Part 5: Time for a Change

"Val, I know you're angry, but-" Nigel pleaded.

Valerie ignored him and pointed toward the ward entrance. "Here comes Sara
Bellum."

Nigel almost screamed and dove into the supply closet, slamming the door
behind him.

Sara came in.

She didn't have to ask. Valerie pointed to the closet.

Sara banged on the door. "Oh, sweet sprrrocket, I know you're in there!"

"SKEFFINGER! GET OUT OF THAT CLOSET THIS INSTANT!" Jacob yelled from his
office.

McWhirtley came in, tapping his pencil nervously. "Mr. Skeffinger, you better
do what he says."

The Head Nurse stuck her head in. "Miss Bellum, we need you to tend
patients." She frowned. "And stop hitting at that paramedic."

Sara sighed. "I'm coming." She turned and left.

Valerie knocked on the door. "You can come out now, Nigel. Sara's gone."

"Are you sure?" Nigel called from inside the closet.

"Is McWhirtley wimpy?" asked Valerie.

Nigel stepped out of the closet. "Whew."

Just then, Heather Hildebrand, another Emergency Medical Technician, came in.
"Oh, Nigel, I see--"

She was interrupted by Jacob shouting, "McWHIRTLEY! CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING
RIGHT? GO GET MY COFFEE!"

McWhirtley jumped up. "Coming, sir." He ran off.

Heather coughed. "So, Nigel, what happened to you?"

"Oh, just a run-in with--" Valerie cut in.

Nigel gave her a warning tone: "Val-"

Valerie turned to leave. "I can see I'm no longer needed-"

"No, wait, Val!" Nigel called. "So, I guess I'll see you later, Heather."

Heather walked away. She said to herself. "He noticed me! He noticed me! I've
never been so happy in all my life!"

Sara ran back in. "I couldn't stay from my sweet sprrocket too long!"

Nigel screamed and dove back into the closet.

Valerie's communicator beeped.

"Calling all Acme personnel!" the Chief cried. "Carmen Sandiego and her gang
have invaded Stratford's museum! All detectives report to Stratford Upon Avon
immediately. Split in pairs! Just go!"

Whoa, this seems serious, Valerie thought to herself.