Anything in italics is the thoughts of our beloved psychic.
The most groundbreaking invention in the world, as far as Shawn Spencer is concerned, is pineapple. Okay, maybe it isn't as much of an invention as it is a discovery, but that is beside the point. The point is, that pineapple and its other pineapply cousins is the single greatest thing in the world. So, when he discovered that there is a new wacky spa treatment where they slather pineapple all over your body and wrap you up in tin foil, he knew he needed to go there. But going there alone is not as fun, so that is why he is thinking up a new way to get his buddy Gus out of his boring job.
I could try the cat thing again? But they would see right through that. Maybe his dear mother was going to court today? Almost happened once, maybe they'd buy it? No there must be something better.
Shawn tossed the basketball that he has been dribbling into their office basketball hoop. It bounced right into Gus' desk, knocking over many things in the process. But that is when it came to him:
I'm in the hospital! I'll tell them that because Gus is my emergency contact, he needs to come down to the hospital immediately because I am in critical care! It's perfect!
Shawn jumps up to grab the cordless phone, only to find that he had once again misplaced it. Sighing, he grabs his cell phone and punches in *67 in order to disguise his number. He clears his throat in order to take on his most convincing nurse voice.
"Hello this is Karen calling from the Santa Barbara emergency room. I am trying to get a hold of Shawn Spencer's emergency contact…Bru-ton Gaster?" he says in a high-pitched voice.
"You mean Burton Guster? I am afraid he hasn't come in yet. We're all very worried about him, he is always on time." The secretary on the other end of the phone says.
"What?" Shawn says, letting his Karen voice slip. Noticing his mistake, he coughs nervously before continuing. "I mean…that's odd. Anyways we will try again a while later. Thank you for your time." Shawn quickly hangs up and looks at the clock which reads 9:26. Worry is etched in his features. He snatches the keys to his motorcycle, and he throws on his leather jacket. He is on the road just a few moments later.
First, he heads to Gus' apartment. Maybe he just overslept? Shawn grabs the key hidden in the fake rock and opens the door to his best friends' home. He surveys the area but sees nothing out of place. He walks into the bedroom, but the only troubling thing Shawn sees is the pair of tap shoes sitting at the foot of the bed. Despite his worry, Shawn still judges his friend. He reluctantly leaves his apartment heading to the next place Gus might have been that morning: The Fresh Brew Coffee House.
Despite not seeing the Blueberry outside, he figures it's still worth a shot. He opens the door and is greeted by the friendly jingle of the bell. The coffee shop is mostly empty except for a few people working with laptops no doubt using the free Wi-Fi. He walks up to the counter and greets the beautiful barista.
"Hey there. What can I get started for you?" she says, and Shawn can immediately see what Gus sees in her.
"Uh have you seen my friend?" Shawn holds up a picture of Gus at the SBPD's Christmas party last year. Gus is seen wearing a Santa Hat and a way too convincing Buddy the Elf costume.
"Yeah he came in this morning. He's kind of a weird guy, but he's cute. He comes in all the time, but he left saying something about being late for work and having to choose a shorter Kenny G song." She says and shakes her head "I didn't even know people still listen to Kenny G."
Shawn smiles. "Thank you so much for your time. Oh! And his name is Gus and he loves long walks on the beach. Just so ya know." Gus was one lucky guy. He is missing, and yet his best friend is still his wing man.
As Shawn was on his way to Gus' work, he is getting very nervous. If he doesn't find Gus here, then he doesn't have a clue where to begin looking. Gus doesn't do spontaneity, that is what Shawn brings to the friendship. Shawn breathes a sigh of relief as he sees the blue berry parked in Gus' usual parking spot. He pulls into the spot to the left of the famous fruit. He pulls off his helmet and sets it on his bike. But when he gets a closer look, any sense of relief disappears and leaves a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach.
A small pool of blood is seen on the ground next to the driver's door. There is a dent in the side of the car and sticking out of the crack of the door is a torn piece of the purple shirt that Gus was no doubt wearing. Hands shaking, Shawn pulls his phone out of his pocket and hits number one on the speed dial.
"Jules" he says when she picks up, voice shaking.
"Hey Shawn. Are you okay? You sound freaked out…" she says, worry etched in her voice for her boyfriend.
"No Jules. I think…" He trails off, trying to recompose himself. He begins again "I think Gus has been kidnapped."