Why was it always a constant struggle?
Babs cleared her throat with a gulp of cherry soda. “If Basil’s no longer on my team, I’ll have to prove I’m the better Sherlock Holmes.”
It was never easy being on her own after she annulled her marriage. Now, she lived in a decrepit hotel and seemed to have lost all of her collaborators, but for the love of dogs, she wouldn’t allow her investigation to crumble.
Starting out as one of those dreaded silent afternoons, the phone finally rang.
“This is Howard Strickling from MGM’s publicity department. Is this Babs?”
“Yes, how can I help you?”
“I heard from the producers, director, and trainers on the Thin Man films that they’ve hired you to track down our missing pup.”
“Correct.”
“You must swear to secrecy about this, because if this leaks out, we’re doomed. Our biggest animal star is also missing.”
Bigger than Asta? “Who?”
“Toto, from The Wizard of Oz—the most sought-after dog in America. After our film’s overwhelming box office success, every child in America has begged their parents to buy them a dog resembling the little critter. You, too, I bet.”
“Sir, do you have any leads?”
“We don’t. That’s why we’re turning to you. Since you’ve kept the Asta ordeal under wraps so far, we’re counting on your discretion to do the same with Toto, who has a much higher public profile. Ask anyone on the street. They’ll know his name and what he looks like.”
Babs wasn’t sure she should mention anything about losing her detective partner, or her prior, but tight-lipped, alliance with Basil Rathbone. If Guy was still around, she’d have no qualms about taking on this case.
“Please tell me more about Toto,” she said.
“Toto is a female Cairn Terrier, and her real name is Terry,” he explained. “Her trainer is Carl Spitz, who runs the Hollywood Dog Training School. He used to train dogs for the military during WWI. Toto did a few other films before The Wizard of Oz. We’re willing to triple the offer we gave you for Asta if you decide to help us out.”
“Three thousand dollars?”
“Pennies from Heaven, just like the Bing Crosby film, if that’s your fancy.”
Babs reached for her soda and forced the sweet bubbly liquid down her throat.
“Hello? Are you there?”
She hoped he didn’t hear her burp. “Here’s a question: where and when did you realize Toto was missing?”
“Lady, I was elsewhere and don’t know. That’s why I’m paying you to find out.”
He’s not being helpful.
“You might have to interview the entire cast of The Wizard of Oz, not just the major actors.”
“Including the Munchkins?” That could be quite a few. She started to perspire.
“We’ll provide everyone’s contact information. They always need to be accessible. This is our second highest-grossing film, surpassed only by Gone With the Wind, and we’re always quick to jump at any opportunity to promote it further.”
“Understandable.” Babs patted off her sweaty forehead with her handkerchief.
“How much of an advance would you need to get started? I can send over a messenger this afternoon with cash and a contract.”
Not only do I need my partner, but I need the real Sherlock Holmes.
Babs came down with a case of the hiccoughs. Her brain took a back seat as her tongue did the talking. “Five hundred—hic—to start.”
“Great! Then it’s a done deal. I’ll have our legal department draw up the paperwork. Expect our messenger sometime between four and five this afternoon.”
She summoned false confidence. “I’ll take personal responsibility to sign it in his presence, so he can return with everything in order.”
“Perfect!” Strickling said. “Oh, and one last thing. A minor detail. We have a deadline for the return of our little star.”
Suddenly, her mouth became dry; she took a quick swig.
“We need him groomed and picture-ready for all the press photographers within two weeks. Otherwise, the deal’s off…and we’ll expect you to return your retainer.”
Babs spit her cherry soda all over her desk and paperwork.