Sonic Amends

Chapter 3: Jumping Through Hoops

With light traffic on the main road, it was a long drive from Tails' workshop to Seaside city. But the drive was well worth it when the setting sun light reflecting against the tall skyscrapers to cast a almost heavenly glow on the smaller older brick buildings. Just past the city was Seaside's Bay where various boats lined up along the docks with a fisherman or two.

As she entered the city she drove past the Chaotix detective agency towards the outer skirts of the city where the more crummy living area is. The buildings were a lot older with poor lighting on the streets, sidewalks were cracked and uneven. There were small signs posted along the walls of the old building advertising a mayoral campaign, promising to rebuild this area if elected.

Topaz parked along the curb when she saw the apartment complex Matilda lives in. With a deep inhale, Topaz exited the car and made her way inside.

To the right was the Landlord's office along with the mail box wall, further down is the laundry area. To the left were the stairs that lead up to the apartments.

Topaz entered the Landlord's office to see an old lady sitting behind a desk on her computer. "Excuse me ma'am, which room is Matilda the Armadillo in?"

The old lady looked up from her monitor and squinted as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose "Second floor, door on the left." With that she returned to her computer.

Exiting the office and heading up the small flight of stairs to the second floor, Topaz composed herself with a soft sigh as she knocked on the door to the left.

The door slowly opened after a brief moment of silent waiting to reveal a green armadillo on the other side. There were deep bags under her half lidded eyes as if she haven't slept in days, and in a very monotonous voice she answered "How may I help you?"

A wave of queasiness washed over Topaz as she answered the Armadillo's question "Hello, I'm looking for your brother. By any chance do you know where I can find him?"

"Sorry ma'am you got the wrong address." Matilda then closed the door and locked it.

Standing there bamboozled, Topaz let out a deep sigh as she gently pinched the bridge of her nose. She then walked back down stairs and outside to her car.

Driving back the way she came she stopped at the Chaotix Detective Agency in hopes that maybe they can contact the treasurer hunting duo. She quickly parked to the side and entered the small building.

The office inside was surprisingly roomy especially with two reptiles and a bee. The green crocodile Vector was sitting behind his desk talking with the purple chameleon Espio about a case they had just accepted.

Off in the corner was Charmy who glanced up from his phone to look at Topaz. His deadpan expression rubbed Topaz the wrong way, she was so use to seeing the kid so up beat and excited. Now in his place was a moody teen. Trying to break the ice and tension she smiled and waved at him, to which he waved back surprisingly.

Charmy cleared his throat catching the attention of Vector and Espio as he nodded his head towards Topaz "We got company." He then returned his attention his phone.

Both reptiles halted their conversation and drew their attention to the woman standing at the doorway. Vector smiled as he stood up from his desk "Agent Topaz, what a wonderful surprise. What can we do for ya?"

"I was wondering if you can get contact with Mighty the Armadillo. I was tasked with recruiting new agents and my informant told me about him."

Vector hummed softly, opening the drawer to the side he pulled out a notebook and opened it "Yeah, lemme see." He grabbed the phone from his desk and dialed the number from the notebook.

"Howdy partner, what can I do ya for?" The armadillo answered.

"A friend of mine would like to speak with you if you have the time."

There was a moment of silence before Mighty responded "Alright, put 'em on the line."

Vector handed Topaz the phone "Good luck."

"Hello Mighty, I've been informed about your tremendous feats and achievements and would like to speak with you in person about an opportunity."

"What sorta opportunity?"

"I can't disclose this over the phone unfortunately, but if you're available we can meet."

There was a long pause over the phone before Mighty answered "Fine, I'll hear ya out. Pick a time and place and I'll be there."