The Case of the Mysterious Message by Marshall Younger

Author:Marshall Younger
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc.
Published: 2010-04-08T00:00:00+00:00

7

A Twist

April 18, 4:48 P.M.

Downtown Odyssey

Eugene’s head swiveled back and forth. He peeked around every corner on the way to the Electric Palace. And though Cal didn’t think Eugene would be of much use if someone attacked them, he was glad they were together.

At Eugene’s insistence, they took back alleyways for the entire trip. In one alley, they heard something behind them. Eugene spun around in one awkward motion and assumed a karate position. “Hyah!” he yelled so loud Cal’s ears rang.

“Would you cut that out?” Cal said. “There’s nobody following us.”

“Nevertheless, I believe taking extra caution would be to our advantage.”

“Do you even know karate?”

“I have a fundamental understanding of the art, yes.”

“They’d have you on the ground in five seconds.”

“Hyah!” Eugene shouted again.

Cal thought it was great that Eugene was continuing with the investigation. He knew Eugene was nervous, but he also knew curiosity was a fierce beast to tame, especially when it came to Eugene. Eugene had a hard time not knowing things. To Eugene, unanswered questions were like a horrible itch.

They made it to the Electric Palace without spotting a single threatening figure. The double doors opened automatically in front of them, and they stepped inside.

Ten aisles opened before them—packed with every electronic device imaginable—televisions, radios, computers, and electronic toys. Gaudy neon signs pointed out “Huge” and “Crazy” sales—most announcing 5 percent off the regular price on selected items.

The store’s owner, Bart Rathbone, sat on the tile floor watching fourteen televisions in aisle five.

He jumped up when the doorbell sounded.

“Welcome to the Electric Palace! Hey, did you see the specials we have on batteries here? You will not find a better price than this, I guarantee it.” As he spoke, his unwashed hair bounced up and down on his head.

“I apologize, Mr. Rathbone,” Eugene said, “but I’m afraid we’re not here to purchase anything.”

Bart threw up his arms. “Well, of course not. Why should I actually have a customer today? I mean, this is an electronics store, why would anyone need anything electronic?”

“Slow day, Mr. Rathbone?” Cal said.

“Oh no, it’s been great,” Bart said with sarcasm, “I had a mosquito in here only an hour ago. He didn’t buy nothing either. Now why don’t we cut with the chit-chat, and you can tell me what it is you want to waste my time with.”

“Well,” said Eugene, “we were wondering if you could assist us with a problem.”

“Oh, you know, I’m real busy,” Bart said.

“It will only take a second of your time.”

“I got things to count, floors to sweep,” Bart said, heading for the back room.

Cal knew which button to press when it came to Bart. “What if we buy some batteries?” Cal blurted.

Bart stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. “How about two packs?”

“Deal. Pay the man, Eugene.”

“I currently have no use for batteries.”

“I don’t have any money,” Cal said. “You’ll use batteries.”

“But I can’t theorize about what size I will need in the future.”

“Just pay him!”

Eugene dug into his pockets and pulled out some cash.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.