Scooby Doo
The Courtship of Velma Dinkley
By Andy Fuller
This Story was inspired by Littlesoprano's 'Journey of Self Discovery' & 'Their First Christmas'
Thanks to Vicky, Ben G, Joe and Sandy for the Beta
Please note I'm British so take that into account with some of the spellings
Note: - Okay, you've been a patient bunch but you're thinking when is the damn touch paper gonna get lit. Well stand back because I'm about to light it and hopefully it won't be a damp squid! Also, I've never actually been to Bermuda (although I wouldn't mind going there) so I've used the Bermudan's Tourist Board Website for the story.
Chapter 5 - First Signs of Danger
"Now that feels good," said Ethan as he stepped off the gangplank and onto the quayside beside Velma who turned to him with a curious expression.
"What's that?" she asked as she slipped her cap onto her head.
"Solid ground," replied Ethan as he donned his own hat. Hats weren't usually in either of the pair's dress code but when under a blazing sun people tend to make exceptions. Velma now grinned and nodded and Ethan's comment.
"Yeah, I know what you mean" she said looking up at him. "I mean, I love being on the water and all but it is good to be on land again."
"Uh-huh," said Ethan as he put his arm around Velma's shoulder. "So anyway, what's to do round here?"
"Plenty," said Velma with a broad smile as she switched the picnic basket she was carrying to her left hand before reaching around with her now free right hand and pulled a tour guide from her back pocket. At this Ethan grinned and shook his head.
"You were a girl guide weren't you?" he chirped with a grin at which Velma grinned back.
"How did you guess?" she enquired mischievously as the pair continued walking along the quayside. "Okay now, according to this the Island's got a lot of old forts to look at, a couple of museums, the botanical gardens, the Crystal Caves or if we wanted to we could play a game of golf!" At this the couple exchanged a look.
"Nah!" they both said together sharing a broad grin.
"So how about one of those Forts?" said Ethan with a shrug. "They sound like they might be worth a look."
"Okay," agreed Velma flipping to the appropriate page.
"You never know, we might find a ghost or two," added Ethan somehow managing to keep a straight face. At this Velma looked up at him before both began to laugh.
"I hope not," said Velma after she and Ethan had finally calmed down. "I'm on Holiday. But then again, if we do find one I've got my boyfriend to defend me."
"What are you talking about," grinned Ethan. "I'll be leading the charge out of there!" At this the pair began to laugh again before Velma turned back to the book.
"Right, we've got Fort Hamilton, Fort St. Catherine, Ferry Island Fort, Gates Fort."
"Ferry Island sounds good," said Ethan as the pair made their way out the harbor gates and into the bustling streets of Hamilton. "So how do we get there?"
"Well you can't hire cars here," replied Velma looking up from the book. "But how about a scooter" At this Ethan grinned broadly.
"Sounds good," he said with a grin as memories of the dune bike ride on Spooky Island that he, Velma and the other members of Mystery Inc. and Mary- Jane had gone on came back to him. "Besides, you look cute in a crash helmet!" At this Velma raised an eyebrow while a curious expression crossed her face.
"I don't know if that's a compliment or not," she said, a small smile crossing her face as Ethan chuckled.
"Oh, it was a compliment."
"Good," said Velma. "Otherwise you'd have been in trouble. Anyway, come on, let's find a hire shop."
"You've got the map," said Ethan and was immediately hit with said map by his smiling girlfriend.
"Less of the sarcasm Mister," she growled with mock menace. "That's my job!"
"And you do it so well," said Ethan and managed to duck a second swing. "But you can be a rotten shot at times!" he added with a grin. Velma now rolled her eyes and shoved the book into her pocket before taking Ethan's hand off her shoulder and grasping it in hers.
"Let's just go and get a scooter Okay?"
"Yes Ma'am," replied Ethan and grinned as Velma let out a mock sigh of exasperation before pulling him down the road to where the book said they could find the required shop.
***
As they watched the young couple disappear Nick Martz and Chief Klatowski exchanged a glance before turning and making their way towards the stern.
"Ah, to be young and in love," said the Chief with a wry smile.
"Yep," agreed Nick. "So how long do you think?"
"A year, two tops," said the Chief before turning to his old friend with a grin. "I wonder if they'll have the ceremony here?"
"What, Bermuda? Not a bad place to have it," said Nick not quite grasping what the Chief was saying.
"No, I mean here, as in here on the 'Cutter."
"Oh right," said Nick suddenly looking thoughtful. "I've never actually done a wedding before."
"Well you'd better start learning the lines," said the Chief slapping Nick on the back just as the pair came to the stern where several other crew members were busily preparing the Searanger, one of the 'Cutter's two smaller inflatable craft.
"Wouldn't hurt I guess," allowed Nick before turning to one of the other crewmembers. "Ben, is she ready?"
"Just about Skip," said Ben Van Der Grossen, the 'Cutter's First Mate.
"Good," said Nick. "The Profs want to take a trip over to Somerset Island. They've heard from Dr. Richardson at the Institute there might be a couple of pods over there so they want to take a look."
"Well the 'Ranger will get them there no problem," said Ben with a grin. "You going to Skip?"
"Nope, the Chief's got this one," said Nick as he glanced at his old friend who smiled broadly.
"Yup, be nice to get off the boat for a change," said the Chief cracking his fingers like a concert pianist. Ben and Nick now shared a look just as Marilyn and Horace emerged onto the deck both carrying camera bags.
"Are we ready Nick?" said Horace as Marilyn started to put her equipment on board.
"Yes Sir," said Nick. "Everything's set to go." At this Horace nodded then turned and hopped into the boat then the Chief followed suit before both helped Marilyn to climb in.
"We'll be back around four," said Harold to Nick who now gave a nod.
"Right Prof," he replied then turned to Ben who was at the winch controls. "Alright Ben, nice and slow."
"Aye Skip," said Ben with a nod and pulled the winch lever. At this the boat lowered into the water where the Chief started the engine and steered the 'Ranger out of Hamilton Harbor.
***
Across the harbor sat a small motor launch where a man called Osborne now lowered his binoculars and removed the headphones from the listening equipment before then turning to the man standing beside him. "Okay, let's go."
"Yes Sir," replied the man as he slowly pushed the throttle and steered out the launch out of the harbor and set of after the 'Ranger.
"Slowly now," growled Osborne. "We don't want them knowing we're here."
"Sorry Sir," said the pilot pulling the throttle back a bit while Osborne turned to four larger men sitting in the back of the boat.
"You know what to do?"
"Yeah, yeah," growled one of the men removing his cigar from his mouth. "We grab the two brains and knock out the other guy."
"And on no account is anyone to be hurt!" snapped Osborne. "Or my employer will not be happy."
"Hey, as long as we get our fifty K they won't have a scratch on them," snapped back the leader of the thugs.
"As long as we understand each other," said Osborne before turning his back on the foursome and grimacing slightly. Those guys sent shivers down his spine but the boss had told him to hire some experience muscle in this type of job and apparently these four were amongst the best. Still, the sooner they were paid off and gone the better Osborne would feel.
***
As the 'Ranger bounced along the waves the Dinkleys were sitting aft and watching the waves ahead with binoculars while the Chief manned the controls. He now happened to glance behind him and saw the launch in the distance. As he watched it a small frown crossed his face. The launch was closing awfully fast.a little fast for the liking of the Chief who now turned to his employers. "Eh Profs? We've got company!" The Dinkleys both turned and saw the launch bearing down on them rapidly.
"Oh my," said Horace. "They appear to be coming on us rather quickly!"
"Yeah, and something tell me they ain't friendly either boss," said the Chief as he threw the throttle forward. "Better get on the radio and tell the 'Cutter something's up!"
"Indeed," said Harold as he scrambled to the radio while Marilyn continued to watch the launch gaining on them.
"Eh, Chief."
"I know Ma'am," snapped Klatowski. "But this boat wasn't really built for speed!"
"I can't raise the 'Cutter!" called Harold grimly at which Klatowski cursed.
"They're jamming us!" he growled as he pushed the throttle as far as it would go. "Who ever these guys are they know what their doing!"
"But who would want us?" said Marilyn in a voice that had a definite tone of fear attached. The Chief now gave a grunt.
"No idea, but I don't intend to." However, before he could finish a loud bang filled the air and both he and the Dinkleys were thrown to the deck. The Chief quickly pulled himself up and swore loudly as he found himself looking at the blackened and scorched engine. "Not good!" growled the Chief suddenly wishing that he'd brought his 9mm with him on this trip but instead it was still locked in 'Cutter's small armory (The Dinkleys and Professor Granger hadn't particularly liked the idea but Robert Salter, the original Captain of the 'Cutter and a man that all of the Seacutter's crew had served with during their Military careers, had pointed out that although rare there were still such thing as pirates and other undesirables who would quite happily attack the 'Cutter if they could). He now turned to the Dinkleys with a grim smile. "Guess we get to see what they."
"Oh dear," said both the Dinkleys in unison.
***
"You know, for something that was pretty 'educationally' that was kinda fun," said Ethan as he slipped of his helmet having parked their hired scooter next to the Harbor Security Office.
"Yeah, it was," agreed Velma with a nod slipping off her own helmet before running her hand through her hair smoothing it down while Ethan now secured the scooter. Then, with that done he took Velma's hand and the pair made their way along the quayside with Velma making suggestions of what they could do the next day. Just then however Ethan stopped down causing Velma to almost loose her balance. "Ethan!" she protested but then saw the frown on his face and followed his gaze. At the foot of the Seacutter's gangplank was a white Land Rover with Police markings.
"What's going on?" said Ethan as the pair now started moving quickly towards the Seacutter's berth.
"I don't know," replied Velma trying to sound calm although she felt anything but. It was then she looked up to see Ben Van Der Grossen heading down the gangplank quickly with a grim expression look on his face.
"Thank god your back," said the First Mate. "There's been an incident."
"What do you mean?" said Velma suddenly feeling an icy ball in her stomach. "What's happened?" At this Ben grimaced before replying.
"You'd better come with me. The Skip and the Police are waiting for you in the Skipper's Office."
"Ben, what's going on?" said Ethan as the pair followed the First Mate who now gave a sigh and stopped before turning to face them.
"One of their patrol vessels discovered the 'Ranger adrift off Somerset Island. They found the Chief unconscious on board."
"What about my parents?" said Velma quietly and with a tone that Ethan had rarely heard from his girlfriend. One of fear and panic. At this Ben winced and glanced quickly at his feet before looking back up at the pair.
"They weren't aboard," said the First Mate grimly as they reached the door to Nick Martz's Office. Ben quickly knocked and then opened the door stepping aside to let Velma and Ethan step into the small office. Nick Martz, who'd been sitting on the edge of his desk now rose while two other men, one white and one dark, both dressed in blue shirts and black tie with black knee length Bermuda shorts and black sock all rose to their feet.
"Velma," said Nick taking two steps across to her, a worried frown on his face. "We've been trying to get hold of you."
"My..my phone's battery ran down," said Velma swallowing hard. Ethan now quickly put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. "What's happened?" At this Nick took a deep breath and turned to the two men.
"This is Dr. Velma Dinkley, the Professors daughter and Mr. Ethan Dace," he said in introduction before turning back to Velma. "These gentlemen are Chief Inspector Henderson and Sergeant Carson of the Bermudan Police Service." At this the white man who Ethan guessed was the senior of the pair now took a step forward.
"Dr. Dinkley, I'm sorry to tell you this but one of our patrols responded to reports of a boat adrift of Somerset Island. The sole occupant, Charles Klatowski was unconscious and had two small burn marks consistent with those of a stun gun on his chest."
"Is he okay?" asked Ethan slowly while Velma looked down at the floor.
"He's in his cabin," replied Nick. "Greg's checked him over but he doesn't think there's any permanent damage. But the Chief's pretty mad with himself for letting it all happen."
"What about my parents?" said Velma trying to sound calm and to a certain degree succeeding as she sat down in the last free chair while Ethan stood behind her. At this the two Policemen shared a look before Chief Inspector Henderson spoke again.
"To be total honest we haven't got much. Apart from Chief Klatowski the only other thing we found aboard the boat was this." He now handed Velma a piece of paper on which were written three sets of digits, two sets of four numbers and one of five.
"Does it mean anything to you Ma'am."
"No," said Velma quietly looking up from the paper. "No it doesn't." Ethan now glanced over her shoulder down at the two sets of digits but like Velma they didn't mean anything to him either. The Chief Inspector nodded slowly as Velma handed the paper back to him. "Could you think of any enemies that you parents have?"
"Enemies?" growled Nick. "For crying out loud Inspector, their marine biologists! Their biggest enemies are usually other scientists trying to prove their theories first!"
"I see," said the Chief Inspector pulling a hand through his thinning black hair. "Alright, if we get any leads we'll let you know."
"We'd appreciate that, thank you," said Ethan with a nod as the two Policemen rose from their seats.
"I'll see you to you car gentlemen," said Nick and with that the three men left the room leaving Ethan and a still stunned Velma. Ethan now knelt down in front of her, a concerned frown on his face. "Vel, you Okay?"
"Yeah, just give me a minute," said Velma softly before looking up. "Why would someone want to kidnap my parents? I mean, sure their famous but we're not exactly rich."
"I don't know," admitted Ethan rubbing his neck. "Do they have any enemies?"
"Well, they've annoyed some oil companies in their time," said Velma rising to her feet as she started to pace. "But I doubt they'd try anything like this."
"Yeah, that would be pretty dumb," agreed Ethan just as Nick walked back into the room.
"Those guys mean well but I think their over their heads with this one," said the Seacutter's Captain with a sigh as he closed his office door before turning to Velma. "How you doing lass?"
"I'll be Okay Nick," said Velma with a reassuring smile. "How is the Chief doing?"
"Let's just say I wouldn't want to be in the other guy's shoes when the Chief gets hold of him," said Nick with a grunt. "So, come up with any ideas who might have grabbed your folks?"
"No," admitted Velma with a sigh. "I can think of people they've annoyed but not to the extent."
"Vel, that's it!" said Ethan shooting to his feet. "You parents might not have any enemies but you've made plenty!"
"Damn it all, Ethan's right!" growled Nick while Velma paled slightly.
"Jinkies," she murmured softly. "That's a long list. But why take my parents?"
"Bait," said Nick at which Velma nodded before the Skipper continued. "Whoever did this knew you wouldn't just sit by and let the Police deal with it. They want you to find them!"
"That piece of paper must have been a clue," said Ethan. "The kidnappers must have left it behind deliberately."
"Nick, have you got a local chart handy?" said Velma turning to Nick who immediately turned and grabbed a rolled map out of the rack behind him then crossed over his desk with Velma and Ethan. The Captain now unrolled the map and with help from Ethan weighed down the corners while Velma recalled the numbers that had been on the piece of paper the Police had found and scribbled them on a notepad. "Okay, two sets of numbers. Two with four digits and one of five."
"Well, I would say the two sets of four digit ones are co-ordinates," said Nick. "Only thing if these are co-ordinates I can't work them out."
"That doesn't make sense," said Ethan. Velma however looked at her notepad thoughtfully then suddenly looked up sharply.
"They reversed!" she stated triumphantly handing the pad to Nick who looked at it and allowed a small grin to cross his face.
"Your right, and these co-ordinates would put them about.here. One hundred and fifty miles north of here." Nick now looked up slowly. "There's an old abandoned exploration rig there from when they though there was oil or gas there. There wasn't any there, or at least none worth trying to extract but the rig's still there."
"That may be where my parents are then," said Velma softly looking at the map.
"Okay, so what about the other?" enquired Ethan. "What does that mean?"
"I'm not sure admitted Velma frowning at the pad.
"Well we can try and work that out on the way," said Nick. "I'll go and get us under way."
"No Nick, not yet. If we're going to do this we're going to need help," said the youngest member of Mystery Inc. "Can you tell the radio room I need to make a ship to shore call to Coolville." At this the Seacutter's Captain smiled broadly and nodded.
"I'll get right on it," he said leaving Velma and Ethan alone. Ethan now wrapped an arm around Velma and kissed the top of her head as she leaned into him.
"You Okay?" he asked softly.
"I am now," said Velma looking up with a small smile. "Now that we're doing something." Ethan now gave a broad grin.
"Don't worry Vel, now Mystery Inc. are on the case, nothing going to stop you."
"I hope your right," replied Velma softly. At this Ethan moved so he could look her straight in the eye.
"I know I'm right," he said before bending down to give her a brief kiss. "Come on, let's go and call the Cavalry."
"Right," said Velma feeling her confidence flooding back. Whoever had kidnapped her folks was about to find out no-one messed with Mystery Inc. and got away with it.
By Andy Fuller
This Story was inspired by Littlesoprano's 'Journey of Self Discovery' & 'Their First Christmas'
Thanks to Vicky, Ben G, Joe and Sandy for the Beta
Please note I'm British so take that into account with some of the spellings
Note: - Okay, you've been a patient bunch but you're thinking when is the damn touch paper gonna get lit. Well stand back because I'm about to light it and hopefully it won't be a damp squid! Also, I've never actually been to Bermuda (although I wouldn't mind going there) so I've used the Bermudan's Tourist Board Website for the story.
Chapter 5 - First Signs of Danger
"Now that feels good," said Ethan as he stepped off the gangplank and onto the quayside beside Velma who turned to him with a curious expression.
"What's that?" she asked as she slipped her cap onto her head.
"Solid ground," replied Ethan as he donned his own hat. Hats weren't usually in either of the pair's dress code but when under a blazing sun people tend to make exceptions. Velma now grinned and nodded and Ethan's comment.
"Yeah, I know what you mean" she said looking up at him. "I mean, I love being on the water and all but it is good to be on land again."
"Uh-huh," said Ethan as he put his arm around Velma's shoulder. "So anyway, what's to do round here?"
"Plenty," said Velma with a broad smile as she switched the picnic basket she was carrying to her left hand before reaching around with her now free right hand and pulled a tour guide from her back pocket. At this Ethan grinned and shook his head.
"You were a girl guide weren't you?" he chirped with a grin at which Velma grinned back.
"How did you guess?" she enquired mischievously as the pair continued walking along the quayside. "Okay now, according to this the Island's got a lot of old forts to look at, a couple of museums, the botanical gardens, the Crystal Caves or if we wanted to we could play a game of golf!" At this the couple exchanged a look.
"Nah!" they both said together sharing a broad grin.
"So how about one of those Forts?" said Ethan with a shrug. "They sound like they might be worth a look."
"Okay," agreed Velma flipping to the appropriate page.
"You never know, we might find a ghost or two," added Ethan somehow managing to keep a straight face. At this Velma looked up at him before both began to laugh.
"I hope not," said Velma after she and Ethan had finally calmed down. "I'm on Holiday. But then again, if we do find one I've got my boyfriend to defend me."
"What are you talking about," grinned Ethan. "I'll be leading the charge out of there!" At this the pair began to laugh again before Velma turned back to the book.
"Right, we've got Fort Hamilton, Fort St. Catherine, Ferry Island Fort, Gates Fort."
"Ferry Island sounds good," said Ethan as the pair made their way out the harbor gates and into the bustling streets of Hamilton. "So how do we get there?"
"Well you can't hire cars here," replied Velma looking up from the book. "But how about a scooter" At this Ethan grinned broadly.
"Sounds good," he said with a grin as memories of the dune bike ride on Spooky Island that he, Velma and the other members of Mystery Inc. and Mary- Jane had gone on came back to him. "Besides, you look cute in a crash helmet!" At this Velma raised an eyebrow while a curious expression crossed her face.
"I don't know if that's a compliment or not," she said, a small smile crossing her face as Ethan chuckled.
"Oh, it was a compliment."
"Good," said Velma. "Otherwise you'd have been in trouble. Anyway, come on, let's find a hire shop."
"You've got the map," said Ethan and was immediately hit with said map by his smiling girlfriend.
"Less of the sarcasm Mister," she growled with mock menace. "That's my job!"
"And you do it so well," said Ethan and managed to duck a second swing. "But you can be a rotten shot at times!" he added with a grin. Velma now rolled her eyes and shoved the book into her pocket before taking Ethan's hand off her shoulder and grasping it in hers.
"Let's just go and get a scooter Okay?"
"Yes Ma'am," replied Ethan and grinned as Velma let out a mock sigh of exasperation before pulling him down the road to where the book said they could find the required shop.
***
As they watched the young couple disappear Nick Martz and Chief Klatowski exchanged a glance before turning and making their way towards the stern.
"Ah, to be young and in love," said the Chief with a wry smile.
"Yep," agreed Nick. "So how long do you think?"
"A year, two tops," said the Chief before turning to his old friend with a grin. "I wonder if they'll have the ceremony here?"
"What, Bermuda? Not a bad place to have it," said Nick not quite grasping what the Chief was saying.
"No, I mean here, as in here on the 'Cutter."
"Oh right," said Nick suddenly looking thoughtful. "I've never actually done a wedding before."
"Well you'd better start learning the lines," said the Chief slapping Nick on the back just as the pair came to the stern where several other crew members were busily preparing the Searanger, one of the 'Cutter's two smaller inflatable craft.
"Wouldn't hurt I guess," allowed Nick before turning to one of the other crewmembers. "Ben, is she ready?"
"Just about Skip," said Ben Van Der Grossen, the 'Cutter's First Mate.
"Good," said Nick. "The Profs want to take a trip over to Somerset Island. They've heard from Dr. Richardson at the Institute there might be a couple of pods over there so they want to take a look."
"Well the 'Ranger will get them there no problem," said Ben with a grin. "You going to Skip?"
"Nope, the Chief's got this one," said Nick as he glanced at his old friend who smiled broadly.
"Yup, be nice to get off the boat for a change," said the Chief cracking his fingers like a concert pianist. Ben and Nick now shared a look just as Marilyn and Horace emerged onto the deck both carrying camera bags.
"Are we ready Nick?" said Horace as Marilyn started to put her equipment on board.
"Yes Sir," said Nick. "Everything's set to go." At this Horace nodded then turned and hopped into the boat then the Chief followed suit before both helped Marilyn to climb in.
"We'll be back around four," said Harold to Nick who now gave a nod.
"Right Prof," he replied then turned to Ben who was at the winch controls. "Alright Ben, nice and slow."
"Aye Skip," said Ben with a nod and pulled the winch lever. At this the boat lowered into the water where the Chief started the engine and steered the 'Ranger out of Hamilton Harbor.
***
Across the harbor sat a small motor launch where a man called Osborne now lowered his binoculars and removed the headphones from the listening equipment before then turning to the man standing beside him. "Okay, let's go."
"Yes Sir," replied the man as he slowly pushed the throttle and steered out the launch out of the harbor and set of after the 'Ranger.
"Slowly now," growled Osborne. "We don't want them knowing we're here."
"Sorry Sir," said the pilot pulling the throttle back a bit while Osborne turned to four larger men sitting in the back of the boat.
"You know what to do?"
"Yeah, yeah," growled one of the men removing his cigar from his mouth. "We grab the two brains and knock out the other guy."
"And on no account is anyone to be hurt!" snapped Osborne. "Or my employer will not be happy."
"Hey, as long as we get our fifty K they won't have a scratch on them," snapped back the leader of the thugs.
"As long as we understand each other," said Osborne before turning his back on the foursome and grimacing slightly. Those guys sent shivers down his spine but the boss had told him to hire some experience muscle in this type of job and apparently these four were amongst the best. Still, the sooner they were paid off and gone the better Osborne would feel.
***
As the 'Ranger bounced along the waves the Dinkleys were sitting aft and watching the waves ahead with binoculars while the Chief manned the controls. He now happened to glance behind him and saw the launch in the distance. As he watched it a small frown crossed his face. The launch was closing awfully fast.a little fast for the liking of the Chief who now turned to his employers. "Eh Profs? We've got company!" The Dinkleys both turned and saw the launch bearing down on them rapidly.
"Oh my," said Horace. "They appear to be coming on us rather quickly!"
"Yeah, and something tell me they ain't friendly either boss," said the Chief as he threw the throttle forward. "Better get on the radio and tell the 'Cutter something's up!"
"Indeed," said Harold as he scrambled to the radio while Marilyn continued to watch the launch gaining on them.
"Eh, Chief."
"I know Ma'am," snapped Klatowski. "But this boat wasn't really built for speed!"
"I can't raise the 'Cutter!" called Harold grimly at which Klatowski cursed.
"They're jamming us!" he growled as he pushed the throttle as far as it would go. "Who ever these guys are they know what their doing!"
"But who would want us?" said Marilyn in a voice that had a definite tone of fear attached. The Chief now gave a grunt.
"No idea, but I don't intend to." However, before he could finish a loud bang filled the air and both he and the Dinkleys were thrown to the deck. The Chief quickly pulled himself up and swore loudly as he found himself looking at the blackened and scorched engine. "Not good!" growled the Chief suddenly wishing that he'd brought his 9mm with him on this trip but instead it was still locked in 'Cutter's small armory (The Dinkleys and Professor Granger hadn't particularly liked the idea but Robert Salter, the original Captain of the 'Cutter and a man that all of the Seacutter's crew had served with during their Military careers, had pointed out that although rare there were still such thing as pirates and other undesirables who would quite happily attack the 'Cutter if they could). He now turned to the Dinkleys with a grim smile. "Guess we get to see what they."
"Oh dear," said both the Dinkleys in unison.
***
"You know, for something that was pretty 'educationally' that was kinda fun," said Ethan as he slipped of his helmet having parked their hired scooter next to the Harbor Security Office.
"Yeah, it was," agreed Velma with a nod slipping off her own helmet before running her hand through her hair smoothing it down while Ethan now secured the scooter. Then, with that done he took Velma's hand and the pair made their way along the quayside with Velma making suggestions of what they could do the next day. Just then however Ethan stopped down causing Velma to almost loose her balance. "Ethan!" she protested but then saw the frown on his face and followed his gaze. At the foot of the Seacutter's gangplank was a white Land Rover with Police markings.
"What's going on?" said Ethan as the pair now started moving quickly towards the Seacutter's berth.
"I don't know," replied Velma trying to sound calm although she felt anything but. It was then she looked up to see Ben Van Der Grossen heading down the gangplank quickly with a grim expression look on his face.
"Thank god your back," said the First Mate. "There's been an incident."
"What do you mean?" said Velma suddenly feeling an icy ball in her stomach. "What's happened?" At this Ben grimaced before replying.
"You'd better come with me. The Skip and the Police are waiting for you in the Skipper's Office."
"Ben, what's going on?" said Ethan as the pair followed the First Mate who now gave a sigh and stopped before turning to face them.
"One of their patrol vessels discovered the 'Ranger adrift off Somerset Island. They found the Chief unconscious on board."
"What about my parents?" said Velma quietly and with a tone that Ethan had rarely heard from his girlfriend. One of fear and panic. At this Ben winced and glanced quickly at his feet before looking back up at the pair.
"They weren't aboard," said the First Mate grimly as they reached the door to Nick Martz's Office. Ben quickly knocked and then opened the door stepping aside to let Velma and Ethan step into the small office. Nick Martz, who'd been sitting on the edge of his desk now rose while two other men, one white and one dark, both dressed in blue shirts and black tie with black knee length Bermuda shorts and black sock all rose to their feet.
"Velma," said Nick taking two steps across to her, a worried frown on his face. "We've been trying to get hold of you."
"My..my phone's battery ran down," said Velma swallowing hard. Ethan now quickly put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. "What's happened?" At this Nick took a deep breath and turned to the two men.
"This is Dr. Velma Dinkley, the Professors daughter and Mr. Ethan Dace," he said in introduction before turning back to Velma. "These gentlemen are Chief Inspector Henderson and Sergeant Carson of the Bermudan Police Service." At this the white man who Ethan guessed was the senior of the pair now took a step forward.
"Dr. Dinkley, I'm sorry to tell you this but one of our patrols responded to reports of a boat adrift of Somerset Island. The sole occupant, Charles Klatowski was unconscious and had two small burn marks consistent with those of a stun gun on his chest."
"Is he okay?" asked Ethan slowly while Velma looked down at the floor.
"He's in his cabin," replied Nick. "Greg's checked him over but he doesn't think there's any permanent damage. But the Chief's pretty mad with himself for letting it all happen."
"What about my parents?" said Velma trying to sound calm and to a certain degree succeeding as she sat down in the last free chair while Ethan stood behind her. At this the two Policemen shared a look before Chief Inspector Henderson spoke again.
"To be total honest we haven't got much. Apart from Chief Klatowski the only other thing we found aboard the boat was this." He now handed Velma a piece of paper on which were written three sets of digits, two sets of four numbers and one of five.
"Does it mean anything to you Ma'am."
"No," said Velma quietly looking up from the paper. "No it doesn't." Ethan now glanced over her shoulder down at the two sets of digits but like Velma they didn't mean anything to him either. The Chief Inspector nodded slowly as Velma handed the paper back to him. "Could you think of any enemies that you parents have?"
"Enemies?" growled Nick. "For crying out loud Inspector, their marine biologists! Their biggest enemies are usually other scientists trying to prove their theories first!"
"I see," said the Chief Inspector pulling a hand through his thinning black hair. "Alright, if we get any leads we'll let you know."
"We'd appreciate that, thank you," said Ethan with a nod as the two Policemen rose from their seats.
"I'll see you to you car gentlemen," said Nick and with that the three men left the room leaving Ethan and a still stunned Velma. Ethan now knelt down in front of her, a concerned frown on his face. "Vel, you Okay?"
"Yeah, just give me a minute," said Velma softly before looking up. "Why would someone want to kidnap my parents? I mean, sure their famous but we're not exactly rich."
"I don't know," admitted Ethan rubbing his neck. "Do they have any enemies?"
"Well, they've annoyed some oil companies in their time," said Velma rising to her feet as she started to pace. "But I doubt they'd try anything like this."
"Yeah, that would be pretty dumb," agreed Ethan just as Nick walked back into the room.
"Those guys mean well but I think their over their heads with this one," said the Seacutter's Captain with a sigh as he closed his office door before turning to Velma. "How you doing lass?"
"I'll be Okay Nick," said Velma with a reassuring smile. "How is the Chief doing?"
"Let's just say I wouldn't want to be in the other guy's shoes when the Chief gets hold of him," said Nick with a grunt. "So, come up with any ideas who might have grabbed your folks?"
"No," admitted Velma with a sigh. "I can think of people they've annoyed but not to the extent."
"Vel, that's it!" said Ethan shooting to his feet. "You parents might not have any enemies but you've made plenty!"
"Damn it all, Ethan's right!" growled Nick while Velma paled slightly.
"Jinkies," she murmured softly. "That's a long list. But why take my parents?"
"Bait," said Nick at which Velma nodded before the Skipper continued. "Whoever did this knew you wouldn't just sit by and let the Police deal with it. They want you to find them!"
"That piece of paper must have been a clue," said Ethan. "The kidnappers must have left it behind deliberately."
"Nick, have you got a local chart handy?" said Velma turning to Nick who immediately turned and grabbed a rolled map out of the rack behind him then crossed over his desk with Velma and Ethan. The Captain now unrolled the map and with help from Ethan weighed down the corners while Velma recalled the numbers that had been on the piece of paper the Police had found and scribbled them on a notepad. "Okay, two sets of numbers. Two with four digits and one of five."
"Well, I would say the two sets of four digit ones are co-ordinates," said Nick. "Only thing if these are co-ordinates I can't work them out."
"That doesn't make sense," said Ethan. Velma however looked at her notepad thoughtfully then suddenly looked up sharply.
"They reversed!" she stated triumphantly handing the pad to Nick who looked at it and allowed a small grin to cross his face.
"Your right, and these co-ordinates would put them about.here. One hundred and fifty miles north of here." Nick now looked up slowly. "There's an old abandoned exploration rig there from when they though there was oil or gas there. There wasn't any there, or at least none worth trying to extract but the rig's still there."
"That may be where my parents are then," said Velma softly looking at the map.
"Okay, so what about the other?" enquired Ethan. "What does that mean?"
"I'm not sure admitted Velma frowning at the pad.
"Well we can try and work that out on the way," said Nick. "I'll go and get us under way."
"No Nick, not yet. If we're going to do this we're going to need help," said the youngest member of Mystery Inc. "Can you tell the radio room I need to make a ship to shore call to Coolville." At this the Seacutter's Captain smiled broadly and nodded.
"I'll get right on it," he said leaving Velma and Ethan alone. Ethan now wrapped an arm around Velma and kissed the top of her head as she leaned into him.
"You Okay?" he asked softly.
"I am now," said Velma looking up with a small smile. "Now that we're doing something." Ethan now gave a broad grin.
"Don't worry Vel, now Mystery Inc. are on the case, nothing going to stop you."
"I hope your right," replied Velma softly. At this Ethan moved so he could look her straight in the eye.
"I know I'm right," he said before bending down to give her a brief kiss. "Come on, let's go and call the Cavalry."
"Right," said Velma feeling her confidence flooding back. Whoever had kidnapped her folks was about to find out no-one messed with Mystery Inc. and got away with it.