Adventures in Teal Cove

Gary’s House
June 28, 1982
Evening

Quarterflash’s “Find Another Fool” was playing on the radio as Shelley headed home from work. As she listened to the song, it occurred to her that some of the lyrics echoed her thoughts about Tony. He was going to have to find another fool to love him, now that she was out of his life.

She pulled into the driveway to find Gary’s van already there. He often worked odd hours, so she never knew whether or not he was going to be there when she got home from work. When he was, she always made it a point to enter the house quietly in case he was asleep. After his visit to Speedy’s earlier today, though, she expected to find him playing around with his new purchase. Starla and Tabby had been talking about going shopping for additional slot cars after work, but she had decided not to join them since Gary already had one just like her real Firebird.

She opened the door quietly and stepped inside. The unfamiliar sounds coming from the kitchen told her Gary was in there, probably trying out the slot cars as she had expected. “Hi Gary, I’m home. Nice to see you at work today,” she called out and headed for the kitchen, eager to see the new toys.

*Tags*

Gary had indeed set up his new slot cars, or trucks as the case were on the kitchen table. The problem was, the slot car track and train track overlapped and didn't fit on the kitchen table completely. Gary had added an old gray folding card table with each leg sitting on books to get it to the proper height as the main table. The smaller card table was needed to support the slot car track side of the makeshift layout. The additional table took up most of the center of the kitchen.

"Oh! You're home," Gary replied when he heard Shelley's voice. "I decided to set up the new toys on the table but found they didn't fit. Uh, obviously there will be 'dinner challenges' but don't worry, it's not staying here. I'll need to find a better place for it. Either I'll have to break down and clear space in the garage... no, wait. Who am I kidding? There is too much shit out there and it is hotter than hell right now since it's summer. I'm still not used to this Texas heat! Okay, so maybe I'll either clear out the crap in the spare bedroom since it's just a storage room or I can set it up in the corner of the master.... that won't work either. All the radio gear is there. I guess I'll have to clean out the spare room, then."

A green dump truck and orange semi with a gravel trailer sped around the gray roadway. The road was lined with plastic telephone poles and there were three side roads with little structures connected, obviously for the tiny trucks to dump or pick up their loads. Two red boxes with tiny black steering apparently controlled the trucks. Unlike conventional squeeze-trigger slot car controllers, these allowed the trucks to put around the track at a set rate of speed without someone mashing the button to keep them going.

A gold power pack ran the train, a red Rock Island diesel with matching caboose, and 3 freight cars. That particular railroad ran at the far end of town, although the engines were almost always blue and white, painted differently from the tiny model locomotive. The train was currently off so it didn't slam into the trucks at the two places the road and rails intersected. The miniature black Firebird was sitting in the center of the table off the track. The box and extra packaging for the set were piled on a kitchen chair that had been pulled out.

*Tags*

"Here, you wanna give this a try? The steering wheels make the trucks go. You can reverse them by turning the wheel counter-clockwise to back them into the little stations. 12 o'clock is off. One loads the gravel hauler and then you can back into the unloading station. The dump truck unloads over there." Gary pointed to a small pen sitting on the smaller gray table. It was on the outside of the track in the further lane for the dump truck. The other two stations were inside the center of the lanes where the semi ran.

"You'll have to put the logs in it yourself, although I believe they make a terminal you can add to do that. They have a ton of these little loading and unloading stations you can buy to expand the set up including a lot of different trailers for the semi. If you want to run the train, you use this gold pack and throw the lever, but you have to stop the trucks at the crossing..."

*Tags*

"So next challenge... dinner," Gary mused as he let Shelley play around with the new setup. "Hmmm, if we have anything to eat in the fridge, there is no issue preparing it, but we don't have a dinner table obviously... I could grab some tv trays and we could eat in the living room if I can find them, that is. I think they're in the garage somewhere or that spare bedroom. It's been a while since I have used them..."

*Tags*

Just then the phone rang. "Let me grab that," Gary said. "Feel free to put the Bandit on the track and run that in place of one of the trucks if you want."

*Tag Shelley*

Gary moved to the wall and lifted the phone receiver from its hook. "Uh, hello," He replied to the caller. "Shelley? Yes, can I ask..."

Suddenly, a loud horn shook the kitchen. The real train behind the house was going by and let out several loud trumpeting blasts as it roared past. As usual, it was impossible to converse for a few moments until the locomotives were through the crossing and further down the track.

"Sorry about that," Gary said apologetically to the caller. "We're right by the railroad and a train was going past. Uh, yeah, let me get her."

*Tags*

Gary lowered the receiver and mouthed "it's for you" even though Shelley was just a few feet from him. He handed the receiver to her and stepped aside so they could trade spots. Shelley noticed a stack of mail on the counter near the phone. The top letter had their address on the envelope but oddly was addressed to 'Peter Payphone'.

*Tags*

OOC: This is close to the factory set in operation.

Here is a picture of the set itself from a catalog page.

This is totally random, snail facts for kids and totally unrelated to anything going on in the game. I just posted it for the hell of it.

"Oh! You're home," Gary replied when he heard Shelley's voice. "I decided to set up the new toys on the table but found they didn't fit. Uh, obviously there will be 'dinner challenges' but don't worry, it's not staying here. I'll need to find a better place for it. Either I'll have to break down and clear space in the garage... no, wait. Who am I kidding? There is too much shit out there and it is hotter than hell right now since it's summer. I'm still not used to this Texas heat! Okay, so maybe I'll either clear out the crap in the spare bedroom since it's just a storage room or I can set it up in the corner of the master.... that won't work either. All the radio gear is there. I guess I'll have to clean out the spare room, then."

“Oh, wow,” Shelley said when she saw the layout. “That’s bigger than I thought it would be. Pretty cool!” She watched the little vehicles zoom around the track for a minute. “If you need to move some of the stuff in the spare room into my bedroom, it’s okay. I don’t need a whole lot of space, as long as I can still get to the bed and my clothes and stuff.”

"Here, you wanna give this a try? The steering wheels make the trucks go. You can reverse them by turning the wheel counter-clockwise to back them into the little stations. 12 o'clock is off. One loads the gravel hauler and then you can back into the unloading station. The dump truck unloads over there." Gary pointed to a small pen sitting on the smaller gray table. It was on the outside of the track in the further lane for the dump truck. The other two stations were inside the center of the lanes where the semi ran.

"You'll have to put the logs in it yourself, although I believe they make a terminal you can add to do that. They have a ton of these little loading and unloading stations you can buy to expand the set up including a lot of different trailers for the semi. If you want to run the train, you use this gold pack and throw the lever, but you have to stop the trucks at the crossing..."

“Oo, yeah!” she said, eager to give it a try. She looked at the controls for a minute. “So one of these wheels controls the semi, on the other controls the dump truck?” She glanced at the Firebird, and realized that probably wasn’t quite the way it worked. “No, wait…one of these wheels runs the outer lane, and the other runs the inner lane? So you can put whatever vehicle you want in whatever lane you want. But in this case, you want to run the dump truck in the outer lane and the semi in the inner lane, because that’s where their little stations are, right?” She glanced at the locomotive. “Uh, I should probably practice a little bit with just the trucks before I try the train. Seems like it might be hard to keep an eye on both trucks and both intersections at the same time if you have to stop them to keep them from hitting the train.” She turned the wheels and watched with a grin on her face as the vehicles reacted.

"So next challenge... dinner," Gary mused as he let Shelley play around with the new setup. "Hmmm, if we have anything to eat in the fridge, there is no issue preparing it, but we don't have a dinner table obviously... I could grab some tv trays and we could eat in the living room if I can find them, that is. I think they're in the garage somewhere or that spare bedroom. It's been a while since I have used them..."

“TV trays? That’d be fine,” she said and stopped the trucks. “If you want, I can help you look for them.”

Just then the phone rang. "Let me grab that," Gary said. "Feel free to put the Bandit on the track and run that in place of one of the trucks if you want."

“Okay, cool!” She reached over and grabbed the Firebird. She turned it over and looked at the bottom, then looked at it from a few different angles before removing the dump truck and putting the Firebird in its place. Soon she had the miniature version of her own car zooming around the track.

Gary moved to the wall and lifted the phone receiver from its hook. "Uh, hello," He replied to the caller. "Shelley? Yes, can I ask..."

Suddenly, a loud horn shook the kitchen. The real train behind the house was going by and let out several loud trumpeting blasts as it roared past. As usual, it was impossible to converse for a few moments until the locomotives were through the crossing and further down the track.

"Sorry about that," Gary said apologetically to the caller. "We're right by the railroad and a train was going past. Uh, yeah, let me get her."

Shelley glanced over at Gary when she heard her name, and stopped the vehicles. She grimaced when the real train came through, temporarily halting the conversation that had drawn her attention. Her curiosity was piqued; was it a call for her? She almost never got calls, and immediately began trying to figure out who it could be. Mike or Cindy at the newspaper seemed the most likely possibilities. She supposed it could be Riley calling to ask her to work the evening shift if someone didn’t show up for work or had to leave early, but she’d just left there a short time ago, so that seemed unlikely. The only other person she could think of was maybe Officer Montgomery or someone else at the police station calling with more information about the stories she’d been working on, but that didn’t seem likely either; she usually had to reach out to them to get information.

Gary lowered the receiver and mouthed "it's for you" even though Shelley was just a few feet from him. He handed the receiver to her and stepped aside so they could trade spots. Shelley noticed a stack of mail on the counter near the phone. The top letter had their address on the envelope but oddly was addressed to 'Peter Payphone'.

Shelley took the receiver from Gary and moved into the spot he’d just vacated. She frowned briefly at the top letter when she saw the name on it. The fact that Gary sometimes messed around with the payphone at Chuck E. Cheese’s flashed into her mind temporarily, but she couldn’t really think about it now; she wanted to find out who was calling her. “Hello? This is Shelley,” she said into the receiver.

*tags*

“Oo, yeah!” she said, eager to give it a try. She looked at the controls for a minute. “So one of these wheels controls the semi, on the other controls the dump truck?” She glanced at the Firebird, and realized that probably wasn’t quite the way it worked. “No, wait…one of these wheels runs the outer lane, and the other runs the inner lane? So you can put whatever vehicle you want in whatever lane you want. But in this case, you want to run the dump truck in the outer lane and the semi in the inner lane, because that’s where their little stations are, right?”

"Huh? Oh right," Gary replied nodding when he realized what Shelley was asking him. "The controllers power the lanes, so whichever vehicle you put in that lane, that's what it will run. The Firebird isn't on the track so it won't do anything yet. I opened it, but I was going to wait for you to try that one out, and yes, the dump truck can't interact with the stations for the semi and vice versa, so you want to keep those on their side of the track. Since the TransAm doesn't really work for those, you can just take one of the trucks off and run it in that lane."


She glanced at the locomotive. “Uh, I should probably practice a little bit with just the trucks before I try the train. Seems like it might be hard to keep an eye on both trucks and both intersections at the same time if you have to stop them to keep them from hitting the train.” She turned the wheels and watched with a grin on her face as the vehicles reacted.

"So next challenge... dinner," Gary mused as he let Shelley play around with the new setup. "Hmmm, if we have anything to eat in the fridge, there is no issue preparing it, but we don't have a dinner table obviously... I could grab some tv trays and we could eat in the living room if I can find them, that is. I think they're in the garage somewhere or that spare bedroom. It's been a while since I have used them..."

“TV trays? That’d be fine,” she said and stopped the trucks. “If you want, I can help you look for them.”

Just then the phone rang. "Let me grab that," Gary said. "Feel free to put the Bandit on the track and run that in place of one of the trucks if you want."

“Okay, cool!” She reached over and grabbed the Firebird. She turned it over and looked at the bottom, then looked at it from a few different angles before removing the dump truck and putting the Firebird in its place. Soon she had the miniature version of her own car zooming around the track.

Gary moved to the wall and lifted the phone receiver from its hook. "Uh, hello," He replied to the caller. "Shelley? Yes, can I ask..."

Suddenly, a loud horn shook the kitchen. The real train behind the house was going by and let out several loud trumpeting blasts as it roared past. As usual, it was impossible to converse for a few moments until the locomotives were through the crossing and further down the track.

"Sorry about that," Gary said apologetically to the caller. "We're right by the railroad and a train was going past. Uh, yeah, let me get her."

Shelley glanced over at Gary when she heard her name, and stopped the vehicles. She grimaced when the real train came through, temporarily halting the conversation that had drawn her attention. Her curiosity was piqued; was it a call for her? She almost never got calls, and immediately began trying to figure out who it could be. Mike or Cindy at the newspaper seemed the most likely possibilities. She supposed it could be Riley calling to ask her to work the evening shift if someone didn’t show up for work or had to leave early, but she’d just left there a short time ago, so that seemed unlikely. The only other person she could think of was maybe Officer Montgomery or someone else at the police station calling with more information about the stories she’d been working on, but that didn’t seem likely either; she usually had to reach out to them to get information.

Gary lowered the receiver and mouthed "it's for you" even though Shelley was just a few feet from him. He handed the receiver to her and stepped aside so they could trade spots. Shelley noticed a stack of mail on the counter near the phone. The top letter had their address on the envelope but oddly was addressed to 'Peter Payphone'.

Shelley took the receiver from Gary and moved into the spot he’d just vacated. She frowned briefly at the top letter when she saw the name on it. The fact that Gary sometimes messed around with the payphone at Chuck E. Cheese’s flashed into her mind temporarily, but she couldn’t really think about it now; she wanted to find out who was calling her. “Hello? This is Shelley,” she said into the receiver.

"Shelley...," a woman's voice said. It took her a moment to realize it was Karen North on the other end as she didn't identify herself immediately. There was a pause. "Uh, hi... it's Karen from the studio. How are you?"

*Tags*

"I am so sorry, but I have some bad news about the exercise class instructor," Karen began solemnly. "We... had a little miscommunication on who had the right to fill that roll and I'm afraid the studio owner had someone else in mind and had already hired them."

*Tags*

"Unfortunately, the format is changing up a bit. The class is going to be ending right before school starts and I have to return to my normal coaching job. There is going to be a bit of a break, and then a new program is going to start up. It's going to be taking a bit of a different direction from what I was doing. I'm so sorry, hon. I hope you understand."

*Tags*

Shelley took the receiver from Gary and moved into the spot he’d just vacated. She frowned briefly at the top letter when she saw the name on it. The fact that Gary sometimes messed around with the payphone at Chuck E. Cheese’s flashed into her mind temporarily, but she couldn’t really think about it now; she wanted to find out who was calling her. “Hello? This is Shelley,” she said into the receiver.

"Shelley...," a woman's voice said. It took her a moment to realize it was Karen North on the other end as she didn't identify herself immediately. There was a pause. "Uh, hi... it's Karen from the studio. How are you?"

Shelley frowned at first, but then gave a little smile as she realized who it was. She hadn’t expected a call from Karen, and she wondered why she was calling. Maybe she wanted Shelley to run the next class? But something seemed wrong somehow; something about the tone of Karen’s voice, or the way she paused before identifying herself, as if she was trying to figure out what to say. “I’m doing okay,” said Shelley in response. “How about you?”

"I am so sorry, but I have some bad news about the exercise class instructor," Karen began solemnly. "We... had a little miscommunication on who had the right to fill that role and I'm afraid the studio owner had someone else in mind and had already hired them."

“Oh…uh, okay…” said Shelley uncertainly. Her heart sank a little; it sounded like she wouldn’t be getting that job after all. It wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to her, but it was upsetting, and she could have used the extra money. She paused a second to let Karen continue with her explanation.

"Unfortunately, the format is changing up a bit. The class is going to be ending right before school starts and I have to return to my normal coaching job. There is going to be a bit of a break, and then a new program is going to start up. It's going to be taking a bit of a different direction from what I was doing. I'm so sorry, hon. I hope you understand."

Shelley paused for a moment, thinking how best to respond. “Well, if that’s how it is, I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. May I ask who’s going to be taking over the class, and what the new direction is?” She wondered if the owner had hired someone from the class, or was bringing in someone from the outside. She also had to wonder what Karen meant by a “different direction.” The class was basically exercising to music; how could they change that? Maybe they meant to use a different style of music, or switch from aerobics to some other style of exercise. It occurred to her that if the class changed too much, they might allow her to teach a second class that was more like the original. It was a slim chance, true, but it was a little hope she could hold on to.

*tags*

Shelley took the receiver from Gary and moved into the spot he’d just vacated. She frowned briefly at the top letter when she saw the name on it. The fact that Gary sometimes messed around with the payphone at Chuck E. Cheese’s flashed into her mind temporarily, but she couldn’t really think about it now; she wanted to find out who was calling her. “Hello? This is Shelley,” she said into the receiver.

"Shelley...," a woman's voice said. It took her a moment to realize it was Karen North on the other end as she didn't identify herself immediately. There was a pause. "Uh, hi... it's Karen from the studio. How are you?"

Shelley frowned at first, but then gave a little smile as she realized who it was. She hadn’t expected a call from Karen, and she wondered why she was calling. Maybe she wanted Shelley to run the next class? But something seemed wrong somehow; something about the tone of Karen’s voice, or the way she paused before identifying herself, as if she was trying to figure out what to say. “I’m doing okay,” said Shelley in response. “How about you?”

"I'm doing... alright. I am so sorry, but I have some bad news about the exercise class instructor," Karen began solemnly. "We... had a little miscommunication on who had the right to fill that role and I'm afraid the studio owner had someone else in mind and had already hired them."

“Oh…uh, okay…” said Shelley uncertainly. Her heart sank a little; it sounded like she wouldn’t be getting that job after all. It wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to her, but it was upsetting, and she could have used the extra money. She paused a second to let Karen continue with her explanation.

"Unfortunately, the format is changing up a bit. The class is going to be ending right before school starts and I have to return to my normal coaching job. There is going to be a bit of a break, and then a new program is going to start up. It's going to be taking a bit of a different direction from what I was doing. I'm so sorry, hon. I hope you understand."

Shelley paused for a moment, thinking how best to respond. “Well, if that’s how it is, I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. May I ask who’s going to be taking over the class, and what the new direction is?” She wondered if the owner had hired someone from the class, or was bringing in someone from the outside. She also had to wonder what Karen meant by a “different direction.” The class was basically exercising to music; how could they change that? Maybe they meant to use a different style of music, or switch from aerobics to some other style of exercise. It occurred to her that if the class changed too much, they might allow her to teach a second class that was more like the original. It was a slim chance, true, but it was a little hope she could hold on to.

Karen wasn't expecting to be questioned. She had just assumed that her telling Shelley the position had fallen through would be the end of it. Karen expected that Shelley would express disappointment, thank her for the chance and that would be the end of it. She hadn't been ready with details or a cover story.

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "Well... you see, um," Karen finally stammered after a moment. "He wants the class to..."

Karen stopped. If she made up a new class, Shelley might want details about taking it. "He... really wasn't sure actually. At least he didn't really give me any straight answers. I got the idea that he wanted to use that studio and time slot for a different class and another teacher. I guess I didn't do a good job of communicating that I was going to look for someone else to keep it going."

*Tags*

OOC: Tabitha and/or Starla can bring up the fact that they were there when she asked about a teaching position. As I recall, they waited outside but the receptionist did get the information and Karen called her about being a replacement. We can go back and review that scene, but that can come up and get her thinking about things not adding up.

Shelley paused for a moment, thinking how best to respond. “Well, if that’s how it is, I guess there’s nothing we can do about it. May I ask who’s going to be taking over the class, and what the new direction is?” She wondered if the owner had hired someone from the class, or was bringing in someone from the outside. She also had to wonder what Karen meant by a “different direction.” The class was basically exercising to music; how could they change that? Maybe they meant to use a different style of music, or switch from aerobics to some other style of exercise. It occurred to her that if the class changed too much, they might allow her to teach a second class that was more like the original. It was a slim chance, true, but it was a little hope she could hold on to.

Karen wasn't expecting to be questioned. She had just assumed that her telling Shelley the position had fallen through would be the end of it. Karen expected that Shelley would express disappointment, thank her for the chance and that would be the end of it. She hadn't been ready with details or a cover story.

There was a moment of silence on the other end. "Well... you see, um," Karen finally stammered after a moment. "He wants the class to..."

Karen stopped. If she made up a new class, Shelley might want details about taking it. "He... really wasn't sure actually. At least he didn't really give me any straight answers. I got the idea that he wanted to use that studio and time slot for a different class and another teacher. I guess I didn't do a good job of communicating that I was going to look for someone else to keep it going."

Shelley frowned. It had been a pretty simple question, but it seemed to completely throw Karen for a loop. It was very possible Karen really didn’t know any more details, but all the pausing and stammering gave Shelley the feeling that Karen was making it up as she went. But why would she do that? Whatever the reason, it didn’t sound like Shelley was going to get any more meaningful information from Karen.

“I see. I’ll admit, I’m a little disappointed; I was kind of looking forward to teaching that class. Oh well, thanks for the opportunity. Maybe something else will come up later; if so, just give me a call.”

*Tags*

After the call, Shelley hung up the phone and turned to Gary. “Huh. That was kind of odd,” she said. “Apparently that job I’d lined up teaching that aerobics class this fall fell through. Apparently the Fitness Factory owners had someone else in mind to take it over after school started. I don’t know who; Karen couldn’t really give me any details.” She didn’t mention her suspicion that Karen might have been lying. She didn’t know Karen that well, but it seemed like they’d gotten along okay. Shelley didn’t want to cast any aspersions on Karen without more reason than a gut feeling.

*Tags*

“No big deal, I guess. I could have used the extra money, but at least I’ve still got the carhop job, plus some extra money from the newspaper.”

Shelley thought about asking Gary about the letter addressed to “Peter Payphone”, but about that time the doorbell rang. Shelley went to the front door and opened it to find Starla holding a green slot car and Tabby holding a white van. “The Big Green Boogermobile is here,” said Starla with a grin on her face as she glanced at Tabby.

*Tags*

Shelley frowned. It had been a pretty simple question, but it seemed to completely throw Karen for a loop. It was very possible Karen really didn’t know any more details, but all the pausing and stammering gave Shelley the feeling that Karen was making it up as she went. But why would she do that? Whatever the reason, it didn’t sound like Shelley was going to get any more meaningful information from Karen.

“I see. I’ll admit, I’m a little disappointed; I was kind of looking forward to teaching that class. Oh well, thanks for the opportunity. Maybe something else will come up later; if so, just give me a call.”

"I will definitely keep you in mind," Karen promised. "Again, I am very sorry about this and I do appreciate your understanding as well as the work you did for the few classes you helped with."

After the call, Shelley hung up the phone and turned to Gary. “Huh. That was kind of odd,” she said. “Apparently that job I’d lined up teaching that aerobics class this fall fell through. Apparently, the Fitness Factory owners had someone else in mind to take it over after school started. I don’t know who; Karen couldn’t really give me any details.” She didn’t mention her suspicion that Karen might have been lying. She didn’t know Karen that well, but it seemed like they’d gotten along okay. Shelley didn’t want to cast any aspersions on Karen without more reason than a gut feeling.

"I'm so sorry," Gary replied. He hadn't expected the phone call to be bad news.

“No big deal, I guess. I could have used the extra money, but at least I’ve still got the carhop job, plus some extra money from the newspaper.”

"Uh, maybe this is a blessing in disguise so you can pursue the paper," Gary mused trying to sound encouraging. "If nothing else and you still need part-time work, I can probably get you on over at the Rat Palace. I think you'd do great as a birthday party hostess."

Gary was pretty well-staffed at the moment, which is why he'd been hesitant to hire Shelley on when they'd met just because he didn't know if he could get her the hours she needed. However, had she been unable to obtain work, he was ready to do what he had to in order to help her out. Fortunately, Speedy's had offered her a job right away.

Shelley thought about asking Gary about the letter addressed to “Peter Payphone”, but about that time the doorbell rang. Shelley went to the front door and opened it to find Starla holding a green slot car and Tabby holding a white van. “The Big Green Boogermobile is here,” said Starla with a grin on her face as she glanced at Tabby.

"Yeah, we totally shrunk Matt and Trevor down," Tabby added as Shelley let the pair inside. "Show them, Starla!"

*Tag Starla and Shelley*

Tabby held up a tiny slot car van that Starla had carefully repainted to look like Matt's cargo van. The band's "Threat of Invasion" logo had been painted on the side. It was something Matt had been intending to do in real life but hadn't gotten around to. Tabby had joked it would be like their version of the Mystery Machine and they could solve mysteries between gigs. She had proposed calling it the "Band Wagon", but so far, the name hadn't stuck like the 'Green Goblin'. Trevor had pointed out that Tabby would get kidnapped constantly and having to save her would cut into practice time.

"Very nice," Gary replied examining the two slot cars that Starla had customized.

"Okay, we're ready to race," Tabby said eagerly.

"Well, it's not really a race track," Gary explained. "Come on, we'll show you."

Gary lead the group into the kitchen.

"Oh wow, I had forgotten there was a train. This is even better," she smirked mischievously. "Oh, and Shellye's car is already out!"

The TransAm and semi were going around the track. Since the controllers didn't require a trigger be squeezed like traditional slot cars, it was possible to turn the vehicles on and let them run at a set pace around the track. Gary had set them at about half speed. The Firebird and gravel truck were going in opposite directions and passed one another on the track every few seconds.

*Tags*

OOC: Feel free to sprinkle Starla and Shelley in as you see fit.

"Uh, maybe this is a blessing in disguise so you can pursue the paper," Gary mused trying to sound encouraging. "If nothing else and you still need part-time work, I can probably get you on over at the Rat Palace. I think you'd do great as a birthday party hostess."

Shelley smiled. She appreciated Gary’s offer to try to get her on at Chuck E. Cheese’s, though she suspected they currently didn’t really have any job openings. “Thanks for the offer, but it probably won’t be necessary. It does seem like my work for the paper is going to be taking up more of my time than I originally thought, now that I’m doing reporting work in addition to the photography. Besides, it’s not like I lost an existing source of income; the fitness class was just a little something extra I thought I would be getting in the future.”

Shelley thought about asking Gary about the letter addressed to “Peter Payphone”, but about that time the doorbell rang. Shelley went to the front door and opened it to find Starla holding a green slot car and Tabby holding a white van. “The Big Green Boogermobile is here,” said Starla with a grin on her face as she glanced at Tabby.

"Yeah, we totally shrunk Matt and Trevor down," Tabby added as Shelley let the pair inside. "Show them, Starla!"

“How did you do that? Did you hire Dr. Shrinker from the Krofft Supershow?” Shelley asked with amusement.

“No, that guy was an idiot who couldn’t keep his shrinkies from escaping,” said Starla. “We hired the scientists from Fantastic Voyage instead.” She offered the vehicle to Shelley. “Want to take a closer look?”

Shelley reached for the green slot car. “You just painted this this afternoon? Is it already dry?” she asked before touching it.

“I used acrylics; they dry fast. It’s dry to the touch, although technically it won’t be completely dry until tomorrow. Just handle it carefully and it’ll be fine. Also, the surface may feel a little rough; that’s because I haven’t sprayed it with the clear coat yet. I’m going to wait till tomorrow when it’s thoroughly dry to do that, and then let it sit for another night; the clear coat takes longer to dry.”

Shelley took the car and examined it. “The Big Green Boogermobile, huh? I think you should call it the Big Green Booger Machine, since machine rhymes with green. Sounds cooler.”

Starla laughed. “Trevor won’t be happy with any name other than the Green Goblin.”

*tags*

Tabby held up a tiny slot car van that Starla had carefully repainted to look like Matt's cargo van. The band's "Threat of Invasion" logo had been painted on the side. It was something Matt had been intending to do in real life but hadn't gotten around to. Tabby had joked it would be like their version of the Mystery Machine and they could solve mysteries between gigs. She had proposed calling it the "Band Wagon", but so far, the name hadn't stuck like the 'Green Goblin'. Trevor had pointed out that Tabby would get kidnapped constantly and having to save her would cut into practice time.

"Very nice," Gary replied examining the two slot cars that Starla had customized.

Shelley took a look at the van. “Does Matt’s van have that logo on it?” she asked. She didn’t remember seeing it on there.

“Supposedly it will at some point in the future, if Matt would just get off his lazy butt and do it,” said Starla.

"Okay, we're ready to race," Tabby said eagerly.

"Well, it's not really a race track," Gary explained. "Come on, we'll show you."

Gary lead the group into the kitchen.

"Oh wow, I had forgotten there was a train. This is even better," she smirked mischievously. "Oh, and Shelley's car is already out!"

Shelley grinned. “Yeah, I couldn’t wait to try it. And no custom paint job needed for this one! I’ve got a famous car.”

The TransAm and semi were going around the track. Since the controllers didn't require a trigger be squeezed like traditional slot cars, it was possible to turn the vehicles on and let them run at a set pace around the track. Gary had set them at about half speed. The Firebird and gravel truck were going in opposite directions and passed one another on the track every few seconds.

“You know, having a ‘famous car’ is going to be a problem if you have to tail someone or go on a stakeout as part of an investigation,” said Starla. “A car like that is noticeable.”

“You make it sound like I’m some kind of spy,” said Shelley with a grin.

“Not a spy; an investigative journalist. Or a girl detective like Nancy Drew,” Starla replied. “Speaking of which, have you given any more thought to staking out Jerry’s place some night?”

“Not much,” Shelley admitted, “although it turns out I‘ll have a little more free time to do it. That fitness class job I was planning to take over fell through.”

“Oh no! What happened? Did somebody complain or something?” asked Starla.

“No, I don’t think so,” replied Shelley. “At least, Karen didn’t mention anything about any complaints. She just said the owners of the Fitness Factor apparently have someone else in mind to take over the class once school starts.” That had been the reason Karen gave, but it did seem kind of odd that Karen wouldn’t have known about it beforehand. Considering the way Karen had stammered when Shelley asked for more information, it seemed like Karen might have been making up an excuse and didn’t want to give the real reason. Could somebody have complained? If so, who? Felicia’s face popped into Shelley’s head.

*tags*

Shelley thought about asking Gary about the letter addressed to “Peter Payphone”, but about that time the doorbell rang. Shelley went to the front door and opened it to find Starla holding a green slot car and Tabby holding a white van. “The Big Green Boogermobile is here,” said Starla with a grin on her face as she glanced at Tabby.

"Yeah, we totally shrunk Matt and Trevor down," Tabby added as Shelley let the pair inside. "Show them, Starla!"

“How did you do that? Did you hire Dr. Shrinker from the Krofft Supershow?” Shelley asked with amusement.

"Seriously, Krofft? Their stuff was just weird," Tabby snorted. "I only know it because my brother watched it a few years ago. Okay... I did like Dynagirl and Electrowoman and the Bugaloos... when I was little... I was like 6."

“No, that guy was an idiot who couldn’t keep his shrinkies from escaping,” said Starla. “We hired the scientists from Fantastic Voyage instead.” She offered the vehicle to Shelley. “Want to take a closer look?”

Shelley reached for the green slot car. “You just painted this this afternoon? Is it already dry?” she asked before touching it.

“I used acrylics; they dry fast. It’s dry to the touch, although technically it won’t be completely dry until tomorrow. Just handle it carefully and it’ll be fine. Also, the surface may feel a little rough; that’s because I haven’t sprayed it with the clear coat yet. I’m going to wait till tomorrow when it’s thoroughly dry to do that, and then let it sit for another night; the clear coat takes longer to dry.”

"And she'll have to do a lot of touch up after Tabby hits it with the semi," Tabby replied.

Shelley took the car and examined it. “The Big Green Boogermobile, huh? I think you should call it the Big Green Booger Machine, since machine rhymes with green. Sounds cooler.”

Starla laughed. “Trevor won’t be happy with any name other than the Green Goblin.”

"Ugh, quit being an enabler! At least I got you to call it by its true name finally," Tabby retorted, rolling her eyes. "Here's Matt's van..."

Tabby held up a tiny slot car van that Starla had carefully repainted to look like Matt's cargo van. The band's "Threat of Invasion" logo had been painted on the side. It was something Matt had been intending to do in real life but hadn't gotten around to. Tabby had joked it would be like their version of the Mystery Machine and they could solve mysteries between gigs. She had proposed calling it the "Band Wagon", but so far, the name hadn't stuck like the 'Green Goblin'. Trevor had pointed out that Tabby would get kidnapped constantly and having to save her would cut into practice time.

"Very nice," Gary replied examining the two slot cars that Starla had customized.

Shelley took a look at the van. “Does Matt’s van have that logo on it?” she asked. She didn’t remember seeing it on there.

“Supposedly it will at some point in the future, if Matt would just get off his lazy butt and do it,” said Starla.

"Okay, we're ready to race," Tabby said eagerly. "And, yeah... he's waiting for you to do it for him. You're the artist. If he sees that, he'll bug you to put it on the full-sized one, ya know?"

"Well, it's not really a race track," Gary explained. "Come on, we'll show you."

Gary lead the group into the kitchen.

"Oh wow, I had forgotten there was a train. This is even better," she smirked mischievously. "Oh, and Shelley's car is already out!"

Shelley grinned. “Yeah, I couldn’t wait to try it. And no custom paint job needed for this one! I’ve got a famous car.”

The TransAm and semi were going around the track. Since the controllers didn't require a trigger be squeezed like traditional slot cars, it was possible to turn the vehicles on and let them run at a set pace around the track. Gary had set them at about half speed. The Firebird and gravel truck were going in opposite directions and passed one another on the track every few seconds.

“You know, having a ‘famous car’ is going to be a problem if you have to tail someone or go on a stakeout as part of an investigation,” said Starla. “A car like that is noticeable.”

“You make it sound like I’m some kind of spy,” said Shelley with a grin.

"Wait, you mean you're not," Tabby asked, feigning surprise.

“Not a spy; an investigative journalist. Or a girl detective like Nancy Drew,” Starla replied. “Speaking of which, have you given any more thought to staking out Jerry’s place some night?”

“Not much,” Shelley admitted, “although it turns out I‘ll have a little more free time to do it. That fitness class job I was planning to take over fell through.”

“Oh no! What happened? Did somebody complain or something?” asked Starla.

“No, I don’t think so,” replied Shelley. “At least, Karen didn’t mention anything about any complaints. She just said the owners of the Fitness Factory apparently have someone else in mind to take over the class once school starts.” That had been the reason Karen gave, but it did seem kind of odd that Karen wouldn’t have known about it beforehand. Considering the way Karen had stammered when Shelley asked for more information, it seemed like Karen might have been making up an excuse and didn’t want to give the real reason. Could somebody have complained? If so, who? Felicia’s face popped into Shelley’s head.

Tabby's eyes narrowed. "I don't believe that for a minute," Tabby said shaking her head. "I bet Marie and the bitch brigade had something to do with it. They are literally on a first-name basis with her. Starla, you're not a freshman anymore, so you're like one of them. Can't you like find out or something? You can go all undercover! I so want to be Nancy Drew's sidekick anyway. Not only should we spy on Jerry's house, but you need to see if Marie knows anything about Shelley losing her job."

*Tags*

Tabby sat the van down on the table. She glanced at the train and at the van. "Ugh, I can't do it! Starla worked too hard on these," Tabby said as she contemplated knocking the Impala and van off the track with the train or trucks. "I still wanna see them run, though!"

"You can put them on the track. I bet it will run at least 2 cars in the same lane. You can put the van on the Firebird's track, just put enough space between them so they won't hit each other," Gary instructed.

He twisted one of the little steering wheels and the Trans-Am stopped. It was on the far side of the track. Tabby sat the pin in the groove of the track for the van. Gary gestured for Tabby to take control and she turned the wheel. At first, both vehicles began running backward, but she quickly got them going in the correct direction.

"You should put the Big Green Booger on in front of the semi, but do it so the semi is right on its bumper," Tabby suggested. "We totally need little people and an orange bug. Then we could really have some fun. It will probably be the closest thing to a car chase we'll get to do, but a girl can dream, can't she?"

*Tags*

Gary lead the group into the kitchen.

"Oh wow, I had forgotten there was a train. This is even better," she smirked mischievously. "Oh, and Shelley's car is already out!"

Shelley grinned. “Yeah, I couldn’t wait to try it. And no custom paint job needed for this one! I’ve got a famous car.”

The TransAm and semi were going around the track. Since the controllers didn't require a trigger be squeezed like traditional slot cars, it was possible to turn the vehicles on and let them run at a set pace around the track. Gary had set them at about half speed. The Firebird and gravel truck were going in opposite directions and passed one another on the track every few seconds.

“You know, having a ‘famous car’ is going to be a problem if you have to tail someone or go on a stakeout as part of an investigation,” said Starla. “A car like that is noticeable.”

“You make it sound like I’m some kind of spy,” said Shelley with a grin.

"Wait, you mean you're not," Tabby asked, feigning surprise.

“I can neither confirm nor deny,” replied Shelley.

“Not a spy; an investigative journalist. Or a girl detective like Nancy Drew,” Starla replied. “Speaking of which, have you given any more thought to staking out Jerry’s place some night?”

“Not much,” Shelley admitted, “although it turns out I‘ll have a little more free time to do it. That fitness class job I was planning to take over fell through.”

“Oh no! What happened? Did somebody complain or something?” asked Starla.

“No, I don’t think so,” replied Shelley. “At least, Karen didn’t mention anything about any complaints. She just said the owners of the Fitness Factory apparently have someone else in mind to take over the class once school starts.” That had been the reason Karen gave, but it did seem kind of odd that Karen wouldn’t have known about it beforehand. Considering the way Karen had stammered when Shelley asked for more information, it seemed like Karen might have been making up an excuse and didn’t want to give the real reason. Could somebody have complained? If so, who? Felicia’s face popped into Shelley’s head.

Tabby's eyes narrowed. "I don't believe that for a minute," Tabby said shaking her head. "I bet Marie and the bitch brigade had something to do with it. They are literally on a first-name basis with her. Starla, you're not a freshman anymore, so you're like one of them. Can't you like find out or something? You can go all undercover! I so want to be Nancy Drew's sidekick anyway. Not only should we spy on Jerry's house, but you need to see if Marie knows anything about Shelley losing her job."

“Marie? Um, yeah, maybe…” Shelley hadn’t really thought about Marie, but she knew Tabby might have a point. She remembered back to the night when Marie had confronted her in the parking lot after a class at the Fitness Factory. She’d thought at the time that Felicia must have been behind that, and she learned nothing since to dissuade her from that notion. She hadn’t had any encounters with Marie since then, but Shelley knew she’d probably wounded Marie’s pride that night, and Marie didn’t seem like the kind of person to let that go. And as the captain of the cheerleading squad, it made sense that Marie might have some influence with Karen.

But Tabby hadn’t just mentioned Marie; she’d also accused the ‘bitch brigade’ of being behind this. “Wait…are you saying I may have an entire squad of cheerleaders out to get me?” Shelley was starting to get concerned. “Present company excluded, of course,” she added for Starla’s and Tabby’s benefit.

“I hate to say it, but Tabby may be right,” Starla admitted. “I haven’t heard anything, but then again, I haven’t been spending a lot of time in their company since school’s out. The last time I really spent any time with them was the day of the festival when Marie’s car got stolen, and that was before Shelley would’ve been on their radar. I’ll keep my ears open, though.”

*tags*

Tabby sat the van down on the table. She glanced at the train and at the van. "Ugh, I can't do it! Starla worked too hard on these," Tabby said as she contemplated knocking the Impala and van off the track with the train or trucks. "I still wanna see them run, though!"

"You can put them on the track. I bet it will run at least 2 cars in the same lane. You can put the van on the Firebird's track, just put enough space between them so they won't hit each other," Gary instructed.

“Wait, am I going to be running bandit for Matt? Is he bringing beer from Texarkana in the Band Wagon?” asked Shelley with amusement.

He twisted one of the little steering wheels and the Trans-Am stopped. It was on the far side of the track. Tabby sat the pin in the groove of the track for the van. Gary gestured for Tabby to take control and she turned the wheel. At first, both vehicles began running backward, but she quickly got them going in the correct direction.

"You should put the Big Green Booger on in front of the semi, but do it so the semi is right on its bumper," Tabby suggested. "We totally need little people and an orange bug. Then we could really have some fun. It will probably be the closest thing to a car chase we'll get to do, but a girl can dream, can't she?"

“I guess we could put some of the D&D miniatures around the track as townsfolk,” said Starla. “Of course, they’re probably the wrong scale, and they’d definitely look out of place dressed in their medieval-type clothing. Maybe we could pretend they’ve been to some kind of reenactment, like that Scarborough Faire thing they had in Waxahachie.”

Shelley looked at Starla in confusion, not being familiar with Waxahachie or the reenactment that Starla was talking about, but she didn’t ask about it. “We still don’t have an orange bug, though. Speaking of which, are yinz serious about spying on Jerry? Like I said, I don’t have any plans for tomorrow night now that the fitness gig is gone.”

“Well I have to work at the mall tomorrow night,” Starla said. “I get off at nine.”

“Actually, considering how noticeable my car is, it might be best to do it after dark,” said Shelley. “He might just stay home at night, in which case we probably wouldn’t learn anything interesting. Or, he might be out and about after dark; of so, that might explain why he was so late showing up for our boat outing. He might have slept late and then had to rush to get to the lake. Maybe we could park on the side of the road a ways down the street from his house and watch to see if he leaves, and then follow him if he does.”

*tags*

“I hate to say it, but Tabby may be right,” Starla admitted. “I haven’t heard anything, but then again, I haven’t been spending a lot of time in their company since school’s out. The last time I really spent any time with them was the day of the festival when Marie’s car got stolen, and that was before Shelley would’ve been on their radar. I’ll keep my ears open, though.”

"Hate that I might be right," Tabby asked cocking an eyebrow at the blonde. "Oh! You mean hate that I'm probably right about that bitch princess who is our team captain and all of her little ditzy minions!"

Tabby sat the van down on the table. She glanced at the train and at the van. "Ugh, I can't do it! Starla worked too hard on these," Tabby said as she contemplated knocking the Impala and van off the track with the train or trucks. "I still wanna see them run, though!"

"You can put them on the track. I bet it will run at least 2 cars in the same lane. You can put the van on the Firebird's track, just put enough space between them so they won't hit each other," Gary instructed.

“Wait, am I going to be running bandit for Matt? Is he bringing beer from Texarkana in the Band Wagon?” asked Shelley with amusement.

He twisted one of the little steering wheels and the Trans-Am stopped. It was on the far side of the track. Tabby sat the pin in the groove of the track for the van. Gary gestured for Tabby to take control and she turned the wheel. At first, both vehicles began running backward, but she quickly got them going in the correct direction.

"You should put the Big Green Booger on in front of the semi, but do it so the semi is right on its bumper," Tabby suggested. "We totally need little people and an orange bug. Then we could really have some fun. It will probably be the closest thing to a car chase we'll get to do, but a girl can dream, can't she?"

“I guess we could put some of the D&D miniatures around the track as townsfolk,” said Starla. “Of course, they’re probably the wrong scale, and they’d definitely look out of place dressed in their medieval-type clothing. Maybe we could pretend they’ve been to some kind of reenactment, like that Scarborough Faire thing they had in Waxahachie.”

"They make HO scale people which are even tinier than D&D minis," Gary offered. "Although the slot cars really aren't HO scale which is 1/87 of an inch. The slot cars are closer to 1/64 scale which is actually S gauge. The trains are a size bigger than HO. American Flyer used to make them years ago..."

"Uh... okay," Tabby replied smiling and nodding. "I think he means we can buy figures that are the correct size for the train but the cars are already too big so... I'm totally lost as to what to do about that."

"It's okay, Tabby. I guess D&D minis will work. We don't have to keep it all to scale," Gary said. "I would like to maybe get a few buildings, but I don't know that I really have a place to set this up permanently right now. I think I got a bit carried away buying this stuff without thinking it through."

"Right," Tabby answered nodding. She was focused on running the slot cars and was only half-listening to Gary at this point. "I think having the Bandit, some trucks, the Band Wagon, and the Big Green Booger Mobile is a great start."

Shelley looked at Starla in confusion, not being familiar with Waxahachie or the reenactment that Starla was talking about, but she didn’t ask about it. “We still don’t have an orange bug, though. Speaking of which, are yinz serious about spying on Jerry? Like I said, I don’t have any plans for tomorrow night now that the fitness gig is gone.”

“Well I have to work at the mall tomorrow night,” Starla said. “I get off at nine.”

“Actually, considering how noticeable my car is, it might be best to do it after dark,” said Shelley. “He might just stay home at night, in which case we probably wouldn’t learn anything interesting. Or, he might be out and about after dark; of so, that might explain why he was so late showing up for our boat outing. He might have slept late and then had to rush to get to the lake. Maybe we could park on the side of the road a ways down the street from his house and watch to see if he leaves, and then follow him if he does.”

Tabby's eyes lit up, she started to say something but paused. Spying on Jerry sounded fun and all and it would be great to hang out with Starla and Shelley, but she worried about something happening. At the same time, her father was gone and she might as well live it up while she had the freedom to be out late. He'd be home by the weekend and she worried she was going to catch hell for being out over the fourth of July weekend with the band. They'd be playing late. Gary interrupted her thoughts.

"Look Charlie's Angels, I don't want to be a wet blanket here," Gary began. He'd made his way to the fridge and grabbed a fresh Tab and took a swig. Just then, a loud blaring horn interrupted him. The group looked out the back window as the Burlington Northern thundered by. Gary waited until the locomotives were on down the track before continuing. Once they cleared the crossing, the horns ceased and the noise from the giant diesel generators were replaced by a quieter clickety-clack.

"I can't stop you. Particularly you, Shelley, since you are an adult. All I can do is advise," Gary stated a moment after the noise died down once again. "I think Jerry is probably just very immature for his age. We all saw his little temper tantrum meltdown. He's probably harmless, but I don't know that I'd chance it. He could be mentally unstable, however. Maybe even dangerous. Anyway, all I'm saying is if the three of you want to play Scooby Doo or Nancy Drew, I would prefer not to know about it. I can always wander into the other room and play with my radio for a bit if you need me to..."

*Tags*

“I hate to say it, but Tabby may be right,” Starla admitted. “I haven’t heard anything, but then again, I haven’t been spending a lot of time in their company since school’s out. The last time I really spent any time with them was the day of the festival when Marie’s car got stolen, and that was before Shelley would’ve been on their radar. I’ll keep my ears open, though.”

"Hate that I might be right," Tabby asked cocking an eyebrow at the blonde. "Oh! You mean hate that I'm probably right about that bitch princess who is our team captain and all of her little ditzy minions!"

“Right! Maybe I didn’t word that very well,” said Starla apologetically. “I didn’t mean that you being right is what I hate; I meant I hate that Marie and her cronies might make trouble for Shelley.”

Tabby sat the van down on the table. She glanced at the train and at the van. "Ugh, I can't do it! Starla worked too hard on these," Tabby said as she contemplated knocking the Impala and van off the track with the train or trucks. "I still wanna see them run, though!"

"You can put them on the track. I bet it will run at least 2 cars in the same lane. You can put the van on the Firebird's track, just put enough space between them so they won't hit each other," Gary instructed.

“Wait, am I going to be running bandit for Matt? Is he bringing beer from Texarkana in the Band Wagon?” asked Shelley with amusement.

He twisted one of the little steering wheels and the Trans-Am stopped. It was on the far side of the track. Tabby sat the pin in the groove of the track for the van. Gary gestured for Tabby to take control and she turned the wheel. At first, both vehicles began running backward, but she quickly got them going in the correct direction.

"You should put the Big Green Booger on in front of the semi, but do it so the semi is right on its bumper," Tabby suggested. "We totally need little people and an orange bug. Then we could really have some fun. It will probably be the closest thing to a car chase we'll get to do, but a girl can dream, can't she?"

“I guess we could put some of the D&D miniatures around the track as townsfolk,” said Starla. “Of course, they’re probably the wrong scale, and they’d definitely look out of place dressed in their medieval-type clothing. Maybe we could pretend they’ve been to some kind of reenactment, like that Scarborough Faire thing they had in Waxahachie.”

Shelley looked at Starla in confusion, not being familiar with Waxahachie or the reenactment that Starla was talking about, but she didn’t ask about it.

"They make HO scale people which are even tinier than D&D minis," Gary offered. "Although the slot cars really aren't HO scale which is 1/87 of an inch. The slot cars are closer to 1/64 scale which is actually S gauge. The trains are a size bigger than HO. American Flyer used to make them years ago..."

"Uh... okay," Tabby replied smiling and nodding. "I think he means we can buy figures that are the correct size for the train but the cars are already too big so... I'm totally lost as to what to do about that."

Shelley listened attentively to Gary’s explanation about the scales, but decided not to comment to keep from showing her ignorance on the subject. It sounded a little too much like math to her; she was pretty sure she’d heard some fractions in there. Math had not been one of her best subjects in school, and she tried to avoid it when she could.

"It's okay, Tabby. I guess D&D minis will work. We don't have to keep it all to scale," Gary said. "I would like to maybe get a few buildings, but I don't know that I really have a place to set this up permanently right now. I think I got a bit carried away buying this stuff without thinking it through."

"Right," Tabby answered nodding. She was focused on running the slot cars and was only half-listening to Gary at this point. "I think having the Bandit, some trucks, the Band Wagon, and the Big Green Booger Mobile is a great start."

“It’ll be fun, though, even if you can’t leave it set up all the time,” said Starla. “It’s important to get some enjoyment out of life.”

“We still don’t have an orange bug, though,” said Shelley. “Speaking of which, are yinz serious about spying on Jerry? Like I said, I don’t have any plans for tomorrow night now that the fitness gig is gone.”

“Well I have to work at the mall tomorrow night,” Starla said. “I get off at nine.”

“Actually, considering how noticeable my car is, it might be best to do it after dark,” said Shelley. “He might just stay home at night, in which case we probably wouldn’t learn anything interesting. Or, he might be out and about after dark; of so, that might explain why he was so late showing up for our boat outing. He might have slept late and then had to rush to get to the lake. Maybe we could park on the side of the road a ways down the street from his house and watch to see if he leaves, and then follow him if he does.”

Tabby's eyes lit up, she started to say something but paused. Spying on Jerry sounded fun and all and it would be great to hang out with Starla and Shelley, but she worried about something happening. At the same time, her father was gone and she might as well live it up while she had the freedom to be out late. He'd be home by the weekend and she worried she was going to catch hell for being out over the fourth of July weekend with the band. They'd be playing late. Gary interrupted her thoughts.

"Look Charlie's Angels, I don't want to be a wet blanket here," Gary began. He'd made his way to the fridge and grabbed a fresh Tab and took a swig. Just then, a loud blaring horn interrupted him. The group looked out the back window as the Burlington Northern thundered by. Gary waited until the locomotives were on down the track before continuing. Once they cleared the crossing, the horns ceased and the noise from the giant diesel generators were replaced by a quieter clickety-clack.

"I can't stop you. Particularly you, Shelley, since you are an adult. All I can do is advise," Gary stated a moment after the noise died down once again. "I think Jerry is probably just very immature for his age. We all saw his little temper tantrum meltdown. He's probably harmless, but I don't know that I'd chance it. He could be mentally unstable, however. Maybe even dangerous. Anyway, all I'm saying is if the three of you want to play Scooby Doo or Nancy Drew, I would prefer not to know about it. I can always wander into the other room and play with my radio for a bit if you need me to..."

“Are you looking for, what do they call it? Plausible deniability?” said Shelley with a nervous smile on her face. The problem was, Gary had a good point, and Shelley knew it. Her smile slowly vanished, replaced by an abashed look. “Um, no, you’re right,” she admitted. “Jerry does seem to have a mental problem of some sort, and he could be dangerous.”

Of course, he could only be dangerous to them if he noticed them, Shelley thought, but as had been mentioned earlier, her car did stand out and there was no way she could guarantee that Jerry wouldn’t notice them. Also, Gary had just pointed out that Shelley was an adult now when he mentioned that he couldn’t stop her from spying on Jerry, but with adulthood came additional responsibilities, especially when it came to the safety of minors. She definitely wouldn’t want to take a chance on Starla or Tabby getting hurt on her watch.

So it appeared that a stakeout of Jerry’s place wouldn’t be happening. Shelley knew Tabby and maybe Starla would probably be disappointed by that; she was a little disappointed herself. Shelley still believed Jerry might have some connection with the car theft ring, and she realized that if she could uncover that link and expose the car thieves, it could be a huge boost to her burgeoning journalism career. Perhaps an occasional drive past Jerry’s house just to see if anything interesting was going on wouldn’t be out of line. And if she ever happened by chance to see a certain orange bug driving around town, maybe she could follow it at a distance to see where it went.

Of course, messing with criminals was definitely dangerous business. If Jerry was linked to the car thieves, maybe she should just avoid the whole thing altogether. And that was absolutely all the more reason to keep Starla and Tabby away from it.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to risk Jerry flipping out on us if he happened to notice us spying on him. Probably best not to poke the bear, as they say.”

*tags*

Turning the conversation back to the slot cars and train, Shelley said, “You know, when that train went by a few minutes ago, it gave me an idea. You know what this playset needs? A teeny-tiny little miniature of a model train to go next to the train track. So then you could have a real train going by a model train going by a model model train.”

*tags*

"Look Charlie's Angels, I don't want to be a wet blanket here," Gary began. He'd made his way to the fridge and grabbed a fresh Tab and took a swig. Just then, a loud blaring horn interrupted him. The group looked out the back window as the Burlington Northern thundered by. Gary waited until the locomotives were on down the track before continuing. Once they cleared the crossing, the horns ceased and the noise from the giant diesel generators was replaced by a quieter clickety-clack.

"I can't stop you. Particularly you, Shelley, since you are an adult. All I can do is advise," Gary stated a moment after the noise died down once again. "I think Jerry is probably just very immature for his age. We all saw his little temper tantrum meltdown. He's probably harmless, but I don't know that I'd chance it. He could be mentally unstable, however. Maybe even dangerous. Anyway, all I'm saying is if the three of you want to play Scooby Doo or Nancy Drew, I would prefer not to know about it. I can always wander into the other room and play with my radio for a bit if you need me to..."

“Are you looking for, what do they call it? Plausible deniability?” said Shelley with a nervous smile on her face. The problem was, Gary had a good point, and Shelley knew it. Her smile slowly vanished, replaced by an abashed look. “Um, no, you’re right,” she admitted. “Jerry does seem to have a mental problem of some sort, and he could be dangerous.”

Of course, he could only be dangerous to them if he noticed them, Shelley thought, but as had been mentioned earlier, her car did stand out and there was no way she could guarantee that Jerry wouldn’t notice them. Also, Gary had just pointed out that Shelley was an adult now when he mentioned that he couldn’t stop her from spying on Jerry, but with adulthood came additional responsibilities, especially when it came to the safety of minors. She definitely wouldn’t want to take a chance on Starla or Tabby getting hurt on her watch.

"Well, er, I'm just simply suggesting," Gary backpedaled a bit seeing the disappointment. "You may have legitimate reasons if you think there is something going on that might tie into a potential news story or something. Just, um, be careful if you do and really think things through..."

So it appeared that a stakeout of Jerry’s place wouldn’t be happening. Shelley knew Tabby and maybe Starla would probably be disappointed by that; she was a little disappointed herself. Shelley still believed Jerry might have some connection with the car theft ring, and she realized that if she could uncover that link and expose the car thieves, it could be a huge boost to her burgeoning journalism career. Perhaps an occasional drive past Jerry’s house just to see if anything interesting was going on wouldn’t be out of line. And if she ever happened by chance to see a certain orange bug driving around town, maybe she could follow it at a distance to see where it went.

Of course, messing with criminals was definitely dangerous business. If Jerry was linked to the car thieves, maybe she should just avoid the whole thing altogether. And that was absolutely all the more reason to keep Starla and Tabby away from it.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to risk Jerry flipping out on us if he happened to notice us spying on him. Probably best not to poke the bear, as they say.”

Tabby wasn't quite as convinced. Yes, Gary had raised good points, but this did sound exciting and she didn't want to get left out.

Turning the conversation back to the slot cars and train, Shelley said, “You know, when that train went by a few minutes ago, it gave me an idea. You know what this playset needs? A teeny-tiny little miniature of a model train to go next to the train track. So then you could have a real train going by a model train going by a model model train.”

"So, anyone up for a quick Slurpee run," Tabby suggested making reference to going to 7-Eleven, taking Gary up on his offer to not overhear anything that could potentially put him in a bad situation. "You look like you could use an order of nachos, Gary!"

"That does sound rather tasty," Gary admitted. "But, uh, again... uh, nevermind!"

"So Shelley, Starla... is anyone up for a quick trip to the convenience store," she mused looking between the pair to gauge their reaction to her proposal.

"Well, er, I'm just simply suggesting," Gary backpedaled a bit seeing the disappointment. "You may have legitimate reasons if you think there is something going on that might tie into a potential news story or something. Just, um, be careful if you do and really think things through..."

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to risk Jerry flipping out on us if he happened to notice us spying on him. Probably best not to poke the bear, as they say.”

Tabby wasn't quite as convinced. Yes, Gary had raised good points, but this did sound exciting and she didn't want to get left out.

"So, anyone up for a quick Slurpee run," Tabby suggested making reference to going to 7-Eleven, taking Gary up on his offer to not overhear anything that could potentially put him in a bad situation. "You look like you could use an order of nachos, Gary!"

"That does sound rather tasty," Gary admitted. "But, uh, again... uh, nevermind!"

"So Shelley, Starla... is anyone up for a quick trip to the convenience store," she mused looking between the pair to gauge their reaction to her proposal.

“Mmmm…Slurpee!” said Starla with a grin on her face.

Shelley looked back and forth between the two girls, and then smiled. “Okay, you don’t have to twist my arm,” she said jovially. A Slurpee did sound pretty good. “Alright, we’ll make a quick trip to the 7-Eleven.” Turning to Gary, she smiled and said, “We’ll be back in a little bit.”

The three of them went out and piled into Shelley’s car. When they were all inside, Shelley started the engine and said, “Very clever, Tabby. I’m pretty sure I know what this trip is really about. You want to do some scheming!” There was a mischievous grin on her face.

“Oops…busted!” said Starla.

“I suspect Gary knows too; he’s pretty smart about stuff like that. But we’ll respect his wishes and not say anything to him about this conversation. Just keep in mind that he did make some good points. We need to be careful, and I don’t want us to be in a position where we’re putting ourselves in danger. That being said, do yinz have something specific in mind?”

*tags*

"So, anyone up for a quick Slurpee run," Tabby suggested making reference to going to 7-Eleven, taking Gary up on his offer to not overhear anything that could potentially put him in a bad situation. "You look like you could use an order of nachos, Gary!"

"That does sound rather tasty," Gary admitted. "But, uh, again... uh, nevermind!"

"So Shelley, Starla... is anyone up for a quick trip to the convenience store," she mused looking between the pair to gauge their reaction to her proposal.

“Mmmm…Slurpee!” said Starla with a grin on her face.

"I thought so," Tabby replied confidently.

Shelley looked back and forth between the two girls and then smiled. “Okay, you don’t have to twist my arm,” she said jovially. A Slurpee did sound pretty good. “Alright, we’ll make a quick trip to the 7-Eleven.” Turning to Gary, she smiled and said, “We’ll be back in a little bit.”

"Do you want anything, Gary?" Tabby inquired.

"Uh, yeah... some of those nachos with chili sound great," Gary said with a nod. "And a Slurpee sounds good, too! Just not a Cola flavor. Cherry, lemon, or anything like that will work."

Tabby nodded. "Yeah, the Coke ones taste flat. I don't know how anyone drinks those!"

Gary handed Tabby a few dollars before the trio headed out.

The three of them went out and piled into Shelley’s car. When they were all inside, Shelley started the engine and said, “Very clever, Tabby. I’m pretty sure I know what this trip is really about. You want to do some scheming!” There was a mischievous grin on her face.

“Oops…busted!” said Starla.

"Huh? I don't know what you mean," Tabby replied trying her best to keep a straight face and feign ignorance.

“I suspect Gary knows too; he’s pretty smart about stuff like that. But we’ll respect his wishes and not say anything to him about this conversation. Just keep in mind that he did make some good points. We need to be careful, and I don’t want us to be in a position where we’re putting ourselves in danger. That being said, do yinz have something specific in mind?”

"What were we talking about again," Tabby asked dumbly. "Anyway, thinking about... oh, uh yeah, maybe we could just, ya know, like drive around tomorrow night. No place, specific. Just something to do..."

*Tags*

The three of them went out and piled into Shelley’s car. When they were all inside, Shelley started the engine and said, “Very clever, Tabby. I’m pretty sure I know what this trip is really about. You want to do some scheming!” There was a mischievous grin on her face.

“Oops…busted!” said Starla.

"Huh? I don't know what you mean," Tabby replied trying her best to keep a straight face and feign ignorance.

“I suspect Gary knows too; he’s pretty smart about stuff like that. But we’ll respect his wishes and not say anything to him about this conversation. Just keep in mind that he did make some good points. We need to be careful, and I don’t want us to be in a position where we’re putting ourselves in danger. That being said, do yinz have something specific in mind?”

"What were we talking about again," Tabby asked dumbly. "Anyway, thinking about... oh, uh yeah, maybe we could just, ya know, like drive around tomorrow night. No place, specific. Just something to do..."

“Hmmm…well, I have a little extra money from the work I’ve been doing for the newspaper, and I kinda need to pick up a few things,” said Shelley. “Maybe a trip to the mall is called for. What do ya say, Starla? Need a ride home from work tomorrow night? We don’t necessarily have to take you straight home…”

“Got one already, but if you’re going to be there anyway, I’m sure my mom wouldn’t mind getting the night off,” Starla responded with a grin.

*tag Tabby*

A few minutes later Shelley was approaching the 7-Eleven. As she was about to turn into the parking lot she glanced toward the store and noted that there were a couple of parking spots available by the front door, but as she was turning another car came tearing recklessly across the parking spot and darted into the one she’d been planning to take. She recognized the car and the guy climbing out of it, and gasped. Instead of taking the other parking spot next to the car, she changed course and drove around to the side of the building, where there was a pump for airing up tires.

Starla, who’d been looking in her purse to see how much money she had to spend in the convenience store, looked up when she heard Shelley’s gasp and realized that Shelley was pulling up next to the air pump rather than at the front door. Looking around in confusion, she said, “What’s going on? Do we have a flat?”

“Jerry’s here,” Shelley said almost in a whisper, as if she was afraid he might hear her. “I just saw him pull his bug into a parking spot and head inside. I don’t think he saw us, but I’m not sure.”

“Seriously?” Starla said. She looked over her shoulder back toward the front of the building, but from this side of the building she didn’t have a view of Jerry or his car. She kept watching, though, thinking he might emerge from around the corner at any second. “What should we do?”

*tag Tabby*

Jerry was heading to 'the farm', the location where the gang chopped up the autos and then shipped them out. It was an elaborate network. Besides demonstrating a talent for being able to hotwire cars, copy keys, and pick locks, Jerry was also useful in setting up communications.

The only practical way truckers had to communicate was via CB radio. The problem with that was that anyone else with a CB radio could hear the conversation. Code words might sound suspicious or unnatural, particularly if the conversation was lengthy.

Jerry had the perfect solution. Having dabbled in shortwave radio as a kid, he had learned of the phenomenon known as "number stations". These strange communications used an automated voice that began with a song or distinctive sound effect that the intended recipient could listen for and be ready to receive a series of coded numbers, presumably using a key. It was assumed the messages were being sent to foreign agents by their governments.

Having been in his high school's talented and gifted program, Jerry had learned many different logic puzzles and codes as part of the activities to practice advanced logic and problem-solving. He developed a numbered grid which was sent out to the truckers that came to the farm to move the chopped-up auto parts. That way, they could get their instructions while on the road without conversing via CB.

Jerry had rigged up a pirate broadcasting station using an old HAM radio rig he had acquired at a Saturday morning swap meet. He wasn't licensed to use it, but they were out in the middle of nowhere and broadcasting on the shortwave band where they were not likely to draw attention. The signal strength was set up to broadcast along the I-35 corridor between the Oklahoma state line and out toward Dallas.

The truckers knew what time and what frequencies to listen to. Jerry only broadcast for a few minutes before changing frequencies and repeating the broadcast. This went on for about an hour and kept the air time to anyone traceable frequency to a minimum.

Jerry checked his watch. It was still early and he decided to pull into 7-Eleven to grab something to drink and a quick snack. He zipped across the parking lot and pulled into a spot by the front door. Without looking around, he headed inside and made his way to the Slurpee machine. He filled his cup full of red, icy liquid, grabbed a Snickers bar, and stopped off at the hotdog and nacho bar to make a chili-cheese dog.

Jerry dropped his money on the counter and then snatched the change. He decided to eat in the car before heading on to the farm. A moment later, he climbed into his bug and opened the plastic top of the container for the hotdog.

The three of them went out and piled into Shelley’s car. When they were all inside, Shelley started the engine and said, “Very clever, Tabby. I’m pretty sure I know what this trip is really about. You want to do some scheming!” There was a mischievous grin on her face.

“Oops…busted!” said Starla.

"Huh? I don't know what you mean," Tabby replied trying her best to keep a straight face and feign ignorance.

“I suspect Gary knows too; he’s pretty smart about stuff like that. But we’ll respect his wishes and not say anything to him about this conversation. Just keep in mind that he did make some good points. We need to be careful, and I don’t want us to be in a position where we’re putting ourselves in danger. That being said, do yinz have something specific in mind?”

"What were we talking about again," Tabby asked dumbly. "Anyway, thinking about... oh, uh yeah, maybe we could just, ya know, like drive around tomorrow night. No place, specific. Just something to do..."

“Hmmm…well, I have a little extra money from the work I’ve been doing for the newspaper, and I kinda need to pick up a few things,” said Shelley. “Maybe a trip to the mall is called for. What do ya say, Starla? Need a ride home from work tomorrow night? We don’t necessarily have to take you straight home…”

“Got one already, but if you’re going to be there anyway, I’m sure my mom wouldn’t mind getting the night off,” Starla responded with a grin.

"I wouldn't mind a trip to the mall," Tabby added.

A few minutes later Shelley was approaching the 7-Eleven. As she was about to turn into the parking lot she glanced toward the store and noted that there were a couple of parking spots available by the front door, but as she was turning another car came tearing recklessly across the parking spot and darted into the one she’d been planning to take. She recognized the car and the guy climbing out of it, and gasped. Instead of taking the other parking spot next to the car, she changed course and drove around to the side of the building, where there was a pump for airing up tires.

Starla, who’d been looking in her purse to see how much money she had to spend in the convenience store, looked up when she heard Shelley’s gasp and realized that Shelley was pulling up next to the air pump rather than at the front door. Looking around in confusion, she said, “What’s going on? Do we have a flat?”

“Jerry’s here,” Shelley said almost in a whisper, as if she was afraid he might hear her. “I just saw him pull his bug into a parking spot and head inside. I don’t think he saw us, but I’m not sure.”

“Seriously?” Starla said. She looked over her shoulder back toward the front of the building, but from this side of the building she didn’t have a view of Jerry or his car. She kept watching, though, thinking he might emerge from around the corner at any second. “What should we do?”

"Maybe he hasn't seen us," Tabby suggested. "Hey, circle the building and let's park over there." Tabby pointed to an adjacent parking lot where they would have a view of the front of the store.

The parking lot Tabby was pointing to was dimly lit and the black Trans-Am wouldn't be as noticeable. It would also put the girls a safe distance from Jerry if he had seen them. If he hadn't noticed the girls, they could safely watch for him to leave and then they could enter 7-Eleven without fear of an encounter.

*Tags*

Once Shelley circled behind the building, she found a dark spot under a tree where the dim parking lot lights were blocked by the thick branches. Unless Jerry specifically looked in their direction, it was unlikely they'd be spotted. If he did see them and tried to approach them, Shelley could easily drive away before he could get to them.

"Looks like he's probably just grabbing something," Tabby mused. "Hopefully, he'll be out of there quickly and then we can go in."

*Tags*

Jerry was already inside by the time Shelley settled her car into its spot. A few minutes later, he emerged from the store with a drink and a container of food. He got back in the bug but didn't drive off immediately. Instead, the orange VW just sat there.

"What in the hell is he waiting on," Tabby asked. Her head was between Starla and Shelley's headrests as she stared at the beetle intently.

*Tags*

“Jerry’s here,” Shelley said almost in a whisper, as if she was afraid he might hear her. “I just saw him pull his bug into a parking spot and head inside. I don’t think he saw us, but I’m not sure.”

“Seriously?” Starla said. She looked over her shoulder back toward the front of the building, but from this side of the building she didn’t have a view of Jerry or his car. She kept watching, though, thinking he might emerge from around the corner at any second. “What should we do?”

"Maybe he hasn't seen us," Tabby suggested. "Hey, circle the building and let's park over there." Tabby pointed to an adjacent parking lot where they would have a view of the front of the store.

The parking lot Tabby was pointing to was dimly lit and the black Trans-Am wouldn't be as noticeable. It would also put the girls a safe distance from Jerry if he had seen them. If he hadn't noticed the girls, they could safely watch for him to leave and then they could enter 7-Eleven without fear of an encounter.

Tabby’s suggestion seemed like a pretty good one, Shelley thought. Their current position next to the air pump might keep them out of Jerry’s line of sight, but it also blocked their view of Jerry’s car, and if they stayed here and Jerry should happen to come around the corner, they wouldn’t have that safe distance to allow them to get away without an incident. So Shelley drove through the alley behind the building, which allowed them to get to the adjacent parking lot without being seen through the 7-Eleven’s front window.

Once Shelley circled behind the building, she found a dark spot under a tree where the dim parking lot lights were blocked by the thick branches. Unless Jerry specifically looked in their direction, it was unlikely they'd be spotted. Shelley backed into the spot, allowing them to easily keep an eye on the Volkswagen through the windshield. Unfortunately, that meant the golden firebird on her hood was pointing towards the 7-Eleven, so if Jerry did happen to get a good enough look at them, he’d likely recognize it as her car. Hopefully the darkness would be enough to keep that from happening, but if he did see them and tried to approach them, Shelley could easily drive away before he could get to them.

"Looks like he's probably just grabbing something," Tabby mused. "Hopefully, he'll be out of there quickly and then we can go in."

“Yeah, 7-Eleven isn’t the kind of place where you’d typically spend a lot of time. I’m sure he’ll be in and out in no time,” said Starla. “Is he already inside?” she asked. From this distance it was hard to tell whether Jerry was still in the car.

Shelley turned the headlights off, but kept the engine running. “Yeah, he was already on his way in when I veered around toward the air pump. Like you said, he shouldn’t be in there very long.”

A few minutes later, Jerry emerged from the store with a drink and a container of food. He got back in the bug but didn't drive off immediately. Instead, the orange VW just sat there.

"What in the hell is he waiting on," Tabby asked. Her head was between Starla and Shelley's headrests as she stared at the beetle intently.

Starla glanced at Shelley worriedly. “Do you think he saw us?”

Shelley paused for a moment, then shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. Maybe he’s eating that food he brought out.”

“Why couldn’t he just wait till he got home?” Starla asked, rather impatiently.

“Maybe he’s not going home. Maybe he’s going somewhere else. Wait…the car’s moving.” As Shelley spoke, Jerry’s car began backing out of its spot and moved to exit the 7-Eleven parking lot. Jerry hadn’t activated his turn signal, but the car was pointing slightly to the right. “Looks like he’s turning right. Does he live in that direction?”

“No, if he were going home he’d be turning to the left,” replied Starla. “I don’t know where he’d be going after dark on a Monday night.”

*tags*