Author's Note: Hi guys, I'm sure a lot of you have some questions as to why this update took (3 years!) to make. Well, one of the reasons is because the Detentionaire series got discontinued. It sucks but most of my ideas come from newer episodes. It helps me with understanding the characters and come up with interesting sequences with them in it. Besides that, I was actually in college and pretty much my schedule was tight. But the important thing is the new chapter is done. And I hope (please please) it turned out good.
Chapter 10; Troubled.
Previously on the Serpent and the Tazelwurm;
"Lee…"
Chase approached his brother's slumbering form and gave him a soft kiss to the forehead. And covered his body with his fleece blanket.
"I'm sorry, Lee. But it's for the best that you didn't know" said Chase as he gathered his clothes and exited his room.
If only he knew,
Ignorance was a bliss~
8:00 am: Ping Residence - Lee's Room
It was quiet right now.
This was good.
It was good because he could take this time to think and reflect on the things he said. He doesn't want to take sides, believe him. But, some things just don't add up together. First, Holger's cheese went missing. Next, there was the problem with Lynch. Finally, there's that tracker.
Manufactured by MW&F Cooperation.
Keeping tabs.
Does he trust you?
Lee really wanted to say of course to that. He trusted his brother. Sure there are some things that they keep to themselves, but otherwise it's not something that'll get them hurt.
But what if it hurts the other?
Of course he trusts Chase!
He loves him
But does he trust you?
…He just can't help but to wrap his thoughts around that question. Despite him telling Lynch that he trusts Chase without a lick of doubt, he can't guarantee Lynch that Chase would do the same. He's worked with dangerous people. Years of working with McAdams taught him that there's a chance that tables will be turned against you and your trust will lead to your demise.
He loves Chase.
He loves Chase enough to not doubt the things he has said to him while they were in bed together. He loves him enough to not question the things that are going on in his head. What he wants most if for Chase to believe in him. He's not the enemy here! Lynch is!
While swimming in his thoughts, Lee felt a chill on his back so he turned to his side. He tries not to feel disappointed when he sees that Chase wasn't there anymore. He knew his brother was a busy man. And busy men often have to leave soon.
Too soon.
Lee collected his blanket and curled himself under it. He'll deal with his brother later. For now, all he needs is rest. His next move is to contact Lynch and from there maybe he'll finally end this once and for all. Things will be back to normal soon. And when that happens, everyone will feel relieved, especially Lee.
"I trust Chase"
But does he trust you?
11:30 am: Ping Residence - Kitchen
Few hours later Lee made his way downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. The only other person there was his dad, who was reading the morning paper with Taz napping around his ankle. So he greeted the both of them before making his way to the kitchen counter to prepare himself a bowl of cereal and a glass of juice.
"Hey dad, where's mom and Chase?"
"Your brother said he had an appointment with a client, and your mom left with him"
Lee pulled up a chair next to his dad and drank his juice as he listened.
"Do you know when they're coming back?" Mr. Ping paused from flipping through the pages of his newspaper to think about it. "Your mom said she'll probably be back maybe by 4, but I'm not so sure about Chase. Why? Do you need him for something?" he asked.
"No, not really" Lee thought about it and found that if he's away for a while this will give him a chance to get to Chase's room to look for anything that could link him to the tracker he found. He just hopes his brother didn't lock his door.
"Miss him?" That snapped Lee out of thoughts and he turned to his dad "What?" Mr. Ping smiled fondly and repeated himself "Do you miss him? You look troubled when I said I wasn't sure when he'll be back" Lee shook his head that and smiled reassuringly.
"It's nothing dad. I was just asking that's all" Mr. Ping nodded and continued reading his papers.
But if Lee was really honest.
He missed that warm feeling of having Chase hugging him when he slept.
12:30 pm: Ping Residence – Upstairs' Hallway
Lee approached Chase's bedroom door and examined the doorknob. It appears to be unlock. Lee turned the knob and walked into his brother's room. Unlike his own bedroom, Chase's room appears to be neatly in order. As he looked around there are three places that he thinks may have something of use to him. There was the closet, the desktop, and whatever that was under the bed.
Since the desktop was the closest, Lee made his way over and examined the notes that were left there. There was nothing suspicious about them, just new plans for the Hydra and what appears to be invoices of purchase. Next, he walked over to the bed. Lee pulled the drawers under the bed and found nothing but blankets and pajamas. The only thing left to search is the closet.
Lee walked towards the closet. Though he was walking normally, he felt like his movements were slowed down as the familiar words whisper within his head.
I love you Lee.
Lee felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed and steeled himself for whatever that could be hidden inside that closet. He was doing all this to prove to Lynch that Chase has nothing to hide from him. If anything, Chase was the victim of false accusation. Lee grasped the handle.
I trust you.
Whatever he finds in the closet does not change how he feels about Chase. Chase loves him very much. In return, Lee loves him just as much. Chase goes out of his way to make him happy, why should he question him? He trusts Chase!
He pulled the door open and looks down. There were some fallen clothes and pants from the hanger on the rack, but there was nothing suspicious inside. Lee felt relieved, it's as if a heavy weight has left his shoulder only to have it lodged deep inside his gut making him feel heavy with guilt.
But does he trust you?
Lee felt his cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. If Chase knew what Lee was doing behind his back, he'd be lucky if Chase considers ever speaking to him again afterwards.
With no fruitful findings, Lee withdrew his phone from his pocket to make a call.
12:50 pm: Martinez Residence – Master's Bedroom
The phone on the dresser began to vibrate to a familiar tune. Cam examined to see Lee's caller ID and answered.
"Wazzup hombre? What's the plan? "
"We're gonna get Lynch"
Ok was not prepared for that plan in all honesty.
"You gotta fill me in on this, bro. Why exactly are we going to get Lynch?"
"He was talking about shady things Chase was doing so I took a look into it" This did not surprise him, the Serpent was a scary man that probably lived of making people's lives miserable. He just hopes his life is not on that list.
"Found anything?"
"That's the thing, I found nothing. I feel like I'm being played by Lynch again" Lee made his way out of the room and closed the door behind him. "I feel like a turd just believing in Lynch, I mean come on he's the guy that put me into a year's worth of detention"
"So we're going to go get some answers jailbreak-style?" Cam grinned to that idea.
"You know it. But first I'm going to get that rat's location"
"You do your thing ese, I'll let Holger in on this and we could bust that rat for the rat that he is" Cam answered over the phone. Then he heard knocking coming from the front door so he made his way down the stairs to see who it was. "Sorry Lee someone's at the door, it could be the pizza I ordered. I'll call back later, bye" Cam opened the door and the person there wasn't the pizza delivery guy as he hoped, but some man he hasn't met.
He was almost as tall as Holger, but didn't look anything remotely like him. He was tan, had dark brown eyes and his dark hair was styled back. He looked like a business man judging from the suit he was wearing. He appeared to be in his early 50's, but was somehow holding on to a walking cane.
"Uh, sorry you looking for someone?"
The man was just as surprised as Cam, he must've gotten the wrong address or something. But he asked just to be sure. "I am sorry young man, but I am looking for an old acquaintance of mine. Is this where Ms. Maria Martinez lives?" The stranger asked Cam.
"Oh, my mom? Yeah this is where she lives, but you've just missed her" The stranger looked a little disappointed when he'd heard that he missed the chance to see Cam's mother. "But if there's something you need I could always send a text to her if you want" the man smiled softly and shook his head.
"No, it's alright young man. I'll arrange a meeting with your mother another time, sorry to have disturbed you Mr._"
"Camillio Martinez, but my friends call me Cam"
"Thank you, Cam." The man smiled warmly and bowed his head.
"If you would excuse me I'll be on my way now" the man turned away and walked towards his parked car, but was stopped when he heard Cam called out to him. "Hey wait! Can I at least get your name to let my mom know you were looking for her?"
The man smiled at him and said "Tell her that Alan came. Alan Richardson"
"No problem, I'll let her know when she comes back" Cam waved at the man as he left in his black car.
Huh.
Richardson.
Where did he hear that name from?
?: The Hydra – Holding Cells
This was getting on his nerves.
Lynch looked around the corridor and found that there were two guards standing by his only ticket out from the level where he was. He pulled out some nuts and found a nice fat one that could make a good distraction. Hiding within the shadows, Lynch leaned his body against the wall hidden from the guards' view and threw the nut directly to what appears to be a piece from a steel bar.
This distraction worked as one of the guards rushed over to see what was making the sound. As the guard turned facing away from Lynch, he took the opportunity to quickly but stealthily make his way behind the guard and tazed him. Lynch made sure he covered the guard's mouth to muffle his scream. Wouldn't want to be caught so soon now, would he?
With the guard down, he strip the man of his uniform and made his way over to the guard's post. The awaiting guard saw his partner returning and asked what it was. Lynch raised his hand and shook his head, indicating that there was nothing. Just when the guard was about to question his silence, Lynch quickly slammed him against the door and knocked him unconscious with the guard's stun dart.
It won't be long before the reinforcements come and see the mess he made. He opened the door and made his way out of the holding facility now he's on one of the casino's lower leveIs. He could ditch the outfit in the store room and make his way to the elevator. From there he could just walk pass the gaming floor and out the door and no one will notice.
He walked cautiously and examined the corridors. There were no guards in sight. He quickly made his way to the store room and rid himself of the uniform. The close was still clear when he peeked from behind the door.
This was odd.
Shouldn't there be muscle men on every floor of the casino?
"Must be Body-Guard Appreciation Day somewhere" Lynch said as he made his way into the lift. When he got in the lift he pressed the button to the ground floor. There were no stops, so Lynch managed to make his way through the gaming floor with ease.
He camouflaged himself in the crowd of gamblers, so far he was doing a good job. The guards there did not notice his presence yet. All he has to do now is to move pass the slot machines and it was home free for him. However, a group of big scary men were walking into the casino and with them was none other than the big shot himself, the Serpent.
This did not surprise him, this was the snake's den we're talking about.
What surprised him was that he wasn't alone.
It seems like the mayor was with him, too.
Leave and miss out on an opportunity to trump the Serpent.
Or, stay and probably get himself slammed back into the cell.
Sigh.
Some other time then…
1:00 pm: Ping Residence – Upstairs' Hallway
Lee called and called again. The rat was not picking up any of his calls. Great, the one time he needed Lynch he wasn't reachable. Just great.
"Hey Taz, any chance you could smell out Lynch?" Lee asked the tazelwurm curling on his lap. Taz simply huffed at that and stretched himself. Lee began scratching Taz under his chin. Even if he asked it, he doesn't really have anything on him that could lead him to Lynch.
All he had to do now was wait for him.
Which was something he hates.
Just when he thought he'd have to wait forever for his call, his phone vibrated and the caller ID showed Lynch's number.
"You've got some-"
"Casino. Get me." Lee didn't even get a chance to say a word before the call hung up. Lee blinked at the phone and was really starting to feel pissed with him. First, kicking my guts, then playing mind games with me, now calling for a split second after he tried to reach him HOW MANY TIME?!
Lynch better have a mouth guard on when he sees him, because he's going to give him a good hit between the jaws for playing him like a fiddle. Lee dialed Cam's number and told him to meet him at the Casino by 3.
He was going to get some answers from that rat.
After, he knocks his lights out.
1:30 pm: Martinez Residence
The front door opened and Mrs. Martinez walked in with a two bags of groceries with her. "Camillio, come help me with the bags, please" hearing his name Cam came down the stairs to help his mom out.
"Hey ma, a friend of yours was looking for you while you were away"
"Oh? Who was it Cam?" Mrs. Martinez asked as she puts the meat in the freezer. "It was some guy, Alan something. I asked if he wanted me to leave you a message, but he said it's ok he'll see you some other time" Cam said.
"Was his name Alan Richardson?"
"Yeah! That's it! Mr. Alan Richardson, was looking for y-" Cam saw his mom gripping the kitchen counter and didn't finish his sentence.
"Hey ma, you ok?" Cam slowly approached him mom and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm alright Camillio, I just feel a little tired is all" his mother said as she gave him a gentle smile. "I'll call him later when I've rested"
"You should go to bed ma, no worries I'll clear this up you go ahead"
"Thank you, hijo." Mrs. Martinez walked out of the kitchen. Cam may not have the brains of the mathletes, but he knows what trouble looks like. And whoever this Richardson fella is, he's got trouble written in his name. He realized his phone was vibrating in his pocket, he'll deal with this Alan guy later. Looks like Lee has info on Lynch's whereabouts.
He told his mom he'll be back soon and made his way out the front door.
Unbeknownst to him, a familiar black car was a few blocks away from his home. And a man sitting in the back seat was clutching his walking stick tightly when he saw Cam walking out the house.
"Shall we make a move, sir?" the driver asked.
The man narrowed his eyes.
"No, Jones. I came to see her, I have nothing on the boy. For now we will just have to come back another time"
"Will it be ok, sir?"
"Not to worry, he hasn't forgotten our agreement. We have plenty of time before then." With that the car drove away.
Trouble seems to follow them wherever they are.
Things are starting to get dangerous.
3:10 pm: The Hydra
"We're here, Lee. But I don't see him anywhere" Cam looked around the front entrance of the Hydra only to find no rat in sight. Lee and Holger were examining the back entrance, so far Lynch wasn't there either.
"Iz it being me, or iz it the peanut-man no show? Lee, do you be thinking peanut-man be invisible?" Holger asked his friend from the bush beneath him. This has got to be the casino. I mean this was the only casino he knows here.
"Me go ninja and sneaky closer. Lee be sure to be watching Holger's back?" Lee smiled and nodded "Will never let you down Holg, be careful of the guards" Holger saluted and rolled himself towards the fence.
Lee crept slowly, cautious of the cameras and guards around the back. He leaned himself against the wall hidden behind the shade of the tree. Holger looked around before turning to Lee to signal he found nothing.
He was getting impatient.
Where was he?
Just then, a hand gripped his mouth from the back and he was pulled against someone. Lee's screams were muffled and he tried to thrash himself out of the grip. Holger saw Lee was struggling with something, or in this case, someone. Thankfully Cam was not too far away from the back entrance so he texted Cam to help him corner whoever it was that had Lee.
Holger grabbed a stick, while Cam grabbed a rock from the casino's front fountain. Cam found the shadowed figure, it was hard making out who it was but Cam quickly crept behind him and gave the figure a good whack on the head with his rock.
The figure went down with ease.
"Oh Lee! You be safe, now! Holger was very worried"
"Who is that?" Cam asked as he turned the figure around with the stick Holger had.
It was Lynch!
"Oh man! Is that Lynch?!" Cam asked.
"Looks like it." Lee answered. He knelt down and shook Lynch's body to see whether he could get a response. "Hey, this isn't over yet. You've got some explaining to do." Lynch's eyes opened slowly and the first thing he saw was the fiery-mop of hair of a familiar ex-friend of his. "God… am I in heaven now? I see an angel" Lynch grinned at the sight of Lee.
Cam and Holger looked at Lynch in disbelief and looked at Lee to see his reaction. Lee's expression was unreadable at that moment.
"It's going to be hell, if you don't give me answers now you creep" growled Lee.
"Ah ah, all will be revealed soon enough Lee. For now, I am famished why don't we grab some burgers and shakes at the diner down the street and talk about it?"
Lee's eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth.
"… Cam"
"Yeah?"
"Whack him."
Before he could brace himself, Lynch was knocked out again by a stick that was in Cam's hand. Today just wasn't his day at all. Poor Lynch.
To be continued…
Planning these things are important, if you don't have a plan you won't get far. Which is why I can't guarantee when the next update might be but this fic is far from being discontinued. I'll re-watch the series maybe even write down some ideas for later chapters. But, yeah I hope this chapter was ok, and please feel free to leave a review. Give me some ideas may be it'll help me out. And I hope to see you in the next chapter. Bye-bye.