Michael stood by the building's back door, looking down the alleyway, obviously frustrated. "Kitt, any chance –"

"I am sorry, Michael, but the vehicle was out of range before I could get a solid lock on it."

"Yeah, and a white delivery van with no company name or even distinguishing marks isn't much to go on."

"Were you able to get the license plate number?"

"Don't I wish. I didn't even get a partial glimpse as they were hightailing it out of here."

"I should be at your position shortly."

"No rush, buddy. It's not like we have somewhere to be."

Michael spotted something on the ground. Walking over, he picked up a torn piece of paper in an odd shade of green. It was some sort of flyer. Or rather, a part of a flyer. There was a border and some letters, but nothing recognizable as words. But the paper was dry, and it had rained earlier that day. So perhaps the thieves had dropped it in their rush to leave. He put it in his pocket and waited for Kitt, who arrived moments later.

Getting behind the wheel, he said, "Well, buddy, looks like we lost this round, too."

"We at least prevented the robbery."

"Only by sheer dumb luck. We were here talking to the site manager to find out if there were any upcoming auctions with jewelry. There is, and the jewelry is already here. The thieves just happened to hit while he was showing us where it was being kept."

"I presume we still have no leads."

Michael shook his head. "Not really. Well, I did find this." He pulled out the torn piece of paper from him pocket. "Any thoughts?"

"Other than the obvious: a torn piece of paper of an unusual color, likely from a flyer. However, there aren't enough letters for any meaningful clues about what the flyer is for."

Michael sighed. "Well, then, guess it's time to go home. Though . . ."

"What is it, Michael?"

"I'm not sure. Something about those guys seemed familiar."

"They were masked, and none of them said anything."

"I know. But there was something all the same. Perhaps it will come to me. In the meantime, might as well let Devon know we've come up empty handed. Again."

Shortly, Kitt had Devon on the monitor. "Michael, I have already spoken with the site manager. He was most effusive in his praises of your timely intervention. And has increased security over the auction items."

"Yeah, well, we're still at Square One, Devon. There have been six previous jewelry heists, all within an hour or two drive of each other and all select jewelry items due to be auctioned off. But zero leads on how the thieves pick their targets, much less who they are."

"If this were an easy case, Michael, the police would not have asked for our assistance."

"Speaking of which, how's your filing? Up to date?"

"Of course. Unlike you, I actually stay on top of my paperwork."

"Too bad. Melissa complained to me she was bored. I brought all my paperwork to her hospital bed. But honestly, there's barely enough to keep her busy until lunchtime, much less for the rest of the week."

"I will give some thought to activities she can do."

"Oh, hey, any idea what this could be?" Michael held up the torn piece of paper. "I found this after the thieves got away. No idea if it's connected."

Devon shook his head. "I'm afraid not."

"Well, I'll add it to the filing Melissa is doing." Michael paused, and then added, "Any chance you can break free for lunch? Dr. Wesley says she hasn't been eating much. Can't say I'm surprised. Between last week's surgery, the mandatory bed rest, and the painkillers, I doubt she's got much appetite. I thought maybe company at mealtime might help."

"Then I will, as you say, break free." Devon checked his watch. "Shall we say, in 45 minutes?"

"Perfect. I'll meet you in her room."