Sherman: Shell of Justice (Final)

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It was a normal day at the office. I was sitting at my desk thinking of the cup of coffee I had left at home when my partner approached. "Hey there, Sherman," he greeted me, cheer resounding from several feet above, "Sitting on your rock again, huh?" [[Hit him with the eye-narrow.|The Beginning - 2]](set: $hadCoffee = false)(set: $lastSeen = false)(set: $appearance = false)(set: $previousPassage = "The Beginning - 1")(set: $caseStarted = false)(set: $visitedTown = false)(set: $visitedCarrot = false)(set: $visitedCabbage = false)(set: $carrotSign = false)(set: $carrotEarth = false)(set: $cabbageNote = false)(set: $townNote = false)(set: $townBoard = false)(set: $notesFound = 0)

I narrowed my eyes in frustration, "Wembleton. This is my desk. You are late for work. Again. How many times do we have to go over this?" He ignored me, "I just want you to know that it's adorable how you have this whole make-believe world that you're so dedicated to. It's good for a turtle to have something to do." The eye-narrow had no effect. I realized then that I would have to try something different. [[Strike back with a slow, methodical facepalm|The Beginning - 3]]

With a foreleg to my head, I sighed, "I am not adorable. I am a seasoned crime fighter, and I will have you know that I have the case log to prove it," I slowly retrieved the book from beneath my desk. "It's adorable, Sherman, I'm happy for you," Wembleton replied with a smile I could hear better than I could see. Of all the reasons I kept that giraffe around, his intelligence was not chief among them. He had a good head on his shoulders, even if it spent most of its time thoroughly rooted in the clouds. [[Prepare for the day.|The Beginning - 4]]

In short order, my preparations were interrupted by the sight of a rabbit racing across my field of view. Without coffee I could hardly be prepared anyway, so it was a small loss. "Hey there!" I called out after a second to process, "What seems to be the hurry?" The rabbit skidded to a halt and looked at me, "Oh, hello there, Mr. Turtle! I'm just looking for my friend!" [[Dramatically rise from your seat.|The Beginning - 5]]

The dramatic rise lost a bit of effect from my short limbs, but the message was communicated nonetheless. "A missing hare caper? I'm on the case!" "Well I don't-" the rabbit squeaked, but I cut her off. "Worry not, citizen! Sherman and Wembleton are ready to roll!" "Are we?" Wembleton leaned down to look at me, "You haven't had your coffee yet." My partner was right, of course. Even he had the sense not to trifle with me too much before I'd really woken up. [[Roll anyway.|Let's Roll - 1]] [[Coffee break.|Coffee Break - 1]](set: $caseStarted = true)

With a weary sigh, I stretched my limbs and pulled my hat from under my desk. "There's no time for coffee. This citizen needs our help, and it's our duty as detectives to help her." With a start, I turned to the rabbit, "Her?" She nodded, "Her. And like I was saying, my friend isn't-" "Save your words, ma'am. We're professionals, we'll get to the bottom of this," I promised her. (set: $hadCoffee = false) [[Ask where she last saw her friend.|Questioning - Last Seen]] [[Ask what her friend looks like.|Questioning - Appearance]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

"You're right, Wembleton. A true detective would be nothing without a daily cup of joe to keep him going," I turned around with a grunt and started my trek back home for the cup I left behind. "Oh, Sherman, do you want me to grab your coffee for you?" the giraffe's voice broke into my thoughts. "I can get it to you faster so you can help Ms. Bunny over here." After a moment's consideration, I nodded, "Thank you, Wembleton." Perhaps my partner did have some sense to him. [[Ruminate groggily.|Coffee Break - 2]]

$hadCoffee["So, where did you last see your friend?" I asked, reaching under my desk to find my detective hat. "I saw him in the square yesterday afternoon," she began. "He was hopping around kind of nervously, and seemed embarassed when I showed up. I asked him what he was doing an he kind of mumbled around the point. Somewhere in there, I think he said something about a cabbage patch, though." "Understood. That means our leads are the town square and the nearby vegetable patch," I wrote the new information in the case log, then looked up. ](else:)["Where was this friend of yours last seen?" I asked, eyelids heavy. "Well, I saw him in the square yesterday," she started, "and he-" "Anywhere else?" I cut her off. I needed to make sure we stayed on track. "N-no, I didn't haven't seen him anywhere else, but I-" "Okay. Moving on, then," I noted the details in the case log. ](if: $hadCoffee is false and $appearance is false)[ [[Ask what her friend looks like.|Questioning - Appearance]]] [[Move on.|Investigation - 1]] (set: $lastSeen = true) (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$hadCoffee["Miss Harriette, what does your friend look like?" I asked. "He's a rabbit like me, with white and tan fur. He has relatively short ears that always flop over his face when he hops around," she explained, thinking for a few moments. "I'll make a note of it," I did just that. ](else:)["Ma'am, what does your friend look like?" "He's a rabbit with white and tan fur," she said after a moment, "and-" "Got it. Anything else?" "Well, not exactly, but-" "Okay, great," I continued, proud of my efficiency at getting to the point. ](set: $appearance = true)(if: $hadCoffee is false and $lastSeen is false)[ [[Ask where she last saw her friend.|Questioning - Last Seen]]] [[Move on.|Investigation - 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

Our client stood to the side watching me as I contemplated the very meaning of life from behind my desk. Of those thoughts, the only thing I still remember is that coffee played a significant role. Finally, after a minute or two, Wembleton returned, carrying with him my turtle-sized mug of liquid energy. He sat it down in front of me, saying nothng, then stepped back and waited. Slowly, I took a sip of my coffee, giving a contented sigh as the rich, dark beverage spread warmth through my body. Turtles may be cold-blooded, but my blood felt anything but cold when it encountered caffeinated heaven for the first time since the morning prior. (set: $hadCoffee = true) [[Remember that there's work to do.|Coffee Break - 3]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

"Now then," I said, downing the last drops of my morning pick-me-up, "on to the case of your missing pal. What can I call you, miss?" A moment after asking, I tilted my head and repeated myself for confirmation, "Miss?" The rabbit nodded, "Yes. My name is Harriette. I don't know that I need-" "Thank you, Miss Harriette. Don't worry, we'll find you your friend before you know they're gone." "But Sherman, doesn't Miss Harriette already know her friend is missing, if she's looking for them?" Wembleton cut in, leaning down to our level. I sighed, "Yes, Wembleton. I was exaggerating for the purpose of emphasizing our deductive abilities. The intent was to put the client at ease, an intent which you have thoroughly //shattered// with your astute observation." "Oh," he looked to our client, "I'm sorry, ma'am." Miss Harriette chuckled in a way I could only assume was pitying, "Don't worry, it's fine." [[Ask where she last saw her friend.|Questioning - Last Seen]] [[Ask what her friend looks like.|Questioning - Appearance]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$caseStarted[The Case of the Missing Hare - Notes: $hadCoffee[I started the morning properly: with a warm cup of coffee. It always gets my head in the right place for some thinking. $lastSeen[Miss Harriette last saw her friend in the town square. While there, he seemed nervous, and may have mentioned something about vegetables. As a detective, it pains me to admit that I zoned out when she specified which type. ]$appearance[Miss Harriette's friend is a white and tan rabbit with short, droopy ears. It's a good thing I don't have ears like that to worry about, or I'd trip over them constantly. ]](else:)[Started withou coffee. Not awak enogh yet to writ proprly. Today is gona suck. $lastSeen[The clien last saw hr freind in th town squre. ]$appearance[The cliens friend is a white and tn rabit. ]]$visitedCarrot[We searched for clues among the carrots, a task tantamount to searching for a coffeemaker in a stack of assorted kitchen appliances.$carrotSign[ On the bulletin board, there was a note reading "Forest clearing, 8:00 Tuesday evening." To add to the intrigue, there was a single, short, black hair hanging from it. The plot thickens.] ]$visitedCabbage[We investigated the cabbage patch.$cabbageNote[ To the side of the patch, we found a note reading "Riverside, 8:00 Tuesday evening." A white hair was in the dirt nearby.] ]$visitedTown[We took a look around town.$townBoard[ We read over the bulletin board, $hadCoffee[where I found a note seeking a carrot cake recipe. Miss Harriette was not informed.](else:)[but found little of interest.]]$townNote[ At the side of the square was a white and tan rabbit with a note reading "Cornfield, 8:00 Tuesday evening."] ]](else:)[No open cases. ] (link: "Done")[(goto: $previousPassage)]

$hadCoffee[The coffee break had cost us some time, so I refrained from further questioning, "Alright, we should be off. Miss Harriette, would you like to accompany us on our investigation? I don't want to put you in harm's way, but your knowledge may prove useful further down the line." "Yes, I believe that would make the most sense," she nodded with slight hesitation. She seemed appropriatey wary for one whose friend was missing. "In that case, come up to my desk," I tapped a claw against it, waiting for her to acquiesce. When she stood beside me, I raised my voice, "Wembleton, lower down for us, would you?" "Sure thing, Sherman!" he replied cheerily before focusing on the lengthy ordeal of lowering to the ground. To this day, I have not discovered a use for his long, spindly legs other than speed. As a counterpoint, a cheetah has much shorter legs and could easily outrun my elongated friend. This thought would require further contemplation. After several moments of awkward stumbling, Wembleton's back was level with my desk, clear for us to climb up. "After you, Miss," I gestured towards him with a foreleg. "Oh, uh, alright," she hopped on gingerly. ](else:)[We had enough information to begin investigating, so I climbed atop my desk, "Alright, Wembleton. Lower down so I can get up." "Shouldn't she come with us?" he asked, in the process of bending down so I could climb on his back."Miss..." "Harriette," she finished. "Miss Harriette, would you like to come with us?" "That would probably be best," she nodded. "Alright, come on up," I tapped an impatient claw to my desk and she hopped first to it, then to Wembleton's back. ] [[Hitch a ride.|Investigation - 2]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$hadCoffee[With some effort, I climbed up to sit beside Miss Harriette, bringing my notes and my cap along with. Seeing that we were securely on board, Wembleton carefully rose to his full height and glanced back at us. "So," he asked, "Which way are we headed? We could go to the town square or the vegetable patches, but they're opposite ways from one another." $lastSeen[The clues we had gathered thus far would point us in the right direction, or my name wasn't //Sherman, Shell of Justice.//](else:)[Nothing we had gathered seemed to lead one way or the other. Fortunately, I had enough deductive reasoning and calculated assumptions under my belt to make a choice.] ](else:)[I may have uttered a few choice words, but before long, I had climbed up next to the client, carrying with me my cap and notebook. As soon as we were stable and secure, Wembleton gingerly stood up and looked our way. "Which way are we going, Sherman?" he asked, clearly making the choice to leave the decisions to my capable claws. $lastSeen["From talking to the client earlier, our quarry was last seen in the town square. However, in my long years of detective work, I have learned that a calclated assumption may also prove valuable. Therefore, we should also consider the vegetable patches, as they are a popular place for rabbits to recline." ](else:)[It was a rough day, and I'd been too tired to remember to ask the client all the questions I needed to. When it came to it, what I had to go on was a quick deduction and hope. ]] [[To the town square.|Town Square - 1]] [[To the vegetable patches.|Vegetable Patches - 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

(if: $visitedCarrots is true or $visitedCabbage is true)["We should check in town as well. ](else:)[$hadCoffee["We'll go into town. $lastSeen[Regardless of what he said, he was last seen here, and we may find something more here that would point us to him,](else:)[It's likely someone saw him around here, and it's a safe bet that we could find something,]" I reasoned aloud. "That makes sense," Wembleton nodded, turning towards town. "I suppose so," the client reclined, seeming contemplative. Perhaps in awe of my deductive prowess, or my lightning-quick decision-making. If there is one thing those such as myself are known for, it is not speed. It was not new for people to be taken aback by my brilliance. ](else:)["We should go to town. $lastSeen[After all, it's where you saw him last. If we are to find anyone, it will be where they are," I declared. "Wow, that was really impressive-sounding, Sherman," Wembleton observed, in awe of my profound words. ](else:)[Someone around here has probably seen him, and that could give us a lead," I reasoned. "That may be true," the client nodded slightly. She seemed troubled, but it was nothing I could take the time to work through. Without my coffee, I am a one-track turtle. ]]] After a few minutes of Wembleton's expansive strides, we arrived in the town square. (set: $visitedTown = true) [[Look around.|Town Square - 2]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$visitedTown["We've been to town, but it would serve us well to examine all options. The vegetable patches may have something of interest as well," I pointed Wembleton in the right direction.(if: $hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[ "You said he mentioned the vegetable patches when you last saw him, yeah?" "Yes," she glanced back at me, "I was headed in that direction before running into you." "Then we are on the right track, without a doubt," I smiled. ](else:)[ I didn't have too much to go on, so I kept my reasoning to myself. Regardless, I had a gut feeling that we may find something important among the greenery. ] $hadCoffee[Wembleton turned his head back to look at us, "I just want you to know that I believe in you, Sherman." "Thanks, partner. Now let's find us a rabbit." ]](else:)[$hadCoffee["We should go to the vegetable patches. $lastSeen[You said he mentioned something about a vegetable patch of some kind, it may be where we find him," I turned to Miss Harriette. "Yes," she nodded, "that's where I was headed before I encountered you." "Perfect. As you can see, my deductive skills are sharp today." ](else:)[Rabbits like vegetables, right?" I turned to Miss Harriette She shot me an unamused glare, "Are you seriously trying to solve this case with rabbit stereotypes?" "Miss Harriette, in my line of work, we are trained to use all the information at our disposal to reach our conclusions." "Your line of work? You are a turtle wearing a hat!" "A turtle who's going to find you your friend. Now if you please, Miss Harriette, allow me to do my job." ] Wembleton turned his head back to look at us, "I just want you to know that I believe in you, Sherman." "Thanks, partner. Now let's find us a rabbit." ](else:)["Our first target is the vegetable patches.$lastSeen[You last saw him in the town square, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be there now. The vegetable patches ](else:)[ They ]seem like the most likely place to find him." "Not just because rabbits supposedly like vegetables, right?" the client shot me a look that said I had better choose my next words with care. "Ma'am, it is a matter of professional courtesy that a detective not explain his reasoning." "A detective's //job// is to explain his reasoning." My word choice was not at its best that day. I deemed it better to simply change the subject, "Wembleton, how much longer until we arrive?" "Not long, Sherman. The vegetable patches aren't far from here," Wembleton replied. "Excellent." ]] [[Carry on in turtle confidence.|Vegetable Patches - 2]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

The town square was unusually empty for this time of day. On one end was a rabbit with white and tan fur; on the other end, the town's bulletin board. $hadCoffee[$appearance["Your friend has long, droopy ears, right?" I asked. "Yes," Miss Harriette replied. "I can't help but notice that our friend over there has short ears. That rules him out as our quarry," I nodded. "However, he might have some information for us regardless." ](else:)["That's a rabbit, right? Could he be your friend?" I asked. "His fur is the right color," Miss Harriette said hesitantly. "Couldn't hurt to take ask him, whether he is or not," I decided. ]](else:)[$appearance["Hey, your friend has fur that color. That must be him!" I declared. The client may have had something to say to that, but I was ready to resolve the case and return home to my poor, abandoned coffee. It was probably cold by then, I would have to heat it up. No detective worth his salt drinks his coffee cold. "Uh, Sherman?" Wembleton's voice roused me from my longing for caffeine, "Where do we start?" ](else:)[It crossed my mind for a brief moment that we were looking for a rabbit, but that was as far as my un-caffeinated brain got. A turtle can get a little slow without his morning coffee. ]] [[Talk to the rabbit.|Town Square - Other Bunny]] [[Check the bulletin board.|Town Square - Bulletin Board]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

"So, when we get there, which way are we going to go?" Wembleton asked. "What are our options?" I replied, glancing over at $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[our client]. "I assume you have more knowledge of the area than we do." "Well, (if: $hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is false)[stereotyping aside, ](if: $hadCoffee is false)[stereotyping aside, ]I do know the area quite well," Harriette raised a paw to her face, as if thinking. "Then what's our best course of action?" "The most popular places among rabbits are the carrot and cabbage patches," she said after a moment. (if: $hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[Miss Harriette had told us before that her friend mentioned one of the two. All I had to do was remember which and we'd be one step closer to finding her friend. Of course, that task alone could be easier said than done.](else:)[If we made the right choice here, we could find something that would lead us to her friend. The question was... which choice was right?] [[Go to the carrot patch.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot 1]] [[Go to the cabbage patch.|Vegetable Patches - Cabbage 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

"We'll go to the carrot patch," I decided firmly. $hadCoffee[$lastSeen[My instincts told me that carrots were the right way to go. A detective should never rule out the possiblity that the first answer is the right one.](else:)[Oftentimes, the seemingly simplest solution is the one that works the best for the situation at hand.]](else:)[I would have been loath to explain my reasoning to the client after our previous exchange, but I went with the information I had at hand. Claw. Whatever.] "Carrots it is," Wembleton nodded and turned left towards the distant rows of orange vegetables. $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[Our client] had fallen silent. I calculated a reasonable eighty-nine percent chance that she was simply shocked by my stunning deductive reasoning. It was always a joy working with new clientele. (set: $visitedCarrot = true) [[Contemplate the endless rows of carrots.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot 2]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$visitedCarrot["While we're here, let's check out the cabbage patch as well(if:$hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[. It's best to check all options]," I said.](else:)["We should go to the cabbage patch(if:$hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[. Were cabbages the vegetable he mentioned?](else:)[,]]" I looked to $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[the client]. "(if:$hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[I believe so. I'm not certain whether or not he said anything else, but he definitely mentioned cabbage.](else:)[Sounds like a plan to me,]" she nodded. "Sherman, do you like cabbage?" Wembleton asked out of the blue. "What?" I was taken aback. I then considered that asking random questions unrelated to the case was not unusual for Wembleton and responded accordingly, "Yes, Wembleton, I'm fond of cabbage. It's not spinach, and it's certainly not coffee, but I am alright with cabbage." "Okay," he seemed satisfied. After another few moments, we drew near to the fields of cabbage. [[Look around.|Vegetable Patches - Cabbage 2]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

The carrot patches were more expansive than I had foreseen. Rows upon rows of green stalks protruded from the earth, more than I could have walked through in a week's time. If we weren't careful, we could spend hours looking around here. "Hey, Sherman," Wembleton's voice roused me from my thoughts, "where do we start?" $hadCoffee["An excellent question, partner. Most everything around here looks the same, wouldn't you say?" I glanced up at him from under my cap. "Do you see anything that sticks out?" Sometimes, the best detectives ask questions and wait for the answers to present themselves.](else:)["Wembleton, you have the height to look around. If anyone's going to find something interesting, it's you." "Oh, okay." "So, do you see anything?" I urged him, impatient for progress.] "Not immediately," the giraffe hesitated, scanning the terrain, "but there's something to the east that might be a sign of some kind, and it looks like the earth is turned up all weird to the west." $hadCoffee["Excellent observations, Wembleton! Now all we have to do is deduce which we should examine first," I nodded confidently. It wasn't much, but each option held possibilities.](else:)["Well, it's not a lot to go off of, but that'll do," I closed my eyes to think.] [[Investigate the sign.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Sign]] [[Investigate the upturned earth.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Earth]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$carrotEarth["That was a bit of a wreck, but the sign might have something more," I said, bound to remain confident. ](else:)[$hadCoffee["We'll look at the sign. If something's happened, there may be information to find," I declared.](else:)["The sign is more likely to have relevant information," I decided.] Better to start by scoping out local postings. ] I looked back at Miss Harriette for input. She shrugged and replied simply, "I'm leaving it up to you at this point." "Letting the experts take the lead is a good choice, Miss Harriette," Wembleton piped in, "Sherman always comes through." When we reached the sign, he lowered down to give us a better look at the postings. A cursory scan showed few items of interest, but there was one thing. "Miss Harriette, could you tell me, is that a rabbit print?" I gestured to a handwritten note in the lower left corner of the board. "Maybe," she nodded, suddenly interested again. I couldn't blame her; I know well the excitement of a possible lead. Having determined its relevance, I $hadCoffee[carefully ]pulled the note from the board. Along with it came a single, black hair. "'Forest clearing, 8:00 Tuesday evening,'" I read. "Today is Tuesday, which leaves us several hours before that time." "If that's where he is, we could just wait until that time and go," Wembleton suggested. It would save a lot of work to head to the location described. The question became: did we have enough evidence? (set: $carrotSign = true)(set: $notesFound = $notesFound + 1) (if: $visitedTown is false or $visitedCabbage is false)[[[Look for clues elsewhere.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Departure]] ](if: $carrotEarth is false)[[[Investigate the upturned earth.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Earth]] ][[Wait until the time comes.|Crossroads - 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$carrotSign["While we're here, we should check out that mess you mentioned as well. Can't hurt to be thorough."](else:)["We should take a look at that mess, if it's as significant as you say," I pointed to the west, despite the fact that Wembleton was entirely unable to see the gesture. In these situations, the thought counts.] When we arrived, it became instantly clear why Wembleton pointed the area out. Carrots were uprooted and thrown about in a several foot radius, and the dirt they had presumably been planted in was churned and scattered. Several of the carrots had bites out of them, and there was no order to the mess. "Wow," Harriette stated, seeming awed by the chaos. "Indeed," I mused, "I would be surprised to find anything useful here, but it can't hurt to take a closer look." Several minutes of searching later, no clues had been uncovered. With a sigh, I returned with $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[the client] to Wembleton's back. "I guess this was a waste of time," he moped. "I'm sorry, Sherman." $hadCoffee["It was a good effort, Wembleton, don't worry. Sometimes, the trail runs cold. It'll pick up somewhere else, I'm certain of it," I consoled him.](else:)["It'll be alright," I muttered.] (set: $carrotEarth = true) $carrotSign["At least we found that note," Harriette cut in, "We could always see where that leads." [[Wait to look into the note.|Crossroads - 1]] ](else:)[[[Investigate the sign.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Sign]] ][[Search for clues elsewhere.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot Departure]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

As we returned to the entrance of the carrot patch, we discussed our next move. (if: $visitedCabbage is true and $visitedTown is true)["There isn't really anywhere else for us to look. I guess there's nothing for it but to go with the evidence we have," I shrugged.](elseif: $visitedCabbage is true)["If we're done at the vegetable patches, we could head back to town," I suggested.](elseif: $visitedTown is true)[We could check the cabbage patch, since we haven't yet. If we're going to, we should do it now," I declared.](else:)["We could search the cabbage patch, since we haven't gone there yet. If we're going to, we should do it now, since we're in the area already. Otherwise, we can go to the town and see what we find there," I explicated.]$carrotSign[ "We could also just wait and look into that note."](else:)[ I couldn't help but feel that the carrot patches had been a waste of time. Had we missed something, or was this really a false lead?] (if: $visitedCabbage is false)[[[Go to the cabbage patch.|Vegetable Patches - Cabbage 1]] ](if: $visitedTown is false)[[[Go to the town square.|Town Square - 1]] ](if: $carrotSign is true or $cabbageNote is true or $townNote is true)[[[Wait to look into the letter.|Crossroads - 1]]](else:)[[[Call it a day.|Crossroads - 1]]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

(if: $townNote is false and $carrotSign is false and $cabbageNote is false)[After wandering throughout the day, we ended up at a crossroads. With a weary sigh, I dropped my cap on Wembleton's back and shook my head. "What is it, Sherman?" he asked, giving me a concerned look which $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[the client] matched. "That's just it," I groaned, "I don't know. We don't have evidence to point... anywhere, at all. We must have missed something, somewhere, I just don't know what," I turned to look at $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[the client]. "Ma'am, I'm sorry to have dragged you along all day only to end like this. Perhaps my deduction wasn't as honed as I thought." [[Mope.|Failure]]](else:)[Atop Wembleton's back, we rode to the crossroads with the evidence we had gathered. "So where do we go from here?" Wembleton asked. "That's the question," I nodded. "(if: $notesFound > 1)[Which note do we follow? They point to completely different places at the same time, so we only have time to look into one.](else:)[Fortunately, we only have one real option.] My notes should help us make the right choice." $townNote[[[Go to the cornfield.|Cornfield - 1]] ]$carrotSign[[[Go to the forest clearing.|Forest Clearing - 1]] ]$cabbageNote[[[Go to the riverside.|Riverside - 1]]]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

The cabbage patch was a quaint area, a small field of neatly organized rows. There wasn't a lot of room surrounding the patch, leaving little space to hide anything of interest. I tapped Wembleton's back to get his attention. "Do you see anything significant?" I asked. "Let me take a closer look," he replied, craning his neck to survey the area. "It's difficult to tell, but I think there's something on the ground on the far side." "Sounds like we should investigate. Let's head that way," I nodded. With only one course of action, the next step is obvious. (set: $visitedCabbage = true) [[Investigate the object.|Vegetable Patches - Cabbage Note]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

As we approached, the object on the ground became clearer. Wembleton lowered us down to see a note discarded among the cabbage. Despite appearances, however, its placement seemed quite deliberate.(if: $hadCoffee is true and $lastSeen is true)[ I glanced at Harriette. "Do you think this could be his?" "Maybe. Let's read it," she replied, picking it up. As she did, I noticed a white hair on the ground nearby. "'Riverside, 8:00 Tuesday evening,'" she read.$carrotSign[ "Sounds eerily familiar, don't you think?" "Indeed it does. Something fishy is going on here, and I intend to get to the bottom of it," I narrowed my eyes and took notes.<]](else:)[ I picked it up, taking a note of the white hair in the dirt beside it. "'Riverside, 8:00 Tuesday evening,'" I read. "$carrotSign[That's suspiciously familiar. ]One way or another, I'll get to the bottom of this."] "Where do we go from here?" Wembleton asked. (set: $cabbageNote = true)(set: $notesFound = $notesFound + 1) (if: $visitedCarrot is false)[[[Go to the carrot patch.|Vegetable Patches - Carrot 1]] ](if: $visitedTown is false)[[[Go to the town square.|Town Square - 1]] ][[Wait to investigate the note.|Crossroads - 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

We chose to follow the rabbit's note leading to the cornfield, and made it there right at eight o'clock. On arriving, we saw only a lone mongoose, standing on its hind legs and looking around the field. "Excuse me," I raised my voice to get his attention as we approached, "Could you tell me what's going on here?" "I'll be honest," he replied with a nervous glance, "I hoped you could tell me. I thought I was supposed to be meeting someone here this evening. I wrote a note for myself and everything. Maybe I had the wrong day?" "Meeting who?" I pressed. "Another mongoose," he looked away. "I don't know her well. Maybe she stood me up," he considered, a crestfallen look coming over his face. I could tell this wasn't going to become relevant any time soon, so I simply said, "I hope everything works out for you," and motioned for Wembleton to take us out of the cornfield. "I don't see Miss Harriette's friend anywhere," Wembleton gave me a look. "No, he isn't here," I conceded. "I was wrong. I'm sorry, Ma'am." "You tried your best," she replied. "He'll turn up one way or another. He wasn't really missing, I just wasn't sure where he was. You seemed so intent on finding him that I didn't want to take that from you," she admitted. "Is that so?" I replied half-heartedly, "Well, in any case, we'll see you to wherever you belong before we part ways. Lead the way, Wembleton will find it." As we rode, I couldn't help but kick myself mentally. We had accomplished nothing but wasting our client's time, and she hadn't even intended to be a client in the first place. There had to be a clue we missed, something we hadn't tracked down, something that would have made the time worthwhile. But what? [[Restart?|The Beginning - 1]]

We chose to investigate the forest clearing, and arrived right at eight. However, to our surprise, the clearing was teeming with foxes of all colors. With a confused glance, one of them--with dark black and gray fur--plodded up to us. "You don't look like foxes," he observed in a quick, chirpy tone, "What brings you to our family reunion?" "Oh, is that what this is?" I said, taken aback, "I wasn't aware, we just found this note, we're looking for someone..." I trailed off, recognizing that he wasn't listening anymore. "Well, whatever this is, Leeroy isn't here," Harriette frowned. "Certainly not," I concurred. "Does that mean we failed, Sherman?" Wembleton asked sadly. "I'm afraid so. I'm sorry, Ma'am," I looked back at her. "It's alright. I'm sure he'll turn up soon. He wasn't missing, I was just trying to find him," she explained. "Is that so?" I replied half-heartedly, "Well, in any case, we'll see you to wherever you belong before we part ways. Lead the way, Wembleton will find it." As we rode, I couldn't help but kick myself mentally. We had accomplished nothing but wasting our client's time, and she hadn't even intended to be a client in the first place. There had to be a clue we missed, something we hadn't tracked down. But what? [[Restart?|The Beginning - 1]]

We chose to investigate the note leading to the riverside in just enough time to arrive there at eight on the dot. When we did, we found a gathering of several rabbits and other animals, all around a table covered in balloons and other various party decorations. "Surprise!" they exclaimed as Harriette leaped down from Wembleton's back. "W-what?" I needed none of my deductive prowess to recognize that she was, in fact, surprised. A long-eared, white and tan rabbit (if: $hadCoffee is true and $appearance is true)[who I could only assume was her friend ]hopped up to meet us, "I knew it was your birthday, and I wanted to set this up to celebrate with you. I meant to meet you in the cabbage patch earlier today, but I ended up being so busy setting everything up that I couldn't make it." "Oh, Leeroy," she said, "you really didn't have to." "Maybe not, but I did anyway. I even made your favorite carrot cake. And there should be enough for your friends as well," he seemed to notice us for the first time. [[Accept.|Riverside - Accept]] [[Politely decline.|Riverside - Decline]]

(if: $hadCoffee is false)[$lastSeen["Excuse me, sir, I believe this rabbit here was looking for you," I called out, ignorant of the protests of the client next to me. "What?" he turned to face us, "I don't believe we've met," he said with a frown. "That's not him, Sherman," Harriette groaned, "that's someone else." "Oh. Well, he still might be able to tell us something," I bounced back, ready to interview a potential witness. ]](else:)["Let's see what he has to say," I suggested, moving to talk with him. ] "What can I help you with?" he asked. "Have you seen anything suspicious in the last day or so?" I asked. "There's this note I found. I don't know where it came from, but I found it around here earlier today," he showed me a handwritten note, then read it to me, "'Cornfield, 8:00 Tuesday evening.'" (if: $carrotSign is true or $cabbageNote is true)["Another one," I frowned, "This can't be a coincidence. We could look into it now, or we may be able to keep looking around."](else:)["Hm. Seems like it's worth looking into. Alternatively, we could keep looking for evidence," I contemplated.] (set: $townNote = true)(set: $notesFound = $notesFound + 1) (if: $visitedCarrot is false and $visitedCabbage is false)[[[Go to the vegetable patches.|Vegetable Patches - 1]] ](if: $townBoard is false)[[[Check the bulletin board.|Town Square - Bulletin Board]] ][[Wait to investigate the note.|Crossroads - 1]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$hadCoffee["Let's check the bulletin board. If there's anyone missing, surely someone will have said something about it," I theorized, directing Wembleton toward the board. ](else:)["We should go to the bulletin board. It'll involve less interaction," I grumbled. ] The bulletin board was mostly covered in its usual contents, ranging from classifieds to event announcements and publicly-aired grievances which were, quite frankly, none of my business. "It doesn't look like there's anything here of note," $hadCoffee[Miss Harriette](else:)[the client] observed with a frown. I continued scanning the various postings for a moment. $hadCoffee[My caffeine-honed eagle eye landed on a page tucked behind several others. I reached out and took it in a front claw, reading silently. "I am looking for a good carrot cake recipe for a party. Needed by Monday at the latest. Contact Leeroy for details." "What did you find?" Miss Harriette asked. "Nothing important," I replied, hurriedly replacing the note. ](else:)[Unfortunately, I noticed nothing else of great interest. ]"We should move on," I nudged Wembleton. (set: $townBoard = true) (if: $visitedCarrot is false and $visitedCabbage is false)[[[Go to the vegetable patches.|Vegetable Patches - 1]] ](if: $townNote is false)[[[Talk to the rabbit.|Town Square - Other Bunny]]](if: $townNote is true or $cabbageNote is true or $carrotSign is true)[[[Wait to investigate the note.|Crossroads - 1]]](else:)[[[Call it a day|Crossroads - 1]]] (link: "Case Notes")[(set: $previousPassage = (passage:)'s name)(goto: "Notes")]

$hadCoffee["Hey, Sherman, don't talk like that," Harriette patted my shell in consolation. "It wasn't the day I woke up expecting, but I had fun travelling with you and Wembleton. It made for a good birthday," she smiled. "Today was your birthday?" I asked, surprised. "It was. I'll be honest, Leeroy wasn't missing. I was looking for him, but he hadn't disappeared or anything of the sort. I know he'll show up soon either way. When you offered your help, I was resisiant at first, but I warmed up to it. I'm glad to have met you, even if this didn't turn out like we'd hoped," she explained. "Well," I picked up my cap, "I shouldn't be so quick to throw in the towel. Maybe this case didn't turn out so well. I probably missed something along the way that would have made things clearer. But I won't give up. If you ever are in need of help, feel free to come to us." "Of course," she gave another smile. "Mind getting me back home?" "Just show me the way," Wembleton nodded. The end of the case wasn't what we had been looking for, but as a detective, I knew that I wouldn't always come out on top. The important thing was to keep trying and improving until I did, and then the world would know the name of //Sherman, Shell of Justice.// ](else:)["Maybe not," our client gave a slight sigh. "What a way to spend my birthday." "It was your birthday?" I asked. "That it was. Leeroy said he had something he wanted to show me today. I was on my way to meet him when I ran into you. I didn't really need your help. Maybe it was foolish to let this go on as long as it did," her shoulders drooped. "I'm sorry." It was a lot to take in, but I did my best to remain professional. "We needed something to do today," I said with a sigh. "I hope it wasn't a complete wash." "Maybe not. That'll take some time to figure out. Could you take me home?" "I'll get you there," Wembleton said solemnly. I could tell he was struggling with the situation and patted him on the back as we walked. So that was it. The Case of the Missing Hare ended in failure, not the least of which was that there was never a case to begin with. Even so, perhaps there was something I missed that would've left the case off on a brighter note. It was hard to say. ] [[Restart?|The Beginning - 1]]

"Worry not, citizen," I shook my head, "The satisfaction of a job well done is more than reward en-whoa!" as I spoke, Wembleton meandered over to the table and took a place. "Maybe it is for you," Harriette chuckled, "but Wembleton seems pretty excited about cake." "Well, we may as well get right to it, then!" Leeroy began serving. The celebration lasted for a good hour or two, and it was a well-deserved opportunity to wind down after a job well done. Perhaps it wasn't our finest work, but it ended well regardless--and that was the Case of the Missing Hare in the books. [[Play again?|The Beginning - 1]]

After a moment's consideration and a look of longing from Wembleton, I nodded, "I think I'll take you up on that offer. I've always preferred coffee cake myself, but I'd be loath to refuse a well-crafted carrot cake." "And I would say you've earned it," Harriette replied with a smile. "Well, we may as well get right to it, then!" Leeroy began serving. The celebration lasted for a good hour or two, and it was a well-deserved opportunity to wind down after a job well done. Perhaps it wasn't our finest work, but it ended well regardless--and that was the Case of the Missing Hare in the books. [[Play again?|The Beginning - 1]]