Chapter 14

Chapter 14 I'd never been to Snooty la Tooty Gardens before. That's because it makes me sad to see plants locked up behind fences. I believe that all plants should be free to go wherever they want. But the truth is that I've never met another plant that actually wanted to go anywhere. Most plants are happy just to sit where they are. But when Nina pushed me across Garden Street right in front of a speeding fire truck, I started to wish that I had stayed at home, too. The fire truck swerved just in time and we barely made it across alive.

There, waiting in front of the gates of Snooty la Tooty Gardens, was a really grumpy rat. "I know what you're thinking, Mr. Flytrap! Well, I'm not a rat. I'm a kiwi. Mimi Kiwi." "Hello, Mimi Kiwi," I said. "I am Inspector Flytrap, and this is Nina. I'm sorry I thought you were a rat." "Hmmph," said the really grumpy kiwi. "What's a kiwi?" I asked. "DUH!" said Mimi Kiwi. "I am." "Oh," I said. There was an awkward silence. Finally I said, "Would you like to show me the scene of the crime?" Mimi Kiwi muttered something and led us through the gate, down a path, and into a greenhouse.

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The greenhouse was crammed with every kind of plant. They were all in pots, just like mine. Mimi Kiwi pointed to an empty spot near the door. "Is that where the rose was?" I asked. "Duh!" I guessed that she meant "Yes." "So, was the missing rose in a pot?" I asked. "Duh!" "And the pot is missing, too?" "Duh!" I have to admit that I've never met an animal—or a plant, for that matter—as rude and unhelpful as Mimi Kiwi. Even Nina seemed polite next to her. I gave up asking her questions and started looking around. I found a tiny little clump of black stuff on the floor. "Nina, would you mind eating this?" I asked. Nina didn't mind. "What's it taste like?" I asked.

"Potting soil," said Nina. "Just as I suspected! The thief must have spilled some of the dirt when they moved the pot." "Duh!" said Mimi Kiwi. "Big deal," said Nina. I ignored Mimi Kiwi, but I answered Nina. "Actually, it's quite important. Notice that there are several other clumps of potting soil," I said. "It's like a trail of soil. And it goes right out the door." "D—," Mimi Kiwi started to say, but we didn't stick around to hear her finish. "Quick, Nina. Follow that dirt!" I cried, and she pushed me right out the door.