Los Angeles Sweethearts

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 -- Cecile's POV

I am known as the bookworm in the group.

Well, all of us are bookworms, but then I read the most books and is constantly reading unlike the other 3. I am also the one who is most updated with recent events on the news. That's why whenever we have an operation and we need to know the different security measures and the location and how to get there, I'm always up for these jobs. Since I read a lot of books, some problems that the characters face are what we face, too. I usually guide my best friends into doing what the characters did so that we wouldn't get caught. One time was when it was our first time to break into the Grove. There were a lot of people there and I felt that the police were on us since we looked very suspicious, so I told the rest to separate and blend in with the people there so the police wouldn't suspect us of anything, like in the Gallagher Girls series. There are also advantages on being updated with the news. For example, if there is a problem in a certain place like there was a recent murder some place near the place we are going to rob, I would tell Sam to move the date since there would be a lot of police and the news would be there. I also can hack computers, in courtesy of my uncle who is a FBI agent. So that's basically my job in the group.

***

After classes are over, I headed straight to the library. That's where I usually go whenever we have to learn more about the place we are going to rob, or even for my relaxation and enjoyment. I walked through the hallways and climbed up the stairs. As I enter the library, I politely greet Mrs. Mercy, the librarian. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Mercy," I said. "Hope you've had a great day today."

"Good afternoon, too, Cecile. What can I help you with today?"

"I would want to learn more about the famous L.A. amulet. It's for my History class."

"Oh sure! Books about this amulet are at section 54, on the top shelf."

"Thank you so much," I said quietly. "And here is the book that I've borrowed last week."

I placed the book on the counter and gave a smile to Mrs. Mercy, and I hurried towards section 54. As soon as I got there, I removed 7 books from the bookshelf, and started browsing through them. The first 3 books are just about the history of the amulet, and I need to know where they place it and a record of who tried to steal it and what happened to them. It was like almost 5:30, the time the library closes when I've found the book that I've been looking for. "Bingo," I said to myself. I returned the other books on the shelf and walked over to the counter. I presented my library card to Mrs. Mercy and she stamped it. I exited the library and started walking to the school's parking lot. As soon as I got in my car, I texted Jaz, Brenda, and Sam the same text. I texted them:

My house, ASAP.

- Cecile

And I drove home as fast as I can.

***

The doorbell rang 10 minutes after I reached home. I heard Jasmine say to my mom, "Afternoon Mrs. Newman. Is Cecile home?"

"Oh, yes girls, she's in her room," my mom replied.

"Thanks Mrs. Newman!" Sam said heading towards my room.

"No problems, girls. I'll be in the patio if you girls need anything."

The 3 of them rushed up to my room. Their footsteps loud on the floor. They entered my room at the same time. "So, what is so important that we come here?" Brenda questioned me.

"I went to the library earlier and found this book," I held the book that I borrowed up to show them.

"'Los Angeles Amulet: Place where kept and Thieves caught'. What a interesting name," Jasmine said with sarcasm in her voice as she lay down on my bed.

"I was thinking, since this is the biggest robbery that we're going to do, I have decided that we must know the ways of those who've tried to steal it, and if they failed or not. If the failed, we wouldn't do the same, and if they succeeded but got caught in the end, we would like follow their footsteps into breaking in but think of a different attempt on how to steal it," I replied.

"Guys, look here," Sam exclaimed. "I googled the people who were able to get their hands on the amulet but they got caught. So far, only one person was able to do it. His name is Robert Huckleberry."

"What kind of name is Huckleberry?" Jasmine laughed.

"This is his false name. According to the L.A. Police Department, his real name is Bert Hulk. He tried to rob the amulet in 1965 when he was 27 years old. He was able to past all the security measures and he broke the case which enclosed the amulet but he was caught on his way out, and he is placed in prison for 48 years already, and would be released on his 50th year in prison but would be placed in the home for the aged," I continued.

"So, what now?" Brenda asked.

Jasmine got up and proclaimed, "I believe we have a meeting with Mr. Hulk in prison."