Project M.A.R.V., Missing Artist Russell Vapors, Episode 1

Lower East Side, NYC, May, 2011

You are sitting at your desk looking over the cases for the day, when your captain comes in.

"Good morning Detective. I know you're new in this precinct, but that's part of why I'm coming to you with a special case. Former Detective Westgate was unable to make any progress with a missing persons case for 4 months, but we've just got a new lead and I want you to take over the case."

The captain continued: "Not much was known about this guy, he had a pretty low profile. He was reported missing in January, he didn't show up for work, and no one knew when or why he suddenly disappeared. Here's the missing person flyer distributed last January."

"That's the only picture you've got?" you reply, adding: "With a hat and glasses, it's no wonder Detective Westgate couldn't find him. What else have you got for me?"

The captain responded, "I'm telling you, the guy was low-key. He worked some non-descript job in a warehouse near Union Square, it seems it was just something he did to pay the bills. His co-workers didn't know him too well, but got concerned when he didn't show up for work. When we went to his apartment, it was filled with paintings and art books, but from early intelligence, he was a bit of an outsider to the New York art world. Westgate interviewed countless art dealers and other artists, and no one had heard of this guy or seen his art."

"Captain, you said something about a new lead?"

The captain replied, "Yes, we've had our first development in a few months, but before I get into that, here's his file (*), it's got the initial report, as well as Westgate's notes. Make yourself familiar with the background info, and then I'll come back shortly to explain the latest development."

(* Scroll down to see the file and report at the bottom of the page)