(SLY VOICE-OVER)
Now that The Contessa's out of the picture, we need more information. Not just on her, but on her mysterious 'partner'. And the best way we could accomplish that was by splitting up. (Picture of the four of them piling their hands in a circle in a show of solidarity, then going in different directions.)
Murray did another few rounds in demolition derby and the wrestling circuits. (Pictures flash by of Murray driving, wrestling, and eating ice-cream cones five times bigger than his head). With his clean passport and his flawless—and true—excuse for traveling, Murray didn't have any problems getting around. He used that time to find some old friends and see if they had any clue where Penelope might be. (Pictures of Murray meditating with The Guru and in a wrestling match with Panda King). He also visited several of our old haunts (pictures of safe-houses from games 2 and 3 flash by) with no information.
Bentley took his research digital. (Shows Bentley typing away at the computer, data streaming by). The Contessa's Interpol profile was picked apart, her work record pre-Interpol was dissected... and he did the same for both Rajan and Tsao (Data-streams in their images scroll by), looking for any clues about who was behind this. He found a lot of interesting (picture of Rajan running prison bingo) and disturbing things (picture of General Tsao in a tye-dye shirt at a peace march), but nothing that could lead to who was behind this.
Carmelita and I tackled Interpol itself. While she scoured through mountains of old files (picture), took to the streets looking for new evidence (picture), and subtly questioned everyone who'd worked with The Contessa (picture shows several uncomfortable-looking cops eating lunch with Carmelita, who has one hand on her shock pistol)... I spent time with Dr. Foxworthy. (Picture of Sly in a suit, leaning across a desk from Dr. Foxworthy, smiling while Dr. Foxworthy leans back and laughs). Dr. Foxworthy's a graying red fox who's been at Interpol for over thirty years, with thousands of successful rehabilitations; the guy was beside himself that several of his more recent successes had relapsed, and considering retirement. But the guy was also Carmelita's uncle, and half the reason she became a cop in the first place.
Carm and I didn't find anything either, but I have Dr, Foxworthy's approval, so at least something good happened. (Carmelita kisses him on the cheek).
Murray'd just gotten home when the next postcard arrived. (Murray walks in the door, Hawaiian lei on his neck, holding a postcard.) It featured an item of clothing Bentley identified as a Scottish Brat, worn by a cloak and held shut with a pin during the 1400's. We couldn't get our hands on clothing from that time without ruining it, but the Museum of London had a number of pins on display... which they wouldn't let Carmelita even look at without a warrant. (Three stern-faced birds shut the door in Carmelita's face as Sly nonchalantly slips something in his pocket.)
She didn't even ask where I got the pin from. (Carmelita pulls on her mask and walks over to Bentley, pointing right at his chest and scowling.) She just informed us that if Bentley got within a mile of a theater without back-up, she'd pull off his shell and beat him with it. I think everything might be getting to her.
But we'll discuss it later. Right now, we have to go back to 1450's Scotland. (Bentley sits in the front seat, doing dozens of calculations with a torn picture of Penelope in front of him; Murray drives; Carmelita and Sly sit in the back, Carmelita asleep with her head in his lap, Sly with the Thievious Raccoonus open in his hands as he stares out the window.) Maybe this time, we'll finally find out what's going on.
SLY COOPER
And The Gang
In:
FIENDS FROM THE PAST
AUTHOR'S NOTES
You guys. I've gotten seven reviews on that last chapter, and four new story favorites/followers this week (and not all the same people). I don't know what I've done to deserve this, but I feel honored and treasured and loved. Thank you.
We'll resume our Tuesday-only updates next week, and when the next slideshow comes up, I'll include a jobs' list so people can suggest which they want next. Enjoy, everyone!