Chapter 6

A and her mentor huddled over the cell phone, watching intently the footage of Spencer. There really wasn't a lot to see: Spencer, sitting at her desk with a textbook, then switching one book for another. She got up and stretched, walked out of the room and didn't return for a while. She reappeared, carrying a couple of books and putting them on her bookshelf, then lying down and putting her Sidekick away. She brushed out her hair, then pulled it back and disappeared from the room again.

They hurried to their History class, which they had together. Both girls slipped their cell phones out of their bags and kept them expertly hidden under their books, preparing for a conversation. A stretched her fingers, then scrunched them up. To the casual observer, she might have been flexing her hand in between taking pages of detailed notes. Her mentor, though, knew it was a signal, meaning expect a text in a minute and angled her cell ever so slightly to keep an eye on it. The message popped up a few seconds later. (M= Mentor)

A: Spencer really wasn't doing anything we could use. Should we watch someone else instead for a day or two while collecting more footage?

M: I'm not sure... We could split the work. You watch Spencer and I'll take Emily. Leave Hanna and Aria for a day or two, let them think you've gone.

A: We could just let the camera keep recording and check in again in two or three days. That way, we'd still get something on her and be able to keep tabs on the others while we're at it.

M: You're right. We'll work it that way. Don't forget they're meeting after school. We should follow and listen in. We might get something that we can use.

(after school, Hanna, Emily, Aria and Spencer all meet at Spencer's house)

They all kept their cell phones out and watched them while discussing A. They heard a noise coming from upstairs and the four of them went into Spencer's room to check it out, but saw nothing. Spencer had the feeling that she was being watched, and said as much, while the other girls sat around her room looking aawkward and uncomfortable.

A few miles away, A and her mentor were sitting down and had just started up the computer, preparing to watch and listen intently. The mentor focused on the screen while A opened up a fresh Word document to note down the highlights. A quickly created headings with each girl's name and prepared to note down more ammunition.

Emily: fidgets a lot, looks around and checks her cell phone often. Thinks she's being discreet but isn't. She doesn't really think anyone knows her secrets.

Aria: a zombie today. She's keeping her cell phone out openly and keeps checking her inbox. She's looking relieved that there's no more messages. She thinks this is some dumb kid bluffing.

Spencer: says she feels like someone is watching her. Can definitely use that.

Hanna: is also fidgeting a lot and looks a little unperfect. She just thinks this is absolute crap and has better things to think about.

A and her mentor revised the notes, discussing how there was definitely something to use to get to each of the girls. They agree it's time for a little group reminder how A is not a dumb kid, not bluffing and really knows much more than any of them want.

Hi girls! I haven't forgotten you. I just thought you'd like to know, I'm definitely not dumb, not a kid, and I'm definitely not bluffing. Be careful what you say. Remember, I'm always watching! You wouldn't want to offend me now, would you? -A

After a few minutes, the four of them decided to try to lie low and not attract any more attention. Hanna, Emily and Aria walked to their cars and headed home.

'Time for a few individual notes, just to let them know I'm really not bluffing, do you think?' A asked.

'I think so', her mentor said with smile. She leaned over A's shoulder as she typed out and sent each message.

Em! Learn how to be discreet when you want to check your messages subtly. Who are you kissing this week? A guy or another girl, like that time in seventh grade? Remember, A knows all. Love, A.

Aria: How do you think I feel, being called a dumb kid? I'm not bluffing either. And how do you think Mommy would feel if she knew that you knew the truth about your dad's 'extra office work'-for almost four years? Secrets are meant to be told... XOXO, A.

Spencer: Congratulations, you were right! Someone is watching you. Guess who? Me, of course! Don't do anything I wouldn't do! -A

Hanna: So you think this is crap? I'm sorry to hear that... Would you still think it was crap if I told you I know what happened that time in Annapolis? I know a lot more than you think I do. I wouldn't dismiss me too easily if I were you. You never know what could happen. Love ya, A.

'Perfect.'

A and her mentor decided now to separate for the evening. They had accomplished what they wanted to: reminding the girls that A was not going away any time soon, and that A was not bluffing.

A decided that they should figure out what they wanted to happen later. Her mentor wanted Spencer to come unhinged a little more, so they worked on that more. For now, Spencer would be the one to watch and listen to a little closer, and to begin with that, A would do some surveillance closer to Spencer's home. It would be good practise for her, and let her get an up-close-and personal view of what Spencer was doing. And, with a little luck, more insight into Spencer's mind.

The best thing? Spencer sometimes talked in her sleep. Generally, just indistinct mumblings. But if one was close enough, they might be able to make out actual words. And that could provide ammunition. They already had a lot, but it was always good to have back-up.

A grabbed her voice recorder and cell phone, slipping them into a tiny bag for later. She got everything organised so she could just go, following one of the key rules of her job: Don't do anything halfway. Take whatever you need to get it completely done.

And with that, she settled in to wait until the camera in Spencer's room showed total darkness and then that Spencer was asleep. She took her cue and slipped out into the dark night and jogged silently to Spencer's house, ducking easily around to where she needed to be and getting into place. She covered her hair with a black hat and waited.

And there we have chapter 9. I'll work out in the next chapter what A sees and hears while hanging out at Spencer's place. I'll also work Emily and Aria into the next couple of chapters.

A question: Who do you want A and her mentor to be? I've read all the books and would like to avoid copying who it was in the books, but can't decide who I want them to be. So I'm putting it to you, the readers :) Also, I want to change the name of this fanfic to something shorter. If you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them :)

Please review, and suggest who you want A and the mentor to be. It'll help me get more chapters up sooner :D