~~3 Months Later~~

Coach Brunt's POV

When we heard of Carmen Sandiego being presumably dead, we, the heads of V.I.L.E., had mixed feelings.

We were glad that Carmen Sandiego wouldn't interfere with our affairs.

But Carmen Sandiego was also Black Sheep.

Black Sheep was basically our daughter.

Me, Cleo, Bellum, Maelstrom, and Shadowsan were basically her parents.

We watched her grow up.

We raised her.

We actually... mourned.

And Tigress, who killed Carmen, was grieving for six months.

We let her have that time off.

It took us six months as well to recover slightly.

When Black Sheep left, we became furious.

When Carmen Sandiego died, we felt empty.

Things will try to continue as normal.

But our hearts grew shallower and darker.

Roundabout replaced Shadowsan soon before Carmen died.

He wasn't as sad as us.

Now, we were having a meeting in one of our bases, because we were were still waiting for the main base to be built, to discuss a new threat to V.I.L.E.

Carmen's crew started to destroy our bases.

They steal from us, and then burn down our strongholds.

Thankfully, no casualties.

And this new threat has been stealing millions of dollars worth of artifacts from V.I.L.E. for the last three months.

"This person has been really affecting our affairs for the last three months." Said Maelstrom, showing their picture on the screen. "She calls herself La Femme Rouge. We don't have a face. But we can identify her clothing appearance."

I saw that they wore a Skull shaped Red Mask.

That won't save them.

"They also use guns, it seems." Continued Maelstrom. "They shoot tranquilizer darts luckily. So no casualties. How do you all want to solve this problem?"

"We can pay her to steal FOR us." Said Cleo.

"We could reprogram her." Said Bellum.

"How about we BREAK EVERY BONE IN HER BODY?" I said slamming my fists on the table.

No one except Roundabout flinched.

"All we have to do is find her." Said Cleo.

"Well," Said Maelstrom. "She is no stranger to saying where she'll strike next. She says she might rob the stronghold we have in Shanghai. It's all over the dark web."

We all nodded.

We'll send La Chévre to take care of her.

To bring her here alive.

I want to see what she looks like.

"She also seems to be a fan of our daughter's work." Said Maelstrom, catching our attention. "La Femme Rouge was one of Carmen's nicknames."

Change of plans.

"I'll be the one to go." I said. "I'll say hi to our daughter's little fan girl."

A guard ran into the room quickly.

"Countess Cleo, Dr. Maelstrom, Couch Brunt, Dr. Bellum and Mr. Roundabout," She began. "La Femme Rouge is calling us."

Wait, she's CALLING us!?

To brag maybe?

We accepted the call and she was on the screen.

Her Red Skull Helmet staring at us.

"Heads of V.I.L.E. I presume." She started. "I'm calling to make a deal.

"And what is your offer?" Asked Cleo.

"I steal for you, not against." She said. "But for a small price."

"You want to steal for us?" Asked Bellum, skeptically. "You already stole 34 million dollars worth of artifacts FROM us."

"So you know I can successfully steal for you." She said.

Maelstrom was skeptical, but agreed.

"Are you aware the golden statue of a dog?" Asked Maelstrom. "One decorated with Emeralds, Diamonds, Rubies, and almost every other precious rock? Worth around 60 million dollars?"

"Yeah." She said, I bet she was smiling behind that mask. "The one they're selling at an auction in Los Angeles. Weird that it's not Las Vegas."

"Steal it from them, then deliver it to us." Said Maelstrom.

"What about my fee?" Asked La Femme Rouge. "I don't do things for free."

"How much do you want?" Asked Cleo. "We'll send it to your account."

"It's worth 60 million dollars, right?" Asked La Femme Rouge.

Maelstrom nodded.

"I want $500k." She said. "No negotiations."

We all looked at each other in disbelief.

"Fine." Sneered Maelstrom. "But deliver it to us in good condition. If not, we're changing our mind. We'll come after you."

"Are you threatening me, Professor Maelstrom?" La Femme Rouge asked. "I could just take it for myself."

"No." Said Bellum, wide eyes. "We're sorry. We'll send the full amount to your account after the mission."

"How did you get one of our coms anyway?" Asked Cleo.

"A magician never reveals their secrets." Said La Femme Rouge. "But you should tell your agents to watch their pockets in crowded places."

She hung up.

Carmen's POV

No, I haven't gone crazy.

I just wanted V.I.L.E. to donate to a charity.

One that isn't a scam and actually gives people what they need.

Food, housing, and electricity.

And so much more.

I don't give them garbage they don't want or need.

Necessities only.

And after they send the money to an account I give them, I'll remove it.

Like it never existed.