Theft by the Numbers (An Ellen Haley Mystery Book 1) by Amanda Rafferty

Author:Amanda Rafferty [Rafferty, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-28T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

However, it wasn’t long before the idea that the thefts and the Highwayman’s messages might be linked filled my thoughts. Sunday’s sermon kept my mind off the mystery, but I was soon lost again as I walked to my mother’s house for lunch. Lou was not in attendance and I struggled to listen as my sisters bemoaned the state of the world. Rudy Jr. gave me a wide berth all day, much to my amusement.

That night in bed, I rolled over and over, unable to shut off my brain. If the messages had something to do with the thefts, what could the code be? They seemed entirely focused on the ridiculous crimes they boasted. How could that be a message? Who was behind them? And to whom was he communicating?

Then I rolled over to my other side and my brain changed tack. Of course, the two things might be completely unrelated. Why would they be? The messages were just jokes and the timing of the two thefts coincidence. Roll over. No, they must be coded messages! On and on it went until I finally drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

I was bleary, therefore, the next morning. Dressing for work, I wished I could have another few hours rest. I slouched downstairs and downed two cups of coffee along with my usual eggs and toast. By the time I reached Harrison Street, I had a headache and was in a bad temper.

My eye was caught by a very nice, shiny, unfamiliar car sitting in the drive. Mr. Lindsey had a visitor. Was it a client? I was glad for a moment’s notice to straighten up and push aside the fog that insisted on clouding my mind.

When I entered the library, I found Mr. Lindsey sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Weltmer. They looked up when I walked in and smiled. At least, the Weltmers smiled. Mr. Lindsey looked as if he’d been forced to swallow a lemon.

“Ah, here she is,” Mrs. Weltmer gushed.

I put my purse in the closet and gathered my notepad and pencil from the desk before walking to where the three sat. “Would you like me to take notes, Mr. Lindsey?” I asked.

“Yes. Sit down,” he barked.

Mrs. Weltmer gave me another smile and then turned to Mr. Lindsey. “It’s as we were saying. At the Armstead’s’ gathering on Friday, Miss Haley was a wonderful help with our daughter, Ernestine.” Her face reddened and she looked abashed. “I’m afraid our daughter is a bit upset by the injustice of the world at the moment.”

Mr. Lindsey had no idea what that had to do with how I might have helped. He looked between us and frowned. I assumed a meek expression of gratitude and opened my notebook to a fresh page.

He cleared his throat, saying, “And because Miss Haley was so helpful, you decided to use our agency?”

“That’s right,” nodded Mr. Weltmer. “We felt that her discretion spoke well of this company.”

Mr. Lindsey raised an eyebrow as though he found that very difficult to believe.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.