Tails was busy as ever in his 'little' workshop. He was underneath a large plane as I came in. He rolled out and leaped to his feet. He was covered in a mixture of oil, grease and dirt. I couldn't help smiling. Tails always seemed to remind me of my own childhood, the excited expression, the boundless energy, the trusting if slightly naive spirit. He went to his work surface while I reflected on what had happened.
Even though we had only started investigating, I already had my suspicions. That 'Angie' seemed to be an interesting character, but then I barely knew anything about her.

A friend I talk to, but don't know about, I thought. Like my fanfiction buddies. The ones Davink is trying to marry me off to.

"Here you go".

Tails held what seemed to be a blank TV remote except that there was a large white button in the centre. I took it and searched it over. Finally I held it firm in my hand.

"Thanks, Tails. But I already have a TV and there's always nothing on".

He smiled. "It's for your transport from Earth to here and back. Daniel's already gone. I can explain how it works..."

I smiled. "Thanks. Maybe later. Does it really work, though?"

Tails nodded and I pressed the button.


"Well?"

Daniel walked beside me on the quiet street. The dawn was slowly breaking over the city of Budapest. Several early risers made their way through the streets in a slow, sleepy way. A chilly wind whispered past us and street signs began to swing gently. Daniel cleared his throat.

"Sonic' in a bad way. Intensive care. Rouge was there, but she hardly said anything. I didn't ask many questions, just the last time she saw Amy, but she won't say anything"

I nodded. "She's hiding something. She knows something about what's happened".

Daniel nodded. "She got a bit agitated. I thought she was going to hit me. Which reminds me, that's a nasty red mark on your cheek, Malcolm".

I rubbed it carefully. "Yes, I couldn't ask many questions and, when I did, I got a short, sharp answer and a slap. It was a girl, by the way".

"Bet that was fun. What's her name?"

Before I could answer, we were pulled roughly into a small, dark shop. I recovered quickly and turned to...

"Davink?"

He grinned, "Morning, Malcolm. Thought you might be interested in my search".

My thoughts were re-focused immediately. "You found something on him?"

He beckoned us on and we followed him to a computer screen. On it was a long list that ended with some remark. Davink scrolled up and I saw the police badge on the top of the page. It seemed to give a list of crimes by Arthur Mills, in a great amount of detail. Davink pointed to the screen as he explained,

"He seemed to have made his mark in Chicago. He rose quickly through the ranks up to running his own gang. Then he disappeared a year or so ago, then re-appeared. His main areas of crime were bank and shop robberies, murders, protection rackets and...scrap metal dealing".

"So he links to Eggman?"

"It's likely. Problem is, it doesn't mention much besides his life story. But there seems to be a link". He paused. "How's things over with Sonic?"

I sighed deeply. "Not well and we've only just started. No one seems to want to help much. Rouge is hiding something though". I shook my head. "If only I had more time".

Daniel looked at me. "Time?"

"I've got exams coming up, exams that will determine my future career. I've got several things going on so I basically have a week to solve these cases. Let's get back to Sonic's world".

Davink rolled his eyes and chuckled, "As if you didn't have enough to worry about like girls, shaving and spots. Young people these days".


"I'm sorry, sir, but Mr Michaels is out right now. He won't be back for a few hours at least".

My shoulders sagged with disappointment. "Then whom can I talk to?"

"Our Head Of Sciences, Mr Johnson could help you, but he's calling someone right now. I'll tell him you're here".

The secretary shut the door, leaving me standing slightly impatiently outside. Five minutes passed, then the secretary appeared again.

"Please wait, sir. Johnson is making arrangements right now".

I nodded and smiled, trying not to reveal my frantic feelings. If my mum checked on my room now, she might jump to the conclusion that I had sneaked out, which I had never done before. She would worry endlessly until I returned somehow. I couldn't break her heart again, after last time...

"Malcolm".

I looked round to see Angie standing behind me. She was dressed in the same clothes as I'd first met her, but I detected a change in attitude. She wasn't the brash, sarcastic vixen who had hit me, but a nervous, sad person who needed to talk to someone. She smiled a little.

"How are you?"

I touched my cheek where she'd slapped me. "I'll let you know when I can feel my jaw".

"About your questions...I'm ready to answer them now".

I raised an eyebrow. "You sure?"

She nodded and led me to some chairs nearby, but before I could sit down, the door opened and the secretary stood there, looking at us, then spoke,

"Mr Johnson will see you now, sir. He has a tight agenda so you better be quick".

I hesitated, but Angie touched my arm and nodded her head to the secretary.

"I'll tell you later, when you come out". She paused and gave a arm a small squeeze. "I'm sorry about Amy".

I looked at her, then turned and walked through the door after the secretary, who closed the door behind him. Angie sat in the seat, watching the closed door. She looked around her...just in time to see a small figure dart out of sight from a corner of the hall. She got up and followed it, but heard a door slam as she got the corner. She made her way back to the seat.

Meanwhile, the figure made their way out the building as calmly as they could. Crossing the road outside the building, they went to a nearby restaurant where someone was sipping coffee.