Part 3
Half an hour later, Melanie returned to the office. Trixie had the three designs she had seen on the desk in front of her.
“I guess you found them,” Melanie said stepping over to the desk.
“I did,” Trixie admitted without taking her eyes off the designs. She finally looked at Melanie. “Can you think of any reason why these were taken over the others?”
Melanie looked at the designs for a moment and then shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Okay.” Trixie got to her feet and started pacing in the office. “Are these designs going to be in this show?”
“I did plan to sue them, but when inspiration hit, I decided to set them aside for now.”
“Who knew about these designs?”
“I guess almost anyone who works here,” Melanie said. “If the idea strikes, I try to get it down on paper as soon as I can. I don’t know if my memory wall last until I can get home to sketch.”
“So, anyone coming in can see you sketching and can see what you’re doing?”
“Yeah.”
“Have these designs been made already?”
Melanie looked at the sketches. “Yes, they have. I have them at home.”
Trixie had a theory and she stopped pacing. She turned to Melanie. “Can you remember who worked on these designs?”
Melanie looked at Trixie. “Let’s see. All three of these were worked on by Eva.” Her eyes went wide. “You don’t think she’s the one stealing and giving away my designs, do you?”
“Do you have any other suggestions?” Trixie countered.
“It’s not possible,” Melanie said. “Eva would not do this to me. She’s my friend.”
“Melanie, you asked the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency to solve this. You need to let us check out the possibilities. But if you don’t want us to do that, there’s no reason for me to be here.”
Trixie moved around the desk and went to grab her bag.
“Wait,” Melanie said. “I did ask you to solve this, and I want you to.”
Trixie turned to Melanie. “All right. I’m going to meet up with Honey to see if we can come up with a game plan.”
“Let me know what I can do to help.”
“I will.”
* * * * *
An hour later, Trixie and Honey were seated in a café a couple miles from the studio. They both ordered something to drink as they talked.
“So, you’re sure that the designs are being taken from the studio by one of Melanie’s staff?”
“It’s a gut feeling I have,” Trixie answered.
“And you’ve seen the designs in the storage area?” Honey asked.
“Right,” Trixie said. “I think that whoever is involved is taking copes of the designs and hiding them with the fabric until there’s an opportune time to give them to the competition.”
“But do you have any idea who it is?”
“Eva seems to be the one I suspect, but I’m not really sure.”
“What makes you think that Eva is the one?”
“My concern is that she wanted to be a designer herself, but set her dreams aside to help Melanie achieve hers. For some reason, that bothers me.”
“Has Eva given you any indication she is the one?”
“Not really.” Trixie took a sip of water. “But when I brought up the topic about the designs that have been stolen and then appearing at other shows, she got really defensive.”
“How do you mean?”
“Well, she told me I was off my rocker thinking it was her. But her quick defense bothers me.”
“Is there anything else?”
“She’s the one who has worked on the three designs that ended up missing.”
“That’s not a lot of proof.”
“I know.” Trixie took another sip of her water. “I wish we had something.”
“What if we set a trap?” Honey suggested.
Trixie’s face lit up. She liked the sound of that. “And what would that trap be?”
“I have an idea.” Honey smiled.
Trixie’s smile seemed to grow bigger as Honey told her the idea. She had a feeling this was going to work.
* * * * *
The next morning when Trixie stepped into the studio, Melanie said, “Trixie! You’re here!”
“Of course I am,” Trixie said stepping into Melanie’s office. She Melanie was hard at work at her sketch table. “What are you working on?”
“I’ve come up with a design that is going to be the hit of the show.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Trixie moved so she was standing behind Melanie and looked at the sketch. It was a pantsuit done in navy blue. The outfit was something she had never seen before.
“That is truly amazing.”
“Thank you,” Melanie said as she added some small touches to the sketch. “It will look perfect on you.”
“What?” Trixie asked, staring at Melanie. She wasn’t sure she heard the designer correctly.
“I’m serious.” Melanie set down the pencil and turned to face Trixie. “This design is just for you and I want you to model it in my show.”
“Me model? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“I’m not. This outfit is only for you and you are the only one who can show it off. You have to wear it for me.”
“I’m really not a model,” Trixie said.
“It’s really simple. You’ll wear the outfit and be the last one of the show. You’ll walk out, down the runway and back and then the show will be over.”
Trixie stared at Melanie. She never pictured herself as a model and still had a hard time with it.
“Please?”
Before Trixie could respond, Eva walked into the office. “Melanie, almost all of the outfits are finished.”
“That’s great.”
“What are you working on? Did inspiration hit?”
“It sure did,” Melanie said turning back to the sketch.
Eva moved around and looked at the sketch. “It is good.”
“Now, if I can only convince Trixie to model it for the show,” Melanie said.
“I’m not a model,” Trixie reiterated.
“But you would seem perfect,” Eva said.
“Please?” Melanie begged again.
“This outfit would look great on you,” Eva said.
Trixie stared at both of them. She couldn’t believe they wanted her to model the clothing. She never pictured herself walking down a runway in front of hundreds of people including photographers. She didn’t think she could do it.
“Melanie, I’m not real sure about this.”
“You’re the only one this outfit works for,” Melanie said. “You have to do it.”
Trixie knew there was no arguing with Melanie. She seemed to have a determined look. Trixie let out a breath. “All right.”
“Thank you,” Melanie said. “And this will be my special project.”
“Since you’ll be working on that outfit, I’ll go take care of the others making sure everything is set for the show,” Eva said.
“I appreciate it,” Melanie said.
Eva turned and left the office.
Trixie stood there shaking her head. “I can’t believe you talked me into this.”
“It’ll be perfect.” Melanie got to her feet and moved to the door. “Heidi, would you go get me the sky blue fabric from the storage room and a bolt of white silk?”
“No problem, Melanie.”
Melanie moved back into the room. She glanced quickly at Trixie. “I knew you would help us out.”
“Just remember that I’ve never done this before.”
“It’s really simple. We’ll go to the show early and the other models will give you a lot of tips. Everything will be fine.”
Trixie had her doubts, but didn’t say anything. She just watched Melanie make adjustments to the design. She had to admit the outfit was spectacular. Part of her was looking forward to wearing it.
“Here you go, Melanie,” Heidi said stepping into the office. She moved to the desk and set three bolts of fabric on the desk. “There were two sky blue bolts and I wasn’t sure which one you wanted, so I brought both.”
“Thanks,” Melanie said without taking her eyes off her work.
Trixie watched Heidi move to Melanie’s right side and look at the design. Trixie said Heidi’s face light up.
“That’s amazing,” Heidi said. “Is it something new?”
Melanie nodded. “Inspiration hit this morning and I haven’t been able to stop.”
“This is better than any of your other designs. You should make a show just around this concept.”
“No way,” Melanie said. “This is a one time outfit and will be ready for Trixie to wear at the upcoming show.”
“Trixie’s going to wear it?” Heidi asked, surprised.
Trixie and Melanie looked at Heidi. Melanie said, “I’m making this especially for Trixie. She gave me the inspiration and I think since she did, she deserves to wear it.”
“I guess you have a point,” Heidi said quietly.
Melanie got to her feet and moved to the desk. “Thank for getting the fabric, Heidi.”
“No problem,” Heidi said distractedly.
Trixie looked at Heidi out of the corner of her eye and saw she was staring at Melanie’s creation. Trixie had an uneasy feeling. Heidi quickly pulled her gaze away from the sketch and hurried out of the office.
Trixie moved to Melanie’s desk and reached for the fabric.
“I hope this works,” Melanie said.
“It will,” Trixie said aloud, and then to herself, I hope it does too.
* * * * *
That evening, Trixie and Honey returned to the studio after everyone else had gone home. They knew the designs were being taken during the night when no one was there. Honey had thought that if they set a trap, they would catch the person responsible.
Using the key Melanie had given her, Trixie let herself and Honey into the studio. They made their way through the darkness toward Melanie’s office.
“Where did Melanie put the design?” Honey asked quietly.
“In the file cabinet. But the outfit was finished and is hanging in the closet,” Trixie said. She looked at Honey. “Do you think the one involved will take the bait?”
“Whoever it is may be desperate with wanting to ruin Melanie’s upcoming show. They may figure this will be the opportunity they need.”
“The one responsible may take the design and the outfit and give it to her competition.”
“Exactly. And you probably interfered with finding the sketches the other day.”
“So, to hurt Melanie, one of the designs needs to be taken.”
“Right.”
“We might as well get into place,” Trixie said. “Who knows how long we will be here.”
“At least Brian is home with Petey,” Honey said.
“Does he know what we’re doing exactly?
“No. I only told him that we were doing work on a case and he shouldn’t wait up.”
“He would flip if he knew what we were doing,” Trixie said.
“I know,” Honey said. “Hopefully we won’t have too many of these late nights. I like being home when Petey goes to bed.”
“Honey, how do you like being a mother?”
“I love it,” Honey admitted. “I love the feeling that I’m responsible for this precious life. Being a parent is an amazing feeling.”
“You don’t have to answer this, but are you and Brian planning on any more children?”
“We haven’t really talked about it, but we both want several children so Petey doesn’t grow up alone.”
“You want him to have more than you did, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I was so lonely until I met you and my parent adopted Jim. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to live like that.”
“I think that’s understandable.”
“We better get situated,” Honey said.
“All right.”
As Honey hid in Melanie’s office, Trixie went into the studio and took a place where she could see anyone coming up the stairs from either entrance.
Slipping an earpiece into her ear, Trixie turned her microphone on so she could hear Honey. Quietly, she asked, “Honey, are you listening?”
“Yeah,” Honey’s voice answered in her ear. “I was waiting for you.”
“Are you in place?”
“Yeah. I think I’ve got the right spot.”
“Then let’s keep our eyes open. I think whoever is responsible will make a move tonight.”
“With the show coming up quickly, they have to keep the pattern going,” Honey said.
Trixie heard a noise and said quietly, “I hear something.”
“Okay.”
Trixie looked over the one table trying to spot any movement. She suddenly saw a beam of light swing through the room. Trixie stuck to the shadows and tried to figure out who it was.
As the person moved toward Melanie’s office, she saw the glow from the light illuminate the person’s face. Eva.
“I can’t believe it,” Trixie whispered.
“Who is it?” Honey asked.
“Eva.”
Trixie watched Eva make her way slowly into Eva’s office. She saw the beam of light get shined throughout the room. Moving quietly from her hiding spot, Trixie stepped toward Melanie’s office as Eva stepped inside. Being quiet, Trixie stepped into the room.
Trixie reached for the light switch as Eva stepped to Melanie’s desk.
As the papers were rustled on the desk, Trixie flipped the switch and the room was illuminated.
Eva looked up and her mouth fell open. “What are you doing here, Trixie?”
“I could be asking you the same thing,” Trixie said.
“I came back to put the finishing touches on a couple outfits,” Eva said. “There’s still a lot to be done for the show.”
“But what are you doing in Melanie’s office? All the clothes are out in the studio.”
Eva looked at Trixie. “Why are you questioning me? You don’t have a right.”
“Would you two stop it,” Honey said, climbing out of her hiding spot behind the couch.
“Who are you?” Eva asked.
“I’m Honey Belden, private investigator.”
Eva looked at Honey, and then at Trixie. “You two know each other, don’t you?”
“We’re partners,” Trixie answered.
“Why were you hiding in Melanie’s office? Does she know you are here?”
“Eva, you need to know that Melanie asked us to be here,” Trixie said.
“What reason could she have?” Eva asked. “There’s nothing going on here.”
Trixie glanced at Honey who was making her way toward them. Honey said, “Melanie was concerned about her designs with the next show coming up.”
“It’s the stolen designs that have her worried, isn’t it?” Eva asked. Her tone had changed to one of concern.
Trixie had a feeling her assumption was wrong. Eva seemed genuinely concerned. Trixie had a feeling that Eva wasn’t the one responsible. She felt they could be honest with her.
“You’re right,” Trixie said. “Melanie was concerned that more of her designs would be taken and she asked up to look into it.”
“I thought you looked familiar,” Eva said. “You’ve solved several cases.”
“A few,” Trixie admitted.
“So, Melanie called you in,” Eva said.
Honey nodded. “And we figured that whoever is responsible would try again before the show.
“Do you have any idea who it is?”
“Well,” Trixie said feeling her face turn red. “At first I thought it as you, but it’s not possible.”
“I wouldn’t steal the designs,” Eva said. “We have been working together. She’s been helping me get started on my own line that will be unveiled in about a year.”
“Eva, do you have any idea who would want to do this to Melanie?” Honey asked.
“I really don’t know. I can’t picture anyone here doing that.”
“We need to figure this out who is responsible,” Trixie said. “It has to be someone who really doesn’t like her.”
“And it is,” a voice said from behind Trixie and Honey.
They turned quickly and saw Heidi standing in the doorway. She had a gun pointed at them.
“Heidi, put that away,” Eva said. “It’s not right to point a gun at others.”
“I can do whatever I want,” Heidi said. “You’re not the boss of me.”
“What has gotten into you?” Eva asked. “I’m calling Melanie to let her know what you’re up to.”
As Eva reached for the phone, Heidi said, “I wouldn’t if I were you.”
“Would you really shoot me?” Eva asked.
“Wanna try me?”
“Eva, leave the phone alone,” Trixie said, keeping her eyes on Heidi. “She means business.”
“Listen to the detective, Eva. She has a point for once in her life. And it’ll be her last.”
“You won’t hurt us,” Trixie said. “It’s not in your nature.”
“How do you know anything?” Heidi asked. “You don’t know anything about me and never will.”
“Heidi, why were you taking your sisters’ designs?” Honey asked. “Why would you want to hurt her like that?”
“You don’t know anything!” Heidi yelled.
“Then tell us why,” Honey said calmly. “Let us understand.”
Trixie knew Honey was trying to distract Heidi for he so she could somehow get the gun from Heidi’s grasp.
Heidi’s hand shook as she talked. “You don’t care about me. You’re just thinking about Melanie’s designs. Her well-known creations. Not me. I am so tired of Melanie getting all the attention. It isn’t right.” Heidi took a step into the office. “That’s all anyone talks about. But what about me? Don’t I count?”
“Of course you do,” Honey said. “But the designs were Melanie’s dream. You’re hurting your own sister.”
“She deserves it!” Heidi yelled.
“Why?” Honey asked. “Why does she deserve it?”
“She just does.”
“That’s not a reason,” Honey said.
“You don’t know anything,” Heidi said.
Trixie watched Heidi’s hand shake even more. She could see the more upset Heidi got, the more her hand trembled. She knew Heidi had to be stopped before she hurt anyone.
“Heidi, do you think that Melanie doesn’t love you?” Trixie asked.
“She doesn’t. She’s more concerned about this stupid business.”
“Melanie has been busting her butt so she could give you everything you need,” Eva said. “She felt bad because your parents died before you had grown up.”
“She doesn’t care!” Heidi yelled.
Trixie took a step toward Heidi. She knew she had to get the gun away. Heidi’s anger was beginning to worry her.
“Melanie will regret the life she’s lived,” Heidi said.
“Shouldn’t it be her choice for how she lives?” Honey asked.
“Quiet! All of you!” Heidi yelled. “All you three are doing is trying to distract me. But it’s not going to work.”
“You will let us go, right?” Eva asked.
Heidi laughed. “I don’t think so.”
Trixie knew she had to stop Heidi. Taking a quick step forward, Trixie grabbed Heidi’s hand holding the gun and pushing it up into the air.
The gun went off and Honey yelled, “Eva! Get down!”
Trixie struggled with Heidi trying to get control of the gun.
“Let go!” Heidi yelled.
“Give me the gun!” Trixie yelled. “You’re not going to hurt anyone!”
“You won’t stop me!”
Heidi pulled her hand holding the gun out of Trixie’s grasp. She quickly swung the gun at Trixie’s head. Trixie didn’t see it coming. The gun hit the side of her head. She saw a burst of white light and then was surrounded by darkness.