THE THEFT

by ChicagoTunnelKid

Father was under his table on hands and knees when Vincent walked in.

“Father, whatever are you doing?”

“Well, I … umpf,” Father was attempting to back out and stand up. “I’m missing one of the chess pieces from Cullen’s set and I have a game with Kipper later. I can’t seem to find it.”

“Perhaps it fell and rolled under one of the statues?”

Father sighed. “I’m not built for crawling on the floor any longer. I wonder if one of the children might be convinced to look?”

Vincent thought that the children might want to let the missing piece be spared another game with Father, who was growing rather surly after the long losing streak he was having.

“I’m sure the children will help,” Vincent said diplomatically. “When did you last see it?”

Father pulled out his chair and lowered himself somewhat stiffly after his sojourn on the floor.

“Last I recollect, it was here last night during the council meeting.”

“Someone might have jostled the table and it fell off.” Vincent offered hopefully. “I’m sure one of the children will find it.”

“Hummpf,” was Father’s reply. “I shudder to think we have a thief among us!”

“Father, why would someone take just one chess piece? That makes no sense.”

“It would if you knew which one!” he replied. He looked directly at Vincent, faint accusation lining his face. “It is your piece that’s gone missing. No doubt by one of your many fans.”

Vincent had the grace to look discomfited, knowing how many of the children considered him their special friend and emulated him in whatever means were available at their ages. A few had taken to using a head tilt before speaking, a few others tried to mimic his walk, but only a brave few of the boys tried speaking like him (a rather comic sound considering their voices had yet to change).

“When I ask the children for their help, I will do some delicate sleuthing to determine if any is the guilty party, Father.”

“You do that, Vincent.” Father sat resigned. “Well, I will just have to dust off the old set and use that in the interim. Perhaps a change in set will bring a change in luck.”

“Perhaps,” Vincent agreed, turning and walking out with his doubt that the set would have any effect!

* * *

As he walked along the tunnels en route to visit the children, he cast his mind back to the evening before. He had gone to collect Catherine for the meeting. They all liked having Catherine there for her logical legal mind, especially when spats broke out among the members. She had a knack for bringing them to an amicable end. He smiled with pride at the thought.

They had taken their usual spot across the table from Father. There was the head tilt – he recalled the chess set sitting there. At the end of the meeting, they had stood and chatted with William a bit, or he had chatted with William. Now that he was thinking about it, Catherine was uncharacteristically quiet during that exchange. And when they left, she kept facing him, literally backing up until she reached the aisle and let him precede her.

Vincent reached the children’s chamber and made his request, and tenderly probed whether one of the children may have the piece. None did, and a group went off to help Father look. Vincent was beginning to think he had another tender conversation ahead of him.

* * *

The climb up to the balcony was routine. The night was cool, not chill; there was little wind. He lightly rapped on the bedroom balcony door, seeing the light on within.

“Vincent!” Catherine opened the door and entered his waiting arms for her hug. “I didn’t expect you this evening. What a pleasant surprise.”

“I hope you still think so, Catherine, after I ask what I’ve come to ask.”

“Oh? And what’s that, Vincent?”

“Father is missing something. I thought perhaps … you might have information about it.”

Her eyes quickly deflected downward as she drew out of his arms. “Missing? What is missing?”

“A chess piece from Father’s set.”

“Really? It probably fell to the floor or something.” She fidgeted with the rose bush. “Why would I have information about that?”

“Because, my dear lawyer, you had the means, you had the opportunity, but I’m trying to fathom what your motive would be.”

“What on earth?” she exclaimed. “What would I want with a chess piece?”

He noticed she was still not looking him in the eye.

“Because the piece that is missing is the piece Cullen carved that looks like me.”

A very small voice emanated from a very contrite Catherine. “I’m sorry, Vincent, I just wanted something that looked like you to keep with me. No one would think twice about a mythical chess piece.”

She looked up finally, with tears ready to fall. “I know it was wrong, and Father must be upset. It’s on my nightstand. I’ll go get it so you can return it.”

She returned a minute later and pressed the piece into Vincent’s hand. He held it up to the light to examine it – such a small thing. He admired Cullen’s skill as he admitted he captured Vincent’s image very well.

“I’ll apologize to Father tomorrow.”

“You will do no such thing, Catherine.” Vincent smiled at her. “I would hate for you to confess to a crime that did not happen.”

She looked at him with confusion.

“After Cullen carves another, I will conveniently drop it under something where one of the children can discover it. Mystery solved!”

“Vincent, you would be lying to Father – on my behalf,” she added for good measure.

“Or, Father gave you a gift he meant to give but had not yet thought to do.” He pulled her back into his embrace. “Catherine, if such a small thing gives you so much pleasure, it is yours, with my blessings.”