Case #2a: Mad as a Hat

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Lightly sipping at the faintly fragranced drink, Detective looked over the delicate envelope in the attic, where he stored old case files and research materials. With a slightly troubled look, he picked at the envelope, revealing a hidden compartment inside the pocket. He carefully took out a folded note from the secret compartment and read over the request. In the same neat writing as on the letter contained a second request from Miss Line.

To unlock the mystery...

Dear Detective, concerning the information on Paddington, I do not mean a simple background check on some common stuffed animal toy. I would like an in-depth look into the Paddington that I have in my possession. However, I cannot leave the bear in your hands. Thus, you must come to my residence to investigate the history of the Paddington. This is a serious matter that I do not wish for many people to learn, so please do not share my real request with just anyone.

Much appreciated,

Fey Line

Detective pocketed the note and made plans for a trip to see this mysterious Paddington in Miss Line’s care. He wondered for a second about whether to tell Yun about this secretive case.

“SO MUCH PAPERWORK!!! That child is the devil…threatening me with no dinner if I didn’t get all these cases in order…and what does he mean by ‘Assistant Yun’ when I am obviously an amazing bodyguard. Ah, the SORROW!!!” Yun roared from the second floor.

Upon hearing the somewhat muffled voice from below the floor, the boy detective decided against telling him. He is much too vocal to keep a secret, and I also know nothing of this strange assistant, Detective thought to himself. Satisfied with his plans, Detective decided to look through some books to see if he can find something on the stuffed animal.

Ding. Ding. The rusty doorbell rang through the Detective Agency.

“I’ll get it!” called Yun. “So I can stop organizing those files,” he whispered happily under his breath.”

“Welcome to Detective Agency, the best private investigators in the land of…” Yun suddenly paused in the middle of his sentence. Hmm, this is awkward. I forgot this country’s name. He secretly thought to himself and gave a nervous laugh.

Fortunately, the old man at the doorway did not seem to be paying attention and only said, “Excellent, excellent.”

Seeing that the situation was under control, Yun led the old man to the second floor study.

“Tea?”

“Why yes, youth!”

At that moment, the boy detective entered the room.

“Make that three cups of tea,” Detective addressed Yun. “And welcome to Detective Agency sir. How may I be of service,” he greeted his guest calmly.

“Ah, right to the point. I suppose I should hide this any longer,” the old man stated as he pulled out a floppy, Gatsby hat. “Today, I am here to discuss this hat that entered my possession last week.”

Yun sat the tea down at the small table in front of the old man and took a set in one of the wooden chairs that scattered across the room. 

“Would you tell us a the story behind the hat please?” Detective asked the old man calmly. “And take notes, assistant.” He stated flatly, which caused Yun’s expression to turn gloomy.

Lightly laughing at the exchange, the old man contently shared the story behind the hat. However, the conversion slowly evolved into something entirely different. In the end, the old man and Yun were talking excitedly about world traveling. Detective observed the conversion silently and only added small remarks a few time.

Sipping the last of his tea, the young detective spoke up, “So, we will talk again tomorrow? Sir?”

Slightly startled from his discussion on traveling, the old man laughed cheerfully. “Ah, yes, of course! It is rather late now. I will see you both tomorrow,” he answered as he gathered his coat.

“I’ll walk you to the door gramps!” Yun volunteered.

“Oh, how thoughtful, young man.” The old man happily accepted the offer and stepped toward the stairs. “Ah. One more thing.” He stopped and turned around to face the boy detective. “Please accept this old hat as a token of my gratitude for this delightful conversation,” he said kindly as he held out the hat to Detective.

Taking a good look at the old man, the boy detective replied, “Thank you very much. I will be sure to take good care of it.” He gently took the hat from the smiling old man.

“Well, must be off now. We will meet again soon young man,” said the old man as he walked out of the study.

Detective observed his guest and Yun from the landing as they conversed for a short time at the front door. He studied the shabby hat in his hand and made a mental note to buy the blended tea that the old man mentioned in one of his stories for tomorrow.