Hey everyone,
Good news. This story, like Dangerous Threats and, starting next month, True Family will soon be coming to an end. Like I wrote at the start of this story, there won't be any real mention of what will happen at Kaine Island as I have used that plotline in plenty of my other Sly Cooper stories and I felt done with it.
This chapter will be about the report coming out and a little test before performed by the Fox Family and after that, I think the whole team will go on a little mission outside France, where – maybe – Sly will get in trouble, Carmelita will get him out and where Murray and Helena will probably grow closer together.
However, I will either end the story with the mission or its aftermath, but I just don't think this story will go on for much longer. The reason? While Kitty Pedro really inspired me to write this story, did I never really think any further than just Carmelita joining the Cooper Gang and her starting her training as a Master Thief.
That is my fatal flaw. I think of a million and one stories on a daily basis, but even when I put some of these ideas into actual stories, do I often, one way or another, catch myself with a complete blank on how to proceed once the main plans I had for it have been written out. However, just ending while I'm ahead sounds good too.
Hope you enjoy,
Venquine1990
PS. Credits for this story's existence go to Kitty Petro
Carmelita's POV
It's been a tense couple of days since we managed our heist on Interpol and their topmost treasured secret and the reason they have been tense is because I have been anxiously awaiting whether or not Bentley could find any kind of newspaper or other form of news reporting system willing to show off the file to the crowds.
Knowing the actual reputation that Interpol has as well as how closely it has once worked with the press – namely when it was used to name me a traitor to Interpol and cohort of the Cooper Gang – do I worry, slightly for Barkley's actual reaction and the aftermath that innocent officers will have to deal with, such as Barkley's superiors.
Cheren had assured me he had put the calling card with the message in plain sight and Guru had actually gone on a little spy mission the day afterwards, reporting back later and stating that several officers that I recognized as Barkley's Superiors had gone to the bank and had visited their solicitors and lawyers, making me feel better.
What made things even better was something I had not yet known about, but that the Guru had been able to uncover during his little mission. Apparently the resignation of my whole family from the office had hit the news, yet not the full story. This had relieved me as it had given the superiors an excuse to leave on holiday.
Of course, this itself had helped Bentley immensely as he had contacted one of the solicitors and asked him to send the file to the same papers as the one who would soon report the holiday-taking officials and their reasoning. The solicitor had been startled to be approached, yet he had also been gleeful in the idea to help along.
Now it's almost a week after the heist and two days since the solicitor agreed with Bentley's plan. The article about the whole group of Interpol Superior officers taking a break to recover from the shock of losing such fine officers – me and my family – had been yesterday and I just know that the article regarding the file will be today.
Because of this am I very, very glad that Sly and his friends has agreed to put us all on similar little spy missions to the one Guru had been on earlier this week with the order to make reports on how various groups around Paris would respond to the news of their Security officers having such a shocking history.
All of us are dressed in outfits that will allow us to blend in with the shadows and while Sly had been adamant that he and Bentley would take the more criminal side of Paris, had he still made good use of our talents in regards to where who of us should go as well as take into account where we used to work most frequently before resigning.
Mum had, naturally, been assigned to watch the few major hospitals in town as well as discreetly visiting a few local apothecaries and local pharmacies. Dad was to take a look at the sports fields and companies around the city. Helena was to scout out the stores and companies that create and distribute weapons and fighting equipment.
Cheren was to join Murray in checking out fighting dojo's and other self-defense classes and I was to just go with Guru and scout out both the parks and the upper society rings as my previous position had often allowed me to walk amongst these groups of people and Guru would be able to mask our presence while out in the open.
All in all am I certain that we have practically all of Paris covered and Sly's final orders before he had let us all leave the Hide Out from various spots was: "Keep your ear-communicators and your Binocucoms on you at all times. Take pictures and record conversations with the second if possible and report back when done."
The strength of his voice alongside the large, excited grin on his face had definitely awoken the adrenaline within both me and the rest of the family, yet there was one thing I couldn't help but notice just before I left and that was the sweet smile that Murray had send Helena before taking the wheel of his van and driving off.
Helena had also noticed it and the two of us had giggled a little as little girls before sending each other a look that said talk later before we had each made our getaway out of the hide out and out into the streets of a city I once vowed I'd protect with my life. Yet this thought doesn't bother me as instead, I can't help but think:
"I am helping it. Thieves like Sly may make life harder for cops like Interpol, yet Interpol definitely doesn't have the sense of honor and justice that Interpol used to have, at least not anymore and not with everyone working there. This way, I am making sure that Interpol can fire the scumbags and hire some real staff."
And while I have no doubt that Sly has already thought of this himself, do I know my lover well enough to know that he just feels super excited about the idea of having someone replace me as a challenge to him and his job, while personally I just feel excited for the chance to help him keep out of their new law enforcer hands.
"This is where I belong, with the man I love and the family I almost lost thanks to my so-called boss. I really need to find a way to get back with Urmilla and thank her for her help. Maybe Sly has something in his treasure trove that Urmilla can use for her next line. Or maybe I can disguise myself and offer myself as a model."
And while these thoughts run through my mind do I hear Guru hiss: "Two readers at park. Beech tree." I nod at the man, refocus my thoughts and attention on the situation at hand and then use the skills I have been developing and bettering in the Hazard Room to get to the beech tree the Guru indicated while unnoticed.
We silently move through the branches together, Guru helping me as I sometimes try to land on a branch he is sure will either make a noise that will give me away or is too fragile for either of our weights to handle and when we reach the closest branches near the bottom of the tree, do we focus on our targets.
A small white colored lamb with shockingly enough dark brown almost black-colored eyes and with a waitress' outfit on is sitting next to a large lion with amber brown eyes and a dark colored mane – of which parts look like a toupee or something – and the lamb is the one holding the newspaper as she says: "Leonard, listen to this.
It has been revealed today that the famous Interpol has a very criminal like history, one which the superior officers of the office are lucky enough to escape as they are currently on holiday to recuperate from their office having lost three very significant members, also known as the Fox family.
What is this criminal like history you may ask? Interpol was actually founded by three significant families – of which two are known today for their criminal history. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, officer James Barkley's ancestor worked together with the ancestors of Dimitri Loustreau, famous con-artist, as well as Master Thief Sly Cooper.
And while some of you may think: "Oh, two criminals worked together to make a justice system." Do I have to wonder two things. One, what were the intentions of James Barkley's ancestor when he decided on this. And two, does James Barkley work alongside his ancestor's more sinister intentions – maybe even with the Coopers themselves?
After all, it has been only a few years since James Barkley accused one of his own officers, the recently resigned Carmelita Montoya Fox, of being in league with the Master Thief who is a thorn in the side of practically every known criminal, but apparently is there more shocking news, which comes from the superiors themselves.
"We were quite aware that something of sinister nature was going on with Chief Barkley as we were preparing a case against him in front of the Board of Inquisition and had the support of two other departments within our establishment, yet we have no desire to have our reputations dirtied by his or his ancestor's actions.
We commend both the Cooper and the Loustrea ancestor for caring about the citizens as ell as their own criminal activity and while we have no doubt that the Cooper Ancestor did it just to add a level of excitement and challenge to his own career, do we want to assure the crowds that a full blown investigation will commence upon our return.
We would also like to both negate and confirm the allegations that Carmelita Fox was once working for the Cooper Gang. She was not, yet after being bullied and harassed by her co-workers and accepted and loved by her supposed enemy, did the Fox and her family accept to, more or less, switch sides and fight justice in a different manner.
We have the official assurance that Carmelita Montoya Fox and her family will continue their tradition of taking down criminals and keeping the regular citizen safe from harm and if we of Interpol have to give up a few stolen paintings, jewels and other treasures for the sake of our civilians being safe, we will happily pay the price."
And there you have it, folks. The last words left by the Superiors to their solicitors and lawyers. What does this mean for Chief Barkley? Was his ancestor aware that he was just playing into the hand of a playful master thief? And what of Carmelita Fox? Will she continue to bring honor to her reputation now that she works for a different boss?
Two things are certain. The motive for the Loustreau and Cooper Ancestors for creating Interpol are perfectly clear; the motive of the Barkley ancestor, not to much. The other thing that is certain is that, if Barkley and his family's reputation is as bad as we are currently led to believe, that the Superiors will be better off founding a new Interpol – and firing the harassing bastard!
Writing by Elliot Sindrom
Can you believe that?" The little lamb asks her gaping friend and the look on the lion's face makes me feel exhilarated, do I press the ear-communicator and whisper: "Everyone, I just heard the entire article. It speaks of me, the superiors and Barkley. Interpol might get a little harassed, but Barkley will definitely be receiving the brunt."
To which I hear several happy sounds and then Bentley says: "Carmelita, why don't you turn this batch of revenge full circle. Check on Barkley and take as many pictures as possible. Life yourself out, girl." And while this makes me want to squeal, do I hiss back: "Copy that Bentley." Before moving back to the top of the tree.
I then leap out and through the rest of the park before climbing a three-story flat and while rushing across the ceiling on the tips of my toes to keep silent, do I hear Sly giving me a soft, caring order to remain careful and while I send him a sound of confirmation, do I happily rush for where I know my boss has his home.
The reason I know this is because, months ago, I had had a moment of weakness and had disguised myself as a punk teenager before completely befouling Barkley's home with private fluids, quick-drying paint, graffiti and the stuff left behind by dogs on a walk. Luckily enough had I kept out of camera view and thus out of trouble.
There had definitely been one thing about the house that, at the time, had shocked me, but now I find this fact to be most convenient as Barkley seems to feel so confident of himself and his personal safety that his house is made up of an equal amount of glass windows as well as brick walls, allowing for people to look in from every angle.
The house itself is a two-story house located in a suburban neighborhood, surrounded by a large garden that goes all round and that is separated from the next door neighbors by large willow, beach and apple trees, which are all situated next to a high white wooden fence that is as tall as a single story of the house itself.
The fence helps Guru and me to reach one of the trees and just when we have hidden ourselves in one of the willow and beach trees respectively, does a beautiful Pidgeon woman pass the street, which amazingly enough spurs Guru into an action I have yet to see him perform and which makes me even more amazed with his skills.
The little purple koala dashes back across the fence and jumps onto the back of the unsuspecting woman, causing for a purple colored aura to flow around him as well as her head and for her soft orange eyes to turn glazed before he mutters something in his native tongue that makes her stretch her wings and fly up.
And while I wonder what he could be onto, does he then mutter something else that makes the Pidgeon start to let out shrill noises that would have made me fall out of my position in the tree had I not been expecting him to do something and while she craws, does she fly over to scratch at one of the windows of the house.
This shocks and worries me, but then Barkley rages out and throws one of the windows open, the Guru moving the bird woman in such a way he is hidden from the badger's sight before he repeats this course of action at practically all the windows and to my shock, does Barkley seem too angry to reclose the windows afterwards.
Instantly I pull out my Binocucom, feeling like kissing the small little koala and while Bentley asks: "Carmelita, are you okay? What's going on there?" Do I whisper back: "Guru is helping us listen in. I'm safe, don't worry." The turtle seems confused, but accepts my response and then I focus my Binocucom inside.
And luck is again on my side as my vision leads right into the living room of Barkley's house where the newspaper is lying across the arm of what I know is Barkley's favorite recliner chair – me knowing it because I often heard him brag of how expensive the damned thing was – and this sight makes elation rise within me.
Barkley grumbles as he walks in, Guru having left the badger alone at this point and having dropped the poor Pidgeon on the sidewalk before resuming his own position, and the badger grumbles something about getting a restraining order against birds or something as he sets himself down into his seat and takes the paper.
Here I have a lot of trouble holding my camera steady as my hand is trembling with elated excitement and to my enjoyment does it take Barkley only a single glance at the title of the head article before he practically hits the ceiling of his own house as his voice can be heard all across the street shouting: "WHAT IN THE DEVIL!"
This alone makes me steady my footing as I now have to slap my other hand across my lips to keep me from laughing and revealing myself and the man tears through the article, his face turning all kinds of shades, while I allow for the camera zoom in so much I can almost hear the muttering he does under his breath as he reads.
"Criminal history … master thief … justice system … superior officers … level of excitement … founding a new Interpol? Harassing bastard? Who the heck does this Sindrom think he is? And wait? What the heck is this? Barkley's second in command arrested for being a – a – a – a rapist? What are they talking about?"
This part shocks me and makes me inch a little closer, my binocucom now aimed for the paper itself, yet because Barkley is with his front to me and has the paper open to the second page, do I only see the front page and back page articles and so instead of that, do I whisper: "More news has been found by Barkley. I'm recording it."
I hear Bentley give a sound of recognition and listen as Barkley throws the paper away and ask: "I don't have second in commands who are rapists. Who does this reporter think he is? And where is he getting these so-called video files from anyway?" And with that does the badger retake the paper with a sense of furious interest as he reads:
Barkley's second in command arrested for being a rapist.
Can Interpol take anymore blows? Maybe with the help of the superior solicitors, but apparently these fine gents have hired a few secret agents of their own to dig up all the dirt that goes around within their own establishment before going on holiday to recuperate from whatever it is these agents have already found for them.
And what news it is, ladies and gentlemen. The secret agents not only managed to infiltrate Interpol and make a perfect copy of the contract that founded Interpol, they also managed to get several very sinister and illegal statements made by officers working under Chief James Barkley on both camera and voice recorders.
They have already send these records to the other divisions working under the Superior officers and the first file made said officers arrest a bat known as Gastrice Queensland, who had openly admitted to two other officers that he plans to rape former Inspector Carmelita Montoya Fox upon her alleged return as an Interpol Officer.
As it has already been established that, like the Superior Officers, former inspector Fox is better off working elsewhere, do I feel confident in the statement that these desires of this little flying mammal will never come to pass. Still, I feel I must ask you, dear readers. Is this really the image you want your justice force to have?
By now I have a heck of a lot of trouble keeping myself quiet and not betraying my position as I whisper: "Breaking off. I can't take anymore. This is too good. Leaving the rest to Guru." To which Bentley whispers: "Copy that. Return to base and good work. Hope you enjoyed yourself." And while I leave, do I think:
"Oh Bentley, you have no idea." And while I know darn well that, for now I will have to keep working on keeping my emotions under a firm control, do I not feel the least bit guilty of not being able to do so right now. After all, what girl can't enjoy getting one over a man who has been tormenting her for several years straight.
And that is that!
Do hope you liked the articles. They were a ton of fun to write and I will admit that Carmelita may have sounded a little OC at the end, but I really let her become – well, me – at that point and I felt I wouldn't have been able to keep myself hidden there any longer either. Heck, I would have broken down laughing way before then.
Next chapter is the rest of the gang meeting at the hideout and discussing how they saw the other parts of Paris respond to the news. Needless to say, Barkley will be seriously bashed and so will his little second in command. The board of inquisition? Heck, Barkley's already in trouble with all of Paris, forget that meeting.
Am I right or am I right,
Venquine1990
PS. Credits for this story's existence go to Kitty Petro
