B

The next day Buster to school. He heard some commotion and went to see what it was. Apparently Fern had solved the mystery of Mr. Ratburn's Lost answer key. Buster went up and listened to her explain.

Fern said "At first one may think that someone could have stolen the answer key to make sure either they got an A or that they had extra time to study or negate the test entirely… But that is not what happened. Mr. Ratburn was teaching class and while he was bust the Principal had came in to take some papers that Mr. Ratburn had given him. Normally this would not have been an issue but our dear principal had gotten sick and left the papers back on Mr. Ratburn's desk where they fell down and were lost to both of them. Fortunately I simply looked under the table and found them" said Fern as if she was a perfect genius.

Up until now Fern always got credit and Buster was a laughing stock. He was going to change that now! Buster was a REAL detective and he was going to show everyone that he was just as good as Fern! … But how?

It occurred to Buster that Fern was pretty smart and that she would be the only competition when he was a world class detective. He had to start now before Fern got all the glory. But how could he outclass her? She was the best detective Buster knew…aside from himself that is… He would just have to prove that to everyone.

B

After school Buster tailed Fern to see what all private eye things she was up to. He had to learn everything she knew and then he would know everything she did plus more. As he followed Fern he saw something weird. A strange van came along aside from Fern and two men came out and grabbed her. Buster automatically yelled "Hey!" and the men turned. One ran after Buster and the other held Fern tight.

Buster ran as fast as he could. He was nearing a fence that had just enough space that he could get between it and leave that guy in the dust… And he was there…. And…. The guy grabbed him and held him tight and put his hand over Buster's mouth… and he dragged Buster. Buster could see the van pulling up and he was put inside right next to Fern. They both had their arms and legs tied up and their mouths covered so they couldn't talk. At first both Buster and Fern tried making sounds and escaping but eventually stopped as it was fruitless.

The van traveled for what felt like ages. All Fern and Buster could do was wait and pay attention to detail. The van was black and it was a big van - not a minivan. The windows were tinted. The vehicle was a mess. There were photos on the ground too. There were photos of Fern and her mom and Fern's house and … even INSIDE Fern's House? What did that mean. Had Fern blown these guys cover and they were getting back at her? Buster thought that might be it…Buster told himself to stay calm. He looked at Fern. She was calm…. If Fern could stay calm then Buster could stay calm… and he thought if he could stay calm perhaps Fern could stay calm as well… Buster thought again: There were four people in the van: Buster, Fern and the two men. Fern's mom wasn't there… or anyone else. Maybe they were holding Fern for Ransom. If so what would happen to Buster?

For now Buster would stay calm. He looked at Fern. She had her eyes closed and then she opened them and looked at Buster.