The Clever Detective

It was early December, when the local Jeweler, Anil Patel decided to host a jewelry exhibition. Anil and his wife Kamla were very excited about the exhibition, Kamla invited all her friends and they decided to have a party at night. The assistant Ramlal already sent out the flyers across the town a week ago. He was also a cousin of Kamla. Anil never really liked Ramlal, he always thought of him as a lazy, and untrustworthy guy. It was Kamla who convinced Anil to employ him as his assistant.

 The mood of the morning was very good. The house was well decorated. Kamla and her sister were going shopping. While Ramlal was checking the mail, he found a suspicious envelope saying 'WARNING' in blood-red color. He immediately runs to Anil, shouting " Sir, Sir…." "What have you done now," Anil said in frustration. 

"Nothing Sir, it's this envelope" 

"What envelope" 

"It's from him, Sir…." There was terror in Ramlal's voice. 

"From Whom…. what the hell are you talking about?" 

"Its… th… The Thief" 

" What thief and why are you so frightened?" 

"Sir, He is the rumoured thief in the town, everyone in the town is scared of him. " 

"Ohhh… A thief sending a warning note. That's funny. Now stop joking around and get back to work"

Shyam, an employee of Anil overheard the conversation and said " Sir, You are new in town, you don't know about him. He always warns before the theft…”

"No… I don't believe this." 

"Please try to understand…Sir, he is right, I have also heard about him, one of my friend is one of the victims" says, Ramlal while tearing the Envelope and taking out the note. 

"Okay… Give it to me then. Let's see what this THIEF of yours wants from me" Anil said jokingly as he snatched the note from Ramlal. Anil read the note very carefully and it said: 

" Mr. Anil by now you probably have heard of mine. I send this note to warn you, as you are my next target.  I am going to steal the diamond necklace you have been advertising about. If you want to avert the theft, then you better give me 2 lakh rupees."

As Anil read the note, his face turned red with outrage and he felt snubbed " Who the hell he thinks he is….. He feels that I will be scared by this note. That diamond necklace is worth 5 lakhs rupees and he expects me to give him money?… This Thief is nothing but a fraud. I am not giving him a single rupee." said Anil. 

" Sir, please do as he says he is very dangerous," said Ramlal 

All his staff started mumbling about how he should just listen to The Thief and give him the money. Anil was very heated and he didn't listen to anyone. Everyone in the crowd started panicking.

Ramlal said " Sir, I think we should call the police" 

"No, No, No…. this should never get out otherwise the people will get scared and will not come to the exhibition," said Shyam 

 Anil agreed with Shyam 

"Ramlal… Don't even think of calling the police, we have to keep this low. No one should know about this. Not even Kamla." Said Anil. 

"Okay… Okay, I know a detective who might help us" suggested Ramlal 

As soon as Anil heard the suggestion he said "Ohh… Great. A private detective.... He definitely could help us and also this will not ruin the exhibition. Let's go inside and calls him"

"And You!, make sure everything here is alright," Anil said pointing at Shyam.

After that, both Anil and Ramlal ran inside the house. Ramlal took out a calling card from his wallet and called The Detective. After half a minute the detective picked up the phone,

"Hello, Am I speaking to Detective Sunil?" asked Ramlal 

" Who am I speaking to?" 

"Mr. Sunil, It's me Ramlal" 

"Oh yeah, yeah… from the town, So tell me, How can I help you?" 

"Mr. Sunil, It's a serious matter, we shouldn't be discussing this on phone" 

"Okay, can you at least give me a hint about the issue?

"Mr. Sunil, We only need you here … It's about a robbery at my boss's house. It's pretty serious." 

"Okay, did you talk to the police about it?" asked Sunil.

" No, we didn't. That's why we are calling you; we don't want this to get spread among people.”

" It's not about the money, actually the police of that town don't like me. Not only me they don't like all the fellows in my profession. They aren't very cooperative with our work" 

" Mr. Sunil, you don't have to worry about that, it's a one-day job. We will take care of your needs and I will pick you up from the station. " 

" Okay, I think I can help your boss but because it's an emergency case I want 50 thousand rupees. Can you do that? " 

" Can you hold on, please? I have to ask my boss" 

"Yeah Sure."

Ramlal covered the receiver and asked Anil " He is asking for 60 thousand rupees" 

" What! 60? For a day's job, forget it. " said Anil furiously. 

"Sir, This guy is our only chance. Either you give him the 50… I mean 60 thousand or The Thief will steal 5 lakhs from you, the choice is yours" Ramlal said submissively.

"Okay! fine. Just ask him to come as soon as possible." said Anil in frustration.

Ramlal picked up the phone and said " You will get your money. Just come here quickly and I will tell you the whole thing" 

"Okay, I will be there in one and a half-hour" 

"Okay, Thanks Mr. Sunil"

Ramlal quickly cradled the phone, and both Anil and Ramlal went outside. Anil gathered everyone and announced "Listen to me you all, I will handle the matter myself, no one will discuss this with anyone in the town and especially with my wife. The exhibition will transpire as we planned it."  

Hours went but there was nothing suspicious over there, and the people started appearing at Anil's house.  Both Anil and Ramlal were waiting for The Detective. He was about to arrive at the exhibition. Kamla and her sister also arrived at the house. 

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry, I lost the track of time. The people have already started to arrive" said Kamla to Anil. 

"Don't worry, everything has been worked out. You go and get ready" said Anil politely.

Suddenly the telephone rang, Ramlal instantly, picked it up and said  " Hello " 

" It's me, Sunil. You don't have to come to pick me up. I have entered the town, I will be there in 10 minutes. " 

" Okay, We are waiting for you"

The Detective hangs up the phone. Ramlal went outside and tell the news to Anil, after hearing the news, Anil said

"Okay great, The Detective is about to arrive and people are already gathered for the exhibition. Now we have nothing to be worried about except all the money we will be making " After 10 minutes, Ramlal saw a black car arriving, it was The Detective. Ramlal helped The Detective to park his car and then he took him to Anil, who was waiting in the living room.

"Hello, Mr. Sunil myself Anil, I have called you. Let's have a seat" said Anil courteously. 

"Thank you, Mr. Anil so let me know, how can I help you?" asked Sunil politely. 

"Sir, it's just been a month since I moved here, My assistant Ramlal suggested me to organize an exhibition for the publicity of my shop. He invited almost all the wealthy people of the town. This exhibition was supposed to be a profitable strategy for my business. But this note seems to ruin the whole affair " said Anil as he handovers the note to The Detective.  

" Let me have a look at this," said Sunil and he started reading the note. 

" So, what do you think?" asked Anil curiously. 

" Okay, this is a note from The Thief ----" 

Anil interrupted and asked, " Okay so you know him?" 

" Not only I just know him, but I've also been following him for the past 2 years," Sunil said with confidence. 

"Okay, so you can catch him, Right?" asked Anil 

"Mr. Anil can we talk in private" Sunil requested. 

Anil hinted to Ramlal to go outside and close the door and leave them alone.  

Sunil continues" Mr. Sunil as I told you before that I've been following The Thief. But looking at the note, I don't think that the letter belongs to that Thief. I think  someone else is trying swindle us" 

" If it is so then I think, we don’t have to be worried now. " asked Ramlal cheerfully. 

" No, it doesn't mean that there won't be theft. I can't say that. All I'm saying is behind this there is someone you know. Someone using the name of The Thief to scare you. It's a good  that you called me. The majority of people get sacred and give The Thief what he wants. I got to say, You are a brave man Mr. Anil "

"How do you know that it's from someone else?"  asked Anil.

"  I have seen the notes before, The Thief has a very peculiar method of writing the warning note" 

" Okay, so what are we gonna do now?" 

" Are you gonna put out the diamond necklace for the exhibition? " asked Sunil. 

" Yeah, I will. I'm not gonna be scared by any thief. “smugly said Anil. 

" Okay, so it's my suggestion that you should at least put the necklace in a different room. By this, we can put security there. And we can make sure that no guest goes close to that necklace. "

" Okay, I think we can arrange that. But just make sure that the guest doesn't feel disrespected and we can't tell anyone about this situation. I didn't even tell my wife yet. I don't want anyone to unnecessarily panic. " explained Anil.  " I get that, we will keep it quiet and one more thing, Do you suspect anyone, a staff member or a family member? " 

" I don't know, My wife is the only family I have right now and since I'm new here, I haven't got to know much about my staff. Ramlal suggested to me some of his friends so I hired them " 

" Who found the note at first? "  asked Sunil.

" It was Ramlal, mostly he checks the mailbox." 

" How about Ramlal?… I mean what do you think of the guy? " asked Sunil.

" Oh. You think… You think he is behind all this? " Anil asked sarcastically. 

" He could be, for one reason this exhibition was his idea and he was the one who found the note. Do you trust him? " 

" Frankly, I don't trust him that much. My wife insisted me to hire him. He is her cousin. Wait, he was saying that his friend too has been victim. Maybe he was the one who did it and he is trying to do the same thing with me." Anil justified.  

" Okay, as you said. You don't trust him. I think I should keep an eye on him. He is our prime suspect. We can't do anything yet because there is no proof. We have to catch him red-handed. " 

" As you say, Mr. Anil. Tell me what is your plan? "  

" First of all, we have to keep this between us. and leave the rest to me. Just do as I say. Okay?"

Anil agreed to him, and they both went outside. On the way, Sunil said" I think, you should introduce me as the security in charge. By this, no one will suspect us and I will be able to do my work adequately." 

" Yeah, sure." 

" And about my fees --" Anil interrupted and said " Don't worry Sir, You will get your 60 thousand on time" 

"-- No, Sir you mean '50'? I asked for 50 thousand not '60'.  " clarified Sunil. 

" Sorry, It's my mistake." said Anil with a little bit of resentment and he mouthed" That lying monkey, trying to steal from me?" referring to Ramlal.

As planned Anil introduced Sunil as security in charge at the exhibition. Anil gave a big speech and the exhibition started. In his mind, Anil was pretty sure that….. It was Ramlal who was behind all this.  But he didn't confront him, as Sunil advised him not to. All the staff was assigned to look after the guests. People seemed to be acknowledging the jewelry which was on the display. After a while, everyone was asking about the diamond necklace. As planned the necklace was in a different room, Sunil and Ramlal were already there. Anil went to the room and asked Sunil" Is everything alright? The guests are about to enter the room, so be prepared." Anil looked at Ramlal and told him " You better behave yourself and do as The Detective says." Ramlal replied " Mr. Sunil was just telling me the plan. I think the plan is good." "Yeah… Yeah we'll see" said Anil bitterly.  The guests started to enter the room. The room had no windows and only had one entrance, Sunil himself was standing right behind the necklace and all the staff was standing outside. As so as the necklace was revealed to the guests, everyone was stunned. Even The Detective himself, whispered to Anil " Oh my god… I didn't know I was here to protect this. What a remarkable piece of jewelry. The necklace lighted up the room. My wife would love this. " Anil felt proud and said, " I think, We might do an auction of this necklace if you want you can take a part in it". Sunil replied, " Maybe I will, but now let's focus on saving it from the thief. I don't wanna lose it. "

After a while, everyone was escorted outside the room and Anil locked the room himself and gave the keys to Kamla.  

" Everything went well," said Anil to Sunil.

" Yeah, till now everything is fine. Do you want me to go to the room?… in case," asked Sunil. 

" No… No. I locked the room and gave the keys to Kamla. I don't think Ramlal will do anything now " said Anil cheerfully. 

" Don't be naive, what if Ramlal tries to steal some other jewelry. Maybe the necklace was a distraction. I think you should keep an eye on him. I have done my job here."  said Sunil.

"  What. Are you taking off? " asked Anil. 

" Yeah… I can't stay longer. I must leave now. " 

" Okay… But first, take your money," said Anil and gave Sunil his money.  

"Let's hope we don't see each other again. I mean….let's hope you don't face a situation like this again " said Sunil jokingly. 

" I think, I should walk you through the door," said Anil courteously. 

" No, you don't have to worry about me. You just go back and attend  the guests. "

The jewelry was packed in the box. Most of the guests already left. Some friends of Anil were waiting for him in the hall. Kamla and her friends were having a party on the other side of the house. Anil arrived at the hall and he saw nothing suspicious. Then suddenly the lights went off. And everyone got panicked. Anil thought that it was the thief and he started shouting "CLOSE THE DOORS". After a minute lights came back and everyone saw Ramlal at the door with the box of jewelry. Anil shouted, " CATCH HIM ". Ramlal threw the box on the ground and started to run. Everyone started to chase Ramlal. At last, they caught Ramlal. "Let me talk to Anil," said Ramlal while gasping for air. 

"What's there to talk about. I caught you" said Anil in anger. " What!.. I did what he told me to do" said Ramlal. 

" Stop acting all innocent. Who are you talking about, and who told you to steal from me?" said Anil furiously. 

"It was Sunil's plan and he said that you know all about it," said Ramlal 

" Why would Sunil tell you to steal from me? Stop lying, your act is not gonna save you from the police." Said Anil 

" Sir, The plan was not to steal from you. He told me that all I have to do is to take everyone out of the house so the thief thinks he is alone and then maybe he will show himself and Sunil can catch him" explained Ramlal. 

" But he already left and he didn't say anything to me about the plan. Let's get back to the house and see what happened there," said Anil. 

Everyone came back to the house and Anil asked Kamla "Is everything alright?" 

" Yes, everything is alright" replied Kamla. 

" Where is Mr. Sunil?" asked Anil. 

" The security man? I thought he was with you. He came to me and asked for the keys. I gave him the keys. " said Kamla. 

" What!, You gave him the keys. I told you to not give the keys to anyone. Why did you do that?" said Anil furiously. 

Kamla started to cry. 

"He said that you are asking for the keys and I believed him because he was the in-charge… Right?" said Kamla in tears. 

Both Anil and Ramlal ran for the room. They see that the lock was opened and the necklace was gone. After seeing that Anil's face turned pale. He started to yell at Ramlal.  

" You were with him… That's why you bring him to my house," said Anil. 

" No sir I have no idea what happened. I don't think it was the detective who stole it," said Ramlal in fear. 

"You donkey, he wasn't a detective. He was the thief all along and you brought him here," said Anil. 

"Sir, I didn't know who he was. He came to our store 3 days ago and was asking about the necklace and gave me his card," said Ramlal. 

" Why didn't you tell me that before," said Anil in frustration.

Anil ran outside the house, hoping to find Sunil. But there was no one outside. He stood there for a moment, in silence. He started to think about everything he did wrong that day, how he was fooled by The Thief. He remembered Sunil saying "let's hope we don't see each other again" and exploded into maniacal laughter.