The Only Beanie - Book 4 (Riverdale Season 4/5)

Tangerine - Part 1

"Archie, have you seen... Are you sleeping at the gym?" Aminity asked as she walked into the office to see his bed.

"Yeah. I moved out."

"Why?"

"I couldn't risk my mom getting hurt."

"I heard about the shooting the other night. I'm glad you're both alright." He nodded and she sighed. "Can I?" He nodded and she sat down on his bed as he stood at his desk. "Archie, I've heard more about the vigilante out at night. It's getting more dangerous and I overheard my dad. The police are going to get involved."

"Let them."

"Archie, this isn't a game. It's getting too serious. There has to be some other way to help these kids."

"You got any ideas, 'cause I'm all ears."

"I don't," she admitted after a second, "but I think I know someone who might."

***

"Hey, wake up, Red," FP said, Archie opening his eyes.

"Mr. Jones?" he asked, grimacing as he sat up. "What are you doing here?"

"Investigating a vigilante." He showed him a picture caught off a camera. "Now be honest with me. Is that you?"

"Yeah, it is. Did Aminity tell you?"

"Yeah, but I had a suspicion."

"You're not gonna arrest me, are you?"

"I should." He sat down on the bed, putting his head in his hands for a second before looking at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing, huh?"

"Helping. People are too scared to call you or the cops, so I set up a hotline."

"What happens if you get hurt?" FP asked as Archie walked over to his desk. "Or worse?"

"People die changing tires on the side of the road, Mr. Jones. At least I'd die with a shred of honor."

He scoffed. "What a load of smug BS. You think that's gonna comfort your mom?"

"Did Aminity put you up to this?"

"She didn't have to. Why aren't you focused on the center? Protecting these kids?"

"I am. But trouble shows up here about every other day. Starting with the Dickensons, who are still out there, by the way."

"You're doing good work here, Red," FP said as he stood. "Here. Honorable work. Maybe I can help you."

Archie sighed before smiling. "Aminity ask you to do that too?"

"That girl cares about you, Archie. And this place. She's just trying to look out for both of you."

"Well, I guess it's either go with you or face her wrath, so..."

"Boy, I'd go with the first option."

He chuckled. "Alright, Mr. Jones. You don't have to tell me twice."

***

"Damn, Mr. Jones. Where'd you get a metal detector?" Archie asked after FP finished installing it.

"From Southside High when they shut it down, but between that and the security cameras we're hooking up," he motioned to the team working in the center, "I think you're in pretty good shape, Red."

"Yeah. Well, we'll be in even better shape once Dodger and his family are in jail or out of town. But all this is awesome. Thank you, sir. Both of you." Aminity nodded with a small smile.