CHAPTER FOUR- Home Again

They arrived back at Andy's house. "All right, boys. It's time to get to work.", he said, exiting the vehicle.

Andy took a remote control out of his pocket. He pushed one button, and his two vehicles lowered back beneath the garage floor. He pushed another, and part of the back wall lifted up, revealing a doorway.

"Come with me.", Andy said, entering the door. "You are about to enter my secret command center.", he said, as they descende a staircase into the underground.

At the end of the stairs was another door. This one had a keypad next to it. Andy entered some numbers, and the door opened on its own.

"Wow.", said Bentley, stepping into the darkened room. The walls were covered with monitors, maps, and flashing electronic lights. "Impressive.", Sly concurred.

Andy's associate Chris was already in the room when they arrived. "Let's get down to business.", Andy said. "Relax.", said the hedgehog. "I've already come up with plans for your little mission."

"The last time I followed one of your plans, I was nearly roasted alive! And I came home empty-handed. Sorry, pal.", Andy said.

"Come on Andy. Give me one more chance.", begged the hedgehog. "At least give the plans a look." "OK.", Andy said. Chris handed him a file folder.

Andy skimmed through the pages. "Not bad.", he said. "I'm impressed. What say you Cooper?", he said, passing the folder to Sly. "Pretty good.", said Sly, handing it to Bentley.

"This is crap!!", Bentley said, almost expectedly. "Like I care what you think.", Chris snarled. "OK.", said Andy. "We'll follow your plan, but if it fails, you'd better look for a new job."

"This plan is destined to fail.", said Bentley. "You guys are crazy!!" "I've had about enough of your complaining." Sly said, shaking his cane at the turtle. "We're following this plan."

"Yeah.", Tony said to Bentley. "So quit your bitching." "Well, don't come crying to me when you fall flat.", said the turtle.

"OK. That settles that.", Andy said, exiting the secret room. Sly and company followed. Andy flopped down on the living room couch and removed his shoes. He then clicked on the television. Jake headed to his room, and Tony took a seat at the computer. Chris was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, what happened to the hedgehog?", Sly asked. "God only knows.", Andy said. "He comes and goes as he pleases."

Bentley had seized the TV remote as the two raccoons chatted. "Give me that, you queer.", Andy said, snatching it back. "Don't you have any manners?", he asked of the turtle.

"So, do you have any plans on marrying this Sandra girl?", Sly asked, as Andy flipped through the channels.

"Yes.", Andy responded. "But we've both agreed to have a few more years of fun before settling down." "I see.", Sly said. "So, Sly," Andy said. "Is there a special little someone in your life?", he asked. "Yes, but," Sly answered. "But what?" "She's a cop.", Sly responded.

"A cop?", asked a puzzled Andy. "Yes." "Why would you go with a police? Why not get yourself a woman who doesn't have the power to arrest you?"

"I'm convinced Carmelita's the one.", Cooper replied. "Whatever floats your boat, dude.", Andy said. "I just don't think it's wise to be running with cops."

"Ah. Enough of this bullcrap!", Andy exclaimed, having scanned through all 300 channels. "I'm turning in.", he said, throwing down the remote.

"Sly, you can have the guest bedroom.", Andy said, pointing to a door at the other end of the house. "These two fools can sleep out here." "Thank you so much.", Bentley said sarcastically. "You're lucky he doesn't make you sleep outside.", said Sly.

"See you in the morning.", said Sly. "Good night.", Andy said. He entered his bedroom and locked the door behind him, just as a precaution. The raccoon removed his outer garments and then climbed into bed. It's been one hell of a day, Andy thought as he closed his eyes.