Chapter One

He analyzed the scene quickly as Lassiter commanded the team of criminologists. The museum case that once held a priceless painting was now empty. No alarms were tripped when the crime was committed. The curator was about to open the exhibit for the day when he discovered the empty case. He immediately called the SBPD.

"This has Despereaux written all over it. Call him and tell him to just put it back. I have to finish my route today."

Shawn rolled his eyes. "It wasn't Despereaux."

"How do you know?"

"One, his traditional calling card cigarette is missing, and two, he emailed me yesterday and said he was stealing something in Europe."

"He emailed you?"

He sighed heavily and showed Gus the message on his phone from the thief Pierre Despereaux. He then proceeded to read it in a very sarcastic tone. "Dear Shawn, blah blah blah, I'm in France this week. Tell Gus I said hi. Love Pierre."

"Okay, so it wasn't him. Any ideas who?"

"No clue."

Gus sighed. "I'm going to work. Do I need to take you back to the office?"

"I'll get a ride from Lassie and meet you there after I poke around."

"Don't touch anything and get in trouble again."

"One time!" He raised his voice as Gus walked away. "You poke a canvas one time and it haunts you for the rest of your life!" He realized a woman was looking over her glasses at him. Her red hair was tied neatly in a bun. She wore a blouse that was tight around her chest and a pencil skirt that went to the knee with black pumps. He quickly put his hands in his pockets. She smiled at him.

"Are you with the police, sir?"

"Yes, I am. Shawn Spencer, head psychic for the SBPD. And you are?"

"Madame Carrington. I'm in charge of this exhibit."

"Maybe you can tell me what was stolen."

"A masterpiece. It has been nicknamed "Impervious Imperfection." The piece was discovered just recently among ruins of a house taken by fire. Somehow the only thing remained intact was the painting. The painting itself is well over one hundred years old and previously unknown until just five years ago."

"Where was it on display before?"

"It was in London just last week."

He nodded. "Thank you for your time, Madame."

She winked at him. "Anytime."

He looked around. Nothing jumped out at him. Nothing was out of the ordinary, other than the open skylight. That's how they did it in the movies, though.

"Shawn."

He turned towards the spunky detective. "Jules!"

"Are you getting anything?"

"It wasn't Despereaux. You can tell Lassiter to call off that manhunt. He isn't even in the states."

"Anything else?"

He shook his head. "This guy is good at covering his tracks. I need to do some research back at the office. Could I have a ride back?"

"Of course. We're just about wrapped up. Lassiter is talking to the curator."

Shawn looked over at the head detective who was engaged in talking the an older gentleman. "What about the person who runs the exhibit?"

"The curator runs the whole museum including this exhibit."

Shawn quickly ran outside and briefly caught a glimpse of a woman in a skin tight body suit riding away on a motorcycle, her long brown hair flowing behind her from under her black helmet. He quickly got out his phone and sent his thieving friend a quick email.

What do you know about sexy female art loving thieves?