Chapter 12

The Chipettes

Simon emerged from the restroom, polishing his glasses, when he bumped into someone. He apologized several times, fumbling for his glasses. The shape in front of him was a blur, until he put his glasses back on to find…

"Jeanette? What — what — what are you doing here?"

"Surprised?" Jeanette asked, and there was a tinge of red in her cheeks.

"I'm pleased!" Simon said, and it was an understatement.

"I'm here with my sister," Jeanette said.

"Eleanor?"

"No, Brittany. She came early to get ready for her performance tonight. What are you doing here?"

"We were just interviewing some men in connection to your case," Simon replied.

Jeanette's eyes widened. "Really? Who?"

"Just a couple cooks who work here. They didn't know as much as we were hoping."

Jeanette sighed. "Well, perhaps I can be of some assistance." She reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. "I just received this at my laboratory."

Simon read it. Letters form a magazine had been pasted onto the paper.

IF YOU WANT YOUR PRECIOUS NECKLACE, LEAVE $50,000 IN A BRIEFCASE IN THE ALLEY BEHIND IAN'S! YOU HAVE 3 DAYS!

"A ransom note!" Simon gasped.

Jeanette nodded. "What should we do?"

"Leave that to my brother and I, we'll figure it out," Simon answered.

Suddenly, he felt fingers lacing themselves through his, and he looked down to see Jeanette's hand there. Then he gazed into her eyes, they were bright.

"Thank you, Simon. I really appreciate it." And she went up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. He could have flown into the air!

"I'm happy to help. It's all part of the job," Simon said, trying not to giggle like a bright-eyed boy. "Do you… do you mind if I take this?"

"Please," Jeanette answered. "And also," she squeezed his hand more tightly, "When is our next date?"

Despite her outward confidence, Simon couldn't help but notice that she was blushing redder than a beet. But of course, his face also felt as though it was on fire.

"When…" he gulped. "Whenever. As soon as possible."

"Excellent. How does this weekend sound? I'll call you."

"That would be… amazing," Simon said. "Really amazing!"

"Wonderful," Jeanette said with a sigh.

…

"Seriously, what do you want?" Alvin asked.

"Just to talk," Brittany said, sitting down at the table and resting her chin on the palm of her hand. "You're an interesting chipmunk, Alvin."

"That's Detective," Alvin answered.

"Can't a girl make friends?"

"Trust me, we wouldn't make good friends."

"Why not?"

"Because you're nothing but trouble, sweetheart."

"Oh really?" Her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. "Well, I've heard that you like a bit of trouble." She winked at him.

"What do you want to talk about?" Alvin asked, refusing to admit that that wink made his heart leap.

"You and I."

"Alright, what's the punch line?"

"I'm not telling jokes, Detective. I think you are a very interesting chipmunk…"

"Oh really?" Alvin squinted his eyes, wondering what her angle was.

"And I want to help you with your case."

"Now you really are telling jokes."

"Come back after your shift is over. My last performance is at 11 o'clock tonight. I want to share some info with you." Brittany ran her fingers along the table, and "accidentally" brushed Alvin's hand.

"This had better be good, Miller," Alvin grumbled.

"Call me Brittany, please." The chipette puckered her lips into a playful pout. "I promise it'll be worth your while."

"It had better be. I don't normally meet gals like you after dark."

"Scared?" Brittany asked.

"Just one too many experiences gone sour."

Brittany smiled. "Eleven then." She got up and began to walk away, but she stopped for just a moment. "And by the way, that hat really brings out the color of your eyes."

…

"Alvin!" Simon exclaimed, throwing himself down in his chair. "You'll never guess who I just got done talking to!"

"Please be Ginger Rogers! I've always wanted to meet Ginger Rogers!"

"Better!"

"Ingrid Berman? Ever sense Casablanca…" Alvin sighed.

"Jeanette!"

"Oh, great…"

"She gave me this." Simon handed over the ransom note.

"Wow," Alvin said, surprised. "This just showed up?"

"At her laboratory. Now listen, I think we could set up a trap for the thief."

"What do you have in mind?" Alvin asked.

"Let's discuss it over lunch with Theodore today," Simon replied.

…

Theodore arrived at the cafe early and placed his blue hat on the table. He preferred sitting in the booth — it was much more comfortable. Pedestrians passed by outside the window. He watched them pass with a smile. He liked people.

A familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "What's new, Officer Theodore?"

Looking up, he saw Eleanor Miller taking a seat across from him, with a wide smile on her face.

"Eleanor! What are you doing here?"

"I saw you and decided to pop in for a chat. Is that ok?"

"Of course! I'm so happy to see you!"

She beamed at that, which made Theodore's insides feel as warm as a cinnamon roll in the oven.

"So, I have some news for you," Eleanor said.

"What's that?" Theodore asked.

"My sister just heard from the thief that stole her necklace!"

"What?"

"He sent a ransom note!"

"Wow! So what does that mean?"

"Well," Eleanor went on. "They want fifty-thousand dollars in cash in three days! Jeanette was going to tell your brothers about it since they're investigating her case."

"That's smart! Alvin and Simon will know what to do," Theodore said.

"You too, Theodore. You've got such a great mind."

Theodore blushed and looked briefly away.

"Thank you, Ellie."

"Ellie… I like that," Eleanor said. She reached across the table and took his hand. "I know you boys will catch the thieves!"

She held onto his hand for several moments before clearing her throat. "I have to get going now. Lots of stories to right for the Munk! See you around, Theodore!"

"Bye, Ellie!"

With that, the green-clad chipette was off, and only moments later, Simon and Alvin walked through the doors.

"Theodore, we've got work to do," Simon said.

"Tell the waiter we're going to need lots of root beer," Alvin finished.

What is up, you all? Sorry it has been SO long since I last posted! This has been a busy summer! Hopefully you're still willing to hold on for another chapter at least!

QUESTIONS:

- Do you want to see a sequel to this story when it's done?

- Do you like the balance of romance to mystery?

Thank you so much for the reviews and comments!