Lost art

Really, Officers," Ginny Hollister sighed. "That painting was just ugly."

- Gary Delafield

"That painting," snapped her husband Glenn, "is a genuine Dyson Eddings—and valuable." Detective Sherm Wolfe, notebook in hand, asked just how valuable it was.

"It was appraised at $100,000 in my mother’s estate," Glenn said. "It’s likely worth more now."

"For an ugly painting." Wolfe and Detective Kate Billings had been called in after the burglary. The painting had been displayed above a fireplace mantel. Broken glass and a shattered wooden frame lay on the rug below.

"We could have saved it for winter," Ginny suggested. "It would’ve make wonderfully valuable kindling."

"I'll have you know the Rossiters loved that painting," Glenn said. Detective Billings interrupted. "Who are the Rossiters?"