Casebook 4: A Score Settled - 4.11[index]
“I rushed down to the lobby to fetch a key, but before I reached the desk, I heard screams from outside. Somehow I guessed it immediately. I ran into the garden and there he was. Horrible, horrible.” He looked blankly at our bemused faces. “I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.” We thanked him and took our leave.
“Detectives. In case you don't know. His Stradivarius is very valuable. It was like a wife to him. He kept it with him always. It even sat with him at meal times. Now that he is gone. Some people.” He hesitated. “A sad tragedy. Yet some people. A type of person might take advantage.” He smiled meekly and made an open-handed shrug.
“Locked at all times, of course,” Inspector Taub replied coolly and the pair of us all but ran through the wall back into the adjoining room.
We both stared at the closed violin case. I turned to Taub.
“You looked inside?”
“I must admit ...” he replied, trailing off dejectedly.
My heart was in my throat as I opened the lid. But there it was, safe and sound. Case closed. I sat on the bed and looked up at Inspector Taub.