"Quick! Pandora... I mean Katherine... is running away!" Jess pointed
Katherine darts out the door! Jess, Emily, and Danny run after her as fast as you can!
Outside, Jess spot Katherine running towards the classrooms.
"You guys chase after her this way... I'll run around the classroom and cut her off." said Emily
"The classic pincer! I like it." said Jess
"Come on Jess try to keep up." said Danny
Jess sprint forward, keeping pace with Alex! Ahead of you, Katherine gets closer and closer... Katherine runs down a hall. Just when she gets to the end of it, Emily rounds the corner in front of her.
She stumbles back and turns around only to find Danny and Emily waiting.
"Give it up, Katherine. You're surrounded." Emily glared
Katherine leans against the wall and slides to the ground. She starts crying softly.
"It's over, Katherine. We know you're Pandora." said Emily
"I just don't understand why." Jess sighed
"Look, I... I know this looks bad. But I'm not Pandora! I swear!" Katherine defended
"That's just what Pandora would say." Danny glared
"Look... if you're not Pandora, then why did you react so strongly when you saw Autumn's necklace?" Jess asked
"I... I can't say... Or at least, I WON'T say. I'm not going to answer any of your questions... not until Autumn is here. I have to talk to her face-to-face." said Katherine
"Let's give Katherine a chance, okay? Now that we're watching her, it should be okay. I'll text Autumn now." Jess text Autumn
Autumn arrives at the classroom where Katherine is crying. "Autumn, you're here... I have to talk to you."
"I heard. I just can't believe it was you all along." Autumn sighed
"No... it wasn't. I'm not Pandora. But... but I do have something else to confess." said Katherine
"What do you have to confess, Katherine?" Autumn asked
"I... I'm the one who smashed your locket." said Katherine
"You smashed my locket? But... but I don't understand, Katherine. Why?" Autumn sobbed
"Why would you do that if you're not Pandora?" Jess asked
Katherine sighed explained "I didn't know it was hers! I got a box in the mail with the locket inside and a not saying I had to destroy it or Pandora would reveal my secret! After I broke it, she made me put it back in the box and leave it on Autumn's car. I'm so sorry!"
Katherine pulls a crumpled note out of her pocket and shows Jess the message. "Destroy this locket, or else I'll destroy YOU."
"I'm still upset... but I can understand why you did it." Autumn said in a disappointed face
"I'm so, so, SO sorry!" A while later, after Katherine has left.
"Well, that was a dead end. I guess Katherine isn't Pandora." Autumn sighed
"Assuming she's telling the truth." said Jess
"You think she's lying?" Autumn asked
"I'm not sure" Jess feel her phone buzz in your pocket. "Hello?"
'Hey, Nishan told me to tell everyone to meet in the secret headquarters." Sakura called
"You mean, the computer lab above the Nerd Hangout?" Jess asked
"You are the worst spy ever. Yes! Get your ass here now. He has some new evidence for us." Sakura barked
In the Nerd Hangout, while waiting for Nishan to arrive, Jess tell everyone else what Katherine said.
"And you really believe her? She could be lying. No one is THAT perky or THAT nice." Sakura grumbled
"I don't think she's lying. I mean, I'm really sad that she destroyed my mother's locket but it does seem like she was telling the truth about Pandora pushing her to do it." Autumn sighed sadly
"It fits Pandora's pattern... using people, turning them against each other, covering her trail. She's like a real-life evil mastermind." said Sakura
"Besides, she showed you guys the note. I don't think she just had it in her pocket randomly." said Payton
"I don't know. I don't like it. We still don't know what her deep dark secret is. What does Pandora have over her?" Sakura asked
"Whatever it is, it must be bad. She was targeted specifically by Pandora. She had to do all those embarrassing things, remember?" Payton pointed
"Yeah, exactly! This way, no one would suspect her! It's genius!" Sakura smiled
"Still though... she was always so nice to us." Payton sighed
"Jess, what do you think? Is Katherine Pandora or not?" Mia asked
"I honestly don't know. I just want more information. I guess we'll have to see what Nishan turns up." said Jess
The door opens, and Nishan walks in. "Get ready! We have another lead! Okay, we have some news. We took another look at that last house where we found the box. You know, the one that was just recently finished and is completely empty?"
"At first, we figured that the house was a dead end since no one lived there. But then when we looked at the photos again, Wes realized something." said Julian
"I was wondering why it looked so familiar. You know that charity that builds houses for people in need, Place For People? This is one of theirs." said Wes
"So what does that mean?" Autumn asked
"What it means... is that we found our link to Pandora." said Wes
"I did a little digging online and can confirm that house was constructed by the charity Places for People or PFP for short." said Nishan
"So?" Jess asked
"So, it ALSO turns out that some student from Athena Academy work with the local chapter of that charity." said Nishan
"Pandora's been using that empty house like a drop spot, arranging for anything incriminating to be delivered there. But the only way she'd know to use the house." said Wes
"Is if she was one of the students involved with the organisation. So what do we do?" Jess asked
"We need to figure out who in Athena Academy volunteers for PFP." said Wes
"There must be a list of people! I bet I could get it by hacking the charity's database! I'll just need a dozen computers for brute force crunching, and someone on the inside to plant a keylogger." said Nishan
"That... or we can just check out their roster this afternoon, at Athena's PFP recruitment lunch." said Wes
"Well, that's no fun." said Nishan
"We'll need two girls to go check it out all girl school no boy allowed they'll have to look like they fit in." said Wes
Kate and Brianna were dressed in uniform
"Well, how about that. You girls looks just like Athena Academy students." Wes whistled
"Thanks! That's exactly what we're going for." Brianna smiled
"You two know what you need to do?" Wes asked
"Yep! We're infiltrating Athena Academy and grabbing a copy of the Places For People roster." said Kate
"Right. Remember, you've got to act like you blend in, so Pandora doesn't know we're onto her. She's predicted our every move so far." said Wes
"You got it, Wes." Brianna smiled
"Let's go!"
Brianna and Kate sneak onto Athena Academy's campus and join a small group of girls attending the Places for People lunchtime meeting.
"Can you see the roster?" Brianna asked
"It's at the front... right next to that cute guy at the podium! I didn't know they had boys on Athena Academy campus." said Kate
"Oh yeah, I heard some girls talking about him. He's Zero. He leads the local chapter of PFP." said Brianna
"Thank you all for coming! I know everyone couldn't make it to this afternoon's meeting, but there's an even bigger event tomorrow night that's mandatory for every PFP volunteer." Zero smiled
As he continues talking about the organization, Alexandra and Kate sidle next to the table near him and casually snatch the Places For People club roster list!
Back at Berry Brianna and Kate bring you the club roster list, complete with the name of every member.
"Great work." Wes smiled
"No problem! It was my best performance yet." Brianna smiled
"Guys, take a look at this list! See anyone familiar?" Mia asked
"Katherine!" Payton gasped
"If she's in the Places For People club, she could have had access to the house that the Pandora boxes were being mailed to." said Autumn
"Which makes her a prime suspect. Again. I say we drill her for more information." said Sakura
"Well, I heard there's going to be a big meeting for PFP tomorrow night, and it's mandatory for all members!" Brianna mentioned
"We can corner her then but we're going to need some backup." said Jess
At the Places For People meeting the next evening...
"All right, we're looking for Katherine. Anyone see her?" Jess asked
"No, not yet." Julian shakes his head
"But trust us, we're looking... we'll find her." said Payton
Some time later, the meeting wraps up. At the back of the room, Jess and her friends looks around one more time.
"Huh, did anyone see her?" Jess asked
"No... looks like she didn't show." Julian shake his head
"Hm, well, maybe we can ask around." Jess and her friends step up to the leader at the front of the group.
"Hey, guys. I'm Zero, and I lead PFP. I haven't seen you around here before. You new?" Zero smiled
"Yeah! We love the work that you do. One of my friends told me all about it. Her name is Katherine." Jess pointed
"Oh!" Zero sighed
"You know her?" Jess asked
"Uh, yes! Well, kind of. I've seen Kat, er, I mean Katherine around. Maybe. Yeah." said Zero
"Do you know what happened to her? She said she volunteered here." Jess asked
"She used to come to these meetings. But, uh, not anymore. Uh, you know what? I have to go organize some people for this weekend. I'll see you around." Zero left
Back at school, Jess meet up with everyone else.
"So? What did she say?" Julian asked
"Yeah! Did you confront her?" Wes asked
"She wasn't there. We did talk to this weird guy though. He was acting all nervous. But I don't think he can help us much." said Jess
At that moment, a delivery guy arrives and hands over a familiar-looking box.
"Oh great." Mia sighed
"Wait! Maybe this is a Schrodinger's cat situation where it's only blackmail if we open it." said Nishan
All I heard was cat, but I'm very interested." said Payton
"Anyone want to open it?" Jess asked
Carrie prepares to open the box. "Okay. Here we go. Opening one of Pandora's famous boxes. Nothing to be afraid of, right? It's probably just a note. Maybe a nice card. Nothing scary or dangerous. Certainly not a time bomb or a snake or a nest of scorpions. Okay, I'm freaking myself out! I'm just gonna do it!
The lid pops open, and you peer down into its contents.
"Oh no!" Jess sighed
Jess and her friends gather around and look into Pandora's box and find a mess of dirty, rusted nails!
"Oh, that just disgusting!" Mia gasped
"There's something buried underneath!" said Jess
"You mean we have to dig through them?" Mia exclaimed
"What is this, Saw?!" Julian grumbles
"Or... we could just pour it out." said Nishan
"I'm going to go with that one." said Jess
Jess all turn the box over, spilling the contents onto the floor! Among the scattered nails is a crumpled piece of paper.
"It's a note!" Autumn pointed
Jess read the note. "If you keep digging at this foundation, the whole house will come crumbling down on you. STAY AWAY FROM PFP."
"Ugh. I know a threat when I see one." Mia groaned
"And I know fear when I smell it. Pandora is trying to scare us away because we're getting close to the truth!" Sakura glared
"Sakura's right. I think the answer to this mystery must lie with that Zero guy. We have to get more information out of him." said Wes
"Whoa, wait, if we think that Pandora is Katherine, why don't we just go straight to her and ask about Zero to her face?" Payton asked
"Pandora's good. Possibly better-than-me good. And she's prepared. If we ask Katherine about Zero, I'm sure she'll have a canned story about how she knows him, and it'll be all wrapped up in a nice shiny bow that leaves her in the clear and us with no suspect. No, we need to go to Zero directly and determine for ourselves how they're connected." said Wes
"Okay, so what do you suggest? Should we question him?" Jess asked
"You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." Wes shrugged
"But what about a solution that's equal parts honey and vinegar? Spread on a cracker perhaps?" Nishan suggests
"Now I'm hungry." said Julian
"My point is we're gonna charm him! But we need someone with a winning smile and just the right look." said Wes
Sierra dresses wearing a white tank top, grey jean and sliver flats slinks towards Zero as he's leaving the Places For People meeting building.
"Hello there." Sierra smiled
"Uh, hello." said Zero
"Hey, you're Zero, aren't you? I was looking all over JUST for YOU." Sierra flirts
"Uh, you were? What did you need?" Zero asked
She puts a hand on his chest.
"I have a couple questions about your program, and I'd just LOVE to hear all the details from you. It's so kind of you to be doing this charity work. It's like so thoughtful, you know? I'd love to talk about your projects some more... maybe over dinner sometime?" Sierra flirts
"Uh, er... I mean, I'm sure I'd love to talk to you about the program, but... I'm not exactly, er, well, dating?" Zero asked
"Oh! I was told wrong then. Such a shame. One of my friend Katherine told me you were a real nice guy." Sierra sighed
"Katherine told you that? Well, that's nice of her, I guess. But, uh, listen, I have to run. I don't know if you've heard in the news, but a hurricane struck this small town down on the coast." said Zero
"Oh no!" Sierra gasped
"I'm organizing a group to go there and help rebuild. But there aren't enough people to go. It's a problem. That I, uh, should get to. RIGHT now. Goodbye!" Zero waved
"Goodbye. That was a bust. He didn't even want to have dinner!" Sierra sighed
"You did good. If you flirted with me, I'd take you out to dinner at least." Wes smiled
"Sorry I didn't get any more information." Sierra sighed
"It's okay. Zero doesn't seem like he's going to open up easily. We have to get on his good side somehow." said Jess
"Well, he did want volunteers to help with his relief efforts." Sierra pointed
"That's perfect! We'll volunteer for his program and get to know him better. If we earn his trust, we might learn how he's connected to Pandora." said Jess
"I'll inform everyone and organize people." said Wes
"And I'll round up the money for the trip now!" Jess rounds up the money to pay for the trip
Later, Jess catch up with Zero at the PFP office.
"This should cover out travel costs, Zero!" Jess hands the money over
"Awesome! It's great to see such a big turnout from your school!" said Zero
"There's even more coming. I scrounged up a pretty solid squad." said Julian
"Count me in, too." said Wes
"I had no idea there was such enthusiasm for our work!" said Zero
"Well, it's a good cause... and an excuse to make new friends!" said Jess
"Ha ha, nice! I look forward to getting to know everyone too! I'm glad to have you all." said Zero
After a quick bus ride, Jess arrive in a small coastal town ravaged by a hurricane.
"All right, people. We've got a lot of work to do and a lot of people to help. We'll need to split up into teams of four." said Zero
"I've got my starting squad! Game faces, team. I wanna see some real hustle out there!" Julian called
"My crew's in position as well. Stay frosty, people. I run a clean op. No snags, no hiccups. Synchronize watches on my mark." said Wes
Julian and Wes each lead their teams to their projects on the new house.
"Wow, Julian and Wes are really taking to this project well." said Jess
"I know! Let's not fall behind. You can stick with me. Who else should we add to our team? All right, all of you know your tasks?" Zero asked
"Yup! I'm gonna raise the roof! Literally!" Alex smiled
"And don't worry! I've got the floor all covered... literally! With carpet!" said James
"Great! Jess, I need you to cut these planks to a length of 8 feet for the outer siding. But be sure to measure well." said Zero
"Sure! You can count on me. All right, almost done. Just gotta get these last planks sawed. Zero said to be extra careful about getting the pieces the right size. I need to make planks 8 feet long! There." Jess and Zero affix the planks to the house's outer siding and nail them down.
"These are perfect! This house is gonna look awesome! We did some great work today. Thanks for everything, Jess. I'm glad you joined the program." said Zero
"Yeah, we heard great things about it from our friend, Katherine." said Jess
"Katherine was a uh good volunteer." Zero stuttered
"That makes sense. She seems to care a lot." said Jess
"Oh yes, she's one of the sweetest people I know! Er, well, along with everyone else here in the program." said Zero
So you two were close?" Jess asked
"Well... sure. I mean, you know, as far as teammates go... I suppose we worked especially well together. Hey, I gotta go check on the other teams. I'll see you later, yeah?" Zero leaves in a hurry, making his way to the opposite end of the build site.
Jess search the teams for your friends, and find Payton and Sakura putting up a door frame. "Hey guys. I just talked to Zero. It definitely seems like he's hiding something about Katherine. I wonder if he likes her." said Jess
"Ooh, likes her like a friend or like, LIKE-likes her?" Payton asked curiously
"Who cares? I just want to know if Katherine is Pandora!" Sakura exclaimed
"He left in a hurry before I could get to it. We've got to get the info out of him somehow." said Jess
"I'll do it! I'm an expert on romance." said Payton
"Count me in as well. I'll be cataloguing his movements and weaknesses to see if he's lying. We can get him alone when we separate into groups of four tomorrow. We just need a third person who's in on the plan." said Sakura
The next day, Sakura, Payton, and Tash join Zero's group for building houses.
"I'm so happy we're in the same group, Zero! I wanted to learn more about the guy who organized this entire thing!" Tash squealed
"Oh yeah?" said Zero
"Totally! I hope you don't mind talking while we work." said Payton
"Because Payton will definitely talk your ear off." said Sakura
"No problem. It's good to talk while you build. It makes the time go faster and the work easier." said Zero
"Oh good! Let's start with romance! I've got some CRAZY stories." said Payton
Payton, Sakura, and Tash work while talking with Zero!
"And that's how I ended up making out in an aquarium." Payton open up about her ex. "I thought he care about me he turned out to be a selfish jerk."
"I'm sorry to hear that?" Zero sighed
"No worries things got better after I met Tommy." Payton let out a smile. "Whew! Anyway, I feel like I've been doing all the talking. Zero, what's going on with your love life?" Payton asked
"Yeah, it seems like you're hung up on Katherine." said Sakura
"What? No, I... Is it that obvious? It's true, I do have feelings for her. How could I not? She's amazing!" said Zero
"So why aren't you two together?" Payton asked
"It would never work out. I've ruined everything. There's no hope for us." said Zero
"Please. I'm sure it's not that bad." said Payton
"I kissed her while I was dating one of her best friends." Zero sighed
"THAT'S... pretty bad." Payton gasped
Zero sighed explaining the story "We broke up after Katherine and I kissed, but I never told her the truth. And Katherine doesn't want to be with me now. She doesn't want her friend to feel betrayed, so it's just not going to happen."
"Which friend is it?" Sakura asked
"Uh, just one of those girls at Athena. I'd rather not bring her into this if that's okay with you." said Zero
"Aww, Zero! I'm sure you'll find a way to work things out." Payton comforts
"I hope so, I need a break from dating plus I'm a busy guy. Thanks for the talk, guys. It was nice getting it off my chest."
A little while later, Payton and Sakura update the rest of the group.
"Big news, guys! We found out that Zero is in love with Katherine, and he broke up with Katherine's best friend to be with her. Pandora knows all the dirty dark secrets." said Payton
"It brings up an interesting question. What if Katherine's best friend found out that Katherine was locking lips with her boyfriend and wanted revenge? What if her best friend is Pandora?" Sakura wondered
"Ooh! Dark. This is like Pretty Little Liars where A knows all their secrets." Payton gasped
"Yeah. Exactly. We just need to figure out which on of Katherine's best friends dated Zero, and we have ourselves a new suspect." said Sakura
"Well, that gives us something to look into... once we get back home." said Wes
"Wow, Wes, you can wait that long? Usually, you're the one standing next to the whole when all of us are just getting ready to dig." said Jess
"I guess, but we still have one more day here. We can get these houses done. Who's ready to start the next shift? Julian?" Wes asked
"Yeah, sure." Julian nods
Wes and Julian walk away, leaving Jess and Payton to stare after him. "Looks like Wes is actually enjoying himself."
Jess find Wes working with a group of guys.
"Come on, guys! We're almost there!" Wes wipes some sweat from his brow as he lifts and nails several more boards into place, completing the wall.
"All we need is a little paint, and someone's got themselves a new home. Jess, any preferences on color?" Wes asked
"Blue." said Jess
"Blue. That's a nice color for a house." Wes smiled
A little while later, the house is painted a bright blue!
And we're done!" Wes smiled
"I gotta say, Wes, I'm surprised at how dedicated you are to this." said Jess
"Well, I really want to finish the rest of the houses. We're only here for one more day." said Wes
"So what brought on this sudden interest in philanthropy?" Jess asked
Wes shrugs his shoulders uncomfortably. "This isn't really something I'm used to talking about, but."
"So why is it that you're so enthusiastic about being Bob the builder building homes for the needy? Not that I'm complaining." said Jess
Wes sighs explains. "The house my family used to live in? It was actually built by Places For People. That's how I recognized the house Pandora used. They all use the same materials. I didn't have much as a kid, but our house wasn't bad. I figure I owe PFP at least this much. And believe it or not, I'm a guy who pays his debts."
"I'm sure your work is going to help and inspire a lot of people." said Jess
Soon, the last nail is hammered into place, and the team steps back to admire their work!
"Great job, you guys! The community's so impressed with the work we've done. In fact, we have some people here to thank you personally." Zero smiled
Several members of the town come forward, gratefully hugging Julian, Wes, and the rest of Jess team!
"I gotta say... this charity stuff's not half bad." Julian shrugged
"Ha ha, yeah!" Jess chuckled
"Nice work, Wes. I guess you can use your powers for good when you put your mind to it." said Julian
"Didn't do so bad yourself, Heisman." said Wes
On the bus ride back home, Jess and her friends regroup.
"Okay, so what's going on when we get back? Did we find out who Pandora is?" Julian asked
"We don't know for sure, but we do have a lead. Zero kissed Katherine while he was dating one of her best friends." said Jess
"Doesn't surprise me. That dude gave off a sketchy vibe." said Julian
"Ah, I see. See And you think that friend might have found out and became Pandora to get even?" Wes asked
"Yes, exactly. When we get back, I say we start digging there." said Jess
From the bus depot, Zero drops Jess and her friends off at your school.
"Thanks for the ride, Zero." Jess smiled
"No problem. You guys did some great work for-" Zero suddenly stop mid-sentence, looking at something behind you. Jess turn and see Bridgette in the distance. "Uh... er..."
"Something wrong?" Jess asked
"No! I just have to go! I'll see you later!" Zero jumps into his car and drives off... just as Bridgette comes up to you!
"Was that... Zero?" Bridgette exclaimed
"You know him?" Jess asked
"Yes. I do. And I'm hardly surprised he ran off like that." said Bridgette
"Why?" Jess asked
"Because we used to date." Bridgette sighed
"Bridgette, you and Zero used to date? How did I not know about this?" Mia exclaimed
Bridgette sighed explaining the whole story "It was a long time ago, and I kept it quiet. You know my mom and dad wouldn't approve of a guy like Zero. It's not like it matters. He broke up with me for no reason. It was really upsetting. I never really found out why. Anyway, that was long ago. I actually came to talk about something much happier. My birthday is coming up, and I wanted to extend a cordial invitation for my party! You must come! It's at the country club!" Bridgette hands the invitation. "Everyone invited the more the merrier." Bridgette squeals happily
"Sure!" Jess smiles
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Wes smiled
"Thank you." said Autumn
Bridgette walks off
"So Bridgette's the one Zero broke up with, huh?" Wes asked
"Looks like it." Jess nods
"So, what, you think she actually knows about Katherine and Zero, and she became Pandora to get revenge?" Payton asked
"It's a possibility. And her birthday will be the perfect time to see if we can get more information out of her. In the meantime, I say we talk to Katherine." said Wes
"I'll tell her to meet us over by the picnic tables." said Jess
Katherine arrives a couple minutes later meeting Jess at the picnic table
"We need to talk. Zero told us everything." said Jess
"Oh no! He did? You can't tell Bridgette. Please, PLEASE, don't tell Bridgette." Katherine panics
"I won't. But only because it's not my secret to tell." Jess sighs
Katherine slumps on the bench, her head in her hands.
"This is your secret, isn't it?" Jess asked
Katherine sniffle nod.
"I thought so shouldn't you tell Bridgette before Pandora gets to her." Jess suggested
"I can't tell Bridgette. I'm so ashamed of what I've done, and I don't want to lose her as a friend. Plus, she'd be so angry. I broke her favorite plate once in fifth grade, and she didn't forgive me for a year. I don't even know how long it'd take her to forgive me for this." Katherine cover her face in embarrassment
"Unless she already found out." Wes pointed
"What are you saying?" Katherine asked
"What if Bridgette knew that you're the reason Zero broke up with her?" Wes asked
"She'd probably be pretty mad. She'd probably try to ruin my life, actually." Katherine sniffle
"Or blackmail you as Pandora?" Wes asked
"No... it's just not possible." Katherine shakes her head