Hey Everyone…I just wanted to tell u that I'm going to continue writing the story here and at the other board. However it's going to be much shorter. I'm sorry. ; I can't wait to hear from all of u again. I also can't wait to post the ending to this story. Yes, that's right this story's coming to an end.

Chapter 23

Anza and Tehama look stunned. What do they mean they have a suspect in custody already? Was the suspect Penny? Maybe Fillmore and Roberts had located evidence on Penny that had finally solved the case.

"Penny," Tehama asks.

That is the only person Roberts and Fillmore had gone to question, so that's the only person they can expect.

"Yes, we're bringing her back to Head Quarters," Fillmore responds over the talky. He actually sounds very enthusiastic about having Penny in custody. They were actually waiting to get evidence on Penny. Everyone had a feeling she was the criminal behind this whole operation. By having her in custody, they may have just solved the crime.

"Great!" Tehama replies excitedly. She looks over at Anza. Tehama looks back in Stacey's direction and smiles.

"Thanks, Stacey. We really appreciate your assistance and we will keep you anonymous," When Stacey hears this, she smiles from ear to ear.

"You're very welcome," she replies. She walks out the door. Anza goes back to the talky.

"Um, how long will it take for you to get back here?" There is static on the talky after Anza releases the button. After a few seconds they hear, "Probably about five to ten minutes at max." There is static on the talky again.

"Roger that! See you in a few minutes," Anza replies. There is even more static after Fillmore replies,

"Over and out." After they hang up Anza and Tehama once again exchange glances. "This is terrific!This case is finally closed and we can get back to normal again," Tehama says, leaning back in her chair.

"Don't be so quick to say that! This case could be far from over!" Anza says. He still isn't convinced that this case is over. He wouldn't consider this over until they have enough evidence to nab the criminal.

"Anza, it's over!" Tehama says, sitting up again. How could this case not be over? Penny is the criminal and they all know it. What is left in this case to keep it open anyway? Anza takes a sip of cocoa and then heads straight for the cocoa machine to refill his cup. When he turns around he finds that Tehama had been following him across the room.

"Tehama, don't you have work to do?"

Tehama immediately shakes her head. "Nope, I already got it all done. All I have to do is work on the case, which is obviously finished."

"All of it?" Anza asks in an astonished tone. How had she managed to get all of the work that Vallejo had given them done? He isnt't even half way through his work load. "You could have been finished already too, Anza.

" Anza doesn't see how. He'd been literally working his tail off trying to complete this work. Has Vallejo decreased her workload or something?

Is that how she got done? Would Vallejo do such a thing?She takes his hands. "Anza, if you work all day on it like I do, then you would get it finished in less time." She pauses. "My goodness Anza, your hands are absolutely freezing! Here, let me warm them up!" she says as she cups her hands around his.Anza had to admit that this felt great.

He never felt so close to someone before. Not only were his hands getting warm, but he was also spending time with Tehama. It was something that was limited between the both of them.

Suddenly he hears someone clear their throat behind them, making both of them look up. Fillmore, Roberts and Penny stood there staring at them. Anza blushes and immediately pulls his hands away as if nothing was happening between them. Tehama puts her hands behind her back, then she rocks her body back and forth while smiling.

"Let me go!" Penny yells, struggling to get free.

"We brought her in because she was selling phony hall passes and tickets on the side."

"Let's take her to the holding room for awhile," Fillmore suggests.He thinks that's the best place for her.

"Why hold her when we can bust her?!" asks Tehama.

Fillmore helps himself to some cocoa and sips from his mug while he continues to explain.

"She's our prime suspect in this crime." Before anyone could say anything else Vallejo came dashing in looking furious and out of breath.

"Fillmore! Roberts! I just received word that the school's football team's uniforms disappeared right under their noses."

"The football player's uniforms?""If it's not one thing missing it's another." "How long ago did they go missing?"

"The coach said they had their uniforms an hour ago!"

Fillmore snaps his fingers and glances in Penny's direction. "That means that Penny can't be the criminal because she's been with us for the last hour and a half.""Fillmore! Roberts! Go investigate this immediately!!" Vallejo orders. "Fillmore! What about Penny?"

"Put her in solitary confinement," he says.

"Wait, Fillmore!" Tehama and Anza call after them. "We're coming too!" They both race out the door after them.

Vallejo is left with Penny. "To Solitary confinement with you," he says with satisfication, leading Penny off.

To Be Continued