Jes: we're back,. and kicking!
Greebo: few small points:This chapter is broken up into three parts,
Jes: each labeled with the emotion that memories provoke the given character.
Greebo: Disclaimer: Although we do not own any KND characteres, Jerry IS ours, from the depts of her mind...
Chapter Two: The Detective, the Reporter, and the Teacher.

Anger

Silence crept over the empty police office. The lights were off, and every thinkg was still, except for a one lone person, trying to cram in his last bit of work before the long weekend. Hunched over his computer sat Wallabe Beatles. He hadn't moved much for several hours, barely blinking, sipping his coffee every few minutes. He hadn't even noticed when it went cold long ago. He was completely engrossed by the work before him, not even noticing as another man walked up behind him. Skirt-lifting Jerry Flint, Wallabe's long time detective partner and best friend, leaned slightly against the flimsy wall of the tiny cube.
Wally, you really gotta lay off it sometime, you know. Jerry said, sighing as his partner took another sip of hardening coffee. Wally didn't even look up, but grunted at his partner.
I got this one Jerry. It's on the tip of my fingers, I can feel it. Wally said, as he held up his fingers as if to show.
Jerry chuckled. You never give up, do you? He asked. Wally swung around in his chair to face him, looking him in the eye. He stared Jerry down for a second, then sighed.
I gotta get this one, Jerry. Sam's gonna close this case monday if I don't figure it out. That'll be my third closed case in a row. And you know what happens then. Jerry kicked the air. Wally nodded. Yeah, I get kicked out, lose my job. Now you don't want that to happen to your old partner, do you?You got a point. Jerry agreed. But we've been through the file hundreds of times. Nothing's changed, man. The man's gonna stay dead. The fact's are gonna be the the same everytime you look at it. Jerry reached over and shut off the computer, to Wally's loud protest. Jerry ignored him. Cummon, let's go out and get some real coffee. We can take the paper file with us if you want, but if you're gonna work all night, you might as well do it somewhere with atmosphere. He grinned down at his partner, who sighed, standing up.
Okay Jerry. But you're paying. Wally warned, as he reached for his coat.
Atmosphere ended up being a diner down a few blocks, by the name of The Early Bird. It had dingy lights, and even worse food. The prices were changed each day according to the owner's mood, and costumers had to make sure they didn't sit still for too long, or they might stick to their seat. It was never cheerful, but always open.
Jerry flirted with their waitress, a thin blond, and Wally pulled out the file to look over again. Minutes later, he had another cup of coffee in his hand, and was trying to read and listen to Jerry talk at the same time.
Cummon buddy, Jerry said, when he realized Wally obviously wasn't listening to his blond joke, Put that down, would you? Whoever killed the guy, killed him, but that file isn't going to change, even with you reading it all the time. Jerry said, sighing as he pushed down the file. Wally reluctantly put it aside and faced his partner.
I just don't get it, Jerry. I know someone killed him, but there's no motive. He didn't cheat on his wife, he paid all of his bills on time, he didn't do drugs or charge, he never pissed anyone off. He was a clean man. so why is he dead? Wally sifted the pictures out of the file, shuffling though them.
Jerry sighed. We already checked out everything man, let it go for now. You've done everything you can. I don't want to see you go, but there's nothing left.We talked to all three witness', Wally went on, ignoring his partner and still flipping, We checked the scene over and over again, we talked to everyone who knew him, but nothing. Not a trace of anything wrong.So maybe he killed himself. Jerry said, taking the pictures from Wally, Or it was a mugging, like the department thinks. I mean, you heard what the wife said. He was rich, and he sometimes liked to show off. Plus, he was missing all his rings and his wallet. He was just lucky to die with a family member nearby. Jerry sipped his coffee, spreading the pictures out on the table.
Yeah, lucky the sister-in-law was shopping with him that day. Wally pointed at the picture of the sister-in-law. Jerry picked it up, studying.
She kinda looks like our waitress. he compared, then breathed through his teeth. Damn fine is the only word for it. as if on cue, the waitress walked towards them.
How's your coffee boys? she asked.
Good, thank you. Wally said and rolled his eyes as he saw Jerry grin.
It's as good as you are lovely. Jerry replied, looking her up and down, making her blush. He took this as persmission to move on, grinning wider, and grabbing her hand. He made like to kiss it, when his face momentarily fell. He paused, but recovered nicely, brushing her hand with his lips, and smiling nicely as she walked away. He looked slightly mournfuly at her short skirt as she walked off.
Wally stared at him in disbelief. He asked, was that? Jerry shrugged. He picked up the picture of the sister-in-law again, waving it at Wally.
Like our deceased friend's sister-in-law, this lovely lady was married. he put it down, pointing to a ring on the girl's hand in the picture, then to the waitress. I felt the ring when I grabbed her hand. Somewhat disheartened, he slumped in his seat. Wally covered his eyes, laughing at his friend's misfortune, when he stopped dead. He sat suddenly up, instantly removing his hands. He sat frozen with a look of bewilderment.
he asked, leaning in towards the picture. Jerry nodded.
All the good one's are, he said, but Wally cut him off.
No, I meant the Sister-in-law. When we were questioning her the other day, she made sure that we both knew she was single. Unmarried. Jerry grinned again.
he laughed, They sure do like to tell us that, don't they buddy? Then he got it. Jerry sat up straight like a lightning bolt.
Wally nodded. Exactly what I was thinking. If she's not married, then where, he pointed to the picture, did she get this ring? What day was this picture taken? Wally felt his blood start to pump again.
The day of the murder. That's why she looks so sad. Jerry said, as he checked the date.
Do we have another picture of her, since then? Wally asked. Jerry riffled through the file, as Wally took out the will and reread it.
Jerry nodded. Yup. Here's the picture you took the day we interviewed her, three days later. And guess what? Wally looked up. Jerry was pointing to her left hand. No ring. That other one was a diamond one too.Says here that he left all his money to his wife, his brother, and his sister-in-law.Jerry why didn't we see this before?I dunno. But this is the break we need. If we go interview her now, then we might break through on this case! They both shot up, and gathered the papers. After hurriedly paying their bill, they rushed out and into their car, racing towards the woman's house.
Twenty minutes and two run-red lights later, they arrived. The lights were out and the cold silent house loomed over them. Looking at each other, they silently decided that this wasn't a problem. Ringing the doorbell, they waited outside until the door opened slightly. A pair of small green eyes peered out at the partners.
What do you want? asked the pair of eyes. Wally stepped in front of his partner, flashing his badge.
Detectives Beatles and Flint. We just had a few more questions we forgot to ask you, Miss Hitch. he said.
One second she said, closing the door, and reopening it wider. she said, ushering them in. They stepped in as she opened the door enough. What do you want to know at this ungodly hour in the morning?First off, Wally said, cunsulting a pad of paper, We needed to ask you if you knew when your sister and her husband where married? Jerry raised an eyebrow, but Wally winked at him.
Umm..i can't remember the year. Ms. Hitch said, thinking. Oh, but I know it was June 19th though. Why?We couldn't find this information in our files. What were you wearing the day of the mugging? Wally asked. He thought noticed her mouth twitch in a faint smile as he said mugging', but disregarded it as wishful thinking.
Dark red satin skirt, with a black cashmere sweater. Red pumps, and stockings. Why does it matter?Excuse me, Jerry cut in, But weren't you also wearing a ring too? A thick gold ring with diamonds as I recall. She nodded, and he continued. Could we have a look at it? he asked. She nodded again, still puzzled, and went up the stairs towards her room. Jerry turned to his partner.
Why'd you want to know their wedding date? he asked, but Wally just smiled, leaving his partner to glare at him. As Miss Hitch came back down stairs, and handed a ring to Wally.
Thank you. And when did you get this? Wally asked, looking closely at the ring. She stared at him, confused.
About three years ago. I bought it from a jewelers not far from here. I have the receipt, if you'd like to see it.Three years ago, you say? Then why does the inscription inside say: We will always treasure our days together. 6/19/18? Panic visibly crossed her face, and she started to back away. Jerry grinned.
Where you going Miss Hitch? he asked. She backed away a little more, then lunged for a small table, ripping a drawer onto the ground. Wally jumped at her, wrenching her away, but not before she got the gun. She fired two shots in her panic, one hitting Jerry on the shoulder. They struggled momentarily, but Wally's strenghth overcame her. He held her, as the grinning Jerry put handcuffs on her.
Miss Angela Hitch, you are arrested for an assault on an officer and probably for the cold murderuous death of your brother-in-law but that'll have to wait for the arrest warrant. You have the right to remain silent... Wally tuned out the rest of the Miranda Rights, as they hauled the struggling woman into the car. Maybe he wasn't going to lose his job after all.
The next morning, he stumbled into work. His matted yellow hair hung in his face, as he slumped into his desk, followed by an equally tired Jerry. Their director walked by, and nodded cheerfully at them, and dropped something on Wally's desk.
She cracked last night. Killed him so that she and her sister could split the money left behind. Good job Beatles. You too Flint. Next case is sitting in front of you. With that, he walked away.
They both sat stunned for a minute, staring at the red folder. Thanks Sam! Jerry called after him sarcastically. Then they both turned towards the folder in front of them.
Already? No down time? As soon as we finish one, here's another. Wally complained, leaning back. I was gonna try and take a vacation. Somewhere to relax.A vacation is what you'll be taking, but not to relax. Sam said, popping up again, behind Jerry who yelped and fell to the floor. One of your old cases has been opened back up boys. You'll be leaving tomorrow morning. Your tickets are in there. Have fun! And he walked away again.
Jerry pulled himself back into his chair. I wish he wouldn't pop up like that. It's freaky. Jerry said, clutching his heart.
I heard that Flint. said Sam popping up again. Jerry fell again, and Sam laughed. Wally chuckled as he opened the case folder.
It's the Derring case. he said, picking up the tickets. We're off to some place called Canary Island. Middle of the Pacific Ocean. That's strange though. I don't remember anything about an island when we first did this case. he said turning to his partner, who now kept glancing over his shoulder.
It's probably the development that made them reopen the case. He said, finally turning around.
Good job Flint. Actually, Canary is an island near Berrie island. Sam said as he popped up for the third time. Jerry backed slowly away and sat on Wally's desk.
And what is Berrie Island? he asked, glaring.
The sister island to Sunset Island. Sam grinned wider. Jerry raised an eyebrow.
Sam, why don't ya just stay and tell us about the case? Wally asked, watching his boss smile.
Okay okay. It's just so fun to catch you off guard. he laughed, then suddenly became serious. Here's the deal. You know how the case was before, right? The Derring twin brothers murdered in the same night. Reason? Kiled by drug dealers. The only problem was they had no drugs in their system or in their history. Only some on the bodies. Case was closed because all the evidence fit. Right? Wrong. A week ago, someone shows up at one of their daughter's house, threatens her and her family. Also, we found some ties to activity with some rough people during their father's life time. There's also been some noise down in the south alantic. Sunset island, is the closet place we can find that matches the readings. Jerry asked, cutting in, What does Berrie Island have to do with anything?That's where you'll be staying. Can I finish? Jerry nodded, satisfied. Any way, their's been some noise down there, made by some of the guys that these boys used to run with. And some fresh murders, of people that the Derring's used to work with, thier friends, excetera.
We need you to go check this place out, and see what's going on. If it's just some druggies trying to get all their money back or if it's some serial killer who likes the family, we need to know. We don't want anyone else dying. Okay? They both nodded, and Sam patted Jerry on the back. Okay. You leave tomorrow. We've got stats on four people who are our leads in this case now. Everything you need is in the file. But if I were you, I'd go home and get some rest. You've had a hell of a night. he winked at them. Have a good tip and catch our man! Sam said, finally leaving them alone, the partners sitting, staring at the folder in front of them.
Wow. Okay, Jerry finally said, picking up the tickets. I guess he's right, you know. We should get some sleep. This is going to be one long flight.Yeah, Sure.Wally said, straring at the tickets.
What's wrong Wally? Don't want to go on an all expenses paid trip to an exotic island? Jerry asked, grinning.
No, I just wonder if we can actually finish the case this time. Wally thought aloud, as he stood up and reached for his coat. Jerry grinned.
Of course we can. We can do anything! You know why? Because we're-The Kids Next Door. he mumbled quietly. His eyes popped open as he realized what her just said.
I was thinking more along the lines of The two best looking Detecives in the city', but hey! Jerry raised an eyebrow at his partner. What was that? Sounds like some sort of cult thing. Pretty stupid Wally.Yeah, it was pretty stupid. He sighed, pushing the thoughts that came flooding into his mind away. Finally, one made it to the front of his mind.

The blond boys sits, feeling cold, tired and betrayed. Three hours ago his leader and best friend left him to check out the warehouse he currently sits outside of. Still no sign. He taps his foot in annoyance, and is turning to leave, when a sound nearby catches his attention.
Numbuh One? he calls out at the noise. A head pokes around towards him.
Guess again kid. Suddenly, the head starts to shoot at him, and the boy runs for cover, grabbing his own gun.
Whaja do with Numbuh One?! he yells at the gun man who shoots back.
He asks. The boy faulters for a moment.
The ahther kid. Bald, sunglasses, funny accent. the gun man raises an eyebrow at his last statement, shaking his head and shooting again.
You're the only one here kid. If anyone was with you, they left long ago. Anger flaring inside him, that Numbuh One would turn his back on him, he fires back. Why would his leader, his best friend, leave him alone with these people? Why would he let him down? Why would he betray him?
He flinches at the thought, as a bullet grazes his shoulder, and he fires back, pushing his thoughts away, as he battles against uneven odds alone.

Wally? Wally! Jerry's voice snapped him out of his memory. You all right? You look funny. He put in his coat, nodding.
I'm fine. Just thinking.Well don't hurt yourself. he grinned. Wally didn't respond. I'm serious. I've never seen you think like that. Jerry said, as he rubbed the back of his neck, flinching.
How's your arm coming? Wally asked, standing up and grabbing his coat and Jerry's. He shrugged.
Could be better.

Pain
The thing Abigail Lincoln liked most about the morning was reading her name on the front page of the newpaper. It had taken her four years writing for The Know to get there the first time, but she had. And once again, her story had the headline.
She hummed to herself, as she showered and dressed, eating a hot breakfast, then taking a cab to work. As she entered the paper's office, she smiled and waved to the security guy, who grunted and rolled his eyes. Throwing her bags down by her desk, she slid the paper onto the table in the break room.
Read it and weep ladies and gents. she said as everyone moaned. Front page, agin'. Now I believe some of you owe me some money. she held out her hand, as a few people reached for their wallets.
It's not fair Abby. Seven days in a row shouldn't be legal. a pretty blond complained, handing her a twenty.
Yeah Abs. What about the rest of us? Don't we get a chance? A brunette asked, also forking over a twenty. Abby grinned.
Yeah, because I made my point. You work hard enough, you can get your story as the headline for a whole week. she paused as she counted the money. Slowly, she looked up. Anthony? I sho' know you were in on this. Fork it over. A small man also handed over a twenty, glaring. She smiled at everyone in the room, then turned and walked out. Waiting outside for her was reheaded, ace photographer Chrissy Edwards. She and Chrissy had been the best Journalist/Photographer team at The Know for the past two years, becomming the envy of their co-workers and the receiver of hundreds of offers at other newspapers. Best friends and former roomies, there wasn't much they didn't know about each other. But they did both have their secrets.
There, that's half the cash, since you were the only one to bet on my side. Abby said, handing Chrissy half the money. Chrissy stuck out her tongue at the others walking out of the break room and wandered off to her desk, Abby following behind.
A whole week Abby. And now we're rich. It's a good thing you got a big mouth. And a big ego.I do not have a big ego. I've got talent. she retaliated, grinning. Chrissy rolled her eyes, sitting down. Abby also sat down, opening up three or four pages one her computer at once, reading over them.
Abby spent the first half of her day reading over her latest pieces, and then some time gossiping, searching around any tips that sounded real. The day ticked by slowly, and Abby tried no tot watch the clock. She loved her job, but she was always ready for more and more action. She hated dull mornings like this, but she knew from experience that there were days like this. She just had to muscle through it.
When it was about lunch time, her phone rang. The caller was just finishing, when Chrissy popped up on the other side of her cube.
Thank you very much. Abby said, hanging up the phone and reaching for her coat. Chrissy handed her her notepad and pencil.
Where you going, Miss Headline? She asked, reaching behind her for her camera.
We've got a story to write. Abby answered, trying to get her arms in the right holes. Jues got another tip.How do you get so many of those? The blond asked, leaning over into her cube. Chrissy rolled her eyes, grabbing her camera, as they walked towards their manager's office.
You gotta just know th' right people. Abby grinned, knocking on the door of her boss' room. When there was no immediate answer, she knocked again. After no second answer, Chrissy groaned.
I guess you can't write that story quite yet. You don't have permission. the blond smirked. Abby was lunging for her, when Chrissy grabbed her wrist.
Ignore her, she's still jealous. she said. Let's go to lunch and see what the boss says afterwards, ok? Abby nodded glumly, slightly put out at the thought of not being able to write the story right away.
Okay. But I want to walk down and check it out anyway. she agreed.
Fine with me, but where is it?It's a tip about a fire downtown. I want to get th' info, even if I don't have rights to write yet. Chrissy shook her head, as they walked out and down he street.
They had lunch in a small restaurant nearby, spending much more money than Abby had meant to, but with her new found wealth, she couldn't help it. They talked through lunch, commenting on people as they passed by, talking about what they would do with a million dollars, complimenting the food.
When they had finally finished and paid their bill, they walked down the few blocks to the scene of the fire. It was less than a frenzy when they got there. The fire was obviously winding down by this time, and the crowd had mostly diminished to the elderly and the un employed. But there were still quite a few people around. Abby quckly moved to the front, Chrissy following behind in her wake.
Excuse me, Abby called, racing up to a fireman. Can you tell me what happened here?Look lady, I'm busy. he answered. Why don't you ask one of those people who've been out here in the way since it started? he suggested, turning on a hose in his hand, and flooding the area around her. She picked her way through the crowd, until she made it to the inside ring of people.
Excuse me. Can I ask you a few questions? she asked a random lady, who was watching the now burnt down building.
My poor building, she mumbled, then, as if just noticing Abby, she looked her up and down. Who're you? she asked.
I'm Abby Lincoln, with The Know. Can you tell me what happened here? She asked, trying to look polite and professional. The woman stepped back a step.
The newspaper? she asked, fluffing her hair suddenly. The people around her began to shuffle too, some even turning around towards her.
Yes, actually. And this is my photographer, Chrissy Edwards. she said, gesturing at Chrissy as she pulled out her camera, and began to adjust the lens. Take a few pictures of the remains, Chrissy. she said, then turned back to the woman. Now if you could please answer some questions...
The next half hour was hard work for both girls. Abby interviewed half the crowd, and even when she thought she couldn't interview anymore, they kept comming. Since the internet crash in 2027, everyone read the newspaper, and it was a big deal to be put it in. Chrissy took a roll of film on the buliding and the owner, and a few more of the firemen than she should have, but Abby let it slide. When everyone had finally lost interest, and the last of the fire engines pulled away, Abby slid into a nearby bench.
God, I'm tired. Chrissy complained, as she sat next to Abby on the bench.
You didn't have to keep up a goddamn smile for almost and hour. She better let me write this story, Abby said, standing back up.
The second they got back to the office, Abby marched straight up to her boss' office, knocking again on the door. Chrissy, beside her, wished her good luck, but she didn't need it. Unlike the rest of the writers, she was not intimidated by her stern, fire-happy boss.
This time when she knocked, the door opened, revealing Ida, her boss', tight face.
Why hello Abby. Just the person I wanted to see. Ida said, smiling but somehow still looking angry and appauled at the thought of a mere reporter thinking she was important enough to talk to her. Ida intimdated everyone in the office but Abby. There was a rumor that she had fired a man just for sneezing in her office. Abby didn't believe a word of it, and had learned early on that to gain Ida's respect, you needed to stare down, or up, the six foot three, ridiculously short haired, german descent woman. She smiled tightly. Won't you come in my office?Sure, you're just who I wanted to see. Abby retorted.
Really? What did you come for? she asked, her smile never moving. Abby smiled back. The only trouble she had talking to Ida was keeping up that fake smile. But reporters often have to get used to hours on end with a fake smile. When Abby had first started, she had honestly gone home at night and worked on her cheek and jaw muscles.
I got a tip,: Abby started, entering the office, from a friend that there was a big fire downtown and I wanted to write th' story for it. she said, watching her boss' smile. It still hadn't moved an inch.
Sure, ofcourse you can. Ida said.
Abby opened her mouth to argue, when she realized she had won the first point. She closed her mouth, and turned back to Ida. Ida was saying, I have some very important news to give you. Please, sit down. she gestured towards some chairs inside her office, quietly closing the door. Recently, you've been doing some very good articles, headliners in fact. So when I got this special tip this morning, you were exactly the person I wanted to cover this story.I'm flattered, but what's the story? she asked, relaxing a bit.
Well, have you ever heard of Berrie Island? She asked. Abby shook her head. Well, recently, there has been a lot of tourist activity there, and the resort has become an over night success. Beautiful beaches, nice hotel, but not much buisness usually. Until now. Recently, a local newspaper reorted a story about how children where being stolen out of the local communities and the then-small resort. There were some wild rumors about the children dissapearing into the choral reef. Now, you know how America responds to thinks like this. The reports might be fake, but you know how it goes. Everyone wants to know what's going on down there. So everyone is either going to look for themselves or they want to read about it from our paper. That's where you come in. She paused. We made a deal with the owner, Mr. Minlight, that we'd write up a positive review for the resort, if he'd allow us to send an employee there for free and do some research and poking around. You go for free and get a good headline. So. Any questions? She smiled, triumphantly. Abby sat still for a moment, waiting for the punch line.
That's it? I don't mean t' sound rude, but that's the deal? Just some missing people?The island is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It's costing us a fortune to send someone there, so it had better be a big deal. Also, our readers have been dying for us to do stories on places outside the ciy, and this is about as far as you can get from the city. It's a small island, so you can write up on the resort and satisfy our readers geting another headline. Two for one! she paused for a breath. Now, are you willing to go? Abby sat back for a second, trying ot think of a downside. Paid vacation at some resort, just to write about a few tourist's bratty kids disappearing.
Sure, I'll do it. She said, grinning at the thought of getting to go to the beach again. It'd been years.
Good. You'll leave tomorrow. Here are your tickets. Oh and Abby? Abby turned around as she started to leave.
she asked, looking hopeful. Maybe the day could get better.Take the day off, you need some rest!' Yeah. That's what she should say, Abby thought.
I want that fire story on my desk before you leave work today. She smiled, then closed the door, shutting Abby out. Chrissy came bounding suddenly up beside her.
So, what she say? Can we do it? Is the fire story a go?Ofcourse we can do it, but it's got to be done before th' end of work today. Abby said, walking back towards their cubes.
Chrissy shrugged. No prob, but why so quick? What's the rush?I leave tomorrow. she said, still dazed at the sudden turn of events.
Leaving? Where? Are you leaving The Know ? Chrissy asked, suddenly alarmed. Several people overheard, and heads started popping up over cubicles. Abby shook her head, sushing her friend.
No. I'm leaving for some island, where th' tourist have been, mysteriously disappearing.' Sounds kind of cliché, huh? I'm gonna write th' story on it.Won't you need a good photographer? Chrissy asked, looking suddenly hopeful. Abby shook her head sadly.
Looks like I'm flying this one solo. I only have one ticket there and back. Sorr