This is just an idea I came up with a few days ago. It takes place in the same timeline as Bonded. It was originally going to be a part of that story, but I feel this one stands better on its own. This story takes place in May 2013 and will be a transition story between Bonded and Bonded: Year Two. Therefore, there is a minor bit of BillFord. The story will focus mostly on Stan and Ford though-more so in the next chapter.
It was a typical day at the Mystery Shack. Stan stood outside with a tour group hanging on to his every word. Soos stood within the shack giving the gift shop one last sweep before the tourist headed inside. Wendy was currently in school leaving Bill to man the cash register. As always, Ford was in the basement working on research.
Soos stood with one hand on his hip and the other one clutching the broom stick. He smiled at his handiwork. The shack would require another round of cleaning once the large group made their exit, but he didn't mind, it gave him something to do. Only a few more weeks until Dipper and Mabel were scheduled to arrive for their second annual summer visit.
He looked over at Bill being reminded of their adventures last summer. With a smile he wondered if anything could ever top Gravity Falls' summer of 2012.
The door opened signalling that Stan was bringing the group inside. Bill and Soos looked up at the new group, the latter greeting each person with a high five.
The tourists milled about, taking in all the false exhibits along with the overpriced merchandise. As always the group rushed around squealing at the magical properties of everyday objects Stan spruced up to appear mystical. One by one the tourists lined up to purchase the rare, ancient, and magical items they would cherish and show to their loved ones back home. How incredible it felt to score a good deal on those special souvenirs. If any of them took a good look at Stan's sly grin they would think twice about their purchases.
It didn't take too long for the group to clear out leaving a good chunk of their cash behind. Soos and Bill waved goodbye.
"Another successful tour," the conman said with a laugh. He turned to his employees and said, "Stop standing around, boys, we need to get ready for the next lot of suckers."
Soos swept the dust to the porch while Bill stocked up the gift shop. The bristles flung the debris brought in by shoes into the air. Soos smiled at the dust particles drifting away. He lifted his face to see the mail truck pull up along the shack. The mailman dropped a few item in the box then resumed his route.
The handyman placed the broom against the side of the building then walked down the stairs. He reached his chubby arm into the box and pulled out six pieces. Stan instructed him to always "lose" unnecessary bills and any legal documents that could be incriminating towards him when checking the mail.
Among the mail was the electricity bill, a catalog for a local shop, two people wanting to give him a credit card (the reason any company would offer anything to Stanley Pines was begging to get kicked in the back), a legal document in a large envelope, and another envelope for both Pines twins. He looked down at the address from New Jersey. Soos hummed to himself as he recalled that Stan and Ford were originally from that east coast state.
Stan looked up from the amount of money he collected to his faithful employee standing at the door with the mail in hand.
"Anything good?" Stan asked. "Did I win a fortune?"
"There's a letter for you and Mr. Ford," Soos answered and handed the plain envelope over to the older man.
Stan grumbled about the government not leaving him alone. So what if he broke almost every state and federal law and he cheated on his taxes for years, it didn't mean they needed to treat him like a criminal.
Stan looked down at the address in the clear opening. He stopped mumbling and flipped the envelope open. His long index finger slid under the latch. He pulled out the document, opened it and silently read.
Soos and Bill exchanged glances then looked back at their employer. Stan's facial features hardened for a moment. He then read something that made him sigh. The elderly man folded up the paper and placed it down on the counter.
The vending machine opened allowing Ford to pass through. Stan turned to look at his twin-perfect timing. Ford greeted the group with a smile, but it faded when he saw the look of melancholy on his brother's face.
"What's wrong?" Ford asked. He looked at the other two then back to Stan.
"Shermy passed," Stan said. He picked the letter up off the counter and handed it to his brother.
Ford read the message. He too sighed and held the paper close to his chest.
"Cardiac arrest," Ford said. Stan nodded.
The twins had intended to visit their brother sometime before summer began and the younger twins sent to stay with them. The idea had been thrown in the air, and they decided to finally take a trip towards the end of May. With the very month reaching that date, it seemed they would get a chance to visit both their brother and hometown after all.
Ford placed his palm down on the counter. "If only we left last week like we planned," he said with a shake of his head. Over three decades had passed since he last spoke to his older brother, let alone stood in the same room.
"Now's not the time for regrets," Stan replied. He had spent thirty years feeding regret and would not allow Ford to do the same.
Ford glanced over the latter part of the note one last time. The property that had been willed to their other brother now passed to them. After the funeral they were expected to meet with the lawyer regarding the Pines Pawn Shop. At that point the twins would decide what they would do about their childhood home and business.
Quick question. Do you all think Shermy is the baby Stan and Ford's mom is holding in "A Tale of Two Stans" or do you think that baby is Shermy's child? I'm probably going to go with the latter for this story, but what do you all think in general?
