Cat and Mouse

Chapter 5

Hello, my name is Sydney Drews. I'm investigating a kidnapping and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?" One worker, a man who appeared to be in his late thirties, nodded, and the other, a young girl, stopped what she was doing.

Sydney spoke to the man first. His name was Tom Rahlin. He was 39 years old, and seemed to be very friendly. He spoke kindly of Lily and her brother Percy.

"Is this all you do for a living, work in a donut shop?" Sydney asked him.

"I also show and breed mice."

Sydney nearly spit out the sip of water she had just taken.

"You show what?"

"Mice. Winnin' mice, I might add. The prize money ain't much, but it helps pay the bills."

Sydney raised her eyebrows. "Thank you for your time Mr. Rahlin, it was much appreciated. You can leave."

Tom crept out, closing the shop behind him - it should've been closed half an hour ago.

Avery Adams, sixteen, was a very kindhearted girl. She had been working at the donut shop for nearly six months, and she also spoke well of Lily, claiming her to be a "cutie."

"Did you notice anything strange about Lily yesterday?" Sydney asked.

"Not really. The shop was busy, so I couldn't pay much attention. I noticed that she looked a bit spooked when Mr. Rahlin pulled her aside to talk, but she is pretty shy. I heard him say something to Lily, that she should have her friend Jessie spend the night or something. Lily seemed happy, but then Mr. Rahlin said something else and Lily got this terrified look on her face. He seemed very stern, and his eyes looked threatening. He's normally so nice, it was odd to see him like that."

Sydney thanked Avery. As she left the shop, the television caught her eye. A black Dodge Stratus had been stolen from the local dealership. The man was described as wearing a flannel shirt, and appearing to be in his early twenties.

Sydney gathered her things and headed out. She got in her pickup and almost laughed at the irony. Driving by was a sleek, black Stratus, complete with a driver in a flannel.