To Catch a Thief

by Mandy Hartley

  “Harry, what are you doing?” asked Annabelle. She looked over in amusement at Harry. He was straddled over the hat with his legs on one side and arms propping him up on the other. His face was close up to the hat. “I wanted to see if there were any hairs in the hat,” he answered, “but I didn’t want to get my trousers wet by kneeling on the grass because Mum would get cross.”

  “Why are you looking for hairs?” said Annabelle.

  “It might be a clue to who took Milly,” said Harry excitedly. Both children smiled at each other and a sparkle of hope returned to their eyes.

  “Kids! Time to go to school!” shouted Mum.

  “Let’s meet up at break at the secret place,” whispered Annabelle to Harry in the car. He nodded and smiled.

  * * *

  As soon as they heard the bell ring for morning break Annabelle and her friend Issy tidied away their books and ran out as fast as they could to the secret meeting place.

  Issy was Annabelle’s best friend and lived a few streets away from her and Harry. Issy was tall, with brown hair and freckles on her nose. She was in many ways opposite to Annabelle in personality. Where Annabelle was quiet and thoughtful Issy was loud and outspoken. But they shared a love of reading books, always had something exciting to talk about and had a similar sense of humour. They had been inseparable since the day Issy joined the school in Year 1.

  The girls ran as fast as they could to the far end of the playground where there was a beautiful cherry tree. At this time of year the soft pink blossom was just starting to bloom. On warm spring days when there was the smell of freshly cut grass in the air the two girls loved to collect the petals that had fallen to the ground. They would pretend to make sweet-smelling perfume with it.

  “Do you remember Harry’s first day at school?” panted Issy as she ran. “Do you remember that’s when you first decided the tree was going to be our secret place?”

  “Sssh!” said Annabelle. She tried to turn her head as she ran to see if anyone was watching and almost tripped “We don’t want everyone to know about it. I do remember that day really well. It’s our safe place. It’s a very special tree.”

  “You told Harry to come here if he needed you or needed to talk about something important? But he never came.”

  “Not until now,” panted Annabelle. The girls looked ahead towards the tree.

  “I don’t believe it!” exclaimed Annabelle. “Harry and Peter are there before us!”

  “They can’t be,” said Issy. “We got out early from class and have run as fast as we can.”

  The girls couldn’t believe their eyes. Sure enough, there was Harry with his friend Peter. They were busy playing who could knock the other one over. Peter lived on a street near the shop which was on the other side of the church from Annabelle and Harry’s house.

  Harry and Peter were best friends most of the time. They had known each other since nursery. Peter had a cheeky face, with brown hair and large brown eyes. He was athletic like Harry and loved to run as fast as he could and would climb anything. The two boys were always in competition in whatever they did, which was preferably outside and dangerous.

  Annabelle noticed Harry already had mud on his jumper where Peter had successfully knocked him to the floor. “Oh Harry!” she thought.

  “We’ve been waiting for ages,” the boys moaned.

  “We got here as soon as we could,” said Annabelle.

  “Peter had his dog Poppy stolen on Monday,” said Harry.

  “Issy’s dog Scally was stolen two weeks ago,” said Annabelle. There was a moment’s pause as the children all thought about their lost dogs.

  “We need to do something with the things we found in the garden,” said Annabelle, “I think they might help us find out who took Milly.”

  “Wow!” said Issy, her big, brown eyes widening. “We didn’t find anything when Scally was stolen. She just disappeared. One minute she was there. The next she was gone.”

  “Same with Poppy,” said Peter. “Although to be honest we didn’t really look for clues.”

  “So what things did you find in your garden?” asked Issy.

  “We found a large footprint in the soil by the fence. I think it’s so big it must be from a man,” said Annabelle.

  “How do you know it wasn’t there before? Could it be your dad’s footprint?” asked Issy.

  “Dad never helps in the garden!” said Harry, “so it can’t be his footprint.”

  “There was a cigarette end next to the footprint too,” added Annabelle. “And nobody we know smokes.”

  “What else did you find?” asked Peter.

  “There was a leather glove and a blue baseball cap lying on the grass. The hat had hairs inside it. I found them. It’s the best clue that has been found yet,” said Harry proudly, standing tall and puffing his chest out like a peacock. He looked cross when Annabelle took over.

  “We found black curly hairs just like Milly’s fur on the fence and…” she stopped as she remembered about the blood they had found. The image of the blood flashed into her mind, vivid as a photograph. She paused. Uncharacteristically, Harry had noticed the change in her and held her hand to reassure her. She looked back at the others. “There was blood on the fence.”

  They all looked down sensing the mood had changed and were unsure what to say next. Issy was the first to speak.

  “So you think the footprint was from the person who stole Milly and you think it must be from a man?”

  “In that case do you know any men with big feet that could’ve stolen Milly?” said Peter.

  “Well lots of people know we have a dog,” said Annabelle. Her mind was racing for the names of possible suspects.

  “The blood, hair and footprint were near our neighbour Mr Baker’s fence,” said Harry. “But he’s so lovely. I’m sure he wouldn’t dream of hurting any dog. He seems like a real animal lover.”

  “Okay, well who then?” said Peter.

  “What about our other neighbours across the road?” suggested Harry. “Some of them don’t like dogs and some of them are a bit odd. Or maybe it was the newspaper delivery man?”

  “Our neighbours all know we have a dog and the man who delivers the papers hates Milly because she barks at him,” said Annabelle, writing the names of all the suspects down on a piece of paper.

  “But how can we prove it’s any of them? It’s hopeless.” She placed her hands to her face in despair.

  Harry’s eyes lit up. “Oh no, it isn’t!” he shouted and ran around under the cherry tree, kicking his heels in the air. Peter and Issy laughed heartily at the hilarious little figure who looked like a pixie who has just found a pot of gold.

  “Go on then, oh clever one, how do we solve the mystery?” said Annabelle. She felt frustrated that Harry had come up with idea rather than her. But she also felt a rush of excitement that there could be a solution. From the glee on Harry’s face it must be a good one too!

  “Don’t you remember when we compared strands of hair in Mum’s science workshop?” he said. “We had to be like real forensic scientists to solve the crime?”

  “We compared hairs at the crime scene with the suspects to see who stole the sweets!” exclaimed Annabelle, as she realised what Harry was trying to say.

  “Exactly!” said Harry.

  “That’s brilliant, Harry,” said Annabelle. Harry was clearly delighted with himself. “If the neighbours also had a pair of large muddy boots that would be even more evidence. So all we have so far is the hair from the hat. We need to somehow collect samples of hair from our suspects and compare them using Mum’s microscope.”

  “And if you get a match and they also have a big pair of muddy boots you will know who stole Milly,” said Issy with smile on her face.

  “I could get Mum’s microscope and hide it in my room,” said Harry.

  “You would be good at that,” Annabelle laughed.

  Harry was a wizard at sneaking sweets, drinks and fruit into his room without their parent
s’ knowledge and never getting caught. That was unless he forgot to eat them and Mum found mouldy apples in his room. The other day she had found five mouldy apples in Harry’s room under his bed. She was not impressed and Harry had been banned from the iPad for three days. Although Annabelle was appalled that Harry could do something so naughty, she did admire the fact that he usually seemed to get away with it. She would never have even thought of doing something like that.

  “There’s a problem,” said Issy. “How are you going to collect hairs from the suspects?”

  “We could ask Mum to take us round to all the neighbours’ houses after school,” suggested Annabelle. “We could explain what happened to Milly and ask if they have seen her. All the houses have a porch and everyone keeps their hats, coats and shoes in there. When they open the door, Harry, you could create some kind of distraction. You could fall over or something. That shouldn’t be too hard for you! I could then collect hairs from any hats in the porch and look to see if there are any men’s boots.”

  “That’s a great plan,” said Peter.

  The sound of the bell signalled the end of break. The children walked back to their classrooms together. Annabelle pulled Harry aside just before they got back. She looked him in the eye.

  “I know we always argue about Milly,” said Annabelle. “But I really do think if we’re going to get her back we’re going to have to work together. We need to be a team, Harry.”

  “I agree,” he said. “I think we make a great team. I know we’ll find who took her, Annabelle! I just know we will!”

  Annabelle smiled at him and felt a flutter of excitement in her tummy. The plan was a good one. With her and Harry working together it would not be long until Milly would be safely home again.

  nnabelle laughed to herself at how easily she and Harry had been able to persuade Mum to take them round to their neighbours’ houses.

  “I think it’s a great idea!” she had said. Annabelle noticed that the look of worry on her face had lifted. So here they all were walking up the flower-filled path towards the house of Mr and Mrs Jones, the elderly couple who lived opposite. Annabelle loved the yellow primroses and daffodils that lined their way.

  “Can I ring the bell?” shouted Harry, pushing ahead of them.

  “Okay Harry, that’s enough. You can stop ringing the bell now,” said Mum, pulling Harry’s hand away. It took a while but eventually Mrs Jones opened the door. She had a kind face and white grey hair pulled back in a bun.

  As the door opened Harry noticed Annabelle step forward so she could see into the porch. Her eyes were like a hawk looking for prey. Harry realised that she was looking for boots and copied her. They both spotted the big pair of green muddy boots at the same time.

  “Hello children,” said Mrs Jones. “How can I help you?”

  “Milly has gone missing,” said Mum.

  “We wondered if you had seen anything?”

  “Why don’t you come in?” Mrs Jones beckoned them inside.

  “Did you see the boots?” Harry whispered in Annabelle’s ear as she squeezed past him. She nodded. Harry then pretended to take a long time taking off his shoes as the others went into the lounge. The wait was excruciating but when Harry finally appeared he grinned at Annabelle.

  “I got some hairs from a green cap in the porch,” said Harry quietly. “It must belong to Mr Jones. The cap was high up and I couldn’t reach it. I had to knock it off with the walking stick!”

  “No way! Good work!” said Annabelle, impressed with Harry’s quick thinking. Harry was quick to spot the cake Mrs Jones had left on a plate for them all. It was chocolate, his favourite.

  “Help yourself, dear,” said Mrs Jones, smiling at Harry. It didn’t take Harry long to finish the cake. He was busy licking all his fingers when Mum turned to Mrs Jones and explained it was time for them to go.

  “Thank you for your help and the lovely cake,” she said.

  “I hope you find Milly soon,” said Mrs Jones waving to them as they walked back down the path.

  “Where next?” said Mum.

  “Can we go to Mr Walder’s house?” asked Annabelle.

  “The man who delivers the newspapers?” said Mum. “Are you sure? He’s very grumpy and he doesn’t really like Milly.”

  “He might have seen something. Please Mum! He might have some information.”

  “I’ve got butterflies in my tummy,” said Harry to Annabelle, “What if he’s really scary?”

  “We have to do this Harry,” said Annabelle. “Be brave.”

  Mr Walder’s pathway was overgrown with weeds. The curtains in the lounge were shut and paint peeled from the door. The bell didn’t work.

  “We’re going to have to bang on the door,” said Annabelle. Just then there was the sound of heavy footsteps getting louder and the door opened. Mr Walder appeared looking extremely cross. He was unshaven, with dark piercing eyes and his mouth was permanently turned downward. He was a large, intimidating man and looked very angry at being disturbed.

  “What do you want?” he shouted.

  “The children have lost their dog, Milly, and wondered if you might have seen her?” said Mum. She looked a little frightened as Mr Walder towered over her. It was then that Harry produced a small, multi- coloured bouncy ball. The very same ball he had been asked to put in the bin in case Milly choked on it. He threw the ball into the porch. They all watched as it bounced against the walls then into the lounge.

  “Bullseye!” whispered Harry to Annabelle with a look of glee on his face.

  “Don’t worry Mr Walder. I’ll go and get it,” said Harry, pushing straight past him and into the house. Annabelle was amazed by his courage.

  Mr Walder spluttered, taken aback by the cheek of the young boy. He retreated into the house to retrieve Harry and the ball. Annabelle watched her mum follow them inside. “I’m so sorry,” she heard her say to Mr Walder.

  Annabelle sprang into action. She didn’t have long. A scan of the dirty, dark porch revealed a pair of black muddy boots. The porch was a mess of shoes, coats and hats. Quickly, Annabelle pulled out a plastic bag. She used a pair of tweezers she had taken from her mum’s forensic workshop kit to take some hairs from the nearest hat she could find. She was just in time as Mr Walder marched back through the house holding Harry by the arm.

  “Now get out of my house and don’t come back,” he shouted.

  “How dare you,” said Mum angrily. “Let go of my son.” The door slammed in their faces. “Well. What a horrible man,” she said. “Are you alright, Harry?”

  “Never better! Don’t worry Mum. Let’s go to the Doolan’s house next.”

  “I’m not sure,” said Mum as they made a hasty retreat down the path. “Maybe we should go home.”

  “Please!” said Annabelle, trying to seem calm despite her heart pumping so hard that she thought it might burst.

  Annabelle and Harry put on their most pleading eyes. Mum could not resist. “Okay you two, okay. Stop looking at me like that,” she laughed.

  They proceeded to visit all the houses on Annabelle’s list, until there was only Mr Baker left. So far, only Mr Jones and Mr Walder had muddy boots.

  “Thank goodness, we know Mr Baker won’t be like Mr Walder,” said Mum as they crunched up the gravel path that led to his house. He spotted them from the window and opened the door as they arrived.

  “Hello, hello. What brings you here?” he chattered.

  “Milly has gone missing. Have you seen her?” asked Annabelle. She felt so relieved. He seemed so happy in comparison to Mr Walder.

  “The last time I saw her was yesterday when I spoke to you. You told me how old she was and that she likes eating tomatoes. Sorry to hear she’s missing.” Annabelle thought he seemed to be genuinely concerned.

  Harry and Annabelle watched as Mr Baker and their mum continued chatting.

  “You need to distract them Harry,” said Annabelle. Immediately Harry ran and fell dramatically onto the gravel. His cry was very
convincing. Annabelle was worried for a moment that he had actually hurt himself, but then he caught her eye and stuck up his thumb.

  Annabelle watched Mum and Mr Baker run to Harry’s side. While no one was looking she ran into the porch. She noted that there was a large pair of black muddy boots sitting on some newspaper just inside the door. There was a mirror in the porch with a shelf below it. She spotted the comb filled with hairs immediately. As quickly as she could she used the tweezers to collect the hairs from the comb. She put them into a bag and put the bag in a different pocket to Mr Walder’s sample. She tied a knot in it so she wouldn’t mix them up.

  She ran outside where Mum had produced a plaster and Mr Baker was helping Harry to stand up. No one had even noticed she was missing. Harry beamed at her.

  “Thank you for helping,” said Mum to Mr Baker.

  “Sorry I couldn’t help you find Milly. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

  Annabelle felt exhausted. They had been to all their neighbours’ houses. But there were only three houses where there had been a pair of large muddy boots.

  Annabelle and Harry ran upstairs the minute they got home leaving Mum in the kitchen with her cup of tea.

  “Harry, where did you put the microscope?” said Annabelle picking up a piece of paper. He ran to his room and came back shortly with the microscope in his hands.

  “I hid it in my toy box,” he said proudly. “It’s so messy I knew Mum wouldn’t look for it in there.”

  “We have three suspects. Mr Jones, Mr Walder and Mr Baker,” said Annabelle. She wrote their names onto the paper and made a column with “BOOTS?” written at the top. She then put a tick next to each of the names. In the next column Annabelle wrote “HAIR COLOUR”.

  “Okay Harry,’ she said, “can you get the hair sample from the hat?”

  Harry produced a bag with the hairs he had collected from the hat they had found in the garden. Annabelle wrote “hat – suspect” on the bag and carefully picked out several of the hairs using the tweezers. She placed them onto a slide and then, using a syringe, squirted several drops of water on top. She slowly lowered the thin, glass coverslip on top just like Mum had shown them at the forensic workshop.