Investigation and First Speedy Scout Meeting

Investigation and First Speedy Scout Meeting

Monday 10:30 PM - Captain’s Cove

A figure walks up to the door of the Captain’s Cove bar, looking around itself nervously before walking inside. The person was wearing an oversized trench coat, the collar pulled high, hiding most of their face. They also wore a wide-brimmed hat, pulled low to cover their eyes. They clearly did not want to be recognized, the person in the trench coat looked towards the bar where Grant Phillips was busy wiping down some glasses. The man had short receding black hair with silver streaks and hazel eyes. He looked every bit the marine, which he had been when he was younger. Grant just looked at the person who just walked in and motioned with his head towards the back of the bar. The person nodded and moved in the indicated direction.

At a table in a secluded corner of the bar another person sat, this one not concerned about being recognized, not that anyone could ever mistake him with his bushy beard. Rick Jordan sat at the table sipping his drink, not even acknowledging as the trench coat person sat across from him. Without making eye contact Rick spoke, “So, do you have anything for me?” The other person lowered their collar revealing themselves as male, but past that you couldn’t make out much of his features. The trench coat man looked around nervously, “Do you know how much trouble I could get in?” Rick looked unconcerned, “If you made sure you weren’t followed no one will even know we spoke.”

The other man sighed, “We aren’t all hardened special forces operatives Rick and some of us have families!” Rick’s hazel eyes, for the first time, leveled at the other man, clearly full of anger, “I have a family and a part of that family had their place of business broken into and for all I know could be in danger. So save the whole, ‘I have a family’ schtick, now do you have anything for me or not?” Trench coat grumbled as he pulled a manilla folder out of his coat and slid it across the table, “Nothing concrete. I have been able to piece together the likely suspect for the break-in, a small time ganger, goes by the name of Viper, but I doubt he planned the whole thing, more likely a hired hand.” Rick flipped through the file, “Hired by who?” Trench coat shrugged, “You would have to ask him, if he even knows. I was able to find out what Viper was likely after though, it’s at the end of the file.”

Rick flipped through to the back of the file and his eyes widened, “Are you sure about this intel?” Trench coat scoffed in indignation, “I check my sources Rick, you know that, you also know I wouldn’t bring you something like this unless I was 100% sure.” Rick nodded, “Right, right, sorry, it’s just hard to believe he would be developing something like this. There are plenty of parties who would kill for something like this.” Trench coat nodded, “Your friend could have created himself a whole heap of trouble. That being said, I don’t think we are looking at any kind of foreign party here. They would tend to send their own operatives rather than rely on an American, so you are probably looking at a local party.” Rick nodded as he downed the rest of his drink, before sliding over an envelope, “Thanks, this should keep your family afloat for a while. I will leave first, have yourself a drink or two before leaving just in case.” Trench coat nodded as Rick got up and took the file, stuffing it in his jacket before paying Grant and leaving the bar, “What the hell have you gotten yourself into Daniel?”

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Thursday 3:30PM Speedy Scout Office

“I think doing an article on the new sports teams would be good for a back-to-school edition.” Virgil was suggesting as Zack thought about his own ideas for the first edition of the school paper. Vicky looked at Virgil, “You mean like introducing people to any new starters and some of the younger, newer players?” Virgil nodded, “Tryouts should be over by tomorrow I would say, barring any setbacks that might occur, we can also interview some of the veterans of the teams to get their take on the new blood, introduce the school to the students that will be representing them in the various sports.” Vicky pondered for a moment, “That’s not a bad idea, do you think you can get the interviews?” Virgil waved his hand dismissively, “I know people on just about every sports team and I know there are quite a few who love the limelight, it shouldn’t be a problem.” Vicky nodded, “Alright do it, the first edition likely won’t be put out until the third or fourth week of school so you have plenty of time, I will let you know the deadline for sure.”

Vicky turned to look at Zack, “You got anything Zack?” Zack frowned, “Maybe, but I am not sure how much interest there might be.” Vicky waved her hand prompting him to continue, “Well, I have heard a rumor that this might be Mr.Winston’s last year of teaching. I would need to verify the rumor obviously, but I thought if it were true we could do a going away interview with him. Asking him about all the stuff he has seen and experienced while teaching here.” Vicky pondered for a moment as Alice spoke up, “If the rumor is true I think that would be a great idea, though maybe more for the end of the year. The staff might not want to make Mr.Winston’s retirement public so soon into the school year.” Zack looked embarrassed as he hadn’t thought of that, causing Cody to slap him on the back, “It’s okay Zack, it’s a good idea just a little too soon.” Zack smiled sheepishly in thanks.

Vicky cleared her throat, “I agree it is a good idea, and you would have the entire year to verify the rumor and if it’s true you can do the interview for the last edition of the year. As for the first edition, why don’t you interview Miss Moreau?” Zack looked at Vicky in confusion prompting her to explain, “She has only been here a year and I didn’t even think to interview her last year as a new teacher. I doubt a lot of the student body knows much about her background and this would be a good chance for everyone to get to know her a little better beyond just being an awesome teacher. I feel it is important to remind our peers that our teachers are people too.” Zack thought about it, “Yeah, I can see if Miss Moreau would be interested, or would you prefer to ask her?” Vicky smiled her wonderful smile, “Zack I don’t know if you know this, but you are probably one of Miss Moreau’s favorite students. I am sure if you ask her for an interview she would agree to it.”

Zack blushed, not having realized that bit of information, “Y-Yeah, alright I will ask her tomorrow after class and see if we can’t schedule a time.” Vicky beamed, “I know you will do a good job Zack. Alright people, I think that’s it for our first meeting, I will let you all know the deadlines for your articles next week. I figured We could meet Thursdays after school unless we need to have an emergency meeting for something or other. If that happens I will send you all a text.” The others nodded as everyone began to pack up their stuff. While everyone else was preparing to leave Zack walked over to Vicky, “Hey Vicky, are you planning on coming with Heather to our little meetup Saturday at Alfred’s?” Vicky looked at Zack with a smile, “I thought I might if that’s okay with you.” She giggled at the flush that came to his cheeks, “Y-Yeah, I mean yeah that would be awesome. I am probably going to bring Chloe and Paris and Gavin if I can pry him away from his computer long enough.”

Vicky giggled, “It should be fun and I think it’s great that you and Heather are trying to connect as family. I know growing up alone in that mansion with just her father and employees was extremely lonely for Heather. It would be nice if that could change for the next generation.” Zack smiled as Vicky complimented him, “I am just sorry it took us both so long to work up the nerve to try and talk to each other.” Vicky smiled kindly at him, “The important thing is you are talking now, but I need to get home and get started on homework for tomorrow, see you Saturday!” Zack smiled and waved, “Yeah, looking forward to it.” After Vicky had left Zack very nearly did a fist pump, he actually had gotten through a conversation with Victoria Walker without making a fool of himself. Maybe this year would be his year. Aside from the one incident with Brandon on Monday, the rest of the week had gone by smoothly and now Zack had the get together with Heather to look forward to on Saturday, things definitely seemed to be looking up.