Just Try It

Chapter 54- Information is Power

Friday, February 17th 5:35pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center

Libby slid into the class without a problem.  The borrowed a spandex outfit didn't fit too bad, and she felt covered enough with a t-shirt over the top.  Most of the group was dressed the same, and she started to relax and enjoy herself.  Everyone seemed friendly, but when class started everyone went silent as they listened closely to Jamie.  Libby couldn't help but be impressed.  She was surprised when Sondra gave a final check of the empty gym area, and joined the class while keeping an eye on the door. 

Jamie gave a quick nod to Sondra before she started reviewing last week's lesson.  Then she said that they would be working on some new releases.  She demonstrated quickly, then slowed the steps down as she explained in detail.  Finally, she had them pair up while she made her way around to each group.  Libby was paired with a Ms. Nelson, and Shelly Finnigan.

Libby could hardly believe that the Ms. Nelson in her group was the same one Jamie had talked about earlier.  Ms. Nelson appeared innocuous with her slight body, quiet voice, and attractive dark hair and skin.  A strong wind should have been able to blow her away, but the lady said that she worked at the shelter.  Once they started, Libby learned that she was stronger than she looked. 

Shelly Finnigan was the other person in her group.  With her ready smile, and quick wit, Libby immediately felt at ease.  It didn't take Libby long to find out that Shelly was in her last year of college and her brother had signed her up without her knowledge.  With a toss of her bright red hair and a wink of her bright green eyes, she informed Libby that she had been slightly upset with her brother at first.  She even shared, "When I found out that Jamie actually had to use this stuff, I stopped arguing with my brother and agreed to give it a try.  I intended to quit after the first lesson, but Jamie had me hooked the first night.  It didn't hurt that I got to throw my brother across the room."

Learning that Jamie had been so open about her past was a surprise, but she couldn't help smiling as she remembered the teenage boy she had first seen coming down from Jamie's apartment eating an apple.  The boy had been called Finn, and Shelly had similar features.  No doubt about it, Jamie had actually placed her with people she could use in her investigation. 

Before she could think of what to do, Jamie swung past and murmured, "Pamela is here."

Libby turned and noticed that Sondra was already back at the counter.  Libby watched as Pamela scanned the self-defense group with a sneer before crossing the room. 

Jamie had been right, Pamela didn't even realize she was there.  Libby wondered how close she could get.  After a short internal debate, she headed for the bathroom and managed to step on her shoe lace just a short distance from Sondra and Pamela.  When she bent down to tie it, neither seemed to notice her.

"How is Mal working out, Mom?" Sondra asked as she tried to keep her tone casual. 

Pamela shrugged and said, "He is okay.  I am too busy getting ready to leave to spend time with him.  How is your packing going?"

Sondra frowned at that reminder and said, "I can't pack.  Grandma will know that something is up if I pack.  I mostly have uniforms anyway."

After she answered, Sondra held her breath wondering if Pamela would blow up.  Instead of being angry, Pamela just nodded and said, "We can get you other clothes when we get there.  See if you can carry a few emergency supplies to get you by until we can go shopping."

Could she get any additional information, Sondra wondered.  "Are we driving, or do I need extra identification so I can fly?"

Pamela smiled proudly and said, "Carry your ID.  We'll fly.  I'll pick you up from the dance tonight."

It would be just her luck to have to leave during her first date with Moe.  With a sinking heart, Sondra carefully contradicted, "I thought that we would leave tomorrow."

This time Pamela seemed anxious instead of angry.  With a nervous glance over her shoulder, Pamela shared in a whisper, "We had to move up the plans.  Tony is worried about the cops."

Sondra spotted some movement from the corner of her eye and asked, "What about the DHS lady?"

Pamela smiled and waved her hand, "She won't know until we're gone.  Then, she can explain how she lost you to the judge."

Libby's head jerked up, but Sondra caught her eye and shook her head.  With a frown, Libby ducked back down to retie her shoelace for the third time. 

In only a couple more minutes Pamela was gone.  Libby watched her leave, and then plopped down in the spot Pamela had just vacated.

"You heard it all and you want to know why I stopped you," Sondra guessed.

Libby nodded.

Sondra leaned in and said, "Well, I have this plan."

Jamie kept an eye on Sondra and Libby as they talked.  Sondra seemed calm, but Libby was clearly worked up.  Not that Jamie could blame her.  Everything about Pamela set Jamie's teeth on edge.  How could Sweet Sondra be related to that witch anyway?  With a deep breath, Jamie shook her head and tried to refocus on teaching for the last few minutes.

When the class was done, Shelly and Ms. Nelson came over and Shelly informed Jamie, "We lost our partner."

Jamie nodded and said, "Something work related came up."

When Ms. Nelson spotted Libby talking intently to Sondra at the counter she stared.  After a moment, she tilted her head and snapped her fingers.  "I thought she looked familiar.  She is known to be really good at her job."

"She is Sondra's worker and mine too.  I was nervous, but she seems alright."  After a moment Jamie added, "Sean likes her even though she has to investigate him and the others.  I'm still not sure I understand that."

Ms. Nelson frowned and asked, "She is investigating Bandit?  That doesn't sound good."

Finally, someone who understands, Jamie thought to herself.  Instead of agreeing though, Jamie just said, "Sean says that he expected it.  The others might have too.  I'm trying not to hold it against her, and she is helping Sondra a lot.  Sean hopes that she finishes her investigation quickly so he can ask her out."

Ms. Nelson looked over in amazement before bursting into laughter.  "Sean doesn't do anything the easy way, does he?"

Shelly fiddled with her shirt and looked away as she casually asked, "Why does she feel she had to investigate your uncles?"

With a disgusted eye roll, Jamie admitted dryly,   "When I stopped my uncles from pursuing custody I raised some red flags.  Now, Libby is looking at all parts of my life and all the people close to me."

Shelly and Ms. Nelson exchanged concerned glances before Ms. Nelson admitted, "She seems nice enough, but she had better not write anything bad about Bandit."

When Shelly nodded her agreement and added, "Or the others," Jamie almost smiled.  Shelly's support was... interesting.  It made Jamie remember that she had asked about her uncles each time she had visited, and that Colton had casually asked about how her the last time he had called and talked about coming back early. 

While trying to figure out how to pry more details out of Shelly, Jamie nodded innocently.  Before she could think of anything to ask, Jamie was distracted by a raised voice at the counter and turned around in surprise.  The lady that had just changed her mind about DHS workers was now yelling at Sondra.  Without even thinking, Jamie headed over. 

Even as she approached anxiously, Jamie couldn't help but be amazed.  Never had she seen someone get so mad by just talking to Sondra.  Especially Libby, who usually looked so cool and professional.  Who would have thought that she had such a temper?  Besides yelling, Libby was also waving her arms and slamming her hands on the counter.  With that impressive display of temper, Jamie expected Sondra to be cowed.  Instead, she just kept nodding and giving an understanding smile.  She almost seemed to expect it and be trying to comfort Libby.  Before Jamie could even get to the counter, Libby was stomping up the stairs to change.  It was fascinating, and Jamie had to admit that she was impressed... by both of them.