So. Losing Chase or so she thought may have left some aftereffect on Carmen.

Will they make up ?


" Player. Why is Chase here ?" she asked.

The one felt no anger in her voice. Just tiredness.

" Because he asked me when you would leave, and to join you. I was worry about you Carmen, so I couldn't refuse."

" I see." she sighed.

Meanwhile, Chase tied Tigress in a tent, where Zack and Ivy where. They stood up when they saw him entering.

" Chase ? Did you follow us here ?" asked Ivy.

" Yes. I knew it would go wrong, no matter what Carmen would think. And god was I right." he replied while tying his prisoner.

" Is Carmen okay ?" wondered Zack.

" For now yes. I'll call Interpol they'll finish the work."

Carmen arrived near the tent. She didn't dare to get in, and heard Devineaux calling for reinforcement. She sighed. She messed up this time, especially with him.

" Come on Carmen. You need to make up with him."

She stepped to the entrance of the tent. Chase raised eyes to her. The young woman felt speechless, and just left. She paced for a while, tempting to make her mind. Alas she failed, thus she decided to focus on the mission and solve this latter. In the tent, Tigress woke up. She discovered Zack and Ivy on a bed, Chase astride on a chair. She noticed the chain on her wrists.

" Are you going to stay here looking at me ?" she asked after a while.

" Don't worry, the view is also awful for us." replied Chase.

" Oooouch ! That's our buddy for you." said Zack.

" So be a nice kitty, maybe we'll give you a ball of yarn." added Ivy.

" Or a bramble one." resumed Chase.

He got up and stretched. Tigress asked them why would she be here. Then, she rushed to the trio. Zack and Ivy hid behind Chase who didn't move. He simply sighed and gave her a disdainful stare from all his height.

" And you think you're scary ? You poor excuse for a criminal, I saw way worse than you. So stay put or I'll silence you. Got it ?" he warned.

Tigress backed away. Zack and Ivy gave her a triumphal look. Outside, Carmen was in conference with Player.

" Did you reconciliate with Chase ?" he asked.

" I tried but … I couldn't. But we'll solve this later. We only have a few minutes before they notice Tigress's absence. Chase called for backup but I fear they won't arrive on time. We need to act now, with others means." replied Carmen.

She took the pen Devineaux collected and that she found in his bedroom.

" Oh no Carmen ! If you do that this time you'll lose him for good ! That will be betrayal. Just go to him and ask what's the plan." objected Player.

Carmen bit her lips.

" I don't want to involve him anymore." she muttered.

" Involve who ?"

Devineaux arrived. Sandiego just had time to hide the pen.

" I just came to inform you that the local police is on its way. Your work here is done then."

" Oh. Okay. Hm. I sent Red Drone to map the mine. I think … we should wait until Player finished it." she said.

" We ? I'm surprised you still know that word. Do as you wish, it's not like you would listen anyway." he ended, getting away.

" Chase wait !"

But he didn't wait. Carmen sighed, then looked at the pen in her hand. Player informed her he was done with the mapping. He also said that Shadowsan was online.

" Hello Shadowsan." said Carmen.

" Is something wrong Carmen ? You sound like you heart is in winter."

" Nothing important. I'm practically done here, and you ?" she said with a sad voice.

" I don't think it's nothing important. Last time you sounded that way, it was because of Devineaux. Did something happen between you ?" asked the old man.

" Oh well …"

She looked at him. Truthfully she wouldn't mind a confident right now.


" We kinda quarrelled. He didn't want me to go back to work so soon, I didn't listen and most of all, I said something I didn't think. He's mad at me now. Plus I … don't know what to do because I fear what could happen to him now. I'm even thinking about contacting ACME to ally with them." explained the young woman.

" I see. I can only tell you that it's up to you to decide. I know you care a lot about him, he's probably the most important person to you now. Although you're a bit too young to my liking. Remember what happened to me and my brother because I made a bad decision. Because I only thought about myself." said Shadowsan.

Carmen looked at the pen in her hand. She heard Ivy calling her. She turned her head a bit. Her teammates spotted the pen.

" What is that thing doing in your hand Carm ?" asked Ivy.

" Don't tell me you're seriously thinking about calling them ? They practically killed you last time !" added Zack.

Once close to her they also greeted Shadowsan. Carmen put her phone on a car.

" But it's for protecting Chase. That way he won't be in danger anymore." replied Sandiego, closing her hands on the tool.

" Certainly not !" exclaimed Ivy.

" I disagree as well on this Carmen. This will be nothing but a stab on the back. He's one of us you can't possibly throw him away just like that. Would you do this to me, Ivy nor Shadowsan ?" said Zack.

" Please try to understand. I just want him to be safe. I don't want to revive that hell from a month ago. Even if he hates me, as long as he's safe then I don't mind." begged Carmen.

" And I don't want to pick you up with a spoon again ! You're unhappy without Chase, and you know it. Just as my bro said, what will happen if one day one of us is hurt ? You're gonna throw us away too ? Not to mention that Devineaux is a cop, being hurt is part of the job. If not with us it will be with Interpol." reminded Ivy, rising a finger.

Carmen grasped the pen. Of course she wanted him by her side, be in his arms even.

" In any case, I'm warning you Carmen Sandiego. If you call ACME, I'll go to Chase and tell him everything including your feelings for him." resumed the young ginger-haired girl.

" What ?! You wouldn't dare ?!"

" Wanna test me ?" dared Ivy.

Carmen stood mouth opened. They were right, she knew they were. But the image of Chase being shot, not getting up and believing he was dead … it scared her. Then him going away for good, never to see him again … wasn't it more or like the same ? She let the pen fall, Zack quickly collected it.

" I'm so lost. Never thought it'd be so complicated to be in love." she whispered.

" Don't worry Carm, we're here for you. You just have to figure what you truly want." smiled Ivy, putting a hand on her shoulder.

" What I truly want … if I have to be honest, I just want him." she smiled back, jaded.

" Then you know what to do." concluded Zack.

Yeah … didn't mean that was the easy part. Carmen wished Player and Shadowsan a good night before joining others under the tent. Carmen looked for Chase she found guarding Tigress. Noticing her, he stood up and exited.

" Can we talk ?" she asked shyly.

" Not in the mood now, thanks to Paper Tiger over there. I just want to sleep right now, which is what I'm going to do." he replied.

" Oh. Alright, later then." she said a bit sad.

" Not later too, because you'll sleep alone until further notice young lady." he decreed.

" Ha ! If he thinks it's a big deal he got it all wrong." thought Carmen.

Two hours later, under another tent …

" It is a big deal actually." wondered Carmen, jaded.

She felt the lack, obviously. It was also cold and lonely. She tried to sleep before nightmares began. She often had those, after a fight where she dreamed she was defeated, where Coach Brunt captured her and beat her, or Bellum experiencing on her, all kinds of sweet things. Carmen glanced at where Devineaux laid. He was turning his back on her.

" I could get closer … he won't notice me until he awakes."

So Carmen cautiously moved. She grabbed a little lamp she could hold between her mouth, then her sleeping bag. She approached on all fours, or three.

" Careful … caaaaarefuuuul !"

There she was. But as she was about to arrange her bag close to him, Chase turned a bit and put his index finger on her nose.

" You. Are. Punished. So shoo." he said, low voice then waving.

" I-I didn't intend to sleep here !" she lied, confused and blushing.

" Yeah right. And I'm the king of Botswana."

" Hmph !"

So Carmen backed away. Damn, how did he notice her ? She laid again. She turned to her left, then her right. Darn.

" What should I do ? If I do it again he'll repel me for sure. He could get even more mad. At this rate I won't sleep for the whole night. Hmmm, let's think : I'm refuging in his bed because he's reassuring me. What do the trick is his presence of course, his warmth and his scent. THAT'S IT !" reflected Sandiego.

She needed a substitute. Something that would evoke him, if possible with this wonderful sweet natural perfume. Now where to find this ? Carmen switched on her little lamp, hid a bit the light so it wouldn't awake everyone and looked around. There ! This jacket, it was his no doubt. The Argentina checked on her man. Looked like he was sleeping this time. She stood up and quickly fetched the jacket.

" Mmmmmmh ! That's peeeerfeeeect !" she thought, once in her sleeping bag and the jacket half covering her face.

She breathed that beloved odour for a while, falling gently asleep. The next day, Chase stood up before the lady.

" Where the hell is my jacket ? I could swear I put it here yesterday evening."

He looked around, to find it stuck in Carmen's arms.

" Come on."

He crouched face to her. Taking it back wouldn't be easy. So she needed him that badly to have a good sleep, hey. Devineaux gave up, he had other things to do. Thus he left, and went to check on the prisoner first. Still here, good. Now, where were those policemen ? On the tent, Zack and Ivy woke up. Zack nudged his sister then pointed Carmen, still tightening the jacket.

" Aaaaw that's too cute." murmured Ivy.

" Should we wake her up ?" asked Zack.

" After breakfast."

However, Carmen awoke before they ended it and wasn't happy to be the last one up.

" Why didn't you wake me up earlier ?" she said, eating fast.

" Because you were surely dreaming you were in your beloved Chase's arms, so we decided to let you in." ironized Ivy.

" Wmph ?" made Carmen.

" You were tightening his jacket like a teddy bear." precised Zack.

Carmen blushed. Then she finished eating before rushing outside. Just when the police arrived. Devineaux just glanced at her.

" Hm, hi." she said.

" Same."

He went to guide the police inside the mine. Carmen decided to follow. However, the place was empty. Carmen inspected the surroundings. That's how she find the bomb. She gave the alert and rushed. She grabbed Chase's wrist, dragging him along.


They managed to all get out before the place exploded.

" What the hell happened ?" questioned Chase.

" They knew. That's the cleaning crew handiwork." replied Carmen.

" Of course. Wouldn't be fun otherwise. Hope Player could transmit map and datas."

" Certainly. Player ?" called Sandiego.

" I'm here. I sent all I had to Interpol. But now that the mine is gone I don't know if it will be useful." said the latter.

" On the contrary. Someone warned VILE, someone who could notice the police come and go. Not anybody have the influence to ask for such an information." said Chase.

" Exactly. Which means it's someone with power." added Carmen.

" Maybe there will be clues in what you found with your red ball. I'll ask them to look in here too. You can't completely erase all tracks." resumed Chase.

" But that precisely their job, and how they remained invisible for so long. It's possible that nothing remains." warned Carmen.

" That reminds me : I think it's more than about time you told me your story with VILE."

Carmen turned her look. Oh right. He was the only one who didn't know the case. But she feared his reaction, even more now that their relation wasn't looking so good.

" Fine. I'll tell you once we leave." she decided.

He just nodded, before going to the police chief. Carmen remembered they had a prisoner, and ran to the tent. No more Tigress, of course. Zack and Ivy were fine, which relieved her. She informed them about what just happened. One hour later, they were back in town to take the train. Carmen was reflecting on how and what should she tell Devineaux.

" You sure you don't want to eat, Carmy ?" asked Zack.

" Not now. I'm too stressed for that." she sighed.

" You're going soon ?" demanded Ivy.

" He's still in an appointment with his superiors. I'll wait a bit more. But … do you think he'll forgive me ?"

" Well, it's delicate because none of you is wrong. We can't afford to let VILE do their business, and they certainly won't wait for you to be fine." replied Ivy.

" Still, be sincere. Express your anxiety to him, and apologize for what you said." added Zack.

" I intended to say sorry anyway. Let's just hope it will work." concluded Carmen.

In another waggon, Chase was meeting with his boss.

" They may have destroyed the place, but thanks to your partners we have informations. Likes faces. We can track down employees, launching searches and go back up the die. Once again you did a good job."

" Hmph, not even close. Did you get the portrait of one of their operatives ?" replied Chase.

" Yes, with the other two you gave us. That Shadowsan is on your side if I recall ?" responded the boss.

" Correct. As gifted as Sandiego and with precious knowledge as well."

" Alright. Continue working that way, Devineaux. If we managed to arrest that organisation, that will be the catch of the century."

Chase just nodded. He switched on the computer and closed it. He looked through the window. Carmen said he could leave. Maybe … that's what she wanted. It saddened him. He got attached to her, to the whole team. Sandiego more than the others. It really hurt when she threw this. Well, time to solve that problem. He sent a text.

" Alright. He said he's done, so I'm going." announced Carmen.

She got up and took a breath.

" Good luck." said her friends.

Carmen left the restaurant wagon. On the way, she tried to reassure herself. However, she was still stressed when she arrived before the door of his compartment. She breathed out then knocked.

" Come in."

Sandiego opened the door. Then, she sat in front of Devineaux.

" So. You said you wanted to talk to me." he began.

" Yes. Listen Chase, I understand you were concerned about my health, and that you were right : it was too soon. However, I can't afford to wait each time something goes wrong. I just want you to keep this in mind." she replied.

" And what I want you to keep in mind, is that you don't have to bear this burden alone anymore. You have Shadowsan and me now. I'm aware I'm still not at your level, but I can be useful, I know it." he said.

" Of course you are. That's why I also want to add that when I said you could leave, I absolutely didn't mean it. I … I don't want you to leave. I'm sorry about this." she revealed, with pink cheeks.

Chase had a little smile hearing that. It was a relief.

" There's something else I wanted to talk about, and it's a bit more delicate. Just hear me out, okay ?" resumed Carmen.

She took the holo pen from her pocket.

" Where did you got that ?" he asked, widening eyes.

" I … in your room. Before you say something let me explain. I took it because I considered calling ACME. I considered allying with them. Yes, I know I had this accident in Sweden because of them. But still, I thought about this after you're were back to me. Because I don't want to revive those moments. This pain, this sorrow, this despair … when I thought you were dead it almost broke me. Seeing you here again, safe and sound was a miracle. Now, the thing is that I'm truly terrified something like this could happen again. So I wanted, still want, to protect you. I know this may be the worst solution for our relation, but if it could keep you safe I was willing to risk it. I have no other idea nor mean. You're someone very important to me." confessed Carmen, her eyes on the pen until the last words, where she dared look at him.

He blushed hearing he was important to her.

" So did you call the chief ?" asked Chase.

" No. I was about to yesterday, but everyone was against this."

" I must admit I would have felt betrayed if you did. It would have also meant you're not considering me as a valuable partner." he pointed.

" Absolutely not. I just want to spare you from danger, that's my only purpose. If I wasn't satisfied with our alliance, I would have put an end to it long ago." precised Carmen.

" True. Alright apologies accepted. However, you'll have to learn to trust my abilities." said Chase.

" That … is not going to be easy." she admitted.

" Just another challenge for La Femme Rouge. Daily routine." he said, shrugging.

Carmen smiled larger. She took the pen she finally broke. Chase smiled too.


" Well then ! I'm quite hungry. Want me to bring you something ?" he suggested.

" I'll join you at the restaurant wagon, I'll go to the toilets before."

" Fine."

Chase went out first. Carmen stretched. All was well that ends well. She was glad he understood and that they could made up. On his way, Chase realized he let his computer on sight. Anybody could take it. So he made a U-turn. When he arrived close, he noticed a large silhouette.

" Am I dreaming ? That's …"

He hid promptly. The train stopped. Devineaux checked. There was no mistaking, it was the woman who tortured him. Oh no, Carmen ! Chase rushed and discovered Carmen tied on the floor. He began by taking off the tissue on her mouth.

" Hey senorita, how about you stay out of trouble for five minutes ? I'm one who should worry the most here." he said, untying her.

He lifted her in his arms and put her on the bench.

" Did she hurt you somewhere ?" he said, passing an arm around her shoulders.

Finding herself so close to him again, Carmen could only think about enjoying it.

" Maybe a little ?" she said with a little voice.

" You poor thing. Do you need some medicine ?"

" I'm having it right now. Just some rest, if you don't mind."

" As long as you need it." smiled Chase.

" Yaaaaaayyy !"

Sandiego passed an arm around his waist, then put her head on his shoulder. Devineaux pressed his head on her.

" Looks like this little visit from Coach Brunt was positive after all." thought Carmen.

She opened her eyes and straightened. Brunt … what she said … about her father.

" Carmen ? What's wrong senorita ?"

" It's … the one who tied me. It was Coach Brunt and she said … she said that Shadowsan killed my father."

" What ?"

Carmen stood up and paced. It couldn't be … but so far the VILE bosses were the only one who knew her past. Devineaux stood up and stopped her by taking her by the shoulders.

" Carmen. You can't possibly believe that without proof. That was coming from an enemy don't forget it." he said.

" You're right. I'll find my own answers no matter what. " she said.

" Of course. Now come on, lunch is awaiting us."

" Oh, and I still have to tell you about me and VILE." reminded Carmen.

" Absolutely."

They went to lunch first. Chase didn't forget about his computer this time. Zack and Ivy were relived and glad to see them eating together. They visibly reconciliated. Seeing his sister writing on a sheet, Zack wondered what was she doing. While explaining, she gave him a sheet. Carmen was telling Chase all of her story.

" Whoah. I didn't expect that. I knew you were bad seed." he said with a smile.

" Oh ahahah."

Raising her eyes, she discovered Zack brandishing a paper. She read what was on : And now .Ivy joined him with another paper : CONFESS ! Carmen blushed and shook her head. Ivy turned her paper. Come on ! Zack wrote something else.

" We might accidentally tell him ?! Oh just you wait you two !" Carmen wondered.

" Is something wrong, senorita ?" asked Devineaux.

" Nope ! Everything is perfectly fine." smiled Sandiego.

After lunch, she went to find her friends.

" You." she said, falsely threatening.

" You yourself. Seriously, what the hell are you waiting for ?" replied Ivy.

" Yeah. You made up, everything is cool so do tell your feelings !" added Zack.

" I … I want to tell him, it's just … I don't know how and have to find the right moment." confessed Carmen.

" Now seems to be perfect to me." pointed Ivy.

" Actually, not really. I didn't tell you. Something happened."

Carmen related to them what she just learnt. They were back at their HQ quite late. Everyone was exhausted. Sandiego looked at Chase.

" Hm." she said.

He turned his head to her.

" I … was wondering. Just in case, huh, nothing more."

" ? "

" Am I … still punished ?"

He had a smile he tried to hide.

" I wonder about had, little red fox. After all, you still stole something from me in Botswana, namely my jacket." he replied.

" Oops. But that was … I didn't mean to …"

Darn. Oh alright she got it. Good news for the nightmares. She sighed a bit.

" Ah, relax I'm just teasing you. If you need it you can come." resumed Chase softly.

Carmen displayed a huge smile. Hell yes she'll come. That's why when he was reading in his bed, Devineaux heard knocking. Carmen's face appeared. He smiled while she came in. He just pushed his blanket. Carmen put her pillow and laid beside him, on the belly. That scent all around her … his presence, that sweet warmth already in here … she sighed loudly with pleasure and displayed quite a huge smile. When she opened her eyes Chase was looking at her with surprise. She seemed overjoyed to be here.

" Crap." she thought, blushing.

" Nor my bed is super comfy, nor there's herbs in it." he commented.

Carmen had a laugh, the face on her pillow. She looked from time to time at him while he was reading. Sleep slowly caught her. Noticing that the young lady was sleeping, Chase closed his book and switched off the light.