Back in her room, Ruby decided to call Walt and give him an update. He picked up the phone on the second ring and after recognizing Ruby's voice said in a silly voice which he immediately regretted, "Hello Auntie Doreen."
"Walter, I don't want to end up in a place like this. It's very sad," Ruby snapped.
"I'm sorry, Ruby. I know this assignment isn't fun for you. And I really am sorry about the cardigan. Seriously, how is it going?" Walt asked.
"Sorry Walter. I didn't really mean to snap at you like that. It's not that bad really. The people are nice. I can't comment on the food yet. It's just that I don't feel old enough to be here, and I definitely don't want this in my future," Ruby added.
"I get it. Hey, have you seen anything suspicious yet?" Walt asked.
"Actually, yes I have," Ruby exclaimed. She explained her thoughts about the grumpy person at the front desk. And then she commented on finding the man in the laundry room, going through the pants pocket. She described the time and location and the man's general appearance. "He seemed alarmed that I saw him."
"Ruby, is there any way that you could find a way to identify the clothing or the laundry basket? Maybe if you could get a name, we could compare that to the list we have of the people who have reported that they've been robbed."
"Ok, Walt. I'll see what I can find out. I wonder if we should set something up as a trap?" Ruby offered.
Walt smiled, pleased with Ruby's idea. He'd already thought of laying a trap. "That's an excellent idea, Ruby. Do you have that watch I got for you at the pawn shop?"
"Yes, I was thinking I could accidentally leave it in my hoodie, headed to the laundry room" she replied.
"You have a hoodie?" Walt asked without thinking how it sounded.
"Yes, Walter. Everyone's wearing hoodies these days. Even old people," Ruby laughed.
Walt laughed back, glad that Ruby was laughing too. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that. Your idea about a trap is great. But how will you know who took the watch if it disappears?"
"Well, I was thinking about that too. Were you able to get that warrant for the hidden surveillance cameras that Ferg wanted to put together?" Ruby asked.
"Jeez, I forgot about that," Walt replied. "I'll check with Ferg right now. He just got back from a call. Wasn't he going to come and visit you tomorrow? Maybe he could bring the cameras with him then."
"Yes, sounds good. He said it was a tiny camera that wouldn't be detected. But how does it work with the Administrator? Will you set that up, to get permission or whatever?"
"Yup. Maybe Vic or Ferg have the warrant already. I can phone the Administrator to let him know we have permission and then somehow one of them can install the camera – maybe at night when the staff have gone home and some of those rooms are locked. How many did we discuss again?"
"I think it was 3," Ruby offered. "One for the laundry room, one in the dish room and one in the games room."
"Gee Ruby, for someone of a certain age, you're already way ahead of me in this case," Walt said with a chuckle.
"Was that meant to be a compliment, Walter?"
"Yup."
"Ok, I'll accept. Walt...I'll talk to you later. And I'll see Ferg tomorrow, I guess."
"Ok, Ruby. Take care. I'm not sure whether I'll come and visit you – I might be recognized."
"Well, you could always wear a disguise, like an ugly old cardigan and a wig," chuckled Ruby.
"Sorry about the clothes. I somehow thought that a cardigan would be useful for Kleenex and peppermints and stuff like that, like my grandma used to always carry with her."
"Walter, I don't think I'm old enough to be your grandma. But thanks, dear. Talk to you later," Ruby said.
