Goldie Digger had sincerity and an alibi. Three down, one to go!

I found Blu Trout at his store supervising like a coach at rink‑side. I gave him the drill and asked "Aboot" the crime.

"All‑righty then. Make it snappy. I'm to finish my work so I could get home in time for the big game," he replied hastily.

"Arrrgh, what kind of PI are you, anyways?" he exploded. "Can't you see that I killed my father? I'm the one you are looking for!""

"'How ... ?" asked Red Herring.

"Father and I were planning an insurance scam by burning his store," he explained. "He was pouring gas inside of his store while I poured gas outside. One of the lighters I had in my pocket sparked while Father was still inside and the whole store went up in smoke trapping my father."

"Yeah, those lighters can be dangerous. I stick with matches," I pointed oot. "They don't light even when you want them to."

"'Yes, that's true,"' said the policemen.

"Whatever," said Bud Herring, "I don't care! I went to you, the most incompetent PI in Fishwater hoping you'd incriminate Trout. Instead, you blunder far worse that I could imagine. I could continue..."

"'That's not necessary, Mr. Herring," interrupted one of the policemen. "You are under arrest for murder and fraud. You have the right to remain silent; anything you say..."'

"Noooooooo,"' screamed Bud while being dragged away. "I'll get you, you incompetent loser PI. Mark my words. I'll get you good!"

Eventually all was calm and I broke the ice.

""Who wants to watch the big game here?"

"Yeah!" replied everyone.

We all had a jolly good time. But, I was stiff feeling a bit down.

"'What"s the matter, son?" asked Blu Trout.

"Well, it's just that Bud promised me $ 1,000,000 for this."' I says. "Now I've solved it, but he's in jail. It's not likely I'll ever see that money. I hoped to play for the Red Wings, too."

"That's no problem, son."' assured Trout. "I know the owner of the Red Wings. And I could convince him to give you a shot. Why, I'll pay for your trip to Detroit!"

"Really?" I said, stunned at this new prospect. "You really mean it?"

"Of course," said Trout.

Goldie Digger was listening to our conversation and asked, "Wow, Mr. Trout, you're mighty powerful and rich. How'd you like to go out with me tomorrow night, handsome?"

"I'd love escort you tomorrow," replied Trout. "It's Saturday and I don't work. You'll have the time of your life with me. Guaranteed!"

So, in the end, everyone came out on top. Red and Garcon have each other and outlived King. Trout has a future trophy‑wife and Digger has a rich husband‑to‑be. Bud won a date with the slammer ‑And most importantly, I got to play in the NHL. 'It's no Stanley Cup, but I'm undefeated in the crime business. Stromer 1, Criminals 0. In the end, that's what really matters. Eh?

END