Page 20 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“Looks that way,” Liam agreed. “Or at least someone who’s a magician.”
“Like that one television show where this grifter was also a highly skilled magician pulling off the most fantastic jobs,” Dawn said.
“I think we need Jonathan Lake,” Liam laughed, referencing one of his favorite British shows. “I love that show.”
“And you’re not wrong.” Dawn impressed him by knowing what he was talking about. “This is a mystery for someone like him to solve.” She glanced at the reports. “Or Sherlock Holmes.”
“But all we have is you and me,” Liam pointed out. “And I’m sure together we can solve this.”
“Agreed,” Dawn said. “Or at least I hope so.” She frowned. “The thief isn’t even just targeting things like jewelry or watches. Cameras, iPods, headsets, VR goggles…” Her frown deepened. “Why would someone steal VR goggles?” Her brow raised, and she gave her head a slight shake. “Why would someone bring VR goggles with them on holiday anyway?”
“That same person had his PS5 remote control stolen,” Liam told her, remembering the guest Dawn was referring to.
“You know what I’m not seeing? Things like the PS5 console,” Dawn looked at Liam. “Why wasn’t that taken?” She flipped through the documents. “No laptops or even mobile phones.”
“Well, the console and laptops may be too bulky and harder to get rid of, maybe?” Liam guessed and then grinned. “Or just too heavy for a ghost to lift?”
“Funny!” Dawn rolled her eyes. “Look at this one camera that was stolen. The guest reports that the SD card was left behind.”
“So a considerate ghost thief then,” Liam stated, his grin widening.
He knew it wasn’t funny, but Liam felt they needed to lighten the mood. It had been such a tense morning.
“It looks like it,” Dawn said, sitting back in the chair and looking at him.
A knock on his office door interrupted them, and one of the restaurant staff brought their smoothies.
“I’m sorry it took so long, Mr. Gains,” the young woman said, biting her lip as she put the tray down. “It seems our smoothie machine went missing.”
“What?” Liam spluttered.
“We had to borrow one from the Beach Hut,” the young woman told him.
“Someone stole the smoothie-making machine?” Dawn looked at the young woman in disbelief.
“We think so,” the young woman looked at Dawn and nodded.
“Great!” Liam blew out a breath and pinched the bridge of his nose before looking at the young woman. “Will you ask Mary, when she’s finished her breakfast, to gather the staff and make sure nothing else has gone missing?”
“Yes, I’ll get right on that,” the young woman said before leaving the office.
“Why would someone steal a smoothie machine?” Dawn looked perplexed.
“To drive me crazy?” Liam said. “Smoothies are a big seller.” He frowned. “But I wonder why they had to borrow one from the Beach Hut?” He looked at Dawn, pushing himself up for this chair. “We have a few in the bars.”
“Maybe they were being used?”
“At this time of day?” Liam frowned. “Okay, you could be right.” He shook his head. “But the bar would’ve made the smoothie for the restaurant.”
“Uh-oh!” Dawn said, standing up. “Are you thinking maybe all the smoothie machines were stolen?”
“At this point, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Liam stated, heading for his office door with Dawn following him.
Liam led them to the main lounge bar, which still needed to be opened, and let them in. He frowned as he looked around.
“It’s not here,” Dawn said, helping him look.
“Nor is the ice-crushing machine,” Liam said. “So much for the thief not taking bigger items.”
