Forgotten Paradise by Average Canadian

Chapter 15: All Evil Geniuses Need a Lair

Rachel was out again. San Fran Headquarters were interrogating the hell out of her like yesterday to scrape for any information on why the blackmailers were taking out their threats. In the meantime Percy had free time.

When Rachel was gone yesterday, that's when they had the Garage sale. Percy had never gone out of line a day in his life. He was always on time at headquarters. Was diligent in training and fitness. Heck, he even was polite and good on assignments, only poking innocent fun here and there when he had the chance. So why was this assignment so different? He vandalized and humiliated two teenagers on the beach plus he sold someone else's stuff without so much permission as an 'okay'.

To be fair both times had been to help Annabeth. Plus the people he did them too were pretty horrible. Not to mention the first time he had been pretty much high on coffee.

But only after he got home that night, Percy thought up the ultimate evil plan.

An evil plan that would make Annabeth's life so much easier when the rest of her fickle family returned. And, it pretty much consisted of stealing 1/25 of the Chase residence.

Only this time he needed help. All night he and Piper talked over the phone, making plans and balancing money.

Unfortunately Percy spent all of Sunday with Rachel. Which pretty much meant inconspicuously stalking her and her friends at the mall.

By Monday Percy was excited beyond the limits and kept catching Piper's eye during lunch. He decided to graciously let Jason in on the gig.

That evening Piper kept Annabeth away from the house while Percy and Jason snuck in the basement at the Chase house. Jason wasn't as enabled in construction so it took a few hours longer than expected.

Piper's generous funds supplied them with tools and materials.

"Why are you guys here?" Annabeth asked suspiciously when she slid out of the beetle. Percy grinned and tried to bite his lip to stop. "Follow us."

They all went around to the basement window Annabeth looking perplexed at Piper, Jason and Percy who were buzzing with energy.

Jason pointed to the window.

"Look." he commanded.

"Yes Jason I know, it's a very lovely window." Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"Annabeth actually look."

Groaning she complied and stared through the dust layered window. It was empty. Completely empty. Since when was her basement so small? and where did that plastic hardwood print flooring come from? Wait. Where were the stairs? Where was the washer and dryer?

"What did you guys do?" Annabeth asked shocked.

"Here," Percy flipped the window open and slid down, jumping to the floor. "Come inside!" he called.

Annabeth put down her bag and rolled up her sleeves. She crawled on the ground and went in backwards through the open window. Losing traction and with a yelp she free fell into the basement.

Strong arms softened and stopped her fall. Percy found himself staring into Annabeth's stormy eyes as he held her bridal style. Her frame pressed up against him, her hand on his chest with the same bewildered blushing face on.

Awkwardly he chuckled and put her down.

"Careful Wise--" he stopped short winding himself.

He almost called her Wisegirl. That would have been a disastrous mistake.

Thankfully Annabeth wasn't listening. She was too busy staring in confusement at the white doorless wall that blocked them into the corner.

"I don't understand" Annabeth admitted while her fingers trailed the new wall.