Episode 6: The Curious Case of the Crown Jewels (The Misadventures of Felix Bright and Dr. Moira Keys)

The Setup

The duo was enjoying a rare day off—or, at least, Moira was trying to. She lounged in the corner of their cluttered office with a cup of tea and a book. Felix, however, was pacing the room, juggling three oranges and humming the Mission: Impossible theme.

“Felix,” Moira muttered without looking up, “if you drop one of those on my tea, I will solve the mystery of your disappearance myself.”

Before Felix could retort, the door burst open. A prim, impeccably dressed butler stood in the doorway, holding a silver tray with a letter marked URGENT.

“Detectives Bright and Keys?” the butler asked, though his expression suggested he wasn’t convinced.

“That depends,” Felix said, catching an orange midair. “Does this involve danger, intrigue, or a chance to wear a disguise?”

The butler ignored him and handed the letter to Moira.

Moira read it aloud:

"The Crown Jewels of Belvoir Hall have been stolen. The Duke insists on your discretion in this matter. A carriage awaits outside to bring you to the estate.

Yours sincerely,

Lady Genevieve Harrington.”

Felix’s eyes lit up. “Jewels! Nobility! Carriages! Moira, this is the case of the century.”

Moira sighed. “It’s barely noon, Felix. But fine. Let’s go before you start juggling heirlooms.”

The Investigation

Belvoir Hall was every bit as grand as one might imagine: sprawling gardens, marble statues, and an air of old money that made Felix whistle in appreciation.

Lady Genevieve Harrington, a regal woman in her sixties, greeted them in the drawing room. She was flanked by the Duke, who looked as though he’d rather be anywhere else, and the housekeeper, who seemed perpetually frazzled.

“The Crown Jewels,” Lady Harrington began, “were kept in a locked glass case in the Grand Ballroom. This morning, we found the case shattered and the jewels gone.”

“Any witnesses?” Moira asked.

“No,” the Duke grumbled. “The ballroom was locked overnight, and the staff swear they saw nothing.”

“Ah,” Felix said, inspecting the room’s grandeur. “An inside job. Classic.”

Lady Harrington’s lips tightened. “We’d prefer you didn’t jump to conclusions, Mr. Bright.”

Felix grinned. “I never jump. I leap dramatically.”

The Clues

The shattered glass case was their first stop. Moira crouched to examine the shards while Felix inspected the room with theatrical flair.

“Notice anything unusual?” Moira asked.

“Yes,” Felix said, pointing to a faint trail of muddy footprints leading to the French doors. “Our thief isn’t very tidy.”

The trail led them to the garden, where Felix found a discarded monocle.

“Interesting,” Felix mused, holding it up. “Who wears monocles these days?”

“The Duke,” the housekeeper muttered from behind them, startling Moira.

“Noted,” Felix said, pocketing the monocle.

The Suspects

Back inside, Felix and Moira convened with Lady Harrington, the Duke, and a handful of staff members in the library.

“Here’s what we know,” Moira began. “The thief had access to the ballroom, muddy boots, and… a monocle?”

All eyes turned to the Duke, who scowled.

“Ridiculous,” he snapped. “I don’t even own muddy boots.”

Felix grinned. “But you do own monocles.”

“I’m being framed!” the Duke bellowed.

“Then perhaps you can explain why your hunting jacket is missing,” Lady Harrington interjected coolly.

The Duke sputtered, and Felix’s grin widened. “Family drama and a jewel heist? Best case ever.”

The Chase

The mystery unraveled further when a gardener reported seeing someone sneaking toward the stables earlier that morning. Felix and Moira raced to investigate, finding the missing jewels stashed in a saddlebag.

But before they could celebrate, a shadowy figure darted from the stables and mounted a horse.

“They’re getting away!” Felix shouted, grabbing the reins of another horse.

“What are you doing?” Moira demanded.

“Obviously, I’m chasing them!” Felix replied, awkwardly climbing into the saddle. “Come on, Moira. Live a little!”

With a reluctant groan, Moira followed.

The chase through the estate grounds was chaotic. Felix, yelling dramatically, waved his arms like a madman. Moira, calm and focused, managed to cut off the thief near the hedge maze.

“End of the line,” she said, catching her breath.

The thief turned out to be the housekeeper, who confessed to stealing the jewels to pay off gambling debts.

The Wrap-Up

Back in the drawing room, Lady Harrington thanked Felix and Moira for their discretion.

“You’ve saved the family’s honor,” she said.

“All in a day’s work,” Felix replied, puffing out his chest.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Moira muttered.

As they left Belvoir Hall, Felix turned to Moira with a grin.

“See? Jewel heists are thrilling! What’s next—a bank robbery? A royal scandal?”

Moira sighed. “How about lunch? You can’t solve mysteries on an empty stomach.”