1Hey guys... I know it's been a hot second since a reply so I'll just be quiet and let you guys enjoy it. XD
It took Penny several hours of internet digging, searching up old email addresses and profiles, and a small amount of hacking to find who she was looking for. But finally, she sent an email, got a reply, and set up a video chat on a secure line.
She took a deep breath - it had been a while since she talked to E. In the months before her father's kidnapping, they'd formed an interesting online friendship, being girls of the same age. It was E who taught her how to hack and be invisible online, skills she greatly appreciated now. Part of her worried about her friend. Her home life was never good and she may not even be able to help her now, but Penny didn't give up hope. She opened the chat link.
The girl on the other end had short-cut blond hair, covered by a black beanie that had pink neon stripes running through it. "Penny? I thought you were dead."
Penny shook her head. "Not yet. I've had some issues locating my Dad, so I was wondering if you could help me track him."
"Fine." She began furiously typing, searching for something while still on the video call. "You said Calico's got him, right? It's been a while since we talked."
"Yeah. I couldn't contact you. I've been trying to keep Bolt safe." And the Parr children, but she didn't need to know that part. "I need to know where he's stationed at."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it." E continued whatever she was doing. Penny could see part of her set-up through the camera; she had several different computer monitors and various cords and boxes set up across the desk. She had access to a privileged life where technology was concerned... it was a shame it came at a high cost.
It was quiet for a bit, then Penny asked, "How are you holding up?"
'E' sighed. "I don't know. I do some stuff for my Father now and then, and he ignores me the rest of the time. My sisters are okay for the most part. One is out doing tasks when she can, and the other... we just try to keep her away from him." There was more typing. "I think I found something... the latest company records trace to a warehouse in Bolivia. I'll email you the address... and I'll send you some money too, for the plane tickets."
Penny nodded in gratitude. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
She heard voices in the background of the video call. "Edith! Get me more nachos!" It sounded like a man with a very whiny voice.
Edith sighed. "I gotta go. I hope you find your Dad."
"EDITH!"
The call ended.
Just then, while Penny was checking her email and writing down the address, Violet came back with the diapers and supplies. Her face was beet red.
"Did something go wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong! Why would anything be wrong?"
Penny had no idea what was up with Violet, but she decided not to dwell on it. "I found where my Dad might be," she said, shutting off her laptop. "Bolivia. After we get him out, he'll be able to help. He always knows what to do. A friend just sent me money for the plane tickets."
"Bolivia?" Dash said, running through the room. "Awh sweet! I've never been there before."
Violet glared at her brother. "This is not a field trip. It's a mission."
"Even better!"