Betsy stayed behind to watch the house, while the others got into Howard’s van and headed to the hospital. When they arrived, they asked about Joe Peori.

An EMT at the scene told them, “It’s touch and go for now, but he’s being cared for.”

The men waited anxiously in the waiting area for five hours while doctors attended to Joe.

Howard paced back and forth atop the linoleum floor, his brow furrowed.

Chief Garris entered the room; the bags under his eyes were prominent under the harsh fluorescent lights.

“Mr. Pickiner, I’m afraid there’s more bad news; the carbuncle has been stolen again.”

Mr. Pickiner was about to shout, but he caught himself and stayed calm.

“How did this happen again?” he asked.

Garris rubbed his neck in embarrassment, “While half of my department combed the area for Peori’s attacker, someone used tear gas on the station that was storing it and grabbed it.”

“I understand,” is all Pickiner could say.

“We’ll inform Peori’s family and friends about this.” Garris said.

After Garris left, Pickiner sighed. “Oh, this is nothing compared to what Mr. Peori is going through.”

“I’d rather be framed than have to deal with that,” Sawyer said.

Jeremy cracked his knuckles. “And to think this all started from jewelry found in a codfish.”

“There’s nothing we can do now. Let’s get some rest,” Howard said.

The others, feeling tired and down, agreed. One by one, they shuffled out of the room.

The next morning, Howard and the others had breakfast in the cafeteria. Although the food wasn’t tasty, the sleep-deprived group didn’t notice. A nurse told them Joe would be okay, but she had given him a sedative, so he couldn’t talk.

Wendy walked in with a small bouquet.

“Hi Wendy, are those flowers for Joe?” he asked.

“Yes, they are. How is he?” she asked.

“He’s sedated right now,” Sawyer said.

Wendy frowned. “Okay, I’ll ask the nurses if I can leave these. I have to get back to the shop.”

“Hey Wendy,” Howard said, “Have you heard from Emil? Isn’t it strange that he didn’t come back to check on his fiancée?”

“I texted him, but he said he’s helping his family catch lobsters in Portland. They could be out at sea; lobster fishing in Maine is that important to them.”

The four men stared at her.

“What’s wrong?” Wendy asked.

“Joe told us that Emil was in Greenwich Village, not Portland,” Jeremy said.

“That’s strange. Why would he lie?” Wendy asked. “I almost forgot! Mr. Benson, Joe wanted me to give you this.”

She handed Howard an envelope with gold filigree around the edges.

“It’s their wedding invitation. He told me there was a little surprise inside,” she said, then walked away.

Howard opened it. Two big green fish, hooked together and kissing, popped out with the words “Celebrate Our Good Catch!” A white slip of paper also fell from one of them. “Light the Write” appeared on it.

“What could that mean?” Mr. Pickiner asked.

Jeremy snapped his fingers. “I think I know what could help. Dad, do you remember what you gave me for my twelfth birthday present?”

Howard thought for a moment, “It’s probably still somewhere in your messy closet. Let’s go!”

Father and son hurried out to the van. Pickiner and Sawyer exchanged confused looks, shrugged and followed.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero