The Yellow Hibiscus

Tempest in Under 1000 Words

Chapter 54

Inside the office of the Director of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Detective Fong and Sgt. Booker sat questioning the four security guards who were on duty.

“How could this happen?” Detective Fong demanded.

“Mark, you were supposed to be watching that door?” Joyce Miller added.

Mark was one of the security guards employed at the Museum.

“I swear, the only person I let in was Alana,” Mark replied, fear treading across the worry lines on his forehead.

“Who is Alana?” Detective Fong cross-examined.

“Alana Felino is one of two cleaning ladies who clean the library,” Mark answered.

“What was she doing here?” Joyce asked. “I thought her shift was later.”

“Melba is sick. When she is sick Alana replaces her,” Mark replied.

“Did you leave your post at any time?” Det. Fong continued his questioning.

“Yes, but only for a minute. Alana asked me to fetch the glass cleaner she had left on the desk in the library.”

“What was she doing with the glass cleaner, no one was allowed near the case?” Joyce pushed in.