Harry left with him, and I went to find Noreen. She sat at her desk with her elbows on the surface and her head resting on her palms.
I knocked on the door frame. “Excuse me, Noreen, but I just saw the police leaving with Maria.”
She raised her head with despair and disbelief in her eyes. “Oh, Abigail, it’s terrible. I feel so sorry for her. I can’t believe she would steal from the ladies.”
I sat down across the desk from her. “What evidence do they have against her?”
Noreen shook her head. “I don’t know for sure. They were somewhat vague. The policeman I talked to earlier asked a lot of questions, but I didn’t think too much about it because he asked about a lot of our employees.”
“What specifically about Maria?”
“Something about her schedule giving her the perfect opportunity and a need. Seems her little girl needs surgery, and Maria needed money. She also put a large deposit in her bank account a day or so ago. At least that’s what one of the other employees said.”
A large deposit of money? That didn’t make sense. None of the items taken were worth much. Even Ellie’s pearls wouldn’t bring that much at a pawnshop. That is, unless she had taken things that hadn’t been reported.
Then I remembered something from Pete’s murder. He had offered Maria a great deal of money to help pay for her daughter’s medical expenses. She had refused, but what if he gave it to her anyway? That would account for a large sum in her bank account. Ben needed to look into that.
Noreen pushed back from her desk to stand. “I don’t know what Mr. Wentworth is going to say about this. I do know he won’t be pleased. After all, Spring Hills has come to be known as one of the finest senior living developments in Arkansas. This just might ruin our reputation if the papers get wind of it all. First a murder and now these thefts, it’s not good.”
Ellie’s grandson would get wind of it as well, and he’d be over here in a flash. This would be the only excuse he needed to move Ellie somewhere else. Somehow, I had to find the real thief before anything else happened.
Chapter 6
The next morning, I stood at the entrance to the dining area and scanned the room. Two weeks from today, Ellie would have her party, and I wanted to have Maria cleared and the real culprit caught.
The residents at all the tables huddled in deep conversations, and after yesterday’s events, I had no doubt as to the topic going around at the moment.
I strolled over to join my friends. Just as I suspected, they discussed Maria. “I declare. You people have poor Maria tried and convicted already. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
Clara’s cheek flushed pink. “Oh, Abigail, it’s obvious what happened. We hear she had thousands of dollars in her bank account, and her daughter is dying. Now where would she get that kind of money if she didn’t steal it?”
Where did they get such information? It reminded me of the game the girls used to play at parties in my teen years. The person at the beginning of the line whispered something to the person beside her then each one in line whispered the message to the next one. The story at the end bore little resemblance to the original, and neither did this one.
Ben shifted in his chair. “I don’t think that’s exactly right, Bessie. The jewelry taken from Ellie, Nell, and Kate wasn’t worth near that much.”
Clara thrust her napkin onto the table. “Well, I don’t know what to think. If the police arrested her, they must have a pretty good case against her.”
Bessie’s curls bobbed again as she nodded. “Well, it seems to me that she had every opportunity, and if her daughter is dying, she had the motive too as well as the means.”
These ladies had spent too much time watching TV. I doubted any of them would think in police terms if they didn’t.
Ben chose that moment to change the subject. I wanted to hug him.
“Bessie, do you think we can find some time this evening to go over some bridge strategies?”
Maybe this would get their minds going in another direction. I glanced at my watch. If I could get over to Ellie’s wing early enough, I might be able to question a few of the staff members and perhaps see what they knew about Maria.
Harry tapped my arm, and I jerked my head. “Oh, Harry, did you say something?”
He grinned and pointed at Bessie. “I thought we might offer to take Bessie and Ben on in a hand or two of bridge this evening. Can’t let them get ahead of us.”
When I frowned, he spoke so only I could hear. “I thought it would get their minds off this topic.”
A million tasks ran through my mind, but perhaps talking about an evening of cards would settle the others down a bit.
I grinned and stood. “Sounds like a plan to me. I’ll see you at dinner, and we can play afterward if that’s okay with everyone else.”
Bessie nodded. “That suits me.”
“Then I’m going now to take care of a little business. See you all at dinner.”
Ben hopped up. “I’ll go with you. I have a few things to bounce off of you.”
I’d meant to go alone, but maybe Ben could give me some ideas as to what kind of questions to ask, after all he was an expert at that. “Sure, come along.”
When we were in the lobby, I stopped. “Ben, I’m planning on questioning the staff members on duty this morning. I need your advice as to what to ask.”
Ben rubbed his palms together. “You bet. I’m going to find time today to see what I can find out about that money Pete offered Maria, and if she got any of it. I’m glad you remembered that. I plan to go back to the station later to speak with Maria again.”
With Ben on her case, and if he lived up to his reputation, Maria would be free in not time. We crossed the lobby, and the first person we met coming our way held a tray in her hands. I recognized her as one of the aides from the kitchen, but couldn’t remember her name. I peered at her nametag.
“Good morning, Connie. I’m Mrs. Billings, and this is Ben Martin. We live out in the cottages. Can you give us a minute?”
The woman set her tray on the cart by the dining room. “I suppose so. Don’t take long. I have to get these breakfast trays back to the kitchen.”
“Of course, I understand.” Many of the assisted living residents opted for meals in their rooms. “I wanted to find out if you’re acquainted with Maria. We’re concerned about her arrest.”
Connie looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment. “Isn’t it just awful? We’re all so upset. Maria would never do anything like that.”
Ben cleared his throat. “Um, we heard Maria’s daughter had some trouble.”
The aide’s head bobbed. “That’s right. She’s ten and needs some surgery on her ears. She’s had a lot of doctor bills and all kinds of medicines. We all pitched in and collected money to help pay some of the expenses. Maria really appreciated it. The operation was supposed to be next week, but with this. . .” Tears welled in her eyes.
That could explain some of the money in Maria’s account. “What a nice gesture, Connie. I’m sure Maria appreciates it, and I’ll look into that surgery business.”
Ben’s eyebrows shot up, and I shook my head. I don’t why I volunteered to do what I’d just offered.
“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Billings. Thank you.” She grabbed the handle of the cart. “I have to get these back to the kitchen.”
I punched Ben’s arm. “See, I knew there had to be an explanation. Now you can go give the police that information.”
Ben pushed my hand away. “I’ll use it as part of my defense, but there’s more there than they could have collected.” He scrunched his eyebrows together. “And just how are you going to see about Maria’s daughter?”
“I don’t know why I offered. I remember some about Maria’s family from last fall, but I haven’t met her mother or her daughter.”
Ben glanced down the hall as one of the men exited a room. “Look, you go talk to Noreen and find out about the girl. I’ll do t
he questions here and let you know if I learn anything new.”
That sounded okay to me. Ben had more experience and would ask just the right questions. “All right, I’ll go find Noreen.”
Again the door to the director’s office stood open. I paused when I saw her pacing the floor, phone to her ear. When she turned and saw me, she motioned for me to come in.
Noreen placed the phone back on its console and shook her head. “This whole business with Maria has things in turmoil. Luckily, one of the other girls was able to come in for Maria’s shift today, but we need someone to take her place. At least the papers haven’t heard about this yet.”
That was a good thing because nobody would be happy if the news were all over the place, especially Mr. Wentworth and Scot Davenport.
Noreen shook her head. “I just don’t understand it. Maria has been one of our most reliable workers. She’s prompt, gentle with our residents, and very conscientious about her work. How did I miss this?”
“I don’t think you did. Maria strikes me just the way you describe.” Was now a good time to bring up Maria’s daughter? If not now, when? Would there ever be a good time for that? It may as well be now than later.
“Noreen, do you know anything about Maria’s daughter? She’s only ten and I’m concerned about her.”
“I spoke with the grandmother. She lives with Maria and takes care of the child. I hope they let the little thing stay with her Granny.”
I remembered Maria telling me that last year when she told me her husband had been killed in Afghanistan. Unless the grandmother proved to be too old or disabled, CPS should allow Grace to remain with her.
“Noreen, I know this is a strange request, but could you tell me where Maria lives or her mother’s address. I’d like to check on Grace and see about that surgery scheduled for next week.”
“I wonder what will become of that. Surely they won’t do it if Maria is in jail.” She tapped a few keys on her computer.
The director’s hand went to her brow. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be sharing this private information with you.” She sat down and bit her lip. “I could really get into trouble for this, but I feel I can trust you.”
Noreen stood and glanced down at her screen. “I’ll be back in a moment. Help yourself. Have a cup of coffee while I’m gone.”
Her meaning became clear as she winked and left her office. I scooted around the desk to find the information on the screen. I grabbed up a pen and a piece of paper and copied the information.
Noreen returned with a folder in her hands. “All done?”
I couldn’t be sure if the words were a statement or question, but she must have meant the computer. Sure enough, she sat at her desk and closed the program.
I had the information I needed. “Thank you, Noreen. I’ll let you know how things turn out.”
Before leaving, I had one more thing to tell her. “By the way, I thought you ought to know, Ben Martin is taking on Maria’s defense. If anyone can clear her name, he can.”
Noreen’s eyebrows rose. “He’s not still practicing law. He’s supposed to be retired.”
“Oh, this is right up his alley. He’s had scores of clients acquitted who were wrongly accused.”
Relief washed over her face. “I’m glad he’s willing to help Maria. I know his reputation for proving people innocent and finding the real culprit. I hope he can get to the bottom of this whole business. Maybe Ellie’s party will help be a distraction.”
I counted on that, and I still planned to use it as way to lure the real thief in being caught.
Ben met me in the foyer. “You know, Abby, the more I interviewed the other employees, the more convinced I became of Maria’s innocence. Not one of them had said an unkind word about her or her work. They all seemed to be in shock, and the women were as saddened as Connie had been. When I’m given all the evidence, I’ll know how much money we’re looking at, and where it came from.”
I pondered all these things as we headed back for my cottage. Ben found Harry, and they left to visit with Maria again and ask her about the money. Ben worried his son might be angry because Ben planned to represent Maria pro bono, but that wouldn’t stop him from doing what was right.
Now that I had Maria’s address, I could make that trip this morning while Ben and Harry met with Maria.
All my energies would now focus on helping Maria who needed to be at the bedside of her precious daughter rather than locked up for a crime she didn’t commit.
Chapter 8
I used my GPS to find the address I copied from the file. Once on the right street, I searched the house numbers until I found the right one. I had asked one of the other attendants about her mother’s name and learned it was Cartileno. That sounded like a fine Italian name, and Maria had the dark beauty that denoted Italian heritage.
The brick and siding home numbered sixty-one fifteen sat back from the curb with a well- kept yard and flowerbeds. A dark-haired woman much younger than I expected answered the door. “Mrs. Cartileno?”
The woman nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“I’m Abigail Billings and I live at Spring Hills Retirement Community. I just came by to check on you and Grace.”
The woman hesitated a moment as she searched the area beyond Abigail. Then she stepped back. “Come in, Mrs. Billings.”
“Thank you.” I followed her into the living room where the wonderful aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and pastry filled the air. Somebody had been baking. The mixture caused my taste buds to water.
I made note of the general floor plan of the simple, but well-kept home. The living and dining area formed an L shape with a kitchen behind the wall of the main living area. The hall on the left must lead to the bedrooms. Mrs. Cartileno offered me a seat in a floral-patterned upholstered chair.
A raven-haired girl about seven or maybe eight entered from the hallway. The child’s brown eyes seemed almost too large for the delicate features of her face. Smoky eyelashes rimmed them and hinted at the beauty this child would one day be.
The girl headed for her grandmother and stood close by her side. Mrs. Cartileno patted Grace’s hand. “Grace, this is Mrs. Billings. She lives where your mama works.”
“Hello, Grace. It’s nice to meet you.” I bent forward to address her. “My friend, Mr. Martin and I are going to help your mother, so she can come home.”
A gasp escaped Mrs. Cartileno’s mouth. “How will you do that?”
“My friend is a lawyer. He’s down at the police station now taking care of her.”
The woman fell back onto the sofa and grabbed up a pillow. “Praise be to God.”
Grace sat down beside her grandmother and gazed up at me with such a soulful look that I wanted to hug her and assure her everything would be okay.
“Mrs. Cartileno, Maria was one of the first staff members I met when I moved to Spring Hills last year. She helped me move everything into my cottage and then helped me put it away. She’s always been very reliable and dependable. Ben and I don’t believe for a minute she had anything to do with the thefts.”
Tears welled in Mrs. Cartileno’s eyes. She wrapped an arm around Grace and pulled her close. “We’ve been so worried about what we could do to help her. We’ve prayed that God would send us someone to help, and here you are. Oh, Mrs. Billings, I didn’t know what to do. I kept Grace home from school today. I wasn’t sure if the papers had the story or not, or who might know about what happened. I didn’t want Grace to be hurt.”
“I understand. I would’ve done the same thing. One thing, I want to be your friend, so please call me Abby.” As much as I had disliked the name before, it seemed to be friendlier than Abigail.
Mrs. Cartileno grinned. “All right, and please, I’m Rosa.”
“You’re much younger than I thought. I don’t know whether I expected someone more my age or what, but you hardly look old enough to have a daughter Maria’s age and a granddaughter.”
“Thank you, Abby. Maria married young. She’
s twenty-nine and is the oldest of my three daughters. The other two live away out of town.”
“I see. Another thing, I know of your Italian heritage, and I wondered if you came here from Italy or your parents.”
“I was born here in America. My parents came here as newlyweds. My brothers and I all grew up here in Arkansas.” Rosa patted her chest with her hand and stood. “Oh my, where are my manners. May I get you something to drink?”
“Coffee if you have any made would be fine.”
“I’ll be right back.” She turned to the child. “Grace, stay here and tell Mrs. Billings about the drawing you did last night.” Rosa smiled to encourage the little girl then went into the kitchen area.
Grace picked up a tablet from the side table and handed it to me. I sucked in my breath at the sight of the beautiful sketch of a woman. No mistaking this was Maria. The child had drawn a very real likeness of her mother. This was no ordinary drawing.
“You did this, Grace?”
The child nodded. “I like to color and draw things.”
I flipped the pages to find a number of very well done pictures. From landscapes to flowers and animals, every drawing looked so real to life and colorful. The child had true talent.
“We can sit over here and enjoy our coffee.” Rosa returned with a tray filled with two coffee mugs and a plate of delectable pastries. She set them on the dining table. “What did you think of the drawings?”
I walked over to the table still holding the tablet. “I’m amazed at these sketches. They’re so lifelike. Does she take art classes?”
Rosa placed a napkin and plate in front of Abby and smiled. “No classes except what she gets in regular art sessions at school. It’s all natural talent. We’re very proud of her.”
“You have every right to be.” I handed the tablet back to Grace and glanced down at the pastry on my plate. “Did you make these, Rosa?”
A bit of red tinged the woman’s cheeks. “Yes. It’s a thing I have. When I’m worried, I bake. Cookies, cakes, pastries, whatever I can.”
The Case of the Missing Pearls Page 4
