Character List:
Ch. 1: The Phone Call
It was a pleasent morning. Jennifer was in the dining hall, with her mom, Mrs. Phantan. Jennifer had got the news two weeks ago that she was called for entering the S.J.A, i.e, Spy Jet Agency(The Mystery of the Dissapearing Teachers: #1). It is a very renowned Detective agency and it was a dream for the young teen to get in it. After solving the mystery of the dissapearing teachers in her school during the summer vacations, her confident level had gone high.
"Mom, when do I have to leave?", Jennifer asked her mother who was sitting besides her. "Where?", she said. Jennifer gave her mother a 'look' that recalled Mrs. Phantan about the S.J.A. "A-an, honey!", she exclaimed. "You aren't gonna go anywhere unless you finish your school today." "MOM!?!", Jennifer screamed.
Because of Jennifer's interest in the S.J.A, she had to go to her school: The Senween Middle High School where she united with her two best friends, Kristine and Kristie.
"Jenny!", Kristine exclaimed. "Congratulations!!!" "What for?", Jennifer questioned. "Don't play now! Your mom told my mom that you're going for the S.J.A!", Kristie, Kristine's younger sister said. "Yeah, only if I study good", she said sadly. "Typical! Every mom says that", Kristine said. "Yup", Kristie agreed. Jennifer let out a sigh.
The three girls headed towards their classroom. Jennifer and Kristine catched the first two seats they could point out and it was just a moment when they had comforted themselves and their head, Ms. Sarah Deveren entered.
"Hello, students. I'm just here to let you know that -", she hesitated. "I am resigning." The students were shocked at what their headmistress said but Jennifer and Kristine were not because they knew why she was doing this. Jennifer and her friends had uncovered that Ms. Deveren was dissapearing the school teachers, but at the end, she accepted her mistake and everything was almost back to normal but Ms. Sarah made it all abnormal again.
"Ma'am! Please, you can't do that do us", Jennifer spoke. Sarah smiled. "Jennifer, I don't think you really want to say that", she said. "No ma'am! What happened in the summer vacations is just over!", Kristine added. Without replying anything, Sarah left.
"I can't believe I'm gonna say this but", Kristine paused. "I'm gonna miss her. She was nice after all." Jennifer nodded in dissapointment. The two girls went out and found that Kristie was talking to a cute boy.
"Who's he?", Kristine asked her friend. "No idea...", Jennifer stared at Kristie. The both stepped forward when the boy had left.
"Now who was that guy?", Kristine asked her sister. "Racher!", she exclaimed. "Who's 'Racher'?", Jennifer asked. "He's from our homeroom! Isn't he soooo cute?", Kristie asked. "The teacher held me responsible to teach him maths." "Maths? Ugh! I really dislike that subject", Jennifer said, making sure not to use the word 'hate'. "Don't get too close to him else I'll tell mom", Kristine teased. Kristie showed her tongue in return.
"Do you think we'll be able to see you again?", Kristine asked Jennifer. "What to you mean?", she asked back. "I mean - you are going to that S.J.A, its a BIG thing", Kristine continued. "It's really high stuff and you know - stuck up stuff." "Ah! You're taking it the wrong way. Infact, I was thinking to register your names too", Jennifer said which brought a smile on Kristine and Kristie's face.
"So you both will be coming to the S.J.A, eh?", Jennifer asked her friends, collecting her books from her locker. Kristine and Kristie looked at each other. "If you insist!", they said. Jennifer laughed.
Just then, a man came running, it was Robbie, the school cleaning staff.
"Jennifer, you have a call", he said pointing towards the head office.
Robbie lead the three girls to the office and Jennifer took the hold of the phone.
"Hello?", she said.
"Hello, is that Jennifer Phantan?", a male voice asked.
"Yes, may I know who's on?"
"We are from the S.J.A, it is a call for you, you have to come to the Spy Jet office right now."
"Em - ok. Can I - I bring my friends along?"
"Yeah, you can bring anyone with you, but reach till 3:00 PM"
Jennifer put down the phone and told her friends about it.
"Oh thats so cool! We can come, we can come!!!", Kristie danced around. "Whats the time then?" "Oops! Its 2:45 PM. We gotta move!!!", Jennifer exclaimed, rushing towards the door, followed by her friends.
In the middle of the way, Kristie recollected her thoughts and screamed as loud as she could. "Aaaah! I forgot, I have to meet Racher at my house to teach him Maths!" "You are leaving the S.J.A for that stupid guy?", her sister asked. "He is not stupid!", Kristie growled and left. The two girls let out a sigh. "Let it go...", Jennifer mumbled. Then, they moved on.
"Taxi!", Jennifer called out on the road. A car stopped. "Get in", a boy said. He looked in his teens to Jennifer and was wearing white T-shirt and light blue jeans. He had ocean blue eye lens and his hair was blondish - brown in color and was handsome in personality. The two friends got in. "Where do you wanna go?", he asked. "Em - S.J.A", Jennifer replied. "You are a member there!?", he exclaimed. Jennifer nodded a no. "Trying to be one!" The boy laughed and so did Jennifer and Kristine. The car gained it's speed on the road.
"We're getting late... its almost 3:00 PM", Jennifer looked at her wrist watch. "Can you please drive fast? Its really important for us to reach there till three." "Ok, I'll try my best", he said. He drived almost above 200 km/h and it looked to the girls as the taxi was flying!
Suddenly, the car stopped.
Ch. 2: Jared - not just a taxi driver for Jennifer
"What happened?", Kristine asked. "We're there!", the guy exclaimed. "Oh! Thanks a load - em -", Jennifer stopped as she did not know what the boy's name was and how to thank him. "The name is Jared", he said. "Jennifer", she shook hands with the taxi guy and for a minute, she was lost. She had a - crush on him!!!
"Em - how much do we have to pay?", Kristine interrupted. "Never mind. You go catch your part in the S.J.A", Jared winked and gave a thumbs up to Jennifer. Jennifer blushed and then ran away with Kristine towards the gate.
"Isn't he cu-u-ute!", Kristine exclaimed. Jennifer didn't answer, her face still red. "Jenny?", Kristine asked. "Huh?", Jennifer asked, lost in some other world. "Never mind", Kristine rolled her eyes. "There we are in the office!"
The gate was huge and metallic. At the end, was a electric bell. Jennifer rang it.
"Who's it?", a voice game from the lock synthesizer. "Jennifer Phantan. I was called here and this is my friend - Kristine Sanchez", she said. "Come in."
The girls moved in. They went through a small garden and then, inside the lobby. It was really beautiful, it was almost like a hotel. Jennifer headed towards the reception, followed by Kristine.
"May I help you?", a lady sitting there said. She was wearing an creamish top with a black formal skirt. She had brown hair and green eye lens and was around 25. "I am Jennifer Phantan", she said. The lady checked some records in her computer. "You're been expected, please go to the right and then in the office."
The two friends chose the direction which the lady had said and entered the office.
"Excuse-me", Jennifer called out in the office. The girls noticed that a man was sitting on a chair, his face facing towards the wall. He turned around. He was wearing old traditional black and white suit and had blonde hair. "How can I help you?", he asked. "Em - my name is Jennifer Phantan and this my friend Kristine Sanchez. We were called here for, em, you know - entering S.J.A", she said. "I see...", the man hummed checking some files. "What€™s your experience?" "Pardon me", Jennifer said. "How many mysteries have you solved - your experience?", he asked. "Oh - em - one", she said. The man laughed. "Do you really think we€™ll let you in when you€™ve just solved one mystery?" Jennifer€™s face got low. "But -", she said. "Please leave and don€™t waste our time", the man said cruely.
Jennifer and Kristine backed out dissapointly. They headed towards the road and noticed the same taxi. Jared waved and brought the car near to the girls.
"So, any luck?", he asked. Jennifer€™s eyes became soggy. I guess that means a no, Jared thought. The girls got in.
"What happened in there?", Jared asked. "They said that I haven€™t solved enough cases to get in", Jennifer said, dissapointedly. "That€™s ridiculous! If you do not get chances to solve a mystery, how will you solve it!", Jared exclaimed in anger. He turned the car.
"Where are we going?", Kristine asked. "Back to the S.J.A office", Jared replied. "But they already said a no!", Jennifer said. Jared did not reply but kept on driving.
They reached in a few minutes. "C€™mon", he said, opening the back door where the girls were sitting. They came out.
Again, they passed through the small garden but this time they did not stop at the reception. "J-Jared, I think we should consult the reception", Jennifer adviced. "No", he said. Jennifer stopped moving. "What happened?", Jared asked. "Nothing, it just does not feel right to me", she said. Jared grabbed Jennifer€™s hand and literally, dragged her near the office.
"Stay here, I€™ll go and see", he said. Jared entered the office and then closed the door. Jennifer and Kristine looked puzzled.
What is going on here?, Jennifer asked herself. "Jenny, I think", Kristine paused. "That Jared guy likes you." "Stop talking ridiculous!!!", Jennifer screamed angrily on her pal.
After a few moments, Jared came out, smiling. "They€™ve called you in", he said. Suddenly, Jennifer€™s face lighted up. Jennifer, Kristine and Jared went in.
"Jennifer Phantan, correct?", the man asked. Jennifer nodded. "Which case have you solved?" "Em - there were a few dissapearences at our school during the vacations and Kristine and her younger sister, Kristie, helped me solve it", she said. "Hm...", the man hummed. "Can you solve another mystery?" "W-what do you mean?" "Come tommorow at the same time, here, take this", the man handed a piece of paper with €˜2380€™ written on it and with a signature. Jennifer thought that his name was Mr. Decare as the signatures said so. "This is your serial number. Don€™t lose it else they won€™t let you in." "Thanks a lot", Jennifer said. "Don€™t say thanks to me, say thanks to this young man who convinced me", he pointed towards Jared. All Jennifer could do was smile.
The girls and Jared backed out from the office and Jared got his taxi out.
"Thanks a lot, you€™re a life saver", Jennifer said, getting inside the taxi. "Welcome", he said. "Hey! You guys wanna have a cup of tea at my place?" "Em - I dunno. If Kristine has no problem", Jennifer said. "I do - Kristie! She€™s alone at home with some guy and mom has gone to some party and she won€™t be back till night", Kristine said. "Why don€™t I drop you to your home and then take Jennifer?", he asked. "Em - I - em - o - ok", Jennifer said, drowned in shyness. This was the first time that a boy had asked her out!
As decided, Jared dropped Kristine to her home.
"So, you wanna go to my place or some restaurant?", Jared asked. "Anything you want", Jennifer aswered. "C€™mon, guys don€™t decide", Jared laughed. "Em - your place?", she said. Jared nodded.
It took hardly the two a few minutes to reach. Jared climed a few stair cases, followed by Jennifer. They entered.
"Sorry, the room is a little messy", he apologized picking up a few books and placing them on the shelf. "Actually no one comes here except for me so..." "Never mind, my room is quite the same", she interrupted sitting on a blue couch. "I€™ll get some drinks for you", he said leaving towards the kitchen.
Jennifer looked around, the room was really messy, but for some reason, she had no problem. A few minutes later, Jared walked in carrying two cups of tea and a plate full of cookies. "Thanks", Jennifer said as he handed the cup to her. "So you live here all alone?" Jared nodded. "Not even your parents?" "Nope", he said. "Mom and dad are divorced and for 12 long years, I haven€™t seen them. I was three when they left me." "Oh! Its really sad to hear that", she said. "Nah! I€™m kind of used to it, plus, my aunt - Sharon took care of my but even she left when I was ten. Anyways, what about you?" "I live with my mom. I was six when my father died in an accident", she said. "Well, we have a little in common", Jared laughed.
Jennifer was having a good time chatting with Jared. "What are your hobbies?", Jennifer asked. "I like reading books, I read a lot. You must have seen the shelves full", he chuckled. "I even like to paint.." "Oh cool. Can you show a few paintings of yours?", she aksed. Jared nodded. He fetched a few canvas kept besides the bed.
One painting was of the colony Jared lived in. It really resembled the place and Jennifer could tell that he was a very good painter. One was of a rabbit resting in some woods and a few more like that. "These are beautiful!", Jennifer exclaimed. Jared smiled. "Which school you go?", she asked. "Senween Middle High School", he replied. "Nooo waaay! Thats the school where I go! How come I never see you?", she asked. Jared shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe we will", he said. "And your taxi... I mean, why do you drive a taxi?", she asked. "I€™ve gotta earn, I€™ve got no one to help me", he said. Jennifer€™s eyes downed.
His life is so sad, she thought. But still he never complains and always smiles!
Suddenly, Jennifer€™s eyes fell on her watch and it was almost eight! "I gotta go! Its really late", she said. "O-ok, I€™ll drop you", he said. "So where do we meet tomorrow, you€™re going to the S.J.A, correct?" "Em - yeah. I guess we can meet in the school itself", she said, heading towards the door.
Ch. 3: Bad news
Jared dropped Jennifer to her home and then, headed back. As Jennifer reached, she was welcomed by her mother.
"Jenny? What happened? Are you in?", she asked. "Not exactly...", Jennifer replied sitting on a chair. "They told me to come tomorrow. They first said no but thanks to Jared, the man gave me another chance." "J-Jared? Who's Jared?", Mrs. Phantan questioned. Jennifer bit her tongue, regretting why she said Jared's name. "E - em, no one", she lied. "He is just - a taxi driver." Mrs. Phantan laughed. "Looks more than a taxi driver to me." Jennifer blushed and moved to her room.
The next day, Jennifer left for the school where she united with her two best friends, Kristine and Kristie.
"Whats up?", Kristie asked. "Em - nothing much", Jennifer said, picking up her books from her locker. "How was your date with Jared?", Kristine interrogated. "It was not a date!", Jennifer shouted angrily. The two sisters laughed making Jennifer lose her temper but her temper was cooled when she saw Jared at the school door. She rushed towards him.
"Hey!", Jared said. "I was looking for you." "E - em, why?", she asked. "Just like that. When do you have to leave?", he questioned. "The reporting timing is the same, that is, 3:00 pm so, 2:30 pm?", Jennifer said. "Sure, I'll see you here only", he said and just then, the school bell rang. "I guess I gotta go. See you soon!"
What is up with Jenny?, Kristine thought. Since she's met that Jared, her face is suddenly lighted up!
Kristine was thinking correct, Jennifer was really happy!
Kristine was in the History class, sitting besides Jennifer. She noticed something different, though Jennifer loved History as a subject, she was not at all paying attention and was scribling something on her history notebook. Kristine leaned over in a way that Jennifer did not come to know to see what was she writing and once Kristine read it, her eyes had widened. She was writing Jared's name!!!
When the class was over, Jennifer rushed out, followed by Kristine. "Where are you going now? We still have one class left", Kristine said. "Its 2:30, I've gotta see Jared to go to the S.J.A", she replied, placing her books back in the locker. "Aren't we - coming?", Kristine asked. "We?", she asked. "You said that we will be going too, the first time you received the call!", Kristine exclaimed. "O - oh. Yeah, why not, call Kristie", she said. "Near the school gate, ok?" Kristine nodded and left to call her younger sister. Then, Jennifer reached the school gate where she waited almost ten minutes for the young taxi driver.
"Sorry, I was caught by the new head. He is a freak!", Jared said. "New head?", Jennifer asked. "Yeah, Ms. Sarah Deveren resigned. I dunno why, she was very sweet", he said. Jennifer's eyes lowered. It is all because of me that Ms. Sarah left the school, she thought, her eyes becoming wet. "Hey, you fine?", Jared asked, observing the tears in Jennifer's eyes. "Y-yeah", she said, rubbing her eyes. "Do you - know - why Ms. Deveren resigned?", he asked. Jennifer nodded a no.
Just then, Kristine and Kristie entered. "Hey Jenny! Em - anything wrong?", Kristie asked when she saw Jennifer's eyes wet. "Nothing", Jennifer answered. "Jared? Who's the new head?" "Ah! He's an extreme freak. He catches students without any reason and gives them detention", he said. "His name is Mr. Donnie Sherven." "Wow! Looks pretty cruel from the name itself", Kristine chuckled. "Jared, can you take us to Ms. Sarah's house after the S.J.A?", Jennifer asked. "Sure", he replied. "Oh, just a second, I need your advice, how's this ring?" Jared opened a box in which was kept a ring which had a nug in the middle. "For whose is this for? Your sister?", Jennifer smiled. "Stop kidding! It is for my girlfriend!", he laughed but Jennifer didn't. Jared had a girlfriend! "Y-you've got a girlfriend?", she asked. "Em - not exactly, I've got a crush. Why, whats wrong?", he asked. Jennifer ran away. "What happened to her?", he repeated. "Nothing, just nothing", Kristine said, leaving along with her sister. "Hey! Wait up, aren't we gonna go to the S.J.A?", Jared asked. Kristine stopped. "No need now", she said.
Kristine and Kristie caught up with Jennifer soon and watching her miserable face, even the sisters felt bad for her. "Let it go, Jenny. He is just a stupid guy", Kristie said. "Not easy with Racher, eh?", Jennifer said. Kristie's face lowered. "C'mon, you'll find tonns of other taxi guys!", Kristine laughed but again, Jennifer didn't. "Hm... Now Jared cannot stop you to enter the S.J.A?", Kristie asked. This was correct. Not Jared, not any guy would stop Jennifer from achieving what she wants so she headed towards the road.
"Taxi!!!", Jennifer yelled on the road. A taxi stopped and oh no - it was Jared's again!!! "Hey you, what happened? Why did you run away like that?", he asked. Jennifer kept silent but Kristine spoke. "She recalled something and it was - important." "Anyways, get in", he said. Kristine and Kristie had to put lots of effort to get Jennifer in as she was refusing to go in Jared's taxi but at the last, they achieved their goal.
In a few moments, they were at the Spy Jet Agency's head office.
"I'll come in with you?", Jared asked once he parked his car. "No need", Jennifer said coldly. Kristine stepped on Jennifer's foot purposely. "Ok, em - you can come", Jennifer said. They entered.
They entered the same office and found the same man, Mr. Decare, there. "Oh! Welcome Ms. Jennifer Phantan", he said. "Are you ready?" "R-ready, ready for what?", she asked. "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you. You will be working on a case and if you solve it, you're in!", he exclaimed.
Ch. 4: The Sad Singer's story
Jennifer agreed, she had to agree! "Ok, what is it?", she asked. "You'll come to know soon. Em - Mr. Jared Levier? Could you drive this young lady wherever she wants?", he asked. Mr. Jared Levier? How does he knows Jared's last name when even I don't!, Jennifer wondered. "Sure, if it's fine with Jenny", he said. "Jennifer", she corrected. "Yeah, but thats your pet-name, isn't it?", he asked. "Its only for the people whom I like", she said. Jared showed a confused look and Kristine and Kristie exchanged a 'not good' look. Kristine laughed to cover up the eerie. "Hahaha, Jenny, always joking! Hahaha." But still, Jared looked confused.
As Mr. Decare had said, Jared drove Jennifer, Kristine and Kristie to the place they wanted and the place was an auditorium!
"Auditorium? I'm sure we've come at the wrong place", Kristie said. "No, pa - I mean, Mr. Decare said that auditorium is the place", Jared said.
Jennifer was the first one to get out of the taxi, later followed by Jared and the two sisters.
The four noticed something - heavy crowd! There were people - everywhere! And soon, Jennifer knew why. There was a famous singer - Tarrain Caventer of which, Jennifer was a big fan itself but for Jennifer right now, her investigation was more important, so she headed towards Tarrain, cutting the long line to meet him.
"Excuse-me, I'm here from the S.J.A", she said to the singer who was signing autographs. When Jennifer introduced herself, he immediately stopped signing and called her in and she did not dissapoint him, so, with the others, she followed him.
"Mr. Decare sent you here?", Tarrain asked Jennifer. She nodded a yes. "May I know something about the case?" Tarrain started explaning. He said that everytime he had a concert, one of his instruments would go missing and after that, he was unable to perform. Because of this, lot of money would go wasted and now, he was under a heavy burden. He had to pay off millions of dollars!
"You need to help me. I can't pay off such a big amount", he said. "I -", she said but then looked at Kristine and Kristie. "We will try and do whatever we can to help you." "Thanks a lot. It would really mean a lot to me", he said. "Now, may we ask a few questions to start?", Jennifer asked. Caventer nodded. "How - I mean, any clue or anything common when an instrument dissapears?" "No, it just mysteriously dissapears... I've got no idea", he said. "Ok...", Jennifer said writing what Tarrain said on a paper. "And, do you have any fights or something?" "As a matter of fact, yes. I'd lately broken up with my girlfriend, Sharon Levier so...", he said. "SHUT UP!", Jared said. Jennifer glanced at him. "She is my aunt! She would never do such a thing." "Jared, anything you'd like to tell me?" "Yes. This man is a cheat! He is putting blame on my aunt. And I think he is the criminal", he said. "You can't just state me the criminal! Sharon said that she would destroy me", Tarrain said. "Give me a break!", Kristie came into the scene. "First explain, how is Sharon Levier this super star's girlfriend?" "Good point. Ehm ehm", Caventer cleaned is throught and then continued speaking. "She tricked me. She acted like the 'Biggest Fan' and she starting dating me and bla bla bla, you know how the story goes. Then, she asked me for money and when I refused her, she broke up and said bad stuff to me." "Thats ridiculous! Aunt would never do that", Jared said. "When did I say that she is the instrument stealer. It can be even you", Tarrain said. Jared's face had turned red with anger and if Jennifer wouldn't speak in between, he would really have punched the singer really hard. "Let it go, you two! We're here to solve a case and not to fight. Jared, you better leave for a minute or two."
On the order of Jennifer, Jared left the room.
"Now, would you explain in detail?", Jennifer asked. "Yes. When I broke up with Sharon, I'd learned that she started dating me because she wanted money. She wanted only money", he said. "So, you say that Jared's aunt has done all this?", Kristine asked. "Maybe... or that Jared guy. Maybe Sharon had told him to do so, or maybe something else", Tarrain said. "Thanks, we'll see what we can do", Jennifer said, leaving.
Outside, she found that Jared was waiting for them.
"Don't tell me that you're suspecting my aunt", Jared said as he saw Jennifer and the sisters coming. "I dunno. Can you take us to her house?", Jennifer asked. "Yeah", he said, getting in the taxi.
In about forty minutes, they reached Sharon Levier's house. It was a well-maintained house and Jennifer and the others noticed a young lady. She was in about 30's and as soon as Jared enterred, she hugged him real tight. Jennifer could tell that she was Sharon Levier, Jared's aunt.
Then, Sharon noticed that there were someone else also besides Jared, so she tied her long brown hair neatly in a pony and asked her guests for a cup of tea but the girls refused.
"We're here to investigate about Mr. Tarrain Caventer's dissapearing instruments", Jennifer said. Hearing Tarrain's name, Sharon had a wierd anger on her face. "What?", she asked. "He claims that you're somehow related with the case", Kristine said. "That is surely untrue!", she exclaimed with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry to hurt you but - why did you break-up with him?", Jennifer asked. "I - I cannot tell", she said. Jennifer, Kristine and Kristie exchanged a wierd look. "Why?", they asked all together. Sharon burst out crying. "Please, don't torture her", Jared said. "We - we can come back later." "But -", Jennifer said but was interrupted by Jared. "Please, leave her alone, go away!" This was the first time that Jennifer had heard Jared so serious. There's something wrong with these two. Maybe we should come back later, Jennifer though. "Ok", she said. "C'mon Kristine and Kristie. We can come back later, right?" Sharon nodded. "You guys go, I'll catch up in a minute", Jared said as he saw his friends going.
Ch. 5: Sharon and Jared in suspect list!
"There's something fishy with Jared and his aunt", Kristie said. Jennifer and Kristine nodded. Jennifer took out a paper and wrote: THE MYSTERY OF THE SPY JET AGENCY(S.J.A) in block letters and then wrote below it: Suspect list. Then she wrote Jared Levier and Sharon Levier and put it back inside her purse. "Do you really think Jared can be involved in it, Jenny?", Kristine asked. "I - I dunno. I cannot picture Jared with the suspects but - this is a mystery." Just then, Jared came.
"Is everything fine with your aunt?", Jennifer asked. "Yeah, c'mon, I'll drop you to your home, or you wanna go somewhere else?", he asked. "Ms. Sarah Deveren's house?", she asked. "Ms. Sarah's house? What will we do in there?", Kristie asked. "I just want meet her, I feel bad that I couldn't even say goodbye to her", Jennifer said.
After Kristine and Kristie agreed, Jennifer, Kristine, Kristie and Jared headed towards Ms. Sarah Deveren, their previous head's home.
As they entered, they were welcomed Ms. Sarah herself.
"Hello girls. What a pleasent surprise!", she exclaimed. "Hello ma'am", the four said all together. "Oh! I'm so sorry, I said 'girls'. Now that I see a handsome boy is with them I've gotta say 'people'", she laughed and so did the others. "So, how come you're here?" "Ma'am, can't you return back?", Kristie simply asked. "Sorry sweet heart, I don't think now the staff would accept me after what happened", she said. "What happened?", Jared asked as he did not know about The mystery of Dissapearing Teachers for which, Ms. Sarah was responsible. "Nothing", Jennifer said and the continued speaking to Ms. Sarah. "Ma'am, but we want you back. That new head is so not good!" Sarah laughed. "So do you think I am good?", she asked. Kristine and Kristie nodded and so did Jennifer but Jared's face was confused. "At least better than that Donnie Cronnie!", Jared chuckled. "Donnie Cronnie?", Jennifer asked. "Yeah, thats what we call that freak." Ms. Sarah laughed again. "Anyways, I'm happy to resign. I'm happy that I'm not at the police station!", she exclaimed. Jared again showed a confused face as it was once again related to The mystery of the Dissapearing Teachers. "That would never happen", Kristie said. Ms. Sarah smiled.
After a few hours, Jared headed back to his home after dropping the girls.
"Hey, Jenny", her mom greeted as Jennifer entered. "Hi mom", she greeted back, but a little dissapointed. "Whats the matter, honey? Any problem with the case?", Mrs. Phantan asked. "Bingo!", Jennifer exclaimed. "This case is too complicated! I cannot figure out a single clue." "You will, you just need some time. It's your first official S.J.A case", her mother said. Jennifer nodded and went to her room.
The next day, she got ready and went to the school. There, she noticed something wierd - Kristine was chatting with Jared and Jared was giving something like a box to her. She stepped forward.
"Hey Kristine", she said. "Ah - oh, hey Jenny!", Kristine said. "Where's Kristie?", Jennifer asked. Kristine shrugged her shoulders. "Why don't I leave you girls alone", Jared said but before leaving, Jared whispered something to Kristine. Jennifer kind of didn't like it. Was she - jelous?
"What is going on with you and Jared?", Jennifer asked finally after the literature class. "Huh?", Kristine asked. "You seem to be getting too close", Jennifer said. "No, no, no, no! You're taking it all wrong, I'll explain it to you later", she said putting her last book in the locker. The school was over.
After that, Kristine and Jennifer picked up Kristie from her class and they decided a sleepover at the sisters' house.
"Hello girls", Mrs. Sanchez, Kristine and Kristie's mom greeted. "Hi Mrs. Sanchez", Jennifer greeted. "Hey mom, you mind if Jenny stays over?", Kristine questioned. "Ofcourse not sweetie. C'mon, get in, I'll prepare some snacks for you guys."
The girls moved to the sister's room.
"So Kristie, what's up with you and Racher?", Jennifer asked, munching on some french fries. "Maths", Kristie said. "He's a fool at it! See, I asked him if I have 30 wrist watches and I give 29 to my sister, how much do I have left, he said - none because I'll be wearing one on and I don't have any other to distribute!" Everyone laughed. "Jenny, I need to give you something, Kristie, could you leave us alone for a second?", Kristine asked her little sister. Kristie left.
"What is it?", Jennifer asked. "Just a sec", Kristine said, taking out the same box which Jared had handed to Kristine. "Jared told me to give it to you." "What is in it?", Jennifer asked. "I dunno, I didn't open it", she said. Jennifer tore the tape on it and opened the box. Inside was kept a paper, a smaller box and some frame type of thing. She picked up the paper and realized that it was a letter, she read it aloud and it said:
To Jennifer,
Well, I don't know how to start this but... I want you to know who I have crush on. She is the most pretty girl I've ever seen, her eyes are like ocean in which you can drown in and she's got the most kind face. She is extremely wise and can solve anything in a minute. To me, she is PERFECT.
Jennifer was getting mad reading this letter. She was boiling with anger. Why does he want to tell me this?, she asked herself and then continued.
I've sent a picture of her, please see that before you continue reading.
Jennifer picked up the frame type thing and realized that it was a mirror. A mirror?, she wondered. "Jenny! Look into the mirror!", Kristine exclaimed. "What? I am and all I can see is - me! Am I -", she stopped. Kristine nodded. Jennifer continued reading the letter.
You are wise enough to know who I've got crush on but incase you do not know it till now, it's you. I don't know what happened to me when I first saw you. Anyways, to answer me, I've sent a ring along. If you have the same feelings, wear it in the school tommorow and I'll understand it's a yes, otherwise...
"What was he thinking when he wrote this stuff?", she asked. Before Kristine could reply, a phone call interrupted them and soon they learnt that it was Tarrain Caventer's call. Jennifer picked up the call.
"Hello?", Jennifer said.
"Hello, is that Jennifer Phantan?", Tarrain asked.
"Yup"
"Jennifer, there's a problem! A BIG one"
"What happened?"
"I've received some notes. It says that you're gonna be doomed or else leave this case"
"Oh my goodness! Have you got any idea who's handwriting it is?"
"No, its printed"
"I'll be there in half an hour or so, take care of the instruments"
"Yeah, bye"
"Bye"
As soon as the Jennifer kept the receiver down, she rushed to the sisters' room and told them about what she'd heard lately from Tarrain.
"Oh my goodness! We've gotta hurry", Kristie said. "Ya but - how do we reach?", Jennifer questioned. Kristine and Kristie looked annoyed. "Jared, duh!", they exclaimed. "Oh no no no! You don't think I'm gonna go with that fool?", she said. Kristie caught a hold of Jennifer's arm and dragged her to the phone and handed her the receiver. "Call him", she said, freaking out. "You're telling me to do it, you do it", Jennifer said. Kristie showed an angrily look. Jared cannot become a wall in my work, Jennifer thought and dialed Jared's number.
"Hello?", she said.
"Hello, may I know who's on the line?", Jared said.
Jennifer was freezed for a moment, but then, she continued.
"Em - its, em - Kristie speaking", Jennifer lied.
"Oh! Hi Kristie, whats up?", Jared asked while Kristie stared angrily at Jennifer.
"Jennifer got a call from Tarrain and we need you to drive us to his place"
"A - Ok", he said.
The call ended but Kristie did not stop staring at Jennifer. "What were you thinking?", she asked. "What could I do, I don't wanna talk to that idiot", Jennifer said bluntly. Kristie sighed.
The girls waited almost half an hour for Jared but he dissapointed him. He did not reach.
"Where is he?", Kristine asked. "Boys, they never reach on time!", Jennifer exclaimed angrily. Just then, the doorbell rang. "This must be Jared", Kristie said heading towards the door but it was not Jared on the door...
Ch. 5: Major Clue
Tarrain was standing. "Is Jennifer Phantan here?", he asked. "Oh! Tarrain Caventer! We were just coming, you know, for that case", Kristie smiled. Tarrain followed Kristie to her room.
"A - Tarrain Caventer, we were just -", Jennifer said but was interrupted by Caventer. "What is taking you so long?", he asked. "I'm sorry, we were just waiting for the taxi driver", she said. "Fine, you keep on waiting for him, I'll hire some other S.J.A member", he said. "No no! Please, give us one more chance", Kristine said. "Hm...", he continued. "Ok, you can come in my car."
In a minute, the three friends(Jared still did not show up) left Kristie and Kristine's home. The three girls, still, had to wait because of Tarrain as he came out late from the room.
"Do you think we should visit Jared and his aunt before we go to the auditorium. After all, he is a suspect and we said that we'll be visiting Sharon today", Kristie said. "Yeah, what do you think, Tarrain?", Jennifer asked. "Not a problem if I come to know who's the culprit", he said.
In almost twenty minutes, they were at Sharon's home and what they noticed was not good. The whole house was in shatters! And in a corner was laying Sharon and Jared, unconcious!
"What happened here?", Jennifer asked in a loud voice, moving towards where Sharon and Jared were laying. Her eyes became soggy. "Just a sec", Kristie said fetching a jug full of water. She then, sprinkled some water on Jared and his aunt but it made no effect. "We need to take them to the hospital!", Jennifer exclaimed. Without waiting for any comment, Jennifer and the sisters somehow managed to get Jared and Sharon in the car and later, to the hospital.
Jennifer stopped at the hospital reception and reserved a room for the two victims and then, along with Kristine and Kristie, consulted the doctor.
"What could have happened, doc?", Kristie asked. "The two do not have any scars which means they were made unconcious", the doctor said. "What do you mean?", Jennifer asked. "I mean that somebody made the two consume sleeping tablets, maybe in some tea or coffee or as it is", he said. But why would anyone want to do that?, Jennifer asked herself but had no answer. "When will the effect of the tablets finish?", Kristine asked. "It depends on how many tablets they took. For one tablet, a person sleeps for... almost a night", said the doctor. "How many tablets you think they have taken?", Kristie asked. "Maybe two to three... its just a guess", he said. Jennifer and the others face lowered. If they did take those many tablets, they would sleep almost for three to four nights! "I called Jared almost an hour ago so that means someone came to their house after I called him", Jennifer said. "Jenny, do you really want to continue the case?", Kristie asked. "Ofcourse, nothing comes between me and my mystery!", she exclaimed.
After that conversation, the three girls gathered up and discussed what they should do next.
"... I don't know. The mystery is piling up and I can't discover a single clue! Whoever the culprit is, he or she is a proffessional - I guess", Jennifer said. "Don't lose hope, Jenny. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the truth", Kristine consoled. Jennifer let out a sigh. "I don't know, this is too tough", she said. "I think I can't handle it." The sisters were freezed at Jennifer's words. Jennifer was gonna give up? "Jenny, are you - not continuing this case?", Kristie asked. "I guess not. I'll see Mr. Decare right away", Jennifer replied.
Well, everything was over, Jennifer was leaving the case. She left for the S.J.A head office.
"Mr. Decare!", Jennifer shouted in the empty office. "Where is he?!" "Are they allowed to leave the office like that?", Kristine asked. Kristie and Jennifer shrugged their shoulders. Just then, a lady came in, Jennifer could recall that she was the same lady who was in the reception when Jennifer first came to the S.J.A. "Who are you people?", she asked. "Em - Jennifer Phantan, remember?", she said. "Oh, you!", the lady exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" "We wanted to have some words with Mr. Decare", Jennifer replied. "And you?" "I just came to put this name plate here, its a rule, only Mr. Decare Levier's name plate was left", the lady left the room after putting the plate down.
"Wait a sec - did she say, Mr. Decare Levier?", Jennifer asked. "I guess so -", Kristie said. Jennifer stepped forward and opened the table drawrs. "What are you doing?", Kristine asked. "If Mr. Decare's last name is Levier then it means, he is somehow related to Sharon and Jared", Jennifer answered. Jennifer did find something - a picture in which Mr. Decare, Jared and Sharon were posing together and there was a 'heart' mark on both of Jared's and Sharon's face. "What is this?", Kristie asked. "Clue", Jennifer smiled. "I am not leaving this case!"
Ch. 6: The Shadow of the Fear
The sisters, though, were very happy that Jennifer was continuing with the case but at the same time, were shocked to see how instantly Jennifer could change her mind.
"How? How is this stuff related to the case - ah! I don't understand a single thing!", Kristie exclaimed. "Look", Jennifer continued. "First, Mr. Decare refused me to enter S.J.A but when Jared asked him, he agreed! Then, that lady said Mr. Decare Levier, you all heard that, and now - this photo! Its obvious that something is fishy with Mr. Decare, Jared and Sharon." The sisters were stunned to hear Jennifer. "And one more thing, when we mentioned Tarrain's name infront of Jared and Sharon, how they were frowning! Instead, Sharon started crying and I think - Jared is too close to Sharon. I don't know why I think that but, according to my opinion, Sharon is something more than just an aunt to Jared", she said.
"What are we gonna do next?", Kristine asked. "We can't do anything till Jared and Sharon regain conciousness. They have to know something about it and who attacked them", Jennifer answered. "But that's gonna take forever, we can't wait for that much time", Kristie said. "I know, its hard to wait. What do you say, shall we go to Sharon's home and look for some clue?", Jennifer asked. "Yeah!", Kristine and Kristie said together.
So now, the three young detectives set out to discover some clues at the crime place - Sharon's home.
As they entered, they could not notice something special. "Hm...", Jennifer hummed as she examined the lobby very carefully. But then, she was interrupted when the sisters screamed their lungs out.
"WHAT HAPPENED YOU TWO!", Jennifer growled angrily. "T - th - the SHADOW!", Kristine pointed towards the wall where they saw a mysterious and creepy shadow!
"W - what on earth is that!?", Jennifer asked in fear as she saw the shadow moving. She turned around, she tried to locate from where the shadow was emerging but before she could decide anything, it dissapeared!
"Jenny, I think we need to get out from here", Kristine said. "B-but that shadow can reveil tonns of truth!", Jennifer exclaimed. "Ya but I don't think its worth risking your life!", Kristie exclaimed. "C'mon Jenny, whats the need to think here?", Kristine asked. "I dunno, I think, I've seen something like that shadow before, I doubt its just a 'creepy shadow', we need to search it!", Jennifer claimed. "Fine! We're with you but -", Kristine paused. "Not today. We can search for that so called 'Shadow of The Fear' tommorow, but now - ah! I'm very tired, lets go back to our home."
Jennifer was convinced with her friend. So the two sisters along with Jennifer, headed to their home.
The girls went to the sister's room and found something terrible - the room was in shatters! Everything was blown off, the drawrs had come out, the dresses were lying, the cupboards were open and everything was - messy!
"Who did this?", Kristie frowned in anger. "Maybe - mom", Kristie's elder sister replied. "But mom would never want to mess up our room, she is always after us to clean it up!", Kristie exclaimed. Kristine stood still for a moment, observing her room. "Seems like someone was looking for something", she said. "And he or she got it", Jennifer said. "What?!", the sisters exclaimed. "My ring! Its gone", Jennifer said. "Ring? Which ring?", Kristie asked. "Which Jared sent me - its not here. I kept it on the bed and now -", she said. Just then, the three felt something strange - very strange. It felt to them as if someone was listening to their talks and oh no - the three friends spotted the same shadow again.
Jennifer ran as fast as she could, down the hallway but it was too late, the shadow had already dissapeared, so she, dissapointedly headed back to the room.
"I lost it again!", Jennifer exclaimed in anger as she entered. "Jenny, this mystery is extremely - extremely - em - mysterious!", Kristie said. "I think, we should - back out?" "Oh no, no, no, no, no! Lately, I've been able to find some clues and they might lead us to the end of the case", Jennifer said. "But 'might' won't work here! Either we have to solve the case, or quit and I think, quit is an easier way", Kristine said. "Easier, but not the correct one", Jennifer argued. "You mean you are gonna continue the case?", Kristine asked. "Yup", Jennifer replied.
After a delicious dinner made by Mrs. Sanchez, the three girls went off to sleep.
The next day was a bright and sunny day.
"Good morning mom", Kristine and Kristie greeted. "Good morning Mrs. Sanchez", Jennifer said. "Good morning girls, slept well?", Mrs. Sanchez asked. "Yeah", the three girls nodded in agreement. "The breakfast is ready."
"Nice cake, Mrs. Sanchez", appretiated Jennifer. Mrs. Sanchez smiled in return. "So, how far have you reached in the case?", she asked. "In a place called the middle of no where", Jennifer said. The others laughed. "That reminds me, we have to check Jared and Sharon in the hospital. Its already been two to three days, they must be back to normal", Kristine said. "Yeah, they've gotta know who made them consume the tablets and I also have to tell Jared about the ring and the shadows we see, maybe he knows something", Jennifer said.
After the breakfast, Jennifer, Kristine and Kristie went to the hospital and asked the doctor about Jared and his aunt.
"... they're almost fine", he said. "They just need some rest." The three friends were relieved to hear that. "Thank goodness! We were extremely worried", Kristie said. "You can go and see them", the doctor said.
So the three friends, headed towards the hospital room where Jared and Sharon were admitted.
"Hello Ms. Sharon, how are you now?", Jennifer asked. "Better, I guess", Sharon replied. "And you, Jared?", Kristine asked. "Same", he said. Before Jennifer could say a word, Jared looked at Jennifer's finger to see if she was wearing the ring he had sent and he was heartbroken to see that she was not wearing it. Jennifer understood so she spoke up immediately. "I lost the ring." "WHAT!?", Jared reacted in an angry way. "I mean - someone stole it", Jennifer tried to defend herself. "You lost a ring of MILLION DOLLARS!?", Jared asked.
Ch. 7: Another clue to the end of the mystery
Everybody was freezed for a moment.
"How can it be of a million dollars?", Jennifer asked. "The nug in the middle of the ring wasn't artificial, it was a diamond and the ring was plated with gold", Jared said. "But why did you send me such an expensive thing?", Jennifer asked. "I - I -", he hesitated. "I'll take over from now", Sharon interrupted. "Do you girls mind if I tell you about it later?" "E - no", Kristine said. "May I know who stole the ring?", Sharon asked. The girls explained everything about the shadow they saw.
"A creepy shadow?", Jared asked. "Yep, we don't know who is behind that 'shadow' or what it is", Jennifer said. "We found our room in shatters last night. Everything was out of the cupboard and the ring was gone", Kristie said. "That's really bad", Sharon said. "Anyways, I think we can go back to our home, now. Would you like to come along for a cup of tea?" "We'll be delighted", said Jennifer.
As decided, the three friends along with Jared and his aunt headed towards Sharon's home. Sharon quickly made a cup of tea while Jennifer and her friends were sitting in the lobby.
"You read the letter?", Jared asked Jennifer. "Yeah", she replied. "Whats your answer?", he asked. "I - I haven't decided yet", Jennifer said. Jared's face got lowered. "I'll be right back", he said.
"You shouldn't have treated him so coldly", said Kristine. "What? I just told him that I haven't decided yet!", Jennifer exclaimed. Kristine and Kristie let out a 'not good' sigh.
Infront of the table lay a paper which Jennifer was staring at for a long time. "What is it?", Jennifer asked. "How do I know, check it yourself", Kristie said. "But fidgiting with other's stuff is a bad habbit. But maybe...", Jennifer said and without thinking another moment she picked up the paper. "Now what? You said that fidgiting with other's stuff is a bad habbit!", Kristine exclaimed. "Yeah, but maybe this can be a clue", she said while she read the paper. After she'd finished doing that, she sat still for a moment and after that, screamed her lungs out. Hearing this, Sharon and Jared came running.
"What happened?", Jared asked. "E - em... nothing, hahaha!", she laughed. Kristine and Kristie exchanged a mysterious look when Jared and Sharon had gone to their respective jobs.
"What is written there?", Kristie asked, finally. Jennifer stayed still. "Hellooooooooo, Jenny!", Kristine said. "Divorce papers", Jennifer said. "Divorce papers?", the sisters asked together in amazement.
"It is Sharon and Decare's divorce papers!", Jennifer exclaimed. "You mean - Sharon and Mr. Decare are - I mean, were married?", Kristine asked. "Yes and it also says that Jared is their son! I told you that Sharon is too close to Jared to be his aunt", Jennifer said. "Can this be a clue?", Kristie questioned. "Surely, now I just need to know how is Sharon connected to Tarrain Caventer", Jennifer said, her eyes narrowing. "Tarrain said that she was his girlfriend", Kristine said. "Who knows! He might not be telling the truth", Jennifer said wisely. "Hm...", Kristine and Kristie mummbled. "So, what do we do next?", Kristine asked. "I have absolutely no idea!", Jennifer chuckled.
After the tea, finally, Jennifer and her pals interrogated Sharon about the case.
"... Sorry to be rude, ma'am, but how are you related to Tarrain?", Jennifer asked. "Is that really important?", Sharon asked. "Yes", Jennifer and the sisters said together. "We met years ago, maybe around ten to twelve years... we became good friends. Oh and let me remind you, he was no super star then", she explained. "Sorry again, to be getting personal but, was the relationship only till friends?", Jennifer interrogated. "No", she said plainly. "We got - married." Jennifer, Kristine and Kristie were shocked. "But that wasn't for very long. As soon as he became a singer, he abandoned me", she said. "Anything else?" "Em - yeah. How are you and Jared and Mr. Decare connected?", Kristine asked. Sharon's face turned pale. "I don't know", she said. Wierd reaction, thought Jennifer. "Are you sure, ma'am?", Kristine asked. Sharon sighed. "Sit down", she said pointing on a couch. "Before I'd met Tarrain I had a family - a wonderful family which broke up later due to that jerk." She sighed again. "Decare and I were married and I also had a kid. You might me surprised to know that kid is - Jared", she paused to see the reaction on other's faces but Jennifer and the sisters were not shocked as they already knew that. "When I met Tarrain, he forced me to divorce Decare but later, he left me all on my own. Now I can't get back to my old family, though Jared visits me regularly. Now you know why I hate Tarrain, he is the root of all the troubles I'm facing today." That idiotic Tarrain is the reason why Jared and his family are in so much grieviences, if I wasn't working for S.J.A, I would never help such a jerk, Jennifer said to herself. "I hope this answers all your question", Sharon said. "Em - no. Why did you and Tarrain break up?", Jennifer asked. "Money!", she exclaimed. "He only loved money and he would go to any extend to achieve that. He abandoned me because I wasn't a rich person." "Thankyou ma'am, we better get going", Jennifer said. "Oh! One more thing, I just wanna tell, Jared's not a bad guy to hang out with", Sharon winked. Jennifer turned red and left along with her friends.
"Ah! I'm tired but I don't understand, how can answer to these questions lead to the end of the case!", Kristie exclaimed. "Well, we know something which is better than knowing nothing", said Jennifer. "So whom do you think is the instruments thieve now?", Kristine asked. "I dunno, I can still not cut Sharon and Jared's name because they hate Tarrain and would like to destroy them, at the same moment, I don't think Tarrain is a good person. Maybe he's a suspect too", Jennifer said. "Oh no! We forgot to ask them if they knew who made them consume those sleeping tablets", Kristine said. "Ahhhh! Why do you remember it now when it is - it is 12:30 AM! Goodmorning!", Jennifer chuckled. "Thats why I was wondering why am I feeling sleepy!", Kristie laughed and so did Kristine and Jennifer.
In the morning, the three friends headed towards the road to go to the auditorium where Tarrain was, to interrogate.
"Taxi!", Kristine shouted on the road. "I hope that Jar - oops!", Jennifer exclaimed as she saw Jared's taxi showed up. "You were saying something?", Kristie asked. "Yeah, I was saying that I hope that Jared's taxi does NOT show up, my bad luck!", she said.
What could they do? They had no other choice but to use Jared's taxi.
"Did you decide about it, Jennifer?", Jared asked. "I - em - no", she said. Jared's face got lower again. "Jared, do you know who made you and your mom take sleeping tablets?", Kristie asked. "No, mom and me - oh! Wait a sec, who told you that Sharon is my mom?", he asked. "Sharon herself", Jennifer said with a smile. "Oh - ok, thats wierd", he said. "Mom never tells this story to anyo