Page 26 of The Case of the Vanishing Valuables

“Benedict,” she interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Ray cleared his throat. “Okay, maybe I jumped the gun with Benedict, but I was trying to flush out the real thief! Get them rattled, make them slip up.”

I hopped onto the chair near the door, flicking my tail lazily as I watched the scene unfold.Sure, Ray. That’s exactly what you were doing.

Mrs. Hargrove didn’t seem convinced. “Rattled, yes. Everyone’s rattled. No one feels safe. The common room is practically empty, and the ones who are there look like they’re waiting for something bad to happen. Gina isn’t even tending to the residents like she usually does.”

Ray blinked at that. I noticed his eyes dart toward the door, a hint of concern crossing his face. Gina, usually the picture of calm professionalism, was conspicuously absent from her usual duties. If she were innocent, she’d be checking on the residents, not hiding. Maybe she sensed we were closing in on her.

Mrs. Hargrove sighed, clearly frustrated. “Ray, I can’t let you keep making accusations without proof. This isn’t some detective novel. People are nervous, upset... and frankly, I’m starting to think it’s time to call the police. We can’t keep this going.”

At the mention of the police, Ray straightened up, shaking his head a little too quickly. “No, no, there’s no need for that.”

I could practically feel the anxiety rising in him. He definitely didn’t want the police, especially Viv, walking in here to see that he hadn’t solved the case. That would be a disaster for his pride.

“I’ve got this under control,” Ray insisted, though I could see his confidence wobbling just a little. “We’re closer than you think. I know who it is.”

Mrs. Hargrove raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. “You do? Then who is it?”

I let out a soft meow, nudging Ray with my gaze.Gina. Come on, Ray. Say it.

Ray’s jaw tightened, but then he squared his shoulders. “It’s Gina. She’s the one behind the thefts.”

Mrs. Hargrove blinked in surprise. “Gina? But... Ray, are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Ray sounded more confident now. “She’s been using her access to the residents’ rooms—no one would question a nurse going in and out. She has keys, right?”

Mrs. Hargrove nodded but still didn’t look convinced. “I... I just can’t believe it.”

“She worked at Green Pines, and there were thefts reported there,” Ray added. “And the night Sally’s bracelet went missing, Gina said she would put Sally’s meds in her room while we were at dinner. Maybe she put the meds in and left with the bracelet while no one was watching.”

Again, I flicked my tail. Ray was right. I actually hadn’t remembered that little detail. He was getting better. My chest warmed with pride.

Mrs. Hargrove frowned. “I guess that does sound suspicious.”

Ray gave a reassuring smile, though I could tell he was still nervous about how this conversation would play out. “Trust me. We need to confront her, but we need to be smart about it. No public accusations this time.”

Mrs. Hargrove frowned, clearly unsure. “You’re sure? You don’t want another Benedict situation, Ray. The residents are on edge, and if you accuse someone publicly again, it could really upset them.”

Ray nodded, his expression serious. “I understand. I’ll keep it private this time. Bring Gina here. Once we get a confession, then we can call the police to make the arrest.”

Mrs. Hargrove bit her lip, still uncertain. After a long pause, though, she nodded slowly. “All right. I’ll bring Gina in. But, Ray, this is your last chance. If this goes wrong again...”

“It won’t,” Ray said quickly, his confidence growing again. “This time, we’ve got her.”

Chapter

Twenty-Two

Mrs. Hargrove’s office was thick with tension. Gina sat across from Ray, her posture calm but her eyes sharp, watching him as he laid out his case. Mrs. Hargrove stood near the window, arms crossed once more, visibly worried but clearly hoping Ray knew what he was doing.

Mortimer lounged on a velvet cushion in the corner. He was half asleep, barely flicking an ear at the discussion, clearly not interested in the drama unfolding around him. I cast him a sidelong glance. Typical. While the rest of us were working, Mortimer was too busy taking his third nap of the morning to care.

I settled on a chair by the window, my ears twitching as I caught sight of Daisy through the window. She was lingering outside, just beyond the garden, acting… strange. She kept glancing around nervously, fidgeting, and then I noticed she had a suitcase. A pretty big one too.

That’s odd, I thought, my eyes narrowing as I watched her.What’s she up to?

Ray, oblivious to what was happening outside, leaned forward toward Gina. His voice firm, he said, “Gina, you’ve been working here for months. You have keys to the residents’ rooms.It wouldn’t be hard for someone with that kind of access to slip in and out unnoticed.”

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