Detective JEFFREY MADISON is known for bringing miscreants to justice, but lately has found himself tired of the same petty crimes that never seem to end. First Bobby Rae steals from the convenience store, and then tries to buy his freedom because he feels that he has done nothing wrong. Then Ms. Clayhorn needs him to rescue her Calico cat and grandson, who managed to end up at the top of the same oak tree, although the older lady seemed more concerned with the cat than her sobbing grandson.

Feeling disgruntled for the first time in his police career, Jeffrey decides to leave for home a bit earlier than usual just to relax and wind down. However, before he can get out of the front door, he receives one more phone call. Debating between leaving it and answering, he decided to pick up the call and was shocked to hear a young voice telling him that "fishy business is underfoot."

About to dismiss the call as nothing more than a prank, Jeffrey's curiosity is aroused when the caller introduces herself as "the fully certified deputy for Sunshine Valley Little Creek neighborhood's watch" and informs him that a crime is about to take place. Acting on instinct, Jeffrey follows the lead, and finds twelve-year-old MATTIE McDANIELS, who teaches him that detective business is about so much more than meets the eye.

Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.