“HERE you are, Alfred” Mr Smith announced as the world famous detective walked into his library.

“You said you needed my help in an urgent matter?” Bates asks as he sits down.

“Yes, yes, you see someone has stolen some of the books from my collection.” Mr Smith explains.

“That is not as urgent as it may seem’, Bates tells the host. ‘What’s so special about these books”?

“They have nothing in common.” Mr Smith says as he tells the detective about his stolen books. “Some are new, some are old.”

“And some haven’t been borrowed by anyone in years!” Bates says as he examines the shelves.

“How do you know that?” An astonished host asks the detective.

“It is my job to know such things.” Bates replies.

“But how can you be so sure that some of the books haven’t been borrowed?’ The librarian asks again.

“It’s simple my friend. The dust beneath some of the books tells me the story.” Bates says as he turns to logic.

“The dust?”

“Yes.” Bates explains. “Some of the spots don’t have dust at all, meaning the books that were there, were never moved from their original position until recently.”

“Oh yes you might be right.” Mr Smith says with a smile. “Can you help me find those books?”

“That’s why I am here.” Bates says. “By the way, what is in the adjacent room?”

“Oh it’s nothing … just library stuff.” The host replies.

“Then why is there movement in there?” Bates asks as he notices movement inside the room.

“Don’t go in there, the mystery is out here.” Mr Smith says as he tries to stop Bates from entering the room.

“Or there is no mystery at all.” Bates tells the host of his suspicions.

“What do you mean?”

“You have no stolen books my friend. You have kept away some of the books so that you can get my attention.” Bates explains.

“Why would I do that?” The host demands.

“Oh you know why!” Bates says as he sits down again. “What time is it?”

“Two minutes to midnight.”

“What happens at midnight?” Bates asks Mr Smith.

“Ghosts appear at midnight? Cinderella turns back into her old self?’

“Nice try.” The detective replies. “The date changes after midnight!”

“It changes on daily basis, what’s the big deal?” Mr Smith asks, as he tries to stretch the conversation.

“This time it is a big deal.” Bates assures the librarian. “See, the clock strikes 12!”

“Happy Birthday Alfie!” shouts Mr Smith.

“And I suspect, our friends are in the adjacent room, with library stuff like cake and bakery items.” Bates lays down his suspicions.

“Why can’t you think like a normal person?” Mr Smith asks Bates. “Why do you have to be always ahead of the rest?”

“In my profession, it’s either that or nothing.” Bates tells the librarian.

“So how old are you now, Bates?”

“As old as my friends want me to be.” Bates concludes. “And yes, you can put the books back when we are done with the party.” —O.A.