Three people? Was there more money lying around? Must have been a money-dropping contest.
The clerk waved toward Beth.”This is the lady who found the money.” She retreated to the other side of the booth, turning her back on the drama.
Beth took a deep breath. She could solve this puzzle–like Solomon with the two mothers.
She turned to the most aggressive applicant. “How many toonies did you lose?”
The woman said, “Two, and three loonies as well.”
Beth shook her head. “It’s not yours, then.”
“Maybe some rolled away. I’m sure the money’s mine. Show me where you found it.”
Beth ignored her and turned to a man in a loud plaid jacket.
He said, “I congratulate you for your honesty. The money is mine. I just counted the change in my pocket and I’m short three toonies.”
Oh, this is a smooth one, Beth thought. She shook her head. “Sorry.”
As he walked away she heard him say, “She’s misrepresenting what she found so she won’t have to give it up.”
The third claimant, a woman in a shabby coat, an equally shabby purse clutched under her arm stepped forward. “He’s crazy. Why would you even ask if you didn’t intend to give it up?”
Beth said, ” Did you lose some money?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure where. I hope this is mine.”
Beth debated. should she give the money to her? Whether she was the one who lost it or not ,she certainly was the most entitled of the three..
Then over the woman’s shoulder Beth noticed a bent-shouldered, very elderly man hobbling away, leaning heavily on his cane.
“Sir!” she called.
He turned.
“Did you lose some money?”
“No toonies, so it isn’t mine.”
“What did you lose?”
“Two ten dollar bills.”
Beth pushed through the claimants, picked up the old man’s hand and carefully bent the arthritic fingers over the bills, patted them and smiled at him. The other claimants melted away and the onlookers clapped. A tear threaded its way among the wrinkles on the man’s cheek as he stammered his thanks.
Beth said, “You’re welcome. I’m glad I found the rightful owner.”
She straightened her back. She might be old but she hadn’t lost all her marbles yet. Feeling proud she made her way toward the floral department. To heck with the rent. She’d treat herself to that orchid.
