Lilian Jackson Braun - Cat 17 Who Blew The Whistle

Celia looked puzzled. "But if he wants to sell the train, who would buy it? That's an awful lot of money to spend on a thing like that."

"Train collecting is a growing hobby. More people than you think are pursuing it." It also occurred to Qwilleran that the economic development division of the K Foundation, currently promoting tourism, might take over the Party Train and operate it as Floyd intended.

"Well, it's time for me to go home and see what Wrigley's doing," she said.

Qwilleran handed her an envelope. "Here are your tickets for the play Thursday night, plus a little something extra in appreciation of your work."

"Oh, thank you!" she said. "I'm enjoying this assignment so much, I don't expect a reward."

"You deserve one. And the next time you talk to Tish, see if she has any idea who tipped off the auditors to the Lumbertown fraud... and why they haven't been able to find Floyd... and who made the mysterious phone call on the night of his disappearance. She's a smart young woman. She might be able to make some guesses."

"Yes, but I don't know how much longer she and Florrie will be here. Tish has already phoned the airline. They'll probably leave this weekend."

After Celia had driven away, Qwilleran walked around the barn exterior several times and pondered a few more questions: Does Tish want to leave the country in a hurry for reasons other than those stated? Is there really a doctor in Switzerland who has a miracle cure? Is Florrie actually as ill as she appears to be?

After the shocks, successes, and surprises of the last twenty-four hours, the next forty-eight were consistently disappointing. Operation Whistle came to a sudden standstill; Polly upset the plans for opening night at the theatre; and Qwilleran's imaginings about lurid secrets at the Trackside Tavern were squelched.

Wednesday morning: He ran into Roger MacGillivray at Lois's Luncheonette, and the reporter said, "Hey, Arch told me to check out what happened at the Trackside Tavern ten years ago. Women boycotted it because they weren't allowed to use the pool tables."

"Is that all?"

"That's all. They picketed the bar for a couple of weeks and then got a better idea. They opened the Jump-Off Bar and went into competition with the Trackside. The food's better, and the owner is a buxom, fun-loving gal that everyone likes. Floyd lent her the dough to get started and helped her to get a license."

"I've been to the Jump-Off establishment," Qwilleran said, "and I don't remember seeing any billiard tables."

"Right! I asked the boss lady, and she said the women didn't want to shoot pool when no one told them they couldn't. She considers that a big laugh."

Qwilleran huffed into his moustache. "Well, I suppose I'll see you at the play tomorrow night."

"I'm afraid not. We'd have to hire a baby-sitter, and that costs more than the tickets. Besides, Sharon's the Shakespeare nut, not me."

Wednesday afternoon: Celia phoned. "I won't have anything to report tonight, Chief.

They didn't need me at The Roundhouse. Tish is there with Florrie. They're getting ready for their trip. I went to the hospital, and they've got Eddie trussed up like a mummy and hooked up to tubes and bottles. He doesn't look like anything human."

Wednesday evening: Qwilleran telephoned Polly to inquire about Bootsie.

"I'm bringing him home tomorrow," she said. "If you don't mind, I'll stay with him instead of going to the theatre. You can go and concentrate on your review. I'll look forward to reading what you think of the production."

With a hint of annoyance he replied, "What I think about it and what I say about it in print aren't necessarily the same. I don't need to remind you this is a small town."

Thursday morning: Celia called again, saying somberly, "Eddie isn't expected to last the morning. The hospital notified Tish to come right away. I'll meet her there and let you know what happens."

Thursday afternoon: "Chief, I have sad news. Eddie passed away at ten thirty- seven. Tish is in Pickax, and I'm looking after Florrie, but I'll be back in time for the play."

A gala crowd attended the opening of A Mid- summer Night's Dream. There was excitement in the hum of voices in front of the theatre, in the foyer, and in the upstairs lobby. Half of the playgoers were friends, relatives, or classmates of the young extras. The rest were people; Qwilleran knew. Among them:

The Comptons. "Where's Polly?" they asked him.

Hixie Rice and Dwight Somers. They too wanted to know why Polly was absent. Dr. Diane Lanspeak with Dr. Herbert, Hixie's former attachment. As luck would have it, both couples had tickets in the same row.

Celia Robinson with her new friend, Virginia Alstock. Celia and Qwilleran exchanged discreet nods.

Dr. Prelligate of the Moose County Community College with a few faculty members.

Scott Gippel, the worried treasurer of the club. "Looks like we'll end up in the black, but you never know."

Three generations of the Olsen family. Jennifer Olsen was playing Hermia.