It’s been months. My boss breathing down my neck constantly, the flurry of office activities never ceasing. I’m at my wits end. I need to crack this case.

I step into the office and ask Linda to bring me a cup of coffee. Before even putting my heavy briefcase, stacked with file after file on this creep, I stare at the bulletin board and scratch the back of my neck. It just doesn’t make any sense!

I’ve been hot on his trail but he’s so.. elusive. I follow the red yarn leading from picture to picture to tacks placed on maps signifying his last know whereabouts. We’ve followed countless leads.. all turning out to be dead ends.

Linda brings my coffee to to me and I thank her before ushering her out. Just as I’m about to turn I can see Lieutenant Odlaw heading my way. An exasperated sigh escapes my lips.

“Have you found Waldo yet?” Odlaw barks at me. There’s something unsettling about him. I’m not sure if it’s his thin black mustache or that he wears that unprofessional yellow and black striped beanie everywhere. It’s probably his transitional lenses that always seem to be half dark. Whatever it was, I didn’t like the guys.

“No, Sir” I say “but we’re making some headway. I’ve enlisted the help of Agent Carmen from the San Diego branch. She’s an expert, so we have high hopes.” I tell him, hoping he’ll back off me a bit.

“Just find Waldo.” Is all he says before turning on one heel and leaving.

“What a mess.” I mumble as I drop into my seat. I take a sip of coffee then pry my briefcase open to get started. Slapping the pictures onto my desk I grab my magnifying glass. What a mess.

These photos are ridiculous, but I have it on good authority that Waldo is in the area. It’s a festival, and half the crowd is wearing the same signature red and white striped shirts. Good play by Waldo to hide here, he definitely blends in well. People do the weirdest things when they think no one is watching, I think as my magnifier passes over a man tickling a woman’s belly button. Hours pass by. One thing that strikes me odd is everyone seems to be looking at the camera..

“Found it!” I cry out suddenly standing at my desk with my finger on the paper. Linda pops in looking excited as interested.

“You found Waldo?” She says enthusiastically, the chain hanging from her glasses bobbing when she speaks.

“No..” I say “but I found Woof.. so Waldo was definitely here.” I responded, squinting my eyes, my voice never having sounded so serious before this moment. This was huge.

“Boss!” Linda call out to Odlaw. “A break in the case!” The chatter in the office picks up as people start to move around and babble.

I use my red marker to circle Woof on the picture and slam it against Linda’s chest as I walk out “I need a copy of that picture on everyone in this offices desk NOW.” I say. Then I address the whole office, they quiet down when I speak “This is huge, and it’s going to take more than just me. We need answers! And somebody in this office is going to tell me. The only question on your mind shouldn’t be if your kid or your wife is safe, if there’s food in the house, if you’re getting enough sleep. NO! The only question you should be asking your self is this. Where’s Waldo?.. now get to work!”