Chapter Seven

Shego couldn't believe their ploy worked. She'd been prepared to come up with another solution...what that solution would be, she couldn't say. But she'd absolutely expected to be disappointed.

But then one of their targets entered the contest. Less than a week later, Road Warriors Security posted an ad on a popular job hunting site. Again, the group matched Adrena's resume to the job description and sent it in right away. By the following week, Adrena had her interview. It turned out the security company was a little more strict than Motorized. Thankfully the background check only picked up Adrena's fake identity, and she passed the mandatory drug test (a requirement suspiciously absent from the Motorized hiring process.).

So, as long as they didn't hit a snag, it worked.

They were really going to do this.

Filled with renewed determination, Shego called an early meeting at the warehouse. The night before she'd realized they needed to plan the next steps. Shego admitted to herself that, on a subconscious level, it always seemed so unlikely they'd succeed on both undercover fronts.

Part of her wondered if she'd learned to expect failure after years of world domination attempts. That obviously did not pan out.

Not that she resented Drakken for it...anymore. Even back in the day she stuck around when she could have found work with another villain. And while world domination sounded nice...this way was better. She preferred working the current system to her benefit.

Shego stood near the table and whiteboard, a marker in her hand. The detail on the scale model impressed her – then again, they'd gathered all needed references from the sensors. Thanks to the one in the control room, they'd even been able to mark off all the security cameras. While she checked out the model, the group trickled in, taking their Lair coffee and pastries from the seating area table. Shego thought of it on her own this time. Since it was eight 'o clock in the morning, on a Saturday, she knew there better be food.

"Look, you all know me by now," Shego began, pacing in front of the group. "I am not the type to dole out compliments. But I gotta give us credit for getting this far. The security company isn't a lock yet, but I think it'll happen."

"You had doubts?" Kim asked, her eyebrow raised.

"There are risks with every heist," Shego retorted. "And you know, with a group this big, you gotta worry about things like trust and competence. But anyway, I wanted to take some time today and iron out the details. So far we've been putting things in place, but now, I think we have enough information to focus on the heist itself."

Camille grinned. "Good, 'cause like, I've been thinking about that. I have some experience in theft myself, you know. So I was wondering...do we know how often Motor Ed drives the Ferrari?"

"We'll find that out when I start my new job," Adrena pointed out.

"And if he's anything like the annoying car people at Senior's parties..." Bonnie began, pausing to sip her coffee. "He bought it mostly for show. He'll never put any miles on that thing."

Yori tilted her head at Bonnie. "Why not?"

"Decreases the value by putting wear and tear on the car. I swear, every rich guy has a super expensive new sports car. That they don't drive."

Zita glanced at Camille. "What made you ask?"

"So I was thinking, like...why don't we replace the Ferrari with a fake one? You know, to give us time before it's discovered missing. " Camille frowned at everyone's grins and chuckles. "What?"

Shego smirked at Camille's bewildered expression. "It's the obvious option to anyone with 'experience in theft.' I'd been debating if it's worth the effort, especially since no one besides Motor Ed will care about the Ferrari. Given his connections to Global Justice though...I'm thinking it couldn't hurt. But only if Joe Hench promises not to tell anyone – then it's pointless."

With a sigh, Camille retorted, "Fine. But like, there is something else I've wanted to bring up. Motor Ed has a bunch of expensive cars. Why are we only stealing the Ferrari?"

Shego smiled as she considered the idea. "Camille, that is a good question."

Adrena started at Road Warriors Security three days later. Well, experience security guard Alex Linley began her new job, eager to prove herself and fit in. She already wore an ugly brown uniform and a two-way radio that hung from her belt. Her tour guide for her first day turned out to be Camille's "friend" from the party. When they met at the control room first thing that morning, she learned his name was Travis Daines.

She also discoveredTravis, along with every other male security guard, was buff. And she was the only woman. Well, these work situations never bothered her, so she tried not to think about it. "Hi, Travis, it's nice to meet you." She extended a hand for him to shake.

He stared for a second before he hesitantly shook it. "So, you're Gavin's replacement. Thought you'd be a guy 'cause of your name. Who do you know here, did someone recommend you?"

"Uh...no, nobody." Adrena wrinkled her brow at the odd questions. "I saw the ad online." The eyebrow raise Travis sent her clearly, unmistakably said and we still hired you? Adrena wasn't dense. She knew she didn't fit the Motorized security guard mold, and if Travis provided any indication, her new coworkers would have plenty of comments about it.

Well, whatever. This job didn't matter to her. If anything it made the heist even more satisfying.

Travis grabbed his two-way radio and hooked it on his belt. "Alright, well, every morning you clock in over there. HR will give you a magnetic card so you can swipe in." He nodded to the clock as he guided her to the door. "Now pay attention, because we're going to walk your route. And I only have time to show you this once."

As soon as he cut in front of her, Adrena rolled her eyes, preparing for a long first day.

That afternoon, Bonnie invited Shego over for a late lunch with her and Zita. After finishing off a meal prepared by the cook, they brought their wine over to the pool area, each claiming a lounge chair. Bonnie smiled as the warm summer sun hit her face – maybe she should change into a bathing suit. "You have to admit, this is much better than the warehouse."

"Well, duh," Shego agreed easily. "Why do you think I even suggested it? I knew you'd make us come here instead."

While Zita snorted with laughter, Bonnie sighed. "You could've just told me you were coming over for lunch."

"Noted."

Zita glanced over at Shego. "So what did you want to discuss?"

"Replacing the Ferrari, and other cars we steal." Shego's eyes briefly closed while she relaxed on the chair, but she shook her head and put down her empty wine glass. "I met with Joe Hench this morning. He wasn't thrilled about keeping everything secret, but when he heard our plans to steal other cars too, he caved."

Bonnie nodded. "Okay, but what are we using to replace them? Cheaper models from the same brand?"

After pausing for a second, Shego replied, "I was thinking we make over a junker, but your way sounds easier. Um, is there such a thing as a cheap Ferrari?"

"If you get the more common models, especially used, it's a steal." Bonnie shrugged at the others' dubious expressions. "When you're Senior-level rich, you just absorb facts about sports cars. I don't even remember how I know these things."

Zita chuckled. "Well, don't count on me for any of that stuff. My expertise is limited to computers."

"And don't forget, it's not just the Ferrari now," Shego added. "I need to start narrowing down the logistics for this heist. I mean, sure, it'd be great to clean out Motor Ed's entire garage. But unfortunately we won't have that kind of time. Plus you have to consider the amount of people. We can only grab seven cars max, and even then, we'd have to plan for everyone to be in position."

Zita's expression became thoughtful as she put down her own empty wine glass. "Hold on, let's stick to manageable steps. We won't be able to work everything out over one lunch. What can we potentially solve right now?"

"I could call my auto broker," Bonnie offered.

Shego and Zita traded bemused glances. "Of course you have an auto broker," Shego remarked. "But yes, do that. Too bad none of us are great with cars. I hear Camille's good with paint though, so if we're lucky, she'll be able to match the exterior. But if we get really cheap cars, we'll also need someone to check them out. And assist Camille with the makeover."

Between all this talk of cars, and the constant barrage of high school memories, Bonnie's mind took an interesting turn. She might actually know some car experts. On top of that, if she played it right, this could be incredibly entertaining. "Leave it to me, Shego. I'll take care of everything."

Adrena's guide walked obnoxiously fast. She knew he only did it to challenge her – could she keep up, and would she dare ask him to slow down? Fortunately Adrena kept herself in decent shape for stunt work. Even better, she knew some martial arts from her villain days. She wished for an opportune moment to show it off on Travis.

At the moment they passed by Motor Ed's enormous mansion. Adrena paused when other security guards drove by in a golf cart, politely waving hello. Then chuckling to themselves when they thought she wouldn't notice.

Hazing the new girl. How mature.

Expecting her to complain, Travis smirked at her. "All the golf carts were taken."

"I didn't ask," Adrena snapped.

"You were clearly thinking it." He laughed at his own joke, shaking his head as they trudged forward. "Now, you'll get a golf cart, but of course you can't stay in it the whole time. You gotta check all the nooks and crannies. We're pretty remote, but sometimes you get someone from the condo building poking around. We've caught people helping themselves to Motor Ed's pool."

Adrena focused on putting one foot in front of the other, only tuning into Travis' ramblings when he shared important information. At first she'd hoped to learn more about the garage, but after meeting in the control room, they didn't stick around long. Apparently she was assigned to exterior duty. Adrena and the others expected that – being assigned Ferrari duty would've taken a real stroke of luck.

"Travis! Dude!"

Distracted by her thoughts, Adrena barely saw Motor Ed walk over from the back of the house. Millionaire and security guard exchanged an odd handshake that ended with an air guitar. "Who's the chick?" Motor Ed asked Travis, raising an eyebrow at Adrena.

Adrena gritted her teeth and stuck out a hand for him to shake. "Your newest employee. It's an honor to meet you, Motor Ed."

"Oh, right, right, you're replacing Gavin." Motor Ed ignored the outstretched hand and stared at her with confusion. "No one mentioned you were a lady security guard." He glanced at Travis, who raised his arms in an exaggerated don't look at me shrug.

Fighting the urge to punch both of them, Adrena smiled wider. "I assure you, I'm more than qualified."

"Still...I'm gonna have a chat with HR." Motor Ed shook his head at Adrena. "You're only here temporarily, right? I heard Gavin's planning to come back."

"Yes sir," Travis confirmed. "He won a six-month cruise. Lucky son of a gun. I got that email too and almost entered." He sighed with longing. "We considered replacing him, but he's such a great security guard. Also, in case you were concerned, I've already warned her about the 'no joyriding' rule for the sports cars."

"Like I'm worried. Chicks don't care about cars." Motor Ed gave Adrena another sidelong glance, disbelief all over his face. "I guess it's only six months. The guys can cover you for the more, uh, physically demanding parts of the job. See you around, Travis."

With that, Motor Ed walked off, and Adrena silently fumed. Travis laughed at her again. "You can quit now if you want, Alicia. Wouldn't blame you."

"It's Alex. And I'm staying."

"Not for long so don't get comfortable." Travis smirked as he walked on ahead, not bothering to wait for her.

Adrena clenched her fists and counted to ten, not trusting that she wouldn't strike him from behind. Thank God this wasn't an actual job. If she had to make nice with these people, deal with them every day, knowing she needed the paycheck...

She couldn't wait to rob this place.

That weekend, Yori put on her old ninja suit and went to a meeting at the dealership. Well, less meeting, more break-in. She found Kim and Adrena waiting for her at the back entrance. Adrena wore her guard uniform, while Kim had on a dark outfit and a small backpack.

Yori skipped over the pleasantries. "Adrena, does your uniform mean you are covering for us?"

"It's more of a backup," Adrena explained. "I didn't want this to happen on my watch, just in case they realize someone broke in. Everyone already hates me because I'm a 'lady security guard.' One misstep, and they'll be too happy to can my ass."

Kim grimaced. "I'm sorry you have to deal with that. At least they're not your actual coworkers."

"That's what I tell myself every morning."

"Also remember you are stronger than they are." Yori frowned at Adrena, wishing she could do more. Strange how she did not have the same type of experience in her role. Maybe because she worked as an assistant to a man – but then again, did these things ever make sense?

Adrena smiled gratefully. "Thanks. So, um, I said to meet now because the guard just passed by. We have about an hour before he comes back around again. Someone's also watching the monitor inside."

"Is Zita going to move the cameras again?" Yori asked

"If necessary," Kim answered, pulling a lip balm out of her bag. "This is knockout gas. A classic Wade gadget, but he's made it more potent over the years. We open it outside the control room and it's nighty-night Mr. Security Guard."

Adrena scoffed. "Really Possible, still using your little toys? Figured you'd graduate to grown-up weapons after Global Justice."

"It works, and I don't see you bringing any weapons."

"Please, we only have an hour," Yori reminded them. The bubbling argument immediately cooled. "Kim, though it is your knockout gas, I think either Adrena or myself should take care of the guard. We are more familiar with the layout."

"That's fair." Without leaving it up for discussion, Kim handed the lip balm container to Yori.

Sensing Adrena's annoyance, Yori took the lip balm and moved on. "Meanwhile, you and Adrena head for Motor Ed's office. It has a keypad lock, and the sequence is 42069."

Adrena snorted while Kim muttered, "Of course it is."

"I am sorry?"

Kim sighed. "We can talk about that later, and it will be a long discussion. Did you get the sequence from the spyware?"

"Yes, Zita found it on my boss' computer. Now let us not waste anymore time." Yori nodded at Adrena, who used her key to unlock the door. They tiptoed into a long, dark hallway that led to the dealership control room at the end. The door was open – they heard country music from a radio, and saw the glare from multiple surveillance screens.

Kim moved forward, but Yori directed her to follow Adrena towards the executive offices. There was worry on Kim's face as she reluctantly complied. Yori understood the desire to help, but after years of experience, she could handle this herself.

Creeping down the hall, Yori kept an eye out for any cameras around the control room. She peeked in the room and saw a burly, greasy-haired guard. The man leaned all the way back in the chair, his feet propped up on the console. Yori wondered if the knockout gas was even needed since he already seemed half-asleep. Still, she held her breath as she opened the lip balm container, aiming the gas into the room.

The thump sounded almost immediately. Yori made sure the guard was out cold before she closed the container and breathed again.

Yori gently pushed the sleeping guard aside, who'd slumped over the control panel. Fortunately none of the monitors showed Kim or Adrena...yet. A quick glance also proved that the private offices did not have cameras. Just to be safe, Yori studied the controls for a second, then used her gloved hands to angle the hallway cameras at the ceiling.

After ensuring that the guard wouldn't fall over, Yori sneaked out to meet the others.

A half hour later, they'd searched four of the executive offices. They were looking for anything that could help with the heist. Additionally, Kim hoped for any kind of evidence against Motor Ed or Motorized. They suspected anything incriminating would be on Motor Ed's computer, but for the moment, they only had time to install spyware. If the offices had paper files, they needed to focus on those while they could.

Checking her phone for the list of keypad codes, Yori decided to try another door that said "storage." It probably held office or janitorial supplies. Regardless, it wouldn't take much effort to be sure.

She opened the door to find a room lined with about twenty metal file cabinets. Her eyes wide, Yori ran to track down Kim and Adrena. They quickly dropped what they were doing to join her. All three stood by the door, surveying the task at hand.

"We need to pick the locks first," Yori declared, examining the nearest file cabinet. Unlike the offices, these had small keyholes. "It may take some time – which we do not not have."

Kim stepped forward, pulling another item out of her backpack. "Fortunately I have a grown-up tool with me, and this one is courtesy of Global Justice." Adrena rolled her eyes while Kim held up...a key. But the blade was plain with no notches. Before the others could ask, Kim placed it flush against the cabinet lock at eye-level.

The previously-inanimate blade morphed to fit the keyhole. It looked like...pouring hot metal into a mold, except the metal was already solid.

"Okay, that's freaky," Adrena grumbled. "Possible, you get to work unlocking these cabinets. Yori and I will search." They worked quietly for a while, Kim unlocking cabinets while Adrena and Yori rifled through the contents. Since some drawers were empty, or not completely full, they could cover a lot of ground in a short time.

Kim froze when she opened a drawer. "Oh my God." When both Yori and Adrena looked over, Kim held up a file. "Gemini." Another file, and another, and another. "Libra. Aquarius. Leo."

"Motor Ed's into astrology?" Adrena guessed.

"Global Justice code names," Kim whispered in awe. "Gemini broke away from GJ, but the others are still active agents. This...this is what I wanted to find."

"We can takes pictures of the files on our phones," Yori suggested.

Glancing over some of the paperwork, Kim frowned. "Copier would be better so we can see the details. And the lighting's not great in here."

"Chad? Chad, is everything okay?"

The trio stopped what they were doing and stared at Adrena's two-way radio. It had crackled occasionally, but this was the first cause for concern. "It's Mason, the grounds guard for the night," Adrena said. "Our hour's almost over. He probably wanted to tell Chad he's coming back around."

"Is there any way to send him out again?" Kim asked hopefully. Meanwhile, Yori's mind started recalling the fastest route to the closest exit just in case.

After a second of thought, Adrena clicked on her two-way radio, indicating for them to be quiet. "Hi Mason, we're all clear in here."

"Who the hell is this?"

"It's Alex, the new guard. I'm shadowing Chad for my first night shift."

There was a tense moment before Mason replied. "I'd still like to hear it from Chad."

"He went to get a snack from his car," Adrena lied easily. "Since he knew you'd check in, he wanted me to handle it on my own."

"Well, okay then. I've got a few more rounds, so I'll stop in at the end of the shift."

"See you then." Adrena clicked off the radio and sighed. "Well, none of these jerks are Einsteins. I should have no trouble convincing Chad I'm supposed to be here. The downside is I have to hang out until five freaking A-M."

Yori offered a sympathetic smile. "You did a good job, Adrena. That was great!"

"Yeah, it was," Kim agreed with sincerity.

Adrena shrugged. "Whatever, hopefully the night goes by fast. And if there's a morning group meeting I am not going."

"I would not blame you," Yori replied, picking up a batch of files. They quickly found the copy room and got to work. By three in the morning, Adrena woke up Chad in the control room, while Yori and Kim rushed out with as many copies as they could carry.

Over at the Senior mansion, Bonnie and Zita enjoyed another movie night in the twenty-seat home theater. Bonnie invited Junior to watch the movie with them, but instead of video chatting on the computer, she set up picture-in-picture on the movie screen. Zita couldn't hide her annoyance, but she wisely kept her mouth shut given her living situation. Bonnie didn't feel bad in the least – Zita could find the movie online if the call was too distracting.

Bonnie and Zita clapped wildly after the movie ended, buzzed after several glasses of wine. Junior would have joined in if it weren't ten 'o clock in the morning his time. Even then he had more than one mimosa with his breakfast. "That was amazing!" Bonnie exclaimed. "I wish we could watch movies together in person, Junior sweetie."

The sentiment brought a tear to Junior's eye. "I miss you so much, Bonnie my sweet. It has been so long since you have visited me. Why do you not fly out this weekend?"

"Junior sweetie, I told you about my project," Bonnie reminded him.

"Can you not take a break?"

Bonnie sighed. "I wish I could, I'm missing you terribly. But crime waits for no woman."

"Ah yes, I understand. And from what I remember, Shego is a stern taskmaster."

"You said it," Bonnie agreed. "But when this is all over, we'll have ourselves a well-deserved extended vacation. Maybe we can do a season of our show in Europe!"

Junior clapped, his eyes widening. "That is a fabulous idea! In fact, I shall call our producer. We might be able to get many of the details worked out by your next visit. Oh, tonight I shall dream of you and me and our new success! Good night, Bonnie my love!"

"Have a good day, my love!" Bonnie called, waving as Junior's smaller screen went dark. She let out a long sigh. "I miss him so much."

Zita had been silent since the movie ended, scrolling on her phone while the lovebirds wrapped up the call. "Huh, what was that?"

"It's so tough being apart from him this long," Bonnie said, barely hearing Zita. She gave another dramatic sigh as she took out her phone. "I know what will distract me. Now that we're working on the replacement cars, I'll call in the experts."

"What experts?" This earned Zita's attention.

Bonnie replied with an evil grin. "Oh, just a couple of our old classmates. There's an added bonus because Kim will go totally nuclear."

After a quiet second, Zita tilted her head at Bonnie. "What was the deal with you and Kim in high school? Everyone heard about your rivalry, but no one really knew how it started. Were you childhood friends who had a fight, or something?"

"No, nothing like that." Bonnie paused, surprised by Zita's question. No one ever made her think about why she disliked Kim. (There were times in high school she hated Kim, but now it felt like a strong word.) "It's just...imagine someone who's always considered better than you. You turn around and there she is, stealing your spotlight, after you worked so much harder. The girl who could do anything, right? Well, I did a lot too, and no one cared."

Again, Zita didn't reply right away. "I mean, from what I saw, some people did care. You were one of the most popular girls in school."

"But I could never enjoy it. The second I found some success, Kim tried to make it about her. People used to think she was so perfect, but let me tell you, she couldn't stand when I got more attention than her. And it bothered me so much because she was famous, Zita! She had the whole world! Why couldn't she let me have Middleton High?"

While her eyes held some sympathy, Zita shrugged. "I guess it's hard for me to relate. You know, as someone who had zero popularity. But I can see how that would be annoying."

"It was." Even more determined, Bonnie picked up her phone and opened up her social media page. Fortunately she was already social media friends with the experts she had in mind. Thinking of what she wanted to say, Bonnie began typing the direct message.

"I have an interesting business opportunity for you. The thing is, you'd have to fly out to California for a few weeks, depends on how fast you can get the job done. Travel expenses will be covered of course. It involves your car building expertise, which I distinctly remember from high school. So if you're looking for a creative new project, give me a call ASAP!"