4
“Mrs. Roberts?” Martha poked her head in Cynthia Roberts’ office. “Excuse me, Mrs. Roberts? I know you’re busy,” began the stout and sturdy housekeeper. “Do you have a minute?” Cynthia turned from her computer screen to face Martha.
“Yes, what is it Martha? Come in.”
“Well, I thought you might be interested in this,” she said, handing Cynthia a long round piece of wood with lead at the tip. Cynthia’s eyes widened.
“Where did you find this?”
Martha glanced behind her. “I found it in Alexis’ room,” she said in a hushed tone. “I was changing her sheets and I heard something fall onto the floor. When I bent down to see what had fallen, I found this.”
Cynthia didn’t say anything at first. as she contemplated the old writing instrument in her hand. She wore a pained expression. “Well, I’ll have to ask Alexis about this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Martha,” she finished with a nod.
“Okay, Mrs. Roberts. I’ll get back to work.” The muscular woman turned to go.
“Oh, and Martha?”
“Yes, Mrs. Roberts?”
“Let’s keep this… discovery between us, shall we?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you Martha. That’ll be all.” Martha disappeared out the door and bustled down the hallway while Cynthia sat staring at the offending object. She couldn’t imagine how her daughter had ended up with this ancient tool in her bed. One things was sure–she needed some answers, and fast.
Written
on May 11, 2020