“What we’ve got is a lucky break for the Major Case Squad. A gallery in SoHo was broken into when the blackout struck, and valuable glass sculptures were stolen. Two men who ran out of gas on the West Side Highway were walking along the path next to the river when they had a run-in with the thief and unwittingly recovered the art. The men are both from New Jersey. A Wally Madison and Arthur—”

“What?” Rod yelled as he grabbed the radio.

“We caught up with the heroes outside One Police Plaza. The head of the Major Case Squad, Jack Reilly, was taking them up to his office, along with the owners of the art gallery. Needless to say, they’re all thrilled. I have an unconfirmed report that Jack Reilly’s apartment was also broken into tonight. As far as we know, nothing was taken.”

“What was Wally doing in New York City?” Rod yelped. His cool and calm demeanor had quickly headed south.

“Reilly’s wife walked in right before the blackout struck. The intruder was in the apartment, locked her outside on the roof, and made his escape. We’ll keep you updated.”

“Dear God,” Rod said. “Someone broke into their apartment. That’s terrible.”

“It is. But Jack Reilly’s happy Wally recovered the stolen sculptures. That can only be good for you,” Lee said practically.

“We had a long day today and we’re going to have a long day tomorrow. I’m surprised Wally went out so late. He seemed a little edgy tonight. Let me call him.”

Rod went into the kitchen and picked up the phone. He couldn’t get through on Wally’s cell phone, so he decided to call Jack Reilly’s office.

“My word!” Rod exclaimed when he got Jack on the phone. “I just heard on the radio about everything that’s going on with Wally. It’s unbelievable. And I’m so sorry about your apartment.”

“Word spreads fast. Thankfully Regan is okay and that’s what counts.”

“How did they get in?”

“There was no sign of forced entry. They must have had a key.”

“Jack, I can assure you I’ve kept control of the keys. Wally and Frank and I were in the van on the way home from Connecticut when the blackout struck.”

“Rod, don’t worry. We never changed the locks when we bought the loft from Conrad Spreckles. It could have been someone he knew who had a key. Anything’s possible. We didn’t think it was important to replace the keys right away because the apartments weren’t connected and there was nothing to steal in the new one. As soon as you broke down the wall, we should have had new keys made. We’ll take care of that first thing in the morning.”

At that moment, the lights flickered back on in Rod’s kitchen. He gasped as his stomach fell six feet.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes, just a bit surprised. The lights are coming back on in my house.”

“Fantastic!” Jack said. “Let’s hope they’re back on everywhere before long. Do you want to talk to Wally? We’re about to head out. He’s going to help us out tonight with another case. Regan is trying to locate a young guy who’s on the town with a woman who is a predator. The poor kid doesn’t know what he’s in for. Wally and his friend Arthur offered to join the search party.”