Chapter Text
“Carmen. You’re up.”
“A valuable Greek amphora is the next target for VILE’s art collection. It has been located in Duchess Ingrid’s royal palace. We need you to retrieve it before they get ahold of it. Recent intel has informed me Countess Cleo has a buyer willing to pay a fair price.”
Carmen Sandiego remained silent for a moment, staring at the glowing screen in her palm.
“Hello? Red? You there?”
“Yeah, I’m here,” she replied. She stared off into the car window, watching the trees flash by in a blur of green.
“So? Are you in it or not? We need you.”
“I don’t know, Player. It’s risky.” She could hear a muffled groan on the other end. “Look. Both VILE and ACME are after me, more than ever before. You know it. I’m not sure I can handle it this time. I’m exhausted. I just flew a layover trip twenty hours from Australia.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Red, but I know you can do it. You’ve done it a million times before.”
She yawned loudly into the speaker. “Ugh, what is it? Tell me. I’ll see if I’m up to it or not. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all.”
“ Yes! I knew I could convince you.”
“Hold your horses, Player. I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
His cheery voice echoed from the device. “Yeah, yeah. Here goes. The Duchess is holding a party at her palace. It’s a masked ball. All we need you to do is keep an eye on the vase and deter any VILE operatives that try to grab it. This is their only chance, and we both know it. After tonight it will be much harder for them to lay their hands on it.”
“Hmm…” she mused. “That doesn’t sound too bad.”
“Soooo?” his voice trailed. Ivy and Zack peered at her. “Wherever you go, I go,” said Ivy. “I don’t mind either way.”
“I don’t care, as long as there’s food! And someone as loaded as the Duchess has to be serving top-tier cuisine!” said Zack.
She wrung her hands, staring at the device once more. It sat there, waiting for a reply. “I’m in.”
She lifted her gaze to the taxi driver, who caught her gaze in the rearview mirror. His brown eyes twinkled.
“Take us to Västergöt Avenue. And step on it.”
*****
A block away, Carmen stepped out of the taxi, Ivy and Zack on her tail. “Wow, look!” cried Ivy. “A full moon! The perfect spooky setting for the party.” Carmen gazed upwards, smiling.
“C’mon, guys. No time for stargazing. We have a mission to complete.”
“Where are our costumes?” asked Zack. “Right here,” she replied, gesturing to the bag in the bushes. “Don’t take too long.” Ivy pulled out an angel costume, holding it out in front of her. “What are you going to wear, Carm? Surely not your fedora?” she chuckled.
“Of course not. I’ll be wearing this.” She dug into the bottom of the bag to reveal an assassin outfit. It was dark green, almost black, complete with a cape, gauntlets, hood and mask that partially covered her face.
Ivy let out a low whistle. “Ha.” Zack grinned. “They’ll have trouble trying to recognise you.”
She smiled at him. “Exactly. This outfit has nearly complete coverage. I could be anyone.”
A few moments later they were ready, and headed at a brisk pace towards the manor. Blaring music and colourful lights emanated from it. “Uhhh, I just realised something,” Zack said, breaking the silence. “How are we supposed to get in?” Carmen stopped in her tracks, smacking a palm to her forehead. This jet lag is really getting to me .
“Don’t worry guys,” came Player’s voice from the comm-link. “I’ve got you covered. Three $1000 tickets to the party, no problemo. Just let the bouncer scan this.” A beep came from the device and the screen flashed with a code. All three of them let out sighs of relief.
“You’re a lifesaver, Player,” said Ivy. “Don’t know what we would do without you,” added Carmen. A hearty laugh came from the comm-link. “Like I would leave you without a way to get in! You guys are silly sometimes.”
“Hurry up,” said Carmen. “We don’t want to go there to find the room empty!” “If that happens, it’ll be your fault,” Ivy said, nudging Zack with her elbow. “You wanted to stop for doughnuts before coming here.”
“Aw, don’t blame me! What can I say? I was hungry.”
“You’re always hungry,” Ivy retorted. Carmen rolled her eyes and stepped ahead of them. “Quiet down a little. We’re supposed to be esteemed nobility, not teenagers goofing around.” The trio fell silent as the elaborate gates drew nearer and the guards near the entrance became visible.
The music only became louder as they approached the steps. “Hey, that’s one of my favourites!” said Zack as a new strain blasted from inside. “Shhhh,” Ivy whispered.
“Hej!” Carmen greeted the bouncer. “Three tickets for the party tonight.” She held out the code. He looked them over a few times. "Are you sure you're not in the wrong place, kids? This party is for adults only." Carmen replied quickly, "My parents are at this party. We're just arriving a little later because we forgot our outifts. These are my cousins," she said, gesturing at Ivy and Zack.
The bouncer shrugged, then asked, "Where are your tickets?""
"Here," said Carmen, holding out her phone. He scanned all three, and happy beeps emitted from the device.
"All clear. Have a good evening, kids."
Once they were inside, Ivy shook her head. “Kids?! Kids?! You were too loud, Zack!”
“Well, the music was so noisy I thought he wouldn’t hear us anyways!”
Carmen sighed, letting their banter fade behind her. Can’t botch such a simple mission.
"Doesn't matter. We got through, and that's what matters." She lowered her voice and asked, "Player, where’s the room the vase is located in?”
“Not one hundred percent sure, but I know it is located downstairs in the south wing, opposite from your current position.”
“Hmph,” Carmen crossed her arms.
“There are many rooms there. This might take you a while.”
She absently strolled around the room, glancing every so often at the passing guests. Her thoughts were interrupted by a server holding a tray of hors d'oeuvres.
“Care for a refreshment?”
“Ooh, of course!” said Zack, reaching for one immediately and taking a large swallow. He choked, spitting it out. “What is in this thing?”
With a quick flourish of his hand, the server recited: “The finest shrimp of the Mediterranean mixed with fresh vegetables and filled with a variety of aromatic spices. I take it is not suited to your taste?”
Zack coughed, trying to regain his composure. “Perhaps not. I-I’m slightly allergic to fish.” “I see,” the server said in a heavily accented voice. “Enjoy the night.”
“Come on ,” said Carmen, dragging them off. “We’re here on a mission, not to sample delicacies.”
“But we’re at a party…” Ivy winked at her. “We might spare some time to enjoy ourselves while we’re at it. It can’t get much better than this,” she said, gesturing at an ornate crystal chandelier, proudly poised above a double staircase.
“Okay…” Carmen reluctantly agreed. “You keep an eye out for any VILE or ACME trackers. I just know there will be some moles camped out here tonight. They’re looking for me.”
“Aye aye, Captain,” said Zack, raising his hand in a mock salute.
“We’ll do our best,” added Ivy, with a mischievous grin.
“But not before we all have something to eat and drink,” said Zack. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished after that last caper.” Ivy swooped around, her white dress rippling, and came back holding three crystal martini glasses.
“I don’t think so,” Carmen peering at it dubiously. “We shouldn’t be drinking before a mission.”
“Aw, Carmen, you’re no fun,” Ivy groaned. “For once, just take a step back and enjoy yourself.” Well, one can’t hurt, can it? She scanned it quickly before taking a swig.
“There shouldn’t be any poisons.”
“Well, of course not!” said Zack. “Here, have another.” He handed her a shot that burned her throat as it went down, flames licking her insides.
“Mmm… that wasn’t so bad.” She watched the contents of another glass swirl in her hand. Suddenly, the music sounded sounded a little brighter, and she hummed along to the tune, mouthing the lyrics. Even her friends looked happier. She walked over to Zack, who was now sliding down the balustrade.
“Whoopee!” he yelled as he stumbled off. “That was wicked awesome!” Some of the mingling guests turned and gave them strange looks.
“Get up,” Carmen hissed. “Get up. We can’t blow our cover.”
Zack leaned on the railing for support, and she held out her arm. He grasped it with a sweaty hand, only to knock both of them onto the carpeted floor. “Ugh.” she muttered. “I don’t remember my heels being so wobbly.” She looked up, and her friends swayed slightly in her vision. She shook her head and it returned to normal. That was strange. I must be so tired I’m hallucinating.
“Wait, Player, which room did you say the jar was again?”
“Uhh…” his voice crackled from the comm-link. “I didn’t. You have to find it yourself. It should be in the south wing.”
“Ok. On my way.” She glanced up at her friends. “You should get started too instead of messing around. Both ACME and VILE are on our trail.”
Ivy looked rather sheepish, her face breaking into a grin under the glowing lights. “On it. Come on, big bro.” They headed off in another direction.
This time, Carmen headed forward with purpose in her stride, aiming for the large arched doorway ahead of her. She skillfully weaved through dancing couples, all of them bedecked in elaborate masks and costumes. She shifted her gaze often, searching above and below. Operatives could be hiding anywhere in plain sight.
Her attention was suddenly grabbed by the ceiling above. Through the flickering lights, she had spotted something that looked like a dark figure swinging overhead. Now there was no one to be seen.
However, the ceiling held her gaze fast. Adorning it was a breathtaking, colourful fresco, dating back several centuries, perhaps. She was just admiring the intricacies of the people's facies, when something large and heavy collided into her.
“Oof!” “I’m so sor-”
She looked up to see the face staring at her in a mix of confusion, then sudden realisation.
Uh oh.
“La Femme— Verte ?? Miss Sandiego, I presume.” His French accent rang clear through the echoes of the music around them. Light brown hair, fair skin, and eyes glinting with a fierce surge of determination. She shot him a glare. Why did it have to be him of all people!? He smirked at her.
“I could hardly recognise you without your... traditional evening wear .”
“Inspector Devineaux. Fancy seeing you here. What brings you to Solna, Sweden?”
He scoffed. “I have recently acquired—” he paused for dramatic effect. “—a valuable lead on one of the greatest larcenists of the decade.” Narrowing his eyes at her, he added, “And I have reason to believe that you are in on it.”
“An unfounded theory.” she replied. “Can’t one enjoy a party every once in a while?” He rolled his eyes at her. “Enough chit chat. Let’s get to the facts. I know you’re not here for nothing, Miss Sandiego. What is it you’re planning to sneak up your sleeve tonight? A valuable piece of jewelry? An art piece, perhaps?” He tilted his chin in mock amusement.
Carmen bit her lip, looking around anxiously.
“I’m not here for anything. As a matter of fact, if you don’t leave me alone right now, the real thief could slip away. You have the wrong person.”
He took a step closer, nose inches from hers.
“You’re not fooling me this time, Sandiego. If that is so, you are most certainly in cahoots with the other one. Take me to them.” Carmen inched ever so slightly towards the doorway, which was now being blocked by his frame.
“Or what?” she asked, crossing her arms across her chest. “You’ll arrest me?” “Why yes,” he hissed, pulling out a pair of glinting silver handcuffs at the same moment. He shoved her against the wall, pointing his finger at her. “This is the closest I have ever gotten to capturing you and finding a lead. You will tell me by will, or you will give it to me by force.”
“You’ll have to catch me first.”
Before she could make a move, he grasped her arm with blinding speed. Carmen tried to wrench it free, but failed. He was simply too strong. The handcuffs dangled in her view. She let her arms go slack.
Devineaux’s moment of hesitation was all she needed. She quickly pulled her arm out of his grip, only to see the ground flash towards her. She hit the soft carpet with a thud, surprise hitting her worse than the impact. Since when was I so clumsy? Colour slowly flowed to her cheeks as she lay on the floor.
“Need a hand up?” he chuckled, dragging her roughly upright. “I can get up myself, thanks,” she muttered, brushing off her shoulders. Her hood fell back, revealing her auburn hair. She quickly shoved it back on, looking around fearfully. I hope no one else noticed.
Devineaux looked her up and down, eyes narrowed. A small flicker pulsed through his jaw, so small, but Carmen noticed. Having second thoughts? Maybe he's realising that there is a possibility. A possibility that I maybe, just maybe, I'm not the criminal he thinks I am. Fancy having a sudden brainwave. But it was impossible to tell. His face betrayed no emotion.
Carmen tried to push past him. The entire south wing was in her view now, simply lying there. She cursed in her head, knowing full well that the thief could be long gone by now. Devineaux blocked her, but looked slightly less confident than before. The music blasted and the sounds of chatter drowned out something he was trying to tell her. He gestured to another door, and they mutually agreed. It was impossible to converse in this cacophony.
The door turned out to lead to a large closet, stuffed to the brim with cleaning supplies. “Don’t keep me long,” she muttered. “What is it you were trying to say?”
“You have somewhere to go?” he smirked. She simply glared.
“Well, I was trying to offer a bargain. My new, em, employer knows you are hiding some valuable information.”
“What kind of information?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. He looked around cautiously as if for hidden cameras, then whispered in her ear:
“VILE. Does that ring a bell?”
Carmen tried to keep the astonishment off her face, but evidently failed. “So you’re in league with them, aren’t you?” His expression was incredibly smug.
“Which company did you say you were working for again?” Carmen asked, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.
“That doesn’t matter. I need details now. Location, head of office, anything really.”
A million thoughts zoomed through her mind, like a cargo train speeding down empty tracks. Things just got a whole lot more complicated. How do I get myself out of this mess?
Escape was no longer an option. Even in the long run. What could she say? Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her and she stumbled, holding onto a mop handle for support.
Then it came to her. An idea. A half-baked plan. This will never work.
But what if it could?
She grabbed onto his arm for support, tugging on the shirt sleeve. “I don’t feel so well.” Devineaux wasn’t fooled for an instant. “You can’t play this trick on me. Answer! Who is the leader of VILE?” Another wave of dizziness swept through her, and this time she truly fell down. “I don’t remember,” she said, as she slowly made her way back up.
He narrowed his eyes, looking at her with suspicion. “You are behaving quite strangely tonight. How many drinks did you have, Miss Sandiego?” She held a steady gaze, her eyes locked on his.
“Not enough.”
A barely perceptible thought showed itself at the corner of her mind. This plan could still work. “And I know you’re not sober either.” A frown tugged at the corner of his eyes. She had caught a whiff of wine from his breath.
Carmen moved slightly closer, turning her body to face him. She put a hand on his lower back and whispered softly, but just enough so he could hear. Looking up at him from under heavy eyelashes. “Work has consumed us for far too long. Why don’t we forget about it and take a break for a while?” Carmen saw the glint in his eyes. Part of him wanted to do just that, yet there was a stronger, stubborn part of him that wasn’t leaving without information.
After lowering her gaze and breaking the stare, Carmen felt the knot of muscles in his back loosen. To her astonishment, she heard a single word. “Fine.” Then a pause. He whispered back into her hair, “But you still have to give me one piece of information.”
She racked her sluggish mind, searching for something that would be useful without giving away much. From the way things truly were, they were on the same side anyways. Both sought to destroy VILE. She spoke quickly, the words tumbling out of her.
“VILE is larger than you think. It is a worldwide criminal enterprise that has been around since the Medieval ages. The Villains International League of Evil.”
He looked at her with awe. Even through her drunken haze, she could tell he was astonished. “So Chief was right,” he murmured. “It does exist.”
“It is all around us,” she added. “And I am one of the few who managed to escape.”
A small voice inside of her told her she was giving away too much, but it was overpowered by an urge to spill it all to someone. “I no longer work with them, but long ago I could have been called one of their pupils.”
“A school?” he muttered, looking more excited with each passing second.
“For training thieves and turning children into criminals.”
She watched his expression as he put the pieces together in his mind, unfolding the puzzle and comprehended the true enormity of this revelation.
“Do you know your family?” he asked after a while, his voice soft. “Not a clue,” she murmured back. She sighed into his chest, and he finally raised his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. He lowered her hood, and she let him, without protest. There was no one to see them there anyways.
Devineaux stared into her grey eyes, searching them for some kind of answer, a clue that would reveal more. But there was nothing. They simply shone like two ocean pools, infinite and deep and reflecting. His gaze softened into what could only be described as pity. Normally, that would annoy Carmen—she’d spent her entire life trying to avoid other people’s pity. But this was different. A connection had formed. And now she accepted it fully.
She accepted it when he wrapped his arms around her and pressed her body against his, she accepted it when he slowly tilted her chin to face him, lowering the mask. And now they were millimetres apart, their breaths mingling in the stale air.
Warmth blossomed in Carmen’s chest, sparks igniting as Devineaux leaned in close, lips brushing together, tentatively, for the first time. The smell of his cologne was dizzying, butterflies dancing in her stomach. It consumed her as she leaned into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck, for once, not caring about anything.
*****
It was like the space between sleep and waking. An uneasy junction of reality and something just beyond it. Her vision was blurred and ringed by spinning haloes and flashing lights. Her mind was now sharp, but the edges around her thoughts were soft and nebulous. They drifted and returned. They ventured off to faraway places she couldn't remember going before. Destinations brimming with colour you could feel but not see. Dark, murky greys of grief. Crimson, bloodred adrenaline. Luminous golden light streaked with peals of laughter. Deep, penetrating blue guilt that was reminiscent of the sea surrounding the place she once called home.
“What is happening to me?” Carmen whispered. She didn’t expect anyone to answer. For the past few minutes since she'd woken in the dark closet with a pulsing ache in her temple, she’d been alone. Lying on the floor surrounded by bathroom towels and empty buckets. And she could now pinpoint the source of the flashing lights. They were flickering in and out through the thin slats of the closet doors. There was music. A steady, deep bass that shook the walls. There’s a party outside.
Slowly, she rose up to a sitting position, and looked around her. She felt something small crinkle in the palm of her hand, and opened it to reveal a note. A small note written in a messy scrawl. But the letters rearranged themselves in her vision and made it impossible to read. Carmen sighed and tucked it into her pocket. Maybe later . But her head was pounding and there was a sledgehammer in her brain, so terrible she could barely move. What happened to me?
She didn’t get long to ponder this thought before she heard worried voices outside the door. They sounded strangely familiar. Ivy! And Zack! The ajar door burst open.
“Carmen!”
Ivy’s face lit up, and she looked like an angel as she bent over her, the glowing lights casting a halo around her short red hair. Concern took over her face once more, Zack joining her. “What happened to you?” they asked in unison. “You’ve been gone for over two hours!” said Ivy.
“I dunno,” she slurred, trying to get up and then falling into Zack’s arms. The siblings shared a worried glance. “Let’s get you out of here,” said Ivy, draping Carmen’s other arm across her shoulder. Carefully, they made their way out of the closet and winded through the partygoers, some of which shot them strange looks. But Carmen was too exhausted to care.
They entered a calm, quiet study and sat down on a low divan. All of a sudden, Carmen heard a buzzing noise in her ear. She groaned and pulled out the earring. The comm-link. It was badly mangled, but still functional.
“Red, come in! What’s going on? You’ve been offline and stationary for nearly two hours! Are you alright?” his worried voice echoed through the device in her palm. Zack and Ivy exchanged another glance.
“Yeah I'm good, Player, thanks for checking in on me. Don’t worry, I’m not dead.”
“Carm, are you sure you don’t remember anything ?” Zack asked once more. “Yeah,” she muttered, holding her throbbing temple in her hand.
A cool breeze wafted in from an open window, silky curtains fluttering. It rejuvenated her. She peered around the room with alert eyes, then looked back at her friends sitting across from her.
“I remember someone shoving me into that closet…” she said, racking her brain. “I think we talked, but I’m not sure.” her voice faltered. “I don’t know how I ended up like this,” she gestured at her head.
“Are you injured?” asked Ivy. “Not too bad,” she replied, though several places were starting to ache and bruise. “This might be our fault,” Zack blurted, looking guilty. “Yeah,” said Ivy, staring down at her shoes. “We gave you too many drinks and didn’t focus on the mission.”
“Oh!” Carmen started to get up, but they immediately grabbed her arm and steadied her. “I completely forgot about that! Did you guys find the vase? What did I miss?”
“Nada. Zilch. Zero,” Zack said, shaking his head. “We’re pretty clueless without you.”
Carmen smiled a little. “I’ll get myself some medicine. Can’t keep slowing you down.” She fumbled in her pockets a little, then found a small vial labelled ‘Adynoxetine.’ “Perfect.” she said, eyeing the pale green liquid. She swallowed it down in one gulp, and the effects were instantaneous. Her vision began to clear, and her senses became sharper. VILE was not terrible at everything… Bellum’s medicines are top notch.
“We’re wasting time,” said Carmen. “Let’s get back in the game. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back to normal soon enough.”
They hesitated for a moment, then said, “Alright captain. Let’s get this party started.”
Carmen walked into the next room with them at her sides, and just in time. She spied an empty pedestal beside a bookshelf, and saw a dark figure slip through an open window. “There he is!” yelled Ivy.
Carmen vaulted over a sofa, and nimbly sped to the windowsill, just in time to see the thief jump to the ground, vase clutched in arm. She tackled the offender, knocking the vase out of his hands. It was Spinkick. The black and gold vessel rolled on the grass, and both made a dive for it. Carmen caught it first, while Spinkick landed a perfectly timed series of low blows. One hit her belly, and she nearly let go of the vase in pain.
“Ugh,” she groaned, and quickly bent backwards as his foot missed her neck by mere centimetres. She darted and dodged all his moves, but was no closer to subduing her attacker. Her burden only permitted defense. Just when he bent back his fist for a lethal punch, a heavy object flew from behind her, clocking him right in the face.
She watched almost as if in slow motion as his head bent backwards, and he collapsed onto the grass, unconscious. Carmen whipped around, only to see Ivy’s smug face grinning at her from the window. “Thought you might need a little help.”
“Thanks,” she said, staring down at the VILE operative. She ripped open a small packet that lay in his jacket pocket. All of them carried one with them. She held it far away from herself, but wafted it under his nose. He fidgeted for a bit, his nostrils flaring, then stopped moving entirely.
“What was that?” asked Zack, poking his head out the window. “A memory wiper,” she said, staring down at the small bag in her palm. “He won’t remember anything when he comes to. I used to carry these around when I was still with them,” she said, nodding her head in his direction.
She climbed back into the room, and placed the vase on its pedestal. “Back in its rightful place,” she said, admiring it. Zack shared a nod with Ivy, then said, “Me and Ivy are going to keep watch in the surrounding area for any others. There could be more than one VILE member here tonight.”
Carmen nodded. “Ok, I’ll stay here. Yell if anything happens.”
They turned their backs on her and exited the room. “Now, what is it that is so special about this vase?” she whispered to herself. She carefully lifted it from the pedestal, turning it over in her hand. It was traditional pottery, clearly authentic and well-worn. There were depictions of spartans fighting, and images of the mythological god Bacchus…the god of wine. As she traced over the images of lovers, it triggered the floodgates to open. It all came back to her, in perfect detail.
And she nearly dropped the vase in shock.
With trembling fingers, she returned it to the pedestal and collapsed in an armchair, her eyes wide open, yet seeing nothing. How can this be? What have I done?! Then she remembered the note. She desperately fumbled in her pocket, took it out, and unfolded it. Now she could clearly read what it said.
Carmen traced the curves and lines of the letters, written in an unruly scrawl. His handwriting. And she let out a sigh of relief when she fully processed the message:
“This changes nothing and everything. Keep it quiet, and so will I.”
*****
Chase Devineaux sat slumped in his car, parked on a dark street a few blocks away from the palace. He didn’t want to think about it. About the nearly failed mission, and what he had encountered in that place. Or more so, about her.
His colleague, Julia Argent, had protested, but he’d fought back, wanting to be the one to capture the elusive Carmen Sandiego. Now he realised that might have been a mistake. He hadn’t considered what it would do to him—his heart, his mind, his focus—to have her so close to him.
Her body pressed so tightly against his.
He tried not to think about it.
“This changes nothing,” he had written in the note. But deep down, he knew that it changed everything. But nobody could know, and he trusted that she would keep it a secret after she found the slip of paper tucked gently into her hand the way he had left it. He felt guilty for leaving her lying there by herself, but knew it was all he could do. She had looked so happy, so calm, lying with her eyes closed, swept up in a dreamless sleep.
For a moment she hadn’t been the snarky, quick-witted spy he had failed to catch for so long. She had just been a young woman. One who had been in need of family. Friends. Love. Not whatever they had been feeding her in that school of evil. And after going through such a rough patch in his life, he knew that he needed it too.