Zack and Cody Martin are in the lobby of the Tipton. Zack is watching Maddie as she is kissing Chris the boy that she has been dating recently and making gagging sounds the whole time. Cody is looking through the book how to be a detective.
ZACK:
What does he have that I don't have?
Cody looks up from his book.
CODY:
Lets see; a car, a razor, six inches, and a brain!
ZACK:
I just asked for one thing not the whole list!
Just then Moesby enters the room looking very grave. He crosses the lobby to the candy counter.
MOESBY:
Madeline, will you please come to my office.
MADDIE:
Is something wrong?
MOESBY:
I'd rather not discuss it here.
Maddie Follows Mr. Moesby into his office, A few minutes later she emerges on the verge of tears. Zack and Cody hurry over to her.
ZACK:
Maddie what's wrong?
MADDIE:
Twelve thousand dollars disappeared from the hotel safe last night, and I'm the prime suspect.
ZACK:
That's crazy you're no thief.
Zack turns, Grabs Cody and pulls him up to Maddie.
ZACK:
And Cody will prove it!
A few minutes after the scene in the lobby, Zack and Cody walk into their suite, arguing the whole time.
CODY:
How could you just tell Maddie that I would prove her innocent?
ZACK:
Well you've been studying how to be a detective. Now's you chance to prove whether you're Colombo or Dumbo.
CODY:
You're all heart.
ZACK:
You've been reading up on how to be a detective and now a mystery drops right into you're lap its like a sign or something, besides you've got to save the woman that I love.
CODY:
If mom walked in and gave me a fedora like those old forties detectives wore, that would be a sign.
Just then Carey followed by Tapeworm and Max, comes walking into the room. Carey is caring a black Fedora. Cody takes one look at fedora and turns to look at Zack who is grinning from ear to ear.
CODY:
Alright you win.
Cody puts the fedora on his head and walks out of the Suite.
MAX:
Where is he going?
ZACK:
Maddie has been accused of stealing from the hotel and Cody in going to prove that she's innocent.
Zack clasps his hands over his heart and stares up and the ceiling.
ZACK:
Fear not my love, help is on the way, Cody Martin Private eye!
The look on Zack's face changes from joy to panic.
ZACK:
My brother helping Maddie! WHAT HAVE I DONE!
CODY( VOICE OVER):
That ladies and gentlemen is how yours truly got involved in this masquerade of evil where nothing is as it seems.
ZACK:
It's also how Cody Martin lost all of his marbles.
CODY:
MOM!
TBC
Nextthe scene of the crime