ANNA: (nervously) Mr. Sherlock, is it really you? I can't believe I'm meeting the great Sherlock Bond.
SHERLOCK: (slight bow, adjusting his hat) The pleasure, I assure you, is all mine, Miss...?
ANNA: Anna. Anna Hayes. And this is my... husband, Mark.
MARK: (curtly) Mark Hayes.
SHERLOCK: Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. Now, let's focus on this unfortunate necklace. Where did you last see it, Mrs. Hayes?
ANNA: (hands wringing) Last night... in our cabin. On the dressing table. I always keep it there when I'm... relaxing.
SHERLOCK: And when did you discover it missing?
ANNA: Just... now. We were getting ready for lunch, and I went to put it on... and it wasn't there.
SHERLOCK: (to Mark) And you can confirm this, Mr. Hayes? You also saw the necklace on the dressing table last night?
MARK: (hesitates, eyes flicking nervously) Yes, yes, of course. I... I saw it. Beautiful thing.
SHERLOCK: (observing Mark closely) "Beautiful" you say. Can you describe it, Mr. Hayes? Just to confirm we are speaking of the same item.
MARK: (shifts uncomfortably) It was... you know... diamond. Big diamonds. On a... silver chain? Or was it gold?
ANNA: (exasperated) Mark, you know perfectly well it's platinum! And not just "big diamonds," they are specifically cut, teardrop-shaped, vintage diamonds.
SHERLOCK: (intrigued) Vintage, you say? That adds another layer of... value, doesn't it?
ANNA: It's priceless to me. It was my grandmother's.
SHERLOCK: I understand its sentimental value, Mrs. Hayes. But we also need to consider its monetary worth. Would you estimate its value?
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ANNA: (naming a sum)
SHERLOCK: (impressed) Indeed. A very significant loss. Tell me, Mrs. Hayes, who knew about this necklace being in your cabin?
ANNA: No one... I don't think. I mean, I mentioned to a few people we were going on this cruise, but I wouldn't just announce I was bringing valuable jewelry.
SHERLOCK: "A few people," anyone on this ship?
ANNA: Well... we met a couple at dinner last night. The Millers. Very friendly. And the steward, of course, for our cabin. He's been in and out.
SHERLOCK: The Millers and the steward. Right. And your cabin steward, do you know his name?
ANNA: Uh... Carlos, I think? Yes, Carlos.
SHERLOCK: (takes out a notebook and pen) Carlos. And the Millers, first names?
MARK: David and... Sarah, I believe. David Miller and Sarah Miller. They were at the Captain's welcome reception too.
SHERLOCK: Excellent. We have a starting point. Now, Mrs. Hayes, if you would be so kind as to show me your cabin? Time is of the essence. This ship will start the passengers departure in... (checks his watch) ...twenty-two minutes.
ANNA: (panicking) Twenty-two minutes! Oh, Mr. Bond, do you think we can find it in time?
SHERLOCK: We shall certainly do our utmost, Mrs. Hayes. Come, lead the way. And Mr. Hayes, if you would be so kind as to join us. Two sets of eyes are always better than one.
SHERLOCK: (mutters to himself) Twenty-two minutes... indeed. Let's see what secrets this ship, and its passengers, are willing to reveal.
INT. SHIP CABIN - DAY
Anna and Mark lead Sherlock to their cabin. Sherlock begins to inspect the room meticulously, while Anna and Mark exchange nervous glances.
SHERLOCK: (examining the dressing table) No signs of forced entry or struggle. The window is open, but the sea breeze is gentle. Unlikely someone climbed in or out without leaving more evidence.
ANNA: (teary-eyed) Maybe... maybe they came through the door?
SHERLOCK: (skeptical) And yet, nothing else is disturbed. Your jewelry box—open, but not rifled through. Only the necklace is missing. Very specific.
MARK: (defensive) What are you implying?
SHERLOCK: (calmly) I'm implying that this theft seems... convenient. Almost rehearsed.
ANNA: (gasping) How dare you! This necklace meant everything to me!
SHERLOCK: (softening) I understand its sentimental value, Mrs. Hayes. But I also see the cracks in your story. (to Mark) You hesitated when I asked about the necklace's description. You weren't sure about the chain, and you avoided eye contact when you answered.
MARK: (stammering) I....I was just nervous, that's all!
SHERLOCK: (to Anna) And you, Mrs. Hayes, you avoided mentioning the necklace to anyone, yet your husband here seems uncertain about its details. (pauses) Tell me, when did you decide to stage this theft?
ANNA: (stammering) I....I don't know what you're talking about!
SHERLOCK: (smirking) Don't play dumb, Mrs. Hayes. The necklace isn't just missing—it's hidden. And you two are in this together. (pulls out the necklace from behind a curtain) Here it is. Safe and sound.
MARK: (stunned) How... how did you find it?
SHERLOCK: (dusting off the necklace) Elementary, Mr. Hayes. You see, real thieves don't leave the window open and the jewelry box untouched. And they certainly don't target something as specific as a vintage necklace without knowing its exact location.
ANNA: (teary-eyed) We didn't mean to hurt anyone. We just... we needed the money. The insurance claim was supposed to cover our debts. We didn't know what else to do.
SHERLOCK: (sighs) Desperation can drive people to do foolish things. But faking a theft on a ship full of people? (shakes head) Amateurish. If you'd come to me honestly, I might have helped you find a better solution.
MARK: (pleading) Please, Mr. Bond, don't report us. We'll do anything to make it right.
SHERLOCK: (thinks for a moment) I won't report you, but I want you both to return the necklace to its rightful place. And perhaps... (smirks) consider a more honest approach to solving your financial troubles.
ANNA: (relieved) Thank you, Mr. Bond. Thank you.
SHERLOCK: (pocketing his notebook) Remember, honesty is always the best policy. Now, let's get back to the lounge. The ship isn't going to wait for us, and I have other matters to attend to.
SHERLOCK: (to himself as they exit) And perhaps, just perhaps, this little charade will teach them a lesson.
