away. By the time she reached the station she was hobbling.
"I need to talk to George, George Bantry," she said as she tried to catch her breath.
"Yes, Miss. I'll let him know." The desk sergeant was about to leave when Maisie saw George in the background.
"I see him." She charged through while the policemen on duty tried to stop her.
"I know her. Let her through," George looked perplexed as he spoke.
"What are you doing here?"
"George, the man was on the phone. He was at this exchange number. He's leaving the city. Today. He said he was tying up loose ends. George what could it mean? Did Lily call you and tell you about Katie? George, I'm worried about her. She took the book from my room."
"Maisie, take a breath. Lily phoned me, and we've got eyes on Rene Dubois although we know that's an alias. Let me get you some water."
Maisie sat down at his table. He was calm, and she needed to be the same, especially if she had any chance of being involved in the arrest.
"Thank you, George." She took a s
ip from the water and looked around for Detective Blake.
"He's with the Captain, making a plan."
George smirked as Maisie scowled at him for reading her mind. "I don't care about his whereabouts."
Although she did. She saw writing on the blackboard in the Detective's office.
"George is that the list of numbers and letter from what I gave you?"
"Why yes? Detective Blake has been most intrigued by it. He said it's good to look at these puzzles from another perspective. Whatever is the matter, Maisie? You've gone the most peculiar shade."
"George, well I never. Detective Blake is right. Now that I see it written that way, why it's so obvious. That's my exchange. Someone at work is definitely involved in this."
"Really, Maisie? I don't think it could that."
George and Maisie went to the blackboard, and she was pointing out the number.
"What is she doing here, Office Bantry?" Detective Blake bellowed, causing Maisie to jump.
"This is no place for civilians. George, I thought you knew better. Please leave Miss Mills."
"But Sir, you don't understand, Miss Mills thinks the number is her exchange."
"I don't think, George, I know."
Detective Blake grabbed Maisie's arm and marched her out of the station. He released her. Maisie pulled on her coat sleeve.
"You are the most obstinate man…" she began to say before he interrupted her.
"Leave the police work to us, Miss Mills. You return to work now and forget what you've seen. Officer Murphy, escort Miss Mills back to her work."
Maisie was furious. The audacity of the man to treat her like this. Like she was some dumb Dora. She had given them all their leads. Now when she had discovered the main suspect, well almost, he was dismissing her. Detective Blake had gone back inside the station with Maisie went in hot pursuit of him. Officer Murphy grabbed her waist to pull her outside.
"Please Miss, come quietly, or the Detective will have me demoted for not keeping you under control."
"For your sake, I will behave, Officer Murphy."