Chapter 9 -Secret Identity-

"Mikey? How would you like to see where I work?" asked Jackie, coming into the living room. Commercials blared from the flickering screen. Mikey looked up at her, his eye-ridges rising.

"I thought you worked in the tunnels?" he said.

"I do. But sometimes I work in an office. I wasn't going to work today, but my Dad needs some help with the computer."

"He should talk ta Donnie. Donnie knows about computers," said Mikey wisely.

Jackie stared a moment. "Your brother knows about computers?"

"Yep. Master Splinter brought one home from the dump, and Donnie fixed it. He even plugged it in so we get int… int… internets!" Mikey beamed. "He's the smartest."

They have a computer? Well, why not, they apparently have television.

"Well, I can fix Dad's computer this time," said Jackie with a smile. "But you'll need to come with me, ok? I'll have to find something for you to wear."

"Wear?" Mikey was watching her, suspicious.

"Yes, like a disguise. Remember, we decided you shouldn't let other humans see you? If we go outside, someone might see you. So you're going to need a disguise."

Mikey's eyes got wider. "So I'll have a secret identity. Cool. Raph'll be so jealous."

"Exactly! I think I have some of Trevor's things in the closet from the last time he slept over. Let me see if something of his will fit you, ok?"

"Cool. You sure he won't mind?"

"I'm sure. He doesn't come over much these days, anyway," said Jackie sadly. She went to the closet to fetch the clothes. She found a pair of stretchy sweat-pants and an oversized tee-shirt Trevor wore to bed, which would cover Mikey's shell. Digging deeper, she found a hooded sweat-shirt.

"How come he doesn't come over anymore?" Mikey piped innocently.

Jackie turned to look at him. Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked them away. She really didn't want to talk about this.

"Well, my step-mother doesn't think Jonah and I are good influences," she said slowly. "She doesn't like Trevor hanging around with us."

"Who's Jonah?"

"My older brother."

"Oh. Well, I think you're a good in… influ… influ'nce." Mikey crossed his arms over his plastron. "Brothers need to stick together. Sisters too, I guess. Master Splinter says family is the most important thing you'll ever have."

"Your Master Splinter sounds like a very wise… er, rat." said Jackie. She brought the clothes over to the couch and sat down. "Trevor and Jonah are the most important people in my life."

"I miss my brothers," whimpered Mikey. His eyes filled with tears and he let them fall down his cheeks, unashamed.

"Well, Mikey, I promise, as soon as you're feeling better, I'm going to help you find them, ok?"

"How are we gonna find them, Jackie? I don't know if I can find the den again!"

"Don't worry, Mikey. We'll find them," said Jackie. "I bet they're looking for you right now."

Mikey sniffed. "Ok."

Jackie helped Michelangelo try on the clothes. Jackie stood back, admiring Mikey's new look.

"Well," she sighed, "it's the best we can do."

"I can't move in this stuff," complained Mikey.

"Well, think of Superman. He has to wear that stuffy suit and tie," said Jackie.

"O-ok." Mikey groaned. "The things us superheroes put up with."

Jackie stifled the urge to giggle. She frowned, looking at the little turtle.

I hope this is a good idea, she thought. He was so sick last night… He seems better today though. And we'll only be out an hour or so.

"What?" demanded Michelangelo.

"I was just thinking… how heroic you look," said Jackie.

"I do, don't I?" Mikey's blue eyes sparkled and his smile split his face. "Wait til the guys see…" His smile faded and his chin wobbled just a little.

"Hey, don't worry, we'll find them."

"They'll come for me," said Mikey with certainty. "They're my bros."

Jackie sighed. Three little turtles and a giant rat? She didn't see how they could possibly just come knocking on the door, looking for their lost brother, but she wasn't about to say that to Mikey. He looked so earnest.

"Let's get this over with," she said, holding out her hand. After a moment's hesitation, Mikey took it, and they walked together down the back stairs and out to her car. Mikey was fascinated with Jackie's car.

"What's this little stick thingy do?"

"It's a turn signal. It turns on a light on the back of the car so other drivers can see I'm turning."

"What's this button do?"

"It turns on the radio."

"Music? Sweet!"

"How about this knob?"

"That turns on the heater."

"Oh, look, there's a button on my door!" Mikey's window went down. He turned to Jackie, his eyes huge. "I'm sorry, Jackie, I lost the window!"

"It's ok, Mikey," she said, laughing. "It just goes down into the door. Look, it goes right up again."

"Wow!"

The window went up and down three more times before Mikey was satisfied.

"Listen, Mike, when we get to the office, you just stay close to me, ok? Don't touch anything, and try to be quiet."

"Ok, Jackie." Mikey looked up at her, nervous. "Will there be… will there be a lot of… of humans there?"

"Yeah, there will be a few. Don't worry, Mikey. I won't let anyone hurt you, ok?"

"Ok, Jackie."

Michelangelo was quiet after that, staring out the window. Jackie could almost feel his fear, as if it were radiating off him in waves.

"Hey, how about after this, you and me stop for a double-dip super cone from the Big Dipper. We'll get sprinkles and everything. My treat. What do you say?"

"A double-super what?" Blue eyes looked at her from under the hood.

"Ice cream."

"Oh boy! I love ice cream! Can I get chocolate mint chip?"

"You can get whatever kind you like."

"Cool!"

Michelangelo was bouncing in his seat when they pulled up to the Department of Waste Water Disposal's office. Mikey got quiet again, gazing out the window at the imposing brick building.

"Can't we just go get ice-cream, Jackie?" he whispered.

"My dad needs my help," said Jackie gently. "Don't worry, Mike. I'll take care of you."

"I can take care of myself," he said seriously. "I'm a ninja."

"Ok, good. Than you don't have to be scared of a few humans, right?"

Mikey swallowed hard, glancing out at the building again. "Nope."

Jackie's heart twisted with pity. This must be so hard for him, she thought. He thinks humans are monsters who will hurt him. The sad part is, he's right.

She led Mikey into the building through the employee's entrance, using her card-key. "Dad's office is right down this hall," she said, taking his hand. Michelangelo stuck close to her side.

"Jackie! There you are! Come on in, Honey." Roger Flanagan's voice boomed down the hall.

Hamato Michelangelo stopped short. He covered his eyes with his hands, and burst into tears.

"I don't wanna go in there," he sobbed.

Jackie knelt down, and put her hands on his shaking shoulders. "Oh, Mike, it's ok. That's just my dad."

"He'll make turtle-soup outta me!" wailed Michelangelo.

"No, Mikey, really, it's ok. He's not gonna hurt you, I promise. Hey, listen, my brother's office is right over here. Why don't you hang out there while I work on the computer, ok?"

"Is your brother loud, too?" asked Michelangelo, sniffling.

"I don't think Jonah's even working this morning," said Jackie. "Come on, let's go see, ok?"

"O…ok." Mikey's fingers clasped Jackie's hand as if he'd never let go. She led him across the hall.