by Marc Lindsay
“How can they have something so big in here?” Selene said shocked.
“And if this is door number one, how many others are there, and are they all as big as this?” Jason replied.
“Impossible, right?” Selene said dubiously.
“That’s a question for another day. Right now we have some papers to track down,” Jason said. Selene looked around and pointed to the left.
“I think we should start there,” she said.
Jason and Selene were sitting on the floor with three opened boxes and piles of old newspapers before them.
“I feel like we’re in that warehouse at the end of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. I wonder what else they have in here?” Selene said. Jason looked up from the paper he was reading.
“Yeah it does have that feeling to it. Hey, you do realise we can come here whenever we want?” he said as Selene grabbed another paper.
“We are definitely going to have some fun in here,” she replied and Jason blushed thinking of something else entirely.
“Hey I remember this,” Selene exclaimed pointing to the front page of her paper. It was an article on kids using dynamite at the quarry. “Yeah some kids were setting off explosions there. They did some minor damage to one of the shafts. The police never found out who did it,” Selene said matter of fact.
“I think we can put that on the weird and strange pile,” Jason replied.
After a couple of hours of trolling through the newspapers Jason and Selene had amassed a decent pile of articles.
“I think that’s about it. What have we got in total?” Selene asked. Jason started to flip through the articles.
“Let’s see, we have missing pets, the vandalism of the Perigord art exhibit, the quarry explosions, the school’s missing sceptre, a drop in numbers of spawning trout, and of course the Harvest Festival. Have I forgotten anything?” Jason said.
“You forgot the disappearance of your uncle,” Selene replied. Jason raised an eyebrow.
“Missing? He’s dead,” Jason queried.
“Well, he’s assumed dead but the reality is they never found the body. He went hiking in the hills and was never seen again,” Selene said. Jason looked quite shocked by this revelation. “You didn’t know?” Selene questioned.
“I never knew the man. Mum didn’t say and I didn’t ask. He was an old man, I just thought it was a natural death,” Jason said with a shrug, then added, “How do you know so much anyway”.
“Your uncle was kind of a big deal in this town. He was well travelled and educated, he raised money for local charities and probably best known to any kid in this town for being the second weirdest man in it,” Selene said. “Oh yeah, who’s the weirdest?” Jason asked.
“That’s easy, your new boss,” Selene replied.
Jason walked in through the front door of the veterinary surgery and up to the reception desk. Seated behind the desk sat an older woman in her late fifties, pleasant faced with grey hair, dressed neatly. Her name tag read Andraste. She was talking to someone on the phone as Jason approached. He waited patiently until she had finished with her call.
“How can I help you young man?” Andraste asked politely. Jason smiled back.
“I’m here to see my mum, Mrs Page,” Jason replied.
“Oh you’re the special man in her life,” Andraste said, offering her hand to Jason.
“Pleased to meet you ma’am,” Jason replied.
“Such manners. Your mum talks about you all the time,” Andraste replied. Jason blushed. “And for once I think the doting mother wasn’t exaggerating. I’ll let Helen know you’re here,” she added.
Helen was in her office typing away on her computer when Jason strolled in.
“Hey hun be with you in a second,” Helen said without looking up. Jason grabbed a seat behind her and waited. After a minute of clacking keys Helen spun in her swivel chair and faced her son.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Helen said happily, her smile fading when she noticed Jason’s serious demeanour. “What’s up?” she asked.
“Is it true that Uncle Plato’s not dead?” Jason blurted out. Helen looked stunned at his statement.
“Well honey, he was presumed deceased after being missing for two months. All the search parties could find was his backpack and jacket, both were bloody and torn up,” Helen said.
“But there could still be a chance he’s alive? I mean they didn’t find a body?” Helen put a reassuring hand on his leg.
“Jason he was an old man stuck out in the elements. The chances that he’s still alive are nearly impossible. What’s this all about, really?” Helen said. Jason shook his head.
“I don’t know, after living in his house I kinda feel connected to him. When Selene showed me the article in the paper, I felt, I don’t know, I felt like we’re freeloading, using his stuff, and that we’re glad he’s gone so we can live in his wonderful house. But I promise I honestly feel terrible for Uncle Plato, and I’d be happy for him to still be alive, even if it meant that we’d be out on the street,” Jason replied, struggling to find the words.
Helen looked at her son with admiration
“I’m so proud of you. If I thought for a second there was maybe a sliver of hope that Uncle Plato was alive, I’d be out there looking myself,” Helen said calmly. “Between your assault, your training, a new school, job, and girl,” Helen said.
“Mum,” Jason said, looking embarrassed. “All I’m saying is, don’t put yourself under any unnecessary stress,” Helen added. Jason nodded. “Was there anything else” Helen asked. “No, that was about it,” Jason replied. “Good, because I’m kind of swamped. I hate to shoo you off, but…,” Helen was cut off mid-sentence. “Consider myself shooed,” Jason replied.
Chapter 21
Jason was at work cleaning shelves when Selene snuck up and pinched him from behind. He jumped with surprise.
“Hey you,” Jason said his manly feelings hurt.
“Hey yourself,” Selene replied. She eyed the pile of books on the ground and the empty shelves. “I see they still have you on cleaning detail,” she added.
“Yeah, I guess I’m still a probationary till I prove myself,” Jason said.
“Have you come to watch me in action, or have you an ulterior motive?” “As much as the idea of watching you slave for the man has merit, I was thinking we jump start the mystery machine and crack this case,” Selene said enthusiastically. “Crack this case,” Jason said, poorly imitating Scooby Doo. Selene shook her head. “And I know exactly where we should start. Remember the article on the art exhibit?” Jason nodded as he continued to wipe the book shelves down. “Yeah I remember
“Well it reminded me of something I saw on the discovery channel about texts and writings sometimes being on the back of old paintings,” Selene noted.
“And you think that may be the case here?” Jason said, his interest piqued. “Just like you’re uncle. What better way to hide something than in plain sight?”
“Yeah by all accounts that would be Perigord’s style, arrogant all the way. However that doesn’t help us. All his paintings were cut out, but not taken. Any ideas?” Jason said.
“Obviously those from the exhibit weren’t the ones because none were missing, now if we knew of any other ones in the area then we might have a break in the case,” Selene replied gloomily, Jason gave her a rueful smile.
“I just might be able to help you there,” he said.
Selene and Jason were sitting in the library’s staff room. It was small and quaint with antique timber and leather furniture. The kitchen was granite and stone, simple, but elegant.
“Don’t keep me waiting any longer, where is this other painting?” Selene asked forcefully.
“It was the day I first arrived at Black River Realty. Ms Appleby had one on display in her sitting room,” Jason replied.
“I doubt she’ll just give it to us and allow us to inspect the back of the canvas,” Selene said.
“You never k
now,” Jason said thoughtfully.
“Fat chance of that,” Selene replied.
“Then we’ll just have to liberate it,” Jason said.
“You can’t be serious!” Selene shot back, she saw the resolute set of his jaw. “You are! You’re suggesting we break in and steal it?”
“Yes and no. Maybe we don’t have to take it. We are living in the technology age after all” Jason replied.
“I’m not a big fan of technology myself,” Mr Walker said.
Jason and Selene spun in their seats to find Mr Walker at the kitchen area making himself a cup of tea.
“Where did you come from?” Jason asked. Mr Walker smiled as he stirred his tea.
“Through the door.” He pointed to the plain timber door off to the side of the room. Selene and Jason did a double take.
“I could have sworn that door wasn’t there before,” Selene muttered. Mr Walker laughed.
“It must be, because I just walked through it,” he replied nonchalantly.
“I hope you don’t mind I’m taking a break,” Jason asked.
“Of course not, you’ve been doing a stellar job, Ms Jax is very impressed,” Mr Walker replied, taking another sip of his tea.
“Yeah what’s the go with her? I watched her hulk out the other day,” Selene commented. Mr Walker slurped his tea, but regained his composure immediately.
“Hulk out? I’m not familiar with the term,” Mr Walker quizzed.
“She was hefting a box the other day with ease that Jason couldn’t budge at all,” Selene asked.
“Ms Jax was a power lifter in her youth and as you’ve seen, she’s still quite strong,” Mr Walker interjected with a smile. “So what have you two been doing?” Mr Walker added, changing the subject quickly. Both Jason and Selene were stricken with the knowledge that they didn’t know exactly how long Mr Walker had been in the room as they were hatching their plan.
“Nothing much,” they replied in unison. Mr Walker watched them oddly as he finished his tea.
“Oh well, I better get back to work. You kids have fun,” he said before disappearing through the small timber door.
“What an unusual man,” Selene commented, then turning her attention back to Jason, “So tell me more about this idea of yours,” she asked.
Jason and Selene walked down Perigord Main Street carrying a gift wrapped basket.
“What did you say to your mum?” Selene asked.
“I didn’t have to sell her the idea, she was keen straight away,” Jason replied.
“So we go in, get a conversation going, create a diversion,” Selene said.
“And then case the joint,” Jason replied.
“Case the joint, what are you, a 1920s gangster?” she said.
“Stick with me doll face,” Jason attempted a poor James Cagney impression. Selene laughed out loud.
“What the hell was that supposed to be?” she said.
“Er, nothing,” Jason replied embarrassed as they continued on.
The door to Black River Realty opened and a harried looking Mrs Appleby peered up from the reception desk to see Jason and Selene walk in.
“Well, hello Jason, so good to see you, and who’s your friend?” Mrs Appleby asked.
“This is Selene,” Jason introduced.
“Pleased to meet you Selene. Do I know your mum?” Mrs Appleby asked.
“You probably know my grandmother, Ms Jaeger,” Selene replied. Mrs Appleby smiled immediately.
“Of course I see it now, you have her eyes. How is she dear?” Mrs Appleby enquired.
“Great! Sharp as a whip and twice as lethal,” Selene replied.
“That’s definitely her alright,” Mrs Appleby said with a laugh. Jason stepped forward and placed the basket he had been carrying on her desk.
“What’s this?” Mrs Appleby asked curiously, her eyes eagerly taking in the assortment of goodies on display.
“Oh how kind,” she beamed.
“Just a small gesture from Mum and I,” he replied.
Mrs Appleby gave out a little squeal of delight as she tore into the basket which had mixed gourmet items from cheese and pâté to chocolate and biscuits sitting on top of it was a can of diet soft drink.
“You and your mum are such sweethearts,” Mrs Appleby said, holding the can of soda. She cracked the top and foaming liquid erupted over her.
“Oh no, my blouse,” she cried, juggling the can and racing into the back room.
“Don’t worry, we’ll clean up out here,” Selene called out. Without waiting they both ran over to Perigord’s painting and attempted to move it from the wall. It wouldn’t budge.
“Shit, it won’t move, it’s been screwed to the wall,” Jason grunted.
“What now?” Selene asked.
“I’ll have to find a way in for later. Can you clean and distract?” Jason instructed.
“Leave it to me,” Selene nodded and went about wiping the spill with paper towelling. “Mrs Appleby do you need any help?” Selene called out.
“I’m fine dear, I’ll be out in a minute,” Mrs Appleby replied. Selene looked around at Jason who was frantically scouring the office windows and doors. Their eyes met and Jason shook his head.
“No luck. This place is locked up tighter than a drum,” Jason whispered. The sound of running water could be heard from the rear office.
“As soon as that water stops we’re done,” Selene whispered, Jason nodded. Running his hands through his hair, he looked up and froze, a smile spreading across his face. Located directly above Jason, recessed into the high ceiling was a pull out folding ladder leading up to a skylight. Jason pointed up.
“I need to get up there, any ideas?” he asked. Selene thought for a moment.
“A hook. She would have to have a tool to pull the ladder down,” Selene replied as she looked behind the desk, then rummaging through the drawers. Just then the sound of running water stopped. Both Selene and Jason froze for what seemed an eternity, then the sound of a hair dryer started up. They both let out a collective breath. Selene continued to look through the desk drawers. She let out a little squeak of excitement. Jason turned to find Selene holding a short rod with a hook attached triumphantly above her head. “I don’t think that’ll reach,” Jason said as Selene pulled on either end of the rod. It slid open nearly tripling in length.
“No but this should do,” Selene whispered sarcastically. Jason bit his tongue and instead grabbed the rod from her and used it to pull the ladder down. Quickly scaling the ladder he climbed up to the skylight, however once there the latch refused to move.
“Crap, it won’t budge,” Jason muttered.
“Keep trying, it probably hasn’t been opened for quite a while,” Selene said. Jason was struggling, when he felt a hot sensation course through him. “Hurry,” Selene coaxed. Suddenly the hair dryer stopped. Both Selene’s and Jason’s eyes went wide.
“Come on you little,” Jason whispered through gritted teeth. The latch creaked and slowly turned in his grip. They could hear sounds of movement from the rear. Jason leapt from the ladder landing quietly like a cat, something Selene noted with a frown. He tucked the ladder back up and threw the hook to Selene, who tucked it away, racing back to Jason’s side just as Mrs Appleby returned.
“I’m sorry about the mess,” Jason said apologetically. Mrs Appleby waved it off.
“Please, accidents happen, besides nothing was damaged or hurt.”
“Well we better get going,” Jason said.
“Please, thank your mum for the basket,” Mrs Appleby replied sincerely.
“No worries, bye,” Jason said hurriedly, wanting to get out.
“And a pleasure to meet you as well Selene. Say hello to Ursula for me.” The pair practically fled from her office. Selene glanced back, her face a mixture of regret and worry.
“I love the excitement, but I feel guilty as hell for doing this to such a nice lady,” she said.
“Me too, but if all goes well, no one will be an
y the wiser,” Jason replied.
“Yeah, if all goes well,” Selene sighed.
Chapter 22
Jason lay on his bed his homework was sprawled around him, listening to music on his headphones when Helen walked in.
“Jason,” Helen said, then after receiving no response, tapped him gently on the foot. Jason sat up with a start, pulling his headphones off.
“Whoa you startled me,”
“Sorry honey, but I’m not surprised though, what with that music blaring,” Helen queried.
“You get used to it, what’s up?” Jason asked.
“I’m just letting you know that I’m turning in now, I have an early start tomorrow,” Helen said.
“That’s cool I’ve got this homework I need to hammer through. I’ll try to keep the noise to a minimum,” he said.
“Thanks luv, night,” Helen replied.
“Night mum,” Jason said, watching her leave, listening as her footfalls disappeared down the hall. As soon as he was sure she had turned in, he jumped up from his bed and locked his door. Quickly changing into a dark t-shirt and jeans, he had just finished dressing when Selene climbed in through the window. She was dressed in a heavy black jacket and back pack.
“Have we got a green light?” Selene enquired as she took a seat on his bed. Jason gave her the thumbs up.
“We’re good to go, Mum’s turned in early. She thinks I’m doing my homework.”
“Aw, aren’t you a good widdle boy.” Selene coddled.
“Steady on, what excuse did you give?” Jason asked.
“I’m my own woman, a lone she wolf, I make my own rules,” Selene stated triumphantly.
“Whatever. What’s in the backpack?”
“Have you ever heard of the seven Ps?”
“Can’t say that I have,” Jason said shaking his head. Selene held up her hands and counted them off on her fingers.
“Prior preparation and planning prevents a piss poor performance,” Selene said tapping her back pack “this is my seven Ps”
