Free Valise in the Attic by Jan Fields Page A

down?” Betty asked.
    “Must have. He was nursing his elbow when I saw him earlier.” Then she peered closer at the bag. “Is that one of ours?”
    “No, it’s mine,” Annie said. “But I’m carrying it in the scene, and I’d rather leave it with him.”
    “Well, you’re in luck then,” Pat said, nodding off toward the door of the dining area. “That’s him right there. Oh dear, looks like he hit more than his elbow.”
    Annie turned and immediately recognized the young man in ratty jeans. She saw he had a scrape down the side of his face. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if he could have gotten the scrape after knocking her down and grabbing the valise. But the young man was far less bulky than the man who had mugged her.
    Annie gave herself a little shake for being so silly. She knew the props department needed more suitcases, but the young man would hardly knock her down to get one!
    She walked across the room to him. “Excuse me, aren’t you the prop master for the film?”
    The young man looked at her curiously. “That’s right,” he said. “I’m Samuel Ely.”
    “I’m Annie Dawson,” Annie said. “I was one of the extras from this morning. I had this valise that I carry in the ferry scene. The suitcase belongs to me, but since I’ll be carrying it in tomorrow’s filming, I was wondering if I could leave it with you tonight?”
    “Sure,” Samuel said with a shrug. “I can put it in my room. But it’s fine for you to just bring it with you tomorrow.”
    “I would rather not,” she said. She took a deep breath and added. “Someone tried to steal it from me in the parking lot. I’m sure it was just a coincidence since the suitcase is empty, but I think I would feel better if I didn’t take it home.”
    “Someone tried to steal it?” The young man took the case and looked it over for a moment. “It’s a nice little case and in decent shape, but it’s not valuable. I have several cases up in my room worth more than this one. I can’t imagine why someone would want to steal it.”
    “I can’t either,” Annie said, “but I know I’ll feel better if you have it.”
    “No problem, just remind me of your name again? I have a great memory for stuff, but a horrible memory for names. I’ll need to put your name on the case so they get it back to you for the shoot tomorrow,” he said.
    “Annie Dawson.” She felt a rush a relief. She hadn’t realized how tense the whole incident had made her. “I really appreciate it.”
    “Happy to help,” he said. “I’ll just run up and dump it in my room.” He reached out for the bag, then winced and rubbed his elbow. “The ice around here is deadly,” he grumbled, and then managed a smile for Annie. “Maybe I’ll see you at the shoot tomorrow. Good night, Mrs. Dawson.”
    “Good night,” she said.
    She walked back over to Alice with more of the usual spring in her step. She was relieved to have passed along one mystery. Alice was leaning on the front desk talking with an attractive woman Annie recognized as Linda Hunter.
    “Nice to see you, Annie,” Linda said. “Alice was telling me you’ve had a rough morning.”
    “It actually was a nice morning except for one incident,” Annie said, with a sideways glance at Alice. “I’m feeling much better now.”
    As Annie spoke she noticed Linda glance past her toward the front door with a stressed look.
    “What’s the matter?” Alice whispered, she began to turn toward the door, but Linda grabbed her arm.
    “Don’t look,” Linda said. “Our most antagonistic guest just came in, and if you turn around he’s going to think we’re talking about him.”
    Alice laughed lightly. “Which we totally are.”
    Linda gave her a warning look, and then pasted a warm smile on her face. “Good afternoon, Mr. Rusher,” she said. “May I help you?”
    “I simply wanted to compliment you on your lovely inn,” the actor said smoothly as he stepped up to the desk. Annie noticed he