Chapter 7: A New Case

Several minutes later, five of the Chan children got together to form a band they called the Chan Clan Band. Henry played the drums, Stanley played the guitar, Suzie played two tambourines, Alan played an oboe, and Tom played the trombone. Together they performed the Beach Boys' song, "I Get Around", in their living room. Once finished, they were applauded by their father, Anne, and their four youngest siblings.

"Nicely done, children," Charlie complimented.

"Thanks, Pop," said Henry.

"Hey, Anne," Suzie requested, "why don't you join us? You've taken music classes, so you know how to play."

Anne shook her head. "Nah. I would, but I don't have an instrument yet."

"You could share a tambourine with me again," her elder sister offered.

"No thanks," Anne declined. "Tambourines are fun, but I'm more of a fan of guitars. I'm hoping to raise enough to get my own someday."

"I don't think a guitar is suitable for one of the female gender," Tom disagreed.

"Yeah," Alan smirked. "How about a flute, a clarinet, or a cute piccolo? That's more suited for a girl."

"Says who?!" the feminist tomboy snapped.

Before an argument could break out, the doorbell rung. "Please, children, no quarreling," Charlie sighed as he got up from his seat. "We have a guest."

Stanley put down his guitar. "Oh, I'll answer it, Pop," he insisted. Before opening the door, Stanley put on a large panda bear costume. "Hee-hee!" he snickered. "Boy, will I shock this guy."

Stanley opened the door and there stood a police officer. "Welcome. Welcome," he said to him.

"Oh, hi, Stanley," the officer greeted. "May I speak to your father, please?"

"He's over there," Stanley sighed sadly as he pointed to his father. As the policeman walked over to Charlie, Stanley took off his panda mask. "How did he know it was me?" he asked himself.

"Mr. Chan," the officer requested, "you remember me. I am Officer Dale from the Independence Police Department. I apologize for disturbing you after you just returned home from the diamond smuggling case, but we desperately need your help."

"I understand," said Charlie. "Children, would you please excuse us?"

"Aw, Pop," griped Scooter. "Why can't we listen?"

"Scooter, don't argue with Pop," yapped Mimi. "Just do what you are told."

"You better quit nagging me when I turn seven," stormed Scooter.

"Come on, everyone," Suzie offered. "I'll find some snacks for us."

"Oh, boy!" the ever-hungry Nancy bubbled.

The Clan left the living room and entered the kitchen while Chu-Chu stayed and sat under the table.

Charlie sat down on the couch with Officer Dale and asked, "Now what seems to be the problem, Officer?"

The concerned policeman replied, "Well, in our city, many people have gone missing in the last two months."

Office Dale then gave Chan several sheets of papers and continued, "Here's a list of the folks who have disappeared as well as their pictures. The photos themselves should show you the connection they all have."

Charlie looked at the pictures and acknowledged, "Yes. They're all Chinese."

"Most of them are Chinese-Americans, really," Dale further explained. "And some were Chinese tourists visiting the state. We've examined the homes of the Chinese-Americans and found no signs of a struggle, meaning they weren't kidnapped. We've also checked the hotels where the Chinese tourists were staying and according to the surveillance cameras, they all left the hotel of their own free while, without their suitcases and other belongings."

Charlie rubbed his chin. "That is strange. Strange indeed. I will leave for Independence within a few hours, Officer Dale. I don't know how long I will be there, so have hotel reservations made for me. And make sure it's one of the hotels where a tourist went missing."

"Understood, Mr. Chan," Office Dale shook Charlie's hand. "And thanks again."

As the officer left the Chans' home, Charlie entered the kitchen, followed by Chu-Chu, and found his children all sitting innocently at the dining table, eating snacks.

"Oh, hi, Pop," Stanley grinned. "Wanna graham cracker?"

"No need to pretend, Stanley," Charlie figured. "I know you've all been eavesdropping, as usual." The sharp-eyed detective pointed to the beloved family pet and added, "Thanks to Chu-Chu…and the new Chan Com on his paw."

The children all chuckled nervously, knowing their father had found them out yet again.

"Aw, come on, Pop," the eager Flip insisted. "A missing people case? You're definitely gonna need some help. Let us come along!"

"Flip is right, Pop," Henry agreed. "This could be dangerous."

"That's exactly why none of you are going," Charlie refused. "Now I must pack for my trip to Independence. Once I am there, I will call once every three hours to check on everyone. Henry, as always, you are in charge while I am gone. Watch your siblings the best you can."

Though not comfortable with his father's decision to go without them, the eldest Chan child and son nodded, "Yes, Pop."

With all said and done, Charlie Chan went upstairs to pack for his trip.