A case of the Detectives
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Okay Lauren in the book Tunes for Bears to Dance to what is the name of the main character," Sean asked me as we were walking around the neighborhood. "Henry," I answered. "Good job now, why has he and his family moved from Frenchtown," he asked afterwards. "To get away from the memories of their brother Eddie dying in a car crash," I told him. "Nice job Lauren now who is a perfectionist," he asked. "Are we talking book or now," I questioned. "Book," he replied.
"Store keeper Mr. Hariston," I replied. "Nice. Now here is the million dollar question, why does the old man tips his hat to everyone," Sean asked. "Maybe because he wants to be friendly," I said unsure. "Close Lauren it's actually a way to remind him of what his town was like before World War 2," Sean told me. "Man, I always get that wrong," I groaned. "No need besides you got the rest down pack Lauren. You will do awesome on the quiz Friday," Sean told me. "Yeah your right. Thanks again for studying with me," I told him. "No problem. That's what best friends do," he smiled as we neared the diner.
"Hey Lauren, hey Sean," Keith said poking his head out. "Oh hey Keith what are you doing," I asked. "Nothing, what are you guys doing," he asked. "Sean's helping me for the book quiz on Friday," I explained. "You know Tunes for Bears to dance to," Sean told him. "Man. I can't believe I forgot the quiz this week," Keith groaned. "Sorry dude, we can help study if you like," Sean offered. "Perfect. I was actually looking for PJ. Have you guys seen him," he asked. "Not really. I thought he was with you," I told him. "It's going to be a good day," we heard a voice sound near us. We turned around and found PJ walking over. "Found him," Keith noticed. As he came closer, we saw he wore a hat, twill jacket, white shirt with a Hawaiian tie, black slacks and a pair of dress shoes.
"Okay two questions here one, why is he dressed like that and two what is with him," Sean asked the first question and I did the other. "One way to find out," Keith shrugged coming out wearing his winter coat. "PJ I hate to be honest with you, but this outfit, what are you trying to trend here cousin," Keith told him. "I don't know this PJ you speak of my friend. It's Calloway, Casey Calloway, see," he told us with the accent. "Hold on a second, Casey Calloway. I thought we were going to be talking with PJ and finding out what the heck is going on," I asked. "Oh for crying out loud guys, it's me. I'm in character," he answered.
"Playing the guy from those detective books you have been reading since you got here," Keith asked. "That's right. World Greatest Detective soon to be Best if I may add and solve every mystery see," PJ told us. "He always says see," Sean mimicked a little bit. "Yep. You understand now? That's the way he talks and part of his whole character," he explained. "Just like Lauren and Big Time Rush," Sean said to Keith. "Oh shush," I told my friend with a smile. "Okay enough of that. SO why are you dressed up," Keith asked.
Sean's P.O.V.:
"Oh right. Polly Hashimoto author of the Casey Calloway books is having a contest today where I must stay in character the whole time. No backing out, no way, no how," he told us. "And this is for the whole day," I asked. "You three got big minds for little ones," he answered with a smile and in the accent again. "Guess we do," Lauren shrugged. "So, who else is joining you for the contest out of curiosity," Keith asked.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"It's just me and another see," he told us walking. "I'm surprised its him and one other. For some reason, I thought more," I told Sean. "Yeah you and me both Lauren," Sean shrugged as we continued walking over to the mansion of the author Polly. "Wow. This looks almost like the castle in Narnia," I remarked looking up. "Which one," the boys asked. "Miraz. It's big and huge if you ask me," I admitted. "Well, well, well. Casey surprised to see you here," a voice sounded again. We turned to see Francine who Sean, Keith and I both know well who has a crush on Hector approach the door. "Francine," I greeted.
"There is no Francine. The name is Lila, Lila Lavender so be sure to stay out of my way," she told us. "Burr, she even sounds like the White Witch with that voice. I think I'm going to get shivers all day," I said shivering a little bit. "Well, she commands presence in a way keep in mind but more importantly she likes to cheat. That's her character and Casey's rival," PJ told us. We looked at him confused. "What, it's the truth see," he told us. I am more stumped now then ever though I felt I saw the Witch in my face and I remembered the thought of my destiny coming back again.
I had another vision towards the end of last year where I was standing on the battle field where the great battle for Narnia, the first one took place and I could see the faces a little bit but not a lot. The scene transitioned a little bit later to the four thrones, now five I should say and a scroll with a prophecy was placed in front of the thrones where five people sat in them. I couldn't make out what they were saying or reading but next time I would. I was deep in thought thinking of this and hadn't told Hector when the buzzer on the door sounded. "Enter please, if you both dare," a voice said from the machine.
"Oh I do dare," Francine said walking in and so did we. "Okay this is getting more curious than I thought and honestly, I like it," I told them. "You do," everyone asked. "Yeah. It makes you think of Narnia. You know, mysteries, clues a reward," I said telling them. "Nope, don't get it," the others told me. "Oh come Sean," I said looking at my friend. "I'm kidding, I get you Lauren," he told me.
PJ and Francine soon sat down at Polly's desk when she turned around to see us and I think I got scared. "Detectives," she greeted them. "Polly," they replied. "Hi you three," she said happily to Keith, Sean and I. "Oh hi," we replied together. "As the biggest fans of my books here in town, you have been selected to solve a mystery. The first one to solve it, will have the title of Master Detective bestowed upon him or her," she told them. "Nice," I whispered to Keith. "Imagine that on PJ's wall," he whispered back. "Care for celery Lila," Polly asked Francine holding a tray. "The weakness to my heart," she smiled taking one.
Keith's P.O.V.:
"Now then, you must solve the mystery of the handy helping hand," she told them. "I'm sorry the mystery of the handy helping hand," Sean asked. "Someone care to explain," Lauren asked. "The helping hand is a mysterious character that helps Casey Calloway and is not often mentioned in the books," PJ explained. "Because he can't do anything by himself, no matter how hard he tries," Francine called out. "Oh you know that is all poppyco," PJ started to say. "Stop it," Lauren told them. "Thank you. Now, I'm going to give you both a hint which is very big to you both pay attention," she told them.
"Okay," we all looked at the photos. "As you can see, the Handy helping hand is one of these characters in my books, either Mike "Baby Face" Walker, Gingersnap Gonzalez or Abdul "Double Talk" Santora," she told us. "Hmm. Like the way you are thinking," PJ told her. "Good. You got your mission now solve the mystery. Remember it is always good to have the last word," she told us. "Um, what about the first clue," Keith asked. "You've seen it already. Hahahahaha," she laughed before turning around and coughing. "Go, now," she told us. "Oh," we realized. "You need some water Polly," Lauren asked. "I'm fine Lauren. Don't worry I'll get it," she told us. "Okay," we shrugged and soon walked out. "Well, I am going to solve the mystery first Casey before you do, cause you know why," Francine asked.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Why is that, sister," he asked. "I cheat and don't call me sister," she told him. "What? You get to cheat, come on that's against the rules," I told Francine. A chicken soon sounded from the buzzer. "Anyone heard a chicken," I asked. "Yeah," they said. "Lila lavender can cheat you know Casey is what her character would do; but Casey can rely on his friends for help," she said to us. "Well, got your answer," I admitted.
"Well how about that, Keith calls some friends please. We need help we can get," PJ smirked. "On it cousin. HEY YOU GUYS," Keith yelled out as we went back to the diner.
(At the diner)
Jess's P.O.V.:
"Enjoying Tunes for Bears Jess," Lisa asked sitting next to me. "Yeah, I'm surprised we have to read this for school. Not that I blame the English department or anything. It feels odd to me," I shrugged. "Yeah but I'm glad things are moving on as planned for the Electric Company video sometime soon," Lisa answered. "Yeah now where the heck are Lauren, Sean and Keith? I thought they would be back right now," Shock wondered. "Were here," Lauren's voice sounded coming in the doorway. "Hey there you guys are and what is up with PJ," Lisa asked bewildered. "It's Casey Calloway sweetheart," PJ told her.
"Casey Calloway," I asked. "Yep. It's in the books Polly Hashimoto has written," Sean said making his way to one of the booths as I walked over to sit down. "Wait, where's Hector shouldn't he be here? Keith called for everyone," Lauren said looking around.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Yeah hey Shock, Mario, where's Hector," Sean asked. "He called earlier saying he was on his way I thought," Mario told us. "Hmm," I thought. My phone soon buzzed and I looked to see Hector calling. "It's Hector," I said to everyone answering. "Hi big bro," I told him. "Hey sis, hi guys. Listen just wanted to let you know, I am sitting this one out for today," he told us. "How come," Sean asked.
"A kitchen fire broke out at school and they had to evacuate everyone immediately. Good news is I'm safe and the fire department is working to put the fire out. I'm going to be at home working on homework," he explained. "Will do Hector. Any idea on when college will be back up," Jess asked. "No word yet, they are still determining what caused the fire. I'll be with you guys for the next one okay," he told us. "Sure thing Hector. We'll see you soon," I told my brother. "Perfect. Love you guys," he told us. "Love you bro," Jess and I replied before I hung up. "Man, fire broke out at college. That's going to leave a mark," Sean told me.
"Yeah so what is up with PJ," Mario asked. "It's Casey Calloway, do I have to say that every time," PJ told Mario. "Sorry Casey," Mario told him. "All is forgiven besides people like me see," he told us. "And true they do like I do. I've been reading the books in between Tunes for bears," Jess added. "Indeed. I like the characters but my favorite is Gingersnap Gonzalez," Lisa told us with a smile. "Nice. Didn't you catch up to her lately Jess," Sean asked. "I think I did Sean. Your right," she replied.
"Who is she," I asked. "She's a nosy newspaper reporter who likes to finish everybody's," Jess started to say. "Sentences, and she will be the one I am playing," Lisa told us with a smile. A neighbor of ours soon came walking by our booth. "Hey Daisy, can Lisa borrow your hat for today," Jess asked. "Sure thing Jess. Here you go Lisa," she told her. "Thanks," she said putting it on before turning to PJ. "Now Casey, time to focus on the details, you know the little things we see the details," Lisa acted.
"Yeah indeed, you are good Lisa," PJ told her. "Gingersnap Casey, remember stay in character," Lisa reminded. "Sorry Lisa," he replied. "Gingersnap," we told him. "I did it again, man," PJ groaned. "Oh lighten up," Mario nudged. "What is with everyone," I asked Sean. "Beats me," he answered. "Now correct me if I am wrong but Polly said you already seen the first clue, am I right or right," Lisa asked. "Right you are Gingersnap. The clue can be anywhere, anywhere like I told them but I have a suspicion it's the weird symbols on the door, PJ told her. "Oh for the love of Pete, THOSE ARE MATRIX CODES YOU GUYS," Keith, Mario, Sean, Shock and I realized telling them. "Matrix what," Jess asked. "Matrix codes, Keith show them," I told my friend.
PJ's P.O.V.:
"On it," Keith said doing his special skill showing it to us. "There symbols like they were on the door. When activated, it holds a secret message," Keith explained. "When did you become Mr. Tech genius," I asked. "I've been taking tech ed with Lauren and Sean. Also let's just say, I know how to work a computer," he shrugged. "Okay next time you owe me," I started to say. "A fix of the computer," Lisa finished for me. "You just took those words," I said again.
"Right out of your mouth," she replied. "Okay can I just confess this is fun," Lauren told us. "I agree. Let's go back to mansion to find the clue, come on," Lisa said getting up and walking out the door. "Casey you coming," she called. "Coming," I shouted and soon walked out the door with the others.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
We walked near the mansion and all I kept thinking about in my mind was Danny Rebus and our friendship. I wanted to tell the others but I would be scared if they reacted differently. I mean, they are my friends and family after all. "Alright Lauren," Sean asked. "Thinking about our friendship with Danny," I told Sean. "Oh. Well, don't worry about it now besides, let's help PJ win Master Detective," he told me. "Okay," I smiled. We made it to the mansion when I noticed Francine already there. "We got company," I announced.
"Man, she's here before we did. Thanks for telling us Margret," PJ told me. "Uh my name is Lauren and you know that," I asked. "I do but Margret DuBlock is a friend of Casey's who always keeps an eye out for trouble along with her friend and Casey's colleague, Joshua Watson," PJ explained. "Since when did we become a part of this," I wondered. "Beats me," Sean shrugged.
"Well, well, well Gingersnap Gonzalez surprised to see you here. I thought I smelled cheap perfume a mile away," Francine said walking over. "Hello Lila Lavender, to be quite honest, I thought I smelled a rat," Lisa shot back. I gasped, and Sean silently howled like a wolf as the others were stunned at that comeback. "That doesn't surprise me. Margret DuBlock and Joshua Watson, you there is room to be apart of my work if you still want to," she told us. "Doubt it and no thank you," Sean said looking at her playing along. "Bye slow pokes," she said walking away. "Why did she say there was," I asked.
"Lila would do anything to get Margret and Joshua on her side to hurt Casey but now we got to get," PJ started to explain. "The first clue," Lisa said running over to the door. We followed her and soon got to the door. "Okay Keith, Lauren guys I don't understand this at all. How are we supposed to detect this clue and turn it into a sentence," PJ asked. "Well, lucky for you. I got a code dector app on my phone over the weekend," Keith said pulling out his phone and handing it to PJ. "So make sure the code is lined up with the image," Sean explained. "Okay," PJ said lining it up. "No sudden movements," I reminded.
"Alright," PJ told us taking a photo of the code. Keith's phone soon came back and said code dected. "Well good day operator, a sentence," he exclaimed. "Okay it says here, some judge a book by it's cover, where does Casey eat noodles," Sean read. "Oh that's easy as a flower in May. It's the Happy Joy Restaurant in book 4 the mys," he started to answer. "The mystery of the Fortune Cookie. If I understand correctly, it has something to do with a cover, so maybe it has to do with the book cover," Lisa thought. "Bingo Gingersnap right as always," PJ smiled.
"Now, how are we going to find the code if it's on the cover of a book," I asked. "Easy. I got copies of all the books in my office," PJ smirked. "Where's your office," Sean asked. "It's in Keith's room. Uncle Leo has me rooming in his room," PJ answered. "That's what dad did, no wonder," Keith smiled. "Come on aren't you happy," I asked. "Yes. Let's go gang," Keith told us.
"Everyone move out," I smiled as we walked away from the door over to Keith's place. We soon stepped into the house which honestly I had not seen before and I was stunned. "So which way is it to your room," I asked Keith. "Easy, football curtains right there," he said pointing. We found them and sure enough it led into Keith's room. It looked nice with blue walls and decorations everywhere including a bunk bed. "Keith can I just say, sweet room," Sean said to him. "Swanky place my friend," I added. "Thanks," he told us.
"How come we never hang out at your place," Jess asked. "I'm always at the diner with you guys that's why. By the way we need to do a video game tournament," Keith added. "We need to for sure," I agreed. "Found the copies guys," PJ said with a smile placing the suitcase on Keith's bed and opening them up. We looked inside the suitcase to find them. "Wow. You are really into the books," Jess remarked. "Jess," Sean and I told her.
"What? It's the honest truth," she pointed out. "Okay, here is book four but there is," Keith started to say picking up the book. "No clue on there. Really I can't tell," Lisa butted in. "Something tells me this will be all day," Sean muttered to Jess. "At this rate yes," she added. "Hold on a second guys, I found something," I told them. "You did," they asked. "Yeah look at the back cover. There's a code on there," I said turning the book around. "Nice job shortstop," PJ exclaimed.
"Thanks but after this, start calling me Lauren from now on," I told PJ. "Okay I will," he smiled. Keith soon took a photo of it and came in faster than a roadrunner. "Alright question is where did Casey get fined," Keith read. "Fined? For what," Sean asked. "It was in book two my compadre the Mystery of Door #1," PJ answered. "It sounds like something a game show host would say you know like the mystery of Door Number 1," I said dramatically. "Your right Lauren it does sound like that," Sean agreed. "So why was he fined," Jess asked. "He had an old overdue book at," PJ started to say. "At the library. It must be at the library," Lisa told us. "Yes. Good work Lisa I bet you he took the words," I told her.
"Right out of the mouth," she smiled. "Come on gang, to the library let's move," I told them marching out of Keith's room and through his apartment outside. "Hey Lauren," Jess called. "Yeah sis," I told her. "Care to do something for me. I need you to drop off something at the post office," she told me handing an envelope. "What for," I asked. "Hector's credit card payment needs to be mailed," she told me. "Okay. We'll meet you guys at the library," I told my sister as Sean and I headed over to the post office. "Well at least so far so good for this, I was expecting more surprises," I told Sean. "You and me both Lauren," he agreed. "Okay matrix codes, how can I cheat," a voice sounded. The two of us both stared at each other for a second.
Sean's P.O.V.:
"That's Francine," I realized. "Sure is, come on," Lauren said pulling me behind a tree. "They are great blah, awesome yeah right. Wait a second, I can make my own codes. How's that for an idea on cheating, which I will use," Francine said looking up something on her laptop and eating celery before coughing on it. "So that's how she will cheat? I'm telling you Lauren that's a surprise, uh Lauren," I said talking to my friend only to find she was gone and helping Francine out of choking on celery. "Thanks," Francine said in an odd way.
"Don't mention it. Consider it a freebie," she told her with a smile and went back to me. "What were you doing," I asked. "Preventing her from choking, what else," Lauren asked as we went over to the post office and dropped Hector's payment in the mail. We then walked over to the library to find the gang waiting for us. "Let me guess, stuck to the pole like ice," I joked. "No not really. We got this clue and it seems a little odd," Lisa told me. "What do you mean," Lauren asked. "Here," Keith said showing us. "Where did Mike Baby Face Walker eat a burrito," Lauren and I read.
Lauren's P.O.V.:
"Huh, that's odd. Normally they are all about Casey," I pointed out. "That's what I was thinking. It sounds like he might have ate one at a diner in book six," Casey said agreeing. "You don't think she meant the Electric Diner do you," Jess asked. "Not really sis, but it is a possibility," I answered. "Lauren's right and it doesn't add up. We were there a few hours ago," PJ said to Jess. "Yeah. Maybe we missed a clue," Lisa suggested. "No I think something is off with the codes, so I'm thinking why don't we head back to the diner and see what clue we missed there," I told them. "Good idea Lauren, let's check," PJ said as we ran over to the diner again while panting still. Danny Rebus was there actually and Sean saw him.
"Hey Danny, what are you doing out here," I asked noticing as well. "Busy doing stuff what are you guys doing," he asked. "Electric stuff and any luck on quiz prep," I whispered. "Yep. Good amount studied and ready to go. Now why are we whispering," he asked. "I don't want the others to find out were friends otherwise this will break code of law," I told him. "We don't have a code of law," Sean and Danny reminded me. "Guess I got up with work things again," I muttered. "Everyone makes mistakes Lauren, don't worry," Danny told me. "Thanks," I told him. "Lauren, Sean you guys okay," Jess asked us. "Later," we told Danny making a bee line to the others. "Any luck," I asked. "Found a message that says in your face, Calloway," Keith told me reading it. "I knew it. I knew it," I told the others. "Knew what," they asked. "It was Lila who did this, you know Francine," I told them. "What, she how," they asked again.
"Guess she must have found a way to create matrix codes," Sean admitted. "Looks like it. Now we got to get back to the library double time and get the right clue," PJ told us. "Good call PJ. Everyone move out," I called as we ran out of the diner into the streets again on the hunt for a clue. We ran as fast as we could over to the library and we found the old code taped above the one we were supposed to use as PJ tore it off.
"Okay, now that we got this one taken care of, find the next one," he told us. "Got it. The question now is where was Casey's corniest hiding place," Keith read. "Simple. He hid in a farm in Arkansas. So that's where it is," PJ explained. "SO we have to go to Arkansas? I didn't even get a plane ticket," Jess said. "Oh the contrary Jess, we bring Arkansas to us," PJ told her. "How," Sean and I asked. "Follow me," PJ told us as we ran back to Keith's house and his room logging into the computer. "I'm going into Google Earth and with the coordinates I have, we can find the field," PJ said typing in things. We looked on the screen and I soon found the code. "I found it. Casey stop," I told PJ. "Alright. Scan that Keith," he told him.
Keith soon took a picture of the code and it came back. "Okay, so in order to win Master Detective, you must have the last word," he read. "Last word? What could that mean," Jess asked. "I got it," Lisa said. "You do," we asked. "Yeah we have to put together the last words of the book titles," she told us. "Lisa that's genius," Jess told her. "Okay Gingersnap, work your magic," PJ smiled. "On it. Titles please," she asked. "Mystery of Fortune cookie, Lugi Smart and Door number 1," PJ said ratting the list. "Okay. I'll remove some letters and now we are left one smart and cookie," she said. "One smart cookie. That's it," I realized.
"What's it," Jess asked me. "Gingersnaps are cookies right," I asked her. "Yeah so that means," Jess said unsure. "Will someone hit me with a feather and knock me down," PJ exclaimed. We all stared at him. "Ignore that. The handy helping hand is really Lisa," PJ realized. "Nice. I had a feeling it would be Gingersnap besides, doesn't she help through hard times," I asked. "She sure does. Come on, let's go tell Polly the news," Keith said getting up as we went out of Keith's room over to Polly's house. PJ soon pressed the door bell.
"Who is it," she asked. "Casey Calloway," he replied. "Enter," she said. The door unlocked and we were able to go in. "Well, well Electric Company nice to see you here," Francine sneered. "Nice to see you as well Francine. Polly we have great news," PJ told her. "Which is," she asked. "We solved the mystery and the handy helping hand is none other than Gingersnap Gonzalez," Keith told her. "Very good Casey, I knew you did it. You earned the title of Master Detective, congrats," she said handing him a plague.
"Oh thank you. I want to thank my friends, family and," PJ started to say before Francine interrupted him. "No. I was to be declared the winner," she said holding the plaque. "No I won and you cheated besides, I figured it out," PJ told her tugging on one side. "No I was and I wanted it so bad," Francine said tugging again. "STOP IT BOTH OF YOU," I shouted and they stared at me. "Francine, you were to be declared the winner if you solve the mystery in full. Unfortunately, it seems to me you did not," I asked her. "No," Francine muttered. "I believe your mother would love to hear this. Now give the real winner the plaque," I asked. She gave it back to PJ before walking away in shame. "Nice job Lauren," Sean said giving me a high five. "Why thank you," I smiled.
"All of you did great. I am impressed. Including you Lauren. Now, I have just one question everyone talks about you and say you are special why," Polly asked. "Because I have a destiny more greater and extortionary than anyone can believe," I replied. "What is it," she asked. "I won't know until my birthday but people see it when they look into my eyes," I answered. "May I," Polly asked standing up. "Of course," I smiled. She got up from her chair and looked into my hazel eyes. I couldn't see what she was seeing but her eyes were wide as she saw what happened.
Afterwards, she looked back at me. "You really are the descendant of the Valiant Queen," she said bowing to me. "Uh thanks," I nodded. "Let's go," Sean said getting everyone out as we headed to the diner. We soon sat down and got milkshakes. "PJ, congrats to you on your win," Keith toasted lifting his shake as we clinked glasses. "Oh thanks guys. I could not have done this without you. Besides, I love acting that was awesome," PJ admitted. "Bet it was, I think I spy actor in the future," Sean told him. "Uh huh," the others agreed. The door soon opened and in came Hector.
"Oh hey guys, I was looking for you," he told us. "No need were here. What's up," I asked. "I saw you guys earlier with PJ and why is he dressed like that," he asked. "Long story, jinx," the five of us said together again. "I got time, tell me everything," he said as we told him the story of how our day was searcing for a mystery. Glad that one is done and Francine for now.
Danny's P.O.V.:
I was sitting in my bedroom and looked out my window wondering about my friendship with Lauren and Sean. I'm worried others will find out but I am scared they will tear us apart. I guess I have to wait.
(In LA)
Kendall's P.O.V.:
The others and I sat in the lobby of our recording studio figuring out how we can stay. I'm scared. My pendant glowed all of a sudden and I stood up. "Kendall what happened," James asked. "Hold on to me James, I'm getting a vision of my destiny," I replied before my eyes were hazel and pictures flowed to me.
Nice ending, huh? Well, this is going to be awesome when I get the rest up. I'm sorry if I hadn't posted in the last few days, I had to put down my dog and stuff was going on. But I am back and will be updating as soon as I can! Love you all!