I like your little episode "untwist". It totally bypasses the whole Spencer Spencer escapade. Nice.
Ralph? No, a headless Ralph wouldn't entice Lois to look into the mystery after her Tahitian getaway. Maybe Jimmy. I bet that would get Tank's vote.
One suggestion: take a look at your verb tenses.
Clark looked over at her struggle. “Here lemme help,” he said as he reached out to pick up the basket in one hand. He takes his other hand and squashes down on it swiftly. Within seconds the same basket and toys were nothing but a dense ball of saran wrap, and wicker. He quickly turns around and tosses it over his shoulder, lightly kicking it into the basket with his foot.
You switch from past to present tense here. It doesn't really matter which you choose for your story, but it should stay consistent throughout the piece.
B
