Alex sat behind his desk eating a sandwich. Everybody called him PB&J because of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches he ate. They were his favorite, he carried a bag filled with them wherever he went.

Today was opening day of the PB&J Detective Agency. His dad had turned his clubhouse into an office and PB&J had saved up to buy a detective’s kit. It had everything a first-rate investigator needed. Except a case.

Suzie walked in crying. “Someone stole my yo-yo. I went inside and left it on the porch. When I came out, it was gone.”

Opening the bag she carried, she took out a sandwich. “Hope you like apricot.”

“I’ve never met a jelly I didn’t like. PB&J Detective Agency’s on the case. I’ll find your yo-yo.”

They walked to Suzie’s. PB&J used his flashlight to check the flowerbeds around the porch for clues. He found small paw prints. He took out his notebook and pen, made a note, and walked up the porch steps.

“Where did you leave the yo-yo?” 

“Here on the bench. Mom called me for lunch. I was in a hurry and didn’t wind it up. I set it on the cushion with the string dangling, so it wouldn’t tangle.”

PB&J used his magnifying glass to look around where the yo-yo was last seen. He examined the cushions for clues and found some white fuzz. He put it into an evidence bag.

Suzie continued. “After lunch, it was gone. I thought maybe it rolled away. But I couldn’t find it.”

PB&J was stumped. He sat on the stairs and ate one of his sandwiches -- he always thought best while chewing. 
Mrs. Elmer came by, walking her poodle. “Hi again, Missus Elmer,” Suzie said. “No Precious to chase this time, Dolly.”

PB&J heard a rustling in the bushes and Dolly started barking. A white cat darted out. Precious meowed at Dolly and then dashed across the street. She slipped through her cat door.

“Missus Elmer,” PB&J called, “Suzie’s yo-yo has disappeared. You could be a witness. Can we ask you some questions?”

“Of course.” 

“Did you see anything when you walked by before?” 

“No, just Precious trying to get Dolly to chase her, like always. I’m sorry, wish I could be more helpful.”

PB&J smiled. “Actually, you were. Suzie, I know what happened to your yo-yo.”

“You do?” They asked.

“Yeah.” PB&J crawled into the bushes. He wriggled out holding Suzie’s yo-yo.

Suzie hugged him. “How did you know?”

PB&J grinned. “I put the clues together. I realized the fuzz on the cushions was cat hair. You’d left the yo-yo with the string hanging -- cats can’t resist a dangling string. Precious dragged the yo-yo into the bushes to play with it.”

“You’re the best detective ever!” Suzie said.

“Great work,” Mrs. Elmer said. “You’ve solved your first case. How about a sandwich to celebrate?” 

PB&J smiled. “Thanks, nothing says case solved like PB&J.”