“I reckon you’ve earned it,” the sheriff answered, a twinkle in his eye.
“There’s one person involved in this mess who isn’t really to blame. An actress named Maxine Miller. She’s only been working for the hotel a few days, and I doubt if she knows what it’s all about.”
“We’ll give her every benefit of the doubt,” promised the sheriff. “I’ll remember the name. Miller.”
In a daze of excitement Penny rushed back up the stairway to the Green Room. Fergus and Maxwell, Henri Croix, and Maxine Miller were in custody, all angrily protesting their innocence. The commotion had brought many hotel guests to the scene. Questions were flying thick and fast.
Penny drew Peter Jasko aside to talk with him privately.
“I think you ought to go to Mrs. Downey’s lodge as soon as you can,” she urged. “Sara is there, and she’s dreadfully worried about you.”
“I’ll go now,” the old man said, offering his gnarled hand. “Much obliged for all you done tonight.”
“That’s quite all right,” replied Penny. “I was lucky or I never would have discovered where those men were keeping you.”
The old man hesitated, obviously wishing to say something more, yet unable to find the words.
“I done some thinkin’ tonight,” he muttered. “I reckon I been too strict with Sara. From now on maybe I’ll let her have a looser rein.”