Disclaimer: I do NOT own any characters from Alvin and the Chipmunks, nor would I even begin to claim to. All rights and credit go to the original creators and rights holders. I also do not ow the rights to any song that might be referenced over the course of this story. Again, all credit goes to the original creators and rights holders.

Chapter 1

Fresh Air

Friday, June 6th, 1947

"About time you showed up," Simon said as Alvin sat down next to him.

"I know, I know," Alvin answered.

Morning light was pouring through the row of windows and into the briefing room. Several other detectives were seated, most with cups of coffee or open files in front of them. An occasional joke or sarcastic comment was made to one another.

"The Captain's not here yet," Simon went on, setting down the newspaper he was reading. With his round-framed glasses and smart suit, he would have made a great lawyer. But here he was, Alvin's detective partner. They has solved several crimes together, and worked well doing it... or at least, as well as one would expect. Simon was determined to follow the rules and Alvin was determined to get results. but more than that, they were brothers.

"Not like him to be late," Alvin said, removing his fedora.

He noticed the headline of the newspaper Simon had been reading. In big black letters ran the words: JEANETTE DOES IT AGAIN! Below was a black-and-white photograph of a tall and slender female chipmunk wearing large glasses.

"That's the potato chip gal, right?" Alvin asked.

"The potato ch-" Simon spluttered, momentarily lost for words. "Al, this woman is a gifted scientist. She invented a potato chip that -"

"Is the crunchiest ever, yeah," Alvin finished, hen he noticed the flush on his brother's face. "Si, you don't like this gal, do you?"

Before Simon could respond, Captain Dave walked in. Black hair neatly combed, shoes shined, he was a man of little patience. Which meant he and Alvin were always at opposite ends of the spectrum.

"Good morning, everyone," the captain said, straightening his unusually crooked tie. "Detective Alvin, hopefully the news is interesting today."

But Alvin didn't hear him. He was too lost in the newspaper article.

"Alvin... ALVINNN!"

"Yes, Cap'n!" Alvin snapped to attention with a mock salute.

"Would it be too much to ask for you to pay attention?" Captain Dave asked exasperatedly.

"Anything for you, Cap."

Subdued chuckles emanated from the other detectives. Simon just shook his head.

"Lovely," David said flatly. "Alvin, Simon, I've got a case for the pair of you, effective immediately. Just called in, so I want you on this while the trail is still hot."

"Where do we need to go, Captain," Simon asked.

"5th Street, public library. You know the place."

"I sure do," Simon the bookworm replied.

"What's the case?" Alvin asked.

"What's the case, sir," Dave corrected. "Robbery. You'll be brought up to speed when you get there. Now get going, before the trail goes cold."

"You got it," Alvin muttered, replacing his fedora on his head.

"You drive?" he asked after they stepped outside of the precinct onto the sunny streets of LA.

"You sure? I know you like being behind the wheel," Simon replied.

"Si, we're heading towards a library. You'd go there with sirens blazing if you could."

"Ha ha," Simon chided in a monotone.

"Must be a big case if the Cap wants us to leave before his precious briefing is done," Alvin said as Simon started the car and pulled into the morning traffic.

"Hey, those briefings are important."

"To you."

"And you, Al. We need that information to do our job."

"You might. I just need to catch the crooks and bring 'em in."

"You know, Alvin, you're a great detective and you're my brother, but things would be a lot easier if you would just stick to protocol. You wouldn't always be in such hot water with the captain."

"The captain," Alvin mimicked. "Simon, you just want to be the captain one day."

Simon pursed his lips, but he was about to smile. "You know, I bet I'd make a great captain."

"Sometimes I wonder why you aren't working in a lab, Simon," Alvin said with a chuckle. The tension was dissipating. "Like that Jeanette."

"Maybe because I'm trying to meep my brother from being shot up."

"Both of 'em, you mean," Alvin replied, as they pulled up to the public library. "Wasn't Theo walking this beat today?"