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doesn’t want to talk about her nephew because she’s embarrassed that he was in prison,” Sean said.
    “But Robert couldn’t be involved in the thefts because he doesn’t work here anymore,” Jennifer pointed out.
    “Until we have more facts we can’t rule anyone out,” Brian said. “That includes Robert Hopkins.”
    “I’ve got some more information for you to add to your notebook,” Jennifer told Brian. “I was on the dock and watched the meat company unload a delivery early this morning. Mr. Otis was there, too, so I followed him inside and checked the refrigerated meat lockers. There are no locks on the refrigerators, but the doors of the meat locker were locked after the delivery had been made and signed for. That’s when Mr. Otis noticed me and told me I didn’t belong in the kitchen.”
    “I’ve been thinking about the kitchen,” Brian said. “The thief has to be someone who’s used to being seen in the kitchen. I think both the sheriff and Mr. Otis are overlooking people who are going about their routine business in the kitchen, because they’re trying so hard to find someone who doesn’t belong there.”
    “Okay,” Jennifer said. “So who are we looking for?”
    “I don’t know yet. We may have to answer some other questions first.”
    “Like how the stolen meat gets out of the hotel,” Sean said.
    “That’s the big question,” Brian told him, “but right now let’s think about something else. We’re pretty sure that the thieves sell the meat they steal to restaurant owners who recognize the quality of the meat, want a bargain, and won’t ask questions about where it comes from.”
    Sean broke in. “They couldn’t get as much as the meat is worth.”
    “No, but they’d still get paid pretty well,” Jennifer said. “Like I said, those large roasts and hams are really expensive. Some of them cost more than a hundred dollars apiece.”
    “A hundred dollars?” Sean whistled.
    He jumped as he heard his mother say, “There you are!” Mrs. Quinn came toward them, smiling. “My speech went well, and I’m taking a break from all the work I’ve been doing. How’d you like to go into town with me for a little sightseeing and shopping? You, too, Jennifer.”
    “Shopping, Mom? Shopping’s no fun,” Sean said.
    “It includes a nice lunch,” Mrs. Quinn told him. “I’ve heard that the Empire Hotel has a lovely big buffet with chicken, roast beef, and ham.”
    “The Empire Hotel?” Brian said. “That’s where Robert Hopkins works.”
    “Who’s Robert Hopkins?” Mrs. Quinn asked.
    “Martha Wood’s nephew … a waiter …” Brian hesitated. “Mom, it takes too long to explain,” he said. “If it’s okay with you, could we skip the sightseeing in town? We’ve got a lot of stuff to do here.”
    Mrs. Quinn smiled. “No problem,” she said. “One of my conference friends would like to go with me, I’m sure. That’s what I like about these conventions. It’s a good place to renew old acquaintances and make a lot of new friends. It’s like a network of friends.”
    “That’s it! That’s the answer!” Brian said.
    “What answer?” Mrs. Quinn asked.
    “It’s kind of a puzzle we’re trying to work out,” Brian told her, “and the pieces are beginning to fall into place. I’ll tell you all about it later, Mom. Have fun in town. We’ll see you at dinnertime.”
    As soon as Mrs. Quinn left, Brian said to Sean and Jennifer, “Come on! Quick! Let’s go back to the kitchen. I’ve got just a few more questions to ask.”

11

    A S THEY REACHED THE kitchen and Jennifer opened the door, Ann stopped her work, smiled, and came to meet them, shaking her head. “Here you are again, and you know you’re not supposed to be in the kitchen. What do you kids want this time?”
    “You said you save bones for Palmer’s dog, Pete,” Brian asked. “How does Palmer get the bones?”
    “Easy,” she said. “We keep them in a special section of the meat locker, and