Chapter 91

 

Penelope’s telephone rang as she was setting out a wedge of excellent aged English cheddar along with wine glasses and a Cabernet she’d been saving for a special occasion. It had been all she could do not to break it out when Benton picked her up at the airport three days ago. Her jubilation over retrieving her heirloom had buoyed her mood throughout the long transatlantic flight. But tonight was an even more special occasion.

“Mrs. Fitzpatrick, how are you? Bill Caplin here.”

“I recognized your voice, detective. Or have you retired already?”

“Paperwork’s in the pipeline. I’ll be out of here at the end of the month.”

“I hope it will be everything you’ve been wanting.”

There was a pause before he spoke. “It’s been a positive month. I wanted to let you know Frank Morrell was arrested in the south of France and immediately agreed to extradition.”

Pen felt a cloud pass over her jubilant mood. “Will I need to testify?”

“The evidence alone will probably be enough. I will most likely be called back and I’ll let you know if you’re needed. I’m sorry to say your necklace was not recovered among the pile of jewelry found at the estate where most of the gang was arrested.” He paused for a long beat. “I have a feeling you already knew that, though.”

Pen quickly changed the subject. “What about the couple on Grand Cayman? Will he face charges for that crime as well?”

“Hard to say. So far, I gather Tom and Danielle Anderson haven’t pressed charges. The man seems to have a blind spot about admitting his gullibility and the extent of the loss. If he doesn’t report the crime and sign a statement, well, there’s not much the police can do. Whether they follow up or not, it will take a long time to figure out all of Morrell’s various bank accounts and find a paper trail showing where their money went.”

Pen heard a vehicle in her driveway.

“I have guests,” she said, wishing him well, both in sorting out Morrell’s crimes and in his upcoming retirement.

A second car arrived before she got to the door. The Heist Ladies had arrived and it was time to open that special bottle.