There was a moment of silence and then, “How about now?”
“Yes, it’s back again.”
“Okay. Hang tight. I’m coming in, but I have a stop to make on the way. Won’t be long.”
It was close to twenty minutes before Harry got back to Mrs. Thorne’s apartment.
Mrs. Thorne, who was still standing by the window, turned around as he entered. “What did you find? And what took you so long?”
“I didn’t find much but I made a stop to get some information, and I can assure you that there is no prowler. You have nothing to worry about.”
“So what was it we saw out there?” Bertie asked.
“Mrs. Thorne, what you have been seeing is a reflection, nothing more…”
“But…”
“Give me a minute. There’s a piece of aluminum out there at the base of that birch tree and when a strong source of light hits it just right, you can see it. Have you noticed that the light only lasts a few seconds?”
“Well… yes, I have, but I thought that was caused by the movement of whoever was holding the light.”
Harry shook his head. “There was no person. That’s why I made a stop on the way back – to see the tenant in the apartment directly below yours, a Mr. Cyril Bennett.”
Mrs. Thorne nodded. “Yes, I know Mr. Bennet enough to exchange greetings when I see him but what’s he got to do with it?”
“He works late-night security shifts at the museum and always has something to eat before going to work, which explains why you always see it at the same time… give or take a few minutes. While he eats, he watches the news on television. You know how sometimes you get flashes or flickering lights, depending on what they’re showing, maybe flashing emergency lights, or footage of a fire.” Both women nodded and he continued. “Apparently, a bright flash of light on his rather large screen is just enough for the aluminum to catch it, but it’s very dim and very brief.” He looked at Mrs. Thorne. “You only saw the light on dark nights, never on bright moonlit nights, right?”
“I never realized it, but I think you’re right. But… Mr. Bennett’s television. Are you sure?”
Harry nodded his head slowly. “His screen is huge – almost like being in a theatre – and it’s directly in line with that piece of aluminum. I saw the reflection while I was talking to him. We both did.”
“Oh my goodness and it’s such a simple little thing. I feel so silly to have wasted your time on this. I’m so sorry, Detective.”
“It’s always better to err on the side of caution, Mrs. Thorne,” Harry said. “You can never be too sure.”
“And if it had been a prowler, other tenants besides yourself could have been in danger,” Bertie added.
“Think of it this way,” Harry said. “By reporting your suspicions you were doing a public service, even though it turned out to be a false alarm this time. Next time it could be real.”
“I suppose so,” Mrs. Thorne said slowly. “At the very least, I will sleep better tonight.”
“A good night’s sleep never hurt anyone,” Harry said as he and Bertie left.
“See you in the morning, Hogan,” Bertie said, as they walked towards their vehicles.
“Depends on the weather,” Harry replied. “I can hear my fishing rod calling… Good night.” He put the truck in gear and left Bertie sitting in her little SUV, smiling and shaking her head as she watched him drive away.
