Chapter 5:

It was a glorious morning in California. The sun was up, and the sky was clean. The fresh breeze was a reminder of the ocean. A perfect day to swim. Laura was reading the last pages of the report they were going to send to the Board, explaining the resolution of the case. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw were spending a week in San Francisco, Norton was in jail waiting for his trial, and the painting was on the way to its real owners.

Signing the file, the case was closed. Laura got up from the chair and went outside, where Mr. Steele was laying on a deck chair.

"There, Miss Holt. Come here! Don't waste the opportunity to live a day like a millionaire! The water is perfect, and your drink is waiting for you right beside mine."

She sat down under the umbrella beside him and said, "Mr. Steele…you know, sometimes this kind of case takes me by surprise. I was in a full business mode, trying to find the clues to solve the perfect heist when suddenly the case ends up as a romantic drama. Norton was a guard at Alex's prison with Douglas. They were friends. When Douglas got married and started his own security company, Norton was the first person he hired to be part of it. They were almost partners. But Norton was in love with Shaw's wife."

"Hmmm, sorrowful indeed, Laura. The man was out of his mind. He was the one controlling the security system at the castle. Everything passed by him. He knew every detail about the Board and all those rules about properties, and secrets, and inheritance. And most important, he knew how to hit Shaw straight in his heart. "

"They were best friends. He had all the information. The only thing that still intrigues me is how did he got away with the substitution of the painting," said Laura.

"I think I've just unveiled that mystery, Miss Holt. Norton wasn't the first prison guard in the family. His father worked in Alcatraz for almost all his life. He knew a lot of criminals there. But he remained friends with one: Paul Minetta."

"And why did Paul Minetta end up at Alcatraz, should I ask, Mr. Steele?" said Laura, already savoring his response.

"The FBI, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Phillip Abbot, Warner Brothers, 1969. A famous forger is seeking the approval of the Mafia's High Commission to expand his operation, which involves producing forgeries of paintings and selling them to museums, foundations, and other buyers. Well, Laura, it looked like Paul Minetta was one of the best forgers in the world. He worked for several art thieves. They stole original paintings, made a forgery, and sold it as real, maintaining the originals for themselves. They sold forgeries all over the world. It was suspected that he was still working when he left prison. He was old, but his art was still impressive."

"So, Norton hired him to make the Alvise Vendramin's Portrait forgery, and he promised the original to Minetta. Then, he would paint another one, and sell it as the real one," she added.

"Splendid, Laura! I realize you are starting to think like a thief to solve the cases. It's an interesting tactic" And with that, he caught her belt and pulled it off of her robe.

"Mr. Steele," asked Laura, "why do I get the feeling I'm going to lose this time?"

"Why, Miss Holt? Some losses can be taken as wins. Just keep your mind open, and you'll see…

"Enjoy the ride, Mr. Steele. You may get lucky today."