The goddaughter ((my actual storyline))

[Laverna]

The henchman’s gaze lingered on the small blinking light embedded in Laverna’s earring, and his stomach churned. This wasn’t just some high-tech gadget for tracking her in the field—it was a tag, a mark of ownership, like something used to track an animal to make sure it didn’t wander off or, worse, die alone. Carmen had been monitoring Laverna closely, and the thought made him uneasy.





But why? What was so special about her that Carmen felt the need to keep such a close watch?





Then it hit him like a punch to the gut—Laverna had lived in that evil medical research facility, the one Carmen had run. He didn’t know all the details, but whispers about the place had circulated in the VILE ranks. Some of the grimmer rumors suggested it wasn’t just a facility for experiments on enemies or outsiders, but that Carmen had kept a few of her own people there, hidden away for reasons only she knew.





Was Laverna one of those experiments? Had she been subjected to something while living there, something that required constant surveillance? His mind raced with possibilities, each one darker than the last. Maybe that tag wasn’t just to track her physically—it could be monitoring her health, keeping Carmen updated on whatever damage had been done back in that facility.





He watched Laverna shift slightly in her seat, completely unaware of his growing suspicion. She might not even know the full extent of what Carmen had done to her.





“


Laverna wrinkled her nose, forcing a smile that barely held. Devlin was already striding over when the henchman noticed the medical ID card hanging from a purple lanyard around his neck. “Medical student,” he mumbled, skepticism bubbling up. What could a kid like that possibly contribute to Carmen's operations?





His stomach twisted as he watched Laverna, who looked pale and injured, cradling her leg. Panic clawed at him. Were they just a couple of clueless kids caught in something bigger? Or was there something more sinister going on? The small blinking light in Laverna’s earring felt ominous, as if it marked her as property. Was Carmen actually using her like a test subject?





He pressed a hand to his forehead, trying to shake off the spiraling thoughts. It was ridiculous. Carmen was a nice crime boss who treated her henchmen like spoiled babies. The idea that she would abuse Laverna was absurd, yet the image of the vulnerable girl gnawed at his conscience.





“Get it together,” he muttered to himself. He was just the muscle, not some paranoid guardian. But Laverna’s pain and fragility made it hard to ignore the anxious feeling rising in his chest.





When Devlin returned, the henchman took a deep breath, steeling himself. Whatever was happening, he needed to keep a close watch on them. His anxiety flared, but he pushed it aside. There had to be a reasonable explanation—he just had to figure it out.








“Hey, Clyde,” Laverna winced as Devlin kissed her cheek.





“Hey, Bonnie,” he replied, concern flickering in his eyes.





The redheaded teenage boy groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Carmen scolded me. Said I should be ashamed of myself for letting my partner get injured, but I didn’t even know you were hurt."





Laverna shot him a glare, her tone sharp. "You yanked me over a brick wall in the labyrinth that is New York City. Of course, I’m injured."





The henchman opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it as the sound of clicking heels echoed through the garage. Carmen entered with her usual air of control, though her lips were pressed into a small scowl, her calm demeanor only adding to the weight of the moment. She surveyed the scene, her eyes briefly flicking to Laverna before settling on Devlin.





“Sorry, kids,” Carmen sighed, stepping lightly beside Laverna, her voice calm but firm. “You attracted mama *and* the police. You can’t leave—the trail is too hot. And Laverna... you’re not outrunning cops in this condition.”





Her blue eyes softened as she crouched slightly, balancing her weight on her heels. Carmen’s usual sharpness faded as she focused on Laverna. “Come on, baby, wrap your arms around my neck, and I’ll take you inside,” she said gently, brushing away a few stray tears from Laverna’s eyes.





Laverna hesitated only for a moment before doing as she was told, and Carmen, despite her authority, held her like she was something precious.





Laverna found herself in Carmen’s bed, cocooned in soft pillows and blankets. The faint scent of Carmen's perfume lingered in the room, a quiet comfort. Her pants had been removed, allowing Carmen to carefully examine the injury. The bruising and swelling around Laverna’s knee told a grim story—it wasn’t good.





Carmen’s lips pressed into a thin line as she considered their options. Transporting Laverna to the medical clinic would draw too much attention, and with the police on high alert, it would only get them arrested. Instead, Carmen sighed and decided the


best course was rest, at least for now.





“You’ll stay here,” she said softly, tucking a pillow under Laverna’s head. “We can’t risk it, not tonight.”





.Laverna groaned as Carmen retrieved a first aid kit from the closet. Her hands moved with practiced care as she unscrewed a tube of pain-relieving cream. Laverna clenched her jaw, fighting the urge to scream as Carmen gently applied the cream to her injured knee.





Working quickly but delicately, Carmen fashioned a makeshift splint and wrapped the knee securely. Laverna winced but stayed silent, knowing this was the best option under the circumstances.





Once finished, Carmen adjusted the bedding, smoothing it over before pulling a blanket gently over Laverna's leg. “There,” she murmured, her voice softer now, “try to rest.”





.Carmen ordered pepperoni pizza while juggling a few tasks at once. As she turned on the TV, she landed on a channel playing classic film noirs, setting it up for Laverna to watch while she rested.





With her phone in hand, she texted Devlin, instructing him to head to the locker room for a shower. He was like her kid in her eyes, and she wanted him to wash off the sweat and any evidence from the heist.





Her next message went to the henchman, directing him to answer the door when the pizza arrived and to tip the driver ten dollars. Efficient as ever, Carmen ensured everyone was taken care of while she remained in control.





Carmen received a thumbs-up emoji from the henchman and got back to setting up for the night. She pulled out a Japanese futon and unrolled it neatly in front of her bed. This was one of her many bedrooms scattered across the globe, though this one had a distinct motel vibe since it doubled as her office.





Grabbing some spare pillows, she tossed them onto the futon, followed by a thick, warm, fuzzy blanket. As she worked, her thoughts wandered to where Devlin might want—or need—to sleep later that night. She wasn’t keen on him staying in the truck, but there was no space in this room, and the henchman had already claimed the guest room. The library couch seemed like the best option.





Tossing a blanket and pillow over her shoulder, Carmen made her way to the library to set up Devlin’s bed, ever the thoughtful, albeit unconventional, caretaker.

 

[Laverna]

As Carmen was about to leave the room, the television erupted with an emergency news broadcast that jolted Laverna out of her thoughts. The screen lit up with dramatic graphics, and a snotty blonde reporter appeared, her expression a mix of faux urgency and delight.





“In a shocking twist worthy of a crime drama, the 21st-century Bonnie and Clyde have been unmasked as two teenagers!” she announced, her voice dripping with sensationalism. “Amid a wave of stolen treasures from across the globe, we suspect the infamous Carmen Sandiego is orchestrating this audacious heist. A clue card, prominently featuring a golden kangaroo, was discovered, leading top ACME detectives Zack and Ivy to believe it points directly to the notorious Australian Kangaroo One Tonne Gold Coin.”





The camera cut to images of the missing coins, their empty display cases like monuments to lost history, before zooming in on grainy photographs of Laverna and Devlin—her kids—who were supposed to be hidden from the world. The absurdity of it all sent a chill down Carmen’s spine.





“This brazen duo has outsmarted the authorities at every turn,” the reporter continued, her tone a mix of excitement and judgment. “But how long can they stay one step ahead of the law? And what does Carmen Sandiego have planned next?”





Carmen felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. They had been careful and calculated, and yet here they were, the headlines capturing their exploits in vivid detail. With her heart racing and her protective instincts flaring, she knew they had to act fast before the world closed in around them.





“Well, I’m dead now. You’re gonna kill me!” Laverna squeaked before vanishing under the covers, her voice muffled and laced with playful panic. Carmen couldn't help but chuckle, even as a wave of concern washed over her.





She glanced at her phone, noting the henchman’s text informing her that the pizza had arrived. “Pizza’s here,” she called out, trying to coax Laverna out of her blanket cocoon. It was a welcome distraction, especially since Devlin was still in the shower, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing outside their sanctuary.





They were safe here for the moment, but Carmen could already picture the Chief’s face floating on her screen, ready to bombard her with too many personal questions that could unravel the careful web they’d woven. With a determined shake of her head, she steeled herself. Dinner would be the calm before the storm, and she’d make sure to savor every moment of it.





.“It’s still a sleepover; it’s still recoverable,” Carmen thought out loud, her voice steady as she tried to reassure herself. “I’ll paint her nails, do a spa day after our pizza. Al Capone wouldn’t panic, nor would any other criminal mastermind. Neither will I.”





Just then, Devlin emerged from the bathroom, shaking off droplets of water like a dog. He was wearing a dark grey long-sleeved t-shirt that clung comfortably to his frame and hunter green and brown plaid flannel pants that gave him a relaxed, cozy vibe. His longer locks of red hair were wrapped up in a towel, and he looked both fresh and disheveled at the same time, a perfect combination for the chaos of their lives.





“Did I miss the drama?” he asked with a smirk, sensing the tension that hung in the air. Carmen smiled back, grateful for his lightheartedness, even as she felt the weight of their situation pressing down on her. “Not yet, but we’re about to dive into pizza, and then it’s a full-on spa day,” she replied, trying to keep the mood light.





“You better not try to put girly sparkly self-care products on me, boss,” Devlin groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. Carmen couldn’t suppress a smirk; she knew she’d definitely try it, and he’d be powerless to resist.





As the henchman set the pizza on the table, Carmen carefully lifted Laverna into her arms, cradling her bridal style. Laverna felt a warmth spread through her, a welcome distraction from the pain. Devlin watched, a mix of annoyance and guilt flickering across his face. “Why can’t I carry her?” he asked, sounding like a big brother upset that he couldn’t save the day.





“Because you’re the reason she’s injured,” Carmen replied, her tone gently reproachful. “She needs to be handled with care right now. I’m not risking jostling her any more than she already has been.”





“Come on, Carmen,” Devlin argued, his frustration growing. “I get that I messed up, but I’m not some fragile idiot. I can help her too. I should be the one carrying her!”





Carmen met his gaze, her expression firm yet compassionate. “You want to help her? Then let me take care of her right now. You can help by grabbing the pizza and making sure the henchman doesn’t burn the place down.”





Devlin opened his mouth to protest but caught a glimpse of Laverna’s pained expression, and his resolve softened. “Fine, but I still think I could do a better job.” He huffed, grabbing a couple of plates while muttering under his breath about how he could carry Laverna just as well as Carmen could, if not better.





“Boy, would you want to be carried by the person who yanked you harshly over a wall?” the henchman laughed, playfully hitting Devlin on the head with the empty pizza box.





“Not funny,” Devlin groaned, focusing on pouring fizzy lemon water into glasses, trying not to spill as he fumbled with the bottle. “I didn’t mean for her to get hurt.”





The henchman watched him, half-amused, half-concerned. “Yeah, well, maybe next time, think twice before pulling someone over a brick wall in the middle of a heist.”





Devlin shot him a glare but couldn’t hold back a slight smirk. “I’ll remember that advice for the next time I’m escaping from the Acme Detective Agency.”





As they set the table, the henchman’s worry nagged at him. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that Carmen was up to something shady. While the evidence was thin and he didn’t know what to look for, the atmosphere around her felt off. She had a knack for slipping under the radar, and her protectiveness over Laverna felt too calculated. He decided he’d keep a closer eye on them, especially if things continued to escalate.











Carmen sat down gracefully, cradling Laverna despite the girl’s ninety-pound weight. A soft smile spread across her face as she watched the playful banter unfold between her henchman and her biochemist prodigy, Devlin.





“Seriously, Devlin, if you’re going to keep pulling stunts like that, you might as well enroll in a circus,” the henchman teased, leaning back in his chair with a playful smirk.





Devlin shot back, “Yeah, because I clearly excel at acrobatics.” He rolled his eyes, but a grin crept onto his lips as he reached for a slice of pizza. “And you would know all about the art of falling flat on your face.”





Carmen chuckled, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “You boys are lucky you’re not on the other side of the law; you’d make quite the team—like something out of an Inspector Gadget episode.” She winked at Laverna, who was snuggled comfortably against her, and the girl let out a soft laugh, her worries momentarily forgotten.





“See, Laverna?” Carmen continued, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “This is what crime looks like—pizza, laughter, and a little chaos.”





Laverna nestled deeper into Carmen’s side, feeling safe and cherished. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said, a content smile lighting up her face.





Devlin leaned over, trying to grab a slice from the pizza box without disturbing Laverna too much. “I’d say it looks more like you being a human pillow for our resident damsel in distress,” he quipped, grinning down at them.





Carmen playfully huffed. “And what’s wrong with being a human pillow? Someone has to keep our little troublemaker comfortable.” She gently squeezed Laverna, making her giggle.





“Yeah, and you do it so well,” Devlin said, rolling his eyes in a teasing manner. “Just don’t get too cozy, or she’ll never want to leave.”





Laverna beamed at both of them, her heart swelling with affection. “I could stay like this forever,” she murmured, relishing the warmth radiating from Carmen.





As they dug into the pizza, laughter filled the room. The henchman joined in, recounting stories of past heists, embellishing them with wild gestures. “And that’s when I realized I’d forgotten the getaway car!” he exclaimed, causing Carmen to laugh so hard that Laverna couldn’t help but giggle along.





“Good thing you have me to keep you in line,” Carmen said, shaking her head playfully.





The playful atmosphere wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, and for a moment, they were just a family sharing a meal, their criminal lives a distant memory. The chaos outside faded away, replaced by the warmth of friendship and love. Laverna sighed happily, feeling like she was exactly where she belonged.





Devlin noticed that instead of eating by the slice, Carmen cut her pizza into small squares and slipped them into Laverna’s mouth.





“She’s not a baby bird,” Devlin sighed, taking a sip of his soda, a teasing smirk on his lips.





Laverna glared at him, her cheeks tinged with pink as she chewed. “I can feed myself, you know!” she protested, trying to sound indignant but unable to hide the small smile creeping onto her face. “I’m not some helpless little kid.”





Carmen chuckled softly, enjoying the playful banter. “But it’s more fun this way,” she teased, sending a wink Laverna’s way.





“Fun for who?” Laverna huffed, crossing her arms as she tried to maintain her tough exterior. “I’m perfectly capable of—”





Carmen gently interrupted her with another bite of pizza, and Laverna’s protest turned into a reluctant giggle. “Okay, okay! But don’t think this means you can treat me like a child!”





Devlin grinned, watching the exchange with amusement. “Too late, Laverna. You’re officially the baby of the group now.”





Laverna shot him a playful glare, but the warmth in her chest grew as she settled back against Carmen, feeling safe and cared for, even if it was a little embarrassing.





The henchman tried to steal a bite from the fork, but Carmen effortlessly knocked him down onto his butt, her laughter ringing out in the room.





After pizza, Carmen asked Devlin to bring a wet paper towel over so she could wash Laverna’s face and get the three of them ready for a spa day.





“No,” Devlin shot back, crossing his arms defiantly. “I’m not your servant, Carmen. You can do it yourself.”





Carmen’s eyebrow arched, and her expression turned serious. “Devlin, we both know I can’t leave Laverna unattended right now. Just help me out, okay?”





He sighed dramatically, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant smile. “Fine, but I’m not doing it with a smile. You know this is ridiculous, right?”





As he begrudgingly moved to fulfill her request, the henchman watched with a furrowed brow, a knot of unease forming in his stomach. The more he observed Carmen’s almost maternal behavior toward Laverna, the more his suspicions grew. It felt wrong. “Carmen,” he interjected, his tone serious, “you know you can’t be too careful. What if someone finds out about this?”





Devlin shot him a glare, defensive of Carmen. “You think she’s going to just let anyone walk in here? Chill out!”





But the henchman shook his head. “It’s not about that, Devlin. I just—”





“Whatever,” Devlin huffed, grabbing the paper towel and rolling his eyes. “I’m doing this, but you’re both ridiculous.”





As Devlin handed the wet towel to Carmen, the henchman couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this situation than met the eye, and he resolved to keep a closer watch on them.





Carmen noticed Laverna shifting and trying to get up, clearly unhappy. Why would she be happy? The media had discovered her existence, and Devlin, the henchman, and Carmen were locked in an argument that Laverna couldn’t quite grasp.





When Laverna tried to stand, she nearly fell, but Devlin caught her effortlessly, prompting Carmen to applaud him with a teasing grin. She elbowed Boris, the henchman, to snap him out of his stupor. He was staring at the pair like they had just pulled the pin on a grenade.





“Boris, what is wrong with you? You’re more nervous than a snowman in summer!” she exclaimed, finally gaining Laverna’s full attention as she stood firm.





Boris gulped, not wanting to confess that he suspected Carmen was up to something sinister. The last thing he wanted was to end up as one of her experiments.





“Kids, head to my bedroom. I’ll join you in a moment,” Carmen instructed, giving Laverna a reassuring smile.





Once the door clicked shut behind them, she turned her gaze back to Boris, her demeanor shifting to something more serious. “Now, what’s the real reason you’re on edge? Is it because I let a child get injured? You think I’m just some kind of monster?”





Boris stammered, “I just—”





“Or is it because you don’t understand the relationship between Laverna and me?” She leaned in closer, her voice low but steady. “You’ve been reading too many horror stories, haven’t you?”





She could see Boris squirming under her questioning, and she was reminded of her days with Acme, using the same interrogation tricks she had honed to extract information. The henchman shifted his weight, avoiding her piercing gaze.





“Carmen, I—”





“Just tell me what you think,” she pressed, a smirk creeping onto her lips. “You can’t be this worried over just a little injury, right? Is it really about Laverna, or is it something more?”





His hesitation spoke volumes, and Carmen sensed he was grappling with his own fears and assumptions. “Look, I don’t want to be part of whatever’s going on here. You’re not experimenting on her, are you?” he blurted out.





Carmen’s expression softened, sensing his genuine concern. “Boris, I care about Laverna. She’s family. I’m not what you think I am.”





He looked taken aback, unsure if he should believe her. “But…you’re a criminal.”





“A criminal who takes care of her own,” she countered, her voice firm. “I promise you, there’s nothing sinister happening here.”





Boris opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, clearly still conflicted.





“Just trust me. I won’t let anything happen to her,” Carmen said, her tone gentle but resolute. “Now, go check on the kids. They need a little normalcy, and I need to figure out how to keep this all from blowing up in our faces.”





With that, Boris nodded slowly, feeling a weight lift slightly as he turned to leave. But as he stepped away, Carmen couldn’t shake the feeling that this situation was far from over.





Carmen watched her reflection, scoffing at the absurdity. “Child experimentation? Me?” She shook her head, trying to dispel the ridiculous notion that had crossed her mind. It was laughable, yet the henchman’s concern lingered like a shadow.





With a sigh, she smoothed her hair back, adjusting her outfit before making her way to her bedroom. The thought of Laverna and Devlin waiting for her excited her, the playful spa day providing a welcome distraction from the day's chaos. As she entered the room, she smiled at the sight of the two of them, ready for some much-needed fun and bonding

 

[Laverna]

Chapter: snitch








Once everyone was asleep, the henchman, Boris Grete, fled the scene in a clear panic. Nothing Carmen said or did convinced him she wasn’t up to sinister tricks. Around two a.m., he took photographic evidence of Laverna’s injured knee, determined to rat out his boss.





His hands were sweating as he sneaked one last glance. Carmen slept peacefully on a floor futon in her cream-pink silk pajamas, her curly hair tied up in a silk scrunchie. Laverna was curled up in one of Carmen’s oversized red t-shirts, while Devlin sprawled out on the couch, barely covered in his boxers and a tank top.





Boris should’ve dropped the accusations, but these were kids. His gut told him something was wrong. He drove straight to the New York branch of the Acme Detective Agency, fumbling his way in and waking Chief’s AI, which effortlessly fluttered over from the San Francisco branch to greet him.





"Intruder!!!" Chief's voice boomed playfully, floating around the entrance in circles, his glowing blonde head darting from side to side. "Why is a lone henchman here? Where’s Carmen? Or at least a VILE agent?”





Boris tried to speak, but Chief’s happy-go-lucky demeanor drowned him out, not taking the accusations seriously. The AI spun around in loops, grinning as if it were all a joke. Boris's frustration built, his hands clenching at his sides.





"I have photographic evidence," Boris finally grumbled, his patience wearing thin.





Chief paused mid-spin, eyes narrowing. "Why didn’t you say so, silly?" he grumbled, now trying to act like he was taking Boris seriously, though the air of disbelief still lingered.





Boris groaned, fumbling as he pulled out his phone and showed the photos of Carmen and the teens sleeping. Chief made a disgusted face, his floating head twisting as he eyed the images. "You're kinda creepy, man," Chief muttered, unimpressed by the henchman's snooping. Still, he listened, recalling the recent news about Bonnie and Clyde—teens who might be working under Carmen.





Chief adjusted his glasses, which seemed to slide down his non-existent nose, and sighed. "Acme Crimenet already knows about that." He wanted to brush it off, but Boris wasn't giving up.





"Laverna—she's seriously injured," Boris insisted. "And there's something suspicious about Carmen making her live in a research facility. It doesn’t seem right."





Chief paused, his usually cheerful tone fading. "A research facility?" Now, this was a detail that tugged at his attention.





Chief grumbled as he studied the makeshift splint in one of the pictures. He understood all too well that, by law, any accusation of child abuse had to be thoroughly investigated and reported. With a heavy sigh, he nodded and printed off the necessary paperwork from a nearby printer.





“Fill these out,” he instructed Boris, handing him the documents. “I’ll have to look into this.” With that, Chief vanished, leaving the henchman alone with the weight of his decision, the room filled with an uneasy silence as he prepared to take the next steps.


Yet, he woke Carmen in a panic. “Bad news, my beloved ex gumshoe: your stupid henchman reported you for child abuse.” He grumbled, startling her awake.





Carmen shot up, confused. Since when did Acme inform her about accusations like this? Laverna stirred, hobbling over to lean against Carmen. “Did you have a nightmare?” she innocently asked, barely covered by Carmen’s oversized T-shirt.





Chief smiled, noting Laverna’s body language. It was clear she wasn’t being abused, but he knew that CPS and others wouldn’t care. They’d accept the rumor as fact without question.





“I wish,” Carmen sighed. “Laverna, meet Chief.” She introduced the two before allowing Chief to explain that Boris had snitched.





“He ratted you out saying things like child abuse, that you live in a lab, and all sorts of crazy stuff.” Chief floated closer, his expression serious. “If it wasn't for the photos and the obvious limp and splint on Laverna, I would drop this immediately. But I’m an AI made by Acme Detective Agency.” He paused, glancing around nervously. “If they find out I’m even warning you, I’m dead.” He swirled in the air, frustration evident in his tone. “And let me tell you, I’d love to take that Boris and give him a good smack for this.”


“He’s a rat,” Laverna groaned, then grabbed a glass of water from the desk and shattered it against the wall.





“Laverna!” Carmen scolded, eyes wide in surprise. Chief blinked in shock.





“If anyone is abused, it’s that glass,” Carmen joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the tension in the air.





Got it! Here’s a revised version that stays closer to your original text:





---





Chief winked, knowing he got this.





“Laverna, actions like that are what CPS want to see to steal you away. I would hug you, but I’m a head of the game.” He showed crickets chirping on the screen.





Carmen rolled her eyes. “Boris isn’t exactly wrong. She does live in a research facility, but she’s not a lab rat. She studies there as it doubles as a vile training facility. There are a lot of younger recruits, so I put her there to be around close-in-age peers.”





Chief frowned, not convinced. “Yeah, but you know how these things work. If they find out she’s living in a research facility, it’s going to raise some serious questions. We have to be careful.”








Chief noticed Carmen's nails were painted yellow, and he smiled, silently gesturing as if asking if Laverna did it.





Carmen, quick to respond, picked up Laverna like a toddler to prevent her from putting any more weight on her injured leg. Chief blinked at the sight; Laverna barely came up to Carmen’s waist, her petite frame making her look almost doll-like. Her bones were slightly noticeable, but she didn’t appear starved.





“Laverna’s not exactly a lab rat,” Carmen said, her tone playful but protective. “Just a little accident-prone.”





Chief nodded, concern creeping back into his expression. “Just make sure she’s okay, Carmen. You know how these things go.”








Yes Carmen gently laid Laverna back in bed, covering her up carefully to ensure she was comfortable. Once satisfied, she led Chief to the living room, gesturing toward Devlin sprawled out on the couch.





“He reminds me of Detective Zack,” Carmen said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. “If Zack was into biology, that is. Good kid.”





Chief glanced over at Devlin, noting the way he was absorbed in sleep. “Yeah, I can see that. Sharp mind, just like Zack. But I hope he doesn’t end up in trouble like you did back in the day.”





Carmen chuckled softly, the warmth in her tone easing some of Chief's tension. “Trust me, he’s got a good head on his shoulders. Just a little too curious for his own good sometimes.”





Carmen poured herself a glass of water, the ice clinking against the glass as she swirled it absentmindedly. “We don’t live here,” she said, her voice laced with frustration. “It’s a hideout—well, it was. At this rate, we’re probably going to end up swatted.”





Her expression turned somber as she stared into the glass, the reflection of her face mingling with the swirling ice. Chief noticed the shift in her demeanor, the weight of her worries evident in her furrowed brow.





“Carmen,” he said gently, “you know this isn’t the end. You’ve dealt with worse. We’ll figure this out.”





Carmen sighed, letting the water settle. “I just wanted to give Laverna a normal life, but it feels like everything’s falling apart.”

 

[Laverna]

Chief floated closer, his expression softening. “You’ve done more for her than most could ever dream of. Don’t lose sight of that.”





“She’s like Clyde Barrow,” Carmen said, her voice heavy with concern. “A sharpshooter with a fear of cops. What happens when a cop breaks in on Clyde historically?”





Chief hesitated, confusion flickering across his face. “I don’t know.”





“Someone dies,” she answered darkly, the gravity of her words sinking in.





“It’s how her family died,” Carmen continued, her voice trembling. “All because she pulled the—ugh—trigger when a cop knocked at the door. She wasn’t even aiming at him. It was a Nerf gun, and he mistook it.”





Tears welled in Carmen’s eyes as she recalled the memory. “I managed to rescue her fifteen minutes afterward. She doesn’t understand that the cops didn’t do that for bloodshed. She was only ten, playing with her siblings, and then she became an orphan.”





The weight of her words hung in the air, and Chief could see how deeply this affected Carmen. “You’ve been through so much,” he said softly. “We need to protect her from reliving that fear.”





“If she didn’t sing, I want to live the life of an outlaw. I wanna be like Billy the Kid, and when the law has got me surrounded, I’m gonna shoot my way out,” Carmen grumbled, her expression darkening. It wasn’t fear anymore; it was pure hatred. And who could blame her for that?





Chief narrowed his eyes, concerned. “Is Laverna armed?”





Carmen shook her head. “Not here. I let her shoot, but it’s always supervised at a range.”





“I figured if she was taught safely how to use a gun, it would help. I really doubt she would kill anyone; she’s a theater kid, and the song is from *Bonnie and Clyde* the musical,” Carmen explained, glancing over at Devlin, who snored loudly.





“She just really loves outlaws, but my detective training makes me, um, leery of her,” Carmen grumbled, finishing her water and placing the glass on the table.





Chief floated nearby, his expression brightening. “Hey, teaching her the right way is smart! You can’t blame her for being fascinated with outlaws. Just look at how charming they are in movies!” He winked playfully. “And speaking of outlaws, I mean, you’re practically a legend yourself, Carmen! Just try not to be too much of a bad influence, alright?”





It wasn't long until Acme Crimenet began assuming the accusations were true.





Carmen gritted her teeth, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “They don’t even know what they’re talking about!” she snapped.





Chief floated anxiously, his cheerful demeanor wavering. “I know, I know! But they didn’t give me any time to investigate it before jumping to conclusions. It’s like they think they can just throw accusations around without looking for the facts first!”





Carmen sighed, running a hand through her hair. “They just want a scandal. They love the drama more than the truth.”





Chief nodded in agreement. “And you know how it is; rumors spread faster than wildfire. We’ve got to figure out a way to clear this up before it gets out of hand!”








“Well, I need to cross a state line. Adios!” Carmen wickedly chuckled to Chief before he vanished back to Acme. With a smirk on her face, she prepared for the next leg of her journey, determined to keep Laverna and Devlin safe, even if it meant making some questionable decisions along the way.

 

[Laverna]

Laverna and Devlin woke up curled up in the backseat, wrapped tightly like babies. They blinked at the few henchmen staring at them in confusion, their faces a mix of bewilderment and amusement.





Despite the odd situation, boy genius Devlin quickly assessed the vibe. The henchmen weren’t Boris; their body language and voices made that clear. Boris had been immediately fired, and for good cause, considering the mess he had stirred up.





Carmen might have been acting villainous, but moving the teens like this could be misinterpreted by an outsider—after all, to a civilian, they could easily appear to have been kidnapped. Laverna was swaddled most delicately, which made Devlin smirk, a hint of pride in his eyes at how fiercely protective Carmen was.





Carmen sat in the driver’s seat, focused on the road as they drove from New York to a medical clinic in Vermont. “Then who knows?” she muttered to herself, contemplating their next steps as the city skyline faded in the rearview mirror.








Laverna blinked, trying to piece everything together through her dazed state. "What... what happened?" she muttered, her voice slightly slurred.





Devlin looked at her sympathetically, closing his medical bag with a click. "You got hurt pretty bad, remember? Carmen didn’t want you in more pain than necessary, so I made something to help." He paused, glancing over at Carmen’s serious expression as she focused on the road.





Laverna tried to sit up but immediately felt the weight of exhaustion pinning her down. "Feels... weird," she mumbled.





"Yeah, it's strong stuff," Devlin admitted, leaning back in his seat. "But you'll be fine. Just rest."





Carmen’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as she continued driving, her thoughts clearly somewhere far ahead.





Laverna sank back into her seat, her eyelids heavy. "Where... where are we going?"





"Vermont," Carmen replied softly, her voice carrying a rare tension. "Just for now. I need to get you somewhere safe to recover."





Laverna’s mind struggled to keep up, but the weight of the medication pulled her down. "Vermont... sounds cold."





Devlin chuckled lightly, though his heart wasn't in it. "You'll be inside. No snow for you, I promise."





Carmen glanced in the rearview mirror at the two of them, her gaze softening for a moment. "You’re safe, Laverna. Just rest. I’ve got this."





With a sigh, Laverna’s head lolled back, her breathing slow and steady as the van continued down the quiet road. Carmen’s focus remained sharp, determined to stay ahead of anyone who might be after them.





Laverna realized her pillow was Devlin’s chubby thighs. He wasn’t a muscular man—he wasn’t fat either, just more fat than muscle, but definitely not overweight. His usual blue jeans were soft beneath her head, and his navy blue cardigan was buttoned up neatly to his neck. Devlin held Carmen's tablet in one hand, his fingers tapping occasionally at the screen, while a paper notebook rested on his lap. He glanced between the two, jotting down notes and quietly issuing instructions to the henchmen seated around them.





This wasn’t Laverna’s first injury, but she’d never been in an ambulance before. Still, this is what she imagined it would feel like, except ambulances are legal, noisy, and have the right of way on the road. They’re flashy, loud boxes rushing toward a hospital with flashing lights and wailing sirens.





This van was the opposite. Sleek and grey, it moved with a quiet, almost stealthy smoothness. Carmen was muttering under her breath at the wheel, focused, her sharp eyes flicking between the road and the mirrors. No one wanted to see flashing lights—especially not the kind that came from a police car. They were moving with careful precision, every mile taking them further from trouble.





Laverna blinked, trying to shake the fog of the strong medication Devlin had given her. Her limbs felt heavy, and her thoughts were muddled, but she knew she was safe. Carmen was in control, and Devlin, as always, was there, managing everything with his calm efficiency.





For now, all she could do was rest. This was their version of an ambulance—a quiet, illegal one, but she trusted it far more than the real thing.








“We have about two hours until we reach Vermont,” Carmen said, her voice steady, but the tension in the air was palpable. “Does anyone need snacks or a restroom break?”





A female henchwoman raised her hand, and Carmen nodded, her gaze scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Devlin glanced down at Laverna, who was curled up against him, looking vulnerable. “I could really use an orange Gatorade,” he muttered, stifling a yawn.





“Understood. We’ll stop for gas shortly,” Carmen replied, expertly maneuvering the van into a gas station. Her demeanor was cool and collected, a stark contrast to the chaos of their recent escape. “You,” she pointed to a henchman in a simple outfit, “go inside and grab some snacks and drinks. Quickly, please.”





The henchman nodded, his eyes wide with the weight of the situation. As he dashed into the gas station, Carmen leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. The police were hot on their trail after a henchman had accused her of child abuse, and the pressure of the moment hung heavily on them.





“Just hang tight, Laverna,” Carmen said softly, her voice warm but tinged with concern. “We’ll get through this.”





Laverna blinked slowly, her expression dazed. “I think... I just want to sleep more,” she mumbled, fighting the effects of the medication still coursing through her.





Devlin looked down at her, his protective instincts kicking in. “That’s fine. Just rest. We’ll be there soon,” he assured her, brushing a strand of hair back from her face. He shared a worried glance with Carmen, both of them acutely aware that their escape was far from over.





As Carmen kept an eye on the gas pump, she couldn't shake the feeling that danger was lurking just around the corner. Time was slipping away, and they needed to stay one step ahead of whoever was chasing them.








Truthfully, the elusive and intelligent Carmen grabbed everyone before the Acme detective agency or any law enforcement agencies even got their morning coffee brewed. It was roughly four a.m.—a perfect hour for evading future pursuers, if you keep an eye out for drunk drivers leaving sketchy bars, deer trying to cross the road, and ladies of the night, lot lizards as truck drivers called them.





Carmen spotted one harassing a truck driver out of the corner of her eye. She frowned at the young woman, barely older than Laverna, showing off all her skin in this fifty-degree weather on this chilly morning.








“Laverna, let me make this very clear,” Carmen said, her voice firm and laced with anger. “If anyone ever tries to pressure you into wearing booty shorts and a bikini top in the middle of autumn just to seduce people, you come to me immediately. I won’t stand for that kind of manipulation. I used to be a detective, and I know far too well that girls in those situations are often abused. We’re not playing that game.”





“Yes, ma,” Laverna replied, her voice soft but resolute. The henchman and henchwoman returned safely, and soon they were all back on the road.





Carmen wore her hair tucked under a red knitted beanie, with a long red cardigan layered over a fitted black turtleneck, paired with brown cargo pants and sleek black leather boots.





The henchman finally piled back into the van and returned Carmen her civilian credit cards.





“Thanks,” she sighed, taking them along with a bottled plain coffee and a Rice Krispy treat. With everyone settled, they got back on the road.





“Devlin, let Laverna use a pillow. That’s not good for your legs,” Carmen grumbled, sounding every bit like a concerned parent.





Devlin groaned, “I’m fine. Seriously, it’s no big deal—”





Before he could finish, the henchwoman turned around from the passenger seat and shot him a look. “Do what she says, Devlin. You’ll regret it later if you don’t.”





Devlin sighed, rolling his eyes but complying, carefully slipping a pillow under Laverna’s head. “Happy now?” he muttered.





“Very,” the henchwoman replied with a smirk, making sure he stayed quiet.








Carmen smiled slightly, “Thanks, Mia. Those two kids are... well, kids,” she grumbled, shaking her head.





Mia chuckled softly. "They're not that bad. Just a bit stubborn," she replied, glancing at Devlin, who crossed his arms in mock annoyance.





Devlin sighed, "I heard that."





Laverna shifted slightly, still resting on the pillow, half-asleep, but managed a faint smirk at the exchange.