Rapunzel Owen: FBI

Chapter 4: Hackers

A/N Hey, I hope you're enjoying the story so far. I'm going to start making the chapters longer. Remember to comment and vote if you like. Thanks. -Jenna
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, well, I have a theory. I think we have everything we need from here. How about we go out for lunch and talk there?" I asked Pascal.

"Sure, that'd be great." We returned to the helicopter and flew back to headquarters. Then, we put our street clothes back on and headed out to my car.

"So, where are we going?" Pascal asked as she slid into the seat beside me.

"Chick-fil-a," I told her simply. It was one of my favorite places to eat. She laughed and told me more about herself as we drove along. I was starting to tolerate her a bit more. She was nicer than I'd expected. She knew how to keep you laughing, like Samantha. We pulled into the parking lot both giggling.

I ordered my usual grilled chicken sandwich and Pascal got herself a spicy chicken sandwich.

"You're going to regret that," I said."Believe me, I know from experience."

"Well, what's life without a little adventure sometimes." She headed over to a table in the corner. I shifted uncomfortably.

"Um, could we, uh, sit somewhere else?" I asked meekly. I didn't want to sit at that table. That table had too many bad memories. She moved over to another booth near the window away from other patrons. We silently munched on our sandwiches until she spoke up.

"So, what do you think about the case?" She inquisitively said.

"I think I know who our suspects are. The guard is an accessory; I'm assuming, but I don't think he assisted the break in. I believe the bank was hacked. Have you ever heard of the Rising Tide, Pascal?"

"Uh, no, what's that?" She replied hesitantly.

"Well, the Rising Tide is a hacktivist group. They are usually pretty peaceful, but we have to keep an eye on them because they are part of the government conspiracy lot." I explained to her. " The video feed was hacked, and the only major criminals within the Rising Tide are the Stabbington Brothers."

"Stabbington? Well, that's a name that certainly inspires unicorns and rainbows." She commented. "I agree with a lot of that, but do you think all of the Rising Tide was part of the robbery?"

"Oh no. Of course not. Just the Stabbington Brothers and maybe one or two others."

She sighed in what seemed to be relief. "Good, because I have something that will be very helpful, if you're theory is correct. You see, my brother is in the Rising Tide."

I pursed my lips. I was not sure how to respond. This could be what we need to get information. But, I know all too well never to trust someone if they are connected with the crime. Blood is never thicker than water in my line of work. However, the Rising Tide isn't a gang. I cleared my throat.

"Do you trust your brother, Pascal?" I challenged her.

"I absolutely trust him." She responded.

"This is extremely important. Would you trust him with your life? Would you trust him with mine, your, and a number of other civilians lives? Would he ever lead us into a trap?" My head was throbbing. I could feel each and every beat of my heart vibrating against my skull. What am I doing? I'm being stupid. I know better than to hand people my trust. Pascal makes it so easy to trust her, like you would trust a good friend. I know better. You can't trust anyone with much, even your friends. They may have good intentions, but intentions and impulse never work too kindly together.

"Punzie, I trust him. He's not a criminal. He's just a stubborn conspirorist. He would never put us in any danger." She explained causally almost brushing it off. "I'll call him and tell him to meet us here." She said walking off to the entry to make the call. I sat there in silence sipping soda. I looked down towards my hands and realized I was picking the skin off my cuticles. I didn't even know I was doing it.

About ten minutes later, a man walked in who looked about five years younger than me. Pascal ran up to greet him and hug him. He was carrying a leather computer bag which would almost make him look professional if it weren't for the ratty jeans and Rolling Stones t-shirt. They walked over to where I am sitting.

"Hey, I'm Joey," he said, sitting next to me. He pulled out his laptop and set it on the table. His scruffy blond hair fell into his eyes as he opened the laptop. "So, what are we looking for?" He asked me.

"Do you have any way to see what other members of your organization are doing?" I inquired.

"That depends," He told me, staring intently at me with cloudy, blue eyes. "Why do you need to know this?"

I sighed internally. He was definitely part of the government conspiracy lot. So, I now knew we both held a mutual distrust of one another. Fantastic.

" Well, there was a bank robbery last night and our two suspects are part of your crazy group." I mused, trying to pry information.

"Of course, you say it's a break in, but is it really?" He prodded.

"It was the Stabbington Brothers!" Pascal interrupted, clearly peturbed. A look of disgust crossed over his face.

"Fine. I'll do it, but just know, I'm doing this for you, sis. Not your little government.... friend." He responded. I assumed, naturally, that friend wasn't quite the word he meant. He began typing.

"You can't see what I'm doing! Look away!" He demanded. I scoffed and went back to drinking my Coke.

After a few minutes, he spoke up again. "Seems tonight they are meeting with someone at Donner St."

"Amazing, how'd you know that?" Pascal remarked.

"Rising Tide chat room. Every criminal has an ego. They eventually tell about their crime only to satisfy their selfish pride. You just have to wait until they declare it." He told her.

"Thanks for all that," I said, "It helps more than you know."

"Well, that'll be fifty dollars for my services." He dictated.

"Joseph!" Pascal admonished, slapping his upper arm.

"I'm only kidding," he responded. He returned his laptop to its proper place in its bag, before heading out the door.

"Well, Punzie, I know what we're gonna do today." Pascal remarked as he left.

"And what's that?" I questioned although I already could guess the answer.

"We're going on a stakeout!"