The Case of the Mysterious Blackbird, Part Two

(Part One of “The Case of the Mysterious Blackbird” can be found here.)

The morning was cold and dreary. Egypt and the kits had settled down for their morning naps after breakfast. I chose to make my morning rounds through the quiet house. At the same time, I was trying to make sense of the Blackbird case. The questions outnumbered answers. More disconcerting, however, was the sudden silence Tuxie and I had encountered in our last visit. It seemed the “Ravens” had caught on to our presence.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Who could it be, especially this early. When I answered the door, much to my surprise, were the three tabs. They teleported over. I asked them what prompted them to make the trip. They believed their mom and dad were replaced by impostors. First, it was Sonny, the youngest tab, visiting the “fix it place.” Though not surprising, they were surprised that Sonny was tricked into taking his medication wrapped in a treat. And, it seemed their “mom and dad” had become all mushy and kissy. I told them that people go through their mushy and kissy phases, especially this time of the year. They needn’t worry about that, but this “pill pocket business” … that is a worry.

I didn’t want to scare them that this could be related to the “Raven” influence. I advised them to be extra careful and extra good. Not to do anything out of the ordinary. The “Ravens” could be watching for any opening to gain an advantage.

The tabs returned home after having some stinky goodness to fortify them. It’s important to eat more when you teleport in cold weather.

I had decided it was necessary that I needed to question a “Raven” or two. I asked Egypt to teleport in a couple, to see if they talked easily. While she was tracking which “Raven” to teleport in, I made sure each  interview room had their bright lights and audio-video recording devices in place.

The first “Raven” was a total bust when it came to questioning. All he could say was, “Nevermore, nevermore.” Nevermore, what? Not exactly talkative. The second “Raven” was more talkative, a football type of individual. But, he was worried about Egypt. He knew she was asking tough questions, and was afraid she would put the bitey on him if he didn’t have an answer. When I walked into the room, the second “Raven” seemed relieved.

He was ready to deal. He offered everything … his playbook, all the play signals he knew, reads, keys. He gave me everything he knew. A lot of information. Also, he said they would probably sign some free agents in the off-season. With the new drafted players, they would be more competitive. Competitive for what? On that part, he said that the hope would be a championship. A championship of what? Again, more questions.

The “Raven” said all the talk is now of the “Orioles,” that they headed south for spring training then return north for the season. I asked him if was sure about that, and he said he was. Now, why would birds be heading south for spring training, only to return north? Puzzling.

It seemed like the “Ravens” and “Orioles” were planning something. The “Orioles,” like the “Ravens,” are black in color, but with some bright orange colors thrown in. In many ways, this all sounded like a bad scene from the movie, “The Birds.” Of course, “The Birds” is all fiction. There wasn’t a single cat in that movie to take care of those birds.

While watching an old episode of Perry Mason, an idea struck me. I needed a contact in the Baltimore area. Paul Drake in Perry Mason always had a contact in another city, anywhere in the world. That’s what I needed. I asked if we knew anyone in the Baltimore area who could be our contact, someone who could blend in and ask the “right” questions. For awhile, we were stumped. No one came to mind. Then, I remembered Tracy.

I called Tracy if she could help out with the investigation. At first, the cute calico didn’t know. She didn’t want to jeopardize her position, which was understandable. But, when I filled in Tracy about the “Ravens” and “Orioles,” she was more than willing to provide any assistance she could.

A couple hours later, Tracy called. She said lots of people were speaking in hushed tones about the “Ravens.” But, when talk turned to the “Orioles,” the talk became loud and dismissive. They didn’t think the “Orioles” could deliver. As Tracy was about to tell more about the “Ravens” and “Orioles,” the telephone connection went dead.

End of Part Two

Coming in Part Three: Tracy is missing. Did she learn too much about the “Ravens” and the “Orioles”?

Meezer Rule: Carefully examine a treat before accepting it, especially if it is shaped like a ball.