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Melissa Lane, Girl Detective, must solve a crime of stolen lunch money with her two helpers.
The Head Mistress, Mrs. Inverarity, tries to stop her because Melissa might embarrass the School. She works through the clues and suspects in a professional way until she discovers the truth, with the help of two friends.
But the culprits surprise everyone with the reason the money was stolen. In the process Melissa also solves another problem.
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Melissa Lane Girl Detective
In the case of the stolen lunch money
By
Reece Pocock
Text copyright © Reece Pocock
All rights reserved
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing to Reece Pocock the author.
To my granddaughters
Kelly, Ashlie, and Lucy
Who inspired me to write this story!
One
It was lunchtime—my mother had given me money to buy lunch at the canteen.
As I approached, I saw a girl from the Year One class sitting on a seat crying. Tears were running down her face.
She was about five years old. A couple of her friends had tried to help her, but no one came to her aid, so I sat down beside her and asked, 'Why are you crying?'
Through her sobs, she told me.
‘My lunch money’s gone.’
She was too upset for me to ask about the missing money; I had to deal with the immediate problem.
‘You can still get something to eat. Come with me.’ She nodded.
I knew the canteen ladies provided food for anyone who lost their money. I took her hand and led her to the counter.
Mrs Wildsmith, a canteen worker, came over.
‘What have we here, Melissa?’ she asked. ‘What’s the matter, dear?’
‘Someone stole her money,’ I explained.
‘Another one?’ said Mrs Wildsmith. ‘We’ll get you something to eat. What’s your name?’
‘Christie,’ she whispered.
‘What would you like, Christie?’ asked Mrs Wildsmith.
Christie appeared brighter. ‘An ice cream,' she said.
‘Your lunch order is here,’ said Mrs Wildsmith. ‘A ham and cheese sandwich and a muesli bar.’
Christie didn’t say anything and gazed at Mrs Wildsmith. Her order did not interest her.
‘Why don’t I give you the sandwich and ice cream?’ said Mrs Wildsmith.
Christie smiled, took her lunch, found a seat, and started eating the ice cream.
My head was almost exploding with unasked questions.
More money than just Christie's had been stolen. Someone had to find the thief. It was time to mobilise my detective team.
Last year, I reported a teacher for giving students unexpectedly high marks in exams. The Head Master, Mrs Inverarity, had to dismiss the culprit. She said my actions badly affected the school's reputation. The newspapers printed the story and blamed the school.
Two
‘How many kids have had their lunch money stolen,’ I asked Mrs Wildsmith.
‘About seven or eight,’ she turned to another lady, who nodded.
‘Who’s been robbed?’ I wanted to know.
‘The young ones, they get upset the poor things.’
This news distressed me. Who would be low enough to steal from the kids who had only recently started school?
‘What’s being done?’ I asked. I expected her to tell me about an inquiry and how the Principal had launched an investigation. I was to be disappointed.
‘We send the victim to Mrs Inverarity with an older child. Will you take Christie to her after she’s finished her lunch?’
I nodded.
‘The Principal had asked the teachers to keep a lookout for anyone stealing and sent a text message to all the staff. Hasn’t done much good though, the thieving still happens.’
‘Has she told the children and the parents?’
‘I don’t think so. I understand she doesn’t want to alarm anyone.’
Mrs Inverarity is up to her old tricks. Hoping the problem will go away before the crimes become common knowledge.
'Did the parents say anything?’ I asked.
‘Yes, but we’ve been given strict instructions to supply the child with what they want from the canteen. The mums don’t complain much if their child has lunch.'
Mrs Inverarity wants to cover up the robberies, I decided.
‘I need the names of those who had their money stolen.’
‘I can't, Melissa. We’ve been warned not to tell you anything because of what happened last year.’
This case would be more difficult than I thought.
‘I want to catch the thief to stop him or her upsetting the young kids.'
‘I’d lose my job.’
Mrs Wildsmith is like everyone in the school—the Principal scares her.
‘I’m not looking forward to seeing Mrs Inverarity. She’s always cross,’ I said.
‘Her family moved to Queensland last year. She’s all alone. The only good thing for her is her job. She almost lost that last year because of you.’
‘Oh!’ I exclaimed. I didn't understand the problem I’d caused. ‘She can’t blame me. She should have known about the cheating. Does she hate me?’ I asked.
‘No, of course not,’ said Mrs Wildsmith.
I’m not so sure, although, she is annoyed with everyone, not only me.
‘I think she gets cross because she is lonely,’ said Mrs Wildsmith.
Oh yeah right, I thought. Why do grown-ups always stick up for each other?
