The Night

Chapter 76: Breaking In

Hey guys!!! It's been about 24 hours and I'm back with another chapter! I hope I can keep this up. I was afraid I wasn't gonna be able to update today cuz my phone had a few technical difficulties with Verizon but I'm back on. I just noticed I didn't tell y'all to enjoy the last chapter😭 Anyways here's chapter 76! Enjoy😜

Zuma's POV
"How did you get up there so quickly?" Chase asked as he looked up to find me at the top of the tree.

"I do this for a living," I responded as I kept my voice low but loud enough for Chase to hear.

"How did you even climb up there?" He asked as he tried to search for different methods.

"Put your foot on that branch," I pointed. "Then pull yourself up with the one right over and then work your way up. Chase did as I said, struggling at first. After a little while, he managed to climb up just as quickly as I did.

"Wow," Chase said as he climbed up next to me. "I should do that more often."

"Okay, so, the gear," I reminded.

"Right." We both contrived to make it to the edge of the branch and right on the rail of Chase's balcony. We both hopped off and right onto the deck top. I squinted my eyes to look inside through the sliding doors until Chase quickly put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me to the ground.

"What happened?" I asked as Chase responded by placing his index finger on his lips to quiet me. He then pointed at the balcony doors. After some time of staring, I noticed Chase's mom mopping the wooden floor in the hall. "Now what?"

"We might have to get in through the kitchen," Chase answered as I saw Chase's mom disappear.

"No, wait, I think we can go in," I pointed as we both saw Chase's mom leave the hall with the mop in her hand. Chase stayed low as he crawled to the sliding doors of the balcony. He watched through the doors as he looked to both the left and right end of the hall. Chase dug into his pocket and pulled out a key. He inserted it into the keyhole and then placed it back into his pocket. Chase squeezed his fingers between the doors and the wall as the door slowly opened. He peeked his head inside the house and then motioned for me to follow. I remained low as Chase had, and I followed close behind.

"I think she went downstairs," Chase whispered as he opened the door wide enough to fit through. He placed his right hand on the wooden floor as his left hand followed. He crawled inside and waited for me to get through. Chase slowly and gently slid the sliding doors shut and locked them. We peeked downstairs with no sign of his mom. Chase slowly got up as I copied. Chase and I tiptoed to his room, and he cautiously closed the door behind us. "Where's the stuff?" Chase then got into his closet and directed me to follow. I curiously and confusingly followed as he moved over a pile of clothes, revealing a door. "Cool. Where does it lead to?"

"The basement," Chase responded. I peeked inside the mysterious doorway as I saw nothing but pitch black. Chase sat down on the ground and then moved toward the room. "Close the door before heading down," he instructed as he pushed himself and disappeared into the darkness.
--
Third POV
"Where are we going?" Marshall asked as he followed behind Ella. "And who are you talking about?"

"Who else would I be talking about?" Ella said with a bit of frustration.

"Geez, sorry," Marshall apologized as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"No, I'm sorry," Ella stopped. "I'm just a little upset."

"Why?" Marshall questioned as they continued to walk.

"Well, I feel like everyone is lying to me," Ella began. "Everyone seems pretty neutral about Everest's escape and completely lied to me about Zuma practicing for extra time. I knew they seemed suspicious, but I tried to believe they were right. I'm a big joke."

"Well, I think I know who you're talking about, but they have to have had a reason. Right?"

"I don't know," Ella responded as she pushed open the door of the cafeteria. "If they lied so easily about Zuma, they have to know where Everest went." Ella led Marshall to her lunch table and found nothing but the plastic wrap of utensils and a half-drunken carton of milk.

"Uh, where'd everyone go?" Marshall asked as he noticed no one sitting there.

"They were right here," Ella stressed. "Where could they have gone? Let's see, not the gym, not the auditorium, not the-the library!" Ella spoke to herself.

"Hey, sis," Tuck smiled as he walked up to his sister.

"What's going on?" Ella asked with confusion.

"Um, what do you mean?" Tuck questioned.

"Nothing, never mind," Ella shook her head. "I thought you knew something. I'll catch you later."

"Is something wrong?" Tuck asked with concern.

"No, I'm just upset," Ella said. "See ya." Ella walked out of the cafeteria, and Marshall couldn't do anything but follow.

"Where to now?" Marshall asked as he caught up.

"Library," Ella responded.
--
Skye's POV
"I feel bad," Rubble began. "We should tell her."

"I know, me too," I agreed.

"Then why don't we?" Rubble quickly stood up.

"'Cuz Everest said not to," Rex reminded.

"So? She's not here right now," Rubble said as a child would've said.

"I want to tell her too, but she'll flip," Rocky stated.

"She has every right to," Rex spoke as I nodded in agreement.

"She at least has the right to know where her boyfriend went," Rubble said.

"Yeah, but that gives Everest away," Tracker pointed. Suddenly, our lunch table trembled as all our phones vibrated. We all reached out for them and saw that Zuma texted.

Zuma: Ok guys so quick update
Zuma: We just left Chase's place

Me: What were u guys doing there

Rubble: You guys missed out on a good lunch

Zuma: We came to get gear to find Everest

Rubble: We had chicken nuggets

Rocky: Remember, they left on the back building and turned right

Rubble: 😋

Zuma: Ok
Zuma: Idk when Im gonna be able to update u guys on whats goin on

Rex: Dw but we're here to help
--
Everest's POV
"Why do you guys want me in this gang anyways?" I asked.

"I don't," Gasket quickly replied.

"Well, then if you don't, I'm not talking to you, am I?" I sassed. Gasket responded with an eye roll and a scoff.

"I feel like you're a great fit," Hubcap stated. "We love stealing, and you seem really slick. That could help out."

"She wasn't slick when I walked with Hunter," Gasket chuckled.

"Thanks for lying to my face," I said, referring to what Hubcap said. "What's the real reason?"

"How'd you know he's lying?" Dwayne asked in shock. Hubcap facepalmed as Gasket laughed.

"I can tell," I frowned.

"You get paid," Hubcap informed.

"Now we're talking," I leaned forward. "About how much?"

"Depends," Hubcap shrugged. "So, you're in?" I took a moment to think as the boys stared at me with hope.

"Definitely," I smiled. Gasket rolled her eyes, and the two boys gave each other a fist bump.

"Let's begin."