Read Laughs, Corpses... and a Little Romance Page 25

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  That evening I was half asleep watching the late night news on television when there was an item about three very valuable paintings stolen from a Sydney art gallery. The announcer said the paintings had been cut from the frames so they could be rolled up and concealed more easily. Next day we delivered three large cardboard tubes to Zilga. As soon as I had a chance I got on the phone to Detective Constable John Fowler again. “G’day John,” I said, “It’s Jack Farley." "Hullo Jack, what can I do for you?” “I’m phoning about those three paintings that were pinched, have you found ‘em yet?” “No, as a matter of fact we’ve found no trace of them so far. D’you know anything about them?” “Is there any reward being offered for finding ‘em?” “Yes, the insurance company is offering fifteen thousand dollars reward for anyone giving information leading to the recovery of all three.” Fifteen thousand dollars! What I could spend that on! “Well, I’ve got information. Be sure to write it down with my name on it so I get the reward.” “Ok so what can you tell me?” “Well, remember I told you about the art dealer up here on the river called Zilga Marzetsky? We delivered three big cardboard tubes to him today, and I bet the paintings you’re looking for were rolled up inside them.” “How d’you know it was the stolen paintings?” “Well I don’t, but it would be a hell of a coincidence if they were three other paintings at the same time now wouldn’t it?” There was a pause. “Give me your phone number and I’ll call you back.” I was sure I heard a glimmer of interest in his voice.