The Case of the Stolen Baseball(Charlotte Chan) The Case of the Stolen Baseball

Tonda Willis and Lee Adams carried their lunch trays to a table with their friend, Josh McKleanly. “Hi, Josh,” said Tonda. Josh muttered something. “Why you so glum, chum?” asked Lee, looking concerned. “Someone stole my signed baseball. The one I promised to show Calvin Moore,” Josh said miserably. “Don’t worry Josh. We’ll help you. Was it in your backpack?” asked Tonda, trying to be as supportive as possible. Josh nodded. “My backpack was in my locker and the only people who know my combination are Christopher Connolly, Tyler Samson and Sean King. Those are my suspects, especially since I caught them fighting on the soccer field,” Josh said. “Great,” said Lee. “Let’s go ask them. But first, when was it stolen and when did you see it last?” “Well, I checked on it before I left for English at 10:00am and when I recently checked at 10:30 it was gone,” explained Josh. “Okay. May we go to your locker to investigate for clues?” inquired Tonda. “Sure,” said Josh.

Josh’s locker was messy. It stank with the smell of stale Cheetos and had pencil stubs, dirt and forgotten homework assignments littering the floor. There was a little whiteboard that read DENTIST AFTER SCHOOL in Josh’s squiggly handwriting. Tonda wrinkled her nose.

“Hey guys, there’s Sean. Let’s go ask him,” said Lee running up to Sean. “Hi Sean,” he said. “What were you doing during 10 and 10:30?” asked Lee. “Oh, gym. Near your locker, right?” he asked Josh. “Uh huh,” replied Josh. Sean jammed his hands into his pockets. “’Kay Sean, gotta split,” called Lee and steered Josh and Tonda back into the cafeteria. “There’s Christopher,” said Lee, pointing at a crowded cafeteria table. They walked casually over to Christopher and asked as politely as they could (Christopher was truly intimidating) what he was doing. He just snapped at them that he was at math and to mind their own beeswax.
“Okay then,” said Tonda. “Where’s Tyler?” “Ummm…….. He’s over there,” said Josh pointing at a table by the window where Tyler and his friend Kirk Warren sat. The three marched across the cafeteria. “Hi Tyler, hi Kirk. What were you guys up to during 10 and 10:30?” questioned Tonda. “I was doing Spanish. Why?” asked Tyler. “Just feeling inquisitive,” responded Tonda.
“Hey dude, didn’t you just get that new game Realm of Shadows? That game totally rocks this planet,” gushed Kirk “Yup,” replied Josh. “Say, can I come over? We can play together............” Kirk said, trailing off. “Sorry dude. Josh has got a dentist appointment, correct?” Tyler said. Josh nodded.
“Bye guys. See ya around,” Lee said hastily and grabbed Tonda and Josh by their shoulders, leading them back to their table where lunch lay forgotten. “Who do you think it is?” Josh said eagerly. “I dunno, but that Kirk guy sure is rude for inviting himself over,” said Tonda with disgust. “Well I do,” Lee said proudly. “WHO?!” shout Tonda and Lee.
“It was Tyler. I knew because when Kirk invited himself over Tyler told him you weren’t available because of your appointment and he knew because of the note in your ratty locker,” Lee said, smiling smugly. “Wow, thanks Lee! And you, Tonda! For your help!” Josh said. “Now let’s go get that kid!”

---