“Why don’t you try to get some sleep? There must be a logical explanation about why it’s not on the wall.”
“I hope so,” Brett said with less certainty than Hannah hoped he would. “I’ll call you after I’ve talked to Pat and Mrs. Bennett.”
“That would be great. Goodnight.”
After she’d ended the call, Hannah stared at her phone. The only reason someone would take the painting was for money. She just hoped Brett found the picture before the police became involved. Because if Dave’s dad was behind the painting’s disappearance, his whole family would be under suspicion.
***
Later that morning, Brett was in the kitchen before anyone else.
“You’re awake early,” Mrs. Bennett said. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat beside him. “You don’t look as though you slept well last night.”
Brett closed his laptop. “I was worried about Dave and his family.”
“That’s understandable. Hopefully, the police will be able to track down the owner of the wallet. I feel a little unsafe knowing someone was on Pat’s property without anyone seeing them.”
“Once Fletcher Security have installed their cameras it will make the ranch safer. Can I ask you a question about one of Pat’s paintings?”
“Of course. What is it you want to know?”
“Did you move the painting at the top of the stairs? It’s the one with two little boys playing with their sailing ships.”
“Isn’t it on the wall?”
Brett shook his head. “I can’t find it. I called Hannah last night to see if she’d moved it, but she hadn’t.”
“That’s strange. The last time I saw it was on Christmas morning. After Dave received the anonymous email, Pat invited his family to stay the night. I remember seeing it as I was getting extra linen out of the closet.”
“Do you know what time that would have been?”
Mrs. Bennett frowned. “Let’s see. You didn’t arrive home from seeing Ida until eleven-thirty. I made the beds before anyone else arrived, so it must have been about midday. There must be a good reason it isn’t on the wall. Have you asked Pat?”
“I haven’t seen him this morning.”
“He was in the living room a few minutes ago.”
Brett pushed his chair away from the table. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And don’t worry. The painting has to be here somewhere.”
Brett wasn’t so sure. He walked toward the living room and stood in the doorway. Pat had turned on the Christmas lights and was staring at the tree.
“Are you all right?” Brett asked.
Pat turned and sent him a tired smile. “I was thinking about the other Christmases we’ve had in the house. You don’t look that great.”
Brett ran his hand along his prickly jaw. “I didn’t get much sleep.”
“You weren’t the only one. What on earth is happening? Surely the police can stop Dave’s father from harassing his family.”
“I’m sure they’re doing everything they can. Hopefully, someone will contact us today to let us know what’s going on.”
“If they don’t, I’ll call them,” Pat muttered. “Dave’s mom is already stressed. She doesn’t need her ex-husband’s violent threats.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Brett moved away from the door frame. “I need to ask you about something else.”
Pat sat back in the chair. “I’m listening.”
