Aw guys! My reviewers are simply the BEST! I have over 50 reviews! Yay! That's halfway to 100! YAY! :D Guys, I'm sooooooo sorry I didn't update, I'm currently working on a book, Forbidden, that I hope I'll be able to publish. YAY AGAIN! But here it is, Chapter 21. Enjoy! ;) I'm thinking that the story will finish in about two or three more chapters but we'll see. :) I know it takes longer to fly to England from America but too bad! This is MY story! XD
Note: This will change points of view about three or four times. Bear with me; I'm just trying a specific writing style.
Note: Guys, I've decided to not make two alternative chapters. I'm sorry; I want this to have a happy ending. :)
Chapter 21: Preparation.
"Miss Fox?" I heard the intern address me as we made our way to my office.
"Speak to me." I responded without taking my eyes off our path.
"I hate to bother you with this but the boss would like it if you had a look at these pictures…" he said as he rummaged with the folder of papers he was carrying.
We stopped and I waited for him to hand me said picture. He found it and handed it to me as I knelt against the wall. It was Sly. He was posing in front of a security cam with the Imperial State Crown of England resting nicely on his head. Wow, so that's what he meant by, "I'll create enough activity." Stealing a major artifact of England's history… If I didn't love that thief so much, I'd probably do something illegal to him…
"Inspector? As you can see, Cooper could potentially start an international incident. Barkley wants you in London and finding him ASAP, in other words, now."
I smiled at the young, purple gorilla. Ah Mr. Cooper, we'll be seeing each other very, very soon.
xXx
I opened my eyes sleepily and discovered the comforting smell of bacon lingering in the vicinity. Ugh, what time was it? I shifted my grey tail and body to the side of the bed and glared at the digital clock next to my bed. It read in bold, red numbers: 9:35.
I groaned and hopped out of bed. Why was I so tired anyway? That was what I asked myself, until I remembered the heist! That meant Carmelita would arrive very soon. My heart leapt slightly and I was suddenly filled with a surge of excitement and energy. I decided now would be an appropriate time to shower.
I darted to my wardrobe and grabbed my signature attire, in case Bentley wanted some field work done, and made my way to my room's bathroom. I gently closed to door behind me and turned the shower's valve to hot. I heard the splash of water pour down almost instantly. I removed the boxers that I slept in and entered the warm embrace of the shower.
I didn't know what it was about showering, but it seemed to always relax. Each time a warm drop of water made contact with my body, it seemed like a quick surge of electricity traveled around my body, to my brain, and melted away a worry. I was my happiest at this time. That is of course, if you exclude the time I spend with Carmelita. I grabbed the soap and began lathering up my body. I washed away all traces of dirt and sweat of yesterday. It felt amazing to have that clean sensation. I turned the shower off and hopped out of it and into the bathroom.
I wrapped a towel around my form and dried off, making sure I got every area of my body, I then changed into my blue and grey outfit. I exited the bathroom and proceeded towards my bed. I picked up the blue hat I threw on the floor from the previous night, and grabbed my cane on the way out.
"Bentley? Murray!" I called. I was surprised at how tired my voice sounded.
"In here Sly." The genius replied from the TV room.
I walked through the corridor and found my friend relaxing on the sofa, watching some physics channel.
"Enjoying?" I asked playfully. I walked towards the kitchen in search of the source of that bacon smell.
"Thoroughly!" He replied cheerfully. "They're doing a whole documentary marathon on Nanotubes and Proteins. As well as-"
But I already lost my attention and focused on Murray busy cooking away.
"Hey Murray," I said while taking a seat on the kitchen table. "What you making?"
"Bacon and eggs." He said cheerfully.
"That sounds absolutely smashing." I said mimicking an old, British man.
That earned a chuckle out of my pink friend as he placed a plate of his food in front of me. Murray's food was purely to die for. His cooking could only be considered divine, anything less would be considered an insult.
I wolfed down the eggs in two spoonfuls and began cutting up my bacon. I ate up all the bacon bits and thanked Murray for the food. I excused myself from the kitchen and searched for my turtle friend. I found him once upstairs working away on his computer.
"What you up to Pal?" I asked as I approached him and took a seat on one of the three stools.
"Carmelita sent me an email. She says she's just bordered a plane to London. It appears our little heist has worked."
"Well, in that case, I'll give her a welcoming surprise…"
xXx
I stood their waiting for my lift. Where was it! I HATE being stood up. I checked my watch and saw it was ten am. This taxi better hurry up…
I saw many people finally leaving the exit and joined me in the outside area as they waited for their families and lifts. It was then that I noticed a man dressed with a black waist coat and top hat, holding out a sign that read, "Miss Carmelita Fox." Finally, he's arrived.
I picked up my suitcase and made my way to his taxi.
"Sorry ma'am, can I help with anything?" He asked with an almost forced accent.
"No, I'm okay."
I heaved the bag into the back of the trunk and followed him to the backseats. He opened the door for me and gestured for me to take a seat.
"Please, sit."
I did what he asked and sat down in the car. He then entered and took his place by the driver's seat.
"Most people say chivalry is dead." I commented as he started the ignition.
"Most people haven't met me- well, at least not face to face that is." He said with almost no accent this time. His voice was velvety, so smooth…
Just then the engine roared to life and we sped off.
"I haven't even told you where I'm gong!" I protested to his mad driving.
"Don't worry; I know exactly where you're going Carm."
I thought it was him.
"Sly? Sly Cooper? Ringtail! Have you any idea how risky that was!" I shouted at him as we passed rows and rows of traffic.
"I could never pass down the opportunity to see you Carmelita."
I smiled; he did have a way with words after all…
The car ride was spent in an absolute silence. I waited for the car to come to a halt before I asked any questions. Then, as if thinking about it, the car did come to a halt.
"This is your stop Carm." Sly said whilst getting out and opening the door for me. What a gentleman.
"What about you?" I asked while climbing out.
"Me? I have to first stash the cab for later uses, don't worry Carm. You'll see me in the next ten minutes or so. Just unlock the back door." He winked, then opened the trunk and then handed my bag to me.
"See you soon Ringtail." I added a quick peck on his cheek
I observered the house in front of me. It was small but cozy. It was probably all Interpol could afford with all the investigations and detectives. Ah well, I'm sure it would do. I proceeded up the steps to my new home for this short period of time and dug for the keys in my pocket. I unlocked the door and entered the place. It was nice. There was a small fireplace near a living room suite of sofas, a glass sliding door that led to the garden. A small kitchen behind that, and what I assumed was a bedroom at the end of a corridor that started from the lounge. No, it wasn't nice, it was homey, quaint.
I went towards my bedroom and opened the door. It was white with a blue queen sized bed and a bathroom to the side of the main room. I placed my bag and the foot of the bed and exited the room to go make myself some coffee.
"What a nice place, hey?" I was surprised to hear that velvety voice so soon. I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised, he was a master thief after all…
"Very." I said joining him on the sofa. "How did you get in by the way? The sliding door's locked."
"I have my ways." He aid while placing an arm around me.
I cuddled up to the raccoon and felt his warmth touch my body. It felt so good being with him again.
"So what's the plan Ringtail?"
"Well, after this we're going to return to the safe house and Bentley will explain what dirt he's uncovered. Once we have out basic information down, we'll strategize a game plan."
"Sounds good." I said, adding a smile.
He agreed with me via a smile and leant in for a kiss. Our lips met and bliss ensued.
Time seemed to fly by as we enjoyed each other's embrace. When he wraps his arms around me, I feel at home. We completed each other, he was my everything and I was his. I contemplated the idea of telling him… Maybe I should tell him. I mean, when will we get the time to be alone again?
"Sly? Come in Sly! Get back to the safe house now! I've discovered something you might enjoy…"
He took out the little device that had summoned him and replied to it.
"We're on our way Bentley." He said simply.
Or not. I'll have to tell him some other time…
"You ready Carm?" He asked me as he got up.
I nodded and took his hand. This is it, time to strategize.
xXx
I opened the door and led the fox and myself into the room. The genius was busy typing away and inspecting papers and papers of data. My other friend was sitting on the larger stool, chomping away at tuna sandwich.
I smiled at both friends as we made our way to the table. I gestured for Carmelita to take a seat. She sat down and greeted everyone.
"So Bentley, what have you got to tell us?"
"I think I've found Leah." Bentley handed me a picture of a lady standing next to a man dressed in a tuxedo.
It was definitely her. But who is the man next to her?
"His name is Raphael Le'Roux. I believe he's Leah's husband. I can't confirm it but based on the personal detail form I acquired, I conclude it's her."
Bentley handed me a form and I scanned through it. His picture was on the front of the folder. He looked just like Dean…
"He's the head and commander of the queen's army. He owns a castle just off the coast here. I couldn't be sure on most of the info because if he truly is the Master character, then I'm sure most of this is non-sense."
"So? Then what's the point? All we know is he's married to Leah and where he could POSSIBLY stay." I said, defeated.
"Well, on a brighter note, if that place WAS where he stayed… and the annual police ball is being hosted there tomorrow evening… We could use that as a cover up to break in…"
"Bentley," I said with a grin. "You're brilliant."
XxX
Ooooooh, Carm has a secret! :O Will they be able to sneak in or will they be captured! Will I stop asking these questions! Find out in the next update. ;) But please review me with your thoughts, thanks!
CuZ D. :)