Time for Julia to choose a camp. Carmen is in great danger while others mingle in this case.

For the first time since ages, Julia Argent wasn't able to sleep this night. What her colleague told her was turning in circles in her head. Chase allowed her to have a chat with Carmen Sandiego, in order for her to understand what really happened when the thief broke her alliance with ACME. Then … he lied when others agents arrived. She confronted him about that, and he asked her to ponder the situation. What should Julia do ? Be on Carmen's side or remain loyal to ACME ? After the way Chief used Devineaux she wasn't so sure. Her loyalty lessened. Carmen on the other hand, had always been true to herself. She never used methods like that, nothing that could hurt innocent people. She even collected an enemy. And there was to bet that the night Chase had been kidnapped by what was certainly VILE, she was here to save him.

So, where was Argent standing right now ? Not only that, but what could she do to help Sandiego ? Julia blinked. She was really thinking about helping her. The brunette saw how difficult it could be. She was alone on this.

" What about inspector Devineaux ? It was like he was telling me to choose a side. Why ? And why isn't he mad about what Chief had done ?"

Julia wondered if he hadn't some kind of plan going on. She leaned against her kitchen worktop.

" No, he needs support for that. Unless … he kept contacts within Interpol."

After all, she didn't know about his past in there. Julia sighed. This was going nowhere. Better go to try sleeping.

Somewhere else, Carmen had also trouble sleeping. But not for the usual reason this time. It's been two weeks now that Chase had returned to ACME. Until now, he had transmitted her intel about this agency moves, which allowed her to escape. There had been additional help from the shadow during her battles with VILE operatives. The thief didn't see who exactly, but some of them had disappeared. Like kidnapped even. She recalled this party where Mime Bomb was here, to steal a very rare and expensive perfume, certainly for Countess Cleo. Carmen had arrived on site. The first thing she noticed was other women cladded in red like her. For once, she wouldn't stand out too much.

The mime had been hired for the party, as he was performing at the back of the huge ball room. Carmen scanned the place, looking for potential exit as well as ACME agents. She of course spotted her favourites ones : Chase and Julia were sipping drinks near the buffet. She stopped.

The young woman wanted to see and talk to him, but that wasn't wise at all. So Carmen just contemplated him from afar. He too, was watching everyone to spot her.

" How can you tell between those women ?" asked Julia when she thought she had found Carmen.

" Funny, I thought you had sharper eyes than this. The glasses I suppose." made Devineaux.

" Woooh ! How dare you."

Chase smiled. Then, an instant later just as Carmen decided to resume her mission, he spotted her. He had seen her long enough to be able to recognize her among thousands. He simply turned his back, put his glass on the buffet before addressing discreetly to his Interpol team. This done, they acted. Mime Bomb decided to take a break. But as he was eating, someone passed behind him and stung him. He stiffened. Carmen was surveying him, and saw him rounding eyes. People passing before her blocked her view. Then, he was gone.

" Where ?!"

No more Mime Bomb. She attended the presentation of the new perfume. Everything went smoothly. No one tried to steal it. Sandiego blinked. Mime Bomb had been neutralized.

" ACME incoming, you should go." warned a feminine voice.

Carmen turned. Who said that ? Anyway, she escaped again. Here she was in her hotel room now, thinking once again about her inspector. She was missing him. Missing his comfort, his smiles, his voice … she sighed. Why in hell did she fell in love with a cop ?

" Come on Carmen. Let's sleep now."

Her mind full of Chase, she closed her eyes.

The following morning, she was the last up. Sandiego dreamt of Devineaux the whole night, that he was still here. So when she didn't see him in the kitchen she frowned. But it soon came back to her, and her eyes darkened. She sat around the table.

" You're okay Carmen ?" asked Shadowsan.

She lifted her head in an exasperated gesture.

" Yyyyyeesss ! Stop asking me this every morning !" she exclaimed.

" Well maybe I'd stop if you would just admit that no, you're not so okay."

" And what would be the point huh ? Think it will solve all our problems ?" retorted Sandiego.

" It could allow you to move on. Repressing feelings never helped someone." insisted Shadowsan.

Carmen leaned eyes.

" Those ones either." she muttered.

" You're aware we all figured what it is, right ?" intervened Zack.

" Then, stop bugging me with it."

Ivy had mixed feelings. She didn't want to force her friend, but she also agreed with Shadowsan : admitting it could help.

" But … what if he … returns you your feelings ?" she said out loud.

Carmen almost choked.

" A cop loving a thief ? Hit your head or something ?" she replied.

" So is this a confession ?" intervened Shadowsan.

" Are you asking for a punch or what ?"

" Ah come on, let her be. We know very well that Carmen is in love with Chase. Even if she doesn't want to admit it." resumed Ivy.

The concerned one just blushed. She hastened to end her breakfast then to flee this kitchen. After dressing and brushing her teeth, she went for some training. Sandiego chose as often lately, to punch the bag.

" Why did he have to … how dared he … I'm not in love, I can't … I just can't ! This isn't the right time …"

Carmen punched harder. Thank God VILE nor ACME weren't aware that she, the super thief, got in love with someone.

" I AM NOT !"

The bag swung, before she gave up. Carmen wanted to deny those feelings, to refute them but it was all pointless. It was even more painful. She leaned her forehead against the bag.

" Okay. So even if I admit it, as long as my enemies aren't aware it should be fine right ?"

Maybe it would even pass faster. Carmen took a breath.

" I …"

Another one.

" I am … in …" she muttered.

In a struggle visibly. Would she be able to remain stoic when she sees him again ?

" I'm in love with Chase Devineaux." she exhaled.

Immediately after that confession, Carmen blushed, her heat pounding.

" Okay. Alright. I said it."

Now, everything should be in control. Yes yes. Carmen finished her training, then went for a shower. Player was already announcing another caper, as well as another warning coming from their spy. Carmen managed she didn't know to how to not share any emotion at that. She adjusted her plan according to what she learnt. This done, the crew dismissed to prepare. Carmen closed her eyes. See ? She could do it. She smiled, proud of herself. Perfect.

Chase was observing VILE operatives entering a lab. He recognized two of them, a French one he recalled being La Chèvre, with his short pal with iron gauntlets, and a third he didn't know.

" Okay, let's go." he said to Julia.

She nodded. They moved silently. The thieves were targeting a weird substance, about which he didn't really paid attention to. They were about to zap them, when La Chèvre disarmed them with a powerful kick. Chase immediately backed away. Julia faced El Topo. She dodged a few hits, and grabbed her taser.

" Damn ! I shouldn't have let my crackle rods !" thought Chase.

He also had to help Julia. He didn't like the idea of her fighting. So he took advantage of La Chèvre bouncing away to rush to El Topo he hit with his shoulder.

" Grab the target and run !" he exclaimed to Julia.

" Okay, but just to you know I'm no damsel in distress I can protect myself !" replied Argent.

He didn't replied, as she was running and he had to cover her. They attacked him at the same time. Devineaux managed to block or dodge, but man was it hard. He didn't stop training of course, but those two were professionals. How did Sandiego managed to win each time ? That made him realize that he would have one hell of a trouble to arrest her, in fact. She would just beat the crap out of him. Speaking of which … Chase bounced on the floor. Okay. Julia should be away now. And he could still try to zap them. He suddenly heard a sound of fabric.

" Carmen Sandiego." made La Chèvre.

Her eyes were straight on Devineaux, who was straightening with pain. The sapphire apple of the eyes turned in such a dark cue.

" I'm going to embed those two ! "

She rushed to them. The VILE agents tempted to arrest her, but it seemed that miss Sandiego had somehow turned into a fury. Up until now, she had been careful to not hurt too much, but to neutralize. She was used to act fast then disappear. However this time, different story. She punched them real hard, to where it was the most efficient : knees, stomach, head, nose. Both of the men bleed.

" Ouch !"

La Chèvre stopped. Carmen's face was dark, a cold expression, determined to break them.

" Retreat mon ami !"

El Topo dug an exit for them. They hastened to leave, and Sandiego let them. Her anger left room for concern, as she turned to the inspector. That one was up, quite perplexed about what he witnessed. But … he was glad to see her.

" Carmen." he said with a luminous smile, a soft expression.

Just like when he was part of her team. Enough to make her feel shy, butterflies in her belly, heart pounding and short breath.

" Oh boy oh gosh oh lord."

" Good to see you again." resumed Chase.

" Eeeep !"

He made some steps to her, then stopped, unsure of what to do. That put her in a little panic.

" Stay closer !" she exclaimed.

He frowned a brow.

" Err, back come !"

Now that was crystal clear.

" No ! Don't … stay … where you are. I mean no !" she continued.

" Sooo which one it is ? " asked Chase.

" Don't … I … I have to go." she said, hand tended.

Without waiting for a reaction on his part, Carmen ran away. That wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. Her body wanted to be hugged by him, while her brain was trying to impose. GEE ! Why was it so complicated ?! Carmen arrived in another part of the lab. Julia was backing against a wall. Two operatives she didn't know were advancing to her. Carmen rolled her eyes. Of course, they were there.

" There you are, pesky little cockroach !" greeted one of them.

" Hello to you too, parasites." retorted Sandiego.

An operative ran to meet her. The second agent thought she could handle Julia in the meantime, but Sandiego didn't let her time. Argent thought about leaving, but had scruples top let her facing two opponents at the same time. Luckily, Zari arrived at that time.

" Quick ! Take this to safety, I'll take care of the thieves !" she said, putting the tub sheltering the substance in her colleague's hand.

Zari didn't question anything and ran with it. Julia turned back to help Carmen.

" Oh no !"

Carmen had been defeated. Argent hid behind the wall.

" Now, what should we do with her ?" asked the first with amusement.

" There's a river outside, let's drown her. We'll bring her hat as a proof." said his mate.

They charged her on a shoulder then quickly got out by another door. It was time to decide for Julia. She frowned. Her body decided before her brain. She ran after the operatives. Sandiego didn't hesitated to come to her rescue. Now it was her turn. On her way, Julia grabbed her pen. Let's also see his position.

" Agent Devineaux ! Sandiego had been defeated and taken by two operatives ! They're going to drown her !"

Chase went awfully pale.

" Where are you ?!"

" Following them ! Hum … hall three, stairs six … going outside the lab."

" I'm on my way !"

He cut the pen.

" Onyx !"

The hacker found the lab's plans. He guided Chase base on what his teammate said. Devineaux ran as fast as he could. He had the sensation of being so slow, like in those nightmares when you ran but are being held back. Julia arrived on the parking to see the operatives hoping on a car. The young woman was breathless. She called for the French.

" Almost there !" he replied.

On the way, Chase called for a vehicle. It arrived in front of Julia, while Chase barged in with a shoulder hit. He literally dove in the car. Julia pointed a direction and described the van. Thankfully, Onyx was guiding him through his ear. Soon, the VILE car appeared in the horizon. They were still way ahead of them. Chase was stressed as he wasn't since ages. Drown her … they were about to kill her. Carmen was … no. He HAD to make it on time. He couldn't losing her. If he ever were … then may God pity his enemies, because he wouldn't. If the sky wanted to avoid a slaughter then now was a perfect time for a miracle. Meanwhile, Carmen regained consciousness only to realize she was tie and gagged. Her coat had been removed, meaning no gadget to get free. She was in a car boot. It stopped.

Carmen tried to be in position to attack her enemies, however it was quite complicated tied as she was. The boot opened. She launched her feet.

" Whoah ! Didn't know you were such in a hurry to die !" mocked an operative.

She was pulled out and fell on the ground.

" Hey ! Let's use this stone to ballast her."

Carmen struggled in vain. A heavy stone was tied to her. Then … up for a bath.

Sandiego sank fast. Once on the sand, she remained calm. She had to save oxygen for as long as possible, and get rid of that rope.

" Gnnn ! They tightened it too strong !"

The rope was hurting her. Damned ! Was it the end this time ? No way !

" Chase ! Player just informed me that they already threw her, right on your left !" informed Onyx.

The man turned the wheel. He quit the road to arrive at the edge of a river. He jumped out of the car. Julia spared her questions for later.

" Sir ! Use this stone you'll join her faster !" advised Argent, pointing at rocks near her.

For once, he listened. Chase took off his jacket he threw on Julia's head. He hold a lamp between his teeth. He jumped in the water. Julia gulped. They were late despite the car's power … Chase spotted Sandiego's form. She was already unconscious. Arriving near her, he seized her head to breath in her mouth. Using a knife, once again Bianca gave a good advice, he cut the rope. He took the thief, gave a good impulse to reach the surface. It wasn't easy carrying her, especially that he gave her part of his own oxygen. But he could do this. He had to.

" Waaaah !"

Julia saw his head popping out of the water. Chase swimmed until the bank, where his colleague helped to bring Carmen. The inspector hastened to reanimate Sandiego.

" Allez …"

He gave her oxygen, heart massage, while Julia was calling for an ambulance. Carmen finally coughed after what seemed an eternity, and spit water. She opened her eyes. A blur silhouette appeared. She recognized Chase who smiled with emotion to her. Sandiego wanted to call him, but only silence got out. The man lifted her and went back near his car. He wondered if he shouldn't bring her to the hospital himself.

" Chase …" called Carmen.

" That's okay, I'll take you to the hospital. You'll be fine." he said.

Sandiego smiled to him.

" You saved me."

Before he could answer, the ambulance finally appeared. Chase was allowed to hop on with her, since he needed medical examination after saving her. Julia followed with the ACME car.

Meanwhile, Bianca was pursuing on a moto the operatives who believed that they won against the super thief. She caught up with them, and shot in a tyre. The car zigzagged before crashing. Bianca arrived to welcomed them when they got out. With a bullet in the head.

" All clear, here."

" Fine, our Interpol colleagues are on their way." replied Onyx.

" I'll collect their communication devices. Hope you'll be able to crack them."

" Probably. I already did it with the previous captured operatives. We're close to localize VILE headquarters thanks to that."

Bianca collected what she had to. But as she just finished, she spotted headlights.

" Already there ?"

" No. It can't be Interpol. Hide just in case." advised Onyx.

Bianca jumped on her moto and quickly hid in the forest. Once far enough as well as for not being spotted and able to flee fast, she observed the place through binoculars.

" Who are those guys ?"

" Can you take some photos ?" interrogated Onyx.

" Okay. I'll go ask our colleagues too."

Interpol arrived a few minutes later. Bianca watched the scene.

" Hmm. Something is happening. The guests are leaving, I'll go check it out."

Bianca showed herself to a colleague who recognized her.

" Oh bro, I think we might have competition. Got to warn Chase."

" Really now. Well he took the red thief to an hospital."

In said hospital, Carmen had been taken care of. She was now resting in an individual room.

" Shouldn't we take her to a safer place ?" asked Julia.

" Absolutely not. You see, I already saw an after effect of a drowning, commonly called a dry drowning. Happens when there's still water in the lungs, often after an accident of the sort and some hours. So we'll wait until the docs say otherwise." replied Chase, sat on a chair in the room, eyes on Carmen.

" Oh. Well okay. This should also let us time to talk."

Chase turned his eyes to her.

" You … seemed pretty worried about what happened to miss Sandiego. And you were able to catch up with me quite fast in the lab and knew where she was thrown in the water." began Julia.

" And ?"

" Well. Why is that ?"

Chase just smiled.

" And why is that you called me of all people, hm ?"

Ugh, he had to stop replying to her questions by others.

" I … I thought you'd do something. I must admit that I have trouble to figure where you stand. Which side are you on now ?"

" You're correct until now. I would have done something." he said.

Julia stared at him. The inspector was waiting for her to state clearly her position, not his. Then maybe he'll franker.

" Fine. I've decided."

Devineaux remained emotionless.

" I'm on her side. I want to help her taking VILE down, and to protect her if necessary."

" Hm hm. And ?"

" I know it implies betraying the ACME but after seeing their methods, their behaviour toward each other, then I'll do it." asserted Julia.

" You sure about this ?"

" Absolutely. I'm not agent Argent anymore, from now on."

" And what do you intend to do in order to help miss Sandiego ?" questioned Devineaux once again.

" I don't really know yet. But I'll find something."

Chase didn't change his expression, even after hearing this confession. Could he trust her ? Why not. Even so, he already made his moves, enough to continue should she betray him. That didn't seem to be part of her nature. Devineaux guessed she never stopped believing in Carmen. She wished to do more, maybe being part of her crew. Chase finally smiled.

" Very well, miss Argent. I'm inviting you to the traitors' side, if you so wish it."

Julia rounded eyes. It meant … that he was already betraying the ACME. To what extent she didn't know. It was certainly better to not ask, at least for now. Julia returned the smile.

" I gladly accept. But … you're a traitor yourself I take it."

" Yes."

" Why didn't you tell me sooner ?"

" Because I wanted you to choose by yourself, and I didn't want you to think I asked a promotion for you to use you next. But two special agents is a good thing."

" Alright. I don't know about your plan, but tell me what I can do." replied Julia.

"Got to think about it first."

Miss Sandiego chose that moment to wake up. She spotted them in her room.

" Oh, welcome back miss Sandiego." welcomed Julia.

" Jules, Chase. I'm in a hospital I guess."

" Bingo. I'll be back." said Chase.

He received a signal indicating a contact from his colleagues. Bianca requested a meeting. So he exited the place.

" I wanted to thank you for helping me in the lab. I want to repay you, so from now on you can consider me as an ally." announced Julia.

" Well, you already were and I didn't stop considering you like that." said Carmen.

" Good. I have to reflect on how to help you though."

" Don't worry about this. We'll figure this on time."

Chase was back, accompanied by a woman.

" Ladies, this Bianca from Interpol. She got some news. Bianca, this is Carmen and Julia, new recruit."

" Please to meet you. I just came to announce that another organization is now involved : the MI6." said Bianca.

" What ?" made Julia.

" Weird. Why now ? And who called them ?" questioned Chase.

" That's a good question. They're supposed to provide intelligence but not handle criminals. They can't interfere with Interpol on that matter." continued Bianca.

" Unless … they are indeed to provide intel to someone. Julia, you were looking for a task, then there it is : find why the MI6 is mingling now : and on whose orders." resumed Chase.

" Right ! I have contacts among them." agreed Argent.

" Good. As for you miss Sandiego. Better hide for a few days."

He rummaged in his pockets, then approached to deposit a set of keys on the table near her.

" Those are for my apartment in France. Neither VILE nor ACME will think about searching you in there." he said.

" Oh. Okay but what about my team ?" asked Sandiego.

" We should go now, ACME is about to notice our absence." signalled Argent.

" Correct. Bianca, if you don't mind I'm entrusting Carmen to you." ended Chase.

" Of course."

" One last thing miss Sandiego. I know you're giving a lot of money to charities. But it's dirty money, earned by a criminal organization. You must do something about this detail, before someone can use it against you." advised Julia.

She joined Devineaux near the door.

" Excellent advice. Well then, see you soon." concluded Chase.

" Oh already ?" thought Carmen.

The agents left. Sandiego turned her eyes to Bianca. That one was staring at her.

" Well then. I'll make the preparations for your arrival in France. As you know, we're in contact with your team, so Player will inform them about your stay. Chase's house is too small for all of you, so I hope they'll stay put for a while." said the brunette.

" Let me talk to them and it will do."

" Alright. I'll go look for a doc, to know when you can get out of here."

Carmen nodded. Part of her wanted the inspector to remain longer around her. But she dreaded her own reactions : what if he noticed her feelings for him ?

Player received information about Carmen's situation, he relayed to the team. Shadowsan learnt it with relief, and agreed about the young miss staying hidden. He and the siblings were to be back in their own HQ. Bianca went back to Carmen : she was good to go the next morning. Bianca was to stand guard during the night. She asked a colleague to pick up the thief's stuff. Carmen had nightmares about what happened to her. She awoke in a startle. Her chest was heavy, compressed, her heart pounding like it was about to jump out of its cage. Bianca approached her, then pushed something in her mouth. Carmen closed her eyes. What was that ? A stick of dynamite ? It was exploding on her tongue, almost snatching her tears. The young woman wanted to spill it out.

" No ! Keep it in your mouth until it has melted." intervened Bianca, forcing her to remain mouth close.

Carmen gave her a weird look.

" Are you crazy ?"

" Believe me, it will do you good."

" By creating a hole on my tongue or freezing my entire mouth ?"

However, she kept it. With difficulties, which make Bianca snorted.

" You look like you have a frog in your mouth !" she said.

" Why did you give me this ?" could finally interrogate Carmen.

" You were having a panic attack. I gave you a mint lozenge which distracted your brain from it." explained the woman.

" Oh. Right. How did you know ?"

" Well to be honest, those are Chase's ones. Quite strong I must say, I wonder how could he kept all his teeth with that. I knew a crisis could happen and asked him if he hadn't something on him. Gave it to me." precised Bianca.

" I see. Well it was awful. I'm not feeling my tongue anymore." announced Carmen.

" Count your teeth as well. Anyway, I'll let it near you. If you ever feel another crisis incoming, take some." advised Bianca.

Carmen thanked her, while she put the tube on the table. He indirectly saved her again. And it was a little memento from him. Now, back to rest.