Sharply Observant

Arthur is thinking of going out to the shed, to pack Gaius's bicycle.

But it's freezing outside.

Ding dong! He hears the front door bell.

It's Sweezus.

Hey, bro, says Sweezus. You cranked up the heating!

I was cold, says Arthur.

You should've put on a jumper, says Sweezus.

This was easier, says Arthur. Gaius won't mind. I've just been talking to him.

Yeah? says Sweezus. He in Düsseldorf yet?

Just got there, says Arthur. Wanted me to find him accommodation.

A cheap backpackers? says Sweezus. How'd you go?

I picked the first one that came up, says Arthur. Max Brown Hotel Midtown. Close to the hotspots, luxury brand shopping, and the longest bar in the world.

Man! says Sweezus. That doesn't sound like Gaius.

He'll like it, says Arthur. The rooms are tiny.

Sweezus looks doubtful.

........

Düsseldorf Airport.

The policeman stops.

Gaius looks up at the policeman.

Victor! says Gaius. What are you doing here?

Seconded, says Victor. What are you doing here?

Here for the Tour, says Gaius.

With a suspicious parcel, says Victor.

Nothing gets past you, Victor, says Gaius. In fact, this is a valuable stuffed Barbados racer. I intend to present it to the Natural Science Museum.

Let's see it, says Victor.

Gaius tips out the stuffed snake.

It's broken, says Victor, who is trained to be sharply observant.

So it is, says Gaius. The end of the tail's broken off. Where is it?

He shakes out the bread bag. Nothing. Not even a bread crumb.

It's been nibbled, says Victor.

It has, agrees Gaius. I can only reach one conclusion.

Just then Tiny Sacrifice, Terence and Ageless return from the toilet.

Travelling with the usual suspects I see, says Victor. Except for this one.

My parrot, says Terence.

You never learn, do you, says Victor.

Learn what? asks Terence.

The difference between species, says Victor. How would you like to be a policeman?

Yay! says Terence.

That's just it, says Victor. You couldn't be. This is a baby snake. Am I right or am I right, Gaius?

This is the culprit, says Gaius. Tiny, did you take a bite of the stuffed snake from which you were meant to draw comfort?

Hee-hee, sniggers Ageless. That's why he took so long in the toilet.

It's not funny, says Tiny.

No, it isn't, says Gaius. How can I present it to the Science Museum in this condition?

Tell you what, says Victor. It might be easily fixed with a police issue pencil sharpener.

Mercury's mandibles! says Gaius. What a clever suggestion. Do you have one?

Not on me, says Victor. Would you like to accompany me to the nearest police station?

No, I must check into my accommodation, says Gaius. Kreuzsstrasse 19A. Do you know it?

Victor punches the address into his German police phone.

Max Brown, whistles Victor. Very classy! Close to luxury shopping and the world's longest bar. That's not like you.

Gaius frowns.

But the rooms are quite tiny, says Victor.

Gaius stops frowning. Of course. He can always trust Arthur.