Solve-it-yourself mystery
Violet loved spring for many reasons: the fresh air, the budding flowers and, most especially, the little neighborhood zoo across from her apartment that opened as soon as the trees broke out in bloom. Each year, the zoo kicked off their season with an exhibit full of baby chicks and bunnies, and Violet loved nothing more than to stop by and give them all a pet or two.
Early one morning, she had just entered the exhibit when the glint of the sun on something on the path ahead of her stopped her in her tracks.
“What’s this?” She bent over and picked up the object, dangling it between her fingers.
“A necklace!” A former jeweler, Violet could tell by the weight and markings that it was real 18 karat gold, and quite valuable. One of the links in the middle of the chain had been pulled open.
“Someone must be looking for this.” She frowned and looked around, but saw no one.
I guess I’ d better call the local radio station and report that I found it, she thought pulling out her phone.
Fortunately, the popular breakfast show was still on as she called through.
“You’re on Bacon and Eggs with Sizzlin’ Sam,” the host began as Violet smiled.
“Hi, Sam. I need to report a piece of ladies’ jewelry I found at the zoo just now. Anyone looking to claim it can call me.” She then gave her number, as Sam closed the call with his usual send-off: “You’re as sweet as maple syrup on pancakes!”
Soon after, Violet realized that she may have made a mistake. Half the town called within the first half hour, trying to lay claim to the object, but clever Violet easily weeded out phonies reporting missing pins, bracelets and other random pieces of jewelry.
Only three of the callers were women looking for a gold chain, and Violet set up meetings with all of them.
That afternoon, she greeted the first hopeful.
“I’m so glad you found it,” Jean Baker sighed as Violet led her dog out into her garden. “I was so… ah-choo!… worried,” the woman finished. She looked down at the dog.
“I’m so sorry—i’m afraid I’m allergic! Could I please have the chain now?” She sniffed.
“Sure,” Violet smiled. “But first, could you describe it?”
Jean frowned. “It’s six inches long, with a lobster claw clasp.”
Violet nodded. Jean was correct, but how could she be sure?
“Tell you what: I have a few other people claiming this necklace. Let me call you after I’ve met with them.”
“Well, I’m willing to offer a small reward,” Jean threw over her shoulder as she departed. Next up was Susan Jones. “It matches this bracelet I’m wearing.” She held out her arm to flash another gold piece, which was 18 karats like the chain she had found. “Where did you lose it?” “Hmm,” the older woman thought. “I had my granddaughter with me. We got a cocoa at the coffee shop, stopped at the zoo and then headed to the library.” She paused to pet Violet’s dog.
“Nice dog, I just love animals. So…” she looked expectantly at the finder.
Violet thought. “Ms. Jones, I’ll have get back to you.”
The woman looked disappointed. “Sure, take your time. I’ll try to find a picture of me wearing it to prove it’s mine in the meantime.”
Finally, there was Kate Cross, who arrived dressed in a powder blue jogging suit.
“Yes, I’ve been running all over the west side this morning, but the chain was making my neck itch, so I took it off. I thought I put it in my pocket, but I must have missed it.” Here she pointed at the side of her jacket. “It may not be very valuable, but it means a lot to me.”
Now Violet was in a quandary. Only one was the real owner. But who? She fingered her own silver chain and thought hard. Suddenly, she knew the rightful owner.
Q: Who truly owned the necklace? A: Turn to pg 49