35. Bailey

"Idon't know what this means," I cried after studying the simple map and throwing the letter onto the coffee table. I pressed my back against the couch. "What book? I've got to figure this out. They've got Mozzie, and they're going to hurt him."

Katar gently held my face, stroking away my tears with his thumb. "It's going to be alright. We'll get Mozzie back. At least we know where he is."

"I hope they're not hurting him. He's such a sweet guy, but he's old. His heart can't take much stress."

He growled. "I'll fix this for you."

"I'm so glad you're here with me." I stared at the note. "Should we quietly notify the detective? This is more evidence, perhaps enough to at least convince him I'm not involved with the theft of the book."

"Let's think for a moment."

"Do you think it's one of the books Helga gave me? They can have them all as long as they give back Mozzie, safe and sound."

His head tilted and he frowned, seeming to stare inward. "Would you do something for me?"

"Sure."

"Open your birthday book gift from Helga."

"I can't right now. I'm too stressed about Mozzie."

"I think . . ." He huffed. "It's an odd thought, but I wonder . . ."

"I can get it. There's no harm in opening it now, I guess." I went to my room and tugged the box where I'd placed it out from underneath my bed, dragging a few dust bunnies out along with it. The box was labeled old clothes, and I'd carefully placed the gift there to keep it out of Mozzie's reach. He might be an old dog, but he still occasionally enjoyed chewing, especially cardboard, for whatever reason. I didn't want to risk the gift.

Taking it to the living room, I joined Katar on the couch again and placed the box on my lap. After tracing my name scrolled on the front of the box, I slit the tape with scissors and opened it. Inside, I found what looked like another first edition wrapped in the same special paper she'd always used. It hurt to see it, to know this was the last time I'd open a birthday present from her.

After brushing aside a few tears, I set the box on the sofa and carefully unwrapped the gift on my lap. My stunned silence rang out when I saw what was hidden behind the pretty paper.

"It's . . ." I couldn't quite believe it and when I turned it gently onto its side and examined the paper, I knew from the hint of blue. "It's the original orc manuscript. But . . . how did it wind up here?"

Katar pulled an envelope out from among the wrapping paper and handed it to me. It had my name on it. "Perhaps this will give you an answer."

Opening it, I pulled out a note.

Dearest Bailey,

Your last gift! I'm so sorry I won't be there to get your thoughts about the enclosed book. I did so much enjoy hearing the joy in your voice when you gushed about my latest gift.

I've asked my lawyer to send this to you in time for your birthday. Open it and think of me and know I'm smiling down on you from somewhere above.

You're going to find this strange. I did a naughty thing. Shhh… After we locked the original orc text under the glass cabinet, I often found one particular person snooping. One time, I could swear they were trying to pry open the case! I couldn't prove anything, so I decided to watch them.

I also wanted to make sure that, if they got the case open, they wouldn't touch the precious book.

I was worried and you know me, I always trust my instincts.

It's surprising what a person can do online if they put their mind to it. I had a fake copy of the book made and put it inside the case. Then I hid the original. My plan was to destroy the fake when it was time to return the original book to the orc kingdom. Naturally, I'd only send the proper copy back to the king. But I got sick, and I didn't know what to do.

Bailey, I thought. Bailey will handle this in the proper manner.

So, here it is. You probably haven't even discovered there's a fake book under the glass case, and that makes me chuckle.

Take a peek at the original before you decide what to do. I know you were itching to get your hands on it when it arrived, but the orcs weren't keen on letting anyone touch it. After that, hide it in a secure place and finish my plan.

No one will ever know the original hasn't been inside the glass case the entire time.

Your dear friend,

Helga

I sucked in a breath and let it gush out of me before looking up at Katar. "Now we know what book the person wants in exchange for Mozzie."