Lizzy and the Riddler pt. 6

Tyrone, Jack and Lizzy were dropped off back at the airport after receiving crucial news from a mysterious squirrel in a limousine.

“Where's my package?” I snapped, surprised that this was the first thing to come out of my mouth.

The squirrel chuckled and studied us. She leaned over and grabbed a cardboard box. She tossed it over at my feet. It was my package and it was open!

“Hey! You opened my mail!” I yelled. “That's a federal offense . . . I think!

The squirrel smiled, “Oh I didn't open it. Someone else did.”

“Who are you?” asked Jack, “what do you want?”

“We didn't expect you to be joining us,” she replied, “but then we didn't expect Lizzy to ask for help.”

Jack smirked, “What can I say? Liz is stubborn . . . but then again so am I.”

Jerk, I thought but right now I was actually thankful he was here, for once.

“It's Lizzy,” I corrected him, again.

“Now I apologize for the misunderstanding,” the squirrel continued. “We had to examine your package.”

“So you sent Liz on a hunt to stall for time,” Jack interrupted as I blurted out my question.

“What could . . . my package possible have that you would be interested in?” I demanded. “Who are you? Where are we going?”

The squirrel completely ignored my questions and glanced down at her laptop.

“Our company got infiltrated last month by a hooded figure.” She continued, “They sent warning messages to several key members.”

“So, what does that have to do with us?” Jack interrupted, again.

“The hooded intruder also stole some important data from our facility,” she added. “They plan on sending it to your boss.”

“Mr. Smiley?” I asked, “Why?”

“I can't answer that. I only came to tell you the reason why we took your package,” she announced.

Suddenly the limousine came to a stop, Jack looked out the window and found out that we were back at the airport. The driver got out and opened the back door gesturing to us to get out. It was clear that the squirrel was done talking. Tyrone somehow slept soundly during the ride and didn't hear a thing until the car stopped. He kept muttering something about his bottle collection that somehow “got lost” in the airplane luggage. I was the last one out but before I went, I asked one more question.

“What organization did you come from?”

The squirrel looked up from her laptop and smiled.

“You'll know very soon,” she answered and then the limo took off.

Jack exchanged a few glances and wondered what to say to Mr. Smiley. We didn't say much until he showed up. Mr. Smiley walked across the parking lot and over to us.

“Sorry I was late,” he exclaimed, “there was this huge detour.”

He looked at us and somehow knew something was wrong.

“What's wrong?” he asked, as we all headed to the car.

“Uh . . . surprise!” I exclaimed, handing him the mangled package. “I got uh . . . a gift for you for . . . actually it's more like a thank you gift for letting me join the Animal Adventures Inc.”

Mr. Smiley glanced down into the package.

“Thanks I've always wanted one of these!” He exclaimed, as they got into the car. “I know something's wrong Lizzy. Do you mind telling me what's bothering you?”

Jack and Lizzy exchanged a silent argument and finally told Mr. Smiley everything that had happened. Lizzy started with the missing package and the riddles and Jack ended with the mysterious organization and the intruder. Mr. Smiley listened carefully as he drove us to the News Incorporation.

“A squirrel you say?” he asked, as we entered the building.

“Yes.” I confirmed, “do you know her?”

I saw a flicker of recognition in his face then it was gone.

“No . . . I don't but Lizzy, we should do something about this,” he added.

“Like what?” I asked.

“If a hooded figure is out there and this organization . . .” he stated, “we need everyone on high alert.”

I nodded a little confused and watched as Mr. Smiley left quickly to his office. So that is why I have written this story viewers. You are all to be on the look out for this hooded figure. If you find anything please contact Mr. Smiley. Until next time, friends.

Written by: Lizzy the Lizard

Photographer: Daniel P. Smithwater

Edited by: Christian Ryan, Joy Hammond and Mr. Smiley

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