9. Secrets
Frank was immediately on his feet. "Did you see anyone?"
"No, he must have left when we came in. Nothing seems to be missing though." Nancy replied.
"I'm still going to check everything out. The intruder could still be here, hiding somewhere." Frank declared.
"Count me in." Joe and Gabriel chorused as they followed Frank out of the room.
"You're sure nothing was taken Nancy? No missing jewelry or money?" Bess questioned.
"Nothing that I can tell. That's what's so strange. There was jewelry scattered across the table, just laying there. What would a thief take if not jewelry?"
"What about the key?" George asked.
"It's right here. Hannah kept it for me in her room." Nancy pulled a necklace out of her pocket and laid it on the table.
"Well, the creep's gone." Frank spoke from behind Nancy. "No visible signs of entry. I guess he could have snuck in while Hannah was here."
"But who was it and what was he looking for?" Bess wondered.
"My guess is, it's the same guy that attacked me." Gabriel reasoned. "And if he was in the mansion at the same time we were he could have heard us talking about the key."
"I don't get it. What good would the key do him if we have the journal?" Joe asked.
"We can't open the journal without the key. Unless he came back for the journal later, he would have only delayed us. If this journal does hold the answers we need that delay would have worked in his favor." Nancy answered.
"Do we call the police?" George questioned.
"And tell them what?" Frank replied. "Someone ransacked Nan's room, didn't take anything, and left before anyone could get a look at him."
"And there's no sign of anyone entering or leaving the house by any suspicious means." Gabriel put in.
"I guess you're right." George admitted. "There's really nothing anyone can do."
"We can do something. Find out what's in that journal." Bess spoke up.
The others agreed enthusiastically. Nancy carefully unlocked the journal and opened the cover.
The day began so well. I am almost ill at the turn of events. I suppose Richard is an acceptable man. Certainly he is well established in the town. I hate to disappoint Walter or Poppa, but I will get out of this marriage. I will not be Richard's wife. They can't see the truth about him. Richard only wants Jacob's treasure, any way he can get it. He will never see a string of pearls as long as I live. I would rid this town of Richard first. I will try to talk to Walter today and convince him to call off the wedding, but because he only informed me today of Richard's offer I doubt seriously that he will agree with me.
"Jocelyn didn't marry of her own will?" Gabriel wondered. "I always thought she was happy. It sounds like she would do anything to get out of the marriage."
"Like fake her own death?" Bess suggested.
The others looked at Bess, taking in the possibility of her words.