The Order of the Slice

Chapter 9

Luigi shifted uncomfortably as Cheryl explained everything to the police chief. Luigi wanted to apologize and run out of the building but he stayed strong. Remember why you're doing this. He thought to himself. For Thomas. He watched the police chief as his face grew more and more skeptical.

"A pizza rocket?" He asked. Luigi nodded. The police chief looked at his assistant. "Could you escort these two out?" Cheryl stood up in her chair.

"We're telling the truth!"

"Do we look like criminals?" Luigi asked. The police chief's gaze fell back on them.

"Honestly?" He looked at Luigi's pink hair and Cheryl's pizza chain. "Yes." Luigi looked up at his hair. He was starting to like the pink coloring.

"I promise we're telling the truth," Luigi said desperately. Cheryl nodded. The police chief snickered. He waved over one of the officers.

"Hey, Gertie! Come take a look at this." Gertie shuffled over to them. The police chief held out a hand to Cheryl and Luigi. "These two said there are secret food societies!" Gertie let out a shrill laugh, then her expression went serious.

"Really?"

Luigi nodded. "They've kidnapped my friend and they're going to tie him to their pizza rocket," Luigi said. She let out another shrill laugh, then it abruptly stopped. Gertie looked over at the police chief.

"Are they serious?" She asked. The police chief scoffed.

"Of course not! A pizza society?" He shook his head. Gertie stared at Luigi.

"Are you telling the truth?" Luigi and Cheryl nodded. Cheryl held up her pizza chain.

"This is The Order of the Slice pizza chain, all members must wear them." Gertie stared at the pizza chain.

"Why do you have one then?"

Cheryl swallowed. She looked at the police chief. "Because I'm part of the Order of the Slice." The police chief stared at her, then at Luigi.

"Is she..." The police chief made a drinking gesture. Luigi shook his head.

"W-we're telling the truth!" The police chief sighed. He turned to Gertie.

"Gertie, get these two out of here. I don't want to hear any more from these weirdos." Gertie nodded and led them out of the police station.

"P-please! We're telling the truth!" Luigi yelled. Gertie turned.

"You shouldn't lie to an officer," She said. Cheryl glared at her.

"We're not lying," She growled. Gertie matched her glare with an uncomfortable stare.

"We're not lying," Luigi said. Gertie's stare shifted over to him. He suppressed a shiver. "My friend is in trouble. Please." Gertie hesitated.

"Fine," She said. Cheryl high fived Luigi.

"Wahoo! Gertie's joined the team!"

Gertie scowled. "That's Officer Gertrude to you."

"Th-thank you Officer Gertrude," Luigi said, hope springing up inside him. They might actually be able to do this. Hang in there Thomas. Luigi thought. I'll be there soon.

***

Luigi looked out car window.

"Is there anyone there?" Gertie asked. Luigi shook his head.

"Just Cheryl." The Order of the Slice member should've showed up already.

"Do you think they figured us out?" Gertie asked.