Page 27 of The Case of the Vanishing Valuables

I flicked my tail in mild annoyance.Ray, forget the keys. Look at Daisy!

But Ray was laser focused on Gina. “You’re always in and out of the residents’ rooms. You know their routines. And today, I noticed you’re wearing an antique ring—just like some of the jewelry that’s gone missing.”

Gina glanced down at the ring on her finger and raised an eyebrow. “This? It’s a family heirloom. I’ve had it for years. Ask anyone.”

While Ray and Gina’s conversation went back and forth, I kept my eyes on Daisy. She was moving faster now, sneaking toward one of the old sheds on the property. The suitcase dragged behind her, and she kept glancing around like she didn’t want to be seen.

Why does she need a suitcase? And why the shed? Daisy’s forgetful, sure, but she’s never been this odd before.

I glanced at Ray, trying to nudge him telepathically.Ray, stop looking at Gina for two seconds and pay attention to what’s going on outside!

But Ray was still pressing his case. “And then there’s the map we found in the attic. The rooms are marked, Gina. You’re organized—you keep records, spreadsheets. It wouldn’t be hard for someone like you to use a map to keep track of which rooms you’ve been in.”

Gina blinked at the map he slid toward her and frowned. “I’ve never seen this before.”

Meanwhile, outside, Daisy had reached the shed. She glanced around one last time before disappearing inside with the suitcase. How odd.

Ray was still on his Gina spiel, not even noticing my frantic attempts to get his attention. “And you were at Green Pines, Gina. There was a rash of thefts there too.”

Gina released a small sigh, her patience clearly wearing thin. “Yes, I worked at Green Pines, but there were a lot of staff there. I’m not the only one with access to the rooms here.”

Ray scribbled something down in his notebook while I continued to watch Daisy’s odd behavior.

Gina sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. “I would never steal from my patients, and I certainly wouldn’t need a map to keep track.”

Ray’s expression tightened. His mental wheels were turning, and I could see he was starting to doubt his own theory.

He glanced at me then shifted his gaze toward the window. His eyes landed on Daisy—just as she was slipping back out from the shed, her movements hurried, her suitcase no longer in sight.

Ray froze.

“Wait a second,” he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. “Daisy.”

Mrs. Hargrove looked over, puzzled. “What? Daisy? What about her?”

Ray didn’t answer right away. He stared at the shed then back at me. I could see the pieces falling into place in his mind. His gaze flicked back to Gina, and then a light seemed to switch on.

“Daisy was at Green Pines too,” Ray said slowly, his voice gaining momentum as the realization hit him.

Mrs. Hargrove’s eyes widened. “What are you saying?”

Ray stood, his posture firming up with renewed confidence. “It’s Daisy. She’s been using the map to keep track of who she’s stolen from so she doesn’t accidentally hit the same room twice.That’s why she needed it—because she’s forgetful. Have you seen all the reminder notes in her room?”

Pleased that Ray had figured it out, I flicked my tail again.

Mrs. Hargrove’s mouth dropped open. “Daisy? But... I can’t believe it.”

Ray nodded. “And the night Sally had her bracelet stolen… Remember how Daisy rushed off to get her tea? The whole time, Sally’s room was unlocked and open because she’d run out after seeing Mortimer.”

Gina’s brows shot up. “And we were all busy tending to Sally, so no one would have noticed if Daisy slipped into Sally’s room on the way.”

I shot one last look at Mortimer, who was still lounging in the corner, completely unbothered by the entire ordeal. His tail flicked lazily, too, as if to say,Finally. Took you long enough.

Ray moved toward the door, his face set with determination. “Let’s go catch a thief.”

Chapter

Twenty-Three

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