Muttering under his breath over Jake's propensity to constantly screw up around an attractive woman, Phineas surreptitiously watched Floyd Rattigan out of the corner of his eye. The ex-con didn't do a good job of hiding his interest in the teen detective. A quick survey of the room didn't find his brother, Garth. Floyd, the smarter of the two brothers, wouldn't want to draw much attention, so he likely left his less intelligent sibling outside in the car.
Everything makes sense now. Floyd was Red Mask, while Garth was Blue Mask. The interactions I saw and heard at the historical society fit them precisely. Plus, I can't believe I forgot that Garth used to drive an old blue pickup truck with a faded silver streak down the middle. But they should still be in jail, shouldn't they? Dammit, I better check on when they were released. Hmm, maybe I better look into who else we put behind bars is out early, too.
As Phinn watched Cozart hold an animated conversation with Mayor Broome, the teen spotted Kennedy Eaton waiting to interview the amateur historian. The television reporters had already raced outside to record updates, so the newspaper journalist had an opening. A similar opening that Erin sought to use as she moved toward the crowded aisle.
I don't want Floyd to watch when I make my move on Cozart. He needs to be distracted or forced to leave. Now, how can I...aha!
"Johanna, isn't this an excellent time to conduct some interviews for your new citizen journalist role? I'd suggest starting with that man over there with the short black hair and gray t-shirt," Phinn said, gesturing slightly toward where Floyd stood with several fishermen.
"What are you up to? I know when I'm getting sent away," Johanna stated, stopping at the end of their row. She was close enough for Erin to overhear the conversation. "Ask Erin. She's News Girl."
"It's part of my investigation. But I needed a talented actress to chat with him so he doesn't get suspicious. Erin comes across as all business," Phinn responded before lowering. "Honestly, she can be a bit intimidating."
"Don't butter me up to do your dirty work. I'm not an actress," the wannabe influencer replied while Erin rolled her eyes at the discussion.
"I am not buttering you up. Frankly, I think you're a tremendous actress, but if you prefer to call it your screen persona, that's your choice. You can interview anyone you want, but I'd be grateful if you started with that guy."
"How grateful?"
"I promise an interview when this is all over--me and Jake," Phinn said, dangling the carrot.
"You already owe me one!" the chestnut brunette pointed out. Still, she sighed loudly as the line exiting the chamber dwindled enough for her to leave their row. "Fine!"
"Isn't that Floyd Rattigan?" Erin questioned after Johanna stormed off.
"It is."
"Wait...didn't something happen with him back when we were in junior high?" Erin asked. "I remember Dusty mentioning the name in the office."
"We tangled with the Rattigans a couple of times. The one you're thinking of ended with them in jail," Phinn explained while they walked over to where Kennedy started to interview Cozart.
"Ah, expecting trouble?"
"Something like that," Phinn said as Floyd suddenly jerked back as a phone-wielding teenager accosted him.
Unfortunately, the junior investigator couldn't enjoy watching the scene. He had his own issues as Chief Norberg approached with an annoyed expression.
"Farris, what's this nonsense that you told Alderwoman Annable?"
"I didn't tell her anything, Chief!"
"So you didn't concoct an outlandish threat from Deputy Chief Reyhall?"
"Asshall did threaten to send us to Turnville if we 'meddled' again in the treasure hunt," Phinn shot back, making air quotes for meddled. "But I never told her. Have I ever come across as a snitch to you?"
"Watch the attitude, son. I did warn you. You're at the end of your rope with me. If you want to hang..." the police chief trailed off upon realizing he was being recorded.
"Is that true, Chief? Did the Edgewater Police Department threaten Jacob Magnum and Phineas Farris after they helped stop a home invasion and potential assault on Regina Tarr last night?" Erin challenged, holding her phone in his face. "What's the EPD's position on Good Samaritans? Did Deputy Chief Reyhall unveil a new department policy? Will you be actively pursuing others?"
"Who--"
"Erin Donnelly for the Edgewater North High
Sonar
. Would you care to confirm the threat?" the cinnamon brunette pressed.
"I...I don't have time for this. People have lost their damn minds over a few gold coins," Chief Norberg grumbled. He started to march away before looking over his shoulder at Erin to add, "No comment."
The likely incoming senior editor watched the police chief until a local businesswoman stopped him to demand answers. Readjusting her eyeglasses, Erin shifted her attention toward her classmate. Phinn ignored the expectant, unrelenting expression for nearly two minutes before breaking.
"What?"
"You better watch out. The police seem almost as mad at you as with Oswald Cozart."
"The police are always mad at us."
"True. But Chief Norberg--"
"Norberg is more bark than bite. Besides, he likes us more than most of the cops," Phinn revealed. Eventually, he relented and gave the persistent reporter what she'd been waiting for. "Thanks for distracting him."
"Breaking news! Phineas Farris actually thanked someone besides his own ego," Erin announced, nearly mimicking Hollie Kittler's voice exactly.
"Don't expect an interview because of it," the bespectacled sleuth warned.
"As if I want to hear your bullshit," Erin shot back before moving forward to claim her spot behind the
Edgewater Dispatch
reporter.
Shaking his head, Phinn grumbled about Jake's absence despite being the one who assigned him to the stakeout. His socially outgoing and popular partner usually handled their female classmates during investigations. Their sharp tongues for Phinn often became tongue-tied around the football player. Once such girl reappeared at his side.
"Thanks for sending me to interview the rude guy," Johanna complained.
"I never said he'd be open to an interview."
"Then why did you send me to him?"
"To distract him, of course," Phinn replied in a tone one uses with a young child.
"From what?" Johanna nearly screeched.
"So he might leave us alone for a few minutes or stop following us," Phinn replied, watching as Kennedy kept on badgering a nonplussed Cozart with questions. The author seemed to relish the additional publicity for someone who claimed to be uninterested in the treasure hunt's sensationalism.
"Stop follow---Wait; what? Is that the guy who followed us here? Are you crazy? What if he kidnapped me?" Johanna screeched.
"Relax. He's not going to kidnap you. Floyd just learned how obnoxious you can be. So you're welcome," Phinn explained. "Now, don't you have other average Joes to annoy?"
"Nice. Real nice, asshole," Johanna growled, folding her arms while refusing to leave Phinn's side.
Eventually, Kennedy broke off her interview with Oswald, who seemed disappointed that she didn't continue. Stepping forward immediately, Erin introduced herself.
"Aw, a high school journalist. How delightful! Ask away, Miss Donnelly," the visiting amateur historian declared, beaming. Then, his attention flickered briefly at Phineas as the teen detective stepped forward. In that quick glance, Phinn noticed a rather odd and unexpected expression: recognition.
"I'd like to join in on this interview as well. I'm Phineas Farris, sir," the teen said calmly and pleasantly despite the surge of curiosity he felt.
"Such an unusual name," Cozart remarked, his friendliness lessening. "Are you also a high school reporter, Phineas? Perhaps a colleague of Miss Donnelly's or her counterpart from a rival school?"
Phinn ignored Erin's dirty look because he sensed Johanna opening her uncontrollable mouth.
"A reporter? Ha! Phinn's a--Oww!"
"Hardly, sir, I'm the president of the North High History Club," Phinn introduced himself while pinching the back of the influencer's arm. "I'd love to lock in a few historical details about Thornbeard for our next meeting. Would you mind if Johanna, our club's secretary, also recorded this interview?"
"Well, I guess that wouldn't...oh, my! Look at the time. I'm sorry, kids, but I have to get going. Here's my number, Miss Donnelly. We can set up a time for an interview tomorrow," Cozart suggested.
Despite Erin's attempt to ask a couple of quick questions, the suddenly shy author begged off. He announced that he'd promised Channel 23 a live on-camera interview in a few minutes. Continuing to shut down Erin's persistent attempts, the curly-haired man rushed down the aisle, barely stopping to shake his head at Kathryn Pettit and Davis Stensland, who wanted to chat.
"Strange," Erin remarked.
"Not really. I wouldn't pass up a chance to get interviewed live, even if it's rinky-dink Channel 23," Johanna commented.
