"What is it?" Ivy asked.
"It's a long story," answered Carmen. "The Chief is telling Martin some of the most embarrassing stories from my detective years. I want you to visit his house and get as much embarrassing memorabilia from his past as possible."
"Revenge is never a good thing..." began Zack.
"If you two don't get the goods, I'll tell the Chief about the time you set up that crazy trap that backfired on you--"
"Anything but that," begged Zack.
"Okay, Carmen," Ivy resigned. "You win. We'll take the C-5 to Shapiro Mansion."
Carmen hung up the phone.
Martin was still flipping through the scrapbook. He came to a news article. "Jewel Thief Foiled by Acme Operatives in Egypt."
"Ah," sighed the Chief. "Mysteries popped up back then when Acme least expected them..."
[Flashback]
Troilus rested back in the plane seat and dug out a book from his carpetbag. "I've been reading this fantastic story. It's called Mara, Daughter of the Nile."
"I read that one--" Carmen began.
Troilus shushed her. "No! I don't want to have the ending spoiled."
"What's it about?" asked Beatrice.
"It takes place in Ancient Egypt in the days when Queen Hatshepsut ruled. Mara is a slave and becomes involved in a plot to restore Thutmose III to the throne..."
Suhara opened a brochure. "According to this, we'll be staying at the Golden Sands Hotel. The building is a replica of an Egyptian palace. It's a rectangular building, with pyramids serving as corners."
Beatrice opened her own copy of the brochure. "The pyramids were built to replicate those at Giza, except for one: an authentic pyramid taken from a site in Egypt and reconstructed at the hotel."
Carmen pointed to the upper right pyramid. "I bet it's that one. It looks different from the others."
"We'll be landing in Qina, Egypt," announced the flight attendant. "Fasten your seat belts."
[Qina, Egypt]
"We're very close to the banks of the Nile River -- the longest river in the world at 4,160 miles," the tour guide announced on the bus. "The Nile Valley and Nile Delta make up a total of about 3 percent of Egypt's area. Almost all Egyptian farms lie in this densely populated region. Water from the Nile enables farmers in the valley and delta to raise various crops the year around. The chief winter crops, in order of area planted, include clover, wheat, and beans and other vegetables. The main summer crops are cotton, corn, rice, and millet. Cotton is Egypt's most important crop financially."
The bus stopped and the passengers got off.
Carmen was poring over her map in the foursome's suite. "I'm dying to find a way into that pyramid. It says here that Queen Hatshepsut visited the tomb during her rule as Pharaoh and her treasure is said to be hidden inside."
Troilus didn't look up from his book. "I should have guessed. This is Spring Break! We're supposed to be doing the three R's: Rest, Relaxation, and Reading!"
Beatrice snickered. "And Carmen never sleeps."
"Come on, guys," begged Carmen. "Let's explore after lunch."
Suhara looked over the map. "Since this hotel has two stories and a basement, and the pyramid entrances are usually hidden at the bottom, it would be logical that the entrance is in the basement."
The grandfather clock chimed twelve downstairs.
At the dinner table, the foursome became acquainted with the other three hotel guests.
"Everything's in an uproar today," commented Leslie Donaldson. "Someone vandalized the hotel's museum room."
"Museum room?" asked Troilus.
"The hotel has a whole bunch of cool Egyptian exhibits on display in a room down the hall. Someone broke in this morning and tore the place apart," explained Leslie. "Our hotel owner, Yolanda Schwartz, closed it off until further notice."
Professor Jenkins stirred his tea. "Is it any wonder? Nearly every object in that room was connected to a certain cult of Egypt -- the Netherworld cult. It was the so-called "death cult." I've seen similar objects in Cairo. Not on display, mind you. They were considered too disturbing because they say the cult of the Netherworld is still strong."
The third guest, Dr. Elizabeth Wells, stayed silent and stared at her plate.
After lunch, Carmen and her reluctant companions took the stairs down to the basement. They wandered down several corridors until they came to a dead end.
Troilus' eyes went glassy. "Throw your weight against the panel. It's a hidden door."
Carmen opened. The wall opened, revealing a spiral staircase. She proceeded up the stairs, Beatrice and Suhara behind her. Troilus walked a few steps behind.
Near the top of the stairs, Beatrice noticed a square button built into the wall. "I wonder what this does."
"Don't rush in," suggested Suhara.
"It could be a booby trap," noted Carmen.
"I doubt it. No one would put a booby trap in plain sight."
Troilus screamed as the part of the stairs he was ascending collapsed and he fell into a pit. "Beatrice, you idiot! It's dark and dank down here! And the walls are too steep! I can't climb out!"
Beatrice extended her hand. "I'll pull you out."
"Uh, on second thought, I like it down here! It's moldy and gross, sure, but I like it!"
Suhara burst out laughing and pulled Troilus out of the pit.
Troilus sighed. "For someone advanced in age, you're pretty strong!"
"Troy!" moaned Beatrice. "Quit making jokes about Suhara's age!"
Carmen turned to the door at the top of the stairs and opened it. "Look at this room."
Troilus joined her. "And there's a cartouche of Hatshepsut's name!"
Suhara pointed to the floor. There were three small circular holes. "Something's missing here."
There was a cough, which made everyone jump.
"I have the feeling we're being watched," Beatrice said to no one in particular.
Troilus grabbed Carmen's arm. "Let's get out of here!"
An hour later, Carmen stood in front of her room door.
There was a scream from the other end of the hall. "I've been robbed!"
Carmen rushed to see what was the matter.
Dr. Wells was inside her room, holding a half-full jewelry box.
"Dr. Wells? What happened?"
"I've been robbed!" Dr. Wells sniffled. "And who are you?"
"I'm Carmen Sandiego. I'm an Acme operative."
"All right, Scarlet--"
"Carmen."
"Carmen, I'll tell you what happened. As long as you promise not to tell anyone else. Wouldn't do to ruin the reputation of this hotel."
"No one will hear a word."
"Good!" Dr. Wells picked up a piece of paper and began to draw on it. "I'll start at the beginning. I am a scholar of Egyptian history. My specialty is Queen Hatshepsut. Do you know who she was?"
"The female pharaoh of Egypt?"
"Correct. When Thutmose II died in 1479 BCE, his son -- Thutmose III -- inherited the throne. However, Thutmose III was little more than a baby, so Hatshepsut was asked to rule. This wasn't the first time a queen had governed Egypt on behalf of a child. However, our heroine took a bold step and called herself pharaoh and Lord of Two Lands. She even wore the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and a false beard! At the time, the Egyptians were outraged. The records called her a weak ruler. Thutmose III attempted to destroy her memory. But throughout her reign, the skills of the craftsmen and architects flourished. Hatshepsut organized one of the greatest trading expeditions in Egyptian history. A large fleet of ships sailed to the land of Punt and returned with a vast fortune of copper, ivory, and incense trees." Dr. Wells sighed. "She was Elizabeth I's predecessor. You go, girl!"
"What does this have to do with the robbery?"
Dr. Wells held up the sheet of paper. She had sketched a round object. A stone was set in the middle. "I bought this medallion at an auction. It has hieroglyphics on the back spelling Hatshepsut's name. I went out for a walk and someone broke into my room -- and stole it!"
The medallion looks like it'll fit in one of the holes in the floor of Hatshepsut's chamber, thought Carmen.
"Carmella, I'm going to the kitchen to get some tea. I'll be back in a flash."
As soon as the scholar left, Carmen gave the room a hasty glance. She noticed something gold glinting from beneath the couch cushions. She pulled it out. It was a gold medallion set with a black onyx. The detective stuffed it in her pocket.
Dr. Wells reentered.
"Did the medallion by any chance have a black stone?" asked Carmen.
"Heavens, no! My medallion had a red stone!"
Carmen got up. "I'll see what develops." She headed downstairs to the lobby.
Leslie was sitting in an armchair. "You won't believe this! I saw Yolanda go through here! She went to the courtyard carrying this red ornament."
"Intriguing," replied Carmen, entering the hotel gift shop. "Bea!"
Beatrice was holding a leash attached to a floating dog collar. "Looky! I'm walking an invisible jackal! So, what can I do for you?"
"Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the courtyard?"
"Sure."
The two made their way to the courtyard, a large square area surrounded by four walls.
Beatrice stared at the bones scattered on the ground. "Oh no!"
"What is this place?" Carmen glanced at the bench. Nestled beneath the bench was a medallion similar to the one she had, but set with a red stone. She picked it up and tried to open the door. It wouldn't budge. "We're locked out!"
Beatrice pointed to the wall. "There's a ventilation shaft! We can crawl in!" She pried the grate off, and the two slipped in.
"I wonder where this leads," mused Carmen. They found the end. "Look! It must be the museum room!" Carmen started to crawl out, but an alarm sounded, so she slid back in.
Yolanda entered the room through the double doors and deactivated the alarm. As soon as she left, Carmen and Beatrice were free to explore.
The museum room was a mess. The glass cases had been shattered, the contents strewn around the room. Someone had punched a large hole in the wall. Carmen peeked inside. Nestled in was a medallion identical to the others, set with a white stone.
Beatrice took a paintbrush from a nearby dust-covered rolltop desk, caught some of the dust in its bristles, and spread it over the alarm keypad. Yolanda's fingerprints were revealed. Beatrice entered the code. "Let's blow this popsicle stand. I need my afternoon nap."
Carmen went back to the lobby. She didn't notice the handbag someone had left in the doorway. "Ooof!" Picking herself up, Carmen stuck the contents back in the purse. An ID card caught her eye. It had Leslie's photo, but name was 'Merey La Rock'.
Where have I heard that name before? thought Carmen, heading for the basement. She opened the secret panel, ascended the staircase, and came to the chamber. Kneeling down, she found that there were traces of red pigment in the first hole, white in the second, and black in the last. The medallions fit perfectly.
There was a grinding noise. A pedestal rose from the floor. On top of it was a gold box, filled with semiprecious stones.
"Oh, will you look at those beautiful rocks!" came a voice.
"Leslie? How did you get in here?"
"I followed you, of course!" Leslie drew a can of pepper spray and aimed.
Carmen gasped. "My eyes!"
"Don't worry, detective. My pepper spray won't last long, but by the time you get your eyes back, I've had made my grand getaway."
Carmen coughed. "Where you the one who vandalized that beautiful museum?"
"Ooh, you are smart. I guess I went overboard looking for the box in there. Oh, and don't forget locking you out. Just trying to keep you on your toes. Didn't want you going soft on your vacation."
"Why did you plant Dr. Wells' medallion in the courtyard?"
"To throw you off. As for the white and black medallions, I had no idea what to do with them, so I figured I'd put them in your hands and let you lead the way."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Are you kidding? I'm going to melt the box and make jewelry from it! The stones are just an added bonus! But enough chatter. Hasta la vista!" Leslie ran out the room.
Thinking quick, Carmen pressed the square button.
There was a shriek from below. The thief had fallen into the pit. "Ugh! Get me out! It stinks down here! Ick! It's all moldy! Darn you, Carmen Sandiego! You're the worst friend a gold thief can ever have!"
The panel opened. Beatrice, Suhara, and Troilus came in.
Beatrice glanced into the pit. "Well, if it isn't my nemesis Merey LaRock! How's the weather down there?"
"Ugh. Bea Quack. Insult to injury."
Beatrice laughed. "You just can't win."
"Gloating does not become--" began Suhara.
"Oh, come off it, Suhara! Carmen deserves a standing ovation! No one's beaten Merey LaRock since me!"
[Present]
(Outside Shapiro Mansion)
"Okay, Zack," Ivy said as she and her brother approached Shapiro Mansion. "Martin Shapiro is Carmen's friend, but he's also a legendary paranoiac. So we've got to watch out for his home security system"
Zack nodded. "Got it."
The siblings entered the gate.
Arrows flew through the air.
Zack ducked. "He can't be that paranoid!"
"Yes, he can!"
Several nets flew through the air, making the detective duo duck and dodge to avoid them.
Ivy pointed ahead. "That stream isn't water. It's super-sticky glue."
"Glue?"
"Well, a sticky-fingered burglar would find himself quite stuck." Ivy grabbed Zack and threw him across the glue river before using a stray branch to pole-vault across the width.
"Ack!" cried Zack as he landed headfirst into a topiary bush.
The siblings ran, avoiding heavy objects and other obstacles. They finally made it to the porch.
"Whoo-hoo!" Zack high-fived Ivy, then rang the doorbell.
A huge ball fell from the roof, bounced off the porch, rolled across the lawn, and rang a large gong.
"Zack? Ivy?" came Mickey's voice. "Come in. It's open. I'm by the library."
"What are we gonna do, sis?" hissed Zack. "We can't snoop in front of Martin's son!"
"Distract him, little bro. Get him to play chess or watch some documentaries. I'll go look for the mementos."
Mickey sighed. "There's nothing quite as satisfying as having friends come over. 'And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils'."
"Don't quote Shakespeare, Mick."
"Don't you know Wordsworth when you hear it?"
[Acme Headquarters]
"Carmen had a long career at Acme, but all good things must come to an end someday," sighed the Chief.
To be continued.
"It's a long story," answered Carmen. "The Chief is telling Martin some of the most embarrassing stories from my detective years. I want you to visit his house and get as much embarrassing memorabilia from his past as possible."
"Revenge is never a good thing..." began Zack.
"If you two don't get the goods, I'll tell the Chief about the time you set up that crazy trap that backfired on you--"
"Anything but that," begged Zack.
"Okay, Carmen," Ivy resigned. "You win. We'll take the C-5 to Shapiro Mansion."
Carmen hung up the phone.
Martin was still flipping through the scrapbook. He came to a news article. "Jewel Thief Foiled by Acme Operatives in Egypt."
"Ah," sighed the Chief. "Mysteries popped up back then when Acme least expected them..."
[Flashback]
Troilus rested back in the plane seat and dug out a book from his carpetbag. "I've been reading this fantastic story. It's called Mara, Daughter of the Nile."
"I read that one--" Carmen began.
Troilus shushed her. "No! I don't want to have the ending spoiled."
"What's it about?" asked Beatrice.
"It takes place in Ancient Egypt in the days when Queen Hatshepsut ruled. Mara is a slave and becomes involved in a plot to restore Thutmose III to the throne..."
Suhara opened a brochure. "According to this, we'll be staying at the Golden Sands Hotel. The building is a replica of an Egyptian palace. It's a rectangular building, with pyramids serving as corners."
Beatrice opened her own copy of the brochure. "The pyramids were built to replicate those at Giza, except for one: an authentic pyramid taken from a site in Egypt and reconstructed at the hotel."
Carmen pointed to the upper right pyramid. "I bet it's that one. It looks different from the others."
"We'll be landing in Qina, Egypt," announced the flight attendant. "Fasten your seat belts."
[Qina, Egypt]
"We're very close to the banks of the Nile River -- the longest river in the world at 4,160 miles," the tour guide announced on the bus. "The Nile Valley and Nile Delta make up a total of about 3 percent of Egypt's area. Almost all Egyptian farms lie in this densely populated region. Water from the Nile enables farmers in the valley and delta to raise various crops the year around. The chief winter crops, in order of area planted, include clover, wheat, and beans and other vegetables. The main summer crops are cotton, corn, rice, and millet. Cotton is Egypt's most important crop financially."
The bus stopped and the passengers got off.
Carmen was poring over her map in the foursome's suite. "I'm dying to find a way into that pyramid. It says here that Queen Hatshepsut visited the tomb during her rule as Pharaoh and her treasure is said to be hidden inside."
Troilus didn't look up from his book. "I should have guessed. This is Spring Break! We're supposed to be doing the three R's: Rest, Relaxation, and Reading!"
Beatrice snickered. "And Carmen never sleeps."
"Come on, guys," begged Carmen. "Let's explore after lunch."
Suhara looked over the map. "Since this hotel has two stories and a basement, and the pyramid entrances are usually hidden at the bottom, it would be logical that the entrance is in the basement."
The grandfather clock chimed twelve downstairs.
At the dinner table, the foursome became acquainted with the other three hotel guests.
"Everything's in an uproar today," commented Leslie Donaldson. "Someone vandalized the hotel's museum room."
"Museum room?" asked Troilus.
"The hotel has a whole bunch of cool Egyptian exhibits on display in a room down the hall. Someone broke in this morning and tore the place apart," explained Leslie. "Our hotel owner, Yolanda Schwartz, closed it off until further notice."
Professor Jenkins stirred his tea. "Is it any wonder? Nearly every object in that room was connected to a certain cult of Egypt -- the Netherworld cult. It was the so-called "death cult." I've seen similar objects in Cairo. Not on display, mind you. They were considered too disturbing because they say the cult of the Netherworld is still strong."
The third guest, Dr. Elizabeth Wells, stayed silent and stared at her plate.
After lunch, Carmen and her reluctant companions took the stairs down to the basement. They wandered down several corridors until they came to a dead end.
Troilus' eyes went glassy. "Throw your weight against the panel. It's a hidden door."
Carmen opened. The wall opened, revealing a spiral staircase. She proceeded up the stairs, Beatrice and Suhara behind her. Troilus walked a few steps behind.
Near the top of the stairs, Beatrice noticed a square button built into the wall. "I wonder what this does."
"Don't rush in," suggested Suhara.
"It could be a booby trap," noted Carmen.
"I doubt it. No one would put a booby trap in plain sight."
Troilus screamed as the part of the stairs he was ascending collapsed and he fell into a pit. "Beatrice, you idiot! It's dark and dank down here! And the walls are too steep! I can't climb out!"
Beatrice extended her hand. "I'll pull you out."
"Uh, on second thought, I like it down here! It's moldy and gross, sure, but I like it!"
Suhara burst out laughing and pulled Troilus out of the pit.
Troilus sighed. "For someone advanced in age, you're pretty strong!"
"Troy!" moaned Beatrice. "Quit making jokes about Suhara's age!"
Carmen turned to the door at the top of the stairs and opened it. "Look at this room."
Troilus joined her. "And there's a cartouche of Hatshepsut's name!"
Suhara pointed to the floor. There were three small circular holes. "Something's missing here."
There was a cough, which made everyone jump.
"I have the feeling we're being watched," Beatrice said to no one in particular.
Troilus grabbed Carmen's arm. "Let's get out of here!"
An hour later, Carmen stood in front of her room door.
There was a scream from the other end of the hall. "I've been robbed!"
Carmen rushed to see what was the matter.
Dr. Wells was inside her room, holding a half-full jewelry box.
"Dr. Wells? What happened?"
"I've been robbed!" Dr. Wells sniffled. "And who are you?"
"I'm Carmen Sandiego. I'm an Acme operative."
"All right, Scarlet--"
"Carmen."
"Carmen, I'll tell you what happened. As long as you promise not to tell anyone else. Wouldn't do to ruin the reputation of this hotel."
"No one will hear a word."
"Good!" Dr. Wells picked up a piece of paper and began to draw on it. "I'll start at the beginning. I am a scholar of Egyptian history. My specialty is Queen Hatshepsut. Do you know who she was?"
"The female pharaoh of Egypt?"
"Correct. When Thutmose II died in 1479 BCE, his son -- Thutmose III -- inherited the throne. However, Thutmose III was little more than a baby, so Hatshepsut was asked to rule. This wasn't the first time a queen had governed Egypt on behalf of a child. However, our heroine took a bold step and called herself pharaoh and Lord of Two Lands. She even wore the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and a false beard! At the time, the Egyptians were outraged. The records called her a weak ruler. Thutmose III attempted to destroy her memory. But throughout her reign, the skills of the craftsmen and architects flourished. Hatshepsut organized one of the greatest trading expeditions in Egyptian history. A large fleet of ships sailed to the land of Punt and returned with a vast fortune of copper, ivory, and incense trees." Dr. Wells sighed. "She was Elizabeth I's predecessor. You go, girl!"
"What does this have to do with the robbery?"
Dr. Wells held up the sheet of paper. She had sketched a round object. A stone was set in the middle. "I bought this medallion at an auction. It has hieroglyphics on the back spelling Hatshepsut's name. I went out for a walk and someone broke into my room -- and stole it!"
The medallion looks like it'll fit in one of the holes in the floor of Hatshepsut's chamber, thought Carmen.
"Carmella, I'm going to the kitchen to get some tea. I'll be back in a flash."
As soon as the scholar left, Carmen gave the room a hasty glance. She noticed something gold glinting from beneath the couch cushions. She pulled it out. It was a gold medallion set with a black onyx. The detective stuffed it in her pocket.
Dr. Wells reentered.
"Did the medallion by any chance have a black stone?" asked Carmen.
"Heavens, no! My medallion had a red stone!"
Carmen got up. "I'll see what develops." She headed downstairs to the lobby.
Leslie was sitting in an armchair. "You won't believe this! I saw Yolanda go through here! She went to the courtyard carrying this red ornament."
"Intriguing," replied Carmen, entering the hotel gift shop. "Bea!"
Beatrice was holding a leash attached to a floating dog collar. "Looky! I'm walking an invisible jackal! So, what can I do for you?"
"Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the courtyard?"
"Sure."
The two made their way to the courtyard, a large square area surrounded by four walls.
Beatrice stared at the bones scattered on the ground. "Oh no!"
"What is this place?" Carmen glanced at the bench. Nestled beneath the bench was a medallion similar to the one she had, but set with a red stone. She picked it up and tried to open the door. It wouldn't budge. "We're locked out!"
Beatrice pointed to the wall. "There's a ventilation shaft! We can crawl in!" She pried the grate off, and the two slipped in.
"I wonder where this leads," mused Carmen. They found the end. "Look! It must be the museum room!" Carmen started to crawl out, but an alarm sounded, so she slid back in.
Yolanda entered the room through the double doors and deactivated the alarm. As soon as she left, Carmen and Beatrice were free to explore.
The museum room was a mess. The glass cases had been shattered, the contents strewn around the room. Someone had punched a large hole in the wall. Carmen peeked inside. Nestled in was a medallion identical to the others, set with a white stone.
Beatrice took a paintbrush from a nearby dust-covered rolltop desk, caught some of the dust in its bristles, and spread it over the alarm keypad. Yolanda's fingerprints were revealed. Beatrice entered the code. "Let's blow this popsicle stand. I need my afternoon nap."
Carmen went back to the lobby. She didn't notice the handbag someone had left in the doorway. "Ooof!" Picking herself up, Carmen stuck the contents back in the purse. An ID card caught her eye. It had Leslie's photo, but name was 'Merey La Rock'.
Where have I heard that name before? thought Carmen, heading for the basement. She opened the secret panel, ascended the staircase, and came to the chamber. Kneeling down, she found that there were traces of red pigment in the first hole, white in the second, and black in the last. The medallions fit perfectly.
There was a grinding noise. A pedestal rose from the floor. On top of it was a gold box, filled with semiprecious stones.
"Oh, will you look at those beautiful rocks!" came a voice.
"Leslie? How did you get in here?"
"I followed you, of course!" Leslie drew a can of pepper spray and aimed.
Carmen gasped. "My eyes!"
"Don't worry, detective. My pepper spray won't last long, but by the time you get your eyes back, I've had made my grand getaway."
Carmen coughed. "Where you the one who vandalized that beautiful museum?"
"Ooh, you are smart. I guess I went overboard looking for the box in there. Oh, and don't forget locking you out. Just trying to keep you on your toes. Didn't want you going soft on your vacation."
"Why did you plant Dr. Wells' medallion in the courtyard?"
"To throw you off. As for the white and black medallions, I had no idea what to do with them, so I figured I'd put them in your hands and let you lead the way."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Are you kidding? I'm going to melt the box and make jewelry from it! The stones are just an added bonus! But enough chatter. Hasta la vista!" Leslie ran out the room.
Thinking quick, Carmen pressed the square button.
There was a shriek from below. The thief had fallen into the pit. "Ugh! Get me out! It stinks down here! Ick! It's all moldy! Darn you, Carmen Sandiego! You're the worst friend a gold thief can ever have!"
The panel opened. Beatrice, Suhara, and Troilus came in.
Beatrice glanced into the pit. "Well, if it isn't my nemesis Merey LaRock! How's the weather down there?"
"Ugh. Bea Quack. Insult to injury."
Beatrice laughed. "You just can't win."
"Gloating does not become--" began Suhara.
"Oh, come off it, Suhara! Carmen deserves a standing ovation! No one's beaten Merey LaRock since me!"
[Present]
(Outside Shapiro Mansion)
"Okay, Zack," Ivy said as she and her brother approached Shapiro Mansion. "Martin Shapiro is Carmen's friend, but he's also a legendary paranoiac. So we've got to watch out for his home security system"
Zack nodded. "Got it."
The siblings entered the gate.
Arrows flew through the air.
Zack ducked. "He can't be that paranoid!"
"Yes, he can!"
Several nets flew through the air, making the detective duo duck and dodge to avoid them.
Ivy pointed ahead. "That stream isn't water. It's super-sticky glue."
"Glue?"
"Well, a sticky-fingered burglar would find himself quite stuck." Ivy grabbed Zack and threw him across the glue river before using a stray branch to pole-vault across the width.
"Ack!" cried Zack as he landed headfirst into a topiary bush.
The siblings ran, avoiding heavy objects and other obstacles. They finally made it to the porch.
"Whoo-hoo!" Zack high-fived Ivy, then rang the doorbell.
A huge ball fell from the roof, bounced off the porch, rolled across the lawn, and rang a large gong.
"Zack? Ivy?" came Mickey's voice. "Come in. It's open. I'm by the library."
"What are we gonna do, sis?" hissed Zack. "We can't snoop in front of Martin's son!"
"Distract him, little bro. Get him to play chess or watch some documentaries. I'll go look for the mementos."
Mickey sighed. "There's nothing quite as satisfying as having friends come over. 'And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils'."
"Don't quote Shakespeare, Mick."
"Don't you know Wordsworth when you hear it?"
[Acme Headquarters]
"Carmen had a long career at Acme, but all good things must come to an end someday," sighed the Chief.
To be continued.