Doramis

"This seems like such a bad idea," whispered Ken as he, Doramis and Robbie sneaked their way through the woods and onto the Pietro estate.

"Can you for once stop being such a chicken," said Robbie as he followed Doramis who led the way.

"Don't you think we've gotten into enough trouble? At this rate I'm going to be punished my entire high school career. And I've never understood why chickens are associated with cowardice. Have you ever seen a chicken protect their chicks? Those animals will mess you up before they let you touch their babies."

"That's a random thought," said Doramis as she stared at the Pietro estate which was only about a yard away.

"Just something that's always been on my mind. Where did that saying even come from? There's plenty of animals that could be associated with cowardice over a chicken. Rabbits or deer for example. They run as soon as a person gets a little close to them."

Doramis and Robbie looked back at Ken. "Sounds like you've really put a lot of thought into this," said Doramis. "Is this something that's been keeping you up at night?" she asked with a smile.

"You have no idea," he joked.

"You're weird," said Robbie.

"And you're not? You refer to your classmates as extras. What does that even mean?"

"It means they're background characters and have no importance."

"Importance to what?"

"Me."

"Aww, and we do," said Doramis. "You're so sweet." She ruffled Robbie's hair.

Robbie's face got flushed as he slapped her hand away. "You two might not be extras, but you're not that high up either."

"And he says I'm the weird one," said Ken to himself.

"Quiet, support character," said Robbie.

"Support character? Seriously?"

"Can you both be quiet," said Doramis. The three of them stared at the Pietro estate.

"What's even the plan here?" asked Ken.

"We get in and we find Ashner's office. The list of the people who were at the hunt should be somewhere there."

"There has to be a better way of doing that. What we're doing is a crime."

"God, please stop being a chicken," said Robbie.

"There you go again with the chicken thing."

Doramis looked back at Ken. "Are you with me? Or do you want to go home?" She gave him puppy dog eyes.

"Don't do that," said Ken. "Of course I'm with you, but you have to promise me you'll visit me if I get punished for the rest of my life."

"I'll promise you, we won't get caught."

Robbie ran off towards the house.

Doramis and Ken went after him. The three of them made it below a window of the house and ducked under it. "What the hell, Robbie," said Doramis.

"I'm sorry, but you two were getting sappy and we don't have time for that," said Robbie.

"We weren't getting sappy," said Ken.

"Yes you were. It was kind of disgusting."

"Just ignore him," said Doramis. "He's just jealous."

"Trust me. I'm not jealous of the support character."

"Stop calling me that."

Doramis took a peek through the window and then stood up. "There's no one inside. Help me open this window."

Robbie and Ken stood up and the three of them were able to push the window open. Ken gave Doramis a hand and pushed her inside. Robbie stepped on Ken's back and used it to jump inside the house.

"Thank you, Kenny," said Robbie as he and Doramis looked around the room.

Ken climbed inside and glared at Robbie. "Dick." Ken watched as Doramis walked over to the door and turned the lock. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure no one walks in on us," answered Doramis.

"You don't think someone is going to find it strange that their door is locked?"

"But they won't see us and we can sneak right out the window." Doramis went over to the desk and scanned at the papers on it. "I can't tell if this is Ashner's office."

"If this is Isabella's room, we need to get out of here," said Ken.

"Chicken," said Robbie as he looked through some drawers.

"Enough with that."

"I can't find anything that says this is Ashner's office," said Doramis as she took a seat behind the desk. She leaned back and noticed the boys were staring at her. "What?" Robbie quickly looked away. "What is it?"

"You look good like that," said Ken. "You look like someone in charge. I guess you look like a younger version of Isabella."

"Hpmt. That's kind of ironic."

"Why is that ironic?" asked Robbie as he closed the drawer he was looking through.

"A conversation my mom and Isabella had the other day. She wants my mom to be the next mayor."

"Fat chance that'll actually happen."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Doramis leaned forward, ready to fight.

"Not trying to disrespect your mother, but she's not really liked by a lot of people in town," quickly defended Robbie.

Doramis leaned back in the chair. "Mom said the same thing."

"I think she would make a great mayor," said Ken. "She's probably the smartest person I know."

"I think there are better candidates out there," said Robbie.

"Like who?" asked Doramis. "And you better not say your father. He's just as hated as my mom."

Robbie glared at Doramis. "I bet he can get more votes than your mother."

"I bet not."

"Would your father even run for mayor?" asked Ken. "Matter of fact, would your mother?" he asked Doramis.

"I think she's thinking about it."

"I don't know about my father, but he wasn't one of the people I was thinking would make a better candidate than your mother," said Robbie. "I think either of his mothers would make better candidates," he said, gesturing at Ken. "Specifically Mrs. Paloma."

"Why do you think that?" asked Ken.

"They're ex-military and people tend to vote for people like that. It's something they respect. Plus, your moms are likable, unlike our parents." He looked at Doramis when he said those last words. She smiled back at him, agreeing.

"My mom thinks the same thing," said Doramis. "She told Isabella to ask one of them."

"And what did Isabella say?" asked Ken.

"She had her mind made up. Her pick was my mother."

"To be honest, I don't think my mothers would run for mayor either. They like their privacy."

The teenagers turned to the window when they heard a vehicle pull up. They watched as Ashner went to greet Jordana and Noah, who got out of their truck.

"What are they doing here?" asked Robbie. "And since when did Noah start hanging out with that woman?"

"I don't know but she has Ashner's attention," said Ken.

"Of course she does," said Doramis. "She seems to be getting every man in town's attention."

"It's not just the men's attention she has. Look." Ken pointed at Isabella who came into everyone's view. "It seems like she's here to actually meet with Mayor Pietro."

"Guys," said Robbie as he looked at the frames on the wall. "I think this is actually Mayor Pietro's office." Everyone turned to look at the frames and saw Isabella Pietro's name all over them. They were degrees of all sorts.

"We need to get out of here," whispered Ken. "Breaking into the mayor's office is probably a bigger crime than a usual break in."

"For once, I agree," said Robbie as he opened the window. The people outside were no longer visible. "They're probably coming in now." Robbie climbed out the window.

"What are you doing?" asked Ken as he watched Doramis run to the door.

"I'm unlocking the door," she whispered as she did. She quickly scurried back and jumped out the window with Ken. They were about to close the window when they heard someone open the door.

"I want to thank you again for taking this meeting with me," said Jordana as the teenagers listened from outside.

Robbie snuck off while Ken was about to do the same thing until he noticed Doramis wasn't moving. Ken gestured to her to go, but she just shhed him. The two stayed and eavesdropped on the conversation.

"Let's just say you piqued my interest with your message," said Isabella. "Boys, can you both wait outside. I want to have a private conversation with Ms. Valentine here."

"Please don't call me Ms. Valentine. Jordana is fine."

"Ma'am," said Ashner. "I advise you to keep me in the room."

"Please Ashner," said Isabella. "Don't make me repeat myself."

"Yes ma'am."

After a couple of seconds, the teenagers heard the door close, meaning Ashner and Noah left the room. "We should go," whispered Ken.

"No," whispered Doramis. "I want to know what those two have to talk about?"

"Before we continue our conversation," said Isabella. "Can I see proof that you are who you say you are?"

"Yes, of course," said Jordana.

Doramis and Ken could hear some ruffling inside, then someone walking. Doramis was frustrated she couldn't see what was going on.

"There's my card and here's a picture of my certificate," said Jordana.

"This is very impressive," said Isabella. "I've never met someone with this type of skill set."

"Thank you. Some people like to call me a jack of all trades. Am I correct in assuming you might have a job for me?"

"Yes, I can think up a couple of jobs I can use you for, but first I want to know what brings you to my little town."

Jordana let out a slight laugh. "That is a very popular question with a simple answer. My truck broke down outside of town and now I'm here."

"But what is keeping you here?"

"The change of scenery. My life was getting a little hectic and being in a small town like this is the type of break I need."

"Is that something I should be concerned with?" asked Isabella.

"Not at all," answered Jordana. "My troubles aren't something that can follow me. Consider it in my past."

"Is that true? Is it really only in the past?"

"As long as I work for you and I'm in your nice little town, yes my troubles are in my past."

"Your job might be a little difficult since you're an outsider. Most people aren't going to trust you."

"You mean women aren't going to trust me," said Jordana. "I'm popular with the opposite sex."

Isabella seemed to be bothered by her response. "I see why you would be popular with the opposite sex, but the people I want you to investigate are mostly women."

"Not a problem," said Jordana as she took a step forward. "Most people like me. I have a tendency of making quick friends as you could see by how I found two places to stay the nights I have been here. This town should get itself an inn by the way."

"Where have you been staying? I noticed you came here with Noah, so I'm assuming you were staying at his farm."

"Correct," said Jordana. "Last couple of days I've stayed at his farm. Noah has been very helpful at showing me around town. The first night, I stayed at Ivy's. She was very kind to me and I think we would have been best friends."

"Ivy was no doubt a very special person," said Isabella. "Now that girl could make quick friends with anyone she met."

"May she rest in peace."

"Amen."

"May I," said Jordana as she pointed out the window. Doramis and Ken didn't see Jordana's gesture and had no idea she was about to catch them.

"Go ahead," said Isabella as she stood up. "It is a beautiful view of my yard."

Doramis realized what was going on and pushed Ken to the side. Ken quickly crawled away as Doramis followed.

"I completely agree," said Jordana. "You have a very nice view. You don't see much of this where I'm from."

Those were the last words Doramis heard as she sneaked off of the Pietro estate.