Center Street Investigators
CSI: Williston Park
in
The Mystery of the Goldschlagger Emerald
Tune in each day for a new chapter in the ongoing tale of DJ Cool B and the Curious Four Directions.
Chapter 1
Friday, the Grammy Celebration
Emcee: “Welcome to the final hour of the 2018 Grammy awards.
Emcee: “You all know the famous story of the artists behind the Best Rap Album. When Mr. Bierwiler was the youngest hippest Detective Inspector in England’s Scotland Yard, nicknamed D.I. Cool B, he would never have guess he’d be here at Madison Square Garden. But after he captured the “Candy Crew” — the four American singing shoplifters of the best sweet shops in London — he agreed to help them reform rather than go to prison. And, now, here they are, the world famous hip hop stars D.J. Cool B and the Curious 4 Directions. They are about to start their “Gems of America Tour.” (With their singles “Sorry… (I took your candy)” and “What do you mean …(jelly bean)?”). So, Ladies and Gentlemen, here are your winners: D.J. Cool B and the Curious 4 Directions.”
DJ Cool B:
“Thank you from me and the Curious 4 Directions,
We’re so happy to be your favorite selections,
We’re excited about our concert tour,
All the place we will explore,
The Curious 4 will each visit — her home state
And we’re certain that you will find it great,
First to Ms. Korder East, who’s from near to here
The land of Ms. Massari South will be where next we steer,
Then Ms. Sullivan West will get her chance
To show off her place and native dance,
Before Ms. Friel North takes it to the bridge
Of her home we will pass many a ridge,
Until we travel the farthest yet,
To a luau and the tour’s final sunset,
But the exact stops along the way,
That change with each and every day,
Are our special and secret plans,
That we’ll give clues for, to you–our fans”
After they walk off stage the Emcee returns
Emcee: “Let’s hear it again for our winners D.J. Cool B and the Curious 4 Directions, as they go to the gala opening for their Gems of America Tour. The Metropolitan Museum is throwing a party with many of the greatest jewels from throughout the country Including the million dollar Goldshlagger Emerald, all to symbolize the gems of America Tour. You probably remember they did the same thing with Spices of the World, back when the Spice Girls had their Reunion World Tour; in fact that is in the same exhibit hall. Pretty exciting! All the celebrities will be there, as well as DJ Cool B and the 4 Directions, even their famous rowdy pets will be with them: East’s cat Phluff, South’s parrot Sleek, West’s dog Wrinkle, and North’s imaginary unicorn Pointy. It should be amazing with those incredible gems.
“Remember the Gems of America Tour visits multiple stops ending in a large gala show and meal, but the exact concert stops along the way are only known based on clues received in new lyrics and personal fan club messages, so pay attention. Pay attention to what you hear from the band, because they always put their lives into their lyrics and messages to fans. DJ Cool B promised that if you you read enough he will provide you extra clues as to where the day’s tour will take them and you can follow them.
Just as the crowds left, the emcee’s voice surprisingly returned breaking over the loudspeakers:
“Oh my goodness, ladies and gentlemen, this just in, there has been an incident at the Gala Party. I’m only hearing some of the news, but it seems that there has been a robbery. Apparently, Phluff the cat jumped at Sleek and was chased by Wrinkle, in the attempt to grab them, the jewel cases were knocked over and the animals all ran into the Spices of the World exhibit, ending up covered in Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme!
“When they were all settled down they realized the Goldshlagger Emerald and some smaller ones disappeared. No one is accusing the former shoplifters the Curious. 4 Directions, but we’ll have to hear more news to see if they find the thief! Talk about Curious!
Chapter 2
Monday, The Mystery Begins
Morning News Reports
“Well, by now nearly everyone has heard about an incident at Friday’s Gala Gems of America Party for DJ Cool B and the Curious 4 Directions. To remind you, everyone is saying that there was a robbery. Apparently, there was confusion that began when Ms. Korder East’s cat Phluff jumped at Sleek the parrot and was chased by the shar-pei dog Wrinkle. In the attempt to grab them, the jewel cases were knocked over and the animals all ran into the Spices of the World exhibit, ending up covered in parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme!
“The reports are that when they were all settled down they realized the Goldshlagger Emerald and some smaller gems disappeared. No one is exactly accusing the former thieves the 4 Directions, but they were only able to continue on tour when DJ Cool B, a former detective, promised to keep track of them all. They singers themselves are of course famous for being Curious and are desperate to clear their names. Still others ask whether, now that Cool B has left the police, he should be a suspect also.
“Center Street Investigators, are on the case to help solve this dastardly crime.
CSI: Williston Park have their top people on it. Everyone from their Detective Fifth Grades to Detective First Grades, as well as the best of their Kindergarten Cops! But they are looking for help anywhere it can be found. Famous police psychic, the Great Papagnini, a fan who was at the Gala, has promised to put the mystic powers of beyond to support the search and ensure the concert tour is not put on hold.
“Speaking on the Concert Tour, there are rumors swirling about where the first stop will be today. If we could find that out, we could meet with DJ Cool B and the Directions to find out what they saw, know, and are curious about.
“The CSI team will be keeping the public informed of Who they suspect, Why they think they might have done it, How they could have done it, and Where it could be since they were all searched. Anyone who has clues come to the detectives with information.”
Afternoon News Reports
We have more news on the tour and mystery surrounding DJ Cool B & the Curious 4 Directions:
“We hear Ms. Korder East is excited that the concert tour begins in her home state, but is also embarrassed that her cat Phluff may have started the animal chase that ended in the emerald’s disappearance. She is proud to be the first member of the band to have a pet and is still angry that the others copied her. She says she just loves cats, she wasn’t trying to stand out on stage. She also reminded the press that “The cat’s legal name if Phluff (with a Ph), but also goes by the nickname Fluff (with an F).” She still is especially mad at Ms. Sullivan West, who not only stole the idea of having a pet, but of naming her after the texture of her fur.
“Ms. East is curious about WHO would steal the emerald, she has those she suspect and feels she has no reason to steal the gem despite not having the wealth of others. She thinks those with more history of crime should be suspected. Although she said she was upset about Phluff’s jump, she also blamed Ms. West’s shar pei Wrinkle for starting the chase. Still other questioned whether either of them started the distraction to steal the emerald. Ms Friel North stood up for her and says there is no truth to her needing the money. They have been close since their childhood when Ms. East moved in with her Auntie and Uncle near Ms. North.
“Well the band went on a whirlwind tour of the state today, including visits with the weathercasting Punxsutawney Phil who predicted 4 more days of PARP, the delicious Hershey Park where the candy is as sweet as DJ Cool B’s lovely singing voice, and a number of sports stadiums including that of the Super Bowl champions. Tonight’s show was incredible. It took place not far from that stadium in Philadelphia and it was tremendous to hear the new rap lyrics that DJ Cool B performed in a duet with Ms. East:
Here in Pennsylvania, in the city of brotherly love,
Where two rivers flow below and the Eagles soar above
A little history of the town and Ms. East we will tell,
I’m sure you all know our location by the famed Liberty Bell,
Did you know her friend Miss North once made it disappear?
When she was a magician’s assistant performing here,
But in the end, Ms. East made them bring it it back,
Afraid she or her friend would be blamed for the crack.
A local star — from East Philly — for all to see
With the other Curious Directions, and with me—DJ Cool B
Where two rivers flow below and the Eagles soar above
A little history of the town and Ms. East we will tell,
I’m sure you all know our location by the famed Liberty Bell,
Did you know her friend Miss North once made it disappear?
When she was a magician’s assistant performing here,
But in the end, Ms. East made them bring it it back,
Afraid she or her friend would be blamed for the crack.
A local star — from East Philly — for all to see
With the other Curious Directions, and with me—DJ Cool B
“The concert went on without any trouble but there was no sign of the emerald, beyond the bright green color of Cool B’s shoes as he boarded the band bus to the airport. Where are they headed tomorrow?”
Chapter 3
Tuesday, Picturing the Scene
Morning News Reports
“Day 2 of the Gems of America tour and still no one has found or admitted taking certain gems, particularly the Goldshlagger Emerald! Overnight there were reports that someone snuck in a smart phone at the exciting gala and may have taken a picture of the animal chase just at the time of the crime. Fans say they saw the image for seconds on Instagram, we all hope it will be re-posted so we can take a look. Center Street Investigators — CSI Williston Park, still have the scene of the crime taped off; no one has been to the “Spices of the World Exhibit” since.
“We do have some other, new, possible info about the missing emerald, although we are not sure what to make of it. People are looking at the pairs of Ms. East and North and Ms. South and West, after hearing from the Great Pagnani who had a vision that “a friendship is involved.” As a former detective, DJ Cool B has promised the authorities he will keep the Directions apart so that they can’t coordinate their alibis. In their original interviews, they learned East and West were together and North and South were together, and given that those pairs don’t get along the alibis do seem believable.
“Ms. Sullivan West who is always curious about the “How things happen” in the world, posted online that she wonders HOW the theft could have happened. She wondered if the psychics vision about friendship referred to man or woman’s best friend and wonders if the pets could have swallowed the gems. But, at least one of the gems (the Goldshlagger Emerald) would be too big for a bird or cat to swallow, and her shar pei Wrinkle has a muzzle to make sure he doesn’t bite Phluff. No word on the eating habits of Ms. Friel North’s supposed invisible unicorn Pointy. Speaking of Ms. North, she is curious about WHERE the gems could be hidden and wonders if they aren’t still at the museum with the thief hiding it and planning to come back.
Afternoon News Reports
“Travels today were as hectic as back in Pennsylvania. The band started in the capital, Baton Rouge, and visited Ms. Massari South’s Creole friends. They toured some of the areas flooded in Hurricane Katrina, including her parent’s home. We learned that she’s raising money any way possible to help out. They toured a voodoo museum, took a steamboat to the Tabasco museum, and enjoyed gumbo stew. Ms. North had a short sneezing attack being allergic to the garlic, thyme, and parsley. They then rode a jazz parade through Armstrong Park, and along the Mardi Gras route of Bourbon Street. They will perform at the home of the New Orleans’ Saints.”
“Among tonight’s new lyrics was this short riff from DJ Cool B to Miss South:
When the others with their wealth and melodies seem the best,
Remember your mad beats are better than all the rest,
Don’t let worries or questions make you jealous or mean,
Only your hip threads should be your favorite color green!?
Remember your mad beats are better than all the rest,
Don’t let worries or questions make you jealous or mean,
Only your hip threads should be your favorite color green!?
“After the show, when asked about their day or the crime, the Directions were too tired to speak up. Sleek, Ms. South’s parrot, who seemed excited to be home, did state repeatedly “we’re the best, nobody can catch us.” This was something the Philadelphia Eagles fans had yelled the night before. What words did he pick up today and where will they be tomorrow?”
Chapter 4
Wednesday, In the Night Sky
Morning News Reports
“When the reports finally came into the snowed in East Coast, there was exciting news on the missing gems:
“As their flight took off from Louis Armstrong airport in New Orleans, Ms. Sullivan West mentioned that the cloudy sky wasn’t filled with the many stars they would see in her home state. Then, suddenly, she yelled a thought to DJ Cool B who called the CSI-Williston Park. She thought of Ms. North asking if the gems could still be in the museum and remembered the instagram picture, and thought she had seen a sparkle or two—like the sky— in the spilled spices at the museum. Police rushed to the exhibit first thing in the morning, and saw the Great Pagnani trying to “feel the vibes” of the crime. Rushing past him, sure enough, they discovered the three smaller gems in the pile of thyme. The green of the herb had hidden them. But, with this good news there still was an issue: the large Goldshlagger Emerald was still missing.
“Ms. Korder East remained curious about WHO would steal the gems, could someone have stolen them and planted the others to distract, or did the thief drop the smaller jewels? She pointed out that, when grabbing Wrinkle, Ms. West was the closest to the thyme at the time and she is smart enough to ditch the rest there and contact the police to look innocent. But why would she? Ms. East does admit that Ms. West has enough money to live comfortably. “Even though her clothes are as wrinkled as her dog, they are clearly expensive, as is all her jewelry she loves.” Ms. West was too excited to be going home to mind the questions or insults.
“Meanwhile, Sleek, after the day before’s voodoo chant, repeated spooky words: ‘the evil pokes.’”
Afternoon News Reports
“In a big change from the humid bayous of Louisiana, the band drove the deserts of New Mexico today. There was little around except for an occasional road runner, or tumbleweed sticking against a tall cactus. They stopped at a Native American pueblo, where hundred of years ago they lived in caves and now live in adobe mud homes, along with an occasional teepee. The people were excited to see Ms. Sullivan West who is helping pay for their new school house. Her friends promised to tell stories of how the stars began when they joined the band for the midnight sleepover concert at the Santa Fe outdoor Opera House.
Later, the Directions went hot air ballooning, rising in the cool desert air, replacing the worries of missing gems with nervousness about being so high. Then, worse, far off, by Roswell, they saw a shining green UFO. They soon realized it was just Sleek flying to join Wrinkle. Ms. West lifted her dog and brushed Ms. North who started sneezing and complaining. Ms. West replied, “you are probably just allergic to Phluff, like you are to parsley and thym—Hey, what if you dropped the emeralds when you were sneezing at the museum?” They started to argue and Wrinkle knocked off his muzzle and started to bark. Ms North complained about being barked at until looking down, she saw the small pile Wrinkle had made in the basket. They all laughed.“
“Finally in a pajama-party concert outdoors, DJ Cool B and Ms. West sang:
When you come from the land of ancient tales
About coyotes, first woman, and half-deer males,
You believe the stars in the sky, at night,
Come from sticks that poked through to the light
And that the gems, bright in the sky,
are best in groups, like you and I.
The day ended with everyone getting along for a change!
Chapter 5
Thursday, Tension Builds
Morning News Reports
There is no update on the Goldshlagger Emerald. When Wrinkle shook off the muzzle, barked, and other things, the highly trained, former Scotland Yard Detective-Inspector Cool B, had an idea. They investigated litter box and more, to come up with something. Alas, it just left them needing to wash up! After further interviews by the police left no good information, DJ Cool B decided the Directions could be trusted together again and those four went to the movies. It helped them escape the fans who were guessing what states they were in and following them.
No sooner did they head to the only theater that would let them bring their pets then, back at the hotel, Cool B received a call from the CSI: WP. They have begun to wonder whether the Great Papagnini could be trusted, but he did a new vision. It was quite a vision:
“I see the emerald…I don’t see it, but I feel it, I feel it deeply…it is hidden, but it is moving … moving among direction. In a theater… yes the theater is very important. The movies…the name of the one with the gem…the name…the movie…the—”
The recording of the vision ended, and DJ Cool B was suddenly upset.
He rushed to the 12-plex theater, how would he find them? Luckily, Ms. West and Ms. South were still in line. Ms. South held Wrinkle and Sleek, as Ms. West bought the ticket for a Wrinkle in Time. “Get it,” Ms. West said, “we wanted Wrinkle to see his movie?” DJ Cool B was not laughing. He searches both of them but found nothing.
“Where are the others,” he asked. Ms. South said “the Gnome movie.” He ran in but could not find them in “Gnome alone” in fact he was alone. He finally found them in “Sherlock Gnome.” with some of their friends from their childhood. An empty seat beside them was “for Pointy,” a friend says, “She’s been making him disappear since she was a child magician.” They all laughed but again Cool B was worried and searched the Directions, without finding anything.
Afternoon News Reports
“In a big change from the humid bayous of Louisiana, the band drove the deserts of New DJ Cool B was upset as they walked from Grauman’s Chinese Theater, along the stars on the Walk of Fame. ‘The American trip is ending tomorrow,’ he said, ‘and it looks like we may not be able to move on to our World tour. Countries are now worried about your old criminal record, because of the missing emerald.’ they were all concerned now.
“To try to avoid thinking about those concerns, they took the full California tour. They visited Hollywood, Disneyland, and the movie studios before heading to San Francisco and weaving their way to the show at Golden Gate Park. The lyrics that night were a bit sad until Sleek started interrupting with words from the Sherlock Gnomes movie:
I’m used to suspense coming from Hollywood,
But sometimes things still don’t look so good,
We’ve been in some trouble, but this time we’re lots in
And the answer is—
- Sleek interrupted, squawking “Elementary my dear Watson.”
After laughing, they sang
Finding a solution I’m not sure we will—
- Again Sleek interrupted “Hound of Baskeville!”
After that they all started laughing and moved on to their hits for the rest of the night.
Chapter 6
Friday, Mystery Solved
Morning News Reports
Even with all of their worries, the band flew from the California concert in a pretty good mood. They were all still laughing about Sleek interrupting their rap with his better rhymes. But, then the morning brought the worst news of all. The crime wave was growing. For the first time since some of the emeralds were found in the pile of thyme at the museum, there seemed to be a new stolen gem. Ms. North was now missing a diamond earring and she suspected the other Directions, maybe even Ms. East, and the others began to think Ms. North took it to make herself look innocent.
Things were only getting worse as the tour was ending. DJ Cool B was desperate and phoned back to New York. He called out to all the CSI Detectives in Williston Park, “Think the whole thing through, everything we’ve seen, everything the Great Papagnini has envisioned, everything we have all remembered and said, even Sleek. If anyone has an answer in time for our concert tonight, tell a detective, let us know!”
Afternoon News Reports
As the beauties of Hawaii filled their day, they stopped worrying and just enjoyed. They visited the snow-capped volcano of the Big Island, Hawaii, received flower leis and alohas all over the islands and toured pineapple groves. They went to the theater where Elvis Presley sang and where Bruno Mars performed as a 6-year-old as the “world smallest Elvis impersonator.” They went to the only king’s palace in America, and surfed on sandy beaches with waters of emerald … oh no, don’t mention emeralds!
Finally, it was time for their final concert.
DJ Cool B said, “I want everyone to cheer for the four Curious Directions and all they went through this week. I think they are closer than ever.”
“We are,” Ms. North said, “I’m sorry I thought one of you took my earring. I’m sure I just lost it. I am sure if anyone knew where the Goldshlagger Emerald was they would speak up. But probably the only one who knows is Phluff.” she held up her cat and said, “but he can’t spea— Oh my goodness, here’s my earring, in Phluff’s fluff. It must have fallen when I was sneezing the other day. Well, that’s why I can’t ask Wrinkle either, if I get close to him, I’ll start sneezing– I didn’t used to be allergic to dogs just spices. Sleek is the only one we can ask, and I tried, but he keeps repeating yesterday’s movie ‘A wrinkle in time, in time, in a wrinkle in time.’”
Just then Ms. South and DJ Cool B looked at each other and said “That’s it”
DJ Cool B free-styled the mystery solution:
It all started with the Gems of America Tour,
It was supposed to be music, but was so much more.
We saw so many great things, in each state,
And it was the friends of the Directions that made it so great,
We ate, and visited, with smiles and laughter,
But, all of that came in the days after
Our opening Gala in the New York Museum
Where there were emeralds and, suddenly, we didn’t see ‘em,
Phluff chased Sleek and Wrinkle chased Phluff,
They ran and knocked over the gems… and other stuff,
Emeralds rolled into the thyme and were lost in the green,
And the biggest one was caught where it couldn’t be scene.
Like the movie, he was a Wrinkle in thyme,
A wrinkly dog turned the color of limes.
For Ms. West, the spice covered her pet,
And he scratched, giving Ms. East her worst allergies yet,
So it was a close friend, with the Emerald of Schlagger’s GoldI.
He reaches into Wrinkle and pulled out the emerald!
It was stuck all along in his belly fold!
So, that’s what happened. When Wrinkle ran into the other exhibit, he dragged the emeralds and slid with them into the thyme and became “A Wrinkle in Thyme.” Most of them fell on the floor, but the Goldshlagger Emerald was pushed too deep into his wrinkles to come out. He kept scratching to try to get them out, releasing the thyme that made Ms. North sneeze so much. The psychic was right both about it being in a close friend and connected to the movies.
The mystery was solved! When DJ Cool B returned the emerald, the gem company was so happy to have it back and to have received all the good publicity, that they donated money to those that the Four Curious Directions had been helping.
The Directions continued on their world tour, but DJ Cool B, decided they no longer needed him.
The word we hear is he retired and became DJ School B.
