Hey all, I'm very sorry for how long updates are taking. Real life and work have been extremely hectic of late. I hope this latest chapter was worth the wait. As always, thank you so much to all the lovely readers out there!
7. Hide and Seek
2 May, 1990
Quimby eyed Gadget worriedly from where the inspector sat in the front passenger seat, grim and silent. He hadn't said a word during the entire drive and had only stared out the window, his face pinched with lines of stress. It was unnerving to suddenly have this serious, coherent version of Gadget next to him when for so many years he had known only the bumbling and clumsy cyborg. Professor Von Slickstein sat in the back seat, his expression pensive as he rested his hands on his cane.
Despite his best efforts to concentrate on the winding road ahead of him Quimby found his mind drifting back to that awful night fifteen years ago.
"I won't agree to it! What you're suggesting isn't just insane, it's wrong! It's...it's playing God, Professor!"
"I know, George. Believe me, I know. If there was any other way...but there isn't."
"He trusts me, Professor! That's why he gave me medical power of attorney!"
"And that is why I came to you first. This is the only way to convince them to leave Inspector Brown alone."
"He'd be better off dead! He won't even be a man anymore!"
"A man's worth is more than just flesh and bones, George."
"There has to be another way."
"You know there isn't. If it was only Inspector Brown's life in question then I would defer to you. But we both know that's no longer the case. Does his niece have anyone else besides Brown?"
"No."
"It's either this or they will get rid of him, George. The only way they'll leave him alone is if they're convinced that he doesn't remember anything."
"He'll never forgive me for this."
"Well, if that is the case then rest assured that I take equal blame in this entire affair, George. I know this isn't much consolation, but I'll help you bear the burden of this secret, as well as the consequences."
"So we're in agreement, then? If he survives the operation we let Gadget stay on the force so that he can support his niece, but don't tell him about...well, about anything."
"Agreed."
A heavy silence followed before the professor spoke again. "How did he come by the nickname 'Gadget', anyway?"
"His coworkers started calling him that because he seemed to break or destroy every piece of technology he came into contact with."
A bump in the road brought Quimby back to the present. Muttering a curse under his breath, he changed gears as he forced his attention to remain on the road. His gut instinct was telling him that things were going to get a lot worse from here on out.
It was twilight when they finally pulled up to a large house that sat at the end of a long dirt path. The three men got out of the car and followed Quimby across the lawn. Gadget tried to hide his impatience as they walked up the steps and Quimby rang the doorbell. Why were they out here instead of at the station, tracking down leads? It was taking every bit of self-control Gadget had not to leap back into the car and gun the engine back to Metro City.
"Easy, Gadget," muttered Quimby, seeing the younger man shift restlessly. "We'll answer all of your questions."
Gadget frowned but didn't argue as they waited on the doorstep. After another moment the lock turned and the door opened to reveal a man in a nondescript suit. He nodded to Quimby.
"Agent Quimby, we got your message, sir. Come in, please."
Gadget's brow shot up at the use of "Agent" rather than "Chief" but he held his tongue as the man led the trio further into the house. Gadget's eyes swept over the interior, his microscopic lenses easily seeing every detail despite the dim lighting. It was an old house but well-kept, the kind that probably belonged to old money. It wasn't a mansion by any means, but it was large enough that the owner was clearly well off. They were led into a large study that was lined with books, a large desk set at one side of the room that was covered with papers and files. There was a small couch and several chairs pulled near the lit fireplace. The man in the suit left them without a word.
Gadget turned to Quimby, about to demand that they go back to the city, when the door to the study opened again. A different man entered and quickly stepped forward to shake Quimby's hand. "George, good to see you again. I got your message - you're sure you weren't followed?"
"Positive," said Quimby. "You remember Professor Friedrich Von Slickstein?"
"Of course," said the man, shaking Von Slickstein's hand. Gadget made an impatient sound and Quimby nodded towards the inspector
"Inspector Gadget, this is Sir Ian Campbell. Ian, this is Inspector John 'Gadget' Brown."
Sir Ian was a tall, distinguished gentleman who looked to be in his early fifties. His silver hair was neatly styled and he had a strong, athletic build despite his advanced years. His grip was firm as he shook Gadget's hand. "Inspector Gadget, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Gadget nodded. "I'm sorry, but what's going on here?"
"No need for apologies, Inspector. I realize this is all very sudden, and I'm sorry for the secrecy. Please, have a seat, gentlemen," Campbell said, gesturing towards the chairs.
"Sir Ian is a member of MI6, Gadget," said Quimby. He sank onto the couch near the fire with a heavy sigh. "And so am I."
Now both of Gadget's brows shot up, disappearing under the brim of his hat. "What?"
"And me as well, although in more of a consultative role," added Von Slickstein.
"And glad of it," said Campbell, nodding towards the professor. "Your research has been invaluable over the years."
Gadget had heard enough. His mind was reeling with too many revelations. First Penny had been solving his cases for years, and now his boss was actually a secret agent? "I don't know what's going on here," he snapped impatiently, turning towards the door, "but I don't have time for these games. I need to-"
"You need to sit down, Gadget. That's an order," warned Quimby. Gadget turned and glared at his boss for a moment before stalking back towards the center of the room. He yanked a chair out and sat down, still glaring at Quimby.
Campbell gave Gadget a sympathetic look. "I heard about your niece, Inspector. Please be assured that I'll do everything in my power to aid in finding Penny. Consider INTERPOL at your service."
"Thank you," said Gadget. "Now can someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?"
"Gadget…" warned Quimby again but stopped when Campbell held up a hand. "It's alright, George. I imagine this is all a shock to the inspector. Gadget, I'll do my best to answer your questions, but first I think we could all use some refreshments. Forgive me, Inspector, but you look like you could use a drink," he added with a wry smile.
Gadget shrugged and after Campbell had poured them all drinks he leaned forward. "So you're not actually a police chief, Quimby?"
"On paper I am," responded Quimby, taking a slow sip of scotch. "But I'm also an agent of MI6, and before that I worked with the British and Canadian military. When I was appointed to my current position with the Metro City PD, it was a cover for my long-term assignment."
"Which is?" Gadget asked, trying to hide his impatience.
"To monitor M.A.D.'s activities and do everything in my power to keep them from getting their hands on Von Slickstein's research, which has become more difficult in the past years." He paused and gave Gadget a dry smile. "Didn't you ever wonder why I was so good at disguises and keeping myself hidden over the years?"
"Wowsers," Gadget muttered. Now that he thought about it, it did make sense. Which led him to another train of thought. "So if you're really an operative of MI6, then what does that make me?"
"You're not an inspector," responded Quimby. Gadget's mouth dropped open but Quimby held up a hand. "On paper you're still technically an employee of the Metro City PD with the rank of inspector, but that's only for appearances, just like me."
"It was INTERPOL who funded your, er...current condition," said Campbell tactfully. "So in reality you've been one of our agents for the past fifteen years."
Gadget leaned back, feeling floored. "That's why I was sent on all those secret missions?"
"Yes," replied Campbell. "And I'm very sorry that we never realized until recently that you had, ah...assistance during all that time," he added gently.
Gadget knew he was talking about his niece and he tightened his grip on the glass he held until it nearly cracked. "What does all this have to do with M.A.D.? And how does this help us find Penny?"
"We've been putting together M.A.D.'s schemes for the past six or seven years." Campbell stood and walked over to his desk, pointing at the files and papers. "We've always known that M.A.D. wasn't just a terrorist organization - what they've been after for years is far more sinister, and much more dangerous."
"Which is what, exactly?"
"Bionic warfare," said Von Slickstein quietly.
"What?"
"Haven't you ever wondered why M.A.D. always seemed to go after scientists and technology?" Campbell shook his head as he spoke. "Money's never been an interest to them, at least not in the long run. What Dr. Claw has been trying to get his hands on for years is the secret to making more of you, Gadget."
Gadget was silent as he mulled that over. Quimby spoke after a moment. "We think M.A.D. finally caught on to your niece's assistance in your cases and kidnapped her to lure you out."
"But how did they find out?" Gadget said, standing again and pacing. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling another headache coming on.
"We think there's a mole, possibly several, in the force. And INTERPOL as well," said Campbell grimly. "Which is why we met out here in the middle of nowhere. I'm sorry again for all of the secrecy, Gadget, but we didn't want to risk putting you in a position that might compromise Penny's wellbeing until we find her."
It didn't escape Gadget's notice that Campbell said "until", not "if" and he shot the man a quick look of gratitude. He then turned to Quimby, his face resolute.
"If you think I'm just going to sit here and do nothing while my niece is missing-"
"No one expects that, Gadget," growled Quimby. "But this is bigger than any of your past missions. We need INTERPOL's help on this one. They have resources and connections that can help us locate Penny."
"And if our suspicions about the Metro City PD and possibly INTERPOL itself being infiltrated with M.A.D. agents, then we need to tread all the more carefully," said Von Slickstein.
Gadget stared hard at the three men before nodding. "I'm staying involved, Quimby. And tell that to whoever needs to hear it at INTERPOL," he added, looking back at Campbell who nodded.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Gadget," said Quimby. He stood and gestured towards the foyer. "I need to make some more phone calls before we head back. Ian, you'll keep in touch?"
"Always," said Campbell easily. "Professor Von Slickstein, if you need anything you'll let me know?"
"Of course," said the old man before following Quimby out. Gadget turned to go but Campbell stopped him. "Inspector, a word in private before you go?"
Gadget nodded and sat back down. Campbell sat across from him. "I wanted to let you know that I'm very sorry for how this all came about. My superiors at INTERPOL were very clear in not providing you with more details than necessary, but given recent events I felt you had a right to know about your true role."
Gadget nodded. "Thank you again for your help."
Campbell studied him appraisingly. "What's it like, having children?" he said after a moment.
"It's…" Gadget paused and took a deep breath. "The most terrifying, and amazing, thing. Not that I was very good at it," he added bitterly.
Campbell smiled and shook his head. "I'm sure that's not true, Inspector."
Gadget didn't answer and Campbell turned to walk over to one of the large windows, staring out at the now dark landscape. "I can't imagine what you're going through," he said quietly. "I don't have children of my own - never got the chance to, unfortunately. My wife died about twenty years ago."
"I'm sorry," said Gadget.
"It was an accident...they tried to save her but couldn't…" he shook himself. "Forgive me, Inspector. The past is in the past and that's where it should remain. I've still got my work at least." Campbell stood again and Gadget followed him to the door.
"I won't keep you any longer. I know you're anxious to get back to the city. I'm returning to London tomorrow and will keep you and Chief Quimby updated if I learn anything about your niece."
Gadget nodded and shook Campbell's hand.
"Chin up, Inspector. Remember that INTERPOL has quite a long reach and many contacts."
3 May, 1990
"Sir, we've got something."
Gadget looked up from the latest reports he had been reading with Quimby, pouring over any details that might lead them to Penny's whereabouts. While protocol didn't allow officers to take the lead on cases involving family members, Quimby had allowed Gadget to help with the paperwork to help keep the man occupied.
"What is it?" Gadget demanded, standing up so quickly that he knocked his chair over. Quimby straightened it and turned to the patrol officer. "Go on," he said, waving a hand.
"The Metro City Transit Authority reported one of its buses has gone AWOL. It's been missing since Monday evening, the same day Penny disappeared," the officer added quickly.
"And the driver?" said Gadget anxiously.
"Also missing, sir. The transit authorities said he disappeared that same night."
"There are cameras on the city buses. What about-"
"Footage?" the patrolman quickly supplied, finishing Quimby's sentence. "I'm sorry, Chief, but whoever the driver was, he covered all of his tracks. They don't have any footage."
"Damn it!" Gadget paced furiously. The young officer shot him an uneasy glance before continuing.
"But the transit authorities did provide a photo of the driver that had been taken for his badge - looks like the fellow wasn't as careful as he thought - and we were able to use that to track him down. He's in the interrogation room now...Inspector! Sir, where are you going?" The young man watched in shock as Gadget rushed out of the room, Quimby hot on his heels.
"Where is she?"
The man seated at the table jumped when the door slammed open. His smug expression slipped for a moment when he saw the dangerous expression on Gadget's face before recovering.
The M.A.D. agent laughed. "I ain't tellin' you nothin', ya walkin' tin can!" He paused and then added cruelly, "Pity about your niece…she was such a pretty thing. Such a waste-"
He didn't get any further than that. In an instant Gadget had knocked aside the enormous steel table like it was made of matchpaper. He grabbed the M.A.D. agent and slammed him up against the wall, pinning him effortlessly high above his own head.
"Lemme go, help! He's crazy!" The man begged, looking towards Quimby who had rushed in after Gadget.
Quimby calmly leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. He remained silent, coolly watching Gadget.
"Look at this!" Gadget demanded as his Gadget hand emerged from his hat and held out a photo of Penny that had been taken shortly after her sixteenth birthday. "She's sixteen. Sixteen - a child! Do you understand that? If you have any ounce of decency left, you'll tell us what you know!" He shook the terrified man as he spoke.
"Or what?" the agent wheezed, sneering but Quimby could see the terror in the man's eyes. "You'll kill me? I thought you were supposed to be better than that," he added with another smirk.
Gadget's expression flickered before hardening. "Try me," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "My niece is all I have left. Don't test the lengths I'm willing to go for her."
Quimby stepped forward. "Gadget, that's enough. Put him down."
Gadget glared at the man before dropping him in a heap.
"Get him out of here," snapped Quimby. The two officers waiting at the door saluted, eyeing Gadget uneasily as they grabbed the agent and hauled him to his feet.
There was a heavy silence in the room after they had left. "You know I could write you up for intimidating a suspect," said Quimby mildly, lighting his pipe.
"With all due respect, Chief, I don't give a damn right now," Gadget responded, his earlier fury deflating to be replaced with crushing exhaustion.
"I know. And I don't blame you. If it was my son-" Quimby stopped, unwilling to follow that line of thought.
"I know I was out of line...I don't know what came over me…" Gadget sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression pained.
"Another headache?" Quimby asked, eyeing Gadget worriedly. The younger man shrugged. "Don't know why they won't stop...they've been going on for months now," he muttered.
Quimby didn't know what to say. He had never seen Gadget so out of control before, not even before he became a cyborg.
"She has to be safe, Quimby. She just has to be."
"I know, Gadget," said Quimby quietly. "I know."
The rest of the week passed by in a blur for Gadget. He spent every waking hour at the station waiting anxiously for any leads or updates on Penny's whereabouts. The fact that they hadn't heard anything from M.A.D. - not even a ransom note - filled Gadget with cold dread. It was a bad sign in a missing person case when the kidnappers didn't make any demands.
He spent the days and most of the nights at the station, unable to sleep and not wanting to stay home where everything reminded him of Penny. He only left when Quimby forcibly kicked him out to shower and sleep but never stayed in his house for more than a few hours.
After another sleepless night he returned to the station, once again disappearing into the records room as he read over his old case files. Even though his stomach churned at the thought of how much danger Penny and Brain had been in over the years, he was also amazed at his niece's brilliance. And all the while Penny had been content to let him take the credit, to remain in the shadows with Brain while he had blissfully remained unaware of the danger she and Brain had placed themselves in, just to help him.
God, how could Penny have put up with him all of these years? And Brain too - the poor dog definitely deserved far more credit than Gadget ever had. He resolved that he'd make it up to Brain somehow.
He grimaced in shame as memories of his less finer moments and more outlandish behavior came to the surface. All those times he had bragged about his skills and talent...all the while never knowing, not even suspecting, that his niece and loyal dog were the ones doing the actual work.
Gadget sighed and closed the file he had been reading, gently setting it aside. He leaned back in his chair, staring down at his gloved hands. In an effort to keep himself busy whenever Quimby forced him to go home he had been experimenting with his gadgets more, pushing himself to really see what he could do. To his surprise, Gadget had quickly discovered that he didn't actually need to use his voice to activate his parts. If he concentrated he was able to activate them with merely a thought.
When he had mentioned this to Von Slickstein the old man had merely smiled knowingly. "That was always the original plan, Gadget. The voice command feature was a safety measure until you were adapted to your new body. But Gadget," he had added warningly, "I wouldn't advertise the fact that you don't need to use voice commands."
Another secret, another warning look with no explanation. He was getting really tired of those. Gadget rubbed at his face before deciding on some fresh air. He stretched his neck out to glance at the clock and saw that it was nearly ten o'clock. Coffee first, then fresh air.
He slowly trudged into the break room (there was always a pot of freshly brewed coffee for officers working night duty) and poured a cup before heading up to the station's roof. It was raining again, a heavy spring downpour. He watched the rain fall from underneath an awning, his heart heavy as his thoughts drifted.
"Uncle Gadget?"
He looked away from the television at his niece's soft voice. It was raining outside - a nasty mix of sleet and rain - and Gadget, Penny, and Brain were stretched out on the sofa. Or rather, curled up together in a bundle of blankets. It was Friday night and they were relaxing after a long week with old movies and a bowl of popcorn.
"Yes, Penny?"
"Does...does it hurt? Your gadgets, I mean."
"Hurt?" he repeated, frowning in confusion.
Penny nodded, her face flushed from the heat from the fireplace Gadget had lit earlier. "I've always wondered...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to…"
Gadget hesitated before answering. He had never felt comfortable sharing his feelings about being...well, being 'him'. He had always tried so hard to hide that part of himself as much as possible from his niece in an effort to appear more normal, but Penny was sixteen now and far too observant for him to keep hiding.
"It did at first," he said slowly, his gaze distant as he absently stroked his niece's hair. "Those first few months...but it's better now," he added, seeing the distress in Penny's face.
"I'm glad," she murmured, squeezing his middle. "I worry about you."
"You don't need to," he chided gently, squeezing her shoulders with one arm. "Nothing can keep me down!"
"I know, Uncle. Just...promise me you'll be careful?"
"Oh Penny, you worry too much-" he began but stopped when Penny shook her head. She sat up to look at him, her expression serious.
"Please, Uncle, just in case I…" she paused and then continued, "just in case," she finished softly.
"I promise." He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear as he spoke and her anxious expression softened. "I just don't want to lose you," she added.
Gadget smiled and shook his head. "You know I'd never leave you, silly." Wanting to make her smile again, Gadget craned his neck up a bit so that he could kiss the tip of her nose.
Penny blushed and giggled. "Uncle, you know I hate that!" she protested even though she was smiling.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself," he replied with a smile as he lay back down, Penny snuggling against him again while Brain curled up on his other side.
A rumble of thunder brought Gadget back to the present. He stared out into the night sky, wondering if it was raining wherever Penny and Brain were. Were they safe? Would he ever see either one of them again?
'No! Don't think that!' he told himself furiously. 'Penny, I'll find you wherever you are. Just don't give up!'