Page 48 of Lost Cause
She wanted to argue. Tell him no one could know God’s plan in the loss of his family, but now wasn’t the time to discuss his faith. But she would pray for him. Pray he was able to embrace his faith again and return to God. “Do you know of any extremely valuable items stored in this house?”
“Extremely valuable?” He stroked his goatee with twisted fingers. “I can only tell you about the items I’ve arranged tobe insured. Most of the paintings would fetch a high price at auction. Victor owns a large assortment of watches, and he still has Estelle’s jewelry. She had quite the collection of rare gemstones when she married him. Of course, there’s the silver and crystal, and the limited edition and rare books. Most of the furniture is French antique, and it, too, would bring a good auction price.”
Just as she expected. No crown. “Does Victor keep these items in a safe on the property?”
“There is a safe. It’s in the hallway leading to his bedroom, but the thing is ancient. Was installed when the house was built. The island has been crime-free until recently, so he had no need to use it.”
Extremely interested now, Abby sat forward. “You said recently. Why do you think it’s changed?”
“Several of the homes are now vacant. The homeowners have taken their valuables, but the houses have been broken into and vandalized.”
“What about here? Any unlawful entries?”
“No.”
So the crown likely hadn’t been stolen by someone breaking in and discovering it as Victor had suggested. “Has Victor mentioned any recent thefts?”
“Now wait a minute.” He shot forward. “If you’re accusing me or Sylvia of stealing something from him, you can stop right there. We would never do that. Not only is he family, but it would violate the ethics code we both try to live by.”
He might be hoping to eliminate her suspicion of his involvement in the crown theft, but she wouldn’t let this go so easily. People lied. Especially people with a lot to lose. If Ugo was found guilty of stealing the crown, he would have a tremendous amount to lose, including his freedom for his last days on earth.
13
Burke took a frustrated breath and blew it out after Sylvia’s latest response. He and Abby had fired questions at the woman for fifteen minutes, bringing up the same topics they’d asked Ugo, but she was even more difficult. Giving short, one-word answers if possible.
She’d been argumentative from the moment she’d arrived on the island, but now she barely cooperated. Not only was he certain Victor was hiding something, but Ugo and Sylvia seemed like they were as well. Perhaps the same “something,” and they were trying to protect their boss or each other.
“Look.” Sylvia crossed her arms. “If you’re trying to get me to say something negative about Victor, I’m just not going to do it. He’s been very good to me over the years, and he’s a wonderful man. Like family. Whatever you’re doing here, and whatever you think he might be involved in, I can assure you, he wouldn’t break the law.”
“Let me clarify,” Burke said, trying to keep the irritation out of his tone. “If we find he’s done something illegal, and I’m not saying he has, and you’re willing to lie for him, you’ll go to prison for obstructing justice.”
Her arms dropped, and her face paled. “I’m not lying to you, so there should be no problem.”
Brave words, but she was skating on thin ice with Burke. “Tell us about your family.”
She arched a brow. “I’m not sure what they have to do with whatever is going on here.”
“Background helps fill in missing pieces. So humor me and tell us a little bit about them.”
She took a long breath. “I’ve been married for thirty-eight years and have one child. A daughter. She’s twenty-seven and still lives in Seaview Hollow. She’s a loan officer at the local bank.”
Bank? Was it a coincidence that she worked where Victor banked? She wouldn’t have access to his safety deposit box without his key. But could Sylvia have taken his key so her daughter could open it, then returned the key to Victor?
“How long has she worked there?” He made sure to sound interested but not suspicious.
“Let’s see.” Sylvia cocked her head. “She was hired right out of college. She was twenty-two when she graduated, so five years. She started as a teller and worked her way up to a loan officer. Now she’s in training to become the assistant manager. We’re very proud of her.”
“You should be,” Abby said. “Sounds like she’s determined to get ahead.”
“Takes after me, I guess.” Sylvia laughed.
So Sylvia saw herself as a go-getter. As a person who wanted to get ahead. Could such a plan involve stealing a crown? Certainly money from the sale would put her ahead in life.
“I suppose with a family, you’ve never spent the night here,” Burke said.
Her shoulders tensed. She was bothered by the question, but why?
She met Burke’s gaze head on. “Back in the day my husband and I lived here, but then we had our daughter and bought our own house. Since then, I’ve had no reason to stay overnight.”
