Partners In Crime

2 Terms And Conditions

The moment Derick Kerion Oxford woke up from his alarm for the second time, he knew he was in deep water, and there was nothing he could do to get out.

Derick created two alarms in advance so he wouldn't be late. But because he was playing Mario Kart 8 on hard difficulty, it was clear why his goal of getting up early didn't happen.
So Derick had himself to blame. But he didn't have time for self-deprecation. He had to get ready if he was going to have any fun.

His PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, a plethora of merchandise throughout media, LEGO, a flat-screen TV and books  - with a whole other bookshelf dedicated to Acs - stood and watched him as he got himself dressed and ready to go, but not before retrieving his silly hat, something his Uncle gave to him before heading to his grand expedition to Easter Island. At least, that's what he got told.

He was told this by his mom - Abbetha - dad - Travis - and his other uncle from his mum's side - Lucian.

A part of him feels like there's more to the stories than meets the eye. But until he finds the confidence to ask more questions, he can only speculate. Regardless, it doesn't stop him from seeing him as a role model and inspiration. Ever since he was little he wanted to be an adventurer mystery solver. But so far, no luck. And it all boils down to him not being treated seriously because of his wolly black hat. Because it was a family heirloom, it got around the dress code agreement. He never took it off. Never.

It was the same school he was going to. He wasn't looking forward to it, but he also wasn't looking forward to being punished for tardiness. So after doing his regular morning routine, he made a beeline out of his house.

When he finally got to Leroy High, it was jam-packed with every single emergency service under the sun packed up and down the neighbourhood. As if the street wasn't crammed enough.

"Oh no," he whispered. Heart pounding, he went inside.

Derick was blown away when nobody belittled him or insulted him like usual. Instead, they were worrying about the bigger things, so much so that nobody cared he was late. The hallways were packed and Detick couldn't make sense of it all.

Once he was filled in by the police who interrogated him, it all made sense. And he did one of his own to confirm his suspicions, confronting Eleanor Suckels, one of Derick's few friends. Her back was facing him.
When he touched her shoulder, she turned around, scowling. She looked like she wanted to bite someone's head off. But when he saw Derick, her expression softened.

"Hey, what's going on?" he asked.
"Oh hi, Derick!" She looked flustered. "Johnty is getting excluded!"
"What!?"
"Well, I think he is. And it's all thanks to me. You're welcome."

She was right. Derick could see all the banters, bunting and all sorts of subliminal propaganda that's meant to manipulate you into thinking he's guilty.

So it is true.

"Look at the bright side. With him gone, you'll have more time on your hands-" But before the ginger-headed girl finished her sentence, the intercom came on, startling her.

"DERICK OXFORD. PLEASE REPORT TO THE HEAD's OFFICE IMMEDIATELY."

Now everyone in the hallway was looking at Derick, who was jumbled, afraid and contrite. That's the problem with intercoms. They have this impending need to podcast every announcement to the entire school, the good and the bad. Which's this?

When he got to the office, after passing the hawk that is Deputy Avory, the first thing he noticed was that Johtny was there. He was looking at him with a plastered smile. And instantly, Derick connected the dots. He groaned, took a seat and waited for the explanation.
And here he was thinking he was getting punished for his tardiness! Well, after this exchange, he slightly wished he had.