Chapter 12. Kit Baxter practically skipped into the crime lab. It took her some time to settle down after a normal evening's activities as the flying squirrel, but tonight her adrenaline was still racing three hours after the explosion at Northcott's grocery. She spotted the red panda at one of his workbenchers peering into the microscope.

He did not look up as she approached.

Get it? he asked.

Got it, she said, putting the grapple gun down on the table.

Good, the Red Panda said, looking up at last with a half grin.

That was quick thinking, saving that young policeman's life kit.

But that could have been a little complicated.

He started to turn back to the eyepiece.

I think it already is, she said, knowing it would turn his gaze back to her.

What makes you say that, he said, as he did exactly that?

Well, think about it, boss, she said, plunking down on a stool and resting her elbows on the table. That wasn't a detective's badge. He's a constable, a patrolman. So why was he carrying

it went out of uniform? The Red Panda finished her line of questioning for her. Right, to say nothing of

the revolver. It's interesting, and he was way out of his

neighborhood, so he wasn't heading home after his shift. Perhaps he was out for a stroll, he said

facetiously. A stroll? He was miles from home, and he decided to pick up a few things in a shop

practically identical to the one across from his house?

He smiled.

I grant you it seems less than likely, but given the rumors of new crime in the area, she cut him off.

So the cops decided to send in a single flat foot in plain clothes from the wrong division.

He laughed.

All right.

You've sold me. He's officially under suspicion.

...