The puppies padded carefully down the long, cool hallway of Sprinkles & Sweets Bakery, carrying the tray of fireworks between their teeth with heroic determination. Captain Zoomie led the way, his chest puffed out, tail held high. Brenda trailed behind, watching anxiously and wringing a towel between her flour-dusted paws. The scent of sugar and chocolate faded as they reached the kitchen door, replaced by the tangy, peppery smell of spent sparklers. Outside, the late afternoon sun made golden squares on the tile, and the distant sound of children laughing carried in through an open window.
Baby Blue Bears’s heart beat fast as they rounded the corner toward the storeroom, where Mr. Sparkle still lay nestled in a pile of party streamers. Mrs. Appleby, the town nurse, knelt beside him, her bag open, checking his pulse. Her gentle voice murmured soothing words, but Mr. Sparkle’s eyelids fluttered, only half-awake. Colorful streamers stuck in his hair, and a little patch of edible glitter sparkled on his cheek.
Dottie Baby Bears pranced forward, setting down her half of the tray. "Mrs. Appleby! We found the fireworks! All safe and sound! And we found Brenda, too—it was almost an accident, but she didn’t mean any harm."
Mrs. Appleby looked up, relief creasing her brow. "Oh, wonderful. Good work, detectives! Now we just need Mr. Sparkle to wake up so we can get this show started."
Russo Baby Bears crept closer, his ears drooping. "Do you think he’ll be okay?" he whispered. Captain Zoomie sent him a reassuring wink.
Just then, Mr. Sparkle’s eyelids fluttered open. He blinked, confused, then focused on the puppies, the fireworks, and finally Brenda, who hovered nearby with her paws clasped over her mouth. "Did I miss it? The Fourth of July? The baking contest—my fireworks—oh!" He sat up suddenly, only to sway dizzily. Mrs. Appleby steadied him with a gentle paw.
"Easy there, Mr. Sparkle," she said. "You fainted from all the excitement. But everything’s safe, and thanks to these brave little sleuths, your special fireworks are right here."
Mr. Sparkle’s eyes welled with grateful tears. "Oh, my stars! Thank you, Spookyween Detective Agency. You’ve saved the day—and my big finale!" The puppies puffed up with pride, tails wagging wildly.
Just then, a loud pop echoed outside, followed by a chorus of giggles and the sizzle of sparklers being lit. The town was growing restless. The celebration couldn’t wait much longer. But before anyone could act, the lights in the bakery flickered, then snapped off with a zzzzzzt. The room plunged into shadow. From outside, the laughter faded into a hush.
A chill swept across the bakery. Brenda gasped. "Uh-oh… Is that supposed to happen?"
Captain Zoomie's fur bristled. "Stay close, everyone. Something strange is afoot—and the fireworks may not be the only surprise tonight."
The puppies pressed together, eyes wide, as a strange, bluish glow began to flicker from beneath the pantry door, painting odd, dancing shapes across the tiles. The Spookyween Detective Agency braced for the unknown. The Fourth of July was about to get much, much spookier.