Three days earlier
In the Science Lab, McArthur High School

Mr. Phillips, the science teacher, takes out a floor plan of the museum. His fingers trace the path from room to room and where the Ruby of the Spanish Princess display.

He takes out his cell phone and starts to dial.

"Whitemanor Hotel, How may I help you?"
"Is Roger working today? This is important."
"Yes, who is this?"
"Nevermind, just get Roger on the phone now!"

A few minutes pass.

"Whitemanor Hotel, Roger speaking, how may I help you?"
"Roger, this is your contact about the job on Friday? Are you
alone?"

Roger looks around and sees his co-worker heading back for the front desk.

"Not really. Wait a minute. I will give him something to do.".  Roger grabs
a pile of mail and waves over his co-worker.

"Can you mail these out for me now?"

"Sure, no problem.", his co worker says as he walks away.

"Okay, I will be brief", Mr. Phillips says over his cell, "Basically your job is to keep Poirot busy and away from the museum. Spread the word that he will be staying at the Whitemanorand have a crowd there for autographs. That should keep him out of our way!"

"That sounds easy! Now how much do I get for keeping him away?"
"You will get paid when the job is over. Can I count on you?"
"Sure, no problem."

Mr. Phillips hung up quickly just as Jimmy walked into the science lab.

 "I need a ride home, Dad. Are you ready?", Jimmy asks.

"No, but I want to go over a few things with you about the science fair.
Do you remember what you have to do, Jimmy?"

Jimmy walked over to the desk to where his Dad was sitting. "Yeah, I know. All I have to do is grab Janet's video just as she is going up to present it and cause a big fuss. Try and get Poirot's attention away from you and on me, am I right?"

Mr. Phillips starts to smile.

"You got it, Jimmy!"

"No, sweat Dad. Janet shouldn't win anyway. She is too smart! I am sure
Poirot will bring a big crowd to the science fair. I doubt anyone will
even go to the museum that night. How much is the Ruby of the Spanish
Princess worth Dad?"

"More than you can imagine, Jimmy! "


"Okay, Dad, if you are going to be here a while, I will walk home. See you later."

Jimmy walks out the door and Mr. Phillips makes some notes and gets out his cell phone once again.

A mysterious voice answers.

"Who is this?"
"You know who I am. It's all set for Friday at 6 pm. Everyone in town will
be at the Science Fair. I am counting on you. Go the the back window
of the Museum. It will be unlocked. I doubt there is security as there
was never a robbery until this week. This will be a piece of cake.
Do you understand your instructions?", Mr. Phillips asks.

"Yes, where will we meet once we have the Ruby?"

"I will provide a  black van a few block away from the high school. I have to be at the science fair so I am counting on you to keep me informed. I will be in touch.
Until friday....

"Yes, I understand ...Until Friday...

to be continued...