The Case of the Rigged Race by Michael Hutchinson

Author:Michael Hutchinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Second Story Press
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10 Muskrats Divided

“There he is! Big Hat!”

After dropping off the chocolate at the hall, the Muskrats said good-bye to Harold and Denice and began to scan the crowds at the festival for any of their current suspects. It didn’t take long for them to notice a large ball of fox fur bobbing through the lines of people.

Atim, being the tallest, noticed Big Hat first. He hissed a warning.

The Muskrats instinctively walked toward the shadow of the nearest wall.

The large, well-dressed man was strolling nonchalantly through the food court area where a handful of food trucks had circled, and a smattering of picnic tables were strewn. He studied a menu, shook his head, then moved to consider a different truck. Eventually, he stopped at one he found suitable and stood to wait in line.

Atim chuckled. “I guess carrying around that big hat makes you hungry.”

Sam shook his head at his brother. “Everything makes you hungry.”

The Muskrats moved around the nearest corner so they could hide behind a utility shed.

“Is he going to eat something?” Chickadee hissed.

Sam laughed. “I’d be surprised if he’s waiting in line to rob the food truck.”

Chickadee gave Sam a quick rabbit punch in the lower ribs. “I just didn’t think a crime kingpin would be eating at a food truck, smart guy.”

Otter shook his head. “Kingpin? Really? I just saw him taking money from a bunch of guys. We don’t really know if it was crime related.”

Sam chuckled again. “He was just taking money from a bunch of guys in the midst of a sporting event.”

Atim also smiled at the smallest Muskrat. “Pretty sure betting is illegal.”

Chickadee smirked. “I suppose everyone could have just owed him, and they all chose that moment to pay him back.”

Otter shrugged. “Maybe Uncle Levi would know more about him.”

Sam nodded. “You’re right, Otter, we should ask Uncle Levi about Big Hat.”

Atim waved a dismissive hand. “He won’t tell us nothing.”

Sam smiled mischievously. “Yeah, but if we ask him and he doesn’t tell us anything, Chickadee will be able to tell us if he’s holding something back. Hey, Chickadee?”

Chickadee nodded. “Yeah…I know Uncle Levi pretty good. I can tell when he’s keeping a secret.”

Otter held out a hand, signaling for his cousins to be silent. “He’s got his food!”

Atim leaned around the corner. “What did he get?”

The other Muskrats pulled him back and pushed him to the rear.

Sam scoffed at his brother. “I think we’re more concerned with where he is going and who he’s going to meet!”

“You, maybe.” Atim was unapologetic as he stood on his tiptoes, to watch as Big Hat took a seat at a picnic table.

Chickadee shaded her eyes with a mittened hand to cut the glare. “Who is that sitting at the other end of the table?”

Sam also covered his eyes as he looked. “I can’t see who it is. He’s facing the other way. But he’s not friends with Big Hat. He didn’t even ask to sit down.”

The figure at the other end of

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