The "Babe" List

Chapter 1: Missing

SPOV

My name is Stephanie Michelle Plum. And I am freaking out. Here's the thing. I never expected this to happen. That iPod never leaves my bedroom. And I mean never. The last time it did, it still had nothing on it. That's why I'm freaking out, why my apartment is spotless, and why I have absolutely no confidence at the moment. That iPod only has two things on it. A recording of Ranger saying "Proud of you, Babe." and a playlist that uses music to say every feeling he makes me feel without me having to come out of Denial Land to do so. I listen to it every night and whenever something bad happens. It's my defense before dinner with my parents and the happy boost after. And now it's gone. I just hope it didn't get left where a 'Burg gossip or a Merry Man can find it before I do.

RPOV

I have to say, I have never been as confused before in my life as I am right now. I don't normally do confused, but this situation warrants it. This almost warrants 'bewildered' status. I was in the middle of a conference call with the Boston office when I look down and a neon green iPod with the Batman logo is sitting on my folder. I look around the room, but there's no one there. As I look back down to the device, I thought I heard faint giggling. I've seen this somewhere before, I realise. This is the iPod that Steph, my Babe, keeps under her pillow.

Unknown POV

We were supposed to stay quiet. That was the rule. But the look on his face after we left the key to everything was so funny we couldn't help it. The laughs just sliped out. Hopefully that won't change anything. She looks so defeated. We want to tell her not to worry, but that's against the rules. All we can do now is watch them and hope they'll understand once we can tell them, if that time ever comes. So much depends on what they choose to do next, but they must decide on their own.