The Cat's Paw

by Kat Shepherd

  “And I’m afraid that means that stealing the red panda was a hired job,” Bermudez said. “She most likely handed him off to her employer the same night she took him. Thanks for all your help; you’ve given us a huge lead in the Cat’s Paw case.”

  “But what about our case?” Sophia asked. “Are you still going to help us find Marvin?”

  “I don’t want you to try to find anyone, okay? The Cat’s Paw has worked for some very dangerous people, so you need to let us take it from here.” He gently ushered the kids out of the apartment. “Officer Cho is waiting downstairs to drive you home.”

  The kids found themselves standing alone in the long hallway, staring at a blank, white door.

  “Wait, what just happened?” Evie asked.

  “I have no idea,” Vishal said.

  “I do.” Sophia wilted against the wall. “It means they’ll probably never catch the real kidnappers. And we’re still no closer to finding Marvin.”

  ***

  The next day at lunch Vishal and the twins poked listlessly at the food on their trays, and Sophia barely touched her California roll. “I don’t understand it,” Zach said. “We managed to prove that Marvin was kidnapped and identify the person who kidnapped him, but now we lost the only real lead we have?”

  “Not to mention the city council is still planning to vote on destroying B-17 on Monday,” Sophia said bitterly.

  Evie dropped her spork in disgust. “But that’s so unfair! We have proof that B-17 is innocent. Why aren’t they showing it on the news? If people only knew the truth, they wouldn’t let something like this happen!”

  “Detective Bermudez said something about ‘not wanting to compromise the investigation,’ whatever that means,” Zach said. “He said if the kidnappers figure out that we know Marvin wasn’t really eaten, they’ll go underground and then we may never find him.”

  “But if we don’t get Marvin back in the next four days, you know how the city council is gonna vote on B-17,” Evie said. “Sure, solving a case takes time, but that’s time that little bobcat doesn’t have.”

  Sophia rested her chin in her hand and picked at a scratch on the Formica tabletop. “All that work, and we’re right back where we started: with absolutely nothing. And without Bitsy, we still have no idea who’s really behind the kidnapping.”

  “Wait a minute,” Vishal said. “We do still have one other lead.” He pulled out his phone. “Remember? The red panda ad!”

  Sophia lifted her head and a glint of interest flitted across her face. “Is the ad still up?”

  “Let me see,” Vishal said. He tapped the screen and shook his head. His shoulders slumped. “The whole website’s gone. That means either the DNR and Animal Control shut it down, or the kidnappers got wind someone was onto them and shut it down themselves.”

  “So, basically it’s either really good news or really bad news,” Zach said.

  “If Marvin wasn’t found yet, then it can mean only bad news. Now we don’t even have the ad to go on,” Sophia said glumly.

  “Hang on,” Vishal said. “Let me check the email address we created. Maybe the kidnappers wrote back before the site was shut down.” A few moments later he let out a high-pitched squeal of triumph. “Yesssss! It’s here!” The others crowded around the tiny screen. “I don’t get it,” Evie said. “All it says is ‘Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve,’ and then there’s just a link.”

  Vishal tapped on the link, and the four kids were silent for a moment as they figured out what it meant. “Um,” Vishal finally said, “do any of you know how to dance?”

  CHAPTER

  21

  “This must mean that the kidnappers want to rendezvous at the Wabasha Street Cave Swing Night tonight at seven,” Vishal said. “And ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ must be a hint for how to let the kidnappers who to look for. Like a signal.”

  “Why would they bring Marvin to a crowded swing dance party?” Sophia asked. “Wouldn’t he be noticed?”

  “Not necessarily,” Evie said. “In fifth grade we went on a guided tour of the caves, and they stretch way beyond the part with the restaurant and nightclub. The tour guide even showed us a part of a side cave where some squatters camped out for months without anyone knowing they were there.”

  “So the kidnappers could be holding Marvin in one of the side caves without anyone finding them,” Sophia said thoughtfully.

  “Why not?” Vishal asked. “It would be a good hiding place. All we have to do is watch everyone at the swing dance and see if anyone sneaks away. Then we follow them to Marvin. Easy peasy!”

  “Wait a second,” Zach said. “There are about a million holes in this plan. First of all, there’s no way four kids can just show up at Swing Night on our own. We’d stick out like a bunch of sore thumbs! And what if the person behind the kidnapping is someone who knows us, like Dr. Chang? We’ll get recognized in a heartbeat! Plus the kidnappers are setting up a meeting, right? They’re expecting to meet some adult who’s ready to buy a red panda. If nobody shows, they’re gonna get suspicious.” He folded his arms. “I say we tell Detective Bermudez and have him go in undercover.”

  “Are you kidding?” Sophia asked. “After the way he just booted us off the case? We were the ones who put all the clues together, and he treated us like we were nothing but a bunch of kids.”

  “But we are a bunch of kids,” Zach said. “Just because we solved one case in our lives, it doesn’t make us professional detectives. What if we screw up?”

  “So what if we do?” Sophia shot back. “Adults screw up all the time, and nobody tells them to stay home. What makes them any better than us?” She shook her head. “Besides, somebody must have tipped off Bitsy and given her time to skip town before the cops arrived. And until we know who the leak is, we can’t trust anyone in the police department. We don’t want the kidnappers to get tipped off again and disappear before we find Marvin.”

  “I get what you’re saying, but I think Zach’s right,” Evie said. “There’s too much risk in going alone.”

  “Maybe we could convince our parents to pretend to be the buyers,” Sophia suggested.

  “Would yours do it?” Evie asked.

  Sophia slumped. “Probably not. They would say the whole thing is way too dangerous.”

  “Mine, too,” Vishal said.

  “Yeah,” Evie agreed. “Our mom may be a crime reporter, but she’s still a mom. I think she’d rather keep us out of it.”

  “Exactly,” Zach said. “And since none of our parents will agree to come along, we have no choice but to leave it to the professionals. That’s the smart thing to do.”

  “There could be another option,” Vishal said. “All we have to do is find an adult who looks like someone with money. Someone who seems like they would buy a red panda, right?”

  “Uh-huh,” Sophia agreed.

  “And someone who wouldn’t be all overprotective and say it’s too dangerous for us to come along,” Vishal continued.

  “Yeah,” Evie said, “but what reasonable adult would be like that?”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Vishal said casually. “I might be able to think of someone who matches that description.”

  Zach’s face twisted with distaste as comprehension dawned on him. “Oh, no way, Vish. You can’t be serious.”

  “Why not?” Vishal shot back.

  “Well, for one thing he can’t stand us,” Zach said. “I’m telling you, there’s absolutely no way he’d do it.”

  ***

  Gideon Doheny glowered at the four young detectives sitting across from him. “Let me get this straight. Not two days ago you were in this very office accusing me of Marvin’s kidnapping, and now you walk in here to ask me to take you to the Wabasha Street Caves tonight?”

  “And maybe do some dancing,” Vishal added.

  “And maybe do some dancing,” Gideon repeated skeptically. “And why would I want to do that, exactly?”

  “It’s for a scho
ol project,” Sophia said smoothly. She watched his face, waiting for the magic words to do their work.

  Gideon’s stony expression didn’t change. “Listen, kid. Don’t try to con me. I used that whole ‘school project’ line from second grade until I dropped out of college, okay?”

  “I . . . I wasn’t . . .” Sophia stammered, embarrassed to be caught in a lie. Her cheeks flushed bright pink.

  Gideon held up his hand. “Save it.” Sophia closed her mouth. “Look, if there’s something you’re trying to get from me, just give it to me straight. If I want to do it, I’ll do it. Otherwise, you can quit wasting my time and tell your story walking.”

  “‘Tell your story walking’?” Evie asked. “What does that mean?”

  “It means get out of here! So spill it or get lost so I can get back to work.”

  The Gemini Detectives looked at one another. What would Gideon say if they told him the truth? Would he try to stop them? Call their parents? The others finally nodded at Sophia. They were running out of time, and for better or for worse, they had to take a risk. Sophia took a deep breath and spilled the whole story. When it was over, Gideon’s face showed no expression. “So, will you do it?” Sophia finally asked.

  “Quite frankly, I don’t see why I should,” Gideon said.

  “What do you mean? You love red pandas! Don’t you want to help Marvin?”

  “If you’re right about what’s happening tonight, I could go on my own and buy Marvin myself. Why would I send him back to the zoo when I finally have the chance to own him as a pet?”

  Sophia’s voice was heated. “Because the zoo is Marvin’s home! And if you love Marvin as much as you say you do, you wouldn’t support him being kidnapped and given to people who don’t know the first thing about caring for him. Do you know how many animals die because of the exotic pet trade? It’s disgusting!”

  Gideon shrugged. “Like I said, animal rights are Abby’s thing, not mine.”

  Sophia was stunned into silence. Most adults she knew at least pretended to care about something besides themselves. She had never met a grown-up so unapologetically selfish before. She cast about desperately for something to say, but if Gideon wasn’t willing to lift a finger even to save his favorite animal, she couldn’t think of a single thing that would convince him to change his mind.

  Vishal tried another angle. He smiled and made his voice light and casual. “So, how are things with Abby these days?”

  Gideon grimaced. “She’s still pretty steamed about the whole zoo thing, and she wants me to stop helping Big Tommy run for mayor.” He shrugged helplessly. “But what am I supposed to do? The guy’s my friend.” He spread his hands on his desk. “She’s always so certain about right and wrong! It’s amazing; her moral compass never wavers.” He shook his head. “I’m telling you, sometimes I really don’t think I’m good enough for her.”

  “No kidding,” Evie mumbled.

  Vishal leaned back in his chair and tented his fingers. “Just imagine how impressed Abby would be to know that you played a pivotal role in saving Marvin.” He looked up at the ceiling. “She would probably even call you a hero.”

  Gideon brightened. “Do you really think so?”

  “Oh, definitely.” Vishal nodded vehemently. “If you showed her that you really care about animals, I bet she would totally stop being mad about the zoo. And if Marvin is found, I’m sure you could convince your friend Tommy to drop the whole B-17 thing.” He put his hands behind his head. “It’s pretty much a win-win.”

  Vishal could see his words turning over in Gideon’s mind. The businessman rubbed his chin, mulling it over. “I bet Abby would think it was pretty romantic if I swooped in and saved the day.” A small smile played across his lips. “I can just see it now, me coming out of the caves cradling that little red panda, and Abby crying tears of gratitude for my incredible act of heroism and self-sacrifice.”

  The twins raised their eyebrows at each other. There was no way either of them could see that happening, but they weren’t going to tell Gideon that. “Oh, totally!” Zach said with forced enthusiasm. “You’re so right!”

  If he caught their sarcasm, Gideon didn’t show it. “Okay, I’ll do it,” he said. “What should I wear?”

  ***

  The swing dance party was already well underway when Gideon and the kids arrived at the Wabasha Street Caves. The band onstage played a peppy tune as folks dressed in vintage clothing and elaborate hairdos artfully flung one another into the air and twisted back together again. The dance floor was bright with swirling skirts of every pattern and color of the rainbow. With his pinstriped zoot suit and gray fedora, Gideon blended in perfectly with the crowd. He straightened the monogrammed pink pocket square in his jacket, and the ruby-red heart pinned to his right sleeve flashed under the golden lights of the lobby. His face fell when he saw the four teens leaning against the wall in a shadowy corner. “What the heck are you supposed to be?”

  “We still think Dr. Chang might be behind the kidnapping, so we went undercover in case he’s here,” Vishal said. His spiky hair had been smoothed flat and slicked straight back. It gleamed like patent leather. With his dark suit and tie, he looked like he worked at a funeral home.

  “What did you use in your hair?” Evie asked. “It looks . . . sticky.”

  “Don’t ask,” Vishal said. “And whatever you do, don’t touch it.” He nudged Zach and Evie with his elbows. “Nice threads.”

  Zach was dressed in a white sailor suit with a matching cap set at a rakish angle, and Evie wore a gold-sequined flapper dress with her twist-outs pinned up under a gold satin cloche hat. “They’re the costumes from our tap-dancing recital last year.”

  Vishal grinned. “Oh, trust me. I remember.”

  “And what about you?” Gideon asked Sophia.

  “Well, Dr. Chang knows me the best, so I couldn’t take any chances. My disguise is perfect, if I do say so myself.” Sophia patted her long red wig and batted her eyes behind rhinestone-studded glasses. Her outfit was a crazy mishmash of party clothes from the fifties, sixties, and seventies.

  “You look like the Little Mermaid fell into a thrift store reject bin,” Vishal said.

  “Exactly,” Sophia answered. “Anyone who’s ever met me knows I wouldn’t be caught dead in this getup. My fashion sense is impeccable.”

  “Whatever,” Gideon said. “I told Abby to meet me here at eight, so we need to hurry up and rescue that panda before she arrives. I need her to see me saving the day.” He peered into the dance hall. “What do I have to do?”

  “Just act normal and wait for someone to contact you,” Evie said. “We’ll be watching nearby. And if someone leads you away, make sure it’s noticeable so we can follow you.”

  Gideon nodded and walked into the dance hall, and the kids followed a few moments later, keeping a safe distance. Gideon sidled up to the bar, making sure his heart pin was easily visible. His eyes slowly scanned the room.

  Sophia, Vishal, and the twins noticed a few teens standing in a group, and they edged into the fringes, hoping to blend in. Suddenly the band started playing a new song and the group flocked onto the dance floor, leaving the four exposed. “What do we do?” Evie asked.

  Sophia grabbed Vishal’s hand. “We dance.”

  Evie stopped her. “Hold up. I’m not dancing with my own brother.” She tapped Vishal. “Come on, Vish.” Vishal followed her onto the floor.

  Zach and Sophia looked at each other. In her heels Sophia towered over Zach, who was already small and slight for his age. “I guess we’re doing this,” Zach said. “Do you know how to swing dance?”

  “Not really. I take ballet,” Sophia said. Her voice was distracted as she searched the room, hunting for Marvin’s kidnappers. Gideon still stood alone at the bar. “But how hard can it be?” A nearby girl sailed into the air as her partner flipped her. “Oh,” Sophia said.

  “Come on,” Zach said. “We can just do the basic step.” He showed her how to move her feet. �
�And don’t forget to smile. We’re supposed to be having fun, so stop looking like you’re casing the place.”

  The four danced across the room with smiles plastered on their faces, their eyes darting through the crowded club in search of anyone who might try to contact Gideon. “Still no sign of Dr. Chang,” Sophia said softly. In fact she didn’t notice anyone familiar.

  After they made a few circuits of the dance floor, Zach stood on tiptoe to whisper in Sophia’s ear. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

  CHAPTER

  22

  “Gideon’s not the only one with a heart pinned to his sleeve,” Zach whispered. “What do you think it means?”

  “I don’t know, but look,” Sophia whispered back. “The people with the hearts are disappearing from the room. Do you think they’re the kidnappers? Why are there so many of them?” They danced over to Evie and Vishal and told them what they had noticed.

  “Where’s Gideon?” Evie asked. His spot at the bar was empty. “Is he on the dance floor?” The distinctive gray felt hat was nowhere to be seen.

  “He must have slipped out with the others,” Zach said.

  “Shoot,” Sophia hissed. “He was supposed to give us some kind of sign he was leaving so we could follow him. Maybe he double-crossed us and decided to take Marvin for himself!”

  “I don’t think he’d do that,” Zach said. “Would he?”

  “I don’t know, but whatever he’s doing, we have to find him,” Evie said. “Let’s search the caves.”

  Zach folded his arms. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We don’t know where we’re going. What if we get lost?” He pulled out his phone. “Now it’s really time to call Detective Bermudez.”

  “Good luck with that,” Sophia said. “We’re underground, so if you want to get a signal, you’re going to have to go outside.” She started walking over to a doorway marked PRIVATE: GUIDED TOUR GROUPS ONLY. “And by the time you get back in, we’ll be long gone.” Evie and Vishal followed close behind her.