Page 78 of Gem Warfare

“Oh, my word,” gasped Mom. “Of course Joe Junior will claim his own father!”

“I’m sure that’s his next step. Did he say anything else? Like where he’s staying or how long he’s in town or where he’s been?”

“I’m not a secretary. I wasn’t taking notes. I was just taking Bea’s mail over to her. She said the mail carrier seems to forget she had it redirected and occasionally something will turn up in the mailbox or that parcel that was left on her stoop.”

“I have to go,” I said, realizing my mother had nothing moreto add to the useful nugget she’d gifted me. “Tell Bea not to let Joe Junior look at any of her bank accounts.”

“Oh, well, okay, I suppose you have better things to do than talk to me. I suppose we’ll see you at family dinner whenever that might be. You’re all so busy these days. Your father will barbecue and I’ll make cold sides,” said Mom and disconnected. I sighed, frustrated. I thought about turning around and heading back to the station but since I’d only just left Garrett, I felt sure Gideon Black hadn’t contacted him about his father’s body or any other aspect of the case because Garrett would have told me.

So if Garrett didn’t know Gideon was in town, and Gideon hadn’t made it his first step to contact him, what exactly was he doing in town?

The jewels!

It had to be the jewels.

Gideon Black was trying to figure out if Bea knew anything. He had to know that the police had them. So what was he planning? Did he really think his father might have confided in Bea once upon a time? Or did she find another undeclared priceless trinket?

There was only one way I was going to find out and that was by questioning Bea about his visit.

Before I could think twice, I called Lily.

“What’s the news?” she asked. “Did Ruby’s ruby pay off? Did you catch anyone?”

“Maybe and no, not yet.”

“That sucks.”

“But I did just get another interesting lead. Do you want to come to the Harmony Retirement Village?”

“You bet I do. Is there a very elderly suspect?”

“No, but a resident might have a lead. I’ll tell you about it on the way.”

“I’m at home. I’ll be ready.”

I hung up and slipped my phone into my pocket before beeping the car unlocked. As I reached for the handle, a shiver trickled down my spine. I straightened and looked over my shoulder, then over the other side, but in the stream of pedestrians and traffic passing me, I couldn’t identify anyone. Just like a few minutes ago, I had the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching me.

Pausing for a moment to pretend to rummage in my purse, I kept an eye on the street but I didn’t recognize any of the pedestrians. Not the cyclist who pedaled slowly past, nor the guy sat on the bench, talking on his phone.

Perhaps it was nothing.

Perhaps I was just on edge.

I got into my car, still feeling disconcerted. Yet as I pulled out into traffic, I remained on alert for any vehicles pulling out after me but there were none.

I took the long way round to Lily’s, despite not seeing any vehicles that seemed to be tailing me. By the time I pulled up out front, I was assured I was alone. I shot Lily a text and a couple of minutes later, she ran out and wrenched open the door, throwing herself into the passenger seat. She pointed ahead, yelling, “Let’s go.”

“You’re eager.”

“You bet. I don’t get to do this stuff often enough and here we are again! Doing stuff!” She buckled up and relaxed in the seat. “Fill me in.”

“My mom visited a woman called Bea who used to live on my parents’ street. Not only that, but she owned the house next door to the Dugans. And! Do you know who just went to visit her?”

“The dead guy!”

“No.” I frowned. “Lily, he’s dead.”

“I know but what a twist that would be.”

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