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“Murder.” Simon drew a breath, his thoughts racing. The seriousness of the situation struck even harder.
“We’ll hope this situation doesn’t come to that. I’m sorry to think the Wright sisters have to deal with yet another problem regarding their father’s treasured items.”
“As do I.” The weight of the problem settled even heavier on Simon’s shoulders. “Especially under my watch.”
“There are no suspects?”
“Not as of yet.”
“Have you contacted the police?”
“Yes, but they were of little assistance.” Simon had held the faint hope of handing the matter over to them up until he’d spoken with the constable, who clearly had no experience with stolen artifacts. The man’s lack of interest in the case had been disappointing.
“How unfortunate. Still, their involvement can’t hurt. There’s always the chance that whoever took it is taking other things as well.”
“Two other items are missing, based on the inventory we took. Only one could be considered expensive but then only to a collector. The other item is the lantern from the exhibit. It seems odd that it was taken rather than something of value.”
Marbury scowled. “According to my research, the coin, while interesting, isn’t particularly valuable.”
“That is my understanding as well. Which makes me wonder if the theft is personal, considering the theft of the journal last year.” Personal to whom was the question.
“It is difficult to believe they are related.” Marbury’s gaze focused on the view out the window for a moment before returning to Simon. “Perhaps it’s somehow personal to you.”
Simon shifted in his chair, unnerved that Marbury had the same thought. Somehow, that made the possibility more likely.
“Is there anyone who has expressed anger over your work? Or something the museum has done?”
“Not that I recall.” Simon didn’t have contact with many people, and it wasn’t as if his work was especially controversial.
“I would encourage you to consider it closely. Think back over the past few months. Perhaps write down the various projects you’ve worked on, as well as the people you have encountered to see if any conclusions can be drawn.”
“A bit like a scientific experiment, eh?” Simon almost smiled at the thought. Somehow, it made the task feel more possible.
“Exactly. I only hope this one results in a successful outcome. When I was trying to find the stolen journal and had no clues, I resorted to speaking with those I knew who might be interested in it to see if they’d heard anything.”
Simon nodded. “That might have merit in this case as well.” He didn’t bother to mention how uncomfortable the idea of seeking out various acquaintances made him. But if that was what it took to find the coin, he’d do it. Anything to get it back.
“Can you think of anyone who would like to see the museum discredited? Or even closed?”
Simon considered the question. “Perhaps.” His cousin, Anna, the Countess of Mendenhall, for one. She had been appalled when she’d learned of his plan to turn her family home into a museum and made no secret of it. “Though it seems odd that someone would act now after all these years.”
“One never knows what is going through another’s mind.”
“True.” He certainly couldn’t begin to guess. Human nature, including his own, never failed to surprise him. Take his recent fascination with Norah Wright, for example. He never would have guessed he’d experience an almost chemical reaction to her.
His attraction to the lady only made him more determined to find the stolen coin and reveal whoever had taken it. Marbury was right. This was beginning to feel personal.
*
“Do you thinkwe should request the exhibit be taken down?” Lena asked as she, Norah, Ella, and their grandfather reviewed the situation in the drawing room the following morning.
Norah’s heart pinched at the suggestion, as it made her feel guiltier for having insisted on the display to begin with. While she truly did want people to know more about her father’s work, she had also wanted to assuage her guilt. Would she have pressed so hard for the exhibit if not for that?
She wasn’t viewing the situation with a clear mind, so held back from offering an opinion on the question. Instead, she waited for Ella’s response.
“I don’t think so,” Ella said, though her eyes were narrowed as if she seriously considered the idea. “If whoever took the coin wanted the other artifacts, they would’ve already taken them.”
“True.” Lena shook her head. “I simply can’t believe this is happening again.” She stood and walked over to the window, clearly unable to contain her upset.
