So let's see if those two can finally ally.

Enjoy and please leave a review.


Carmen and Chase stayed two hours in the living-room, she watching TV on the sofa and him reading in an armchair.

" This is weird. I am here, watching TV in Devineaux's house. I wonder if that poison is really gone." thought Carmen, glancing at him.

Chase acted as if it was perfectly normal to have the greatest thief of her generation here. But Carmen wouldn't complain : it was better than being dying on a cold ground all alone. She thought about his proposition. Working with Interpol meant less enemies, and bigger means. Maybe she could adduce some conditions to it. Like him being the only interlocutor. Chase Devineaux closed his book, then stretched.

" Are those vertigos gone ?"

" Yes, practically."

The phone rang. It was Romain. The poison was almost gone. One more injection and it should be fine. Chase acquiesced.

" That was the doc. You need one more injection of the cure and it will be over. He left a syringe." he announced.

" Alright."

The man brought it to her with a garotte. He tied it around her arm, before stinging her.

" Feels like going for a walk ?" he asked meanwhile.

" Would be good, I'm rusting."

He put a bandage on her. After what, they stood and went outside. It appears that the fine house was close to the seaside : 450 meters. Chase guided Carmen.

" Ohm, maybe I should have taken something to hide my face, like a hood." she said.

" No need, there's not much cameras here. Let alone on the beach."

That's where they arrived. Devinveaux took off his shoes and walked on the sand. Sandiego did the same before trotting to join him. The beach was practically desert at this time of the year. The air was soft.

" So, did you grow up here ?" asked Carmen.

" Non. It's a familial house. We used to come here for holidays."

" It's peaceful."

" Hm hm."

The walked a while in silence. Carmen appreciated the wind. Something she might have not be able to feel anymore, had she died a few days before. The sound of waves as well, warmth of the sun, the sand below her feet. Devineaux, seeing she stopped, looked at her.

" I've never really paid attention before, but Romain is right : she's gorgeous." he thought.

She looked at him. They resumed their walk. Carmen went to walk in water. She already did this a lot in VILE's island but here … it was different. After what happened, she needed all those sensations. As if she couldn't believe she was still here. So she turned on herself and projected water around her. Devineaux had a little smile seeing her. Realizing she might look like a child, Sandiego stopped with embarrassment and blushed.

" Oh don't mind me. Play all the way you want." said Devineaux waving.

He continued walking. Carmen waited a bit then played in the water again. Farther, he asked her to come out. The young woman ran to him. They got out of the beach, washed their feet and continued their stroll.

" Do you want one ?" asked Chase, pointing a creperie.

" With pleasure." she smiled.

He bought one for each other. Carmen was glad to enjoy some free time to visit a place. Usually she had to leave a country in a hurry after each mission. So this was welcome, and she relished it. They walked a bit more before coming back home. There, she fell on the sofa while Chase went to the kitchen.

" Want some help ?" she asked.

" Non merci. I don't like someone around when I'm cooking."

" Then maybe I can set the table."

" That, you can indeed."

Carmen went up. He gave what was needed.


" Thanks for the meal. That was really good." said Carmen.

" Glad you liked it. When are your friends supposed to arrive ?" asked Chase.

" Hmmm tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

They ended the evening with a movie. Carmen fell asleep before the end though. Sensing the movement, she woke up to notice she was in Devineaux's arms again.

" Oh my, you should have woken me up." she yawned.

" There was no need."

He gently put her on the bed. Caren looked at him. He has been so nice with her, that she wondered if it was the same man who used to try to capture her.

" Good night." he said.

" Good night Devineaux."

Carmen put a shirt he lent, then wasn't long to sleep. The following morning, the scent of breakfast awoke her. The young woman got up, opened the door then brushed her hair. Well, battle with it was more like it. Intrigued by the sounds of pain he was hearing, Chase came to news.

" Miss Sandiego ? What's wrong is the furniture assaulting you ?"

" No … ouch … I'm … combing … aaaaugh !"

" Right. Do you need some help ?" proposed Devineaux.

" Nnngh. No …"

" Try to be nice with your brush, maybe that will do."

" Pfffrt."

Five minutes later, she reached the kitchen after dressing.

" Oh ? Looks like you won."

" Usually I brush and tie my hair before I went to bed, but this time …"

They ate in silence. Carmen waited for her teammates to arrive in the living-room. Chase was cleaning a bit at first floor. A movement outside caught his look. A car arrived. Looking at the window, he startled. Downstairs, Carmen heard him going down loudly in the stairs. He rushed to the living room and hit the door frame in his haste.

" Whoah, what's going on ?" asked Carmen.

" We're leaving !"

" What ?!"

Used to carry her since she was there, Chase lifter her. At the same time, Ivy and Zack knocked at the door, calling their friend.

" No wait Devineaux ! It's my friends ! Stop what is going on ?"

" Carmen ! It's us !" made Zack, behind the door.

" Your friends ? But there's this samurai with them !" exclaimed Chase.

" The ? Oh. Right you don't know. He is with me, he saved me when I tried to free you. Believe me he won't hurt you."

After a moment, he put her down. Carmen went quickly to open the door. Ivy and her brother embraced her.

" Carmen ! We thought we lost you for good this time !" she said, moved.

" It's good to see you all. I'm sorry I caused you worry." replied the thief, embracing both.

She greeted Shadowsan more formally, but he was glad to see her, as his smile showed it. Sandiego invited everyone to come in. Devinaux showed himself.

" So that's the Red Team in full." he said.

" Hm, Carmen ?" made Zack, looking at him.

" Right, we're in his house and he's the one who saved me." revealed Carmen.

" Huh ? And how come you're still free ?" made Ivy.

" I'll explain that later."

Chase was staring at Shadowsan with suspicion.

" You have nothing to fear from me. Especially since you saved Carmen." made the Asian.

" …"

" Well then ! We won't bother you any longer. May I have my coat and hat ?" intervened Carmen.

" Right away."

Chase went back and gave her what she asked for. The others decided to wait for her outside.

" You have my gratitude, sir Devineaux. I'll seriously think about your idea of partnership then contact you later." said Carmen.

" Providing I won't find you first, like good old times." he replied with a little smile.

" Ha ! See you soon then."

" Be careful."

" Okay !"

He watched them getting on the car and away, before closing his door on this first adventure. On her side, Carmen got another moving reunion with Player.

" Aw don't cry Player !" she said with a smile.

" Of course we would cry. We're a family now Carmen." said Ivy, behind her.

" So, where in the world were you Carmen ?" asked Player.

" Where you'll never guess : at Devineaux's."

" Da fuck ?!" said the boy in his surprise.

" By the way, what the hell Carmen ?" added Ivy.

Sandiego told them everything, including his suggestion about being ally.

" Are you it was the same Devineaux sent by Interpol ?" wondered Player.

" Same or not, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. And I'm rather glad to have one less problem." replied Sandiego.

" Sure, but can we really trust him ?" resumed Player.

" Objectively speaking, he had a lot of occasions to send me in jail this week. Not only did he not, but he really doesn't have the same demeanor than when we met."

" Hmmm, you're the boss so you'll decide." concluded Player.

Carmen nodded. But now, time to go back to their HQ. Even if the place was still in progress, the Woman in Red found it lovely.


Two months later.

Carmen was surveying a modern art museum entrance in London from a roof. Player informed her about VILE's intentions here. While she was being healed, Shadowsan replaced her and kept the organization at bay. She resumed the fight as soon as she could. Seeing the face of their agents when they learnt she was alive has been delightful.

" Okay Carmen, I deactivated the cameras. But you have to hurry before the police arrive."

Police …. It's been two months since Chase saved her. Maybe it was time to contact him.

" Player, find Devineaux's phone number."

" Hmph, so you didn't forget. Alright."

Carmen used her glider to get closer. There, she crocheted the door. The VILE agent was here to replace some painting with fake ones. She ran in the corridors. She stopped at the angle of a hall. Tilting her head, she apperceived the robber.

" I don't know that one. Must be a newbie."

Carmen silently came in. Her target was already taking a painting. The young woman approached. However, when she got close something hissed and slammed. She felt something winding around her ankles. Next thing she knew she hit the floor.

" Argh !"

" Well well ! If it isn't Carmen Sandiego. It's an honor to meet you."

Rising her head, she discovered a Chinese girl holding a whip.

"Please to meet you. I'm Dancing Lash."

" Charming."

Carmen brutally pulled back her legs then caught the whip to unbalance her opponent. It also allowed to free herself. But her opponent grabbed another whip she immediately sent. Carmen's agility was questioned. She sent a origami shuriken that blocked a first whip. However, getting close wasn't winning so far. The other whip was literally dancing in the air without her being able to approach her adversary. Dancing Lash on the other side, was getting close step by step. She even unblocked her other whip. She made Sandiego fall again, before disappearing. The Chinese took every curtain rope. Attaching some of them together, she made a lasso. Her whips slammed again, catching Carmen's ankles again. The lasso flew, finishing the work. Dancing Lash hanged her on a wall.

" Frankly, I expected something better coming from you. That was as disappointing as it was boring." commented the burglar.

She swiftly took what she came for.

" Hang on Carmen ! I'll send Red Drone you'll be free in a jiffy." intervened Player.

Carmen tried to grab a knife, but she was too well tied. Dancing Lash got out, and triggered the alarm.

" God damnit !" yelled Carmen.

Outside, the police arrived. Chase Devineaux got out of a car.

" Hmm, let's see if this is what I think it is."

Player did his best to lock every door. That would grant his friend some time. That was when he noticed a familiar face.

" Alright. Time to see if Carmen is right about you Devineaux."

That one was already looking for another entrance. Player activated the Red Drone, before sending it to the man. It tapped against his calf.

" Hm ? Oh oh."

The little sphere flew away. Devineaux checked around him, then followed it. It was awaiting him at a back door. Player opened it, Chase followed. The drone guide him where Carmen was.

" Well look at that. Usually I really dislike modern art, but I got to admit that this style of lamp is pretty good." he said, discovering Carmen.

" Oh hahaha." responded Sandiego.

" It's true, you're making a fine lantern for Christmas. Or Halloween."

The drone hit him behind the head.

" Ow ! Hey get lost you cyclops ! Shoo !" he exclaimed, slapping it.

The drone got away, turning on itself. Chase undid the rope, and made the captive getting down.

" So what's the story here ?" he asked.

" Same as always. VILE stealing, me trying to prevent it. Except that was one I never saw."

The rope fell at her feet.

" Thanks for the help."

" Ouais ouais. But you sure took your sweet time to reunite with me." he commented, hands on his hips.

" Why, did you miss me ?" she ironized.

" I didn't miss the mess you cause. Fine, now go, I'll see what I can do."

Carmen didn't wait. The drone followed her. Devineaux went back and called his colleagues. They all rushed in it. Carmen watched the scene from the roof she was before all that.

" Well ! It appears you were right about Devineaux, Carmen." said Player.

" Indeed. I think I'll give in this partnership. Did you track that Dancing Stash ?"

" Yeah, Ivy and Zack are on her tracks. What will you do once you got the paintings ?"

Sandiego just smiled.


Her glider allowed to cover the distance rapidly. Zack and Ivy showed her where the Chinese was hiding, while waiting for a colleague to fetch the paintings. She thanked them, then rushed. Dancing Lash could only see her coming, but too late. Carmen's fist hit her face, sending her on the ground. Dancing Lash blocked another hit, before getting up. Her opponent learnt her lesson and didn't let her time to use her weapons. First, fist in the stomach, then forearm on the neck. The VILE agent fell unconscious. Carmen went to retrieve the paintings. They were rolled in a tube.

In his hotel room, Devineaux's phone vibrated.

" Yes ?"

" It's me, Carmen Sandiego." he heard.

" How in hell did you get my number ?"

" It's not finding it that should surprise you, inspector. I have reflected about this partnership of yours." she announced.

" Good. Where can we talk about it ?" asked Devineaux, sitting on his bed.

" Actually, I'm on the balcony, in front of your window."

Chase blinked. Then he stood up and pushed aside one of the curtains.

" Are you aware we invented doors ?" he asked, marble eyes.

" What's a door ?" she retorted.

" Come in, I'll show you this marvel of technology."

He opened his door window. Carmen walked in.

" Hello again, inspector." she said.

" Make yourself at home. So, tell me everything." offered Chase.

Carmen sat in a chair in the corner of the room.

" I agree to ally with you to capture VILE agents. But you'll be my only interlocutor, and I'll do it my way." began Carmen.

"Alright. I already started to negotiate with my superiors concerning this matter. I gave them all the evidences I could, and let's say that capturing the one who poisoned you helped a lot." announced Devineaux.

" Did you really manage to get something out of her ?" wondered Carmen, surprised.

" Not with words, but our informaticians could retrace her calls with this organization, and we found interesting clues in a club we discovered she had in Japan. That confirmed VILE's existence for Interpol. I mentioned you, and was appointed to this case ever since."

" Impressive. VILE always made sure to erase any track." said Carmen.

" Well, that one kept some. But … no tracks left indeed."

" Huh ? Didn't you just say the contrary ?" pointed Sandiego.

" Yes, but the woman we arrested … she killed herself in jail. Fortunately too late, because when I knocked her out, I picked up her phone with all her contacts in it." revealed Devineaux.

" I won't say it's a pity. Anyway, as proof of good faith, I brought you this."

Carmen gave him a long tube. Devineaux opened it, and extracted a painting.

" That's what has been stolen, I presume ?"

" Correct. Now, do we have a deal ?"

" We have a deal. But how am I supposed to contact you in case of need ?" asked Chase stowing the painting.

" I will alert you first."

He looked at her, then sighed. Trust was still to be earn. Logical.

" Well then, that is all for me." concluded Carmen.

She stood up and went back on the balconny.

" Good night."

" Same to you, miss Sandiego."

She used her glider to get away.

" So you're really trusting him, Carmen ?" asked Player.

" To be honest, I'm putting him to the test. Sure he saved my life and helped me earlier, but I won't take any chance."

" Okay."

Carmen landed where her teammates waited for her.

" So you decided to hire that man." made Shadowsan after she told about their meeting.

" Can't hurt to have more allies. I'm testing him first, then we'll see."

To what he replied nothing.

On his side, Devineaux reached an Interpol agency. He let them the stolen paintings, before contacting his own superior via a computer. Someone gave him a coffee.

" Looks like you were right about this woman, Devineaux."

" For now at last. She's not fully trusting me yet." replied Chase, bringing his mug to his mouth.

" But you already obtained a result. That's a good beginning."

" Blaaaaargh ! What's that, foot oil ?!" exclaimed Devineaux, looking at his mug.

He put his coffee away, then went for water.

" Sorry. What about the ACME ? Did they notice anything yet ?"

" As far as I know, no. If you keep obtaining good results with Sandiego we won't let them have any of you." responded his superior.

" Fine by me. Did you have any information about what could be next ?"

" Hmmm, actually there's something. We noticed recent activities coming from a place we're keeping an eye on. We suspect them to transport copper hidden on buses. That's your next mission."

" I don't know if Sandiego will be there too. Maybe it has nothing to do with VILE." pointed Chase.

" For such a big organization, I doubt it. Copper is a sought material, for electrical conductivity, and thermal makes it a material of choice in telecommunications, building, transport or the field of energy." reminded his boss.

" So it's something they can't ignore. Meaning nor they own the place, nor they're customers."

" Exactly. That's why I'm sending you there, hoping you'll deal with it and with our new ally if possible."

" Alright ! I'll go prepare myself."

" Bonne chance, Devineaux."

" Merci, chef."


Translation :

Ouais ouais = yeah yeah.

Bonne chance = good luck.

Merci chef = thank you chief