Part of a window was also visible, with buildings in the distance. Josh asked, “What’s this doing in the alley?” “I think I know,” Ruth Rose said. “The thief must have used this picture to identify the painting. After he stole it, he threw the picture away.” “If the thief tossed the picture here, that means he probably did climb down the balconies,” Dink said. “You mean she,” Josh said. Ruth Rose shook her head. “But if Miss Booker did it,” she asked, “why would she tell us she can climb buildings? Wouldn’t that just point the finger at her?” “Maybe she’s giving us false clues,” Josh said. “She tells us she can climb the building and drops this picture in the alley. But all the time, she probably just went through the front door with her key.” “No matter who stole the painting,” Dink said, “the crook’s fingerprints should be on this picture.” He carefully slipped the snapshot inside his shirt. “We have to show it to my uncle!” The kids ran down the alley to the front of the building.
