Read Online Valise in the Attic by Jan Fields - Free Book Online Page B

diner,” she said. “Well, outside the kitchen, that is.”
    “Thanks,” Annie said. “I can use some warming up.”
    “I’ll bring some hot cocoa right away,” Peggy said, looking around the group. “Unless you want something else?”
    “Hot chocolate will be fine,” Ian said. Alice nodded as well.
    While they waited, Annie set the valise on the table. They opened the case and looked it over closely. It was a well-made piece, but they couldn’t find anything special about it. There was no false bottom, no lumps or tears in the smooth cream-color lining where something could be hidden. They went over every inch of the leather covering and found no bulges or mysterious clues scribbled into the leather. They looked over every bit of stitching, and it all looked original. The lock didn’t have any secret message slips crammed into the keyholes.
    “It’s just an old battered valise,” Annie said. “The most mysterious thing about it is that both locks are broken. I can’t imagine why anyone would think it had value.”
    “The thief probably thought you had something valuable inside it,” Ian said.
    Just then, Peggy arrived with their cocoa and a plate of warm muffins. “They just came out of the oven,” she said. “I thought you might like some.”
    “You’re the perfect waitress,” Ian told her. “You know what we need even before we do.”
    Peggy beamed at him, then leaned over to whisper to Annie. “How did you skin your knees?”
    “I fell down in the parking lot near my car,” Annie said, smiling at the thought that Peggy had kept her curiosity in check for nearly five whole minutes.
    “After someone mugged her,” Alice added.
    Annie gave her friend a sharp look. She hadn’t really wanted everyone in Stony Point to know about the incident. “It was nothing,” Annie said. “He must have thought this old suitcase was valuable. But he wasn’t a terribly skilled mugger. He ended up falling down on the ice and losing his prize.”
    “Well, good,” Peggy said fiercely. “Too bad he didn’t knock out some teeth too.”
    “I’d imagine film crews might draw all sorts of disreputable types,” Ian said. “I’ll speak to someone about this. And I’ll alert Chief Edwards as well.”
    Annie put her hand on the mayor’s arm. “I wish you wouldn’t. I’d like to simply forget about this. I’m sure this is an isolated incident.”
    Ian frowned, but nodded. “If you want. Though I do plan to speak to Chief Edwards.” He raised a hand as Annie opened her mouth to protest. “I won’t mention any names, but he needs to know there was an incident. I would like them to keep an eye on the filming. I don’t want anything like this happening again.”
    Annie nodded at that. She stretched her legs and winced at the tight ache in her knees. “You know, I think I’m going to go on home,” she said. “But first, I plan to drop this valise off with the prop master. He’s probably back at his room at Maplehurst Inn by now. He can look after it. I still feel sure this is some kind of fluke, but I’ll feel safer if he looks after it.”
    “I’ll go with you over to the inn,” Alice said. “Safety in numbers!”
    “Thanks,” Annie said. “I will feel better when I’m not carrying that around.” She gestured at the valise. “I’m sure it’s just a case of a slow-witted thief, but I find I’m not as fond of that suitcase now. If it’s going to turn out to be a mystery, I’ll cheerfully hand it off to someone else.”
    “I’ll call you later,” Ian said. “Just to see how you’re feeling.”
    “That’s not necessary,” Annie said. “I’m fine, but it is sweet of you.” She patted Ian’s arm again and then followed Alice out of the diner, trying not to limp on her stiff knees. So far, being a movie extra had been a total pain. Maybe a tough first day would mean a really easy second—at least she hoped so. Her aching knees reminded her that she wasn’t a kid anymore,