Story 13/1001

• case
• biscuit
• combine

“They will never let us retire, will they?” Maurice sighed, and gently blew into his cup.

“Have a biscuit, darling. You know you get grumpy when you’re hungry.” Eleanor lightly pushed a silver tray towards Maurice.

“You’ll like this case, Maurice.” George smiled. ” It’s a necklace from a private collection.”

“Why would I like that, George?” Eleanor frowned and handed Maurice a biscuit. She didn’t stop staring until he took a bite. Then she nodded.

“As I was saying, it’s from a private collection. It’s a beautiful piece, with diamonds and sapphires – but that is not the best part.”

George waited until his friends frowned at him. “It’s in Harold’s home.”

“Harold?”

“Harold Hall.”

Maurice and Eleanor looked at each other.

“We haven’t heard that name in thirty years. Not after-” Maurice stopped and put his cup back on the table.

“Not after he double-crossed us.” Eleanor finished. Maurice and George looked at her in shock. “It happened. We were naive and foolish. We are too old to keep pretending it didn’t.”

“Honey, even after fifty years, you still amaze me.” Maurice smiled. Eleanor patted his hand. “Tell us the details.”

“He will hold a fundraiser in his villa on the 15th next month. That’s our chance.” George leaned towards them and whispered. “Word is, he’s got Alzheimer’s.”

“That devil maybe won’t even recognize us.” Maurice exclaimed.

“It’s been thirty years. He might not recognize us either way.” Eleanor smiled.

“He would always recognize you, honey.”

“Yes, yes. Sugar and some spice.” George waved his hands. “You two will be the Appiani’s. How is your Italian, lately?”

“Buono, come al solito.” Maurice answered.

“Perfetto.” George clapped his hands. “Then we’ll combine that with your never-ending love for each other. Make a distraction. Maybe propose again, renew your vows. Die in his arms. Anything, enough for me to go to the basement and crack open his safe.”

“Leave that to us.” Eleanor looked at Maurice.” What about the electronics?”

“Believe it or not, he has no electronic locks. I’ve already checked.”

“He’s too old-fashioned for his own good.” Maurice stated. “Guards?”

“Nothing a few Ambiens can’t resolve.”

“Alright then.” Eleanor looked at Maurice, and he nodded. “We’re in. Tell us the details.”

George smiled and pulled a pile of papers from his briefcase.