06/14/2026
Good afternoon Detectives π΅οΈββοΈ π΅οΈββοΈ π πΎ π Mum had a rough go this morning but is finally feeling better. Here is today's story. And later in a new Whiskerville times issue. She forgot last week so it may just be an every other week issue hehe.
The hideout above Mrs. Tumbleweed's Bakery was unusually quiet.
Rain tapped softly against the windows as Skunky Luke studied a sketch of the silver badge Auren had drawn from memory. Marley sat beside him, her ears alert, while Auren stared out into the dark streets of Whiskerville.
"They're getting closer," Auren whispered.
Dr. Halloway folded his arms.
"You should turn her over to Perma."
The room instantly grew tense.
Skunky stared back silently.
Before he could answer, Marley stepped forward.
"Then you'll have to go through both of us."
The husky's blue eyes never left Dr. Halloway.
"He's my brother."
Skunky glanced at her.
Marley smirked.
"And brothers make terrible decisions when they're worried."
"I heard that."
"Good."
Despite the danger, Auren smiled for the first time all day.
For a moment, even Dr. Halloway seemed uncertain.
Then a loud knock rattled the door.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
Marley spun toward the entrance.
Dr. Halloway cautiously opened the door.
Standing outside were Bandit, Mr. Squibbles, Sally, Scout, Peter, Sandi, and Sherri.
"We came as fast as we could," Bandit said.
Mr. Squibbles hopped onto the table and pointed at the sketch.
"That's the symbol we found."
Everyone froze.
"You found it?" Skunky asked.
The squirrel nodded.
"Carved into a tree near the old railway tunnel."
Auren's face turned pale.
"Then they're already inside Whiskerville."
A distant whistle echoed through the rainy night.
Not a train whistle.
A signal.
Dr. Halloway looked toward the window and muttered something under his breath.
"What is it?" asked Marley.
The doctor adjusted his glasses.
"For years I hoped this day would never come."
Skunky narrowed his eyes.
"You know who they're looking for."
Dr. Halloway sighed.
"No."
He looked directly at Auren.
"I know what they're looking for."
The room fell silent.
Outside, hidden among the rooftops, a shadowy figure watched the bakery.
The silver badge gleamed beneath the moonlight.
And for the first time, Inspector Skunky Luke realized this wasn't just another mystery.
To Be Continued... β¨