Chapter Twenty-Six

Nigel's POV

I glanced at the time on my radio clock sitting on my bedside cabinet. It was getting late and Abby hadn't returned yet. I was starting to get anxious and worried. "I told her!" My brain said to me. But I knew Abby could take care of herself.

I walked into the lounge where my fellow teammates were watching T.V. silently. "Did Numbuh 5-T come back yet?" I asked them. They all shook their heads unenthusiastically and continued to stare mindlessly at the television. I sat down and watched with them. Nothing interesting was on, just some soap opera. I started twisting the hem of my jacket around my fingers anxiously.

"Uh… boss? Are you okay?" Hoagie asked.

"Yeah… I'm fine." I replied.

"You worried about Abby?"

"No, no. I know Abby can take care of herself. She'll be back soon."

"Shh!" Kuki hissed. "I have to see what Heather's answer to George's question is. I can't believe she still didn't tell him she's carrying Paul's baby."

Yeah, Kuki was really into her soaps but I merely found them pointless and stupid with so many plot holes and bad acting. I just watched mindlessly like Hoagie and Wally. The only one paying most attention was Kuki. Before I knew it the show ended and the time read 8:00pm on Hoagie's watch. "Okay, that's it we're looking for her." I said. I jumped off the couch and ran out of the room. I realized the rest weren't following me so I walked back and stood in the doorway. "Are you guys coming or what?" They looked at each other for a brief second and ran towards me. I lead them out of the tree house and onto the footpath and then….

"Blast!" I groaned. "I have no idea where to look for Numbuh 5-T!"

"Well, I think Heather should be with Paul if he wasn't so up himself. But Josie should so go back to school, as if she dropped out just so she could go out with a college guy…" Kuki raved on.

"Numbuh 3-T now is not the time!" I yelled.

"Well sorry Mr. Grumpy pants."

"Am I the only one that cares about Numbuh 5-T's safety and well-being?"

"Dude, just relax." Hoagie said. "Now, maybe we should just call Maurice kay?"

I sighed and agreed. Hoagie took out his phone and dialed Maurice's number. "No ones picking up." He said.

"He probably has it switched off or something." Suggested Kuki.

Hoagie hung up. "I'm going to call the Lincoln's." And he dialed on his phone once more.

"Hello?" I heard someone answer.

"Uh hi Mr. Lincoln, it's Hoagie-"

"Well if it isn't Hoagie P. Gilligan, with the hat and the goggles and the planes and… daaw you know what I'm talking about. What can I do for ya?"

"Is Abby there?"

"Nope. She said she was going to meet up with Maurice in a café with the coffee and the cakes and the… daaw you know what I'm saying."

Hoagie sighed. "Thanks Mr. Lincoln."

He hung up once again and dialed a number. "Who are you calling?" Kuki asked.

"Virginia." He whispered. "Hello?"

"Hey Hoagie. Sup?"

"Is Abby with you?"

"No. I haven't seen her since dance. Is something wrong?"

"You don't need to worry."

"Kay, then. Bye."

"Bye."

He hanged up once more. "You're not going to call Rachel?" I asked.

Hoagie shook his head. "She's out with Patton tonight. Didn't you know?"

"Call Abby on her mobile. She might pick up." Suggested Kuki. Hoagie dialed Abby's number and we all watched anxiously.

"She's not picking up!" Hoagie whispered.

"Maybe she has her phone switched off too?"

"I highly doubt it."

I notice Wally's face go extremely white. "You okay dude?" Asked Hoagie. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Ah think ah know where Abby is." He said, his shoulders trembling. "Follow me."

He turned and ran. We followed him down the street to a gigantic mansion, which could be recognized as one thing only. The Delightful Teen's Manor.