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The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Joe Friday is working the Burglary department, when they have to investigate the theft from a church at Christmas time.
Joe, and partner, Frank Smith set out to mail Christmas cards, and talk about their Christmas shopping, but are interupted to go on a case. A priest reports that baby Jesus has been stolen. Joe gives an elaborate description of the cathedral, it’s decorations, and the custom behind the decorations.
It’s not so much the monetary value of the missing statue, but the sentiment behind it. Armed with some leads, Friday eleminates the possibilities. Pawn shops turn up nothing. Suspicious parishoners are interviewed, but everything proves to be OK. Other pressing cases come in, but Friday puts the captain off so he can solve this crime in time for the next church service.
With every lead coming to a dead end, where does Joe turn to next? As Joe and Frank return to face up empty handed to the priest, all the loose ends of the case come together. The solution is much more simple and harmless than you might expect. Here’s a hint, it involves a small child and a Christmas wish.
