Chapter 8
Carmelita watched as the lovely, stately Yuri moved around her, measuring and planning. She couldn't help but feel just a bit, well, oafish in the presence of the elegant, breathtakingly graceful Yuri. Carmelita envied the smooth way she moved, appearing as if she glided along the very ground instead of walking like mere mortals like herself. She could tell that Yuri had been raised to be a society girl…for it showed in both her manner and bearing. Unlike me, Carmelita told herself, being brought up to be a cop. Yeah, little ol' graceful me, she sighed to herself, more than a little enviously.
Yuri measured the length from the collar of Carmelita's jacket to the hem of it, then deftly measured her across her back…blinking in surprise at the strength she found there. This young woman was one tough customer, she deduced…but, for all that, she was also a very lovely woman too. Ah, Yuri told herself, it is no small wonder that she has managed to capture the heart of that rogue, Sly Cooper. How could she not?
Yuri then shook herself out of her mental musings, and back to the task at hand, moving away from Carmelita and over to where the twin meter long c-headed canes lay upon her desk, measuring their length. She then stepped back to Carmelita and measured the length of her arms from the top of her shoulder to the cuff of her jacket sleeve. "There! That should do it…for now," Yuri muttered to herself, stepping back away to jot the figures down on a scrap of paper. Yuri, deep in thought, moved over---paper in hand---to seat herself behind her big desk.
Carmelita watched the svelte blonde-haired woman pick up a pencil and begin to sketch. She couldn't help but be a bit envious of her…with her bright blond, shoulder-length hair, her appealing spotted fur, and those attractive green-gold eyes. The pale jade-green oriental-style dress she wore only emphasized her tall curvy physique. It was then that Carmelita---for whatever reason, she didn't know---flicked her glance over that moment to Bentley and Murray. She had to quickly stifle a giggle when she saw the adoring look that suffused the normally taciturn Bentley's face as he too watched Yuri work. She knew that look fairly well by now…having seen it on her own face when she thought of Sly! No doubt about it…Bentley was in love! Now, Carmelita mused, who'd of ever thunk it?
Yuri's slender hand weaved back and forth over her sketchpad, the sound of her sharp pencil scratching, while murmuring soft words in her native French. She then paused a moment, frowning. She was a fashion designer…not an engineer! she told herself. But, she grinned to herself, I do not need to be such a thing, no?…as I most likely already have one very close at hand! "Monsieur Bentley?" Yuri announced softly, looking up from her drawing to the startled turtle. "Might I ask you for your assistance, please?"
Bentley nearly leapt out of his seat…but restrained himself before acting, getting up normally...well, mostly normal, anyway. "Sure! I'd be more than glad to help, Yuri," Bentley said confidently…then he faltered, and in a nervous yet still excited voice. "Um, now…er, what can I help you with?"
Carmelita turned away, covering her mouth with her hand, so that she wouldn't embarrass poor Bentley with her muffled giggle. What could she say? It was sort of cute to watch how he was so under the beautiful Yuri's spell.
Yuri explained what she needed, and then allowed Bentley to review her sketches. "So…you see, this is what I have in mind, my friend," Yuri told him, flicking her pretty green-gold eyes up to Bentley's. "But, alas, I do not know if my design would allow your Ms. Fox to access her weapons or not. Or, even if she could, whether or not she could easily sheath them again when she was done with them. Or, even more to the point, Bentley…is what I'm suggesting in my drawings even feasible or not?" Yuri was feeling just a bit frustrated, and fervently hoped Bentley could help her with her dilemma. She so wanted to have this enhancement to her creation work!
Bentley nervously re-perched his spectacles on his broad nose, and then reviewed Yuri's sketches again. Which proved far more difficult for him…for he continually felt his eyes wanting to roam away from her sketches to Yuri herself! His concentration---usually razor-sharp!---was very sketchy and erratic in such close proximity to Yuri Sing. Bentley could smell the heady aroma of her subtle perfume, as well as the scent of the what-had-to-be jasmine shampoo she used on her alluring shining gold hair. He blinked repeatedly, but then shook his head, trying very had to return his attention to the drawings, which---he found---were quite good really. What she hand in mind, he saw, was to create two soft leather tubes---scabbards, he corrected himself---across Carmelita's back in the configuration of an "X" that would leave the heads of her canes jutting just up over each of Carmelita's shapely shoulders.
"Well," Bentley ventured a moment, making very sure he avoided the lure of Yuri's most attractive eyes. "Your idea should work out just fine, Yuri. Though, I wouldn't make these scabbards part of her jacket, per se. No, instead, what do you think about making them buckle---here, and here---so that Carmelita can remove them if she wants to. What do you think?" He then hazarded an ever-so-quick glance to Yuri for confirmation, confused as he was feeling terrified and ecstatic in her presence.
Yuri laughed softly, then clapped her hands together almost girlishly. "Wonderful! That it magnificent, Bentley. Merci! Merci beaucoup, monsieur!" she exclaimed happily, then reached up to put one perfectly manicured hand under a very startled Bentley's chin and pulled his face down to kiss him upon both cheeks once. Yuri then sobered, blushing slightly at her overenthusiastic display. However, it wasn't long before she flashed him a small smile of thanks again.
Bentley was thunderstruck, and gaped like a fish too long out of water! "Um, er…heh, heh, um…yer welcome, Madame Sing," Bentley finally managed, his cheeks glowing. He put a hand over his cheek where she had kissed him, grinning foolishly. "Er, I mean Yuri…"
Carmelita grinned, turning away a moment to hide her smile. She then composed herself, and turned back to Yuri. "Hey, that looks just fantastic!" she told the woman. "I really do like the idea of buckles though…I'm going to need a heavier coat come winter time, you know…"
Yuri nodded emphatically, not even noticing the effect she had had on poor Bentley. "Why, you are right, cheri! I had not planned for that," she said, nodding her compliments over to Carmelita. "I approve of your plan, Monsieur," she added for Bentley's sake. She picked up her pencil, and began sketching furiously again. After several minutes time, Yuri put her pencil down, and smiled enchantingly…or so Bentley thought! She turned to Carmelita.
"Now, I have a favor to ask of you, cheri," Yuri proposed.
"And…that would be what exactly?" Carmelita replied, smiling, wondering what she had in mind.
"I must borrow your jacket and at least one of those clever canes of yours, you see. So that I may ensure that both the fit and look is just so, nes pas?" Yuri explained, her elegant long-fingered hands moving as she did so. Yuri cast her big green-gold eyes over to Carmelita inquiringly. "I hope that I am not asking too much, cheri…"
Carmelita smiled reassuringly back. "No, that's all right, Yuri," Carmelita told her, then grinned, shaking her raven-haired head. "I can't believe I'm calling the famous Madame Sing 'Yuri'," she added, grinning a bit self-consciously.
Yuri grinned in return. "No more surprised than I am to find myself chatting with the most famous Inspector---sorry, former Inspector---Carmelita Fox," she answered, after which both women chuckled. "Now, cheri…have we been sufficiently polite enough, my friend, do you think?"
Carmelita pretended to ponder that a bit. "Mmm…yeah, I think so" she mused aloud.
Yuri laughed softly and merrily. "Oh my, yes!" she replied. She then winked over at Bentley, who she had caught staring at her…again. "Now, please…if you would change back into your normal clothing, Carmelita…" Yuri reminded her, feeling rather pleased by Bentley's reaction to her clever wink…the way he had flushed red, looking sharply away at her glance.
"Back in five," Carmelita replied, moving back into the changing room. When she reappeared---in her normal clothing once more---she moved over to where Yuri sat, and laid her jacket as well as one of her canes on the top of Yuri's glass desktop. "There you are," she said.
"Ah, thank you, my dear," Yuri said, gathering the two items up and placing them back inside of the turquoise garment bag that had once held Carmelita's old items of clothing. She stored them away from any prying eyes, then sat once again, regarding her visitors. "Now, please give me a week's time, and I will call you to arrange for you to see my newest work."
"Thank you," Carmelita said, getting to her feet. "You know…it's been a real honor for a simple girl like me to meet someone as famous as you, Madame Sing."
Yuri smiled at that, before she looked down, her fair cheeks turning a bit pink in mild embarrassment. "I am just doing my job, cheri," she replied. "And, you are anything but 'simple', Ms. Fox," she added, holding out her hand, which Carmelita shook gratefully. "Let me assure you of that, cheri."
"Thanks for all your help, Yuri," Bentley said, when she turned to shake his hand as well. "Au revoire, Madame," he added in French.
Carmelita couldn't help but inadequately stifle a giggle at Bentley, as Murray took his leave of Yuri Sing with a handshake of his own.
Yuri escorted the trio out of her shop, turning them back over to the pretty Naomi, who showed them out. They walked back to the van, not a one of them saying a word…each caught up in their own thoughts. As Murray started the van, and the others belted themselves in for the trip back home, Carmelita couldn't help herself and innocently made an observation. "So, Bentley…you and Yuri seemed to get along rather well, buddy," she remarked to Bentley.
"Well, yeah, we do," Bentley replied, pleased by that remark…that is, before his own suspicious nature kicked in. "Okay, what's that supposed to mean?" Bentley growled.
Carmelita grinned, nudging Bentley's shoulder with a clever push of one hand. "You know exactly what I mean, Casanova," she told him. "You like her…Yuri I mean." She then smiled and waited for the expected and inevitable protest from the prickly Bentley.
"I do not!" he protested, his cheeks going red. "She and I are nothing more than good friends, Ms. Fox!" He folded his arms across his scrawny chest, trying to appear offended…when he was anything but!
"You don't, huh?" Carmelita replied, winking over at Murray, who grinned. "Well, that's a real shame, you know…"
"Yeah, pal…a real shame," Murray added, following Carmelita's lead.
Bentley fidgeted…but couldn't let that lie. "All right, all right…I'll bite. Why do you say that?" he asked, being sure to add. "Not that I really care, of course."
"Oh, nothing really," Carmelita returned, then paused, drawing out Bentley's curiosity. After nearly thirty seconds, Bentley's resolve crumbled, and he reacted.
"C'mon! Out with it already!" he demanded.
Carmelita tried to appear surprised, but her rascally grin gave her away. "Well, maybe it's just me, but I think that she likes you too," she observed, looking intently at her nails.
"No way," Bentley protested thinly, but then asked. "Do you really think so?" He winced even as he said it.
"Oh, yes," Carmelita said, looking up from her nails to Bentley. "I could see it in her face...from the way she was touched and pleased when you kissed the back of her hand, buddy boy." She then turned her head slightly, then arched an eyebrow, adding, "Nice touch, by the way."
Bentley grinned, then caught himself, and frowned again. "Um, er, I was just being polite was all," Bentley protested.
Even Murray laughed at that. "Sure you were, pal," he scoffed, chuckling.
"Shut up, Murray," Bentley growled, his cheeks going red again. He then quickly turned to the still grinning Carmelita, adding, "You too, Inspector. Not one more word!"
Murray caught Carmelita's eye in his rear-view mirror, and gave her a knowing wink, which she returned…all unbeknownst to the glowering---yet still very pleased---Bentley.
Ten minutes later, the tan panel van pulled into the back lot of the Champlin Hotel, and moved silently into the garage there. Bentley was the first to get out, giving both of his compatriots a surly glare. "Not one word of your nonsense to Sly!" he told them both, pointing a thick finger at them both, each in their turn. "Not one!" He whirled on his heel and moved to the door, opening it, then slamming it loudly. Carmelita looked over at Murray, and grinned. Then the both of them shared a good laugh.
"Murray?" Carmelita said as she was wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, her stomach still tight from her laughter. She slid open the door to the van, and got out, just as the big hippo did too.
"Yeah, Carmelita?" he answered, closing first his door, then sliding hers closed as well, before her looked over at her.
"Thanks, buddy…well, for everything. I hope you know how much your friendship and your acceptance of me means," she told him, laying one slender hand on his big forearm.
Murray smiled back at her kindly. "Hey, Carmelita…I might not be nearly as smart as Bentley," Murray explained, smiling at Carmelita. "But even I can see you're the best thing that ever happened to Sly. And…this Team too…despite what Bentley says, I mean."
Carmelita smiled a genuine, heartfelt smile at the benevolent hippo. "Thanks, big guy," she told him before standing up on her tiptoes to kiss him fondly on his cheek.
"You're welcome, Carmelita," he replied, blushing but then gently drew her to himself for a hug. He let her go a moment later, smiling. "Hey, you'd better go…you know how Sly worries about you," he added, giving her hand one last appreciative squeeze.
"Yeah, you're right, pal," Carmelita nodded. "See you inside, okay?" she added before she jogged eagerly to the door and into the house.
Sly looked up from the Thieveus Raccoonus, smiling broadly and with obvious relief as he saw her move into the living room where he sat. He quickly got to his feet and moved over to meet her. "Ah, so there you are," he said happily. "Bentley informed me just where you three went. I hope you had yourself a good time?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, Mr. Cooper…I did at that," Carmelita told him, smiling. "A very nice time. Oh, Sly…you'll never guess what!" she exclaimed, taking both of his hands in her own, beaming.
"What, my sweet?" Sly asked, feeling pleased to see Carmelita so happy and animated.
"I got to meet Madame Yuri Sing! Probably the most famous fashion designer in all of the world!" She moved over to the couch, taking Sly with her, and then they both sat. "I had no idea you guys had her create my outfit, Sly! It must be worth thousands of euros. But, enough about that…I just loved Madame Sing. She's so nice, and sweet, and I only wish I was half as refined and graceful as she is, Sly!" she sighed enviously.
Sly reached up to softly stroke Carmelita's cheek, which made her smile. "That's nonsense," he told her…quite seriously. "Madame Sing might be all that…but she still doesn't hold a candle to my gorgeous Carmelita."
"Flatterer," Carmelita replied, grinning in appreciation, snuggling her cheek to his a moment in thanks. "But, thanks…that means a lot coming from you, mister."
"Hey, I just call 'em like I see 'em," he responded, kissing her on her cheek.
"You," Carmelita told him, shaking her head, smiling. "Oh, I don't think I'll be able to do my weapons training and drill today, sweetheart. Yuri---Madame Sing, I mean---needed to keep one of my weapons as well as my jacket…so she could complete Murray's gift for me."
"Murray's gift?" Sly questioned, grinning.
Carmelita grinned right back at him. "Yeah, you heard me right, buster," she threw back at the grinning raccoon. "Just you wait…"
Sly chuckled. "Whatever it is…I'm sure I'll love it…just like I love you," he told her.
Carmelita flicked her eyes to his, and they exchanged a long passionate look. "You, I like," she quipped before giving him a quick, though intense kiss.
"Thanks, I try," Sly teased. "But, don't worry about weapons training for today, dear. In fact, Bentley himself told me that he's got a special lesson to impart to you…all on his own."
"He does now, does he?" Carmelita replied, completely surprised.
"Yep!" Sly agreed, smiling. "It's taking some time, querera…but, I think he's finally starting to warm up to you. Before you know it, he'll even trust you!"
Carmelita nodded, hearing that. "Well, finally! I'm certainly glad to hear that," Carmelita responded. "You know---probably better than anyone---just how much I want those guys to trust me."
"Yes, Carmelita, I do know," Sly replied, looking adoringly into her big beautiful brown eyes. "So…here's your chance, girl! Go on now. Show him what a great gal you are, sweetie. Now, Bentley's waiting for you in the dining room. I'll see you when the two of you are done…"
Carmelita let Sly take one step before she twisted him around, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him one last time. As Carmelita backed away, she grinned at seeing Sly blink repeatedly, a silly grin on his handsome face. "That's just so you miss me…just a little," she confided with a toothy grin.
"It worked," Sly told her as she sauntered from the room. Sly shivered from that kiss, and shook his head. "God! What a woman!" he proclaimed to no one in particular.
Carmelita made her way to the dining room, and once she opened the door and entered, she saw Bentley seated at the big long dark oak table. "Hey there, Teach!" she called out, teasing him.
Bentley looked up from what he was doing, shook his head at her attempt at humor, then smiled as she made her way over to where he now sat. "Great," he responded. "I've got another funny person. As if Sly wasn't enough…"
"So, Bentley," Carmelita wanted to know, "whatcha gonna teach me? As there's no weapons training for today and all."
Bentley smiled and flipped open the small leather case that lay on the table before him. He then reached down and deftly picked up a small thin metal implement that sported a curved and twisted end on it. "This, Carmelita," Bentley began, indicating what he held in his hand, "is a lockpick." He then indicated the vast array of objects that decorated the floor and table top with a jerk of his chin. "Welcome to Lockpick 101, my dear," he quipped.
Carmelita looked at the objects on the table as well as the floor, and was most surprised to see that they were all sorts and types of locks on mini-doors. "Why, there must be two hundred types of locks you've got here," Carmelita observed.
"Two hundred thirty-six, to be exact," Bentley replied with a grin. "And…by the time I'm done teaching you, my friend…you'll know how to open every single one…"
Carmelita grinned wolfishly, saying only one word. "Cool…"