The Plot
Mayor
Joe Possumz, who's just announced that he'll be running for his fourth
term as mayor of Elmtown in the fall elections, is in the reviewing stand
for the 4th of July parade, waving and wearing his now-famous,
red-white-and-blue bowtie.
As the final
drum-and-bugle corps passes by, the mayor bites into a hot dog coated with
traditional brown mustard and topped off with a dark-green dill pickle.
When he finishes the culinary treat, Possumz wipes the perspiration off
his brow, smiles faintly at the crowd and collapses. To the amazement of
those nearby, the local doctor rushes to him, checks for a pulse, and
pronounces him dead.
Twelve years ago, when Mayor Possumz
was first elected to office, the Elmtown parade was a ten-minute affair,
consisting of four units and a lot of fire trucks. With the mayor's
backing, the parade has become a holiday extravaganza. The 80-plus units
in the parade now take two hours to pass by the official civic reviewing
stand, strategically positioned in front of City Hall where the mayor
gazes with pride at the event that he has built and nurtured.
But, any politician is only as
secure as his last controversial decision ... and the mayor has made many
enemies over the years. Could one of them have done him in as he was
enjoying the latest version of his most noteworthy accomplishment?
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The
Suspects
Vern Fullerton
The part-time weatherman at the local
TV station, WORM. He was the grand marshal in the parade, riding in a
vintage Model A Ford.
Rhonda Ripley
Owner of Horsebalm Stables. She and her team of riders have been fixtures
in the parade for the last 10 years.
Rocky the Clown
A favorite with the kids of Elmtown. Behind the greasepaint is alderman
Rockwell Kenmore, who planned on running against the mayor in the upcoming
election.
Mona Minski
Head of the Elmtown "Marching Mommas." Every 4th of July, she relives her
cheerleading days at Elmtown High School by marching in the parade and
leading cheers all the way down Elm Street.
Albert Ames
Leader of the Elmtown Civic Band. He plays the piccolo and is renowned for
his solo in "Stars and Stripes Forever." Albert knows when anything in
Elmtown is off-key.
Dottie
Pinewood
Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 1776. She takes pride in winning the annual
prize for best float in the 4th of July parade.
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