Unearthed Secrets
Chapter 3
12.15pm, Los Angeles
The moment Jerry had given him the green light, Tim Scam had wasted no time. He headed home, packed a travelling bag, and was en route to San Diego within the hour. He was dressed in his trademark beige trench coat, along with a black shirt and khaki pants.
While waiting for the traffic light, Tim made a phone call.
"Susanne? It's me." He spoke to his cousin. "I'm coming down to San Diego. Is the address still the same?"
"That's great. Yes it is. Mum will be so glad to see you. I'll give her a call. Drive safely yeah?"
"I will Sus, thanks. See you later."
All down the drive to San Diego, Tim Scam's mind was preoccupied. It was not just because of his aunt's worsening health, but also due to a disturbing image that he had received via text that morning.
It was a picture of Sam, unconscious, bound and held in what appeared to be a jail cell. All the blood had drained from his face, and his heart skipped a beat when he first saw it. There was a caption beneath the photo.
Meet me by the abandoned werehouse, tonight 10pm, alone. No W.O.O.H.P, no police, no tricks. Or she'll pay.
There was an address stated as well, that was in San Diego. The sender had been anonymous, and the multiple calls and text messages Tim had made to the number had been futile.
Tim's first instinct was to inform and clarify matters with Jerry. However after some thought, he began to fear that the kidnapper had him on surveillance and would go through with their threat.
Hence, against his better judgment, Tim had kept mum, and schemed for a way to head to San Diego alone.
The plan was to spend the afternoon with his aunt, then leave by 9.15pm to get to the address by 10. His mind kept wondering who was behind all this, who would be so bold to kidnap a W.O.O.H.P agent, and a superspy no less? And why come after him?
Did they know how much Sam meant to him? But they have been so careful to go under the radar, especially since he was part of the Reformatory program…
Or were the two of them just a pawn, on a much larger chess board?
I have to save her… Tim's grip tightened on the steering wheel as a deep frown graced his handsome features. She's one of the few people I've got left…
5.00pm, Spies' Villa
By the time Alex returned home, exhausted from her psychology exam, the trace of the phone number that Clover had placed on her X-Powder had came back- to a burner phone. The device had been switched off, so there was no way on tracking just where the call had came from. A dead end. Clover had just updated Alex on the events of the afternoon, when the girls felt the ground below them shake. The two spies shared a look.
"I hope this means Jerry has some ne-" Alex had just began to speak when the ground completely opened and swallowed them up, cutting Alex's words off.
"Sometimes I swear Jerry needs a normal way of W.O.O.H.P-ing us!" Clover cried out as she slide down the tunnel, Alex right behind her.
The two superspies landed in a heap on the couch in W.O.O.H.P Headquarters. Regaining their bearings swiftly, they stood up. Their neutral expressions immediately shifted to one of concern. On the large screen behind Jerry's desk, the CCTV footage near their home was paused.
Jerry merely greeted them grimly. "Hello girls. There's something you need to see." When he was sure he had both spies' undivided attention, Jerry hit play.
Alex and Clover watched in trepidation as the fast-forwarded clip showed two shadows, decked in black, approach their villa. The time stamp read 11.15pm. The two intruders barely even glanced at their front door, instead skirting to the side of the house where Sam's room was.
Clearly, they knew what they were doing; a targeted attack. Unfortunately, the intruders went out of the camera's view not long after.
The streets were quiet until about 12.30pm. The superspies' eyes widened in horror as they witnessed the same two intruders hurry away, carrying an unconscious Sam. Their friend was bound at the wrists and legs as well.
"Sammy…" Alex whispered. Her heart hurt. Clover blinked back tears.
With a heavy heart, Jerry turned off the CCTV footage. The screen turned black. He met Clover and Alex's watery gazes. "I'm sorry girls. I know this must be hard to take in."
"Why are they doing this? What are they after?" Clover cried out after a moment of silence. Jerry reached onto his desk and picked up a sheet of paper that was in a clear plastic folder. "Leverage."
With shaking fingers, Alex took the paper from Jerry. Words were printed in big, bold letters.
Prepare three of W.O.O.H.P's high sonic ray guns. Details of drop off will be sent to you. Otherwise, say goodbye to the redhead superspy.
"The high sonic ray gun?!" Both spies shared a dreaded look. The high sonic ray gun was one of W.O.O.H.P's most ingenious, yet deadly creations. It was even deadlier than a gun; for the speed and trajectory of the ray was faster, and more accurate than a bullet. Along with the high temperature of the ray emitted, the high sonic ray gun would bring about instantaneous death.
And for the kidnappers to request for three of them? The two superspies couldn't imagine the types of possible havoc that could result from it. Powerful leaders could be easily be coerced if the device fell into the wrong hands.
It was why manufacturing of the gadget had stopped and the few prototypes placed in cold storage.
"Are you going to give them what they want Jer?" Clover tentatively asked. It was an ethical dilemma. On one hand, W.O.O.H.P had a duty to the world. However, they had a duty towards their own agents too.
"I won't do that." Jerry was firm in his reply. "But neither will I leave Sam to die either. We need to find her before they contact us again."
Clover and Alex nodded in agreement. Jerry began to pace up and down. "One of our agents was given this note in an envelope by a young child this morning, just outside W.O.O.H.P. Aside from their two sets of fingerprints, there were no others found. Our security tape doesn't show anything suspicious either." He said matter-of-factly.
"What about the CCTV footage you just show us Jer? They would need to have a car or something right? In order to…kidnap Sam?" Alex spoke up. Her voice wobbled slightly at the word 'kidnap'. "Do you have footage from the other CCTV cameras?"
Jerry nodded. "In fact they just came in." The head of W.O.O.H.P hit a few keys on his computer, and in no time at all the trio was viewing the CCTV footage taken from another angle. They watched as Sam was brought into a blue sedan.
"There." Jerry paused the video when the car (that was driving away with the two intruders and Sam) was close enough to the CCTV cameras. They had a license plate number.
"I'll run it now. But it'll take a while." Jerry declared. "They might have taken her out of the city. Oh and Clover, pass me the burner phone number you found. I'll have a location trace placed on it just in case."
"Roger that Jer… But is there anything we can do in the meantime?" Clover asked. At first glance, her expression showed determination, but Alex could see the concern and worry reflected in her friend's eyes.
"I'm afraid there's not much to be done. This is the best lead we've got. I'll inform her parents and also get the police to be on the lookout for the car. In the meantime, I know your last examination is tomorrow Clover. Focus on that first. Sam wouldn't want you to fail your exam because of her." Clover looked as if she was going to argue but knew that Jerry had a point.
Jerry walked over to one of the gadget dispenser machines and brought out something that looked similar to an underground metal detector. "This is the ESA- Evidence Sweeper and Analyser. It's still a test product; but has so far not failed any of our trial runs."
He gestured to the top part of the device which had a screen and scanner attached to it. "It works much like your X-Powder sensor and analysis system, so I think you'll find it easy to use. Alex I'll need you to go through every inch of Sam's room, especially near the bed, floors and windows. Hopefully, the intruders left clues that we can trace back to them."
Alex received the gadget and nodded firmly. "Gotcha Jer. I'll work on that ASAP."
"Don't worry girls. If they are using Sam as leverage, they'll have to be keeping her alive." Jerry patted both girls on the shoulders, determination clear in his eyes. "We'll find her."
7.30pm, Unknown Location.
Sam had spent most of the afternoon examining every inch of the cell she was in. There was no sharp object, or anything remotely useful she could find to aid her in escaping. Even a close check of the toilet situated at a far corner did not yield anything useful. The cell was fully concrete; there were no weak spots whatsoever as far as she could tell. The window was a lost cause as well- too small and too high above.
The redhead spy was stumped. She did not like the idea of being a sitting duck, but it looked like that was all she could do.
Next time, I'm wearing a hairpin lockpick in my hair, even when I sleep. She decided firmly, rolling her eyes. The one time she needed that gadget, she didn't have it.
It didn't help that Myrna had the foresight to always have a guard stationed outside her cell. Not long after she had finished the bread, a stockier man that Sam had never seen before had arrived with some more food. He had claimed that Myrna wanted to see Del about some business and had been ordered to take his place.
Sam was very sure that this guard was the other kidnapper.
This stockier man was colder, and not open to conversation as Del was. Not to mention he was incredibly cocky. Despite the situation, Sam would rather have the company of Del over her current bodyguard. At least she'll have someone to talk to, even if Del tended to skirt certain topics.
Left to her own devices, Sam finally sat down to organise her thoughts. She couldn't understand why Myrna would go through all that trouble to get revenge on W.O.O.H.P. Sam could think of at least five other ways off the top of her head for revenge, without having to risk the act of kidnapping a superspy. Either the jail term had done a blow on Myrna's IQ, or there was something she wasn't getting here.
She did mention she had a bigger fish to fry…Sam thought. But who else could Myrna get to by kidnapping her?
Jerry? Clover and Alex? My parents? What would she want from them? Money? Power? Corporation? Myrna of all people should know that W.O.O.H.P agents stay true to their morals…And she was certain that Jerry would have already gotten in touch with her parents.
Sam briefly wondered what would happen if Myrna's demands (whatever they were) were not met. What then would happen to her? Would she be killed? Left to rot and die? Sam let out a shaky exhale.
Mustn't think that way. Jerry and the others will find me. I'm sure of it. They must have known by now.
It was sometime after Sam had watched the shadows of the sun disappear (through the windows of her cell) did she hear new footsteps approaching. She got up from her sitting position and approached the cell grills.
"Hello sunshine." Myrna Beesbottom sang, evil mirth in her eyes. Standing respectfully behind her was Del. He had changed his clothing and was decked in full black. In fact, Myrna too, was dressed in black. As if she was going somewhere.
"Myrna." Sam greeted back coolly.
"You look cozy in here." Myrna made a show of taking a long, pointed glance around the jail cell. "My my, you could make this your new home."
"Spare me the small talk Myrna, what do you want?" Sam didn't even bat an eyelash.
"Such a feisty thing…I wonder what your little lover boy sees in you?" Myrna casually rolled her eyes.
Sam completely stiffened up at Myrna's comment, her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't know…could she?
"I don't know what you're talking about." The redhead spy muttered. We've been very careful. She couldn't know…
Myrna turned her head sharply towards Sam, stalking purposefully to the jail cell bars so that she was nose to nose with Sam. "I'm talking about you and your little reformed lover." She said the word with spite. "I wonder how Jerry would take the news if he found out…."
"You stay away from him." Sam all but snarled, her hands gripping the bars so tight her knuckles were turning white.
Myrna laughed. "Didn't have too. I merely put out the bait sunshine. The fish has already been hooked." Sam gasped, as beads of cold sweat pricked her skin.
"Which brings me to why I'm here… Del, hook it up." It was only then Sam realised that Del was holding a device in his hand. Wordlessly, the man attached the device on the wall directly in front of Sam's jail cell. With a start, the superspy realised that it was a video recording device.
"Just in case your lover boy needs some sort of…motivation to corporate." Myrna smirked. She held up her mobile phone, which had been synced with the camera. Sam could see herself clearly on Myrna's mobile phone. Understanding suddenly dawned on the superspy.
Myrna was going to use her as a leverage to get Tim to do something for her…Maybe betray W.O.O.H.P or something. Sam shivered at the thought.
"Dream on. He'll never corporate with you." She spat, letting her anger conceal the traces of fear in her eyes and the butterflies in her stomach.
"You'll never know sunshine… Desperate people do end up doing desperate things." A chuckle came from Myrna. "Ah, the things people can do for love…" She casted a final lingering glance at Sam.
"Sit tight sunshine. I'll be back with the good news later." With a final cackle, Myrna walked away, with her two bodyguards in tow.
Frustrated, Sam banged her fists against the grills. "Come back here Myrna! He'll never scoop so low to betray W.O.O.H.P. NEVER!" Sam shouted at their retreating backs.
Only when their footsteps died away did Sam let her fears take over. Her head in her hands, she slumped to the ground.
Someone knew. Of the relationship between her and him. Her, one of W.O.O.H.P's superspies, and him, former evil criminal turned reformed man.
And Myrna were going to use her kidnapping, and maybe even the fact that she knew of their secret relationship, to get Tim to do her bidding.
Tim please…Don't do anything rash. She prayed.
Meanwhile…
7.30pm, Spies Villa.
Dinner had been a quiet and tensed affair. Alex and Clover were both lost in their own thoughts, reeling in the aftermath of knowing of Sam's kidnapping. Each hoped that their friend was alive and well.
After dinner, the first thing both superspies did was to check all the doors and windows in the house. They couldn't take any chances, not after what happened the night before. Clover watched closely as Alex activated their alarm system. With the knowledge that they will be alerted of any intruders, Clover half-heartedly took out her notes to study. She didn't think she would be able to focus, but she also knew that she had to, despite the circumstances.
"Holler if you need help yeah? I'll just be in the living room." Clover told her friend with a weak smile.
Alex nodded, picking up the Evidence Sweeper Analyzer and headed to Sam's room. On precaution, she kept the door half open.
Turning the light on, a wave of emotions hit Alex as she surveyed the place. Their worst fears had came true; Sam's room was officially a crime scene. The athletic superspy suddenly realised with a start that her hand was shaking slightly.
Focus Alex. Now's not the time to panic or wallow in your emotions. Sam is counting on you. Taking a deep breath, Alex got to work.
It wasn't too hard to figure out just how the gadget worked; it was truly similar to a metal detector. Alex switched the device on and started by sweeping the gadget back and forth near Sam's room door. Nothing.
Alex then walked closer to Sam's messy bed. The bedspreads had been left unmade. She went round the perimeter of the bed first, starting from the head. When she reached the foot of the bed, the sensor beeped. The screen showed an object had been detected. A small object, from the looks of it. Alex slipped on a pair of latex gloves and squatted down.
Is that…a stopper? Alex had picked up a small red object that was almost camouflaged against the maroon carpet. She took a closer look. Kind of resembles one… that protect a needle?
Alex deposited the stopper in the right slot of the ESA. The machine whirled to life. After a few minutes, a message flashed on the screen.
Possible DNA Samples detected.
Alex grinned, one of the first real smiles she had all day. Bingo. She sent the preliminary report to Jerry, and carefully bagged the stopper. Hopefully it'll yield something.
7:45pm, W.O.O.H.P HQ
Today felt like the longest day ever. Jerry sighed, finally shutting down his computer. The head of W.O.O.H.P stretched to rid himself of the kinks that had built up in his neck. He was beyond weary, both physically and mentally.
Sam's kidnapping had been a shocker. Never once in many years did Jerry ever think that someone would resort to using one of his superspies as leverage. The kidnappers were certainly bold indeed. Who would do such a thing? Jerry didn't have an answer.
He could only think of a few people that had the brains and brawn to pull off such a stunt. However, all of them were currently locked tight in W.O.O.H.P's high prison security jail (he made sure of it, afterall one of the suspects was his own brother Terrence Lewis).
He had put out a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) notice in the neighbouring cities for the blue sedan that had been used to kidnap Sam. Hopefully, the authorities in those cities would bring good news soon. There was no way Jerry was going to blindly hand three high sonic ray guns over. Yet, he wasn't going to lose one of his superspies over this either.
Jerry sighed once more, standing up. He needed to pay a visit to the Simpsons before heading home. Thankfully, the Simpson's suburban home wasn't too far away. It was only right to keep Sam's parents abreast with what was going on.
He was about to leave the office when his phone rang. It was Tim.
"Hello Tim." Jerry answered the call.
"Hi Jerry. I'm just checking in again." Came the voice of the man in the W.O.O.H.P Reformatory Program.
"You know you don't have to check in every," Jerry checked his watch. "four hours right? Didn't you just call at 4pm?"
There was a short chortle of laughter on the other end of the line. "I know Jer. But I said I'll check in three times a day, didn't I? I'm not about to break my promise."
"I trust you Tim." Jerry stated simply. "You have really proved myself these eight months. I want to show you that I have faith in you, despite what you might have done in the past."
"Regardless, thank you for approving of my leave. It's good to catch up with Aunt Lorraine and Suz. I'll be staying with Aunt Lorraine for the night. By the way, I just realised that tomorrow is the last Wednesday of the month. Is there a mandatory check in meeting tomorrow night for the program? If there is, I can head back first thing tomorrow morning."
"Spend the day with your family tomorrow Tim. No rush. Besides, the meeting is cancelled- Sam's been called away on some family matters. It'll be postponed till further notice." The white lie floated through his lips easily. As much as he trusted Tim, Jerry felt that the fewer people that knew about what was going on, the better.
There was silence on Tim's end for a moment.
"Roger that. Thanks Jer. I'll check in with you again tomorrow. Have an early night." His voice sounded slightly distant.
"You to Tim. Thanks for checking in." Jerry cut the call. Straightening his wrinkled clothing as best as he could, Jerry exited W.O.O.H.P for the night. He had a visit to make to the Simpson's home.
And now the plot thickens! Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I'm happy to hear that you guys are enjoying the story; I'm certainly having fun writing it!
Any thoughts about the plot so far? The encounter between Tim and Myrna comes next chapter.
Until next week!
TrixieNancy
