Chapter 7
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10:05 am
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Bill and I gave our statement to the paramedics. It seemed like they would be able to save Sandra's life. We had planned to resume our investigation into who stole the Christ child from the nativity scene, but the fact was we really had no other leads. It seemed likely that the thief was mentally ill, because we couldn't imagine a sane person doing this. Then we got a call from Carter, he said he had the thief in his shop right now.
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10:11 am
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We arrived back at Carter's store. We expected it might be a tobacco addict desperate for a quick fix. To our shock, it was a little boy, probably six years old. He had the baby Jesus in a little red wagon. Father Abdullah was also here, speaking with the boy.
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Abdullah: I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you officers. This boy, he and his family are parishoners. He asked for a little red wagon, he promised God that if he got one, baby Jesus could have the first ride. He didn't think he was stealing.
Joe: It happens.
Bill: Don't kids wait for Santa anymore.
Abdullah: His uncle lives in New Jersey and sent it to him. It arrived a bit earlier than expected. Again I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you.
Joe: On the plus side, our first case of the day, noone got hurt or arrested.
Bill: Something to be grateful for on this day.
Abdullah: Indeed. Merry Christmas my friends.
Bill: Merry Christmas father.
Joe: Merry Christmas.