Act Six: Making of Plans and Stirring the Pot
Ingrid had arrived early to school this something that was not unusual for her, but today was for reasons that she thought were hardly worth the effort. Her new assignment from Sting Ray had been a simple one she thought; that is to say before she met her newest boss, Derrick Menna. If there was more self-absorbed, diluted, idiot walking the planet Ingrid had yet to meet that person. Menna seemed to know exactly how to infuriate her and make it seem that she was inferior to him and Ingrid Third was not someone to be taken lightly. She worked hard to gain what she had at X and she would be damned if someone the likes of Sting Ray or Menna took that away from her.
As she continued down the hallway to the Student Council Offices she saw an irate President Peabody storming from her new assignment's office. She held back whatever comment sprung to mind about the boy's choice of clothing; after all she had had minor problems with that before. As Peabody passed her he paused for a moment to give her a withering glare that Ingrid chose to ignore. She continued on her way down the hall only to pause when she noticed two more students in Menna's office. That was strange considering almost no one came to School this early except Safety Patrollers, and Ingrid really did not need this morning to get any worst.
Taking a deep breath, he placed her hand on the door and pushed it open just as Menna revealed his campaign slogan to the patrollers. To say she was surprised by his idea was an understatement. Seriously what was Menna thinking by using that slogan he would never get Folsom to go for it. But that was something she could check on later she thought as the Safety Patrollers turned toward her. Karen Tehama, while one of Ingrid's favorite patrollers to torment, was the least surprising person there. Standing before her at this very moment was the one person she had been wanting to see since this whole mess started, her best friend, her partner in crime, her boyfriend, and the one who knew her best, Cornelius Fillmore.
For Fillmore it was a moment that changed his entire plan to get Ingrid back. She was here standing in front of him and apparently working under Derrick Menna. His thoughts of his retribution against Sting Ray seemed to fade. He noticed that Ingrid had moved slowly closer to him while he was caught in his thoughts. Ingrid already had her arms around him, embracing him with all the joy, frustration, and relief that she had endured while they were separated.
Tehama was not oblivious to what she was witnessing, she knew that the Safety Patrol's last best chance to make a definite stand against X Middle School's recent crime wave, but strangely that wasn't the only thing she felt sorry about. Her disappoint came from the knowledge that she was losing someone that meant something to her. As to what Fillmore meant to her, she wasn't sure, but she had grown…comfortable with their partnership. Ingrid's reemergence ended that.
Derrick took all this in, with a distinct interest in the scenes development. He was pleased that Sting Ray's little 'gift', as he put it, had played out the way that he had stated. Ingrid Third's positioning in Menna's services had greatly lessened the suspicions of his competitor and Menna was sure Sting Ray would benefit from this move. But those thoughts were for another time. Derrick Menna decided to get things going back on the track he wanted.
"While this scene warms Derrick Menna's heart, I believe that Ms. Third has more pressing matters to attend to. Therefore, Officers Tehama and Fillmore, I will send for you if, Derrick Menna has the need. Ms. Third do you have the papers I asked for?"
Needless to say that statement had several reactions and none of which Menna had hoped for. Tehama looked as if she was about to throw him headfirst out of his office. While Fillmore was taking the more direct route to solve his problem with Menna, slowly stalking closer to the boy's desk. Surprisingly it was Ingrid that stepped in to make peace.
" I have them right here," she said " Fillmore I'll see you after school today, my place."
Fillmore nodded and turned to leave the little office, but not before casting Menna on final glare. If Menna was affected by this display he did not show. He merely smirked as the patrollers left and shut the door behind them.
"Now Ms. Third let us talk about our ' benefactor'."
Safety Patrol HQ
It had been a long morning for both Karen Tehama and Jr. Commissioner Vallejo. Which was not that surprising considering what had transpired earlier this morning. The reemergence of Ingrid Third had been an unexpected turn for the Safety Patrol. Not that it wasn't a goal they had set out to achieve, it was the fact that her appearance made their control, or lack thereof, of Fillmore was null in void.
Vallejo understood this situation better than most, considering he had the idea to use Ingrid's abduction to get Fillmore to help capture Sting Ray and put a sizable dent in X's criminal element. Folsom had already heard about this morning's discovery and to say she was disappointed was a serious understatement. She had told him that it was his job and the responsibility of his force to bring in Sting Ray with or without Fillmore's help. Yeah fat chance of that happening now; Ingrid was their ace in the hole, that bird had came and went.
Vallejo sighed into his now cold cup of hot chocolate wondering how he was going to pull this whole fiasco off without Fillmore. It was going to be a long day.
But Vallejo wasn't alone in his thought about the Safety Patrol's newest problem. Karen Tehama was just as troubled by this turn of events. In the short time that she and Fillmore had been partners, or at least in her mind they had been, she had come to trust the skilled criminal. That trust had taken almost no effort to be established and it was, at least she believed, mutual on both their parts. In the short month that they had been assigned to work with each other, Tehama admitted to herself that she had been able to do more good for the school even if it did cause a bit more damage than the Safety usually did on pursuits. And that to had become easier; while she and Fillmore did still have to chase some runners the whole song and dance had become more fun for her personally. Now there was a shocking revelation for the young Asian American, she was actually enjoying running down the suspects. Then she realized that her enjoyment spawned from the fact that the she knew that the suspects panicked in their presence. They knew when Fillmore and herself arrived they were going down no matter what. The smile that had formed on her face at these thoughts disappeared at the realization of what was now right before her.
Now all that was over Ingrid had returned, and apparently no worse for wear. Tehama then realized that she envied Ingrid's position in this whole mess. Not the fact that she had been put in a no win situation, but that she was the fulcrum this hell. She basically had a major role no matter where she was in this picture: with Fillmore she was a part of a criminal duo that was practically unstoppable, then on the other hand she was no longer a part of that duo and Tehama now had the right but with Fillmore and herself working on the same side of the law.
Vallejo had already told her that she had best not get her hopes up about her new partner lasting through the week. Tehama nodded agreeing completely, what reason did Fillmore have to stay any way. She sighed angrily and looked down once more at the single clue they still had in their possession. While the note from Sting Ray was weeks old at this point Tehama had already gone through most of the tests she could run to find finger prints and traces of any identifiable substances on the message itself and she had come up empty. So the only remaining clue was the orange smudge marks left on the edge of the letter. So far they matched up with only Cheesy Wiffs stains. But their were no more leads then that, seeing how Cheesy Wiffs had been taken out of the school's vending machines due to their low sell ratio, seriously who wanted to eat some Cheetos knock off! Tehama found her attention diverted to the door as she heard Danny gasp.
There making his way into the Office as if nothing was seriously wrong was Cornelius Fillmore, red sash and all. Everyone that wasn't on patrol was staring comically as Fillmore made his way toward his desk. Tehama for her part did not know whether to react to the angrily at the boy's bravado or smile as he entered with his usual confidence. The image of a wolf in a herd of sheep came to Tehama's mind at Fillmore's display. As the boy sat in his desk Tehama couldn't help but offer a smile, one that was surprisingly returned.
"So I guess this is your last day on the force, right?" Tehama asked seeing no reason to kind obvious concealed.
"No, I said that I was in until we brought Sting Ray down. So we will and then I'll see what is in the future. Until then," Fillmore paused to raise his hand, "Partners."
Tehama did not know what to think other than he was staying on the force staying, at least for a while longer, with her.
"Partners." She said clasping the boy's hand.
Nevada Casino
It was a rare thing for Randal Julian to be impressed with someone and rarer still for it to be openly amusing for him. In all the years he had been an artist he never had the pleasure of seeing such unrestrained and passionate anger, and that was exactly what was transpiring right before him this very moment.
Sting Ray had made it known shortly after dismissal of the other crime bosses that Ingrid Third was being moved into a new position for the next phase of his plans. Needless to say that information had been what caused the scene that was now taking place. Penny Madrid and Sonny Lombard were the most vocal and displeased with this turn of events, but each for different reasons.
Sonny disliked the idea for the obvious reason that Sting Ray was making a huge mistake by allowing Ingrid anywhere close to his old partner Fillmore. Aside from Penny, he had the longest run as Fillmore's partner in crime. Together they were unstoppable; there wasn't a thing in the whole school that they could steal, nothing they couldn't over come. That was until Sonny had become involved the school's arms race, Fillmore never went with that idea and left Sonny to his own devices on his arms ring. The first time Sonny was busted it had been Fillmore who broke him out of detention and gotten rid of all the evidence that incriminated him, but Sonny had become even more resentful after the fact. That whole episode had been the proof of how much better Fillmore was than him and Sonny hated playing second to anyone.
After that he began to take the jobs that Fillmore wouldn't no matter how much of a risk it was for himself or those involved. So he knew that Sting Ray's placing Domino right back in the hands of Fillmore was a very big and stupid risk. Even more so because Sting Ray had ordered the surveillance on Third stopped for the time being. That led to the more than vocal reprimand by Penny Madrid.
Unlike Sonny, she had no problems with Fillmore being better than her criminally, no at all. She saw that as one of the qualities that drew her to him, his natural ability and his overall modesty about his talents. He had never in their relationship expected more from Penny than he knew she could give. Besides that she was still in no uncertain terms head over heels about Fillmore, and Ingrid taking her place was not in the plan or any others Penny had in the near future. Add that to the fact that Penny was easily one of the most intimidating girls at X since her return and even before that. A trait she till used to her advantage even now. As she stared down the image of her supposed boss.
"You don't seem to understand what the hell we're trying to tell you, Sting Ray," she said drawing his name out with a barely restrained growl." I don't give a good god damn how long you have been behind the scenes at X. You cannot manipulate Fillmore, you cannot out think Fillmore, and in the simplest terms possible YOU CANNOT BEAT FILLMORE AT WHAT HE DOES BETTER THAN EVERY ONE OF US COMBINED!"
The casino was dead quiet after this last statement. Each of those present stared at Penny contemplating the truth behind that statement, and none could argue the simple fact that maybe; just maybe Sting Ray had made a colossal mistake. Sonny, The Vandal, and Nevada waited with baited breath to see what the criminal mastermind had to say.
"Are you finished Ms. Madrid?"
Penny simply stared at the monitor in undisguised rage at the arrogance that was shown to her.
"By your silence, I will take it that you are through with your tantrum. Now as to why I allowed Ms. Third to be place in a position that would threaten my plans. It is very simple I want Fillmore to be involved in this whole affair." Sting Ray said simply.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Sonny yelled breaking the awed silence.
"I have never been beaten, not by the Safety Patrol, Principal Folsom, or by anyone who stood in my way. I run this school anything and everything that happens is either influenced by me directly or by something that is done by my command.
"Is Fillmore better than all of you individually, of course. Is he better than I am? Hardly. So I refuse to let his influence, his very presence disturb what I have planned. Where you all see a disadvantage I see the ability to have best in the school working for me to further their own ends as well as my own. And I guarantee you that when this is all over Fillmore will be a forgotten memory at X Middle School."
Sonny had to admit that Sting Ray seemed even more confident now than he had before when they had Ingrid among their little group. Beside that he liked the idea of Fillmore be less than a memory.
Jimmy Nevada nodded really not caring either way; his main goal in all of this was to acquire as many smoits as he possibly could in this endeavor. As long as he came out of this rich he could care less where Third was and if Fillmore was involved at all.
Penny just lowered her eyes and slightly shook her head, a move that went unnoticed by those around her. Sting Ray just could get what she knew about Fillmore and how he thought of a way to get out of any situation. This whole job was starting to get really messed up and dangerously closed to blowing up in all of their faces.
"What all of you say are you in this to become more than you already are or is this the point when all of you run with your tails between your legs?"
"I'm in." Sonny said.
"So am I." Nevada seconded.
"Until I see a more agreeable offer I am yours." The Vandal stated taking note of Penny's hesitation and subtle headshake.
"I'm in." Penny finally stated still with obvious doubts.
"Very well then, if that is all we have to discuss you may leave at your own discretion. Oh, and Ms. Madrid, never assume to tell me what I can and cannot do." Sting Ray stated before the monitor went blank.
Penny simply walked out of the casino thinking about Sting Ray's threat and how unsettled this job was making her. A single thought ran through her head, I need to talk to Fillmore. Little did she know that one other person shared her intentions as well.
Ingrid House
Arial Third had been having a bad couple of weeks since her sister had apparently made herself a new best friend namely one Penny Madrid. It wasn't that she wanted her sister to have only one friend, it was just that Penny seemed to really be playing the role of overseer more than a friend to Ingrid. That above all else didn't sit well with Arial at all. While Fillmore did seem to enjoy getting both Ingrid and him into tight spots he also made sure that Ingrid was always taken care of even at personal cost to himself. Arial liked that about Fillmore and even more the fact that he somehow made his sister feel more like a girl and a person then an outcast. So it was understandable for her to be worried when Ingrid had returned yesterday and was happy for the first time in the last month.
Arial had all but grabbed her sister and forced her to tell her what had happen to make such a large change in Ingrid's demeanor. She was surprised when Ingrid simply said that she saw Fillmore that day and she could breathe easier knowing that she could see him whenever she wanted again.
Thus explaining why Arial was currently staking out the front door of the house awaiting the boy's arrival. She didn't have to wait long, as the doorbell decided to make it presence known. Arial tried to seem unhurried as she literally ran to the door and threw it open to get the chance to question the boy.
Fillmore for his part did not flinch went the door was thrown open and he was unceremoniously pulled into the house. He was expecting it really considering what Ingrid had told him about the last couple of weeks. He smirked as Arial tried to resume her usual nonchalance about the situation. Arial to say the least was not amused.
"Okay Fillmore I'll ask you this just once. What in the hell have you got Ingrid into?" the older girl asked with her voice dead calm.
"Nothing that we can't handle, Arial."
"Fillmore you haven't seen her the last couple of weeks, she was walking around like a ghost, and barely doing anything that you guys remotely ever did together. Then yesterday she wondered into the housing smiling like everything in the world had just gone her way. Do you have any idea how freaked out that made me?"
Fillmore paused when he heard Arial finish. He knew that she cared very dearly for Ingrid and was protective of her a well. So he could not help but feel some regret about what had been happening at the school with Ingrid.
"Listen Arial, nothing is going down that we can't handle. You heard the news Ingrid's working on a project for the Student Council and I'm working with the Safety Patrol on a special assignment. It just so happens to be that we working in the same place at the same time." Fillmore stated reassuring the older girl slightly.
"Just trust me."
Arial nodded and moved out of the boy's way allowing him to make his way to her sister's room, all the while hoping that her trust was not misplaced.
Ingrid's Room
Ingrid sat easily in the chair at her desk waiting for her boyfriend to arrive. Of course she knew that Arial was going to grill Fillmore about her sudden mood swing but Ingrid figured if he could deal with Folsom then Arial should a very little problem.
Her thoughts then drifted to the many problems that they had to take care in order to get back the relative peace they once had. The one thing that she new for sure was that the exam notebook had to be returned before it could be used against Fillmore in anyway. The only problem was that Ingrid had an idea about who to ask but she wasn't completely sure that the source would be reliable. After that was cleared they could concentrate on bring that bastard Sting Ray down. She turned to the door just in time to see Fillmore step across the threshold. She was immediately next to him embracing him and giving him a light kiss, which he returned.
"I missed you." She said.
"I know, I did too." Came the reply.
"Fillmore we've got some serious problems. Sting Ray has enough crap on you to have you expelled and then there is the whole problem with Menna and his insane idea of going through with Sting Ray's little part for him in this." Ingrid began seriously.
"I know but lets wait just a minute the rest of our group will be here in a couple of minutes." Fillmore said bringing a questioning look to Ingrid's face.
"Just wait."
Third Family Living Room
Karen Tehama was uncomfortable. First, Fillmore had arrived and told her to come to this address then he tells her that everything she ever wanted to know about how to think like he did. So here she was sitting in the Ingrid's living room under the scrutiny of her sister.
"So how do you know Ingrid again?" Arial asked.
"You could say that we give each other that run around from time to time." Tehama said hoping that the older Third sibling would leave it at that.
"Oh you're the Safety Patroller who is always trying to bring her in, aren't you?" Arial said with obvious humor in her voice.
Tehama had the good grace to blush at that statement. Arial laughed openly at the display. Arial decided that the girl had suffered enough teasing for the night had lead her to Ingrid's room where they caught the tale end on the conversation going on inside.
"…. So she landed face first in the school's lunch special." Fillmore's voiced finished only to be followed by the laughter of Ingrid Third.
Tehama's blush returned full force and Arial hid a slight giggle as she opened the door. Fillmore and Ingrid continued to laugh as they turned to see what Arial wanted. Ingrid was surprised when Arial entered followed closely by Karen Tehama. Fillmore seeing the pregnant silence about to fall decided to get things moving.
"Karen Tehama meet my girl friend, Ingrid Third."
Each girl nodded in greeting and then turned toward Fillmore looking for some kind of explanation.
"Okay since we're all here let's get down to business. Ingrid you can pick up where you left off a minute ago."
Ingrid jumped slightly and began again this time telling Fillmore that Sting Ray had blackmailed her into his service by holding the notebook of stolen exams over her head. Tehama the put in the fact that the notebook had enough material in it contents to make anyone look like a genius with little or no effort. Fillmore for his part was not worried.
"I don't see the problem they have nothing on either of us Ingrid." Fillmore stated.
"Wrong Fillmore. They have your prints on the book. I check it my self, and if word gets out then you're going to end up taking the fall for this." Ingrid stated.
"Dawg, I knew something was strange when they didn't touch the notebook without putting glove on." Fillmore said quietly.
"Where is the notebook now, Ingrid?" Tehama asked already trying to find a solution.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think I know someone who might, but it'll have to wait for tomorrow at school." Ingrid explained.
Fillmore nodded then asked.
"What about the others working with Sting Ray, who are our lucky opponents?"
"Parnassus, Tony Clementina, Jimmy Nevada, the Metal shop gang, and the Red Robins." Ingrid stated whispering the last group.
"That some serious muscle. Sting Ray has some good connection to get all of them working for him. I have to wonder what he's up to." Fillmore stated leaving Ingrid's to her thoughts.
"That doesn't matter we should be able to take them all down one by one, then Sting Ray will be left wide open to be brought in." Tehama said thinking that this was what had worried Ingrid.
"No, I want Malika left out of this. The rest of the Robins' can go down for all I care." Ingrid sad with surprising force.
Tehama stared at Ingrid for a short moment then started to respond, but a look from Fillmore stopped her.
"We'll deal with that when the time comes, but right now here what we're going to do. Ingrid you find out where that notebook is then get back to me. Tehama, you and I will continue as if nothing has happened. We will keep anything and everything we find between the three of us. Got it?" Fillmore said looking at the two girls.
Each on them nodded their agreement, then Tehama asked what he had planned to do when the notebook was found.
"You find out first hand trust me."