Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Part 5
Part 6 • Part 7
Part 8
Whiz had arrived in Charleston and was sitting with her Aunt Pigtail in her lovely historical home enjoying a chat to catch up on family news over a splendid cup of English breakfast tea.
Whiz was happy. The tea was of perfect strength, just the right tea leaves and even served in a suitable cup, all things important to tea drinkers.
The bells of St. Lukes Church were tolling. The Episcopal church was just across the street and its nearby location gave her aunt a bird’s eye view of many weddings and funerals in town. All this leant a perfect setting for Whiz to unwind from the worst week in her life.
Aunt Pigtail’s two spaniels, “Wag” and “Wiggles,” were eager to greet her, along with her aunt, as she had first stepped into the house. The usual hullabaloo had followed as the dogs saw to it they were properly greeted, hugged and petted. Only then was Whiz allowed to pass up the stairs to the second floor sitting room. After they were settled, Aunt Pigtail with Wiggles at her side and Whiz with Wag on her lap, the sordid tale of the failed heist of the Mitchell Map unfolded.
But first things first. Wag had to train Whiz how things had to be. Constant stroking starting on his head and moving slowly down to his tail must take place or, if Whiz missed a beat in his preferred rhythm, a hot tongue slashed out at the errant hand. Soon Whiz got the hang out of what Wag expected of her by watching Aunt Pigtail who used the proper stroke and rhythm with Wiggles. Whiz saw immediately that the cocker spaniels ruled in her aunt’s house, just how things were with her mother and her spaniel “Cuddles ” in Urbanna.
Whiz began relating her sad tale. “The worst part is Mother is writing the crime story almost as it takes place, although she is one step ahead of Snark!”
“Well, you know your mother. She loves to write and she usually is one step ahead of the pack.”
“But now the really insane part … just before I left Urbanna she said that her perpetrator was having a change of heart and starting to feel terrible about what he had done! In her book he has decided to take the map back to the museum and give himself up! I told Mother her crime story would be a big flop! Whoever heard of a heist when the perpetrator has a pang of consciousness and decides to take the loot back?!”
“Well, it isn’t such a bad idea, Whiz. Even though Snark didn’t get the Mitchell Map, I heartily recommend that he return to Urbanna, turn himself in for the break in, and make restitution for any damages.”
“Well, I can’t reach him. He is fleeing south on his sailboat and probably has no way to recharge his phone or send or receive an email.”
Just then Whiz’s cellphone rang. It was Snark! “Where are you?” she shouted over the phone with a note of hysteria in her voice, as if she really cared.
“I’m at a marina in Charleston, Whiz! It was great having a hot shower and good meal after a week of cold and rain! I even managed to do a load of laundry. I have clean clothes on!” he added with real joy in his voice.
“What? What? Charleston, South Carolina? But I’m in Charleston!”
“You are? That’s incredible! What are you doing in Charleston?”
“What am I doing in Charleston? I’m visiting my Aunt Pigtail for a few days! You’ve met her. Last Christmas, remember? What are YOU doing in Charleston?!”
“I needed supplies and this marina was convenient. Yes, I remember that lady with braids down to her waist. Nice lady. I’m at the marina right next to the Waterfront Park. Where are you?”
“Why you’re just several blocks away from my aunt’s house! She’s at the corner of Queen and Church. Look for the sign that says “Jolly Corner.” Why don’t you come over? She is just now taking out of the oven a batch of her famous ginger cookies. “
“I can’t believe you are here in Charleston! What a streak of good fortune! What’s the address again?” Snark scribbled down the Church Street address and signed off. He was on Aunt Pigtail’s doorstep within minutes, as if he had run, not walked, to the Jolly Corner.
Whiz was waiting at the door with the two dogs when he rang the bell. The dogs, expecting attention, let out a duet of howls as Snark ignored them while planting a kiss on Whiz’s lips.
“How dare you keep kissing me?” Whiz cried furiously pushing him away. Wag was also highly offended and growled his disapproval.
“Please pet the dogs, Snark!” They aren’t used to being ignored! I don’t believe they will allow you to go up the stairs to the sitting room if you don’t give them their rightful due!”
“Well, OK, but I’m here to see you, not to pet a couple of mongrels!”
Whiz was visibly angered. “What an outrageous thing to say!”
“And now I even get roughly pushed away when I kiss you? I thought you still loved me!
“I would never waste my affection on a crook! A sailing bum! A first-degree bone head!”
Snark laughed as he leaned down to give proper attention to Wag and Wiggles who by their response showed they had forgiven him his early faux pas. “Now, Whiz, can I come in?”
Whiz stepped aside as he made his way up the creaky wood stairs of the old home with the dogs and Whiz in pursuit. Aunt Pigtail came out from the kitchen bearing cookies and tea to say hello and then excused herself saying she had to run some errands and quickly headed out the door. The magic in Aunt Pigtail was her good sense to leave whenever she somehow understood she should not hang around for chitchat.
And now for Whiz and Snark to talk. How to resolve this problem with the break-in at the Urbanna Museum and an attempt to steal the famous Mitchell map?
