Carmen Sandiego - The Final Caper

Chapter 2 - The Hospital

Part two is written from Carmen's point of view.

As I came to the first thing I did was try to get a sense of my surroundings. My vision was still a little hazy so I relied on touch. I wasn't in a cell so that was at least that was something. I tried to get up a little to view my surroundings when I noticed I was strapped down. As I slowly regained hearing, I heard a familiar voice.

"Well done Agent Argent. You managed to secure Carmen Sandiego. Didn't think you had it in you."

That was the voice of Chief. But why was she here? Why was Jules here?

"She needs serious medical attention. She wasn't in her right mind on that rooftop."

Then it came flooding back. The rooftop. Telling my life story. Her grabbing my hoodie. I really should have worn something else. Something without a large, grabbable fold of fabric on the back.

"She's a professional thief Agent. From what you told me she was raised by thieves. I doubt she was ever in her right mind. We have her now for questioning and then we can deal with any mental issues she is bound to have."

Great. I trust someone and they spill the beans. I can't think about it now, my prime objective must be to escape. Trying to wiggle out of the restraints would attract too much attention. As I search for my tools I remember throwing them off to the side. Not that they would have left me them anyway. They probably had all the time in the world to search me once I was unconscious.

"We have put her in a bed and made sure there are no sharp objects anywhere in reach. We will conduct a psych exam after we have interrogated her. Then she will be turned over to the police. That is above and beyond what protocol dictates we do, at your request. You are an impeccable agent Argent, don't let this one person bring you down."

I'm being turned into the police? At least they'll be easy to escape from. At this point the crew will have read their letters and presume that I'm gone. Maybe I should stay that way.

"I would like to request permission to be in charge of supervising Carmen Sandiego's interrogation and holding while she is at ACME."

"Are you sure Argent? This means that if she escapes you will be held responsible."

"It also means I will be able to ensure she gets proper care."

I can hear Chief let out a loud sigh.

"Very well. Do not let me down."

There is a click and the pen clatters to the floor.

"You can stop pretending to be unconscious now, she disconnected."

She knew I was awake? I'm getting sloppy.

"So you're in charge of me now? Figures. Didn't think you were the bragging type, but there's a lot I don't know about people. People I thought I could trust."

She reeled at the dirty look I gave her but at this point I don't care. I was done caring a week ago.

"I do want to help you Miss Sandiego, whether you think I do or not."

Noticing me struggling she continued.

"Those are to protect you. We are not VILE and we do care about the people we have sworn to protect."

I started to scoff but then thought of a possible escape. One way or another.

"How will these protect me from the VILE agents that will no doubt be sent after me?If I can't move I can't fight back."

I knew she wasn't buying it but anything is worth a shot.

"Those restraints, as you very well know, are to stop you from hurting yourself. The things you told me on that roof, they would break anyone. But I know you and I know that with proper help you can recover from this."

Her words touched me, even if I would never admit it, to her or myself.

"I'll be back, we have to arrange transport to an ACME facility."

She smiled and went to leave the room. She turned back one last time before she left.

"You're in good hands now, even if you don't see it yet."

This is my first story so any advice is welcome!