In the heart of the quaint village of Eldridge, the annual summer fair was in full swing. Stalls lined the streets, vibrant with colorful decorations and the aroma of delicious treats.
Among the festivities, one stand stood out—a small booth
selling antique jewelry, run by the reclusive but renowned jeweler, Edward
Thorn.
For years, Thorn’s family had been known for their exquisite
and rare pieces, but his recent health issues had made him increasingly
withdrawn.
The highlight of the fair was Thorn’s prized possession: a
stunning sapphire pendant known as the "Midnight Star," which was
said to be a family heirloom with a mysterious past.
Thorn had promised to reveal its history at the fair, but as
the crowd gathered, he never appeared. Anxious whispers began circulating when
it was discovered that the pendant had vanished, and Thorn was nowhere to be
found.
Detective Evelyn Greene, who was attending the fair as a
private visitor, found herself drawn into the commotion.
She knew Thorn's reputation and the significance of the
pendant. With a sharp eye and a keen mind, Evelyn began her investigation. Her
first step was to examine the scene where the pendant had last been seen.
Among the scattered crowd and excited chatter, Evelyn
noticed a few things that seemed out of place: a hastily discarded brochure, a
broken necklace chain, and a peculiar mark on the table where the pendant had
been displayed.
As she delved deeper, she realized that these clues could
hold the key to unraveling the mystery of Edward Thorn’s disappearance and the
missing Midnight Star.