Hide and Seek
Chapter 2
Sonny's artificial brow was furrowed. "'Spill the beans', Detective? Is that another way of saying..."
"Yeah, Sonny, it means tell me what's going on." Spooner was trying not to look exasperated. It was just that he could never predict where the robot would have strange gaps in general knowledge. It was strange when considering the fact that all the NS5s, Sonny included, had enough 'book learning' programmed into them to qualify for more than one college degree. Sonny's knowledge of mathematics, for instance, far surpassed his own.
"Of course, Detective. Do you mind if I remove these?..." Sonny was wearing a long coat and hat, presumably in order to disguise his robotic nature.
"Nope. 'Course not. I assume you were attempting a disguise?" Spooner, during the fuss over Alex, hadn't looked too closely at Sonny, but now he took the time. Sonny wore a long coat and hat, both rather expensive looking.
"Yes." Sonny's expression changed to one of sadness, and he looked down as he spoke. "They belonged to Dr. Chandler, who was killed very early yesterday morning. But I couldn't take the chance of being recognized, so I took them." Spooner knew Sonny had spent the better part of the last two months acting out the part of 'domestic assistant' to a roboticist's family, someone Susan Calvin trusted.
"So Dr. Chandler was your owner?" It sounded strange asking him that.
"Yes. Alex is his daughter. I can give the coat and hat to her." Sonny looked up, eyes wide and sincere. "When I took them, everything was..." His brow furrowed in troubled recollection. "I believe I was experiencing the human state called 'panic'."
"Hey, it's okay, it's really not a big deal. Just, please, tell me what's happened the last few days. I'm on the verge of putting you through another interview, because it sounds like you witnessed a homicide. Am I right?"
Sonny didn't avoid his eyes this time, but his expression made Spooner's stomach clench. "Yes." Here we go again...this robot is a trouble magnet!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Sonny hated to admit it, but despite the circumstances he was still happy to see Detective Spooner again. It was strange, feeling glad on one level while being afraid and upset on another. Emotions were so complex! He wished he could ask Detective Spooner if what he was feeling was normal, but knew there were more important things that needed to be discussed.
"As you know, I've been living with the Chandlers since a few weeks after Vicki was destroyed. I mostly worked with Alex, who, as you may have noticed, decided to name me Johnny. I couldn't correct her at the time, since I was attempting to play the part of a new, and thus unnamed NS5." At this point Spooner made his way over to a chair to sit down, and Sonny walked along behind him, still speaking.
"Mrs. Chandler left yesterday morning on a two week trip to Europe." His brow furrowed. "I suppose having her out of the way was convenient for the attackers. Last night I was watching DVDs in the upstairs living room when they..."
"DVDs?" Spooner had to ask. So Sonny had stayed up late that night watching...what?
Sonny looked slightly embarrassed. "I was watching Swan Lake."
"Swan Lake. Isn't that a ballet?" Okay, not exactly what he expected to hear Sonny say.
"Yes." Sonny hurried to explain. "You see, I was ordered by Alex to master various styles of dancing so that I might serve as a dance instructor for her. She wants to be a dancer. Individual instruction is far superior to classroom instruction."
Spooner stared at Sonny for a few moments. His eyebrows went up and stayed up. He fought the urge to laugh. "So, that little weirdo has been using you as a ballet teacher? That's so girly! You should've refused! Guess you couldn't though, right?"
"Of course not, Detective." Sonny was looking slightly annoyed. "And I didn't spend all of my time on dancing. When alone, I often watched the news, or looked for interesting programs. They have a small library of books I read through as well." He paused. "Isn't this all beside the point?"
Spooner sobered up quickly. The robot's incredulous activities, however hilarious, were definitely beside the point. Sonny had that pleading look again, too.
"Yeah, it is. I'm sorry. Completely off topic. Please, keep going."
Sonny looked down. He had an unusually turbulent look on his face, as if recalling a particularly unpleasant experience. Then he drew his eyes up to meet Spooner's, and continued his story.
Author's note: I'm really sorry to end this chapter so abruptly, but I decided to re-write the next part as a flashback. I'm also trying to plot the story more completely. It's going to get complicated, and I only have the bare bones figured out. I don't want to have gaping plot holes. Also, I'll probably update on weekends from now on, because I'm starting back to college tomorrow, and I just won't have time during the week. Sorry! Thanks for reading. This is my first story ever, so hopefully it'll turn out like I want. ;)
Er, one more thing. Since I'm new at this, if you want to point out typing mistakes, or make suggestions about characterizations, or whatever, please do. I'm sure I could use (constructive) criticism.