Chapter 2: Unexpected Reunions

A look of disbelief fell over his Arnold. "Phoebe...ENGAGED?! B-B-BUT when...WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" he exclaimed.

"About a week ago." Gerald replied

"A WEEK AGO?!"

Bobby Schmurda started playing in the distant background. "I hate that...stupid song!" Gerald said rubbing his face with his hands.

"How did you find out?!" Arnold asked

"Fuzzy Slippers!"

Arnold looked at the card again. He just couldn't believe it. "Ahh man, poor Gerald!" he thought to himself. He knew how much Gerald cared for her and how distraught he was when she left for Tokyo. Taking a deep breath he knew his best friend needed some encouragement.

"Listen Gerald...I can't begin to think of how your feeling right now, but just try to think positive. You have a lot of great things going on your life. You have a wonderful family who couldn't be more proud of you. You're in a career that you like...I know how you feel about Phoebe...but try not to let it get you down!"

Gerald let out a small chuckle and look at Arnold. "Same ol Arnold!" he said, "Always looking on the bright side of things!"

"Well if I dont then who will?!"

"Youre a bold kid Arnold!"

They both laughed and did their signature handshake...

The next few weeks seemed to fly by! Even though he spent most of his time doing paperwork, Gerald still loved his job. He had been assigned to work with a guy name Alphonso Creed, but everyone called him "The Assassin" because he always got his target. At first he and Gerald butted heads but thanks to Arnold Gerald was able to see the Creed had his best interests at heart, which explained why he was on Geralds case. Fall was in full swing when Creed came up to Gerald. "Youngblood, lets go" Creed said, "Boss wants to see us!" They made their way to Chief Hauser office.

"Gentleman, take a seat! I'm sure youre familiar with State Attorney Jace?!" Hauser asked pointing to the woman dressed in a dark blue business suit. "She has an important assignment for you, so pay attention!"

"Heres the deal" she began, "Around 8:30 last night Luther Potter was found dead outside his home. They think it was a robbery gone wrong since his wallet and other values were missing. I however, dont agree! I believe theres more to it!"

"And why is that?" Creed asked

"Because, Potter was the lawyer working on brokering a deal between Heggins Technology and Ryuu Industries, the Ryuu Industry the State Senate having a huge fallout over for wanting to open a plant right here in Hillwood! He had noticed some "anomalies" in both companies business practices and suspected foul play. He was attempting to turn this information over to the State Attorney office, which I believe is the real reason why he was killed. But I cant do that with out the files he had! They have appeared to be missing!"

"So what we need to do is find those files to tie all of this together. We get those files, we get his killer!" Hauser chimed in.

"Exactly!" Jace added, "Every resource the State has is at your disposal! Get it done!"

As they left the office Gerald and Creed discussed their new assignment. "So what do you think, murder for hire?!" Gerald asked. Creed looked at his young partner. "Man this kid is bright!", he thought.

"Well they said he was brokering the deal between Higgins and Ryuu so lets start there!" Creed said

"Have a seat in here gentlemen, Mr. Heggins will be in in a moment." the secretary said, "Would you like anything?" They both shook their head "no". The office they were in was nice. It on the top level of a 50 floor building, with glass walls that gave you a view of the entire city. In the middle the was a couch and two chairs and in the back was the large oak desk. Creed let a whistle, "This guy!", he murmured.

"Gentlemen, my apologies for keeping you waiting!" a voice came from behind them. Gerald froze! "THAT VOICE...IT CANT BE?!" Turning around...it was! Rex Smythe Higgins the lll...if there was someone who Gerald hated more it was this spoiled whint BI-. Even Arnold cant stand him so that says a lot!

"So how can I be of ser..." he paused looking at Gerald, then a smirk came across his face. "Soooo...I see the requirements for law enforcement has certainly gone down considerably has it not?!"

"Smythe Higgins...still got that umbrella stuck up your pale lil..."

"What my partner was tryna say is what can you tell us about Mr. Potter?" Creed asked.

"Luther...well...not much I can say...terribly sad what happened to him." Rex said as he sat on his couch.

"You mean you dont know anything bout the man who brokering the deal that would bring you company millions?" Gerald shot back with some venom. He was trying to stay calm but this guy always seemed to strike nerve.

"Well, what can I say, my only concerns are the dollar signs!" Creed and Gerald stared blankly at him. If Gerald had his way he'd shoot him in his thigh and leg and tell him to catch up like mayonnaise.

"I was joking ol chaps! But seriously the most I knew was because of this deal h he was under a lot of pressure. Took his work home with him every night. Poor fellow.

"Why was the deal so stressful to him?!" Creed asked.

"Thats a good question, my guess who would that Ryuu had a laundry list of demands they wanted add! Heard one meeting was so bad he had to start seeing a shrink!"

"Do you happen to know the name of this shrink?" Gerald said.

"If I heard correctly...A Sho...something or another..." Arnold was this guy shrink Gerald thought

"One last question Mr. Higgins...where were you last night?" Gerald asked.

Rex let a light chuckle, "Well if you must know I was at a dinner party my grandfather hosted. I can get you the names and numbers if you insist!"

"We insist!" They said in unison.

"Margaret, could you please get the guest list for the gentlemen."

"Right away Mr. Higgins!"

"Well if you will excuse me, I have a 12 o'clock" Rex said standing to shake there hands. Gerald was almost tempted not to shake but did, but he also made sure he'd wash his hands afterwards.

The rest of the day went uneventful. They stopped by the law firm Potter worked for and one of the guys confirmed that Arnold was indeed the shrink. Afterwards they returned to the Bureau and tried piece together what they found out so far. Itwasnt much but they both agreed that Higgins knew more than what he was saying. How you not want to everything that was taking place in a multi million dollar deal?!

Around 6pm Gerald decided to call it a day! He was worn out, but wasnt ready to go home just yet. Figuring Arnold should be home by then he decided to head there. He need to blow of steam, plus tell him about who he had seen. He knew he may need ask about Potter but realized it would be best to do it during business hours and to have a warrent just to make it legal.

He arrived at Arnold home and noticed Helgas pink Mini Coup parked out from. "Well better make it brief visit." he thought. As he approached the door, he what sounded like yelling. As soon as he knocked the yelling stopped and it got reeally quiet. So he know again, this time louder...still no answer. Pulling out his gloc he was just about ready to kick the door down when it slowly open. Arnold appeared pale as a ghost.

"Arnold, is everything ok?!"

"Huh?! Oh yeah...yeah of course it is...why wouldn't it be?!"

Arnold is a terrible liar!

"Look man I'm just checking. I heard yelling when I got to the door so..."

"Trust me Gerald, everything is fine...but if you're tryna hang now is not a good time ok"

Now he was REALLY concerned. Even though Arnold said it was ok, Gerald knew his best friend. Calmly he moved Arnold aside, Arnold did not resist. Gerald slowly enter through the house weapon in hand with Arnold slowy dragging behind him. As he approached the kitchen he saw two reflectiin coming from inside.

"FREEZE!"

Helga let out a terrifying screaming!

"Criminey Hair boy what the hell?!"

"Where'd they go?"

"Who?"

"The other person who was in here! Where did they go?!"

"Theres nobody else but me now can you please put your pea shooter away please?!"

Gerald let out a sigh amd holstered his weapon.

"Thank you doi" Helga murmured

"You two!" Gerald said. Turning to Arnold who still looked pale, "Aye man are you sure youre ok!?" He look at Helga then back a Gerald.

"AAAARRRGGGHH...I CAN'T DO THIS!" he shouted. "Gerald there's something I need to tell you. "

"Arnold wait", Helga said.

"NOOOOOOO...he's my best friend and he deserves to know!"

Gerald pinched the bridge of his nose, "Will somebody PLEEEEEEASE tell me whats going on before I shoot both of you?!" He was already reaching for his gloc.

"Uhhhh...perhaps I can be of service in explaining whats is taking place!"

Recognizing that voice Gerald froze. "Nooooo, not again!" he thought. Turning around. "PHOEBE!"