Trent Tuttle, Tween Detective and Little Susie Sumpter were sitting in the living room of Mrs. Maise May, having tea and sandwiches before the start of school. Each had their own agenda for the visit; Trent would like to establish a timeline of activity so he can start eliminating his suspects. Little Susie, however, wanted more sandwiches to go with her tea. They both had their eyes set on their goal, it was only a matter of which one would reach it by the visit’s end. He and Little Susie were sitting side by side on the enormous couch in front of the even larger window that faced the neighborhood street. Mrs. May sat across from them in one of the two large wing-backed chairs that had a twinge of velvety red to them.

“So Mrs. May, have you heard of the recent theft of Little Susie’s pumpkin?” Trent preferred to get right to the heart of the issue.

The teacup in Mrs. May’s hand tinkled against the saucer as she placed both on the coffee table that sat between them and adjusted the chain attached to her glasses. They were mostly for show; you’d know that her eyesight was impeccable if you had the nerve to ask her optometrist. Which Trent did; the thief came at night and Trent wanted to be sure of who not only had the motive but also the means. The Tween Detective left nothing to speculation.

“I-I did hear of it. Donnie came by to bring me next month’s issue of Ceramic Serial, we have an understanding. He brings me the issues early, and I bake him a batch of cookies fresh every month. He’s such a sweet young man, and I haven’t really had anyone to talk with since…” Her eyes grew damp as she paused and brought a handkerchief to dab at her eyes and nose. Trent could hear sniffles being muffled and batted at Susie as she reached for another sandwich.

Mrs. May came back to herself, “The girls down at the swap meet still can’t figure out how I know when a new figurine is being released.” She chuckled and continued to fiddle with her handkerchief and not touch her tea.

Trent noticed this and put down his tea as well, “Yes, well I’m sure that is a mystery they can solve themselves, in due time. Do you know why we’re here Mrs. May?”

Her smile wavered again, ” Yes, I know exactly why you’re here. You think I stole this poor girl’s pumpkin right from her own garden.” She gestured to Little Susie as she placed her third sandwich on the tiny plate she held.

“My Walter would enter the pumpkin contest every year, and every year he would lose. And every year when he’d lose he’d say, “Oh well, maybe next year.”” She gave a watery chuckle and began dabbing once again. “He never gave up hope, I didn’t understand it, but I was always beside him. He could talk for hours about soil and sun and the like. I never understood a word he said. But I knew he was content.” She came back from her memories and looked at the two children. “It didn’t seem right to not enter this year. You know? I thought maybe if I entered and somehow won, then he’d be at peace. And I’d be able to move on. I wanted to try. For my Walter.” There were no dabbing these tears that came. Trent waited the appropriate amount of time before he asked his follow up question, “Mrs. May, I know this year’s contest is difficult for you. But Susie and I must ask: what were you doing two nights ago?”

Mrs. May looked up through her tears and stated, “I was here all night. I was trying to find the remote to this blasted television. Walter would always have it in a particular place and I was the one who’d always lose it. Since he’s….passed I can’t seem to keep a hold of the thing.” Tears. “I finally gave up after about an hour of searching and went to bed. Alone” Tears again. 

Trent nudged Susie and spoke over the sobs, “Thank you for your time and the sandwiches Mrs. May. I hope you find your remote.” Trent stood up and gave Susie, who was promptly putting the rest of the sandwiches in her lunchbox, a stern look and nodded towards the front door.

As they walked down the sidewalk, they could still hear Mrs. May.

“What now?” Susie puffed as she tried to keep up with Trent’s long stride.

“I don’t think Mrs. May had anything to do with it, I’m taking her off my list. We’ll still keep an eye on her though. For good measure.” Susie knowingly nodded without fully understanding what Trent meant. “Now, we talk with the next person on my list; Mrs. Cinnamon. Meet me outside her classroom during lunch today.”