Detective Hooves: Burning Apples and Avarice

MANEHATTAN DETECTIVE SERVICES CO.
2557 APPLEBUCK ROAD
MANEHATTAN, EQUESTRIA
CASE #495 REPORT

DETECTIVE(S): Mr. Walter Hooves
DATE: A.U.C. 2765, September 17
CENTER: Manehattan, Applewood Refinery
STATUS: Complete and Closed

Applewood Refinery Arson

I have had quite a wonderful experience over the last few days on the mystery of the arson at Applewood Refinery in Manehattan. Though I cannot stand to see such a family conflict, I am glad the mystery has been solved. Special thanks to Applejack and the rest of the Apple Family for being such great witnesses for my investigation.

And through the clues I will soon present, I can finally arrive at the following conclusion:

When the Apple Family first started their family business in Ponyville, it was clear that such a successful and innovative idea had to be spread to other places. It had gone as far from the deserts of Saddle Arabia to the oceans of Stablecity on the Horseshoe Islands. As the company grew in power and finance, amongst the cheers of optimism and a sense of community were certain jealousies and greed.

Big Macintosh, as his family addresses him, as my knowledge goes started out as a kind and fun-loving working-class pony. But that was simply the problem: he was only a mere working-class pony. In a post-case interview with members of the Apple Family, it seems that Macintosh adopted his gothic lifestyle of few words and expressionless faces soon after one pony, who is addressed as Granny Smith, struck gold and discovered huge orchards of naturally-growing apples glistening in the sun waiting to be eaten.

The orchard itself, called Applewood later, was discovered single-hoofedly by Mrs. Smith on one of her summer strolls, and since it was her own discovery, she would naturally inherit most of the fortune of the resulting refinery, even as all the other members of the family received an equal share of the profits.

In a confusing mix of jealously and greed, Macintosh found that the only way for him to gain the entire family's business and fortunes was to get everypony else out of the picture. And that could be done one way: no negotiations, but simply to burn down the barn while everypony was in it. He would arrive late to the party on the intention of bringing the cake, but would later return with a torch in hand and firecrackers ready to explode.

And that plan nearly worked the first time, for Granny Smith was naturally the first target. However, almost all the other ponies managed to survive, and for a short time, Mac's plans were foiled. Nonetheless, since nopony knew the culprit nor the motives of the crime, in order to cover up his tracks, Mac needed to foil any potential investigations, namely mine. Most likely, he hired one pony friend by the name of Strudel to painstakingly break into the detective business and destroy the case files in hopes of sabotaging my efforts. In return, Strudel would get a share of the fortunes once part B of Mac's plan was completed.

As for part B, I placed myself at the perfect moment to catch the thug. Through a series of lures and catches, I have finally determined the source of all those troubles. Big Macintosh, who is currently being held in Manehattan Prison, will be arraigned shortly.

Though more details are available at the time, I feel no inclination to list them, as my case for this year is closed. As for me, I am pondering whether or not to retire after next year.

My greatest sorrows to Applejack and the rest of the Apple Family for losing not only one, but two of their family members. I hope the days grow bright for y'all soon. Thank you.

CASE CLOSED