Chapter 1At most Poplar Plains town council meetings, the five elected board members outnumbered the audience. The December 22nd gathering saw the community rec center filled almost to capacity, though, and the chattering throng had Councilperson Sam Smart VII expecting anything but a silent night.
“Good evening, Samuel.”
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Penny.”
Warm air from the ductwork made Sam’s red curls crackle when he pulled off his green and white snowflake hat by its puffy blue pom-pom. The boiler wasn’t the only thing heating up the room. One specific item on the agenda had already stoked the crowd. Number two under new business—The Town Prankster.
Town Supervisor Betty Penny was the prankster’s first victim back before anyone knew there’d be several, back before anyone knew there’d be
