5. Snow Patrol

Chapter 5 SNOW PATROL THURSDAY Dear Diary, Hooray! The snow finally stopped! I have to go to school today. Be brave, Bub! Don't worry about me, Bella. It was time to set my detective plan in motion!

First I found the perfect outfit for the job. Then I headed out to the snow fort. It wasn't long before Nutz came snooping around. What's with the costume? I'm busy. I don't have time for you today, Nutz.

Nutz can be so nosy. What's got you so rattled. You're afraid of your own shadow. If you must know, I'm solving a mystery.

Diary, we both know you can't always trust Nutz. But I was a little curious about what he had to say about the monster. Oh, you're worried about next door. I'd be nervous, too. You've seen it?! The beast? I've seen it. It's so dangerous they have to lock it up.

It has razor-sharp claws! And huge teeth! It eats everything in sight. But don't worry. You're so puny you wouldn't be a very filling snack.

The boy is building a giant cage for the beast.