Sugarcube Corner was a standalone building and didn't have any nearby structures to form alleys or narrow pathways within the immediate vicinity.  That was because the shop was often used to host events and gatherings, so having as much floor space both in and outside the building was very important.  Around the back of the shop was its rear entrance -- a larger set of doors than the front for the purpose of transferring particularly sizable packages, supplies, and equipment.  It led straight into the main kitchen and the aroma of fresh baked goods flowed powerfully from it with enough tempting deliciousness to make anypony's stomach rumble with desire.

The cobblestones at the rear entrance were dusted with spilled flour, presumably swept out that way during the usual cleaning of the kitchen.  There were obvious hoof prints still in the flour as well -- a small, close grouping of somepony coming out of and going back into the kitchen (likely Mrs. Cake, given the size) and a single set of hoof prints set extremely close together as if whomever made them had all four limbs pinned in one spot.  Strangely, those were the only tracks of that sort... just a single point in the dust.  Of course, anyone who was at all familiar with the resident party pony would recognize her prints any day -- Pinkie Pie never walked when she could bounce and that was no doubt the remnant of one of her cheerful leaps leaving the shop.

Most importantly, however, there were tracks of the thief!  Those trailed hoof prints and the tread of the cart were in the flour and led away from the shop, swinging along down the way toward what must have been the open market in the Business District.  Also worthy of notice was a bucket set outside the back door -- it was marked as property of Sugarcube Corner and full of plucked apple leaves and stems!

<--- From Rainbow Dash's Home

Rainbow Dash cruised down and landed in front of Sugarcube Corner. She decided she felt like something sweet for her brunch, and the Cakes' wares could more than provide that for her. She was surprised to find it such a hub of activity at this hour. Normally, it was busy first thing in the morning as ponies got treats for the coming day, and busy in the evening as ponies were heading home. She grumbled as she entered, hoping not to have to wait for her order. She was again surprised to see what was going on inside. She spotted Applejack and trotted over, hoping to get what all the commotion was about from her.

"Uh, hey, Applejack. What the hay is going on? I mean, Sugarcube Corner is great and all, but normally not crazy enough to need security." she motioned with her head to Blue Shield as he trotted past.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Flour dusted the back entrance of the corner, leaving a rather obvious trail. The perp wasn't exactly trying to be stealthy it seemed. After all, they went right around back through such a place. Just to be sure, he quickly compared the hoofprints between the cart wheels with the measurements on his notepad. Sure enough, the match was pretty much obvious.

Maybe it wasn't theft. Would it be possible that one of the Apple family had come in and taken the duty up without telling Applejack?

But there was another big clue. The discarded bucket of apple parts. So maybe the perp was trying to make a profit off the apples, lending more credence to the Apple Family theory. After all, long-time residents like the Cakes would know the cart was Sweet Apple property, and would react appropriately if the one with the cart wasn't part of the family.

Blue Shield knocked on the back door loudly, knowing the store itself could get loud and a lesser knock might be missed. He needed to ask at least one question in light of knowing that the Cakes now had apples as well.

There were a lot of angry shouts and objections when Rainbow Dash went zipping into the shop ahead of the line, but they were silenced when she went zipping right back out again all the same.

Meanwhile, at the back, the rear door swung open after a few moments.  Mrs. Cake looked out to see who had knocked and ended up having to look up... and up... and up a little bit more to get a bead on the tall police pony looking for information.  Mrs. Cake was obviously in the midst of working -- she was just as spattered with confections as her husband was and frankly looked a little stressed.

"Oh!  Good morning officer.  Girls?"  Mrs. Cake glanced past Blue Shield to see all the other ponies following in his wake.  Confusion was plain as day on her soft features.  "Is something the matter?  It's not Pinkie Pie again, is it?  What did she do this time?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Keen Eyes was the next pony on the scene, having followed after Blue Shield as he took off.  At this point instinct had completely kicked in and the detective had pulled a magnifying glass out.  As it floated in front of him, he used it to analyze the tracks left behind.  Keen Eyes was still a bit behind the police pony, after all, Blue Shield had gotten a head start.  But it wasn't long before the detective had matched one set of tracks with the previous clue.  The pony moved on to the next clue left behind, the bucket of apple cores and scraps.  He didn't feel the need to use his magnifying glass for this and quickly put it away.

Keen Eyes had not lived in Ponyville very long and did not quite know all of its residents.  There was some information he didn't quite have that Blue Shield on the other hand might have.  This left the detective pondering.  He didn't even know who the apple cart belonged to.  Keen Eyes needed more information, so he approached Blue Shield and Mrs Cake.  "Ma'am, have you seen an apple cart?" Keen Eyes asked, not wasting any time and not waiting for the officer to say anything first.

Blue Shield could swear everytime somepony looked at them, they started at the knees and had to work their way up. Made a stallion want to stoop down to give their necks a break. "Terribly sorry-" He paused, seeing that there was concern for Pinkie Pie, and that he was being followed. By a whole entourage by now. "It's not her... As far as I know... Anywho, Mrs. Cake, I need to know who it was that came by back here with the apples. I've been tying to track them down. I noticed the bucket of apple bits left out here, and seeing as how the cart came through back here... I feel it's safe to assume you know who came by to sell you your apples this morning."

He turned his head to the one who'd come up beside him to ask Mrs. Cake about the same thing. "Wait... Just who are you? You're not involved in this case. Please refrain from interfering in this investigation."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Pansy stepped into the shop, and was enveloped in the smell of sugar.  It was almost as comforting as the smell of her garden shop.  She set the basket gently down on one of the tables, almost spilling it as she was startled by ponies flying in and out, and knocking at the door.  It was a whole herd of ponies.

"Wow.  Is there a party I didn't know about?"  No, that couldn't be right.  Blue Shield was here.  And now he, and another pony she didn't know were asking questions.  What was going on?  Wait, an apple cart?

Keen Eyes momentarily shifted his attention to Blue Shield.  With the use of his horn, his detectives ID floated forward for Blue Shield to see.  "Detective Keen Eyes." the detective said, giving a short little introduction.  He wasn't entirely sure how this would go.  In Canterlot he was a bit more known by the police force.  Of course he had to work his way to that point.  Here, things were different.

Applejack moved along to Mrs Cake, watching the investigation. A glance over the flour-marks  were enough to indicate it was not her springy, perky friend. "Ah don't think this was Pinkie. Mah Apple cart's gone missin', and... well.." she rubbed her head with a hoof. "Sorry t' trouble you, I mean, with the mess of the investigation." It had become a big deal, and the last thing Applejack wanted was for a fiasco like his to be a public issue, because of her.

"Ah just know it couldn't have been Pinkie, though, ah mean, her tracks are those in the middle there." she indicated the clumped, bouncing marks.

Mrs. Cake was at a loss over what to do.  She was in the midst of working on a very large order and really didn't have any time to waste, let alone allowing it to be whittled away in such a confusing moment.  She looked back and forth between the two investigators agape, then over to the girls, hoping for some sort of explanation.  Applejack's apology to the whole matter just seemed to baffle the woman even more since she didn't know how to react at that point.

"No, I don't think so Pansy.  Excuse me a second." Mr. Cake trotted along ahead to his wife's side.  He gave her a gentle nudge on the shoulder and nodded over to their gardener guest.  The diminutive mare was glad for the save and quickly scurried away to Pansy's side while her husband took over.  Mr. Cake drew himself up to his full height and set a stern visage on the two stallions giving each other the stink eye at his hearth.

"Alright you three, what's going on here?  I'll have you know we're very busy right now and don't have time for a bunch of shenanigans." Mr. Cake said squarely.  While he was an upstanding citizen, he wasn't going to let anypony make his wife fret in their own home, even an officer of the law, a detective, or a friendly neighbor like Applejack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:33, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

"You're not a detective, you're a private investigator. Civilian. Again, please step aside and stop interfering with the investigation." Blue Shield took a much sterner tone with the pony claiming to be a detective. No matter how good he was, Blue had to maintain order and proper procedure. Having PI's muck about in his business was bad.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cake. But I only need to ask a few questions, and this should only take a small moment." He gave a sidelong glance at Keen Eyes to keep him quiet before he could open his mouth. "I recieved a report of a missing apple cart. It has passed through here. And seeing as how you've had a delivery of apples recently, I need to know who was pulling the cart."

Relieved to have Rainbow turn up, Applejack gave her a vexed look. "Mah Cart went missing, and Twilight was helpin' me look fer it..." she pause,d and glanced wistfully over at the officer. "An' then everypony started makin' a bit of a big deal over it." she said, quietly.  After hearing the frustration the Cakes were in, she decided... maybe it'd be best to just get out of the way and let...

She sighed, mentally. This was her problem, and now she felt like she wasn't gonna' be allowed to solve it herself! She glanced to Rainbow. "Could ya' have a fly around that way an see if ya can't spot mah cart?" she prompted, pointing a hoof along toward the direction of the tracks, further into the business district. Rainbow was the best flier around, and she could have a view and then some in  a flash, Applejack was sure.  "Jus.. ah.. don't make a big scene about it.. well, ah mean, bigger."

"Same thing, it's still a detect-" Keen Eyes began to argue, but was abruptly cut off by Mr. Cake.  The detective was surprised by the attitude of Mr. Cake.  Shenanigans?  They were trying to resolve some shenanigans, not cause it.  Before Keen Eyes could get a word out, Blue Shield had already started speaking and sent a glance his way.  He knew this wouldn't be easy, but the detective was already starting to get a bit agitated.  Keen Eyes remained quiet though; the officer had already basically asked what he wanted to ask and there was no point in asking the same exact thing.  Although it was obvious the police pony didn't want Keen Eyes interfering with his investigation, the detective refused to move an inch; sticking close by to hear what Mr. Cake had to say.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:03, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Cake.  Got distracted by all the hub-bub.  These are the flowers you asked for, for garnishing right?  They're all organically grown, so they should be safe to use as is."  Pansy pulled a few of the prettier ones out to demonstrate, a pink rose petal and a purple pansy.

"You know, since Pinkie Pie doesn't seem to be around, could I stay and help a little?  I'm not much of a baker, but I don't mind getting my hooves a little messy."  The purple-maned pony had noted Mrs. Cake's worry, and wanted to help.  Besides, her plants had already been watered, and she could open her own shop a little later.

Mr. Cake took in the information with a raised brow, but otherwise his expression didn't change.  His eyes drifted over the bashful looking Applejack in a moment of consideration.  Well, that would explain why she was there... but what about the rest of the peanut gallery?  Twilight Sparkle, Strawberry Toast, and now Rainbow Dash?  Ugh... just the usual array of chaos that seemed to surround that bunch of friends.

"I don't know about any apple cart.  We got a shipment in just this morning, but Pinkie Pie handled it.  The missus and I have been in the kitchen since before dawn trying to get these orders taken care of.  Orders that you're delaying." Mr. Cake highlighted the edge in his tone with a firm stomp of his hoof.  He stepped aside just enough to give view into the kitchen beyond him -- sure enough there were lots of apples stacked up, freshly plucked, washed, and in the midst of being turned into dipped Candied Apples.  It was most certainly not an invitation to come in though and Mr. Cake stepped forward once more to strike as imposing a figure as his gaunt frame could make.

"We've got a ledger for all the purchases the shop makes and Pinkie Pie handled the order itself.  If you want any more information, you'll have to go find her.  She took our foals off to the playground at the school house so that we'd have enough peace to work." the baker put his hoof down once more.  "Now we've still got several dozen apples to dip and box before we can even start on the rest of the morning orders, and there are hungry ponies lining up outside.  If you'll kindly excuse me."

With that, Mr. Cake stepped back and shut the door soundly in place.  Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to go riling up businessponies while they had work to attend to.  Even if it was in the interest of handling an investigation...

Meanwhile, Pansy's offer to help was met with a grateful sigh from Mrs. Cake.  She clasped her hooves onto the taller pony's shoulders and looked about ready to cry in relief.  "Oh, thank Celestia, you darling you!  Please, come on inside and get an apron on.  We can use all the help we can get candying up these apples.  It's easy -- just grab 'em by the stick, dip in the caramel, give 'em a twirl to keep them coated smoothly, and then roll them in the basin of crushed chocolate and nuts.  Once they're done they go on the trays to firm up."

From a slight distance aside, Twilight Sparkle could take in the whole scenario and get a feel for how it was going.  In short, not well.  While it was helpful to have someone like Officer Shield assisting, he'd taken charge and put Applejack in an awkward position.  Now this Keen Eye fellow was jumping in as well?  Mr. Cake letting his temper show was just the last of it, really.  Everything was really getting out of hand.

Thus, Twilight did what came natural to her and stepped up to try and mitigate the situation with a bit of damage control.  She cantered up between Blue Shield and Keen Eye with a slightly apologetic smile on her face.  "Ah, look, both of you... we appreciate you trying to help, but this really isn't something that needs all this attention.  We don't know for certain the cart was actually stolen, especially if it made a delivery here after going missing."

Twilight cast a look over her shoulder to where Applejack was talking with Rainbow Dash, then returned her gaze back up at the two stallions.  Her friend's pride was battered enough as it was without all this heaping onto it.  They'd always been of the habit of solving their own problems.  "It might be best if we just handled this ourselves.  It's not something that needs the police or a detective.  I'm sure you both have more important things you could be doing, right?"

Sensing that she and everypony else was distinctly in the Cake's way, Applejack motioned Rainbow  aside with her, away from the building, but still in sight, while she awaited an answer. She's trot off after the tracks  once Twilight got back to her...

She really was lucky, with such good friends.

Pansy nodded, and went to go put on an apron and wash her hooves.  Didn't want to accidentally put garden dirt in the food, now did she?  The Cakes had already set up a little assembly line, so it was easy for her to get started.  And that way Mrs. Cake could focus more on the things that only she could do.  Dip, swirl, roll, and place.  Dip, swirl, roll, and place.

Now it was Blue Shield's turn to lose a shot of pride. Cases just didn't happen often in Ponyville. As it was, the Elements of Harmony were usually on any case that did show up, because in some way or another, it did wind up involving them somehow. So really, no, he didn't have anything better to do that to track down a missing apple cart and figure out if it was theft or not. This was about as big as cased got in such a small place. Everyone looked out for each other, and help was always just right next door. It was a kick in the flank to the purpose of a police officer.

"I... See..." Blue hid a small sigh as he backed away from the door and the other ponies. Outwardly, he didn't want to show that he felt unnecessary despite things like this being his job. "Well then... If you can't find it by tomorrow, find me on patrol. I'm at the same locations every day so it shouldn't be too hard to track me down. We'll file a missing property report, and I'll do my best to track things down from there. Sorry for being a bother." About this time, he'd be entering the business district, so at least he wasn't far off route.

"Good luck finding your cart." He added over his shoulder as he headed back towards the business district.

[Exit to: Business District]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Rainbow Dash chuckled at Applejack's uncomfortableness in having this much attention over her missing cart. "A missing cart is all this is about? Sheesh, talk about overkill." She teased her Earth pony friend, then got serious about it. "Just relax, AJ, I'll fly around town and see what I can find. I'll go all the way to Manehattan if it comes to it... but hopefully it won't... cause that's kinda far. Be back soon!" With a quick flap of her wings, she took off to search for the cart.

To Town Square --->

With Rainbow departing, Applejack approached Twilight and Blue Shield, and scuffed the dirt with a hoof. "Aw... don't worry none about it. Ah know you were just doin' your job..." she said, and managed a smile. "Ah'm sure nopony did this intentionally." she said, and glanced at Twilight. Well, that was bad wording. The cart had been hitched  up and wheeled off. That was intentional... "Ah mean... ah don't think anypony would try t'steal from me."

Blue Shield wasn't alone in those feelings.  There wasn't much Keen Eyes could say; he hadn't exactly been hired.  The unicorn had simply stuck his muzzle into their business.  Still, being asked to back off by those who were involved made his heart sink.  Mysteries were his forte after all.  The detective didn't really have anything better to do either.  "Yes, I suppose I do," Keen Eyes said, giving the newspaper that was still floating beside him a glance.  With his attention now on Twilight and her friend, Applejack, what appeared to be a couple business cards floated their way.  "Here's my cards, if you ponies happen to change your minds.."

As much as the detective hated leaving a case unsolved he began on his way once more.  Continuing the morning walk that had been interrupted.  Mysteries were his bread and butter, and at this rate the pony was going to have to take up a second job.  What did he expect though; Ponyville was nothing like the busy streets of Canterlot.  Where there always seemed to be somepony in need of his help.

As the two stallions started going off in a dejected manner, Twilight was left to grimace where she stood.  Geeze... she really felt like she'd stuck her hoof in her mouth.  Were all boys so sensitive?

"Wait a second, you two!  I'm sorry -- things just got a little out of control there." the unicorn quickly tried to gather the two men before they could get off too far.  "This might be better if we coordinate with each other a bit rather than just running around from place to place.  The investigation would be more efficient that way, right?"

She looked back to Applejack with a hopeful expression -- she knew her friend's wounded pride was still stinging, but if they could rope in the situation a bit, then that would make things better for all of them.  Blue Shield and Keen Eyes wouldn't have to feel like they'd been dismissed and Applejack could get control of her own problem again.

"Yer right, Twilight." Applejack said, and nodded. "Awright, someone's gotta go get Rainbow Dash and point her the right way. Then we can all search after the tracks." she turned, and pointed a hoof in the direction they went. "Everypony wants  to figure this out, and... ah could use the help, ah think..."  Applejack was proud... but time and again she'd learned she had people she could turn to. So this time... it would be alright, too.

"Precisely.  The tracks lead further into the Business District and it's a pretty straight shot from here.  It doesn't seem like whomever took the cart has been trying to hide, so they probably took Stirrup Street."  Twilight reasoned.  "Pinkie Pie may know something, but she's not going to be easy to track down even if we know where she is.  We'll need a few extra hooves to cover more ground around the Schoolhouse to find her."

The unicorn looked back and forth among the gathered ponies.  They had some pretty clear goals once they actually paused a moment to discuss it -- retrieve Rainbow Dash, then have one portion of the group track the cart while the other tried to find Pinkie Pie for information.  "Volunteers?"