“I think in light of all that’s happened, maybe she needs to get over that. I’d feel better if there was a man stationed inside the gates. Driving by in a car is useless. Those companies come by like clockwork. It’s easy to time when they’ll be passing by again. You need a real person on the premises. You had a stranger rummaging through your room. That’s unsafe. Surely your parents will grasp the seriousness of the situation?”
“They probably will,” Janelle said softly. “But they’re not here right now.”
“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I know a guy who used to do private security. I could ask him for a favor. I think having more people around might discourage trespassers.”
Janelle said, “I could ask Kobe to come stay with me and Polly.”
“Really? Kobe?” I frowned. “You’re comfortable doing that?”
She lifted one shoulder. “I know Kobe cares about me. It might be easier having him and Polly here instead of a guy I don’t know.”’
“Makes sense.” I nodded.
“I’ll text Polly and Kobe, then.” Janelle pulled her phone from her pocket. “I’m sure they’ll come.”
Maxwell met my gaze. “Should I stay the night too?”
“No,” I answered a little too quickly, and then I gave a gruff laugh. “I think Kobe and Polly can handle things.” I didn’t want Maxwell any more involved than he already was.
Shrugging, Maxwell said, “Okay.”
Janelle said brightly, “Well, both Polly and Kobe have agreed to stay with me.” Despite her cheerful tone, she looked uneasy. “You don’t suppose that person will come back, right? They grabbed a handful of my favorite vintage necklaces before they ran. Surely they won’t return.”
“It’s not out of the question.” I frowned. “That’s why I want someone here with you.”
“Oh, God.” Janelle’s voice was strangled.
“Can you make a list of what was taken?” I asked, trying to distract her.
“I’ll try,” she said.
“I’ll put the word out to Harvey’s Pawn Shop. The person who snuck into your home might think they can unload the jewels there. Sneaking inside your home was risky. They must be in desperate need of fast cash.”
Janelle looked around uneasily. “It’s creepy they were in my actual bedroom. Maybe I should stay in a hotel.”
“Whatever makes you more comfortable, Janelle,” I said. “Or you could stay at Polly’s house instead of having her come here?”
Janelle brightened. “Yes. That’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Kobe could stay there too. Polly wouldn’t mind.”
“Even better.” I nodded. “That thief was too brazen for my liking.”
“Do you need a ride into town, Janelle?” Maxwell asked.
“Sure.” She grimaced. “I’ll need to pack some things. Is that okay?”
“Of course.” He laughed gruffly. “I’m a man of leisure at the moment.”
“I’ll just let Kobe and Polly know the change of plans.” Janelle disappeared into the house.
I met Maxwell’s gaze. “I need to get back to the station.”
“Sure. We’ll be fine.”
“Maybe text me when you have Janelle safely at Polly’s house.”
He smiled. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m not afraid of this person.”
“I know. I just don’t know what this perp will do next. They’re erratic. Logically, after killing Archie, they should have left town. If the murderer is Geraldine, why is she still around? It would have made more sense to take off.”
