Detective Ronald and the Case of the Missing Kopi

It was a dark and stormy night in the city of Lumina. Detective Ronald is in his office at the Fancy Lantern Agency finishing his paperwork for the day when he hears a soft knock on his door.

“I wonder who that could be at this hour.” He mutters to himself as he crosses the room to open the door. He opens the door to see Darcie and Ellie, soaked from the storm outside.

“My goodness girls! Come in. Come in. What on earth are you two doing out this late and in this disgusting weather?” Ronald asks them as he pulls out a couple chairs for them to sit on.

“Would you like something warm to drink to ward off this chill?” Ronald hands them each a blanket to help them dry off. “I can ask my assistant to bring you both something. Some tea perhaps?”

“Thank you so much Detective. We are both a bit shook up, so a nice cuppa would be lovely.” Ellie replies. Ronald opens the door to speak to his assistant in the adjoining office. “Eevee, would you mind bringing in some tea for the girls?”

“Oh, sure Ronald. Would they like a couple biscuits too? I made some extra this morning just on the off chance that we might have an extra case come in.” Eevee replies with a sweet smile on her face.

“That would be amazing. Thank you. I’m sure the girls will appreciate it as much as I do.” Ronald replies as he takes the tea and biscuits back to his office. He hands each of the girls a cup of tea and sets the plate of biscuits on a table next to them.

“Miss Eevee thought you girls might like some homemade goodies to go with your tea. She really has been a godsend these past few weeks.” Ronald pulls up a chair in front of Ellie and Darcie. “So, what brings you to my office today ladies?”

Darcie chimes in “Oh, Detective. It’s just awful. Our friend Kopi has been missing for the past 2 weeks. We are honestly at our wits end trying to find her. We’re so worried about her.” Tears start to well up in her eyes and Ronald quickly hands her a handkerchief.

“Now, now Darcie. It will be alright. I’m sure Kopi is just fine. Tell me everything you know. We’ll figure this out together. Eevee? Would you mind coming to my office? I’d like you to take some notes for me, please.”

Eevee enters the room, looks at both the girls and quickly rushes over to them. “Oh you poor dears! Look at you. Soaked to the bone, cold and shivering.” She reaches over wrapping the blankets on them more snuggly and giving each a warm hug.

“Thank you for your kindness Detective and Miss Eevee.” Ellie and Darcie both reply at the same time. They let out a slight chuckle at their timing. “ Let us start at the beginning.” Ellie then tells Ronald and Eevee everything they know about Kopi’s disappearance.

Once the girls finish their story, Ronald and Eevee assure them they will work nonstop to help them find Kopi. They leave the FLA feeling a bit better and head downtown to visit Miss Peggy. "Darcie, should we tell Miss Peggy about what has happened?” Ellie looks at her with worry in her eyes. “Ellie, I don’t know. We’ve put so much on her already by telling her our truth. I don’t want her to worry more than she most likely already is.”

Both girls nod their heads in agreement as they arrive at a beautiful brick building. A few scattered lights are on, and the girls let out a sigh of relief. They walk through the ornate double doors and are welcomed by the warmth and smell of fresh baked treats.

“Oh Ellie and Darcie! I have been so worried!” Miss Peggy stepped around the counter to hug each of them. “We didn’t mean to worry you, we had an appointment that ran a bit late.” Ellie chimes in.

“Yes. Detective Ronald contacted me just a few moments ago to tell me what has been happening.” “Oh he, uh did?” Darcie replies as she looks at Ellie, concern mirrored in both their eyes.

“Oh girls” Miss Peggy chuckles “You didn’t know Ronald and I have known each other for years? I’ve helped him on a few of his cases. I’m like his eyes and ears in this part of Lumina. He also helps out at the shelter by volunteering his free time and donating food, clothing, and all the other essentials we need.”

The shock that first appeared on both the girls faces slowly turns to understanding as they realize that of course Miss Peggy would have known about Kopi, even without them telling her. It’s how she found out their secret to begin with.

“Have you had supper? I can fix you something if you’re hungry.” “Yes, if you don’t mind Miss Peggy. We’d love some supper.”

Both girls chime in and then giggle that they’ve spoken in unison again. Miss Peggy fixes them each a plate of their favorites.

“This is absolutely delicious Miss Peggy! How do you do it?” Darcie says between bites. “Ah, well, even Miss Peggy has some secrets girls.” Miss Peggy’s eyes twinkle and she lets out a soft chuckle. Ellie and Darcie look at each other quizzically, shrug, then proceed to finish their meals.

Meanwhile, back at the FLA…

“Yes, Thank you Miss Peggy. Any help you can provide will be much appreciated.” Ronald hangs up the phone and turns to Eevee. “We’ve got our work cut out for us on this one.” He looks over the notes he jotted down during his phone call with Miss Peggy.

“Where should we start Ronald? Did Miss Peggy have any idea what might have happened?” A look of concern crosses Eevee’s face. “Miss Peggy gave me at least a starting point. She’s heard rumors of a new criminal faction that has been causing a bit of a stir in the community.” Ronald gathers up his paperwork, grabs his fedora and jacket as he heads for the door.

“I’m going to head over to visit Kopi’s family first, see if they may have any other information that the girls didn’t.” He stops, rubs his chin for a moment and adds “Speaking of. Would you be a dear and get me all the information regarding Ellie and Darcie? Something about their story seems to be missing. I don’t believe they were being deceptive, but I did find it odd how they had so much information.”

“”Of course Ronald. Is there anything else you need me to do while you are out?” “No, that should do for now. I shouldn’t be gone long.” Ronald turns to leave, then turns back to Eevee. He smiles when he sees she is already busy gathering her notepad and pencil. A look of determination on her face. He bends down and kisses her softly on the forehead. “Thank you for everything you do here at the FLA, Eevee.” A slow smile spreads across her face. She softly chuckles as she says “Oh Ronald. Go on now. This case needs solving.” He waves goodbye as he leaves.

A few hours later Ronald arrives at Kopi’s home. He presses the buzzer for 221B and a soft voice answers. “Yes? How can I help you?” “Yes, m’am. Sorry to bother you. My name is Ronald. I am a detective with the Fancy Lantern Agency and I was asked to look into the case of your missing daughter, Kopi.” Ronald nervously shuffles his feet as he waits for the door to be buzzed open for him. “Oh, yes yes. Of course. Please come right up.” The door buzzes and Ronald steps into the building. He reaches 221B and softly knocks on the door. The door opens and Ronald is greeted by Kopi’s mother, Rachelle. He can see the worry lined on her face; tears dried on her cheeks. Even her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “I want to assure I will do everything in my power to bring your daughter home.” Ronald reaches out to place his hand on Rachelle’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Is your husband home? I’d like to speak with both of you if that is alright?” Rachelle nods as she leads him to the living room. “I’ll go let him know you are here. Thank you again detective. Our Kopi girl means the world to us, and we are at our wits end wondering what has happened to her.” Ronald takes a seat on one of the chairs as he waits for Rachelle and Justin.

They return shortly, both looking distraught. Ronald stands up to shake hands with Justin. “Hello sir. My name is Ronald.” “Yes, my wife was just telling me you are a detective with the FLA?” “Yes sir.” Justin looks at Ronald, concern mirrored on his face. “You think you’ll be able to help find our daughter? How did you even hear about this?” Ronald shifts a bit as he feels the penetrating gaze that seems to cut right to the core of his being. He clears his throat, “Actually Kopi’s friends, Ellie and Darcie came to me earlier this evening to ask for my help.” Justin relaxes his posture when he hears the girls’ names. “Ah, yes. I should have known those two couldn’t sit idly by while Kopi is missing.”

“Yes, well they were very upset, and since I’ve worked with their parents on occasion, I knew I had to help.” Ronald motions to the couch across from the chair he was sitting in. “I just have a few questions, and then I’ll be on my way.” “Yes of course, detective. Anything we can do to bring our girl home.” Rachelle answers as tears start to well up in her eyes. Justin places his arm across her shoulders and pulls her closer. “When was the last time you saw or heard from your daughter? Was there anything suspicious about her behavior recently? Anything out of the ordinary? Anyone who might be considered an enemy?” “It’s been about a week since we saw her. She was excited about a new pupcake store that was opening, but we never heard anything about it. She wanted to go there after school the last time we saw her, but we told her she had to wait until her homework was done. But she never came home that day.” “Oh Justin!” Rachelle lets out a sob, “You don’t think she went anyways and something happened on her way there do you?”

“We’ll figure this out honey. I’ve heard great things about Detective Ronald from Miss Peggy. From Dan and Jemma as well.” Justin says as he motions Ronald’s way, a look of pleading crossing his face as he tries to assure Rachelle. Ronald nods his head as he replies “Please try not to worry. I know it’s hard, but we will get to the bottom of this. I give you my solemn promise on that.” He hands her a tissue and pats her hand to try to offer some comfort.

“Now this pupcake shop you mentioned, do you remember the name?” Ronald pulls out his notepad to jot down his notes, waiting for their reply. “Actually, come to think of it, we never did get the name. But there was a flyer she showed us. I believe it’s still on her dresser in her room.” Justin leaves the room and returns with the flyer. “Here you are Detective. It seems there is no name on it, just an address. Odd.” Ronald takes the flyer from Justin and looks it over. “This seems very odd indeed.” After looking over the flyer thoroughly, he realizes he knows the address. “Do you mind if I take this with me for analysis?” “No of course not. Did you find something else? Something that might help us bring our girl home?” Rachelle’s face lights up slightly.

“I’m not sure. There is quite a few things odd about this flyer, so I’d like to run a few tests on it, for fingerprints or any other clues that might be on the paper itself. If I come across anything new I will be in contact.” Ronald stands up, shakes hands with both of them and heads back to his office.

Ronald stops at Miss Peggy’s on his way back to ask her about the flyer. “Good morning, Ronald! Have you found anything out about Kopi? Would you like a bite to eat while we talk?” Before Ronald can answer Peggy starts putting together a plate of fruits, pancakes and eggs. “Thank you Peggy. I am famished honestly.” “So what have you found out?” Peggy pulls up a chair next to Ronald, awaiting his reply. “Apparently Kopi received a flyer for a new pupcake shop that is opening up, but the flyer seems very odd. There is no name, just an address. Have you heard anything about it?” The calm look on her face slowly changes to worry and shock. “Ronald. There aren’t any new shops opening in this area right now. Can I see the flyer?” Ronald hands her the flyer “I know the address and I thought it was very odd that someone would open up shop in the middle of a cannery.” Peggy looks over the flyer then hands it back to him. “Ronald, you can’t go to this place alone. I know this place, and I have an idea what is going on with this. Please promise you won’t go alone.” She reaches out to squeeze his hand, the look of worry etched deeper on her face. “Peggy, what’s wrong? What aren’t you telling me?” “I’m not 100% sure, I just have a very bad feeling about this. I know this is going to be an odd request, Ronald, but hear me out please.” She gets up from the chair and starts shuffling around the kitchen looking for her keys. “I’m going to ask you to do something, but I need you to trust me on this. I can’t tell you why I’m suggesting this, just believe me that it’s necessary.” “You know you have my complete trust. What is it you need?” “I need you to call Ellie and Darcie. You are going to need their help.” A look of puzzlement crosses his face. He opens his mouth to object, but quickly closes it when he sees the stern look on her face. “Alright. I’ll call them when I get to the office. I don’t understand, but I trust you.” Ronald hugs Peggy and rushes out the door. As the door closes Peggy breathes out a sigh “Good luck Detective. I hope the girls can forgive me for this. Their secret isn’t going to stay hidden much longer.”

Back at the FLA

“Ronald! You’re back already? Something must have happened. What’s going on?”

Eevee rushes over to brew some coffee then takes Ronald’s coat and fedora to hang them on the coat rack. “Actually before we get into that, what did you find out about the girls?” He takes the cup of coffee as he pulls up a chair next to Eevee’s desk.

“Right. So, a lot of it was just your basic run of the mill information. But one thing did stick out. They seem to be involved in some aspect with a lot of cases with the Lumina Police Department. I thought it was maybe because their parents were so involved in the community, but the more I dug into it, the more odd it did seem to me. I was just about to call the LPD to speak with the Captain before you came back.” Ronald nods his head then tells her everything he learned. “So in a nutshell, Miss Peggy seemed very insistent that I contact the girls. I’m not sure why, but she must have a good reason. Those girls mean the world to her and she wouldn’t put them in harm’s way for no reason.” “Agreed. I’ll call them right now. I would prefer if you met them here instead of going off to this strange address by yourself first.” Before Ronald can object she dials the number.

“Hello sir, my name is Eevee. I work at the Fancy Lantern Agency with Detective Ronald. Yes sir, we are doing well. Mmhhm. Yes I was actually calling to speak to your girls if that is alright? Yes thank you.” There is only a slight pause before she continues “Hello Ellie. No we haven’t found Kopi yet, but we do need to speak to you and your sister as soon as possible. Would you both come to the FLA so we can discuss this? Yes, thank you very much. See you shortly.” She hangs up the phone and turns to Ronald. “That was odd. She seemed very worried, and not just about Kopi. I wonder what on earth is going on?”

About an hour later the girls arrive back at the FLA to find Ronald pacing the office and Eevee organizing files. “Ah girls, thank you for coming. I will try to make this short and sweet so we can get back to finding Kopi.” He motions to the two chairs and pulls up one across as the girls sit down. “What is this about Detective? Miss Eevee really didn’t explain much.” Darcie replies. “Well, after visiting Kopi’s parents I stopped by Miss Peggy’s.” Both girls look at each other, a look of shock and fear on their faces. “And, what.. what did she tell you Detective?” Ellie shakily asks. “She just said that I needed to take you with me when I go to the address on this flyer. What is going on girls? Please, if we are to find your friend we need you to be open and honest with us.”

“Yes, of course you are right Detective. We should have told you this when we first came to you. I hope once we tell you, that you will understand why we couldn’t.” Ellie reaches for Darcie’s hand as she tells them what they have been hiding. “We use our resources to fight crimes here in Lumina. Since our family is well renowned and well off we are able to hide under the radar. We have a base with gadgets, state of the art computers, and other things we use to fight crimes. Our parents don’t know about it, and we’d rather not worry them. We used every resource we had trying to find our friend, but we couldn’t take it further with out exposing our secret. It’s why we came to you. Our mum and dad always talk about you, so we knew you’d be able to help us.” Ronald looks at both girls, a look of understanding and sympathy crosses his face. “Your secret is safe with us girls. Thank you for telling us.” A sigh of relief is let out by all as Ronald tells them everything he has learned.

They arrive at the address on the flyer. The smell of fish and the ocean filling their senses as they scout out the cannery. “This place is awful! Why would Kopi come here?” Eevee says while plugging her nose to block out the stench. “I think there is more going on than we know so far. Eevee, can you scout the surrounding area with Darcie while Ellie and I try to get a closer look?” “Of course Ronald, but please don’t go in there without all of us. Something is very wrong here.” Everyone nods their agreement as they head off to scope out the area.

They all join back together to go over how they should proceed. “There doesn’t seem to be any security surrounding the cannery, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something lurking inside.” Eevee explains. “We didn’t notice anything either.” Ellie chimes in. “Alright, so we proceed with caution. Don’t let your guard down. And don’t put yourselves in harm’s way.” Ronald lays out their plan, then they proceed to the center of the buildings where the main cannery is. As they approach the building they hear muffled voices coming from within. Ronald motions everyone to be very quiet as he slowly etches closer to the door. “I don’t care what you say. I just want the recognition I deserve! I’m tired of being left in the shadows and ignored! Wasn’t that the whole point of this?” “Keep your voice down! We don’t want to draw unwanted attention!” “Will you both just stop it already. I’m getting bored of this whole thing. Nobody is coming for this girl. I say we cut our losses and get out of this disgusting place.” The voices coming from inside grow louder and Ronald presses his ear to the door to try to hear more before they proceed. He hears a small whimper coming from somewhere further in the room. He risks a quick glance through the crack in the door to see Kopi. His heart stops as he sees the look of fear on her face. He quietly steps back from the door and motions to the girls that now is the time to put their plan into action.

He moves back to the door, while each of the girls moves towards the back of the building. Once everyone is in position he stands up, puts his hand on the doorknob and throws open the door. The noise startles everyone inside the building so much so they are slow to respond to the coming assault. “Now girls!” Ronald shouts as he runs full force for the closest of the men standing there. As he knocks him down he’s able to barrel him into the other 2. Leaving them in a heap and tangle of limbs. Meanwhile the girls rush in to free Kopi and get her to safety. “Eevee, please get our friend to safety from here. We have to go back to help Ronald and to find out who wanted to hurt out friend.” The look of determination on Ellie’s face shows Eevee there would be no point arguing, so she nods and whisks Kopi to the car. “Are you ready Darcie?” She looks over and sees Darcie nodding. They both remove a small box from their jackets. With a push of a button, a soft hum emanates as it expands, encompassing the girls in a blue light. Once the light fades they stand there in protective armor and gadgets to subdue not harm. They run back into the building just in time to see Ronald struggling with one of the men. The other two are still dazed on the floor not sure what has happened. They both pull out their ropes and quickly move to tie up the two still on the floor, zapping them with a stun gun when they got close enough. “You’re not going anywhere except jail.” The girls both chime in as they finish tying the last of the knots. They then turn their attention to the other man, and realization hits them as his face comes into the light. “Girls! GET OUT OF HERE NOW!” Ronald shouts at them as he’s struck on the head. The girls spring into action, each taking turns luring the man one way then the other. “We are not leaving you here to die Detective! Also, we know who this man is, and he is going to answer for what he’s done!” The girls continue the dance as Ronald gets up, shaking the dizziness from his head. He sees his opportunity and tackles the man, pinning him to the ground while the girls work to tie him up.

“Why did you take our friend, Darko? What could you possibly gain from this? And who are these other two with you?” The girls start firing off questions so quickly and with such furious intent that Ronald reaches out to each, “Girls. I know you’re upset. But you aren’t giving them a chance to answer. Let me take it from here while you go wait with your friend and Eevee for the police.” Ellie shoots a burning glaze at Ronald, then realizes he is right. “I’m sorry, yes.. of course you’re right again. This man, Darko, is my father’s alter ego. There was an experiment being done at one of mum’s labs and dad got hurt. Darko was the result. He was supposed to be locked up in a high security facility, so I’m curious how he got out. But, we will leave this to you.” The girls glare at Darko and the other two men as the walk out of the building. “Alright boys, let’s cut to the chase. Who are you two, and why did the three of you take Kopi?” Darko just glares at Ronald, not saying anything. “Oh for the love of Pete. He’s Darko, he’s AntiNoodles, and I good sir am the mastermind behind this whole thing. I am the most fearsome one. For I am, Fancy Firestarter.” Ronald stifles a laugh at the last name, clears his throat and proceeds with the questioning.

“So I’ve already heard enough about Darko, but how about you two? What’s your story?” “We’re all alter egos from the same accident that created Darko here.” AntiNoodles chimes in. “Look, we just wanted the recognition we feel is due to us. We’ve been tossed to the side here, while our “good” personas get all the fame and glory.” “And the money, don’t forget the money!” Darko chimes in. “So why take Kopi?” Ronald looks over at AntiNoodles, realizing only now how much he indeed looks like Justin. “Because we wanted them to feel our pain and know we are serious.” Firestarter explains. “We were planning on nabbing those girls too but when nobody came looking for the first one we started rethinking our plan. I’m surprised you don’t recognize me Ronald. All those years you’ve spent being best friends with James. Tsk tsk. He must not mean much to you eh, sausage?” A look of horror comes over Ronald’s face as he realizes why this one seemed so familiar. He steps back, not realizing this entire time Firestarter has been grinning devilishly. Then something strikes Ronald’s head and the world goes black.