Thank you to ImpossibleJedi4, Energy witch, Whiteling, DarknessLegends, Berrybanana05, Christina730, Ella Le Hissy, Guest, Catgirl PA, Invader Ash, Moomoo Mouse, BakuganNerd52, Fantasy Female Freak, Firefox, Ultimate Spider Girl, 2021FanGirl, and Mosaic Mouse for your reviews on chapter twelve.
Yes, Robbie is a major jerk.
Guest: If I do have a scene where Ford self harms it will most likely be during a ritual, or something of that sort. I don't see him as the type who would willingly hurt himself.
Moomoo Mouse: None of my stories are ever going to include Mpreg. I don't like it, so I won't write it. If I ever do write time travel (which as of now it's not likely) it will be canon characters like Blendin or the time police.
Invader Ash: In a later chapter Dipper will have a few words to say to Robbie.
"Wendy!" Dipper yelled as he ran in the direction she fled. He stopped as he reached the forest. He listened out for any sign of the older teenager then continued on through at a slower pace. Every once in a while he'd shout her name only to receive no reply.
The boy heard rustling in the leaves and spun around to see nothing out of the ordinary. A few feet ahead his ears picked up the sound of soft sobbing that he instantly knew was Wendy.
Dipper picked up speed. His shoe tripped over a root causing him to faceplant in a pile of leaves. He rubbed his head and moved to his knees to see Wendy sitting beneath a tree. She looked up when Dipper came into view.
"Wendy," Dipper said when he approached.
The redhead grabbed hold of the tree limb and hoisted herself up. Her legs slightly wobbled and she tried her best to smile at Dipper despite her blotchy cheeks and puffy eyes.
The younger teen opened his mouth but found himself at a loss of words. He averted his eyes from Wendy, finding the ground more interesting as he rubbed at the back of his head.
"I-I'm sorry," Wendy said softly. She turned her back to Dipper. "I didn't want you to find out that way."
Dipper started. He walked ahead and stood in front of the girl. "Please, is there anything you need me to do?"
Wendy turned towards the tree. She pressed her forehead against its trunk and her back shook as another wave of tears rushed through her.
Again Dipper stood dumbfounded. It was only the second time he had ever seen her cry, the first being after she angrily chewed him and Robbie out when she discovered he once again lied to her. At the time he didn't understand and Stan explained later that it was a poor choice for him to try and approach her directly after the break up.
Robbie was the one at fault. Dipper punched the closest tree imagining it was Robbie's face. He then kicked a rock knowing if he did get in a fight with Robbie he would lose and only make the situation worse for Wendy.
Once she calmed herself she apologized. Dipper quickly assured her she had nothing to be sorry for. He hated that he stood there unable to offer any help.
"You're the first person I told," Wendy said. She sniffed. "Other than Robbie." She crossed her arms and leaned against the tree. "I can't tell my dad. He'll freak out and kill Robbie." She stared up at the sky, how the tips of trees made a perfect circle. "I'll have to support a baby. If he goes to jail I-I can't take care of it and my brothers myself."
She slid down until her bottom touched the cold ground once more. Eventually her father would find out. She wouldn't be able to hide her growing belly for the next nine months. The rumors would spread, so either by her mouth, or from an outside source he'd learn the identity of the baby's father.
Dipper did the only thing he could, sat down next to her. It ate him up that for the first time in his life he couldn't think of a solution. He put his hand atop of hers. Wendy glanced over to see her friend's eyes about to spill with tears for her situation.
"If there's anything I can do," Dipper offered. "Me, and Mabel, and Grunkle Stan, we'll do whatever we can."
Wendy reached over and pulled the boy into a hug. Dipper shut his eyes and leaned his head against her chest. She tightened her hold on him and rested her head atop his shoulder. She cried for ever thinking Dipper would abandon her.
"Please, for now," Wendy begged in between sobs. "Don't-don't tell anyone else."
With a nod Dipper agreed.
After Stan made sure that Caroline Avery left and had Soos sweep everywhere she had been for any possible spying equipment Bill was allowed to leave his room. Stan refused to give him clearance to enter the tourist section of the house, which limited him to the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
Soos found Bill in the living room with the remote in hand as he flipped through channels, not interested in watching TV. He handed Bill a whiteboard and a black Expo marker. Bill thanked him with a nod and the best smile he could form. The gifts were placed on the arm of the chair as he continued to search for something of interest to watch.
Bill caught the shadow in the doorway. He turned to see Mabel stood there with her hands clasped behind her back. He sighed as he recalled his treatment of her earlier that morning. He glared at the girl hoping with what little patience remained his heart that she didn't come to offer her assistance with something he could do on his own.
"It's um...time for your potion and painkillers," Mabel said in a soft voice.
She walked out of the room and returned a minute later with a tray in hand. The tray was placed atop the table on the other side of the room. She brought the two cups of medicine with a bottle of cold water tucked under her arm. Satisfied that Mabel didn't try to feed him he poured the foul tasting liquids into his mouth then washed out the bitter aftertaste with the water. He watched as she brought yet another bowl of broth to him.
The warm bowl sat in his hands. He glared at the yellow liquid as he wondered if that was all he'd be allowed to eat for the next five weeks. Mabel handed him the spoon. Without looking at the girl he gripped the metal utensil and fought his desire to snap it in two.
"Is there anything I can do to cheer you up?" Mabel asked.
Bill shook his head.
The girl nodded and without a word collected the tray. She announced she would return after the next break of customers to check on him.
Bill slammed the bowl on the skull next to the chair. Mabel jumped, nearly dropping the tray. The demon snatched the whiteboard and the marker squeaked as he scribbled. He held up the board and Mabel's heart dropped as she read: Don't bother! I can do it myself.
The girl nodded and fled from the living room. She placed the tray on the counter louder than she intended. Soos emerged from the bathroom and watched as the girl wept into her hands. She noticed the other person in the room. Soos sat down at the kitchen table and patted the chair next to him. Slowly the girl accepted his invitation.
"I'm trying my best, Soos, but Bill is mad at me," Mabel cried. "I don't know what I did to him, but he won't let me help."
"Don't feel bad, Hambone," Soos said. He opened a can of soda and slid the other towards Mabel. "Remember how frustrated he was when he first came here?" Mabel nodded. "He probably feels that way again 'cause he pretty much can't leave the shack until the wires come off."
Mabel sighed and stared down at her feet. She understood the importance of keeping Bill away from Avery until his jaw healed. Ford went through too much trouble to keep the operation a secret. The woman's questioning an hour ago still made her uncomfortable.
"I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Soos said. "When he realizes what he did he'll apologize."
Mabel smiled. She then frowned again as she thought of Bill in pain and alone in that room. Unfortunately until five o'clock she wouldn't be allowed to spend more than a few minutes with him.
Both turned at the sound of the backdoor opening. Mabel jumped down from her seat as she watched Stan and Fiddleford walk into the house with Dipper at their side. She raised her brow as she clearly recalled seeing him leave with Wendy about an hour ago. On top of that he wore a strange metal collar around his neck.
"Hey, Bro-Bro, where's Wendy?" Mabel asked.
The boy growled and lunged at Mabel. Ford yelled for her to get back and pressed the button. The male twin fell the the ground and writhed as his insides stung. Mabel watched wide eyed and Soos pushed the girl behind him. They all witnessed the shapeshifter assume his true form.
"You were warned," Ford spat. "You may not attack my family." To better emphasize his point he gave the shapeshifter another jolt of pain.
Shifty screamed and Soos turned Mabel away. The girl shut her eyes while the handyman held her close.
All the noise prompted Bill to leave the comfort of the recliner. He walked into the kitchen with his hands on his hips. The look of curiosity turned into one of rage and he rushed for the shapeshifter.
Fiddleford jumped in the way. He grabbed hold of Bill's arms. The demon struggled against the elderly man. Fiddleford's shoes scuffed across the kitchen floor as Bill pushed his way closer to the shapeshifter.
"Bill, stand down," Ford ordered.
Bill glared at his boyfriend. He surveyed the kitchen and his eyes spied the notepad by the refrigerator. He snatched up the paper and with a black pen he swiftly wrote out his message. He held the paper to Ford that read: He broke my mouth, now I'm going to break all his limbs.
"No, you're not," Ford said. He pushed Bill up against the wall all while the demon thrashed.
Fiddleford helped the panting Shifty to his feet. He could barely feel his legs and was forced to lean on his former captive just to keep him upright.
Bill stopped struggling just so Ford would let him go. The blond kept his glower that landed on the creature responsible for his broken jaw.
"Calm down, Bill," Ford ordered. "As much as I don't like it, we'll need his help."
Ford turned away from the fuming demon and approached the shapeshifter. The multi-formed creature let go of Fiddleford which caused him to stumble. He steadied himself by grabbing onto the wall then glared at the scientist.
"Transform into Bill," Ford demanded.
Where the shapeshifter was located a second ago now stood a mirror image of Bill. Soos was impressed and Mabel shuddered. Bill's glare hardened.
"Without the wires," Ford instructed.
At Ford's command Shifty wore Bill's smile the others had grown accustomed to for nearly a year. Mabel cautiously approached the imitation of her friend. She glanced at Bill then back at Shifty.
"It's like there's no difference," she said.
"Can you mimic his voice?" Ford asked.
Shifty recalled the few words he heard Bill spoke before he broke his jaw. "Hello, Stanford," he said catching the author off guard.
"Wow," Soos gasped.
Ford had to remind himself that the Bill in front of him was not the original. Shifty turned to talk to Soos and Mabel in Bill's voice. The author smiled; the voice, pitch, and mannerisms were on point.
"I think this can actually work," Ford said. He turned to look at his fuming boyfriend then back at Shifty. "Next time Dr. Avery stops by we can use the decoy."
Bill clenched his fists. He felt his stomach twist and had to push away the thoughts of lopping off his boyfriend's head. The surgeon made it clear that the wires would have to be cut off in the emergency of vomiting, and until his jaw properly healed he needed to take every precaution not to spew.
"I hope he can fool her, 'cause she's not a person I want to meet again," Mabel said with a shudder.
Soos and Mabel explained to Ford and Fiddleford all that occurred during their absence. Ford sighed in both relief and annoyance. He congratulated his niece on her performance then turned to Shifty.
"For the next month you will be our substitute Bill," he announced. He let the shapeshifter see the remote he held in his hand. "Don't even think about betraying me." He moved closer to the false Bill. "It'll be the last thing you ever do."
Shifty grinned. Ford was forced to take a step back. Everything about that smirk looked too familiar to how Bill smiled at him after saying something to purposely annoy him, or when he planned to do something reckless.
Once the coast was clear Ford and Fiddleford escorted Shifty down to the laboratory where he would be locked away until needed. The observation cell was made with sheer reinforced steel that only something as strong as a wrecking ball could break. Ford only hoped Shifty didn't know those machines existed.
Shifty returned to his true form. He pressed his palms against the glass and for a moment Bill felt a hint of pity for him. Fortunately he was considered harmless enough not to be locked away, not that it was any better than the prison that was his current body.
"You try to escape and you'll regret it," Ford threatened and showed him the remote that he stored in his pocket. Bill grinned.
Later that night Stan ordered pizza. The four Pines along with Bill, Fiddleford, and Soos sat at the table. Bill glared at yet another bowl of broth placed before him. He looked over to see Mabel take a bite. The stringy cheese that still clung to the slice hung from her mouth. Bill stared into the golden brown liquid meant for him to eat as he wondered how the metal in Mabel's mouth didn't keep her from eating delicious foods.
Having skipped two meals his stomach begged for him to consume the soup. He brought the spoon to his lips and inserted what he could into the small opening of his mouth. Half of the broth dripped down his chin and onto the table.
Bill picked up the napkin to wipe away the salty liquid. The chicken soup didn't taste bad, but it had nothing on pizza. He glared at the bowl again and wished there was a way for him to turn pizza into soup. Bitterly he downed the broth, dreading the next five weeks.
All he had to do was contact his former cellmate and now best friend and Ghost Eyes drove him anywhere he needed. Gideon glanced over at the older man who had also received a pardon from Mayor Cutebiker for helping the town during a moment of crisis. No matter how much he mentioned Bill's name, none of his prison friends recalled the dream demon or the apocalypse.
The boy turned his attention to the window. In the dusk he could see a faint reflection in the mirror from the dim moonlight. Everything Mabel said to him a few nights ago played on repeat in his brain. He tried to rationalize that he had intended only to look out for her, and she was the one who had lied to him. Still the anger in her eyes would haunt him until he fixed his mistake.
Ghost Eyes pulled the truck into the parking lot. He glanced at the names on the office sign then looked back at the boy who unlatched his seatbelt.
"Why are you going to social services?" Ghost Eyes asked. The Gleefuls never struck him as the types to mistreat their son. On the opposite, they offered him anything he could ever want.
"It's my business," Gideon snapped and slammed the door.
Gideon went to knock on the door when it opened. Both he and the social worker yelled in alarm. Gideon caught himself on the iron banister before he tumbled down the stairs.
With her hand over her chest she exhaled then greeted the boy with a smile. "Gideon Gleeful, you surprised me."
"I uh, I wanted to talk to you," Gideon explained. He glanced down at his watch to see the hour to be almost eight and knew her office closed near to that time. "I can come back tomorrow if you..."
"No, no please, come inside," Caroline said. She held out her arm to offer the eleven-year-old entrance to her office.
As before Gideon made himself comfortable on the couch while Avery went to her phone. She tapped her foot as the line rang. On the third ring a man's voice answered. She informed him that she would be home about fifteen to twenty minutes late and to keep the food on the stove until she pulled into the driveway.
After she hung up she sat down next to the Gleeful child and crossed one thin leg over the other. Due to the earlier incident she changed into a gray pinstripe pantsuit. A tray of hard candies were offered to the boy; for the first time in his life Gideon denied sweets.
"You got here just in time," Caroline said and placed the glass dish on the table beside her. She rested her elbow on the top of the couch and curled her fingers against her forehead.
"Look, I got somethin' to say," Gideon confessed.
"Of course, whenever you're ready," Caroline said with a smirk.
Gideon stared down at his chubby fists. He still felt Mabel's glare and her words burned at his heart.
"I, uh...I lied before," Gideon said. "I was mad at Mabel. Everything I said about her and her family ain't true." He gripped at the leather seat. "So you don't have to bother the Pines family anymore."
Avery frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that," she said. The woman stood with her back to the child. One hand on her hip she said, "You know, willfully giving social services false information can get you thrown in jail."
Gideon's heart stung at the thought of being locked back in a cell. Avery walked over to her desk. She rummaged through her files until she picked up the one on Bill Cipher.
"The mayor may have had your previous charges expunged, but this one will be on your record permanently," Avery said. "Not to mention all that stuff you told me about the Pines sheltering a dangerous criminal who was responsible for the damage last summer. And how Stanford and Stanley Pines covered the whole thing up by forcing this gullible town into believing it was due to an earthquake."
Avery watched him squirm out of the corner of her eye. She quickly turned and removed the thin-rimmed glasses from her face. The temple tip was placed in the corner of her mouth.
"And you were so detailed about the journals," Avery added. "Even a child with an overactive imagination couldn't have come up with something like that."
Gideon caught himself from screaming when she sat down beside him. The glasses were placed back on her face.
"You know what I think, Gideon?" she asked. Gideon shook his head. With a smirk the redhead continued, "I think you found out something you weren't supposed to know. I think Stanley or Stanford Pines forced you into coming here tonight."
"No," Gideon argued.
Avery put her arm around the boy and pulled him closer. Shaking the child looked up at the social worker.
"Did they threaten you, Gideon?" she asked.
The boy shook his head. She smirked as his shaking increased.
"Did they promise to hurt you, or smear your name if you didn't come here to try and throw me off?"
Again Gideon shook his head.
"What about Mabel?" Avery asked. Her grin increased as the boy gasped at the mention of that girl's name. "Did Mabel force you to come here?"
"May-Mabel's innocent," Gideon cried.
Caroline put her hand under Gideon's face and tilted it upwards. She felt his throat contract against the back of her fingers as he gulped.
"And how do you feel knowing Mabel is in that house with a well-known criminal like Stanley Pines, and dangerous people such as Bill Cipher and Stanford Pines?"
Gideon shook. "I-I want to go," he whimpered.
Caroline retracted her hand. "You are free to leave," she said.
The boy jumped from the couch and hurried to the door. He stopped as the social worker called his name. Slowly he looked over his shoulder.
"Think about what I said," Caroline called. "Do what's best for Mabel."
Gideon ran out the door. He hopped into the the truck without saying a word to the driver. Ghost Eyes watched the child's face frozen in horror as he attempted three times to buckle his seatbelt until it finally clicked.
As they pulled away from the parking lot Gideon worried that he made matters worse.
The next morning Ford instructed Bill to join him in the laboratory. The shapeshifter was given a bowl of beans for breakfast then allowed to exit the cell. On Ford's command Shifty assumed Cipher's human form. Bill glowered at the mirror image of himself before he was cursed to wear wires in his mouth.
The three ascended to the gift shop an hour before it was scheduled to open. Stan emerged from the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand to watch the spectacle. Were it not for the fact that Avery stopped by the day before Ford would have considered allowing Bill and Shifty to play a prank for his brother, but fun was put on the shelf for more crucial matters.
For the first half hour he instructed Shifty to watch Bill walk and go about his daily duties in the gift shop. The second part of the hour it was Shifty's turn to reenact everything he witnessed. By that point Dipper and Mabel joined Stan in observing the show. After two minutes the younger set of twins couldn't believe that the person moving about the gift shop was not their grunkle's boyfriend.
At last five minutes to nine arrived. The kids hurried for one last bathroom and snack break while Stan quickly changed into Mr. Mystery. Ford offered to work the floor with the remote in reach just incase Shifty decided to make his escape. Stan agreed but made it known he wouldn't be paying his brother for his services.
As Stan went to unlock the door Ford turned to Bill. He put his hand on his boyfriend's shoulder and said, "I want you to stay in the basement today."
Bill glared.
It was then that Mabel approached the two. "She asked to see your room yesterday," the girl explained.
"Yeah, dude, we can't have her seeing two Bills, that would be like weird," Soos added.
"It's only until your jaw heals," Ford said.
Bill picked up the whiteboard he had set on the counter when they first moved into the gift shop. Swiftly the marker danced across the board. He held it up and the others read: He hurt me. Why am I the one being treated like a prisoner?
"Bill, please, it's just temporary," said Ford.
He reached out his hand to stroke Bill's face, but the latter moved out of reach. With his head down he entered the code to the laboratory. A second later the vending machine moved and the blond walked inside while the machine closed behind him.
The door opened to reveal Wendy three minutes late for her shift. She hung her coat up in the closet then occupied her spot at the cash register. It took a total of five minutes before she noticed Bill beside her.
"Whoa! You got the wires off already?" Wendy exclaimed. She gripped at her hat. "That must be some amazing potion you have, Mr. Pines."
Shifty put his arm around Wendy which caused the girl to jolt. She pushed him away then looked over at the others who laughed at her expense.
"I like this guy, I hope he'll be around for a while," Mabel said in between laughs.
"Sorry, Wendy, but it was funny," Dipper added.
Wendy stared at the twins and Soos for a moment then turned back to face Bill. His eyes switched to his original red ones and the girl screamed. She jumped into defensive mode and grabbed the bat that Stan hid under the counter.
"Whoa! Calm down," Ford shouted.
"Yeah, he can't do anything," Mabel added.
"He's as helpless as Bill now," said Dipper.
Wendy lowered the bat, but she didn't smile or even say anything else to the shapeshifter. On Ford's command Shifty resumed Bill's eyes.
The first round of customers entered and Shifty was ordered to stand out of the way next to Ford. For a moment the author worried that in a split second he could assume the shape of anyone in the store. He already came up with the cover story of Shifty slipping should he need to use the remote. However he dreaded having to use that method should Avery walk in the store.
Two hours passed without incident. During a lull in the customers Stan instructed Dipper to hang some signs deeper into the forest.
Not long after Dipper left the infamous car pulled onto the lawn.
"Showtime," Stan said to the others.
Ford clamped a hand on Shifty's shoulder. "Don't you dare fail me," he warned.
Shifty grinned at Ford. He turned and softly caressed the other man's cheek. He leaned in close and pressed his lips against Ford's earlobe.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Stanford," Shifty whispered in Bill's voice.
Ford shuddered. The smell of his clothes, feel of his hair against his forehead, and touch of his soft hands and lips felt exactly like Bill.
Shifty let go of Ford just as Caroline entered the shack. She searched the room and smiled at Bill a little ways down.
"Mr. Cipher," Avery said as she held out her hand. As practiced Shifty shook hands with the woman. He glanced back at Ford who subtly nodded. "I take it you had a good vacation yesterday?"
"The best," Shifty said and mimicked Bill's laugh.
From the counter both Wendy and Mabel watched in awe at the creature's flawless performance of their colleague. Caroline asked the fake Bill a few questions that he answered to the best of his ability.
"I'd like to take another look at your living space," Caroline said.
Shifty glanced over at Ford who led the way to the door that separated the residential area from the business section. Caroline watched as Ford walked a few paces ahead of the other two.
Shifty glanced back at Caroline then hopped ahead and grabbed hold of Ford's hand. The author started, but stopped himself from shouting. He then glared at the monster wearing Bill's skin. He took a quick glimpse in Caroline's direction then tightened his hold on Shifty's hand.
Ford stood to the side and nodded at the shapeshifter. Shifty turned the knob and opened up the room for the scent of candy to greet the guests. Caroline walked in ahead of the other two. She looked over at Ford who stood in the doorway with his arms crossed.
"May you give us some privacy?" the social worker asked.
Ford felt his stomach twist. He sent a quick warning glare in Shifty's direction then stepped out of the room at Avery's request.
Caroline didn't say a word and started to search the room. She examined each of the books on the shelf then moved over to his bed. The woman moved onto her knees and lifted the haphazardly tossed blanket out of the way. With a tiny flashlight she searched the space to find mostly discarded candy wrappers, cookie containers, and a few empty soda cans. The woman shuddered at the thought of a roach crawling on her.
Shifty leaned against the wall as he watched the redhead mill about Bill's room looking for something. The creature took a peek out the door to see Ford further down the hallway. Tightly clenched in the six-fingered hand was the remote.
"What are you looking for?" Shifty asked as Caroline bent down to look under the desk.
At the sound of Bill's voice she raised her head and bumped it on the table. Muttering a swear under her breath she stood up rubbing the sore spot.
"Nothing in particular," Caroline answered with a smile. She shuffled towards the door then stopped just over the threshold. "You're less stressed about me searching your room today."
Shifty opened his mouth, but for once he had nothing to say. He followed the woman out of the room. The two stopped at Ford who stood at the separation of the two sections of the shack.
The three were hit with bright lights as they entered back into the gift shop. Mabel, Soos, and Wendy ceased conversation when the social worker's black pumps clacked across the wooden floor.
She turned towards Mabel. "Where's your brother?" she asked.
"Oh, he's out hanging signs," Mabel answered.
"In the woods all by himself," Caroline said and moved away from the rest of the group.
Mabel narrowed her eyes and followed after the woman. Avery smirked seeing the girl fell into her trap. Caroline stood on the front porch. Mabel joined her. A group of three tourists dashed up the stairs by them.
"Dipper can take care of himself," Mabel said. "Besides, we've spent a lot of time in these woods."
"I'm still worried," Caroline said. She leaned against the post. "You kids working here. After Bill received those injuries, I'd hate to imagine it happening to you."
Mabel gave a dismissive wave. "Nothing can hurt us here," the girl said with a laugh. "Besides he got hurt in Grunkle Ford's lab."
"Your Grunkle Ford's lab?" Caroline asked and turned towards the girl. She knelt down to be on Mabel's eye level. "Not McGucket's lab?"
"Why would Bill be in McGucket's lab?" Mabel asked. "He works with Grunk..." Mabel's eyes widened as she suddenly remembered Ford's cover story of them working with Fiddleford.
Caroline smiled. "And where exactly is your Grunkle Ford's lab?"
"Uh...uh...I didn't mean it," Mabel said waving her hands. She backed away from the social worker and bumped into an exiting customer with recently purchased merchandise in hand. "They do-they do work with McGucket." She knocked herself on the side of the head. "I-I just forgot."
"Now, Mabel, you have no reason to lie," Caroline said as she slowly approached the girl.
"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel yelled.
In two seconds Stan was at the door. He looked down at Mabel then frowned at the woman.
"Mabel, get inside," Stan ordered. The girl obeyed. Stan moved closer to the social worker who stood with her hands on her hips. He pointed at her with his cane. "I don't want you talking to the kids anymore. If you so much as say 'hi' to them without my permission, I'll call the cops."
Avery snickered. With her hands raised she asked, "Do you really think the police would come to your aid?" She grinned at the conman. "I know more about you than you think, Mr. Pines." She lowered her arms and turned her back to him. "And I think those kids would be safer away from you."
With that she waved and made her way down the stairs. She had enough for now.
Stan let the door slam behind him. The staff and customers inside all looked up at the shack's owner.
"Grunkle Stan," Mabel whispered.
"She's gone," Stan said. He beckoned for all his family and employees to gather round. "For now I don't want any of you talking to her."
They all agreed.
Ford jumped when Shifty hugged him from behind. "It's more interesting here, I see why you abandoned the bunker."
Ford let Shifty hold him for a few seconds more until he remembered that the person behind him was not Bill. He pulled away while the creature laughed in his normal voice.
Down in the lab Bill seethed as he watched the exchange on the camera. He slammed his fist into the monitor. He pulled out his hand to see pieces of glass sticking into his flesh. Smoke and sparks escaped from the damaged screen.