Siamese sings for his supper
by Helen Modiri
Iggy thanked the crow and headed off to look for Walenda. He'd only gone a few paces when someone said from behind him:
"I hear you're looking for me, Ig."
The lizard whipped around and looked up into bright eyes. Walenda leaped down from his perch on the Mad Hatter and came up to Iggy.
"Yeah Wally, I heard you were in the area yesterday and might have witnessed an altercation between Sammy the squirrel, two pigeons and a cat."
"I saw them," Walenda said matter-of-factly.
"Well I'm investigating Sammy's murder and would appreciate some help,"Iggy explained.
"Sure Ig, I'll help you...for a price."
Iggy rolled his eyes. He'd dealt with this feline before and knew it was gonna cost him. "Ok, how much this time?"
"Seeing as how if I talk I could be putting my sixth life on the line, let's say three tuna steaks, some roast beef, and a kilo of cat nip."
"That's pretty steep Wally--but you got a deal. I'll have it delivered to the usual place."
Walenda's ears moved around like satellite dishes. Satisfied that there was no threat, he began his tale. "I was doing my noon patrol of the territory when I came across Sammy, the birds - Bonnie and Clyde, and Maxxy the Manx from over on Broadway. Bonnie and Clyde, as many know, work for Maxxy. They case the park looking for anything sparkly then swoop down and grab it. Then the cat hocks it and passes them a cut of the money. Apparently Sammy stole a ring that the birds had been about to pick off so they went and told Maxxy he was getting in their way. I heard Max tell the squirrel to find a new home or else. I had to go get my lunch then so that's all I know."
"Thanks Wally, you've been helpful. Do you know where I might find Maxxy or his cronies?"
"Maxxy hangs out in front of CATS most days and right about now Bonnie and Clyde should be taking their daily bath in the fountain. Remember, you didn't hear any of this from me."
"Yeah I got it Wal..."Iggy looked up from his notes but the cat was gone.
Iggy goes in search of: