Joe rolled his eyes. "You need a nap, bro! I’m a detective too, or did your worn out brain forget that?"

Frank groaned. "I can’t believe I left myself wide open like that," he muttered.

Becka tried to stifle a giggle, but didn’t quite make it. Frank glared playfully at her, and she went into full-blown laughter. It didn’t take long for the other three to join in.

When the laughter died down, Joe put his arm around Becka’s shoulder and tried to look serious. "I see the beginnings of a great future for the two of you. As you can see, Frank takes himself much too seriously."

Becka adopted the same serious face Joe was wearing. "I’ve noticed that. I would consider it an honor to loosen him up."

Vanessa broke into a fit of giggles that time while Frank just rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically.

"Seriously, people. We have to identify that voice." Frank looked at Joe, who nodded.

"It was a very cultured voice. Sounded very much like he’d spent a lot of time in Europe."

Frank nodded slowly. He was even more convinced that Whittington was the culprit. His voice and mannerisms fit that description. "We have to find Whittington," he announced.

The others voiced their agreement. Joe pulled Frank aside and lowered his voice. "I’ll go find Whittington and you talk to Chief Peterson."

"OK," Frank said, sounding puzzled.

"I know you won’t admit it, but you’re worn out. We need to let the cops do the hard part this time."

"Fine with me," Frank agreed. "Although I can’t believe we’re having this conversation."

"Me either." Joe smiled. "But you’re more important than catching the bad guys."

"Be careful, Joe," Frank admonished.

Joe grinned. "Careful is my middle name!"

"Don’t make me laugh."

Ten minutes later found Frank and Becka waiting for a chance to talk to Chief Peterson. He was deeply engrossed in a conversation with a plainclothes detective. When he noticed Frank hovering, he motioned the couple over.

After introducing the detective as John Riggs, he asked, "Cracked the case yet?"

"Actually, Chief, we think we have." Frank watched the chief’s expression turn serious. He then outlined everything they had uncovered so far, as quickly as he could. Time was of the essence right now! "Whittington is our main suspect right now."

"Where is Joe?" Peterson asked.

"Right here." Joe appeared next to Frank. "Whittington is the other voice, the one I heard talking to Evan Williams."

Peterson looked at the teen. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. He’s getting ready to leave the theater."

"I’ll have an officer detain him for questioning." Peterson turned to one of the uniformed officers and sent him in search of Whittington.

"What about Evan Williams?" Joe asked. "I clearly heard him implicate himself in the murder."

Detective Riggs spoke up then. "I’ll handle this." He motioned for Joe to come with him, and Joe led the way to where Vanessa was keeping Evan occupied.

Joe pointed him out. "We think he supplied the poison," he said softly.

Riggs nodded and stepped up to Evan. "Evan Williams?"

Evan looked at him. "Who wants to know?"

Riggs pulled out his badge. "Detective Riggs, NYPD."

Evan turned and started to run, but ran smack into Joe. "The only place you’re going is jail, Williams," Joe said.

Evan’s shoulders slumped in defeat. He turned back to Riggs and sighed. "I’ll tell you whatever you want to know. I helped kill Clancy Barrett."

"Your cooperation will be rewarded, Mr. Williams." Riggs took Evan’s arm and led him away.

Joe put his arm around Vanessa’s shoulders and pulled her close. "What could have made him do it, Joe?" she asked.