the semicolon case chapter 18

Ethan, a famous YouTuber, starts working at Disney World and becomes a secret weapon for the FBI to stop the underground group, Endgame. He is assigned a K-9 partner named Skipper and they train together. Ethan's new partner, Zoe, helps him with the training and they become a great team. Ethan brings Skipper back to his apartment for a sleepover as part of their mission. This is chapter 18 of the semicolon case. The gang headed down to Orlando, and the people there were happy to see one of their favorite YouTubers moving closer. Ethan started working at Disney World. He had a longer line of people asking for his autograph and a picture, more than Mickey Mouse did. This was the Disney era of the scavengers. While a lot of people saw the bad side of Disney as a company who was just trying to get money and not focusing on the real purpose, the scavengers reminded kids and parents alike of the childhood magic it brought. But when he wasn't working his magic charm at Disney World, bringing joy to fans' lives, or flirting with a Disney princess, he actually had other work to do. The real reason we stationed you down here, Officer Davenport, his chief said, is that the case you cracked? It's not over yet. Ethan stared at him, eyes blanked, just like his brain. Uh, heh, um, he paused and scratched and said, I don't quite understand what you mean. Does Endgame ring a bell to you? An FBI agent asked. Yes sir, that's the mafia gang that Mr. Keen was trying to get away from when he was killed. The bunker of their headquarters was found and destroyed. What brings up the name? And do you remember, he continued not answering Ethan's question, how there was a man who turned himself in and is on our side now? Yes sir. Well, he was recently informed about the case he solved and was allowed to give us some information that might help us end Endgame for good. What kind of information? Just a few files, the agent explained. When he solved the mysteries, somehow the group moved and cleared out without a trace. But he gave us a lead on how we can find them and stop them for good. How did they know so quickly? Not sure, but we have been looking into it and we haven't found anything. He brought out a file and handed it to Ethan. Jason here will run through all the information with you. Basically, what all it says, Jason says, he pulled up the PowerPoint on the screen in front of Ethan, is that we have found many places that could be a hit point by Endgame. And if we are able, we are going to try to see where their big next hit is going to be, so we can meet them there. But for now, we are just trying to stay out of their tail. But if we are going to do that, we are going to need experts like K-9 officers. Where do I fit into this? We cannot have Ethan Davenport, famous YouTuber, the person who cracked the 20-year-old case, be a rookie. We are giving you a promotion. You will be assigned with a K-9 and trained right away. Me, a K-9 officer? It's scoffed. You are different, Ethan Davenport, and you will be our secret weapon. You will need a partner. A secret weapon is a smirk, liking the title. Speaking of secrets, FBI agent reminded, you need to keep all this a secret, and keeping everything from your friends and family. All they need to know is that you are an officer in the park. Yes, sir. This is a mafia-level underground group, and we don't want anyone else involved. He explained everything I understood. You can salute him. Good. I'll be on your way. Ethan sat in his car, combing back his hair until every hair was in place. Once he was good and ready, he got out and headed to the front door of the woods where he would meet his new partner. After going to the front desk, he was escorted back to the large room where many obstacles, like the train area where 20 different K-9 dogs were jumping around. The extraordinary behaviors of dogs took him in, and he didn't see someone approach him. Excuse me, said a voice from behind him. Are you Officer Davenport? Ethan turned around and saw a young woman with amber skin and chocolate dark wavy hair and with red lowlights in front of him. She was a bit shorter than him, and he appeared to stand up for himself. That's me, he said while extending his hand. You can call me Ethan. Nice to meet you, Ethan. I'm Zoe, pronounced Zoo-lee, but I'll probably answer if you call me something like that. You have an accent there. Where are you from? Originally from Arabia, she answered. Moved here for school. So, is everything I am saying what you are saying now, it sounds like gibberish? It's not about grinning, for sure. It's a little complicated at first, but I've known English for a long time now. Back in elementary school, we started studying. That's so neat. Oh, and by the way, she whispered, I was informed about all the top secrets, though, so you don't have to hide it from me. We'll get your canine trained and ready to face that mafia-level intensity. When did I get to meet this new partner in crime of mine? Right now. Follow me. We followed her, and they went to the other side of the room. They stopped and watched as one of the canines was put in front of an obstacle course. The dog was released and was timed as it made it through the course, not messing up once and finishing at lightning speed. Hey, Zillie called to the man who was holding the canine's leash. Bring him over here. Her new partner is here. The black fur German shep- German retriever- I was saying retriever, it's a German shepherd. Oh my goodness. Okay, I do not know my dogs well. The black fur German shepherd was brought over and his eyes kept on Zillie while she panted with his eye and wagged her tail. Officer Ethan, Zillie said as she took the leash. Meet Officer Skipper, top of her class and ready for action. She looked to the dog and said, Skipper, salute. The dog then brought its paw up and touched its nose. Ethan saluted back while chuckling. Nice to meet you, Officer Skipper. Skipper, Zillie said as she got down on her knees and faced the dog. This is your new partner. She looked back at Ethan and took his hand. Let her get to know you. Ethan knelt down and let the dog sniff his hand, getting a good whiff of the smell of hand-shoulder shampoo and a hint of what a candle would call- a candle would call enchanted forest. I have trained Skipper ever since she was a little pup, but now I have the honor of handing the reins over to you. So you are like a mother to her, huh? You didn't say that, she laughed. What exactly will we do as a team, Skipper and I? Like what other K-9 officers would do, but you two will be on a special mission. And when I heard that the all-time famous Ethan Davenport was coming, I knew exactly which dog would be best for you. Skipper has the sharpest sense of smell and can hear even a pin drop. She will do you justice. So what will I learn here? You will learn from teaching how to sit all the way to giving her signals to pounce on people. So let's do it. Ethan and Skipper spent every spare moment together the next few weeks, training and getting to know each other better. They were the ultimate team. Zula did the best she could to help out, but soon found out that he was a natural. Let's do another round of hide-and-seek, Ethan says. He hands Zula his glove. That was our best activities. On it. Okay, you go ahead. I'll hold Skipper here. Zula bent down and scratched behind Skipper's ears when distracting her. Ethan heads off and turns on his GoPro. With permission from the staff, he was able to film his journey with Skipper and already had lots of great shots and bloopers, including moments where Ethan had to lead Skipper around the obstacle course, leaving her with a leash while she sniffed out packages. He also filmed where he tried to teach Skipper instructions, but she messed up and whenever he got frustrated, she would put her paw over her face. Ethan ran to his hiding space, then whistled. That's the signal, Zula said. Go find. She warned Skipper when holding up Ethan's glove. She took a sniff. Then in a flash, Skipper was running out of the room that was up the stairs. She sniffed the floor and then headed into one of the spare rooms where the supplies were kept. She glanced around the boxes and then was led to the bin where all the toys were kept. She dug around and then just Ethan stuck his head out. Good girl, Ethan laughed as he climbed out. He stopped the timer on his phone and then said, 20 seconds! Good going, Skipper! Skipper barked twice and spun around. That was quick, Zula said as she joined them. This is why she is the reigning champion. With her as your partner, she is even better. I know you two would be a good match. You are a good matchmaker, he said with a wink. He checked her watch and backed up. Hey, it's getting late. I suppose I should get home. You need to help put Skipper up. Actually, the thing that I think is about time you bring Skipper with you back to your apartment. We have the things she asked for the night. You know, I have roommate needs to remind them. You ever wonder why I am bringing back a dog? You know, the whole mission thing? Yes, they told me all about that. They said that you are working with K-9. You don't have to tell them that it's part of the mission. By the way, I think it's amazing that they asked you to be part of it. When they first came to us talking about the mission and that they would need a K-9 officer, I thought it was so thrilling that you would be working on part of the mission. You cracked. You laughed as they walked down the stairs together. I was very honored to help solve the coal chase and I hope we can bring this whole underground group to an end. Me too. I've heard some creepy stuff about Endgame. I hope no one else is affected by it. They got to the front counter and one of the staff members handed over the supplies Skipper would need over the night. The schedule ran him to what he would need to do and gave him the paper copy, just in case. If you need any help, you have my number, Zoey, remind him. Or if you just need a friend to talk to, I'm your girl. Thanks, Zoey. Good night. He got Skipper in the passenger seat of the car and then got in the driver's seat. Your first sleepover, he thought as he grazed deep. I hope this goes smoothly. When he started up the car, the phone immediately connected to the music and started playing. Along with the Star Wars soundtrack, Skipper raised her head and howled. It was cute for the first 30 seconds, but listening to it for the entire 30 minute drive wasn't as fun. Tristan was on the couch playing Fortnite on the TV when Ethan got to the apartment. He glanced over his shoulder to see Ethan, the seven-way shelf dog. You adopted a dog? Kind of, Ethan answered as he took the leash off Skipper. She was a police canine and her name was Skipper. Can I pet her? Yeah, she's really sweet. Ethan turned to Skipper and said, Girl, say hi to Harrison. Skipper approached him and put her paw on her nose. Harrison saluted her back. Nice to meet you, Skipper. He knelt down and scratched her chin. Who is a good girl, he said in baby voice. Yes, you are. You're such a good girl. Yes, you are. Ethan couldn't help but laugh at this sight. It was rare for Harrison to use his baby voice. She was going to be my partner for a while, so get used to her. How long have you been working with her? About a month now. I didn't know if I was allowed to share it or not. Understandable. Secret agent. Secret agent? Oh yeah, Harrison answered giving Skipper a belly rub. Never can I convince that you are a secret agent and this whole working thing for Disney is an act. You have seen me at the park. Yeah, but that's just your Bruce Wayne cover-up, isn't it, Batman? Ethan rolled his eyes. I can assure you that I am not a secret agent and just a simple police officer. Yeah, yeah, he mumbled. That would have been crashed through the front door. I found a hand and eyes of blade. If one more person tags me in a video of me, of them shipping Perry and me, I'm going to... Oh, who's this? Skipper introduced. She's my partner now. Partner in your secret agent crimes? Ethan looked at Harrison, who just raised an eyebrow and smiled. What video are you talking about, Ethan asked, changing the subject. That's a silly video fans keep making of all these clips where Perry and I interact in videos where they think that we should be a couple. Isn't that funny? Ethan and Harrison eyed each other, then nodded. Yeah, so funny, Harrison said, sarcasm soaking through his voice. Totally not true to life. Anyway, Maverick said as he headed to his room, I need a shower. Take your time, Ethan called. Then when the door was closed, Ethan and Harrison ran for the TV, where they switched from Fortnite to YouTube. They searched up Scavengers, Perry, and Maverick and began watching fan edits. They were so cute, Harrison chuckled. I don't know why we never... They never went out. Before any more could be said, the shower washed up and they quickly switched back over to Fortnite before Maverick could see. The first night with Skipper went well. She was a very organized and precise dog. So right at mealtime, she waited in front of her food bowl and ate every piece that was given to her. She slept at the end of Ethan's bed and woke up at 530. She did enjoy the unscheduled belly rubs and treats that she was given, which would motivate her to try to follow Ethan out of work or be closer to him during practice. She also became overprotective that even when someone gave Ethan a friendly nudge, she would bark and try to attack them. It was clear to see that her loyalty lay in Ethan and he was equal to hers. The happiest day of her life was when Ethan graduated from K-9 training and got to take her over full-time. She loved it even more when she got to work at Disney World where there were more smells than her nose had ever smelled before. Oh, I guess I'm messing up. It was clear to see that her loyalty... See? I just read that. But what she loved even more than Disney World was on weekends when they started... Okay, why did I say her favorite day ever and then what she loved even more and then what she loved even more? I cannot wait to get the second draft. Okay. She loved Disney World... What she loved more than Disney World was the weekends when they started their journey to start searching on where the mafia group could have last made their attack. It was so secretive that none of their actions was put on the news. They could take long drives from one destination to the next trying to sniff out any evidence. But most of the time, they would need help finding what they were looking for but they would run into another mishap with the law. Over the next month, the only thing they could find was the old news and that was already one step behind endgame. But for most of the journey, they were giving out lots of tickets, stopped shoplifters, stopped shoplifters, but a handful of drug users in the gym and visited 12 different donut shops. While Skipper was enjoying being out and about, she didn't know that behind the fake smile, Ethan was disappointed by the little progress they had made in the case but even more agitated by his superior officer who was in charge of the mission. Late again, I see, Officer Jacob said, looking down at his watch. By 30 seconds, Ethan sighed. What was that, rookie? He snapped. Ethan shook his head. Sorry, sir. It won't happen again. My alarm didn't go off because of the PowerPoint. Now you get Skipper ready and... I don't want excuses, he shagged. Now get ready. It's already late. Yes, sir. Ethan got his police car after getting Skipper in and put on the seatbelt. Can I get a loosen up, he grumbled. They got to the next location and the officer already had a reason to yell at him. We have been here for five minutes and where have you been? How'd you arrest someone along the way? Sorry. Can you stop showing off your badge and pay attention to the mission in that hand, he shouted. Someone got rear-ended, sir, he explained, again with a talking back. He said like a mother in an angry mood. Just get in line, rookie. Yes, sir. They entered one of the corner stores where they got a tip that they could get information from the underground mission going on. Alright, Jacob said as he turned Ethan and two other officers. Once we ask usual questions, we will spread out and give back any feedback there is, if there is any. Rookie, go tell the shop owner that we are here. Let's see if you can mess up on this too. Ethan blinked twice and glanced at the other officers to see if they were just as shocked as his comment. They just nodded and went to the front desk. The in-game case, the shop owner asked. Oh yeah, I heard about that. About someone on 41st street being associated with it. It was something like a hit and run. I'll get you the address. Thank you, that would help us. They got the number, got the address, but the information was the owner's and Egan was long gone. We will be going to number 17 tomorrow. You hear that, rookie? Tomorrow is Monday, sir. So, Mondays are my days off, days I work my shifts at the parks. So, standing around at Disney World is more important than this, huh? No, I just... Why did they even have you on this mission, kid? You take nothing seriously and are just here for the jokes. I've seen you slacking all day, just don't show up at all anymore. Sir, I... Don't talk back to me, you shod. Now, get lost. Egan took a deep breath while tying a script on Skipper's leash. He nodded to the officers and got in his car. Driving home, he didn't have the music on or talk to Skipper, which he usually did. Skipper didn't like the fact that I whimpered a few times while pressing her nose to the radio. No Skippy side, no music. She whimpered again and crawled under into the back seat to lie down. When they got to the apartment, it was raining. He had been soaked after not finding a parking spot close to the home. At least things can't get worse, he sighed after seeing his bad years go on the counter. Skipper then decided this would be the best moment to drive and shook off the rain, spraying Ethan with dog water. He just stood there, staring off as if breaking the fourth wall and looking at an imaginary camera that he used his life. Well, now things can't get worse. He went to his room and was going to take a shower, but then remembered it was thundering, so he waited out in his pajamas until the storm passed. Okay, he sighed. Now things can't, his phone rang. He picked it up and saw his mom. Hey mom, I'm sure glad you called. I'll give you some. Ethan, Perry wasn't an accident. And that is the end of that chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.