AS2.06: Paper Caper by Star24

Disclaimer: Dark Angel and its characters are property and copyright Twentieth Century Fox and James Cameron and Charles Eglee. This original story is copyright 2003 Star24.

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Chapter Fifteen

Fogle Towers

Logan looked thoughtful for a few minutes after he spoke to Max. He walked over to his shelves and pulled out an old photograph album and flipped through the pages. He stared down at several pictures for a few moments and then closed the book. 

He flipped open his cell phone and punched in a number, then waited for an answer.

"Mark? This is Logan Cale." He listened. "I need to speak to you and Janine…No, it's important. It concerns the two of you and it concerns your daughter." He waited, "That will be fine. See you then."

Logan hung up the phone and replaced the photo album back on the shelf. He sat down in front of his computer and started to pull up the software he used to make his cable hacks. After a moment he closed it down and looked at his watch. Smiling to himself, he rose and headed to his kitchen and began to pull out his cooking utensils.

Seattle, A street corner several hours later

Max had been thinking hard about Sketchy's dilemma as she made her delivery rounds and an answer to his problem had suddenly occurred to her. She pulled her bike to the side of the street and flipped open her cell phone. She waited impatiently for a moment and then smiled as she heard Logan's voice on the other end.

"Logan, it's me."

"What's up?" he asked.

"I need to ask you a favor. Can I drop this stuff off now, instead of waiting until tonight?"

"I'm in no position to say no to doing you a favor. Not that I would anyway." She could hear the smile in his voice.

Max climbed back onto her bike and pedaled in the direction of Fogle Towers. "I'm in kind of a rush, so can I tell you what I need now? Then I'll just drop the stuff with you and come back later for…well you know."

"I'm all ears…"

Jam Pony, End of day

"Where the heck is Sketchy?" Max fidgeted impatiently at her locker while Original Cindy watched with a puzzled look on her face.

"Fool is probably out drowning his sorrows." Cindy offered. "Why are you so concerned all of a sudden?"

Max shrugged. "I'm not. I'm just curious is all. He's usually the first one back from his runs and out of here, end of the day."

Cindy frowned and was about to press Max further, when she heard Normal calling out.

"You. Slacker. Over here."

Max turned with a small smile on her face when she heard Sketchy reply.

"C'mon Normal. Gimme a break. It's two minutes to six."

Normal was holding a package out to Sketchy. "Tough. Get yourself over here."

Sketchy sighed and walked slowly to the cage, reaching out for the package Normal was holding.

"Uh, uh, uh. This is gonna require a signature." Normal pulled it back out of reach.

"Uh, Normal we give you the signatures after we deliver the packages." Sketchy pointed out.

Normal shoved the package under Sketchy's nose. "You think I don't know that? Who do you think made that rule? Now sign it, line 24. I'm going to miss Cops if you delay me any more."

Sketchy stared at the package and then slowly took the pen Normal was holding out and scribbled on the clipboard. He turned from the cage. Instead of heading out with the package, he walked in the direction of Max and Original Cindy.

"What was that about?" Cindy demanded when he reached them. Max remained silent.

Sketchy frowned as he sat down heavily on the bench. "Dunno. Someone sent me something." He placed the package down next to him.

"So open it, fool."

Sketchy just looked dully at her. Original Cindy grew impatient and picked it up, ripping open the pull-tab and sliding a sheaf of papers out of the package. Her eyes widened as she read the first page.

"Boo, I think you need to be reading this." She placed the page in Sketchy's hand.

He stared down at it for a moment and then slowly a look of relief and amazement spread across his face.

"Man, oh man…"

Max finally spoke, "Would one of you two like to enlighten me?"

Original Cindy just shot her a look and waited for Sketchy to reply.

"I am saved. I am golden. I am the man." Sketchy was smiling now from ear to ear. "Seems that somehow Eyes Only heard about my work on the Russian mob and was impressed."

"And?" Max asked.

"He's sent me complete information on a breaking investigation that he's just completed. Along with permission to print it in two days. That's when he's going to be doing a cable hack exposing this major art theft ring that's been operating right here in Seattle. The paper will love it. It's got sex and money and corruption, all at the highest levels of Seattle society. Forget the Russian gamblers. They're small potatoes. This is monstrous." Sketchy was practically dancing in his excitement.

Original Cindy met Max's eyes. "Funny how he found about you, boo. Seems the man has eyes everywhere," she said to Sketchy. "Ain't it funny, Max?"

Max shrugged. "I guess that's why they call him Eyes Only."

"Guess so." The two girls smiled at each other in complete understanding.

"Damn. I gotta blaze or I'm never gonna make it to Logan's by seven thirty." Max slammed her locker closed. She walked over and gave Sketchy a brief hug. "I'm glad it worked out for you, even if you are an idiot most of the time."

"Thanks, Max." Sketchy hugged her back.

Cindy looked at Max. "Should I be waitin' up for you tonight?"

Max smiled smugly. "Somehow I wouldn't advise that."

Cindy nodded. "Mm hm. What I thought. Gimme a hug."

Max complied.

"Now get. Your boy is waitin' on you. And wear the white lace…"

Max was already out the door by the time Cindy finished her sentence. Original Cindy turned to Sketchy, "Come on, fool. Original Cindy is gonna buy you a drink. We got a few things to celebrate tonight."

End of Chapter Fifteen