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.
