Author Note: Sorry for the delay on the second part...wave of sickness. Shorter chapter but a longer one this weekend.

------------------

Vanishing Madness of Third Street: Part II

"It couldn't be!" gasped the Swinger Girl, taking a step back to adjust her goggles. The crowd seemed to be taking in the same response, whispering quietly to themselves.

"It's-The Hustler Kid!" Gus dropped his jaw, unable to believe it.

"That's right, oh one of the fourth grade," King Bob stated, advancing his steps towards the supposed criminal.

The Hustler Kid's eyes widen in shock, unable to take in what had happened. He suddenly shook his head, reality coming back to him. "What? Me? ME?" He waved his hand in disgust towards King Bob. "Why'd I ever steal a buncha stuff like that! I helped sell those things after all!"

Swinger Girl nodded, recalling last month when the Hustler Kid had helped her get the new swing chains. Her heart started beating wildly: what if she never saw those gleaming chains again! "He couldn't have done it!" She protested. "He helped me get those swing chains, after all!"

"And the Senior Fusion comic!" T.J added in.

King Bob stamped his feet impatiently. "What about my throne! He didn't help me get that!" He paced back and forth. "All right, then, let us say that the Hustler Kid didn't get his hands on this stuff-which I still think he did!-" He pointed an accusing finger towards the Hustler Kid again. "Then who did it and where is my throne!"

Gretchen adjusted her glasses. "Perhaps we should look towards the scene of the crime."

"Great idea, Gretch" T.J. said, beginning to scan the area for any evidence. "Maybe our criminal left some evidence behind. We can catch him red-handed then!"

Gus and Vince suddenly gasped. "T.J.! Look!"

Everyone gathered around the two boys, looking down: there sat a made-shift spear of a kindergartner.

"Oh, the horror!" Mikey cried out.

....it was obvious that they would have to go through the kindergarten territory. However, which three were going to go and who would return in one piece?

- - - -

To Be Continued