Shockwaves reverberated through Toontown when the news came out. Anna Edwards was being released from all charges and in her place would be the son of billionaire Walter Edwards - Milroy Edwards. Deputy still had some reservations about such a hasty decision to switch accused. How would the jury react? The public? Would it look like the Toontown Rangers were unreliable and didn't know what they were doing. Plus some points against Anna were still floating around his mind. She was with Walter most of the night and had the best opportunity to do so. She did have a motive - a shaky one - but a motive relating to money. However, he trusted Reessess and her intuition. After all, it wasn't as if Milroy didn't have several large red flags. He had lied about being at the wedding, he had a motive as his father was leaving the company to Walter and the brothers' relationship was fractured. The trial had been postponed for two weeks to allow the department to make an official arrest of Milroy Edwards, and to go through all of the legal mumbo jumbo that needed to be processed releasing Anna and officially indicting Milroy. When they had broken the news to Anna, she had wept. It had made the decision a bit easier to see the relief on the young Toon's face. Milroy though? That was a different story. The blue rabbit had ripped into the officers making the arrest, threatening their jobs, calling them every profanity under the sun, before finally trying to pay them off.
Deputy had decided to use the time off as an opportunity. Four days had passed since the trial's long recess, and he had a baby due tomorrow. The last few days had been spent on hectic preparations, over-preparing, and over worrying. As the lime green dog re-affirmed that the crib he had built was safe for the fifteenth time, Susie walked into the room and sighed. "Honey, I promise you it's fine. Why don't you come relax for a little bit? Who knows the next time we'll have a night alone with just us?"
"You're right." Skids stopped wobbling the firm, wooden frame and stood up. "I'm just worried. I mean, what if something happens? I've never really taken care of a baby and don't know if I can do it. Do you think I'm ready? What if I drop her? Oh cog, what if I drop her honey? I can't do that! I can't do this! Oh my cog." Deputy started hyperventilating but was calmed down from a pinch to the shoulder from his wife.
"Sweetie. You're going to be FINE. I promise! I don't know anything about taking care of a baby. Heck, my dad had to figure out how to do it all by himself and he managed! I turned out mostly okay!" taking the green dog's hands in hers, she breathed in and out slowly. "We've done all the classes, watched the videos and everything. How hard can it be? Just give them food, water them every once in a while. Super easy stuff!"
Deputy sighed in relief. "You're right, babe. I guess if you're dad can do it anybody can."
"Hey, what does that mean?" Susie scowled mockingly.
"Just kidding. Well I feel a bit better. Plus you know, seeing that adorable little baby is probably going to kill me anyways so I won't be around to have to worry!" Deputy faked having a heart attack, grabbing his chest and sticking out his tongue.
Susie crossed her arms and shook her head. "Yeah, you wish. You're not leaving us for at least a hundred years. Come on, I made popcorn. Let's go watch a movie."
The rest of the night was relaxed and enjoyable as the two expectant parents spent one last night alone. Neither were completely sure of themselves but they knew that they had the other and that they would be taking the plunge into the deep with each other. Neither slept very well that night. A mix of anxiety and excitement had left Deputy with about three hours of actual sleep. The next morning came as fast as it went. Deputy had woke up before the sun came up and had tried to make and eat breakfast, but found he was still too nervous. Around eight, Susie had walked downstairs, wearing a pink robe and yawning. "There you are. You managed sleep in!" Deputy exclaimed surprised.
"Yeah, I had to. I didn't really get to sleep until a few hours ago, so I had to force myself to sleep a bit longer. Plus the longer I'm awake, the more nervous I will be. Is it noon yet?"
"I wish. Still four hours left. Are you hungry?" Deputy scooched a plate of eggs across the table.
Shaking her head, Susie sat down and grabbed Deputy's empty mug. "No coffee? You're slacking here, Skids. Come on now!"
"Sorry about that. I'm so tired I didn't even really think about that. I even pulled out the cups and everything. I am a slacker!" Deputy stood up and walked over to the coffeemaker. "Wait, how does this thing work? I'm so tired my brain doesn't work anymore!"
"Don't worry about it. I'm teasing. I should be getting ready anyways. I doubt I could keep anything down right now." Susie stood up and kissed Deputy on the cheek for the effort. The next few hours dragged on for what seemed like an eternity. Finally the two had left the house and made their way to the Toontown Central Animation Agency. It was just a short walk from their home, yet every step seemed to cause them to become further from their goal. Neither of them had any idea of what to bring. A baby carrier, diapers, a pack full of supplies. Probably over-prepared as usual, the couple finally reached their destination. The Toontown Central Animation Agency was the largest and busiest in Toontown. When the pair walked in, they were both overwhelmed by the chaos. Hundreds of employees walking around, delivering babies, filling out papers, new parents crying, love filling the air. There was surprisingly no line to the check-in. The two nervously walked over and waited for the receptionist to turn around.
An orange bear finally got off the phone and turned around and smiled. "Good afternoon! Are you two ready for your hiking expedition?" he held back laughter as Deputy and Susie looked at each other confused. "Don't worry, I'm just kidding! You're here to pick up a baby, not go hiking! I'm just a joker! Actually I do a routine down at House Of The Rising Pun! Come check me out! Anyways, could I get your name?"
"It is under Deputy Skids Sparkleswirl and Susie Sparkleswirl." Deputy nervously spoke up, his voice trembling.
"Ah yes, little Rosie! One of the most adorable babies I have ever seen. I'll let them know you are here!" The orange pair spun around in his chair and reached for the phone. Making a quick call, Deputy reached over and grabbed Susie's hand and clenched tightly. "Okay, they will be here in a minute! Sounds like they didn't want to bring her out! She's too adorable. Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die if I don't get to see her one last time!" the bear fanned himself with his hand excitedly.
The longest two minutes of each Toon's lives passed as they waited expectantly. Finally a pair of push-open doors flew open and a bright yellow cat walked out and smiled. In her hands was a small bundle in a pink blanket a small green hand reached out. For years, Deputy had dreamt of this day. When his marriage had crumbled and broken for nine years, he never could have imagined he'd be a father. The one thing that he had always wanted. The future memories he would make, building snowtoons, first day of school, etc. Deputy nearly broke Susie's hand from crushing so hard, before a small ouch broke his restraint. His stomach was being ripped apart. "Hello new parents. We have a gorgeous baby girl for you. Do you accept the charges?"
"Yes, of course!" Susie shouted out, rushing forward she gently grabbed Rosie from the animator. Looking down into the open cover, a small, lime green face looked up with half-opened eyes. "Deputy, she's beautiful..." Susie nearly broke down crying, all of the anxiety and worries melted away immediately. It was real now. There was no going back, they were parents. Deputy was unable to speak. He couldn't feel his legs, wobbling like jello he stepped over to join his wife. The tiny, green cat staring up was his breaking point. The normally unwavering, somewhat stoic Ranger felt his legs go out from underneath him as he fell to his knees and cried. Susie knelt by the green dog and smiled through her own tears. "Do you want to hold her?"
"Can I?" Deputy inquired, unsure of himself.
Susie nodded. "Of course silly, she's your daughter. Rosie Skids Sparkleswirl."
Hearing the name solidified it. Deputy reached over and slowly grabbed Rosie. Cradling her in his arms, he rocked her back and forth slowly. "Hey there sweetie. You're so beautiful. I never thought you'd be real." Deputy lowered his face near Rosie's and kissed her forehead. Grabbing her tiny hand he grasped gently. Deputy had a career that focused on negativity. The worst that Toontown had to offer. Death, despair, and depression. Yet today he was reminded that there were still beautiful things in the world to look forward to, and that for all of the negatives in life there were always positives. There were things worth living for. Like a flower sprouting from the frozen ground as the sun brings warmth in the spring, he finally broke free. Broke free of all of the self-limiting restrictions that he had placed on himself. Today, even if just for today, he was free.
Milroy sat in the jail's visitation area and rapped his fingers against the desk. How could these fools arrest HIM? Did they not know who he was? They were going to regret doing this. His father had scheduled a meeting with him, and they were going to discuss how to get him out. After all, he wasn't guilty, so why should he be here? A few minutes later, the large, orange rabbit walked into view. Wearing an expensive, blue pinstripe suit, Walter Sr had an intensely angry look on his face. "You cog damn fool! What the hell happened?"
"Fool? Me? How is any of this my fault! You're the one who went around telling people I showed up at the wedding! You know for a fact that I wasn't there!" Milroy screamed back.
"Weren't there? I saw you with my own eyes! Anyways this isn't about Walter, this is about the family and the company! How will it look to the stockholders if the potential owner of the company is on trial for murder? Of his own brother no less? Good Lord, I knew you were a failure but this just crosses a line I can't even begin to fathom!"
Milroy stood up and slammed his fists into the table. "Oh, of course! It's always like this with you! Everything is always my fault. Walter was the favorite! He was the special one! From the second he was born I was pushed aside. Now you want to pin things on me? You're so blinded by your own hatred that you have conjured up some illusion of me to fit your preconceived ideas that I am some horrible, worthless waste of life. Once you couldn't pin it on that stupid monkey, you go after me. Let's be real, we all know you knew about Walter's on goings with that group! But no - you're the perfect father! You would never do such a thing to your beloved son! Why even show up here? I don't need your help!"
"Well good, because you are no longer a part of this family! As for the company? Ha, well you can kiss that goodbye. Forget using the family lawyer or any of our money. Don't need my help? You've never done a damn thing on your own." huffing, Walter Sr. stood up and uncreased his suit. Not saying another word, the orange rabbit exited the visitor's room.
"Whatever. I have friends. I have people who do care about me. Not like you!" Milroy screamed at the emptiness in front of him. Feeling the burning anger inside of him, he was hit with an unexpected overwhelmed feeling. Hot tears streamed down his face. Why was he crying? Why did he need the support or approval from a man who had so strongly hated him? Walking over to the nearest guard he held out his hands. "Just get me out of here."
Flippy stood in front of a large, cheering crowd in the Brrrgh. There was always something about delivering a speech to hundreds of excited Toons. It reminded him that there were still those that listened and cared about what he had to say. It motivated him to work harder for those he served. Taking a bow to the crowd he smiled. "Thank you everybody! You have all been wonderful!" stepping down from the pedestal, the light blue dog walked off to the side where he was greeted by Paul, who clapped him on the back and laughed.
"Gotta tell you, Flip. You speak unlike anybody I have ever met. I'm tearing up over here. It's no wonder that you have such wide-spread support! The polls are looking pretty good. News has already spread that both McCarthy and his assistant have been dragged into this murder trial. Pardon my pun here, but this is likely to kill any chances he has of winning. Over seventy percent of voters polled said they would be voting for you. Only ten percent support McCarthy, eight for Devin and the other twelve are still unsure. It's basically guaranteed you win again. Although knowing my brother, he's not going to give in so easily. I'd never accuse him of going below the belt, but he's just as aware as I am of the numbers."
As Paul finished speaking, like he was summoned, Eli walked into the room and smiled at his opponents. "Mr. Doggenbottom. Incredible speech. I must say, you are a proficient speaker."
"Thanks, Mr. Action. Although I am a bit curious as to why you are here? Shouldn't you be off doing something else? Not spending time here?" Flippy scratched his head.
"I must admit, I did come here to speak with you two. I just so happened to hear you two discussing the intricacies of the election and I figured it'd be a great time to hop in. My client has a lot of respect for Mr. Doggenbottom, and is very well aware of his speaking capabilities. He would love an opportunity to get to get up on stage with you for a little... well debate. It's a debate."
Paul shook his head. "Eli, you must be a fool if you think we'd fall for such an obvious trap. We have nothing to gain and nothing to lose here!"
"Hold on there, Paul." Flippy interrupted. "Hold on a second Paul. I'm certainly not one to deny somebody an opportunity to present their views. We would be denying the Toons a chance to hear how awful McCarthy is as a candidate and maybe if we're lucky it will spill over and get him off the Retroville Council as well." the usually positive and kind Toon was out for blood.
"Flippy. Please don't let him get into your head. This is exactly the kind of thing that I was just talking about. He's trying to lure you into something. There's no reason to even acknowledge such a ridiculous request." the horse's words fell on deaf ears. Flippy was in full-on destroyer mode. After the shenanigans that McCarthy had pulled previously with Cupcake, this was his chance to finally tear that sack of garbage down a few pegs. He was determined and out for blood.
Eli grinned and stuck his hand out. "That's what I like to hear, Mr. Doggenbottom. You truly are a Toon of Toons. We will be in touch about the details!" Flippy did not return the other horse's motion, and stared blankly ahead. His mind was too focused on images of destroying Josephson once and for all.
Once Eli was gone, Paul shook Flippy's shoulder. "As your campaign manager I strongly encourage you to reconsider. If you do intend on following this nonsense to its logical conclusion, I request that you let me prepare things. After that slimy stalking that he permitted, we don't know what he might pull here."
"You're right, Paul. Don't worry. I will be careful."
Cupcake shot out of the classroom the second that Professor Rainbow dismissed everybody to leave. It was only her second day but she already realized how much she dreaded being in school again. Long lectures, reading, homework? She just wanted to go out and have fun! Fortunately, Mark had promised to meet her at a local coffee shop to get drinks and go for a walk in the park. Cupcake loved Daisy Gardens in the early fall. The sun was still out, but there was a light crispness in the air that was beginning to break through. The flowers were still bloomed, but the colors were changing on the leaves in the trees. It was a perfect day to spend with the one she loved. As she turned the corner on Oak Street, she smiled as a lone Telemarketer was standing outside of their date spot, leaning against a wall and checking his whisper device. Sprinting forward, she leapt and nearly landed on Mark. With a wide smile, she purred as Mark reached out and grabbed her hand. "You look beautiful as always, Cupcake. Anyways, how was school?"
"Eh, it was okay. Rainbow went off on a tangent about something but I wasn't really paying attention. Honestly couldn't get my mind off of seeing you!" reaching out, she pulled out Mark's tie. It was pink and had little cat heads. "You even wore the tie I bought you! Oh my gosh, you're so adorable! Please stop being so adorable. How am I supposed to live up to you?"
"Yes, I figured today would be a good day to break it out. Anyways, I have already put in your order. Caramel Frappachino, right?" Mark couldn't resist the butterfly feeling he felt whenever he looked in Cupcake's eyes, at least when she didn't have her goggles on.
Jumping up and down excitedly, Cupcake shook the poor Telemarketer. "You know me so well sweetie! Why am I so lucky?" a short time later, an order was brought out. Cupcake grabbed the cold coffee drink and sucked down immediately. Mark, unable to drink coffee, chose to go without. He was just happy to be with the pink cat. The pair had a favorite trail off of Oak Street that led to a large patch of various colorful flowers. The two would routinely come here to relax and sometime to makeout. Today though was just about enjoying a solemn moment together. Eventually the topic of McCarthy was brought up by Cupcake who was still frustrated by the dog's actions. "So, who do you think told that guy about Doctor Surlee? Do you think Surlee would do it? Maybe it was Twirl? I mean, she's always been the sketchiest of all my friends."
"Hmm. Have we considered that maybe we were followed at some point and somebody just managed to find that information? After all, it isn't as if we haven't talked about it before." Mark, logical as always, comforted Cupcake.
"I guess. But that just makes me even angrier! That means someone must have been watching us while we were at home! It's like that time Lowden had you on house arrest! Why are red dogs always the worst? Lowden and McCarthy should just kiss and have a baby so that it can grow up to be the worst thing ever!" Cupcake tightly gripped the plastic cup, causing her drink to spill through the hole on the lid and spill out onto her hands and the ground below. "Ugh, now see what they made me do? Honey, do you have a napkin?"
Mark reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a small cloth tissue. "Here you go sweetheart. I hope this will suffice."
"Thank you cutie-pie." Cupcake wiped her hands and her cup from the sticky, frozen coffee. "I guess there's no point getting too riled up about it. Dad and Deputy Skids are probably right. This probably won't end up mattering. I'm just frustrated that somebody would even think to sink so low. But I guess not everybody can be like us!"
Contemplating the entire situation, Mark nodded. "I agree. Let's just stay focused on the future. I finally think all of our troubles are behind us. After all, we've already been through quite a lot. At this point, I don't think anything could compare. We are stronger now, and we won't let them get to us. I think it's all smooth sailing from here."