Chasing Vermeer

Petra and Calder are concerned about Ms. Hussey because she seems worried and distracted. She asks the class what they would do if they’d received one of the thief’s letters. Everyone gives different suggestions. Petra and Calder speculate that Ms. Hussey received a letter herself and is indirectly asking for help in how to deal with it.

Periodically, the thief spurs flagging interest in the missing Vermeer by taking out full-page newspaper ads. The first one reads, “You are doing the right thing” (132). This ad is followed another that says, “Be Patient. Do not give up” (132). A third ad observes, “You have come to agree with me. They will come to agree with you” (132). The ads came from New York, Florence, and Amsterdam, begging the question of whether the three unknown recipients of the mystery letters are helping the thief.

The mystery letters have stirred up so much interest and speculation that, “[i]n spite of their discussions earlier in the year with Ms. Hussey, the letter as a form of communication was very much alive” (133).

When Calder arrives at Powell’s for his part-time job, he notices Mr. Watch packing a book order for Mrs. Sharpe.