THE JIVE TONES

Norman Flagg was one of the coolest cats around. He was a successful private investigator and in his spare time was part of Zephyr City’s most popular jazz trio, The Jive Tones. There was a real buzz in the town the past few days as the citizens were getting ready to celebrate Emmanuel Luboya’s birthday. Emmanuel was a world famous author and footballer who was born and raised in Zephyr City. After finishing his latest book tour, he was ready to head home to his adoring fans.

This was no ordinary homecoming for Emmanuel as he would be turning 13 today.  Yep, he's a teenager now. There were many events planned throughout the day and evening including parades, speeches, concerts and fireworks, capped off by a black-tie gala at the Mayor's mansion.

The day-long celebrations would culminate in a huge surprise party for Emmanuel at the Mayor’s mansion. Media from across the globe had gathered from across the globe to capture all of the excitment happening in Zephyr City. It seemed as though everybody was looking forward to this joyous event. Well, maybe not everybody now that I think about it.

Leading up to the massive celebration the Mayor and the local police department had been receiving some cryptic letters. Not sure if the words letters were meant to be dangerous, the Chief passed them on to local hotshot P.I., Norman Flagg. “Flagg, I need your help. I have most of the city’s police force working the Luboya event. I don’t have the time or manpower to look into these threats.” “No sweat Daddy-O. I’ll look into it. You dig?" "Um, yeah. I dig" the Chief awkwardly replied.  

On the way back to his office, Flagg began to sense that he was being followed. A big black car had been tailing him ever since he left the police station. Flagg glanced a few times in his rear view mirror before the car eventually disappeared. Was it a mere coincidence or was somebody actually following him? And if so, why? Did it have something to do with his latest case. When Flagg arrived at his office he paused and looked around but there was no black car in sight.

“Any messages Zara?” Flagg asked his secretary. “Nothing new to report but the tuxedo rental store said that you can pick up your tux for Mr.Luboya’s party anytime.”  Flagg could hear something or someone rustling in the bushes outside his office. “It’s a bomb! Zara get down!” Peggy began to dance around the office. "That's not what I meant!" Flagg chuckled. The bomb was a dud as it fizzled out harmlessly. Flagg stormed out the front door. “Where are you going Norman?” Zara questioned her boss. “I want to find out who’s been messing with me and why?”

Flagg raced over to the parking garage where he began to hear footsteps behind him. He wasn’t imagining things. Somebody was stalking him.  A man jumped Flagg from behind but was caught and thrown onto the hood of a nearby car.  “Why are you following me?” Flagg yelled at his would-be assailant. “Don’t hurt me man. I was sent to keep you away from the big celebration at the Mayor’s mansion tonight” the man nervously responded. “But why?” Before the man could answer he passed out from all the stress he was under. “I gotta get to the Mayor’s mansion!” Flagg cried out.

The Mayor’s mansion was beginning to fill up as hundreds of Zephyr’s citizens were ready to celebrate Emmanuel’s 13th birthday bash. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We are tonight’s entertainment!”a familiar looking character announced. The guests suddenly grew quiet as they were perplexed about what was going on. Was this all part of some show planned for the evening? “Now where is Sqirrel Cop?” the leader shouted at the stunned group of onlookers. “My name is Michael B. Rose and these are my associates, The Milan Syndicate. You may remember me from the ‘Squirrel Cop’ book.”

“Weren’t you blown up in that book?” one of the guests asked. “I survived! I went into hiding and plotted my revenge.  At first I wanted to go after Squirrel Cop but then I saw that Zephyr City was planning a huge party for Emmanuel. If anyone deserves a party it’s me. I survived a freaking explosion! So it’s time to party.” But nobody moved a muscle as the guests remained frozen with fear. “I said it’s time to party! Somebody play some music!” A lone trumpeter then launched into a blistering solo. "Ahh, that's more like it" Rose mused.