So how is our inspector fitting in the Red Team ? Let's find out.

Enjoy.


HQ Carmen hat shop. The Red Team was back in San Diego. The place was still empty and dusty, and it was time to fix it. So armed with brooms, a vacuum and buckets, everyone began to clean it. It took them the whole day for the ground floor. This done, they discuss about how to use each room. Bedrooms were to be on the first floor, kitchen downstairs as well as a training room. Chase informed that he could call out Interpol for works. They had teams to restore hideouts so it should do. Carmen agreed. They'll need as many arms as possible. Meanwhile, they'll just went to town to buy some furniture.

" So you're telling me that VILE is paying for all this ? And how pray tell ?" asked Devineaux.

" Apart from some money I obtain while fighting them, with misappropriation of funds."

" Oh."

Devineaux shrugged. Ivy and Zack were testing beds.

" I'll take that one." decided the girl, laid on one of them.

Zack on his part, tried at least five of them.

" Hmmm." he said, unsure.

" Bon sang ¹, just sleep on the floor it'll go faster !" commented Devineaux.

"It's important to have a good sleep, sir. Hey, where's Shadowsan ?" replied Zack, straightening.

" Probably choosing some studs for his own mattress." answered the inspector, low voice.

" Pffft !" snorted Zack.

" Devineaux, don't bad mouth him." lectured Carmen.

" I know. And how about you, senorita Sandiego ? Found your happiness in here ?"

" Yes, I found my bed."

" Let me guess : it'll be red." continued Chase.

" Actually no."

" WHAT ?! You, the Crimson Ghost, La Femme Rouge, the Lady in Red, the Little Red Robbing Hood won't have any red on her bed ?! Are you ill or something ?" exclaimed Devineaux.

" I didn't know I had so many nicknames." said Carmen, narrowing her eyes.

" Fun fact : I found most of them, he smiled. But seriously, you're worrying me here."

" I happen to like other colours you know. Like blue, or green, or dark." revealed Carmen.

" I had no idea." ironized Ivy, now sat.

" You don't say." added Chase.

" Very funny. And you, sir inspector, I take it will a last have a police insignia on the sheet ?" resumed Sandiego.

" Lost ! It's a pair of handcuffs. Police insignia will be on my underwear."

They all laughed. Shadowsan finally showed up. The team continue their purchases. They went back to their HQ quite exhausted. The workers ended up their day too. Plumbing and electricity were in progress, doors have been changed as well as some windows, cracks on wall. The team settle a table in what will be the kitchen. Chase brought camping stove in order to cook while waiting for a proper kitchen. For now, they'll sleep in a hotel, waiting for their own beds.

The next day, Shadowsan decided to begin Chase's training. The hotel had a sports hall. They would train daily, while Carmen would continue her missions with Zack and Ivy. Later on the week, the three of them were back. Carmen went to check on the men.

" ?!"

Chase was lying on the floor, on his belly. His teacher was drinking a bit farther.

" Did you kill him ?" asked Sandiego approaching.

" He has been keeping trying." moaned Devineaux, rolling on the back.

Carmen had a smile and crouched.

" How are you feeling ?" she asked.

" Like a toy a dog strived on."

" Snort. Come, I'll treat you a meal then." offered Carmen.

" Treat me to a hospital before, senorita."

Carmen helped him to stand up. Chase stretched. His while body was in pain. He went to shower first.

" So, how's the training going ?" wondered Sandiego.

" Not bad. Honestly I had expected worse but he has will. Stubbornness as well, a bit like you in fact." replied Shadowsan.

" Aaaand ?" insisted Carmen, sensing something else.

" He's fucking clumsy." made Shadowsan, showing a wooden sabre stuck under a treadmill.

For her former teacher to cuss that way, it mustn't have been the only incident.


During the day, Devineaux informed the rest of the Red Team that some furniture had been delivered, like beds and wardrobes, electricity and plumbing were also functioning. The kitchen was supposed to arrive within weeks.

" It's taking shape, so to speak." summarized Carmen, neutral tone.

They decided to have a look after lunch. Ivy and Zack were enthusiastic when discovering it.

" Is something wrong, senorita Sandiego ?" asked Chase approaching her.

" What makes you think there is ?"

" I begin to know you. You look like you have mixed feelings about this." he gently said.

" Oh, it's just … I wasn't very eager to have a HQ, to be honest." she confessed.

" What ? Wait, you mean you never had one before ? That's the first ?" said Devineaux, rather surprised.

" You're right, we never had a HQ before. Because it reminded me of …"

" Of ?"

" I'll tell you once you're a big boy."

" Then be prepared, Strawberry Shortcake !" he retorted.

" I'm waiting for that day, Cheese Devineaux."

" Is that all you found ? Oh come on, you can do better that miss Santomato." he teased.

" I don't want to offend you, inspector Clouseau."

" Hah !" laughed Ivy.

" Instead of fooling around, how about you get back to your training ?" intervened Shadowsan, arriving.

" Gee, you really should learn how to have some fun, sensei." made Devineaux.

" See you suffering during your training is fun, young lad." retorted the Japanese.

" Well let's stop right here. I don't want you to have a zygomatic strain. I would be accused of old people abuse." answered back Chase.

Carmen laughed. The days flowed. Chase was improving in his training, as well as integrating. Ivy, Zack and even Carmen found him funny. He did get along with Zack in particular, with whom he often joked, and especially since Devineaux brought an old game console. Intense game parts between them were now common in HQ. It even served to solve some conflicts. As proof of trust, Carmen decided to give him her phone number, that he joyfully welcomed. In a word, the HQ became livelier with its new member. That one was glad he joined the Red Team as he called them. His superiors were very satisfied with his alliance with Carmen Sandiego : they managed to capture some VILE agents. Beginners according to Carmen but still. Better than nothing. They were slowly but surely dismantling them. ACME should be regretting him now.

" Inspector Devineaux ?" he heard.

Chase was out on his way back after buying some food. Now they had a fridge and the kitchen was ready for homemade cook.

" Agent Argent. Well well well. I was wondering when you were going to contact me." smiled Devineaux ironically.

" If you know that, we'll win time. As you suspected, we noticed you in company of Carmen Sandiego, and we're wondering why." said Julia.

" Why is she still roaming free, while I swore to imprison her ?"

" Exactly."

" None of your business." he replied.

Julia frowned. She didn't know what to think. He changed his mind about her, it was obvious. But how, and for what purpose were the big questions.

" The chief would like to talk to you about this." added Julia, showing a pen.

" I'm busy, so no."

" I'm afraid you don't have a choice." made someone behind him.

A woman with white hair, accompanied by another man. Chase decided to follow them. They arrived in a desert street. Julia activated the pen, the Chief appeared.

" Well hello inspector Devineaux. It's been a while, and it appears that a lot of things changed for you." began the hologram.

" You have no idea." he said in an angry tone.

" Explain it to me then. Explain why, why does it look like you're Carmen Sandiego's new partner."

Chase put his craft bag on the floor. Then, he approached his former boss.

" Listen closely. I have nothing to say to you. That will teach you to think before sending me in a closet."

He crashed the pen. He turned to the other agents, picked up his bag and left. Julia sighed. Something changed with her former teammate.

" We're following him, boss." said agent Zari.

The three ACME agents followed Devineaux.

" I can thank Shadowsan for his teaching. Those idiots, looks like I'll have to be more specific." he thought.

He continued walking. Suddenly, he disappeared. They ran to where they saw him. No one in the street. Or …

WHACK !

Julia's colleagues fell each side of her feet. She turned, to discover Chase arms raised. She made a step back.

" Go away, agent Argent. You've been a valuable teammate and I don't want to hurt you. But if you insist on following me, I'll take measures." he warned.

He was serious, she could tell just by looking. The way he disappeared, surprised and knocked out her teammates … he definitely changed. And Sandiego was the reason why.

" Just one question. Is Carmen Sandiego the one who hurt when we found you unconscious ?" dared Julia.

" That, I can answer. Absolutely not, she was here to save me." responded Devineaux.

Julia displayed relief and even a little smile. She realized after a while that he was waiting for her to leave. The young woman found it reasonable to do so. Chase waited a bit before resuming his way. He collected his bag, and picked up his phone.

" Hello ?"

" It's me. Listen senorita, I've been contacted by ACME agents. I managed to get rid of them, but just in case, leave the HQ and ask Player to scan the area for me please." informed the man.

" Understood." said Carmen.

He arrived at a central place where he could hide. Half an hour later, his phone vibrated.

" It's Player. No more ACME agent around, you're good to go Devineaux."

" Thank you. I'm on my way."


Chase finally reached the hat shop. Carmen opened the door.

" There you are. So, what happened ?"

Everyone followed to the kitchen.

" Just as I told you. Julia approached me. ACME is aware I'm with you, and wanted to know why. I told them to get lost, but they insisted and thus I had to knock two of them out." related Chase while storing his purchases.

" Are you sure it was wise ?" asked Shadowsan.

" It's not like we can hide it. They were going to know sooner or later. Plus, I got to admit that telling them what I thought was great." replied Chase with a sarcastic smile.

They exchanged jaded look.

" But you think they can be a threat ?" wanted to know Carmen.

" Hmmm … the Chief won't give up her track. I have a feeling she won't hesitate on method to obtain what she wants."

They helped him store everything.

" Thank you, and now everyone out. I have to prepare the lunch." he announced.

" Can't we help you ?" asked Ivy.

" No thanks, I prefer being alone when I cook."

" And what are you going to cook ?" continued Zack.

" You'll see, now out !"

Carmen pushed everyone out the kitchen. They all went back to the living-room.

" So what do we do about those ACME people ?" demanded Ivy.

" I was thinking about checking on them." replied Carmen.

She called Player while go dressing. A few minutes later, the teen informed her that she arrived where Devineaux met them. Nobody of course. Carmen found the debris of the holographic pen. Player was surveying cameras. He informed the Scarlet Lady he localized one of them. Carmen left the street. Some minutes later, she arrived where agent Argent was tending to her colleagues. The young woman noticed the hologram as well.

" I can't believe he reacted violently. I mean that doesn't seem like him." said Julia, after giving a bag full of ice to her teammate.

" That means he'll protect his informations, and thus his new ties with Sandiego quite … fiercely on top of that. I made a few researches, or at least I tried. But Interpol refused to cooperate, they even increased their computer system security. This is not normal, they're hiding something." replied the Chief.

Carmen had a little smile. Devineaux have also made the link between Interpol and Player.

" Maybe we should ask Carmen Sandiego herself." suggested Argent.

" That's a possibility. Alright agent Argent, we'll look for her and you will get in touch with her."

Carmen knew enough. She went on a roof to reflect. Should she tell herself ACME to mind their own business ? If she decided to ignore them, they could found their HQ. And even if Carmen accepted to talk, would it be enough ? First, she decided to keep them away. That why she followed Julia, then forestall her before showing half of her. Naturally, Argent immediately went after Sandiego. That one ran, luring her away from her HQ. Julia found herself in a desert place.

" So Jules, it seems you'd like to talk to me."

Carmen's voice. Julia looked around. No one.

" Yes. We need to discuss so would you mind showing yourself ?"

" We need ? We don't need anything at all. What I do with who is none of your business."

" Please miss Sandiego ! We're fighting the same enemy, more allies doesn't seem so bad, now isn't it ?"

Carmen narrowed her eyes. Not bad, but useless.

" No thanks. I'd appreciate if you leave me alone. Tell your boss that whatever she wants I'm not interested."

Julia sighed. Chief wasn't going to appreciate, and certainly won't give up as well.

" Can I at least know why ? Why are you rejecting us ?" continued Julia.

" Because I don't need you. Simple as that."

" Please just think about it. We're not your enemies, we just want your help against VILE." insisted Julia.

" Well, you have a funny way to show it. Up until now, all you've been trying to do is capture me. Not the best way to gain someone's trust." replied Carmen.

" And how did you want us to know which side you were on ? But now we know, that's why we want an alliance, nothing more."

" I understand your position, Julia. But sincerely, still not interested. Now, if you'll excuse me I must go. Don't you dare look for me anymore. You got your answer."

Silence followed this. Julia sighed again. That wasn't really a reply, just a refusal. It could only meant that Carmen found allies powerful enough to decide she could do without ACME. Such as Interpol. Devineaux seemed to have cut their path short on that point. She decided to inform her boss about this interview.

" You think Devineaux convinced Carmen Sandiego, whom he was so determined to capture, to ally with Interpol ? I really wonder about that, agent Argent. Your former teammate was on a closet until now, and didn't seem to have support nor even skills to get out of it on his own." replied Tamara.

" Maybe, but we saw him with her. I can see only this possibility as crazy as it seems. That would explain why did she decided to refuse my proposition : she already have all the strength she needs. Or also because she doesn't trust us."

" You got a point. Devineaux was indeed apperceived with her, and I didn't hear about her capture. Damn, who could've expected that ? I wonder what really happened between those two. It would also explain why Interpol refused my requests : they don't want to lose such a precious ally against VILE." reflected Fraser.

" What should we do now, chief ?"

" I need to think about it. Because it could also mean we're forced to stay on the side-lines. Which I completely disagree with."

Meanwhile, Carmen was back to her HQ.

" You're late, senorita." welcomed Chase.

" Ah sorry. I just had an errand to do."

" Such as pursuing ACME ?"

" Ugh, been found out. Right, I went to verify their intentions toward us."

" And ?"

" I told them the same thing as you : they're not needed. But I wonder if this will be enough." replied Carmen.

" Don't worry, I won't let them have you. I knew from the instant I made my decision that someday, I might I have to protect you from ACME somehow. Let's just hope that the Chief will be smart enough to understand she might have another enemy than VILE, if she doesn't mind her own business for once." announced Devinaux.

Hearing that he wanted to protect her made Carmen's heart race all of a sudden.

" Thank you for your concern. But just in case, I think we should leave." she said, putting a bang of hair behind an ear.

" My thoughts as well. Let's take some fresh air elsewhere."

They joined everyone for the meal. There, Carmen related them what happened. Everyone agreed to leave the HQ for a while, just in case. Chase suggested his familial house. It was adopted after a reflexion.

" My, Devineaux that was delicious. You cook like a chief !" declared Zack, crossing his hand on his nape.

" Thank you, but I think it's time to call me by my first name."

" Alright Chase."


A few days later, the Red Team was in France, in the south. Chase informed his family that he'll borrow the house for a mission.

" Whoah, it's weird to be back here." said Carmen, entering the house.

" We should be fine in here. It's way smaller than our HQ, but I think it will do. There's only three bedrooms so we have to stay two in a room." announced Chase.

The girls chose the room where Carmen resided first. Zack and Chase took the second one and Shadowsan got his own room.

" It's really nice in here. It feel warm and like on holidays." decreed Ivy, unpacking.

" That's exactly how I felt when I was there too : holidays. You have to taste their crepes." replied Carmen, opening the window.

" Yuum."

Carmen leaned on the windowsill, breathing the ocean air. She remembered her first time here. Of course she's been ill, but as soon as she felt better it was a good time. Chase really took good care of her here. And was still with everyone now. When she thought about how their relation was now and before … literally day and night. He did a lot of things for her. Carmen truly appreciated their relationship now. By the way, here he was with Shadowsan in the garden. Already back to training.

" Hey girls, how about we visit the town ?" asked Zack from the door.

" Let's just go to the beach, Chase know the place better than us so we'll wait for him." replied Carmen.

They went to find him to inform and ask the direction. The trio lasted two hours on the sand. When they came back, the training was over for now. Chase took his t-shirt quite wet. Carmen's eyes remained fixed. His previous training and the new one seemed to bear fruits : the man has gained some muscles.

" What are you staring at, Carm ?" made Ivy with amusement.

" Huh ? Nothing."

" Hm hm. Well, won't blame you the view was pretty interesting." smiled the ginger-haired girl, looking at Devineaux going to the bathroom.

Carmen raised eyebrows : that was unexpected coming from her as she pointed.

" Are you serious ? You believe I don't think about men from time to time ?" said Ivy.

" No it's just … that's not a common topic, is all."

" Between us, for sure. But hey, you got to admit that Devineaux isn't so bad looking." added Ivy with a nudge.

Carmen felt a bit embarrassed.

" Hum I -I never uh … thought about men before so ohm … I don't know."

Ivy looked at her, jaded.

" Then watch closely. Even if you're not an expert you can know what is your type."

" But what is even the point ? It's not like I'm looking for a boyfriend." said Carmen.

" The point is doing yourself some good for once. There's nothing wrong about admiring a handsome man when you find one."

Chase chose this moment to get out. He announced he'll prepare dinner. Carmen put an end to her conversation with her friend, before it gets who knows where. She went to collect table set.

" So what's for dinner ?" asked Zack.

" Bacon omelette."

" Great !"

" Here Zack, bring this to the living-room please." said Carmen giving him part of the table set.

She followed with a bottle of water and glasses. A while later, the omelette was ready. Chase brought it and served everyone.

" I'm so glad we add you into the group !" exclaimed Zack, drooling over his plate.

Carmen caught Chase licking his fingers with a little smile.

" Oh gosh. When did he learn to be sexy ?" she thought.

Ivy on her side, surprised her expression and smiled broadly. She displayed an ironic expression to her friend, who blushed. She lowered her head. No no no, that was nothing at all. So Carmen focused on her food, trying to forget what Ivy said, what she just thought and felt. After meal, the young woman was on the terrace, admiring the starry vault on a deck chair.

" You're going to catch a cold." she heard.

Chase gave her a blanket.

" That's really nice, thank you." she said taking it.

" Mmphrrr !"

" What ?" asked Carmen.

" It's simply that you keep thanking me since we're allies. You know, I often think about how it evolved between us. It's pretty amazing." he smiled, leaning on the wall.

" Ah, I do that a lot too. I owe you a lot." she granted.

" I'll remember that, senorita." he ironized.

" What have you got in mind ?" she said, without being able to refrain from smiling.

" Actually, a lot. I have to sort all of it."

She giggled. A moment of silent followed. Carmen glanced at him. Zack was right : it was good to have him. He was also bringing a more emotional dimension to the team. One day Chase asked Carmen to handle Zack after he almost ruined an infiltration. Just like in Dubai, someone mocked his origins. A moment later, Sandiego saw an expression on her ginger-haired teammate she never witnessed before : pride. Devineaux told him to never be ashamed of his origins. They were so focused on their capers that they tended to put their feelings on the side lines. But Chase was here to comfort and support, so they gradually began to confide in him, even Carmen. That somehow strengthen ties between them, making them looking like more like a family. Especially with his habit of him to ask for the team to eat together, even just for a sandwich. For them used to eat in a hurry that was strange a first.

But then again, they discussed during this meal, about the mission or something completely different. Meals became a good moment, of friendliness. They also liked that he take care of all of them. Even Shadowsan was glad of this, even if he hid it. But Carmen could see in his eyes he appreciated this attitude. They were more welded. And she also had to admit that the HQ was warmer, homelier and happier than what she knew in VILE island. Sandiego kept comparing the two places, to finally recognize that hers was totally different. It has nothing to do with the strict, cold, frightening academy. She became to like her HQ, to see it like a true home.


Translation

Bon sang = damn it