The Magician's Assistant

17

"They came in through the skylight. The lock up there's been broken, and the museum staff confirmed it wasn't yesterday," the detective explained.

"Do you have any idea how the culprit managed to get up there?" Gramps asked.

The group had moved into the museum. Everyone except for Gramps and one of the detectives was sitting on a bench by the front door.

"There's an access ladder, and a stairwell leading up from inside the building. I'm not sure if they used either,"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously the stairwell wouldn't make much sense. They'd already be inside the building if they came up from there, but the ladder's covered in dust and barely attached to the wall. I don't think it can handle much weight anymore,"

"That is quite odd. I can think of several alternative ways to the roof,"

"Like magic?"

Gramps nodded.

"Not exclusively, but yes,"

"This burglar seems to always break in from the highest point they can access. It's almost their calling card,"

Gramps put his hand on his chin.

"I see. Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"

"That's about it. You already saw the crime scene. Not much more to say about some old pottery getting stolen,"

"Thank you. I'll need to some time to meditate on this,"

The detective nodded and walked off, deeper into the museum.

Everything was silent for a moment.

"So, do you want to get moving again?" Rachael asked.

"Yes. I suppose we should go," Gramps sounded distracted.

The group headed out of the museum.

"An old urn stolen. Odd, isn't it? There must be more valuable items in there. Much more valuable," Louise said.

"That museum has solid gold sculptures and rare gemstones in it. They could have done a lot better," Erika said.

"You've been there before, haven't you?" Gramps asked.

Erika nodded.

"Did you ever notice anything special about the urn?"

Erika shook her head.

"Do you even remember it being there?" Rachael asked.

Erika shook her head again.

Gramps sighed.

"I don't see a pattern in the items stolen,"

"But there is one with the break ins," Louise said.

"Indeed. Always the highest point. Perhaps they're some sort of acrobat?"

"Or a levitation expert,"

"They may be a volitant,"

"One of those bird people?" Rachael asked.

Gramps nodded.

"I take it you're not familiar?"

"Haven't met one since I was a kid,"

"What?! How can you go that long without running into one?!" Erika asked.

"I live in the middle of nowhere," Rachael replied.

"Still, they must go out there more often than that,"