. >> the amazing spider-man number 1, the incredible hulk, justice league all of that and other comic books gone. all total $85,000. >> panic would be the first thing that comes to mind is panic. >> reporter: that's exactly what rick whitelock felt the moment he realized they were missing. >> i've done 100 plus conventions and this is the same way i do it every time. >> reporter: he got to tampa thursday, and unloaded hundreds of boxes all locked the convention center overnight. chained up. then gone overnight. it's happened before, he says, but not like this. >> unintentionally, it's happened many times, you're in there, you're working feverishly. windows of opportunity are always there, if you put your mind to it. >> reporter: he told me he spoke with the convention center's head of security. on surveillance video, they told him nothing out of the ordinary. >> if there's a thief that >> reporter: he told me, he hopes and prays that it's a mistake. but he's being realistic. >> sometimes again, there will be windows of opportunity, no matter how careful you are. >> reporter: and late