“Victoria. Yes, she was an only child and she was the big reason that Sol didn’t fall apart after his wife died. She went to Europe a few years after Sol died… ended up in Spain, I think.”
Bingo nodded. “I heard that… I wonder if there’s any chance she’s come home again.”
Max shrugged. “I don’t know… I suppose it’s possible, but if she was home, wouldn’t there be lights on throughout the week? And wouldn’t there be lights in other rooms of the house sometimes?”
“That’s what I thought,” Bingo said. “Now, a bunch of homeless people would probably be using lanterns or flashlights. Either someone else is using the place, or I’m losing my mind and seeing things that aren’t there. Can you keep an eye on it?”
“I can,” Max said, “but I’ll talk to Hogan too. He might have some ideas.”
“Good idea,” Bingo agreed. “Hogan is pretty smart. Got time for a game of checkers before you leave?” He laid the game box on the table between them
***************
Shortly after lunch, Max went to Harry’s office, and told him about his conversation with Bingo that morning.
“Are you sure the place hasn’t been sold?” Harry asked when Max had finished his story. “It must be at least ten years since the daughter left. Maybe the place has sold recently and she came back to collect some family items.”
“Almost eleven,” Max said, nodding. “Maybe you’re right. Victoria might be collecting the family treasures and hiding the secrets.”
Harry raised his eyebrows. “Secrets?” He got up and poured two cups of coffee, handing one to Max before resuming his seat.
“Nothing bad,” Max said hastily, as he accepted the mug. “Mostly rumours, so everyone thought, but there was some truth to some of them.”
“You seem to be familiar with them. Perhaps you should tell me what you know.”
Max nodded. “His family came from some part of Britain. Solomon, known as Sol, was kind of secretive, kept mostly to himself, and read a lot. His daughter, Victoria, was a lot like him.
“Few people knew that the silo actually had three floors. There was an enclosed staircase with a landing and door at each of the upper levels. Shortly before he retired, he had windows installed at the front and back of the second floor, with exterior shutters. Some thought he stored hay there and could open the shutters to toss it out as needed.”
“But that wasn’t the reason,” Harry said.
Max shook his head. “Everyone knew the ground floor was for grain storage, and also contained the laundry room. The top floor was Sol’s private space, served as his office – or library, whatever you want to call it. He spent a lot of time up there. As Victoria grew older, her father became more of a recluse, but the door was always open for her. They were very close.”
“And the second floor…” Harry prompted.
