Chapter 5
Just Settled In
The party cheered as Watson once again purchased another round of beverages.
"You blokes are quite skilled at this game," Watson said. "Mr. Alfie. You caught my hermit critter once again."
"Oh, please, Dr. Watson," Mr. Alfie said. "No more questions. You've been at it for nearly thirty minutes."
"You're not troubled by the disappearances of so many men in the vicinity?"
"Is that your question, sir?"
All eyes turned to the dapper-looking fox pulling on its white gloves.
"I don't believe we've met."
"You're Dr. Oliver Watson, noted criminologist. That's your assistant, Lieutenant Colonel Bixley."
"And you are?"
The fox swung his top hat onto the top of his head. "Allow me to introduce myself. Professor Thaddeus Foxhound."
"Professor of?"
"Algebraic Tendencies. You, Dr. Watson, appear to be searching for answers regarding recent events here in Leedcrack and the surrounding areas."
"I am."
"More specifically, an individual."
"Correct again, Professor Foxhound."
"Who is the individual you seek?"
"Mr. Albert Rodenthurst."
An uneasy silence fell over the patrons. Even the hermit critters stopped running about the tabletop.
"I'm sure you've heard of him," said Watson.
"Aye," said Mr. Alfie. "We've heard of him..."
A possum played a flair on an old piano. Rather than being dramatic, the notes were weak and out of tune leaving a sour taste in our ears.
The revelers picked up their pints and moved to tables closer to the stage. Watson and Foxhound stared across the table at one another as Kitty Server collected all the hermit critters.
A limping chinchilla stepped onto the stage.
"Thanks to Barry the piano player. Welcome all to the Sugar and Plum. I'm Chauncy Pifflecrimp, your MC for the night. I'm also the house comedian."
"Nothing funny 'bout that," cried one of the men down front. This made the crowd laugh.
Pufflecrest pressed on. "Stop me if you've heard this one..."
"Stop" The audience spoke in unison.
A lone man said, "We've heard them all. Just bring out Echo Chambers already!"
The chinchilla MC tipped his hat and with great aplomb made the announcement.
"Please welcome, Miss Echo Chambers!"
The cheers were thunderous.
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