The extended Gadget family piled into the Gadgetmobile, and drove to Metro City Baths. There were several branches scattered across the city and its environs, but this was the original, the city centre branch, and the biggest. It still had its original 1930s Art Deco frontage and reception area and looked very grand, for a public leisure centre. Talon read the list of facilities.

"Gym... solarium... we should join, Penn."

They were met by Jade Swift, one of the fitness instructors, who took them to the poolside. She was only a year or two older than Penny and Talon, of mixed race, with long silky hair. Her face was very pretty, but worried.

"We've lost three staff... all using the pool. And those poor kids... I hope you can find 'em. And Gareth..."

"That's what we're here for, Miss Swift," said Inspector Gadget. Talon gave her a sympathetic smile. Penny noticed it.

The pool had been closed to the public, since Chuck and Gareth's disappearance. Penny went to the edge and looked down.

"And they were all in the deep end? Don't see anything wrong."

Brain growled, a little. Though as hygienic as any human being, he was still a dog, and didn't care for baths. Penny glanced at her uncle. She hoped this wouldn't be embarrassing. Talon and Jade didn't know Inspector Gadget couldn't use swimming pools, because water would have ruined the gadgets concealed within his body. At home, he had a special shower, which washed him via steam cleaning. As a small child, she had hated being the only one in class who couldn't go swimming with her family.

She had become good, nevertheless, and had won many Swimming Galas. She had been HQ's swimming champion... until Mr Perfect Talon had rejoined.

A mission ball sounded. Gadget took it from his pocket, and they saw a holographic image of Chief Quimby appear.

"We want all of you to go undercover, and investigate. It's possible these disappearances may be linked to the Pincer Movement... that Claw offshoot you met at Mouldhaven Mansions. We're going to reopen the pools... though we'll keep school parties away, for now. Talon... you're our champion swimmer, you can take over Gareth's role at the poolside, and keep an eye out for any strange goings-on. Penny... you came second, so you can do the training pool."

Talon gave Penny a ha-ha! look. Penny resisted the temptation to push him into the pool, and went on listening.

"Inspector Gadget, you'll be in overall charge, and will supervise. We'll give you the role of Lifeguard... though the Professor recommends you don't actually go in."

"Excellent, Chief."

"This message will self-destruct."

Gadget had already thrown the mission ball into the pool. Everyone flinched, as it exploded and sent a tidal wave over everyone. Drenched, Jade gasped. She wasn't used to this.

"I'd better get into my new role," said Gadget. "Go-go-Gadget Lifeguard!"

His legs lifted him off the ground, and a lifeguard's chair slid out from the seat of his trousers, suspended by the legs. He was now several feet above them. Jade blinked.

"But that's at beaches... we usually just stand... oh, OK."

Talon sidled up to her.

"This Gareth... was he a friend of yours?" Jade nodded, sadly. "If ever you need a shoulder to cry on..."

Jade smiled at him. Penny's eyes narrowed.

Leaving Gadget and Brain at the poolside, they went off to the changing rooms, where Penny and Talon changed into the leisure centre uniforms that had been prepared for them. The tops had their names. So much for secret agents, Penny thought.

In line with Chief Quimby's instructions, the pools reopened. Talon rejoined Gadget beside the main swimming pool, while Penny found herself at the tiny training pool alongside, supervising mothers and tiny children in the water. She could see Talon, posing and preening and charming as he led a women's group through their swimming lesson. Then later, after school, other teenage girls started coming in. He was loving every minute of it. Penny started to plan ways to remind him he was married.

Nothing out of the ordinary occurred, and at the end of the day they returned to HQ. Kayla met them in the foyer. She was giggling as she saw Talon.

"How did your therapy go? There's a story flying around the canteen..."

They ignored this, and went on up to their apartment. Then Penny turned on Talon. She started with some impressions.

"If ever you need a shoulder to cry on... right, ladies, I want to see some breast-stroke..."

Talon looked hurt.

"Penn... I was being kind. Community-minded! I'm one of the good guys now, remember? And we're undercover."

"Just remember who you're undercover with at night."

They did their daily work-out, a staged fight. Penny was putting more aggression into it than usual. Talon cooked their silent supper.

When they went to bed, Penny groaned as she heard the sleep-talking start again.

"We've got the city surrounded... twenty MAD divisions... my fee... quarter of a million dollars. Hey, Jade... do you wanna see the action?"

Penny was longing to thump him awake, but was afraid it might be dangerous. She still cared about him... for some reason!

She rolled over and went to sleep.

Next morning at the Baths, Penny checked in with Gadget first. He was again seated beside the pool.

"I was thinking, Penny... did anyone drain the pool? We might get a better view of what's beneath..."

"It's a good idea, Uncle Gadget." Penny looked. Swimmers were already coming in. "We can't do it now. We'd better keep them under observation."

She looked along the poolside. Talon was again talking to Jade, and she was laughing.

"So I went from Bad Boy to Good Boy. Zero to Hero. After I caught Zac, I had the Network to deal with..."

"It must be a great life, as a secret agent. And you're Dr Claw's nephew... wow! That's scary. And interesting."

"But I joined the good guys, eighteen months ago."

"So how do I know I'm not still talking to Bad Boy?"

Talon made eyes at her. "Maybe you'll get the chance to find out."

Penny forgot the mission, for a moment. She strode up to them.

"Excuse me?"

"AAAARGHH!"

Talon was totally unprepared for the karate move. In one stroke, Penny swept him sideways, and into the water. There was an almighty splash. Jade gulped.

"Penny... that's totally against the rules!" She pointed to Rules of the Pool, displayed on the wall nearby.

"Penny!"

Penny spun round. Talon was in trouble. Champion swimmer he might have been, but he seemed to be having trouble staying afloat.

"Penny... help me... I..."

With a yell, he disappeared underwater.

Penny and Jade ran to the edge. Then Penny plunged in after him, fully clothed.

She heard Gadget's voice.

"Penny... that is not a responsible use of the pool."

Penny swam around, dived beneath the surface, then emerged.

Talon had gone.