Something about the speed of her accusation troubled her.
There had been no search.
No checking beneath the display tables.
No attempt to retrace her steps.
Vanessa had immediately decided who was responsible.
Maya returned carrying a cardboard box with her personal belongings.
The damaged rose sat on top, wrapped in damp paper.
Gordon looked at her.
“Ms. Pierce can’t find her bracelet.”
Maya frowned.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“She thinks it may have been misplaced near the workroom.”
Maya looked confused.
“I haven’t seen it.”
Vanessa stepped forward.
“Then you won’t mind showing us your bag.”
Maya stared at her.
“Why would my bag have anything to do with your bracelet?”
Vanessa lifted her chin.
“Because it disappeared while you were back there.”
Maya looked at Gordon.
He said nothing.
Slowly, she placed her tote bag on the counter.
“I didn’t take anything.”
Vanessa reached toward the bag.
Eleanor stepped closer.
“Perhaps Mr. Pratt should check the security recording first.”
Gordon looked uncomfortable.
“The camera system has been unreliable.”
Vanessa ignored him.
She opened the tote and lifted out a small velvet pouch.
Then she turned it upside down.
A diamond bracelet slipped into her hand.
Maya stared.
“I’ve never seen that pouch before.”
Vanessa gave a satisfied smile.
“Well, isn’t that interesting?”
Maya looked at Gordon.
“Someone put that in my bag.”
Gordon’s face was pale.
“Let me think.”
Vanessa turned toward Brie.
“You saw her take the bag into the workroom.”
Brie looked down.
“I saw her carrying it.”
“Exactly.”
Maya’s voice trembled.
“I didn’t take your bracelet.”
Eleanor had been watching the scene carefully.
And she had noticed something important.
A few minutes earlier, while Maya was carrying the broken rose away, Vanessa had stood beside the counter where the tote bag rested.
The tall glass display behind her had reflected her movements.
Eleanor had seen Vanessa open the bag.
At the time, she hadn’t understood what the woman was doing.
Now she did.
“I believe Maya,” Eleanor said.
Vanessa turned.
“Of course you do.”
Eleanor remained calm.
“I saw you place something in her bag.”
The room went silent.
Vanessa stared at her.
“You’re mistaken.”
“I don’t believe I am.”
Vanessa looked toward Gordon.
“Are you going to believe a confused stranger over me?”
Gordon hesitated.
Eleanor watched him.
Another decision.
Another opportunity to do the right thing.
He looked at the bracelet, then at the expensive floral contract.
“I think we should handle this privately,” he said.
Vanessa shook her head.
“No. I want this documented.”
She took out her phone and announced that she intended to file a formal complaint.
Maya’s face crumpled.
“I’ve worked here for nine years. I’ve never taken anything from anyone.”
Gordon rubbed his forehead.
“Maya, perhaps you should go home while we sort this out.”
She looked at him.
Then she lifted her cardboard box.
“That’s exactly what I was doing.”
She walked toward the door.
Eleanor followed.
Outside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of rain.
Maya stood beside the window, struggling to balance her box and the damaged rose.
“May I help you?” Eleanor asked.
Maya looked up.
Her eyes were wet.
“Thank you, Ms. Brooks. But I can manage.”
Eleanor took the box gently.
“You shouldn’t have to manage everything alone.”
Maya gave a small, exhausted smile.
“I suppose today isn’t my best day.”
Eleanor looked at the rose.
“Will it survive?”
Maya examined the roots.
“I think so. The pot is gone, but the roots are still healthy.”
She brushed soil from one leaf.
“My father used to say the roots were the bravest part of a rose. They’re the part nobody sees, but they’re the reason it grows back.”
Eleanor felt a lump rise in her throat.
“Your father sounds like a wise man.”
“He was.”
Maya looked toward the shop.
“I just wish I’d been braver in there.”
Eleanor shook her head.
“You were brave.”
“I lost my job.”
“You kept your dignity.”
Maya smiled sadly.
“Dignity doesn’t pay the rent.”
“No,” Eleanor admitted. “It doesn’t.”
She considered the young woman standing in front of her.
Then she asked, “Would you mind telling me where you live? I’d like to return your kindness properly.”
Maya hesitated.
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“I know.”
Eleanor smiled.
“But perhaps we could have tea sometime.”
Maya looked surprised.
Then she nodded.
“I’d like that.”
After Maya left, Eleanor returned to the shop.
Vanessa had stepped outside to take a phone call.
Gordon stood behind the counter, looking at the floor.
Eleanor approached him.
“Mr. Pratt, does your security system record continuously?”
He glanced up.
“I told you, the camera hasn’t worked properly.”
Eleanor pointed toward the small device above the workroom doorway.
A green indicator light glowed beside the lens.
“That one appears to be operating.”
Gordon followed her gaze.
He hesitated.
“The local monitor has been unreliable.”