Page 10 of The Case of the Vanishing Valuables

“Are you even paying attention to anything going on at Tranquility?” I pressed, my patience wearing thin.

He paused as if considering. “I like the garden,” he said after a long moment. “Lots of birds.”

Of course. I released a long, slow sigh. I wasn’t sure if Mortimer was playing me or not. He really did seem disconnected, but I couldn’t be sure.

“Well, if you’re not going to be any help,” I said, turning back to the map, “at least stay out of my way.”

“Gladly,” Mortimer purred, executing a graceful leap down from the dresser. His paws landed silently on the floor, and then, without another word, he padded across the attic and disappeared into the shadows near the far wall.

A softclickechoed through the room. I turned just in time to see a door creak open—one I hadn’t even noticed. It led downstairs.

Mortimer paused in the doorway, looking back at me with a slow, knowing blink. “But if I were you,” he said, his voice smooth as silk, “I wouldn’t wait too long. People start missing things when the moon’s full.”

And then he was gone. The door swung shut behind him with a quiet finality.

I stood there for a moment, my heart racing. Wait a minute…Didhe know more than he was letting on? And if what he said about the full moon was right, we didn’t have much time. The next theft could happen tonight.

I glanced back at the map, my pulse quickening.

I needed to get Ray up here. Fast.

Chapter

Nine

The next morning, Ray sat at the kitchen table, papers and notes scattered in front of him like some kind of detective’s disaster zone. His brow was furrowed, his lips pursed, and I could practically hear the gears in his brain grinding away as he muttered to himself.

“Handyman, Rick…” Ray scratched his head, tapping his pen on the table. “He seemed nervous. Maybe he needs money? He’s got access to all the rooms.”

From my spot on the windowsill, I flicked my tail in irritation.We don’t have time for this, Ray. There’s something in the attic at Tranquility, I tried to say telepathically, focusing all my mental energy on him.Move it already.

Of course, Ray ignored me, still lost in his jumble of thoughts. “And then there’s Mrs. Hargrove...” He scribbled something down and chewed on the end of his pen. “She was really worried about word getting out—bad for business. If people knew valuables were going missing, no one would want to stay there. That place isn’t cheap. Maybe she’s involved… but would she risk the whole place over some stolen items?”

He sat back, the tapping of his pen now more like a steady drumbeat. “Unless... the money from selling the stolen items is worth more than the risk of bad publicity.”

Attic, Ray! Attic!I let out a heavy sigh, eyes narrowing at him.You’re running in circles here. There’s no time for this!

Ray shook his head, clearly not hearing me, and flipped through a few more notes. “Then we’ve got Benedict,” he said, frowning. “A magician… aren’t they good at picking locks? I need to check into his past, see if there were any thefts at his shows. But he’s one of the only residents who hasn’t reported anything missing…”

I leapt down from the window and plopped myself right in front of him, locking my eyes with his.Exactly, Ray! If Benedict were the thief, wouldn’t he make sure to steal from himself too? Throw everyone off the scent? Think about it!

Ray rubbed his chin, his frown deepening. “Wait… if someone’s trying to avoid suspicion, wouldn’t they make sure they’re a victim too? It’d look less obvious…”

Finally! You’re catching on!I emitted an impatient meow, one loud enough to snap him out of his thoughts. He blinked, staring down at me, finally acknowledging my existence.

“You hungry again, Earl?” he asked in a softer tone. “You just had breakfast.”

I stared at him, my expression flat.Not hungry. Attic. Tranquility.

Ray scratched his head, still looking at me as if he was trying to piece something together. “Wait a second… the ones who haven’t had anything stolen yet...”

Yes! That’s it!I paced in front of him, tail swishing.

His eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers. “I know! We need to get back to Tranquility!”

I purred, hopping onto the counter.Finally.

He jumped up, grabbing his jacket and stuffing his notebook into the pocket. The kitchen looked like a hurricane had blown through, with half-full coffee cups and crumpled notes everywhere, but Ray barely noticed as he bolted for the door.

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