Chapter Ten
The next day, after breakfast the children visited granny Blair's house. Granny introduced them to Charlotte Blair, who was Richard's mom. She was a frail woman who looked like she would fall down any time.
"These are the children who solved the mystery of the silver chest," said Richard.
"Thank you children, you prevented me from doing further damage to the family heirloom. If I would have sold it, then we would have lost it forever," she said, massaging her temples.
"Officer Bentley came over last night and I showed him the photograph that you all sent me. He took a copy on his mobile phone. They're on the lookout for the culprits," said Richard.
"They're not criminals. They were just helping me out. Maybe with the police involved they're too scared to come out in the open," said Richard's mom.
"If they return the chest, then I shall take back my case and no one would be punished," said granny Blair.
"But the burglars don't know that," said Nicholas.
"How do we communicate to them?" Asked Skylar.
Everyone started thinking. "Since they follow us around, we could sit with aunt Charlotte outside in granny Blair's garden and talk loudly. We could yell and say that we would take back the case if the chest is returned. We could repeat it every now and then. So if they're in the vicinity they would hear it," said Jasper.
"Good idea," said Richard. He went to the garden in the front yard of granny Blair's house and arranged for chairs there to accommodate everyone. They all trooped outside and sat down, soaking in the morning sun.
"Isn't it nice that aunt Charlotte has come back to live with you granny Blair?" Asked Nicholas, starting the topic.
"Yes absolutely. It's the best thing that has ever happened to me in so many years. I was tired of living alone. I forgive you Charlotte, " said granny Blair. They all spoke in loud voices.
"Thank you mom. I'm ashamed of myself for attempting to steal your silver chest," said aunt Charlotte.
"It's all in the past now. Once I get back my chest, I'll take back the case. I don't want to punish anyone. It was a family misunderstanding and I'm glad that it's solved," said granny Blair.
There was some movement in the bushes nearby and they repeated the same type of conversations again and again to give the culprits a rough idea that they would rest the case if the silver chest was returned back. After an hour of sitting in the sun they were tired and hot.
"Shall we go inside the house? It's getting hotter and hotter here," said granny Blair.
Reluctantly they all got up to go inside, very disappointed that the plan had failed. Once inside the house, Jasper looked at everyone disappointedly. "Now what?" He asked.
"Wait for a few hours for them to get the silver chest and return it. They heard what we discussed. They can't be travelling with the chest. Give them sometime," said Stanley and they all agreed. The whole day passed by and the disappointment grew and grew. The children had gone back home waiting eagerly for some sort of information about the case.
"If they don't return it by tomorrow then we should think of another way," said Daryll and they all agreed. It was dinner time when they received a call from an excited Richard. Someone had rung their doorbell and when he opened the door there wasn't anyone there. However there was the stolen silver chest left on their doorstep.
The children danced with happiness and after dinner, went to granny Blair's house to see the silver chest with their own eyes. Granny Blair showed them with pride. She had already called the police station and taken back the case.
The children gasped seeing the beautifully carved silver chest embelished with precious stones. It was very heavy. "What's inside this?" Asked Nicholas as he couldn't pick it up.
"Old coins, " said granny opening the chest and showing them a vast collection of silver coins from older times. She took out a few and handed each child a coin.
"This is a small gift as a token of gratitude and my love. You children have helped me find my family treasure and I'm indebted to you, " she said with a smile.
"Thank you granny, " they chorused hugging granny Blair. It was a time for celebration as another case was solved successfully by the Rescue Hawkes.
The next two days, they spent enjoying freely, sightseeing and bonding with one another. The holidays had come to an end and it was time to return home. School would reopen and they all groaned.
"I haven't completed my homework, " groaned Jasper.
"Same here," said Daryll. All children groaned except Nicholas who had completed everything before arriving here.
They bade each other goodbye and ultimately left Richmond to go home. They promised to meet one another for another thrilling adventure the next holidays.
