BloodforInk - thanks for the replies.
-d-d-d-d-
Betty was sitting in front of the giant screen so she could bring up an image of Cheryl in one of the warehouses on the south side. She'd managed to tap into the local business's security feed to see the area, while also watching Cheryl's body camera. She'd installed a special camera into Cheryl's suit so she could see what Cheryl did and talk her through things. Betty put on the headset and turned on the communication device the redhead was wearing.
"Can you hear me?" Betty said quietly.
Sounding a bit annoyed, Cheryl responded in the affirmative.
"Okay, now, just like I showed you earlier, you just have to hit the one lever and jump," Betty stated, "It's programmed so that when you get close to the ground it automatically slows you down enough so you don't break an ankle."
"How thoughtful," Cheryl responded sarcastically.
"Cheryl, if you'd rather break a bone, be my guest," Betty said, "I just thought you'd like to save yourself the trouble of coming up with yet another lie about how you got hurt."
"Fine," Cheryl said begrudgingly, "Speaking of lies, you need to figure out a new one. Keller is getting suspicious about how many walls you've been banging into lately."
"I figured I'd start using the door," Betty responded.
"Try harder," Cheryl inhaled deeply, "Okay, testing the repelling gear. Here we go."
Betty watched on the monitor as Cheryl jumped gracefully from the rafter. The design she'd thought up and managed to execute worked perfectly as Cheryl landed like a cat.
"Nice," Betty nodded, "How'd it feel going down? Any hitches?"
"No, nice and smooth," Cheryl replied, "I'm impressed."
Betty smiled on her end just as movement on another screen caught her eye, "Time to test the exit out. We've got incoming."
Cheryl quickly reattached herself to the rope and then hit the second lever. The device rapidly lifted her up, stopping just before the top, so she could pull herself safely onto the rafter to watch the perp's activity.
"Are you seeing this?" Cheryl asked quietly.
"Yeah, and I know him," Betty said.
"Which one?"
"Older man, tall, skinny, long hair, and facial hair near the column," Betty identified, "I met him last year when I tutored at South Side High and one of our sessions took place at the Whyte Wyrm. Sweet Pea called him Tall Boy. Cher, he's second in command of the Serpents."
"Looks like a weenie," Cheryl whispered, "I didn't know this was a Serpent storage unit."
"It's not," Betty clicked a few keys to verify.
"So, what's he doing here?"
Betty shook her head at what she was reading and looked up just as another man walked in, "Cher, can you get a better angle on the newcomer's face? I want to run facial recognition."
"How do you stop the rigging halfway down?" Cheryl looked at her new toy.
"I haven't figured that out yet," Betty admitted.
"I guess I'll do this the old-fashioned way," Cheryl leapt from the rafter with the new device. Once she landed softly on the ground, she maneuvered quickly out of sight until she got a good enough angle to get Betty the picture she needed to run facial recognition.
"Okay, coming up," Betty said, "Oh God. Cher, get out of there, right now."
"Why?"
"Because when a Ghoulie meets with a Serpent, good things do not happen," Betty said.
"Crap," Cheryl ran towards the rope as quickly and quietly as possible.
"Did you hear that?" Tall Boy looked at the Ghoulie he was conversing with.
"Hear what?" the twitchy man responded.
"I thought I heard footsteps," Tall Boy looked around.
"You're hearing things," the younger man shook his head, "Lay off the booze before our next meeting."
"Watch your tone, Kid," Tall Boy warned.
Once Cheryl was in the rafters again, she exited the way she'd entered, through a skylight. She was out of sight of the warehouse before the third party Tall Boy and the Ghoulie were waiting for showed up.
"That was close," Cheryl admitted once she was safely back in her own territory.
"What was that all about?" Betty wondered as she stared at the screen grabs she'd pulled from Cheryl's surveillance.
"Serpents and Ghoulies don't team up," Cheryl replied, "They can't be up to anything good."
"Jughead swears that his dad would never let the Serpents sell drugs," Betty replied.
"Did you get a name for the Ghoulie?"
"Malachai, Thomas J.," Betty read from the screen, "He's spent more time in juvie than out of it. His file says he's leader of the Ghoulies. This is interesting."
"What?" Cheryl asked.
"I ran the building. It's owned by P. Peabody."
"And?"
"Malachai's lawyer is Penny Peabody," Betty said.
"I think we need to take another look of what is inside the building when we know it's clear," Cheryl stated, "They were meeting for a reason."
"Maybe Tall Boy is trying to overthrow the Serpents and merge the two gangs together," Betty thought out loud.
"You said Jones's dad doesn't let the Serpents run drugs, right?"
"Right," Betty said, "When he took over, he laid down the law. Jug said it's because he saw what getting hooked on something can do to you when he was growing up and then again in the army. He wouldn't let his people be party to that."
"Ghoulies run Jingle Jangle," Cheryl said.
"And ninety percent of the Ghoulies are hooked on it themselves. Did you see the way that guy was twitching? It's like he needed his fix ASAP," Betty noted.
"Follow me on this," Cheryl said, "The second in command of the Serpents has a clandestine meeting with the leader of a rival gang. One runs drugs and one is forbidden from doing so. Betty, I think you're onto something, and I think we need to find a way to warn Jones and his dad."
"How far away are you?"
"I'll be repelling down in just a minute," Cheryl said, "Please tell me there's something to eat."
"I fully stocked the fridge yesterday," Betty told her.
"God bless you," Cheryl opened the skylight and hooked her line to the edge so she could slide down, "Where's Nana?"
"Your mother summoned her for tea," Betty turned to watch Cheryl come down.
"This is really fun," Cheryl landed easily, "You're still going to need to learn to climb walls the old fashion way, but this will cut down a lot of wear and tear."
"You know what else would cut down on wear and tear? Wheels," Betty said.
"No wheels on our boots," Cheryl stated, "I remember watching Reggie Mantle nearly break his neck when his dad bought him those athletic shoes with the wheels on the bottom."
"No, I mean vehicles," Betty took a bottle of water from the fridge and handed one to Cheryl.
"I have a vehicle."
"You can't use the convertible for your crime fighting activities. It's entirely too conspicuous," Betty said, "What about motorcycles?"
"Neither of us know how to ride one," Cheryl pointed out, opening the freezer, "Split a frozen pizza?"
"Sure," Betty responded, "What if we get someone to give us lessons?"
"Who do we know that rides, won't put together why we want cycles, and, most importantly, won't rat us out if they do?" Cheryl asked.
"I've got some connections who know how to ride," Betty stated coyly.
"Those kids you tutored?" Cheryl turned on the oven.
"No, my uncle, Mike," Betty admitted.
"Hal doesn't have any brothers," Cheryl commented.
"But Mom does," Betty countered, "I actually thought that's where Polly went when she split."
Cheryl turned around, "Back up, Alice has a brother? How did none of us know this?"
"Dad and Mike don't get along," Betty said, "So he doesn't come around a lot."
"What's the problem? Hal's not good enough?"
"That and Uncle Mike's a Serpent," Betty nodded.
"Your mother, Alice Cooper, Northside shrew, has a brother who is a Serpent?" Cheryl looked flabbergasted.
"Before Mom was a Northside shrew, she was a Southside Serpent," Betty nodded.
"I think I'm in shock," Cheryl sat down.
"She hides it well," Betty stated, "She never sees her brother or his family, not if she can help it. It doesn't help that she's been called a few times to bail her brother out of jail after he got into a few scrapes.
"And he wouldn't tell your mom?" Cheryl double checked, "Even if you bring me along?"
"He's not going to go running to my mother," Betty said, "He'll probably be proud. He and Jug's dad are pals."
"Even if we learn to ride, we don't have wheels," Cheryl pointed out.
"Maybe we hit the junkyard across town to see what they've got. I've been tuning engines since I was wee high. Fred loved to teach me, and I was a willing student," Betty explained.
"Your talents are endless," Cheryl did her best to refrain from rolling her eyes.
"Cook the pizza, Blossom," Betty told her, "I'm going to do some more research about Malachai. Maybe I can figure out why he's meeting with Tall Boy."
"I'll let you know when it's ready," Cheryl bobbed her head as Betty went to the control room and continued her research.
Betty pulled up some more police files and frowned when she came across some sealed ones.
"Hey, Cher, is there any way to get passed a court seal on juvie files?" Betty called.
"If you want to go to prison," Cheryl responded.
Betty rolled her eyes, "A simple no would have sufficed."
"Run into bureaucracy's attempt at privacy," Cheryl stood behind the blonde, "Crap, this guy's a career criminal."
"He got busted moving drugs over state lines," Betty said, "Isn't that federal?"
"It is if you get caught," Cheryl stated, "He must have cut a deal to get it kicked back down to state."
"Unfortunately, we can't see because he was sixteen when it happened," Betty frowned, "But I'm remembering something from history last year. Mr. Saffron said there's been an FBI building in Riverdale since the fifties."
"No," Cheryl shook her head, "I know where you're going with this. It's a bad idea."
"They'd have a record of every arrest they made, Cheryl," Betty stated.
"What does it matter what he did in the past? We know he's a first rate criminal now," Cheryl stated, "Let's just focus on taking him down."
"What if the reason his case got kicked back down to state is because he turned snitch?" Betty asked.
"You think he's gonna try and frame enough of the Serpents to weaken them and then try to take over?"
"Why not?" Betty asked.
"And if he does that, Jughead's father and even Jughead himself might get swept up in things," Cheryl nodded, "Okay, but I'm still not breaking into an FBI office."
"Maybe you don't have to," Betty said, "His lawyer would work the deal, right? She'd probably keep a copy of whatever agreement he signed."
"You want to break into Peabody's office," Cheryl realized, "That's not any better, Betty."
"It's less jail time if we get caught," Betty offered.
"Yay," Cheryl responded sarcastically.
"The Ghoulies operate out of some place called The House of The Dead," Betty said.
"And the lawyer?" Cheryl asked.
"Just a P.O. Box," Betty frowned, "Cher, she's got a juvie record, too."
"You'd better be careful, Betty Cooper. You're heading for a juvie record yourself," Cheryl responded as the alarm sounded. She looked up at the monitor and saw a B and E in progress was just reported. "Crap, pizza is going to have to wait. I've got a crime to stop. Don't let it burn."
"I'll save you some, I promise," Betty headed for the kitchen, "Keep your coms on in case you need help."
"You're not ready to back me up yet, Betty," Cheryl ran off.
"Thanks for the reminder," Betty muttered. She took the pizza out of the oven and cut it in half before she took her part and went back to the computer. She pulled up more information about P. Peabody and found a client list. Her more recent clients were known associates of Malachai, but as she went back she ran across a name that made her pause.
"Fogarty, James," she said quietly, "Fog- Jimmy Fogarty?"
Betty waited a minute and picked up her cell phone, dialing a familiar, but seldom used, number.
"Hello?"
"Uncle Mike, it's Betty," she greeted.
"My Beautiful Betty," Mike answered, "What can I do for you?"
"You know that offer you made to teach me to ride a motorcycle? I wanna take you up on it," Betty said.
"Does your mother know about this?" Mike asked automatically.
"Of course not," Betty scoffed, "I'm not dumb enough to ask her opinion on this. A friend and I want to learn. You were the first person I thought of to teach us."
"I'm honored," Mike chuckled, "When works for you and your friend?"
"Thursday, if that's okay? I wasn't sure what shifts you pulled at the garage these days," Betty said.
"After school works for me," Mike replied, "I can make the time for you. Do you have wheels, Betts, or do I need to supply them?"
"No wheels yet," Betty stated, "I just wanted to learn."
"Trying to impress a fella?"
"No, I doubt any of the fellas I know would be impressed by a girl who can ride, except maybe Jughead."
"How is he? I barely see him around the park anymore," Mike asked.
"He kind of avoids home these days," Betty admitted.
"Yeah, FP's not doing so well right now," Mike nodded.
"Keep him safe, Mike," Betty demanded, "Jug's a good guy. He doesn't need to be pulled down by his dad's baggage."
"I'll do what I can," Mike replied.
"Uncle Mike, I've heard some disturbing things about Serpents and Ghoulies teaming up. Any truth to the rumors?"
"Of course not," Mike scoffed, "FP may get lost in the bottle, but drugs never pass into our territory."
"Glad to hear it," Betty smiled, "Because I was worried after seeing Tall Boy with some scary looking guy. He was twitching, like he was in withdrawal."
"What did he look like?" Mike asked.
"Uh, he was Hispanic, I think. Dark hair," Betty said, "I think Tall Boy called him Tommy."
Mike cursed on his end, "Damn, he's really doing this."
"Doing what, Uncle Mike?" Betty asked.
"FP has been worried about Tall Boy trying to branch out," Mike replied, "We've been trying to keep an eye on him, but he must have snuck around FP's net. I'll handle it. Thanks for the info. I'm not sure I dare ask where you got it."
"Like I said, I was just walking along and spotted them. Guy gave me the creeps, and Tall Boy pretended not to see me," Betty admitted.
"Sure, that's exactly how it went down," Mike chuckled, "Don't worry, Betty. We'll handle Tall Boy, and do everything we can to keep Jingle Jangle away from the North Side."
"Thanks, Uncle Mike. See you soon?"
"You remember the address?"
"Of course," Betty replied.
"Be safe, Kiddo. Love you," Mike said.
"Love you, too," Betty hung up and looked at the time, "Dammit."
She pulled on her headset and flipped some switches, "Cher, your pizza's in the kitchen. I have to get home before Alice sends out a search party. We're set to learn how to ride for Thursday. I'll give you the details before school. Night."
-d-d-d-d-d-
Betty entered Riverdale High with a heavy breath. Nana Rose had insisted that she find every opportunity possible to get her fitness up, which meant jogging home after training and now apparently jogging to school in the morning with her backpack.
She quickly made her way to the girls locker room to shower and get dressed.
She wrapped a towel around her hair and then herself before she went to put on her makeup. Just as she put on mascara she heard the door open. She figured it was one of the Vixens grabbing something from her locker and didn't give it a thought.
"Hey, Betty," Veronica greeted her. Her voice was chipper. She was clearly in a good mood.
"Hey, V," Betty looked over for a moment.
"Did you run out of hot water at home?" Veronica eyed the towels suspiciously.
"Hardly," Betty returned her attention to the mirror as she continued getting ready, "I've been jogging to school in the morning."
"How healthy of you," Veronica leaned against the wall next to her, "What has inspired this sudden hobby? Don't tell me it's to lose weight because you look great."
"It's not," Betty assured her, "Just trying to get my cardio in."
"If you need a partner, I'd be glad to assist you," Veronica offered.
"Thanks, but it's nice to have the alone time," Betty said.
"I get that," Veronica smiled, "What about some girl time? Are you interested?"
"Aren't you still on lockdown?" Betty asked.
"Nah, that was just Mom trying to appear tough," Veronica laughed, "It was a good act, but she rescinded my punishment pretty quick."
"Oh," Betty said, "I don't know when I'll be free. I'm kinda tied up lately. I took on some new extracurricular activities."
"Oh," Veronica frowned, "But I thought we'd..."
"It's not that I don't want to hang out, V," Betty tried to reassure her, "I'm just really busy. Hopefully my schedule evens out soon, and then you'll be first on my list."
"Yeah, sure," Veronica managed a weak smile.
"I'm really sorry, V," Betty frowned.
"Are you still mad about me and Archie hanging out after that dance a few weeks ago?"
"No, I promise," Betty shook her head, "I'm not mad at you or Archie. In fact, he and I watched some movies last week."
"Okay," Veronica still didn't seem convinced.
"I promise, V, when my schedule opens up, we'll have that girls' night."
"Sure," Veronica managed.
Betty sighed as Veronica left. She really didn't like herself at the moment.
-d-d-
Betty managed to beat Cheryl to the warehouse. She was gloved up and bearing down on the heavy bag.
"You're dropping your left shoulder," Cheryl approached hesitantly, "What's got your panties in such a twist?"
"Do you ever miss having a life?" Betty asked, "Last year at this time you were captain of the Vixens."
"I don't have time to miss it," Cheryl stepped behind the bag to steady it as Betty swung away.
"Doesn't that bother you?" Betty asked.
"We warned you about this before you signed up," Cheryl reminded her, "This has to have our full attention."
"I know," Betty said, "Just something I thought about today."
"Who asked you out?"
"Veronica," Betty said.
"I didn't think you were her type," Cheryl said.
Betty scowled at her, "Before I joined all this, I promised Veronica that we'd have a girls night. I feel bad because she's new to town and doesn't know a lot of people."
"Ah," Cheryl nodded, "Sorry."
"I just feel guilty for bailing on her."
"What's the alternative?" Cheryl asked, "You're committed to this now."
"Don't you want to have a night to yourself to do whatever you want? It could be reading a book, watching a movie, hanging with friends?" Betty asked.
"I have a lot of time to myself," Cheryl said, "Of course, most of it's on rooftops."
"Aren't you afraid you're going to burn out?" Betty continued to pound on the bag.
"I never really think about it to be honest," Cheryl shrugged, "Whenever I'm doing the whole girlfriend thing at school and listening to everyone talk, I feel like they're so stupid."
"Well, they're guys, they are stupid," Betty laughed.
"I mean talking to girls from the squad," Cheryl shook her head, "All they talk about is which guy they want to kiss this week."
"That's pretty much all girls think about in high school, boys and clothes," Betty replied.
"In case you're interested, Archie ranks pretty high on the want to kiss list," Cheryl smiled.
"I think he's high on a lot of girls' lists," Betty replied.
"Does it bother you?" Cheryl asked.
"Yes, and no," Betty said, "Yes, because I'd like to, and no, because I don't have the right to feel that way."
"So Archie is fair game?" Cheryl asked.
"Yes, as much as I don't want him to be," Betty said.
"So, why is he, Child?" Nana rolled up.
"Because I don't have time to hang out with him let alone date him," Betty explained, "I don't have the time to do anything other than go to school and train."
Rose frowned at Betty's admission, "I don't like the sound of that."
"That's what it is, Nana," Cheryl chimed in, "I haven't had a day off since I started all of this. We warned Betty, remember?"
"Well, we'll have to adjust that once Elizabeth is better trained," Rose decided, "This shouldn't be your life and it won't be."
"What do you propose?" Betty stepped back from the bag.
"Once a week, one of you will take a night off, and another night the other one will."
"What is the point?" Cheryl asked.
"So you don't burn out," Nana Rose explained, "If you're burnt out, you'll make a mistake. A mistake can get you hurt or worse."
"Nana," Cheryl started.
"My decision is final, Cheryl," Rose said sternly, "Now, as for today, both of you go home."
"We haven't even trained," Cheryl threw up her hands.
"Today is an off day," Rose decreed, "Call the car for us. Elizabeth, will you need a ride?"
"No, I think I'll go to the Pembrooke and see if Veronica wants to study."
"Good to hear," Nana Rose stated. "Going forward, we are going to take one day a week away from training for both of you."