The investigators arrived that afternoon. They photographed the attic, the container, the luggage label, and every egg. They also checked the doors and windows. There were no signs of forced entry. For the moment, they decided not to remove the eggs. If the person who had hidden them believed everything was still untouched, there was a chance they might return.
Leah left the house for a few hours while more checks were carried out. She stopped at a shop and then visited a friend. She returned earlier than planned. The investigators had left, but as she unlocked the front door, she heard a scraping sound above her. It came from the attic. Leah stood still. Another sound followed. It was a heavy thump. Then quick footsteps crossed the floor overhead. “Who’s there?” she shouted.
The footsteps moved faster. Someone came down the narrow rear staircase. Leah saw only a dark jacket before the person rushed through the back door. She did not follow. When investigators returned, they went straight upstairs. The silver container had been pulled from behind the wooden panel and moved several feet toward the stairs. All six eggs were still inside. Whoever had entered had clearly been preparing to remove the entire insulated box, keeping the eggs protected inside it, but Leah’s unexpected return had forced them to abandon the attempt.