Chapter 9: Don't Be Bemused, It's Just The News

WARNING: A character will get drunk and mess themselves in this chapter. Read with caution.

"Hello, mum?" said Marinette into the phone.

"Oh, hello, love," came the voice of Sabine Cheng on the other end. "I'm sorry to ring you so late - just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Oh - no issues. Nothing to worry about," said Marinette.

"That's a relief," said Sabine, as if that settled the matter. "I'm just rather frustrated at that headmaster of yours. He'd sooner put his students' education before their safety. If you ask me, he needs to get his priorities in order."

Marinette wondered if she should tell her mother that the conversation between her and the headmaster had been overheard. She decided not to, so Sabine wouldn't worry.

"I know what you mean," said Marinette thoughtfully, "but don't worry. I'll be as careful as an ant on a tennis court. But enough about me, how are you and dad managing?"

"We're alright, sweetie. We just miss you now that you're not around. Yesterday, your father and I managed to sell a large gingerbread house to Mrs Chamack, for little Manon's school fete. Speaking of Mrs Chamack, have you been able to watch the news?"

"Uh - no," said Marinette sheepishly. Her parents were particularly up-to-date when it came to the news.

"You ought to," said Sabine firmly. "They'll be saying a thing or two about the murder. It's all over the network."

"I'll check it out first thing in the morning," answered Marinette.

"Good lass. But remember to stay positive and calm about everything, and please do stay out of danger," Marinette's mother advised her.

"Oh you bet I will," said Marinette.

"Righto then. I was just getting ready for bed, so I'll be off. Your dad gives his love. Bonne nuit, ma cherie!"

"Same here," said Marinette. "I'll catch you tomorrow then. Bonne nuit, ma bonne maman!"

She blew a kiss into the phone and hung up. Tikki floated out of her pocket.

"Your mum seems to be very concerned about you, Marinette," she said.

"That's my mum for you," said Marinette. "But what did she say about watching the news? There'll be something about the murder. Tikki, would you wake me up at six tomorrow?

"Consider it done," chirped Tikki.

Tikki was as good as her word. Sharp at six o'clock the next morning, she prodded Marinette's face gently.

"Wake up, Marinette," she whispered. "It's time for the early-morning news broadcast."

Marinette yawned, spat out her fringe (it had become lodged in her mouth) and headed for the TV. She sat on the floor (all the seats were occupied with sleeping classmates) and turned on the news channel. Mrs Nadja Chamack, the newsreader, was at her desk.

"Don't be bemused, it's just the news!" she greeted her viewers. "Authorities in Lyon are still investigating the death of security guard Fabio Chapdelaine, who appears to have been stabbed to death. His wife Sara told police that she hoped the killer was brought to justice."

The screen cut to a woman. Marinette was surprised: it was the woman she and Adrien had run into!

"My husband," she said, trying to keep her composure, "was a good man. And the only way we can do him justice is by making sure his murderer is appropriately punished."

"No surprises there," said Adrien, emerging from the bathroom.

"Our suspicions were confirmed, Adrien," Marinette told him. "We had met Fabio Chapdelaine's wife."

"Was that his name?" said Adrien.

"Yep, and his wife is seeking justice," informed Marinette.

"Well, she will get justice, I know," said Adrien stoutly. Marinette smiled.

That evening at the hotel was a lazy one. Lila was telling Kim, Ivan, Mylene, Nino, Alya, Max, Marc, Alix and Rose a tall tale about how she'd travelled in Michael Schumacher's car; Juleka was painting Zoe and Sabrina's nails; Luka was listening to music; Nathaniel was drawing, and Adrien and Marinette were sitting on the balcony, the one that was overlooking the pool.

It was a silence; a comfortable silence; not awkward. The two of them were quietly admiring the view. Marinette took Adrien's hand and held it, and didn't realise what she was doing until she looked down.

"Oops," she said, grinning goofily. "Sorry Adrien. I didn't realise I was making you uncomfortable."

"No worries, Marinette," said Adrien kindly. "I didn't mind it at all. I was just thinking - who needs a camera? You wouldn't forget this view for years."

"Darn right you wouldn't," said Marinette. "What could possibly ruin this moment?"

"ADRIKINS!" squawked a voice.

It was Chloe, looking red-faced and unbalanced. She flung her arms around Adrien, nearly knocking him off his chair.

"Easy, Chlo," he said. "What happened to you?"

"Oh, you won't give your oldest friend a kiss? You're bad," drawled Chloe. She climbed atop Adrien and forcefully tried to kiss him.

"Chloe, that's sexual harassment," said Marinette crossly. "Get off Adrien and get a grip on yourself."

Chloe rolled off Adrien - then vomited at his feet. The whole class was watching.

"EW!"

"GROSS!"

"YUCK!"

"BLOODY HELL!"

"What the heck is up with her?"

Marinette took a closer look. "The poor cow is completely plastered. Blind drunk."

"Oh no!" fretted Sabrina. "What do we do?"

"Don't worry, Sabrina, we'll take care of her," said Marinette. "Zoe, take the legs - I'll take the arms. Chloe needs to sleep it off."

Zoe nodded and took her sister's legs. She and Marinette lifted the Mayor's daughter up and carried her up one flight.

"How d'you reckon Chloe got her hands on booze?" pondered Zoe.

"It was either the minibar or the drinks bar," said Marinette. "Question is, why did she get drunk in the first place? Zoe?"

There was a second of silence. Then -

"Dammit! Puke's not the only thing coming out of Chloe," lamented Zoe. Marinette cocked a look, to see Chloe's pants and Zoe's top covered in what could only be identified as pee.

"Oh, dear," said Marinette, shaking her head.

There will be more in Chapter 10. But whatever happened to our Chloe?