[ WP ] Every mystery is solved by an offhand , unrelated comment sparking an epiphany . Your department is the best in the world .

The police chief had called an all-hands meeting. All 34 officers were sitting in the audience as the chief stood on stage. 
 
 “ We have two big cases to solve this week, it ’ s already Wednesday, and I feel like we ’ ve made no progress on them. First, we have the double homicide on sixth street where Mr. and Mrs. Jones were found shot dead. Second, we have the bank robbery at Fourth and Main. You guys know how we work. Who wants to go first? ” 
 
 Officer Peters spoke up. “ I attended my son ’ s little league game yesterday afternoon. Three homeruns and one batter hit by a pitch. ” 
 
 Silence. 
 
 The chief spoke, “ Officer Wilson, anything? ” 
 
 “ My husband and I are planning a trip to the Bahamas next months. Beaches, sunshine, and strong drinks. ” 
 
 More silence. 
 
 Officer Davis shouted, “ I watched the news last night and they mentioned the bank robbers all had hard hats. Maybe we should check out the construction site on Twelfth Ave to see if anyone matches the descriptions. ” 
 
 Cries erupted around the room. “ Shut up rookie! ” “ You have no idea what you ’ re doing. ” “ Why don ’ t you keep quiet and learn from the pros! ” 
 
 The chief stepped in, “ Ok, ok. Quiet down. How about Officer Jefferson? ” 
 
 “ I just went to a bar last night and had a burger and fries. ” 
 
 Suddenly Officer Smith jumped up, “ Oh my god. Fries, French fries. France. The Mona Lisa is in France at a famous museum. And I just remembered they ’ re building a new art museum over at that construction site on Twelfth Ave. It would be the perfect place to hide the loot for the next month. ” 
 
 “ Fantastic work Officer Smith. Why don ’ t you and Officer Peters head over to the construction site to see if you can turn up the crooks? Now, on to the double homicide. I'll start. I was thinking about buying a new car, maybe a blue one with chrome trim.... ” 
 
 Officer Davis fumed in the back. This isn ’ t how it was taught at the academy.
