Riley and Ben stayed for a few hours, cleaning 's house. Peter ordered two pizzas and a bottle of Pepsi, and they all sat down on the living room floor, eating off paper plates. Ben poured the pop into cups, passing one to everyone.
"Do you know if possibly Matthew had anything to do with the break-in?"Ben asked Peter, as reached for another slice.
"I called him twice, and texted him earlier. He's not answering his cellphone. I told the police about what happened in the tunnels, and they said they are going to talk to him. We don't know for sure if he's responsible yet or not."
"He was probably looking for the book," Riley chimed in. "He was sure hell-bent on selling it in the tunnels."
Mrs. Harsham looked around from her grandson to the two treasure hunters, clearing her throat. "We should speak to Matthew in person, when we get the chance. I don't want to jump to conclusions about him either - we've known him for a long time. Whoever broke into my house was looking for something. Since we know the book is still safe at that diner in Baltimore, it's safe to assume that they didn't get what they were looking for."
"We've ordered a new security system for the house to prevent anymore break-ins." Peter told Ben, stacking the empty pizza boxes beside him.
"You should get a dog," Riley told . "Better then any system."
She laughed, surprised. "I can't. I'm allergic."
"Yeah, me too."
"Tomorrow, if you want to come with me to Baltimore, I'm going to pick up the book from Martha. I told the curator at the museum that he could have the book this week. They are going to authenticate it so they can put it in their collection. " Peter told Ben.
"Sounds good. What time are you heading out?"
"Noon."
"Count me in. Riley, want to go with us to Baltimore tomorrow?" Ben asked him. Riley nodded, enthusiastically.
"Great. I'll pick you guys up tomorrow." Peter said. He typed Ben and Riley's addresses onto his phone, and slipped it into his jeans pocket. Ben stood up, and put the near-empty Pepsi bottle in the fridge. He started to put on his jacket, as Riley got to his feet to follow Ben.
"I need to get home. Riley, let's go." Ben told the old woman, as they finished getting dressed to go outside in the snow. "I'll see you later, Peter."
Ben dropped Riley off at his apartment, then drove to his house. Abigail might be upset that he'd already eaten, he realized guiltily, as he parked. He should have called her and let her know not to save him any supper.
He locked his car, and slipped the keys into his jacket pocket. There was a light on in the kitchen. Ben hung up his jacket, and stomped the snow off his boots. He kicked them off, as well as his wet socks.
"Abigail? Honey. Sorry i'm late." Ben called out, walking into the kitchen, and seeing Abigail sitting at the table. She had a hefty book opened in front of her, and She looked a little tired.
"Hi," She said, putting an elbow on the table, and resting her chin in her hand. "I put your plate in the fridge."
He sat across from her. "Sorry," He apologized. "We were helping clean up from the break-in. Peter ordered some pizza."
Abigail smiled. "She's okay,though, right?"
Ben nodded. "Yeah. Just a bit shook up. I think Matthew was behind it, but nobody can find him. I'm going to pick up the book with Peter and Riley tomorrow in Baltimore. We're bringing it to the curator afterwards. I'll be back in time for supper though."
"Ask Peter and Riley if they want to stay for dinner." Abigail suggested, closing her book, and standing up. It was pretty late, and she had to work in the morning.
"Sure." Ben answered, turning off the kitchen light. They headed upstairs to get some sleep.
