The Case of The Strange Noise and The Missing Girl

Alistair got off to an unusually late start today, waking up at 1 pm. As he set his shop up in preparation opening for the day, a giant thunderbolt struck across the street from his shop. He stopped short, looked around, put down the open sign he clutched in his left hand, and walked out the door. The moment he saw the lightening bolt, Alistair had an idea. This could be his break back into the detective business. The other day, as he made casual conversation with some strangers, he had heard rumors about a girl who went to investigate some strange metallic noises in an old building next to castle apartments. The girl has not returned for a day and a half. At first, this news just seemed sad, and Alistair had not thought anything more about it. It never occurred to the somewhat naïve, loose-minded ex private eye that he could actually work on a case WITHOUT being hired first. Alistair was so excited as he ran toward Castle Apartments that he didn't even notice the downpour through which he waded. He took the steps two at a time, nearly running toward the fourth floor of Castle Apartments, and the last place Ethel Roberts was seen.

He knocked on the door. In a moment it was opened by a man with sullen face. Assuming this was Ethel's father Alistair said, “I have come to help you investigate the disappearance of your daughter and the source of the strange metallic sound from the building next door.” Ethel's father looked at him strangely. “Just who might you be?” he questioned. “I am Alistair Stratford Oxley, also known as the private detective of this town. You may know me as the owner of Jack's Jems.” “What, that old antique shop?” said Mr. Roberts. “Well I guess we'll take help from anyone we can get.” That was all he needed, and with a quick “thank you”, The Detective ran off toward the old building next to castle apartments.

As he approached the building, a background noise that he had heard for a long while grew in volume until it was apparent that it was the metallic noise in question. Although Alistair did not know how, he was sure that the noise and the disappearance of Ethel Roberts were connected. He slowly pushed open the door to the building. Inside it was dark, and the noise was so loud that it was almost unbearable. Alistair took out his flashlight and followed the noise through a twisting maze of doors until he found it's source. As he entered the room he braced himself for trouble, but when he opened it, he found an old, white haired man running a forge. Next to him, handing him chunks of metal, was none other than Ethel Roberts! Alistair came into the room and signaled for them to stop working. They looked surprised, but the man turned off the machine. “What are you doing in here Ethel?” said Alistair. “You're father is worried to death about you!” “I just came down to help this nice old man work his forge. I was bored with school, and I didn't have anything else to do. I don't know why, but Edith wouldn't come!” At least no one was hurt, thought Alistair. “Ok, well lets get back to your father now.” He said. The old man looked at him and said, “Hello, I'm the Blacksmith of Castle Apartments. I recently set up shop here in this abandoned building, and I will be opening up shop very soon. This young girl was helping me to create my first batch of useful tools and items. Come by anytime to look at my wares.” Looking towards Ethel, he said, “Bye Ethel, I'm sure I'll see you again soon!”

Alistair returned Ethel back to her father. He paid him a little and, more importantly, promised to spread the word about his detective business. He had done it, The Detective was back.