Detective Hooves: Burning Apples and Avarice

The next morning, Walter got up very quickly. He had to see Applejack one last time, for there was a lot to talk about. The address to the Inn was in the case files at his office, and never in his entire career had he galloped as fast as he did up the stairs. The door lock, which he had used the day before, was smashed in pieces, as if somepony had hit it with a hammer. The reception desk wasn't occupied yet, so the first greeting Hooves got was a sight that didn't quite please him. His office -- bookshelf, cabinets, desk, and all -- looked as if a tornado had run through it.

But that wasn't his main concern right now. The same mess had manifested itself several times over the week, and Walter had almost gotten used to it. What caught his attention was how all the case files, from his notes to the address book of witnesses to the pictures and documents, were missing. They were always kept in that same upper cabinet. Walter checked the lower cabinet, as well as the bookshelf and the space beneath the desk, but in vain. Everything he needed to wrap up the mystery of the fire of Applewood Refinery was gone.

The detective waited impatiently at the reception desk. It was probably in the lost and found, or, by low chance, maybe the night janitor accidentally swept it up. Finally, the reception filly went to her post. "May I hel...?"

"Has anything been turned in to the lost and found lately?"

"No, I don't th...."

"Did anypony check into work last night and ask to see my office?"

"Not one, I belie...."

Well, maybe I don't need them anymore. "Can you give me the address to Applewood Refinery. Where it once was, I mean?"

"Sure, here's the business car...."

The detective rushed out having taken the card. Behind him, he could hear the receptionist yell, "You're welcome!"

On his way outside, Walter ran into the mail pony, who was currently making his morning rounds. "Howdy, sir. Glad I caught you. Here's a thick stack for ya."

Hooves replied with a hasty, "Thanks."

"You must be pretty popular. That's a huge stack of papers you got thar."

The letter on the very top caught his glimpse. From Applejack and Appleslice. Interesting... The letter was in two hoof-writings, and contained several paragraphs of thanks. Two in particular caught his attention.

Dear Detective Hooves:

A mighty-fine thanks to you on your efforts. Glad we could work with you.

Still, I don't understand who would do such a thing. Granny Smith hated locked doors. She always kept hers ajar at night, and even if the fire blocked the way, she could've easily jumped out the window. Whoever did this probably killed Smith first then started the fire to cover up the crime. Whoever did this wanted us all dead. But who?

But enough about that. It's time to move on and think of happier times. The whole family is already planning another grand reopening of another refinery, this time in Appleseed Village tomorrow at nine PM. Don't worry; we've got some disaster-proofing to do before then. Thanks a lot and hope you could visit anytime soon!

The bottom was signed with two cursive signatures. Another grand opening, huh? I may have my opportunity. And it was the perfect opportunity, an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. Walter was going to the reopening tomorrow night, but his presence wasn't going to be known. In fact, he wasn't planning on going indoors either. That night, Walter couldn't sleep, for he was going to take some answers home with him soon enough.