Part 1 here

**To really get the full effect of this post, hum some detective/film noire music and imagine everyone in trench coats and fedoras**

The plot is really thickening and the chick is still missing. Before I move ahead, I want to make this clear: This really is a mystery to our staff. I actually have no idea who is weaving this web. Everyone seriously is a suspect. Even my wife isn’t quite convinced that it’s not me pulling this whole thing off.

So let me catch you up. A lot has transpired and a lot of evidence has been gathered in the last 24 hours. Numerous suspects have emerged, including yours truly, clues have been found, and new contact with the culprit has been made.

Things really started to get interesting when we realized that THEMUSEUM’s Polaroid camera was not in its usual space.

It typically can be found in Angela’s desk (Director of Brand, Marketing, & Digital Media). Many, including myself, did not know that a Polaroid camera resided here at all – or so everyone claims. Shaun (Volunteer Coordinator) and Angela are the only ones who have regular access to said camera.

MARK THEM DOWN AS SUSPECTS!

Remember how Brent was the initial obvious suspect? Well a few Blackberry Messenger conversations later made me almost certain it was him.

Derek: Hey!! Did you steal the chick?? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read the latest blog post on THEMUSEUM Blog

Brent: Me? No.

Derek: Are you just bluffing?

Brent: I don’t bluff.

And later on after a short conversation about last night’s election, he denied any involvement again.  Not once did he even ask what I was talking about! I woke up this morning entirely convinced it was him.

But then this happened…

Melissa found it on her desk. Of course she immediately ran out to find the paper bag and discovered this:

This changes everything! Whoever is the culprit had access to the building between 5pm and 8am to hide the paper bag and leave the letter at Melissa’s desk. This makes it much more unlikely that Brent is the culprit since he no longer is with THEMUSEUM; passes and keys have been returned. Unless, of course, he has someone working for him on the inside (aha!)

We’ve been trying to create a list of suspects, so let’s do a rundown:
- People who witnessed the “gifting” of the chick to Melissa on Friday: Melissa, Courtney (remember her?), and myself.
- People who were here Friday night: Sarah was here for a wedding walkthrough, Rob our facilities coordinator was here, and Brent came by to grab stuff from his office
- Interpreters here on the weekend: Stephanie, Zoe, Shaun, Victoria, Tova, Heather
- Known keepers of the Polaroid camera: Angela & Shaun
- Mark & Cody from Interpret This: Just because it seems like something they would do

My psychological profile of the kidnapper would suggest it wasn’t Zoe, Shaun, Victoria, Heather, Shaun, Sarah, or Rob. However, Rob is the only one who can be placed here at times when the letters may have been placed. But then again, Rob’s really busy getting Animal Grossology (our next exhibition) ready. Bah! The possibilities are maddening!

Until this afternoon when Mark started acting suspiciously. He found the box used in the Polaroid photos in Meaghan’s office.

That should automatically make Meaghan a suspect, but it makes me think it’s actually Mark – he found that box way too easily.

The next steps are pretty clear though: follow the instructions in the latest letter and search for the missing Polaroid camera. If you want my best guess right now, it’s Mark.

Until next time gumshoes, keep sleuthing.