Author's Note: I do not own the Ninja Turtles; I just like to play with them. I own any original characters.
Note: I have forgotten the name to April's Antique store, so if I got it wrong please let me know so I can fix it. Thank you.
Chapter Two
A Place to Stay and Explanations
Michaelangelo led Jamie to the roof. Jamie looked over when she was securely behind the barrier. She could see Stokes stirring. Jamie could not hide the satisfaction, knowing that she got away from him. Especially since Duke and Victor were both temporarily blinded.
"Why'd you help me?" she then asked, now looking away from the scene below to address Michaelangelo.
Michaelangelo was standing further away from the edge.
"I can easily say it's part of what I do," he replied. "I help where it's needed."
"Yet risk being seen?"
Michaelangelo shrugged. "I did hold back," he admitted. "Just to see how you would do without the help."
Jamie nodded. She peered back over. Noticing that Stokes had somehow staggered out of the alley, with Duke and Victor groping their way out.
"Why were they chasing you?"
She looked back at the Turtle. It was a fair question.
"The man in the suit, his name is Robert Stokes. He thinks he owns me," Jamie explained. "It's a long story and not one for the rain." She glanced up at the still pouring rain for a second.
Michaelangelo understood.
"Do you know of anywhere I could stay?" Jamie then asked. "Even for a night?"
"You're not from around here?"
"I wouldn't ask if I were."
Michaelangelo could only think of one person.
"I know of a place," he said.
"By the way, what's your name?" Jamie asked, as they began to make their way across the building top.
"Michaelangelo," said the Turtle. "Mikey for short. What's yours?"
"Jamie."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
April O'Neil opened the back door of her antique store, A Second Time 'Round.
"Michaelangelo?" she said, a little surprised to see him.
"Sorry to bother you, April," Michaelangelo apologised. "I know it's late, but you know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
April saw an extremely soaked Jamie standing behind him.
"No, no, come in," she said, stepping aside to allow them passage. "Who's your friend?"
"This is Jamie," said Michaelangelo. "I helped her out and she's not from around here. I thought she could use a helping hand while she is here."
Jamie's could feel her cheeks going pink. April looked at her.
"No problem," she assured. "You better get home," turning to Michaelangelo.
The Turtle nodded. He looked at Jamie.
"You should be safe here," he said. "See you April."
He then left.
April turned to Jamie and offered to show her upstairs to the apartment.
"I'm afraid all I can offer is the couch," she said as they climbed the stairs.
"That's okay," said Jamie, feeling more and more unsure. As if she didn't deserve this type of treatment.
They entered the apartment and April found some dry, clean clothes that should fit and showed Jamie to the bathroom.
"Where have you been?" Leonardo asked, seeing Michaelangelo enter the Lair. "You were supposed to be home an hour ago."
Michaelangelo was a little guilty about that. But not guilty for the reason.
"I had to stop and help someone," he told his older brother. "The girl was in a spot of trouble. What was I supposed to do?"
Leonardo gave a moment before answering.
"Just check in with Master Splinter. He will want to know you're home," he finally said.
Michaelangelo gave a single nod and made his way out of the living area. Before seeing Splinter, he saw Donatello in his lab.
"Hey Donny," he said, walking in.
Donatello was at his computer desk. He turned around to see Michaelangelo.
"Hey Mikey," he said. "You're home late."
Mikey rolled his eyes. "I know. Already spoke to Leo."
"I was only just saying," said Donny. "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you could look a name up. A Robert Stokes," said Michaelangelo.
Donatello frowned at this. "Why?"
Mikey explained the situation that had taken place. The reason why he was home late.
"I just figured that maybe this guy is someone to watch out for," he finished.
"Hmm," said Donatello in response, spinning around to his monitor. "It may be tricky, Mikey. Robert is a very common name. Plus I believe Stokes would have it's numbers as well. But I'll see if I can find anything. In the end it may end up being the case where we would have to talk to this Jamie girl to get a better idea."
Michaelangelo could understand where his brother was getting at.
"Also I suggest you should tell Master Splinter about this," Donatello added, as he typed away on his keyboard.
"Already on it," said Mikey.
He left Donny to it, while he went to see Splinter.
Splinter was in his room when Michaelangelo arrived to see him.
"Master?" said Michaelangelo, seeing that he was in his meditation state.
The mutant Rat opened his eyes. "Enter, my son," he said. "Why were you late?"
Michaelangelo knelt down in front of Splinter and, once again, explained what had happened. Splinter listened and waited until Michaelangelo was finished before speaking.
"While I do approve of lateness, I can understand the reasons. For that you will not be punished. However, with the possible seriousness of the prospect of you exposing yourself – whether or not you have – it would be best that we ought to talk to the girl. It will give us an insight on who we may end up having to deal with."
"So...you're not mad?" Michaelangelo asked.
Splinter shook his head gently. "No."
