Partners In Crime

11 Perosonal Accounts

They had officially hit them where they lived.

It was as if a tornado had touched down in their base while they were gone.

Everything was destroyed, wrecked and tarnished. Tables were lying on the floor, acting as if it's part of an accessory at a crime scene where it got murdered. Papers, display boards and standard equipment were all everywhere, waiting for the two kids to show up the next morning before Form to witness. They only showed up to do a debrief.
It was not what they needed right now, especially when Chelsea got given the news by now.

"Something tells me this was done by the same guy who sent us Biff Tannen yesterday," Derick said.
Chelsea frowned.
"What makes you so sure?"
"It wasn't like this yesterday. So it had to have happened recently. The only question is: how did they know where our base was? It's not like we told anyone."
"There are either two possibilities. One, it's the case of the culprit striking back."

Derick ponders this. For once, she had a point. It would solidify the idea that Johnty is innocent since he wouldn't have done it. And the true culprit is still out there, watching them, giving them a warning to stop before it gets ugly. But this is all just pointless speculation.

"Or two, during the past, we probably made some enemies, which I doubt, since that's petty and unlikely. But as detectives, we shouldn't leave absolutely nothing to chance."
"Who's to say you didn't do it?"
"Me?" Chelsea said, melodramatic.
"And risk breaking my public image even more? Here we are, under a ticking clock and we have this happening, and you think I've done it? Honestly, Derick! I thought you knew me better than that by now."
Derick rolled his eyes but the blonde still kept going.
"Just for that, I won't give you the present I bought for you."
"Present?" Derick's interest has peeked.
"That's right." She pulled out her handbag and got out a grey baseball cap. It still had the price tag on.

£8.35. That's highway robbery!

Derick was astounded.

"You brought that for me?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Dillweed. Consider yourself even after saving both of us yesterday. Plus you look indecent without your atrocious outdated wolly hat." She remarked.

"Thanks," Derick murmured. He didn't know what to say. It was completely unlike her to care, or not be this knowledgeable. After all, he had expected little of her based on how she acted. Did he say she was stereotypically blonde? Heck, she was already stereotypically rich. Then again, people are bound to change after a life-changing experience.

But the second he drew his hand closer, she pulled away.
"Not so fast! I'm still rightfully offended by how you accused me just now. Do you honestly think I'll sacrifice my committed, loyal and genuine integrity in this case when this is going to grant me my comeback?"

The bold boy silently shrugged.
Chelsea growled.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't tear this thing apart."
"Because-" Derick was darting his eyes around the room.
"Because I got you this!"
He was holding a notepad.
"What do you take me for? Do you think I was born yesterday?"
"Yes- I mean, I'm serious!"

Chelsea may be able to - perhaps unintentionally - oversell it, but Derick knows how to keep his authenticity.
"This is yours. Your notepad to take notes on this case going forward. It even comes with your pencil. I just had to pay you back after you saved me yesterday."

It was kind of a blur after that. All he remembered was that the exchange eventuated, and Derick emerged with a fresh new look, emotions immensely conflicted.

____________________________

It's safe to say that St Leory's has gone downhill since the Charlotte Conundrum. It has before, with it being infamously known for having loose floorboards and roof tiles. But this is another level. It caused them to tread carefully, more so now than ever, especially with everything at stake, although the idea of the school shutting down for good is not a worst fate on paper. But it doesn't automatically mean it's the best fate.