iInvestigation
Well here's chapter 3. And there shall be many more to come.
Groovy Smoothie; Sunday afternoon after early closing hours…
Failure?
Carly's POV
I gripped the steering wheel tightly. Parallel parking was no big deal. But Spencer's constant worrying was.
"Are you sure you can do it. I can take over." I growled at the approach of his hands on the steering wheel. He backed off immediately.
"Come Spencer. Let the girl drive." I smiled in appreciation glad to know he sees it my way too.
"In fact Spencer, Mr. Dennis said he's glad to finally pass a Shay that can actually drive well." Spencer scowled at me mentioning his name.
"Mr. Dennis. He never liked me. Claimed I was reckless. He likes squirrels too much if you ask me."
"You ran over a squirrel?"
"Yeah…. among other things." Socko's 2nd cousin laughed from Spencer's recollection in the backseat. Proclaimed by Spencer to be one of Socko's most interesting relative, Spencer has kept his name a secret until the said "right time". He also says he is of use in this operation. Spencer crossed his arm and sulked. But his frown quickly turned into a smile as he pulled out the 10 bucks he won off of Gibby.
"And there we go." I put the car into park and took the keys out of the ignition. I shoved into Spencer's chest.
"I bet the car is really happy that someone finally drove it right." I hopped out the car and followed in to the Groovy Smoothie for our final meeting.
"You know cars can't feel." His whiny voice coming from behind me as he helped Socko's cousin with one of his duffel bags. The content of the three bags, something else that was hidden from me. I held the door for them as I walked in. Surprisingly, the room wasn't loud or in total pandemonium. Everyone was seated, conversing in a nice volume.
"Hey there sugar lumps." There Nevel stood with a creepy greeting prepared.
"Uhh…hey there Nevel." He followed suit on my way to the podium.
"So what's on today's agenda?" I could try to ignore him but he has only one strike so far.
"Well today I am passing out spying schedules. When and where you guys will keep an eye on Freddie and Sam. Also I am briefing you guys on our first operation. And spencer has someone to unveil." He attempted to put his arm around me.
"Well as long as you're here." Strike two and three. I swatted his hand away. I made my way to my destination and waited for Spencer and our guest. They both arrived to the two other seats near me. They set the bags down and tried to catch their breath.
"You both need to work out." I informed the two. They both stuck their tongues out at me. I got up to address everyone while they took their seats.
"Hello everyone." They gave me a reply back.
"I know you're all getting antsy and you want to start sleuthing and stuff so I promise this is the last meeting. Now in this meeting", I pulled from tote bag several color coded sheets, "You guys will be receiving my meticulously planned timetables of when you guys will be keeping an eye on the two person of interests." I hand to T-bo the sheets and he passes them down.
"You should get these lemonated."
"Uhh… T-bo the word is la-min-ated."
"You sure about Carly girl?"
"Yes I'm sure T-bo." He shrugs and looks over the paper. He eyebrows furrowed in frustration.
"Why does my paper say "whenever they enter the Groovy Smoothie"? What does that mean?"
"Well you only see them we they come to the Groovy Smoothie." He smirked.
"We shall see about that." He returned back to his paper, probably forming his plan. I guess it will be unveiled when it's meant to be.
"So I guess I got Sam in Woodshop and we both have Freddie in chemistry." Gibby announced.
"And Gibby and I have Freddie in health." Wendy chimed in.
"And Carly and I have them for Literature, Algebra, Economics, and French Lang." Malika last to name her assignments.
"Wait a minute. Why does my paper say wait for instructions? Don't I have importance too? And who's that guy with Spencer?"" And then we get to Nevel.
"Yes, I know what it says. You go to some preppy school. So your role will be different like T-bo's. And Spencer will explain-" As if on cue Spencer gives an interrupting cough. I walked back to my seat as he got to start explaining.
"Hello everyone, my name is Spencer Sh-"
"Enough with the intro. We know who you are." There goes Nevel's irritated interlude. He continues on as if nothing was said.
"Many of you are wondering who's that guy that came in with us is. Well I'll explain. Being one of my friend Socko's cousin, he has an interesting job. But I'll allow him to introduce himself." He motioned him up and stepped aside.
"Hello everybody. My name is Oscar Owens the 7th and work with a technology company that produces the type of gadgets you see spies use in action movies." Suddenly everyone sat up and paid more attention. Spencer handed one of his bag. He took out a rectangular slab of metal then a seemingly tube of lipstick.
"You see here how this laser," he popped the cap of the tube and pressed a red button, "Cuts through this metal like nothing. This is the type of gadget you think only exist in movies but no. I design and manufacture them." He held up the metal to show the carved "oo7" in the center. Next he pulled out a shiny black pen.
"You see this may like a simple writing tool but," he shook the pen and an exact recording what he just said played back, "This sneaky pen can record up to 3 hours of voice recordings." The next few items he pulled out just continued to surprise time after time. He was like a magician. He pulled out a couple of small hidden cameras that send feed via Bluetooth to a computer of choice. Then lock picking kit. Next a couple of pellet sized GPS trackers.
"Now I could go on and showcase every item but I'm going to let you guys figure them out. Consider these gadgets as a gift to you guys." He reached into his pockets and retrieved what looked to be big looking gumball.
"Now I shall….depart!" He smashed them into the ground causing a huge purple fog to emanate around the room. Causing an obstruction of view and a few coughs. The sounds of tip-toeing could be heard as the fog cleared. He could be seen making his exit towards the door. He let out a nervous chuckle when he realized that all eyes were on him.
"Those also included." With that he walked out.
"Where do you find 'em, Spencer?"
"They're all related." Spencer answered Wendy.
"Is that all? Because next week clothes aren't going to iron themselves."
"You iron out a whole week's worth clothes?" Gibby asked Nevel. He gave him a condescending look of "of course".
"You poor, neurotic mess." Nevel shot Malika a scowl at her comment. Just then the front door opened.
"I just realized that Carly and Spencer are my ride." The now trademark sheepish smile on Oscar's face. Spencer clicked his tongue as a reply to him. I chuckled. So Oscar Oxford the 7th, OO7, makes spy gadgets.
I cleared my throat to regain attention.
"Okay this last meeting before actually start sleuthing. Our first mission, if you choose to accept it, takes place today. It is to place hidden cameras in both Freddie and Sam's bedroom. I hate to intrude on their personal life but it's for Freddie's sake." I point at Gibby, T-bo, and Wendy.
"You all are my choice for this operation." I pause for objections then continue.
"With that, meeting adjourned." Spencer gave a gavel a slam in the background.
"I couldn't help it." Everyone whose name wasn't called got up to make their exit.
"I would the selected few to wait here so we could rendezvous at our place to begin planning." Just then I felt a tug on my arm. Malika signaled me for a talk in private.
"Have you thought about what I proposed last meeting?" It is a question that causes me to bite my lip.
All eyes are on Malika as she uttered what could be the forbidden phrase. Sam/Freddie liking the other. Nevel nudges Gibby and makes cuckoo motions with his fingers.
"Let's not get crazy now." Even the eccentric T-bo it was a ridiculous idea.
"Oh, really? That coming from you." Wendy shot at T-bo.
"Actually Malika", Carly began, "It's an idea I thought about. It was ruled out on an account that if it was true then why Freddie would feel the need to hide it from me. Especially, if the subject of his "feelings" already knew." The logic in her words still not convincing Malika.
"Are you really-"
"I told you Carly dear it was a mistake asking for the help of this witch." Nevel's words clearly striking a cord with her.
"I can take your voice away. You know that right?" Fear taking his face as Malika threatened the actions. He pretended to zip an imaginary zipper on his lips.
"Actually, I have. And I would like to-"
"Carly I got call. I'm about to take it outside." I nod in an agreement to Wendy.
"Like I was saying Malika, I have thought about it but my thought hasn't changed."
"Well, I'll respect your opinion then."
I was sitting the back seat with Wendy on my left and Gibby on my right. T-bo sat in the passenger seat. For some reason, OO7 didn't want a ride and called a company car. He looked like he'd just seen a ghost or something. I had all the plans laid out in my lap. Going over each step.
"Now Gibby, you and T-bo take Sam's house. While Wendy and Spencer got Freddie's."
"Why do I have to get Sam's house?" Gibby whined. While up front Spencer had to smack T-bo's hand at every attempt to change the radio station. He grunted in response.
"On Sundays Sam, Freddie and I have a movie night. We'll use that as a diversion. While we're busy watching a movie you guys will keep updated on your status quo."
They both nod.
I check my watch. Sam and Freddie could be back any minute. Since it was Sam's turn to choose a movie, she and Freddie were in charge of retrieving it and some snacks. While I stayed back and got the popcorn ready. I lay back on the counter as each kernel popped one by one in the microwave. Come on lucky bra, don't fail me now.
And yes I keep a bra for luck. Don't judge me.
"We've arrived Carly. Over." The earpiece rang of T-bo's voice.
"Okay, on my cue you begin."
"You didn't say over Carly. Over." I rolled my eyes.
"Fine. Over." I could hear Gibby in the back yelling over too.
"And what you guys?" Spencer and Wendy were lying in wait at the entrance of Bushwell.
"I'm getting booored Carlaay!" Oh Spencer.
"And Wendy's no fun either." I heard a thump followed by an oww from Spencer.
"Does everyone have the code words memorized?" I received a collected yes.
The ding on the microwave went off as the opened, revealing a disgruntled Freddie and a triumphant Sam.
"Who's ready for a horror flick night?!" The said movie held high in her hand.
"You Sam you could help me with these snacks." Multiple bags were in Freddie's possession. I took out the big bag of popcorn and made way to the couch.
"Okay hit the lights and let's start the movie." I received a roger from everyone.
So far no huge complications. Although, T-bo and Gibby had trouble sneaking into Sam's house and they were confronted by a frisky frothy. And Spencer and Wendy managed to pick Mrs. Benson seemingly impossible lock. As for the movie? My hands were already covering my eyes.
Leave it to Sam to pick out the scariest movie of the century. She was engrossed in it completely while Freddie was just grossed out by the amount of bloodshed in it.
I noticed Freddie check his phone for a text.
"What's up?" I asked him.
"Oh, nothing. My mom just got home from her nursing convention."
My eyes widened.
"Did she remember your diapers?" I was too worried to even scold Sam on her insult.
"You mean she just arrived?"
"No she's just entering our room." His eyebrows furrowed in confusion to the worry flashed on my face.
"Freddie, can you pass the popcorn?"I put emphasis on it, hoping Wendy and Spencer got the message.
"But it's in your lap." Sam shushed us the movie progressed to a tense scene. We're we going to fail already?
How was that for chapter 3 people? Did you like it? I feel as though I'm not totally capturing Carly's character. What do you guys think? Read and Review.