Chapter Three- After the Hurricane

"We can take the Packard," replied Phil.

Brainy, Gertie, and Phil hurried to the car. Phil drove as fast as the law would allow, as Brainy explained what happened.

"I decided to follow Helga after she became withdrawn from everyone. I used to follow her in the fourth grade. Her parents ignored her most of the time, to busy or drunk to notice her. I received a letter from Helga this morning. She wrote me to tell me she was going to commit suicide."

"Kimba received a letter from her too."

"So, that's why Short Man ran out so fast."

Brainy continued, "I went to Helga's house, but there was no answer. So, I went to Big Bob's Beepers. Bob informed me that he kicked 'the girl' out about a week ago. He shoved me out the door, threatening to call the cops if I came back, before I could get any more information."

"If we had known, we would have let Helga stay at the boarding house," Phil said as he parked the Packard in front of the city morgue.

As they walked inside, Brainy kept on. "I went to Phoebe's house after the encounter with Big Bob. She had just checked the mail when I came up. She had called the police and was on her way out to search for Helga. She suggested we search Helga's favorite places. We combed through the park and the docks. I told Phoebe about Helga being kicked out. She said she knew nothing of her being homeless."

Mr. Cathell, the coroner, was behind the front desk. He pointed down a hall to where Phoebe was sitting with Gerald.

"We decided to check our old elementary school, P.S. 118. It has been slated for demolition for months now. Phoebe searched inside, while I searched around the old playground." Brainy paused. "I walked onto the playground with just enough time to see Arnold swallow something, kiss Helga, and tighten his embrace around her."

"Arnold?!? What happened to him?" Phil and Gertie said in unison.

"I yelled for Phoebe. She called the paramedics on her cell phone. Helga was already dead, but Arnold wasn't. Phoebe stayed with them and I ran to get you. We agreed to meet at the morgue and go to the hospital to check on Arnold."

By this time, Phil, Gertie, and Brainy had reached Phoebe and Gerald. Mr. Cathell came up to report on Helga's death.

"She died by an aspirin overdose. She was also three months pregnant," he reported.

After the shock died down, Phoebe spoke up. "So, that's why her father kicked her out. Arnold probably was the father. Mr. Pataki found out and they fought. "

Gerald spoke, "We should visit Arnold."