"Who are you?" the woman asks.
"Velma Dinkley." is the reply, "From Mystery Inc?"
The woman looks at her with a side-glance. "Am I supposed to know you?" she asks.
"Don't worry if you don't." Velma replies, "Most people don't know me by name anyway."
"Well, who ever you are," the woman blabbers, "you just take a seat right there on the couch while I call the police."
"I don't think that is entirely necessary…" Velma says stepping towards the woman.
"You get right back there!" the woman scolds pulling a gun out from her pocket.
"On second thought," Velma retreats returning to the couch, "maybe we should let the police deal with this."
"Good. Now you just stay right there." Orders the woman as she walks toward the nearest telephone, which is on the hall table. As she picks up the receiver and begins to dial, she is interrupted by voices from the top of the stairs.
"Like, don't push me so hard, Scoob!" Shaggy calls to his dog.
"Rorry." Apologizes the Great Dane. Unfortunately, his master does not notice that he is standing on Scooby's tail. Scooby feels a sudden impulse of pain and yells; thus, throwing poor Shaggy off balance. Shaggy falls down the stairs pulling Scooby behind him. The two reach at the bottom landing on top of the mystery woman. She pulls the trigger on her little gun. No noise is heard except for that of a slight squirt.
Velma looks around for a bullet somewhere. She then notices a wet substance on the back of her seat. She looks at it. It is water. "A water pistol!" she exclaims, "You held me up with a water pistol?! That is so lame!" She looks at the pathetic woman pinned under Scooby and Shaggy. Shaggy had somehow gotten hold of the receiver and is holding it up to his ear.
"Police Department." A voice comes from the other end.
"Like, sorry," Shaggy answers, "wrong number." He then gets up to replace the receiver back on the hook. After doing so, his eyes get big realizing the previous circumstance. "Police Department?!" he echoes.
"Yes." The woman replies getting up from under Scooby, "I was going to have you all put under arrest for breaking and entry."
"But we are here under permission." Contradicts Shaggy.
"What?"
"That was what I was trying to tell you." Continues Velma.
"Who gave you permission?" demands the woman.
"The owner of the house." Is the reply.
"You knew my sister?" a cry of joy comes from the woman.
"Like, Sarah Maclbe is your sister?" inquires Shaggy.
"Yes!" is the reply, "Well, she was."
"Was?" the others ask in unison.
"What's your name?" Velma asks.
"Joni."
"But, like," Shaggy cuts in, "what do you mean by she was your sister?"
"She died." Is the reply, "Four months ago in a plane crash."
"Jinkies!" exclaims Velma as Scooby, and Shaggy look at each other.
"I came here to pack up her belongings." Continues Joni.
"But that's impossible!" exclaims Velma, "We just talked to her two days ago."
Joni looks at the other woman in a funny way. "Are you sure you are talking about my sister?" she asks.
"Well," begins Shaggy, "she, like, calls herself Sarah Maclbe."
"We received a call from her a few days ago." Velma explains further, "She wanted us to check up on the haunting around here."
"Haunting?" Joni asks confused, "What sort of haunting?"
"Like, some dead woman's ghost!" exclaims Shaggy, "It's so scary, I can't even go into details!"
"Joni," Velma says holding up the photograph, which she was going to put away, "I know this is a bit old, but do you at all recognize any of the people in this picture?"
Joni takes a good hard look at the picture. She takes it from Velma's hand and holds it up to the light as to see better. A few moments later, she hands it back to Velma and replies, "Nope. I have never seen those people before in my life."
Velma sighs, "Well, that basically takes us back to square one."
"However…" Joni says in deep thought, "May I see that picture again?"
"Good afternoon, Mister Jones, Miss Blake." Jonathan Parker greets as Fred and Daphne enter his office."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jonathan Parker is an elderly man who has been practicing law for quite a number of years. His reputation of always getting what his client wants has made him one of the most highly honored lawyers in the business and his name well known amongst the upper class citizens. He is about the average height of a normal person and a bit on the plump side. He is wearing his typical, everyday navy blue suit and tie. In his youth, Parker had wonderful chestnut brown hair, but now, it is dark brown with a few patches of white and gray appearing here and there.
"Thanks for taking us on such short notice, Mister Parker." Fred says shaking the lawyer's hand.
"The pleasure is mine." The elder gentleman replies, "It's not often that I am visited by such famous detectives."
Fred and Daphne look at each other and blush at the remark. Jonathan, noticing this, offers them as seat, which they quickly do. "So," Parker says, taking his own seat and sitting back, "what did you come to see me about."
The two young people look at each other not knowing how put their question. Fred takes in a deep breath and simply states, "We were wondering if you could…well…" He moves about in his chair to give him more time to paraphrase his thoughts. "Well," he continues, "it you could tell us the details of Miss Smith's will."
"Well," Mister Parker says scratching his chin, "you know it isn't proper to read a person's will until after the funeral. And there are very few times in which there is actually an exception."
"We understand, sir." Daphne replies.
"May I ask why you need this information?" Parker continues.
"We have a feeling that one of the motives of her murder may be linked to the will." Is the reply.
"I see." Jonathan says taking in a deep breath.
"Mister Parker," Freddie asks, "is there something the matter?"
"I do not have the document on me at the moment." The lawyer replies.
"Where is it?" inquires Daphne.
"That, I do not know."
"What do you mean?" asks Fred.
"It was stolen from my office." Is the reply.
"When?" asks Fred stiffening up in his seat.
"About two weeks ago."
"How many wills has Miss Smith written up?" inquires Daphne.
"Three or four; four or five." Mister Parker shrugs, "At least somewhere around there."
"Do you have them?" Fred asks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So, like, it appears, that who we know to be Sarah Maclbe was really a friend of the real Sarah Maclbe?" Shaggy asks putting all his thoughts together as he and Velma drive to the address as which the phone call to Daphne was traced. "It sure seems that way." Velma answers tuning at a corner. "Rhat's ronfusing!" Exclaims Scooby from the back seat. "Like, I know, old buddy" agrees Shaggy, "But at least we know for sure that Sarah was related to Miss Smith."
"Yes." Says Velma, "And the will should help in clearing up that part." The car drives down the narrow streets in the outskirts of town. A few minutes later, they come across several blocks of nothing but apartment buildings.
Velma leans back in her seat and looks at the landscape before her. She smiles slightly and says, "You know, it's hard to believe that at one point this was nothing but a barren swamp." "Like, I know." Agrees Shaggy. "Hey, do you remember the mystery we solved here back when we were kids?" Velma throws her head back and laughs, "How could I forget? Freddie and his fishing trips. You know, for the longest time I thought I would never forgive him for driving us out to the swamp saying that is was a short cut."
"Yeah." Smiles Shaggy, "It was rather a crazy thought that that could be a short cut to anywhere." Velma chuckles, "But then, the mystery made up for it." "Yeah." Agrees Shaggy, "I quite enjoyed it"
"Are you kidding?" Velma exclaims, giving him the 'I don't believe you' look, "You were scared out of your wits! Like all ways." A "Rehehehehehehehe!" is heard from the back seat. "What you are referring to," Shaggy defends himself, "is my strategy." "What?" jokes Velma, "Chicken Out'? Face it, Shaggy, you're always scared when it comes to a spooky mystery and that time was no exception."
"Yeah?" Shaggy comes back, "You weren't so brave yourself, like, when that zombie showed up and that witch made Daphne disappear into thin air!" "Okay," admits Velma, "maybe I was a little concerned there but the search was what made that enjoyable." "Like, I found finding that armored car in the mud more enjoyable that that." Shaggy replies. "It wasn't as nearly as fascinating as those voodoo dolls." Velma says, "Imagine, constructing dolls that look just like us in a short amount of time." "So they were handy men." Shrugs Shaggy, "So what?" "It takes quite a while to construct an object that has the exact likeness of a person you just met a few minutes ago." Exclaims Velma, "Therefore, which one of the two did them had to be good with crafts."
Scooby, who at this point was getting pretty bored with the conversation, looks around the car trying to find something to do. He looks at the front seat and his brown eyes glance at the address of their destination. Upon memorizing it, he glances around to see if they were any where close to the place. His keen eyes instantly spot the place. "Raggy." He says tapping his master's shoulder lightly. However, Shaggy doesn't notice because he and Velma are still having their little debate. "Relma." Scooby tries this time tapping a little bit harder on the shoulder. With no success, Scooby tries to tug on Shaggy's shirt. Still no reaction. In utter despair and no other alternative, the Great Dane sits up strait on the seat and lets out a long howl. This method proves to be successful.
"Like, what is it, Scoob?" Shaggy says looking over the back of his seat to the dog in the back. "Ri round rhe race!" Barks Scooby happily. "You mean the address on this paper?" asks Shaggy.
"Reah!" is the reply.
"Where Scooby?" asks Velma.
"Right rover rhere." Scooby points in the direction of a fairly modern, yet poorly maintained building. "Good work, Scooby." Praises Velma as she places the car into gear and drives into the parking lot.
Upon parking, the three emerge from the car. They then walk towards the building's main entrance. On the way, they pass by a beat up old Ford. "Like, look there, Scoob!" Shaggy says pointing to the car, "That is a really beat up car if I ever saw one!" "Reah!" barks Scooby in agreement, "Really reat rup!" "It's in worse shape than your room!" Velma jokes. "You know," Shaggy says in deep thought, "You're right! But I doubt that is it is so bad that would fall apart if something bang into it."
"I bet it would!" Velma replies.
"Really?' Asks Shaggy, "How much?"
"That was just a figure of speech, Shag." Velma frowns.
"Like, I knew that!" Shaggy exclaims as Velma gives him an 'oh you did not' face. "Alright, alright," Shaggy gives in, "so I didn't. But I'll just hit it and prove my point."
"I didn't even know you had a point." Says Velma.
"Whatever." Shaggy says raising his hands. He walks over to the rear of the car and gives a good smack down onto the trunk. Instantly, the hubcaps, lights, and bumpers fall to the ground; the car doors open; the hood pops up; the horn beeps; and the rear window and windshield crack.
"Oops!" Shaggy quirks observing what he had just done.
"Ret's ret rout rof rhere!" Scooby exclaims turning to the building and running.
"Like, wait for me, ol' buddy!" Shaggy calls out to the running Great Dane pulling Velma behind him.
Once they reach the door, they all breathe a sigh of relief. "Like, it was a good thing no one saw us." Shaggy pants.
"I suppose that is a good thing for you, Shaggy." Agrees Velma, "But the owner of that car, if he ever finds out you did it, may charge you with vandalism."
"Why vandalism?" Jokes Shaggy, "It's not a van, it a car. Therefore, wouldn't it me 'cardalism'?" Scooby and Velma laugh. Then Scooby stops, looks at Velma and Shaggy then utters, "Ri ron't ret rit."
"Come on, guys." Velma says opening the door, "we better get in, it's chilly out here."
"Like, we're right behind you, Velma." Shaggy says.
Just then, a man exits the door. Shaggy, recognizing him, calls out, "Good afternoon, Inspector!" Inspector Quince turns to face his greeter. He then smiles, "Oh, good afternoon, Shaggy. I'm sorry I can't talk long but I must be on my way." With that he leaves. "Well have a nice day!" Shaggy calls back. As Shaggy closes the door, they can hear Inspector Quince cry out, "Dude! what happened to my car?!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Here you go." Mister Parker says dumping four documents onto his desk, "These are all the wills that Miss Smith has written with us since 1980."
"1980." echoes Daphne, "That's a long time."
Jonathan smiles, "After a while, twenty years seems like a short time. At least I have found it that way."
"Do you mind if we look at these?" Freddie asks picking up a document.
"By all means," is the reply, "go ahead."
Daphne grabs an envelope and surveys its contents. She then looks at Mister Parker and asks, "Did you write up Miss Smith's current will?"
"No." is the reply, "It was done by my former partner, Bergen, about a few months ago."
"Might he at least remember some of the key parts to the will?" Inquires Fred.
"He might." Jonathan replies, "But I highly doubt you're going to get anything out of him."
"Why?"
"He developed Alzheimer's disease." Replies Mister Parker.
"Well, there goes someone who might shed some light on this case." Sighs Fred sinking into his seat.
Daphne then turns to face the clock hanging on the back wall of the office. "It's getting late, Freddie." She says, "We better get going."
"I suppose we should." Agrees the blond man arising from his chair. "You wouldn't mind if we take a few of wills with us, Mister Parker?"
The older man smiles, "By all means, don't let me stop you."
"Thank-you." The young people smile back as they leave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So, like, this is where the phone call came from." Ponders Shaggy as he, Velma and Scooby enter a small apartment. "Apparently." Replies Velma, "It would only be natural for Susie to make a phone call from the comfort of her own apartment. But what puzzles me is: why did she ask us to Sarah's house and not here?"
"Good point." Perks up Shaggy, "But now that we're here, what do we, like, do?"
"Look around." Shrugs Velma, "We may just find something."
"All right then," Shaggy smiles, "Scoob and me will check out the kitchen."
"Reah!" barks Scooby smacking his lips.
Velma just grins as she moves towards the bedroom.
"Like, Scoob!" exclaims Shaggy in delight, "We've just about hit the jackpot!"
"A full kitchen!" the two exclaim as they open the refrigerator every pantry.
"Sounds like those two are satisfied with their discoveries." Smiles Velma. However, that smile does not last for long. Out of sudden hopelessness of never finding this case, Velma lays down on the bed. Facing the ceiling, she removes her glasses and rubs her weary eyes. "I'm tired, exhausted, hungry…" she mopes to herself, "and still with no clues to get anywhere."
She then turns her head to the bedside table. Besides having the usual things: alarm clock; lamp; a few pictures, Velma also notices a little red blur. Quickly replacing her glasses, she notices that it is a book. She reaches over and picks it up. A quick scan through it proves that is a diary. Velma smiles at her discovery. She instantly flips to the last entry.
"She has refused to pay anymore," She reads, "and I have given her fair warning. Tonight I shall tell. Then she will get her just reward for what she did to Miss Smith and countless others. I have no fear of her…she wouldn't attempt to get rid of me with a crowd there. She knows that I know that she is too much of a chicken to do such a thing…even after all the experience she has had! The mysterious killer that has been terrorizing all over the country shall now be revealed mercilessly to the public...by me! And in her own home! Me!; a poor little blackmailer! I know her secret and only I! No one knows I have never written down her name! And I never will! However, not until the time is right."
Velma feels a sudden chill run down her spine as she finishes the page. She looks at the next few pages. "Jinkies! There's more?" she questions. She then turns back to the previous pages and reads on.
---
A/N: Sorry for taking so long to update.I have been a little busy lately. I shall try to update the little one a little sooner. Thanks everyone for reviewing!