Cotton Candy Cutie slid into the tight booth across from his closest friend and her work partner. The thick horse's stomach pressed up against the table as he squeezed into his seat. "You guys are really going to like this place. They have the best breakfast. Their steamed hams are to die for."

"Steamed hams?" Brussel Sprout inquired, pouring over the menu. "Where is that? I've never heard of that, but it sounds disgusting."

"Oh, sorry. That's what we call hamburgers at the club. It's kind of taken on lately." The light blue stallion chuckled. "A couple of they he guys at the club had recommended this place a while ago and it has kind of become a hangout spot for us."

Jade licked her fingers, flipping through the cheap, paper. "I'm not really hungry right now, Cutie. I'm really just here because I need information."

Brussel, who had realized this was a hangout spot for horses, crumpled up her menu and tossing it aside. "I just lost my appetite too, let's just get to what we came here for. You guys are peddling powdered sugar, aren't you? I bet your entire "club" is secretly an underground drug trafficking ring. Admit it now, and maybe we won't go too hard on you."

"More food for me, I guess." Cotton Candy Cutie spoke, oblivious to anything that Sprout had just uttered, too fixated on the delicious delicacies that could be filling his starving stomach. "Oh, yeah. So, about why I called you."

"Mhm." Jade nodded, and waited patiently for her companion to speak, as she knew when he became fixated on food that his mind tended to wander.

Finally settling on his meal, Cotton Candy spoke in a subdued tone. "Well, it's actually just a hunch. But when you mentioned Powdered Sugar, it sparked something in me." Grabbing the salt and pepper shakers, the chubby Toon began to slide them around the table. "You see, previously the club was a small, tight-knit affair. About twenty-thirty members at any given time. Most of us are pretty close. Well, recently, there has been a large influx of new members. Horses I've never seen before. Well it started with a pair that came in one day." Pouring out a few sprinkles of pepper onto a napkin, the horse continued. "Well, they kept inviting their friends, and their friends' friends, and it began to spiral. Now at any given time, we might have sixty or more horses. At first it was fine, we always appreciate more companionship."

"What does this have to do with drugs? Get on with it horse, I don't have all day." Sprout signed, slumping into her seat and sliding downwards towards the ground like an unhappy child.

Jade bonked the crocodile on the head, growing tired of her unprofessional attitude. "Sorry, pal, go ahead."

"Ah, yes. Well, anyways. Some of the new guys are well… Quite energetic. Not just like, they ate too many jellybeans or are new and excitable. No, it is beyond anything I've seen. Plus, they usually just act pretty strangely. A lot of them have weird tempers, some of them have been doing weird things. Again, thought it was just a weird crowd. But then one day I was walking home, and I saw one of the new guys. I think his name is like, Sauerkraut? Well, I was walking home and I see him crawling on the ground, begging for sugar. I was going to call for help, but when he saw me he got up and ran off."

"Sounds like a typical horse. Being a dumb idiot." Brussel groaned. "So, what is the point of all of this?'

Jade stroked her chin. "Hmm, it sounds like that horse may have been having Powdered Sugar withdrawal. The energy, the sporadic behavior? Well, that all sounds like signs that there may be a new influx of sugar users." Pulling out her notepad, the pink duck began scrawling notes down. "So, can you remember the name of those first members? It might be a good place to start.

In the background, the sound of a bell ringing, indicated that a new customer had entered the restaurant. It was a lilac horse, tall and fat, with a long nose. Taking a seat across the diner, something seemed off about the Toon. The waitress walked over, blocking off view of the horse. "Hey everyone, can I get you started with any drinks? Water? Juice?"

"Coffee please." Brussel blurted out, overtaking the horse who was about to order. "I'm falling asleep listening to this guy."

"I'll take a quadruple melted patty cheeseburger with extra hay on the side. Plus, a large cola, please. I have to keep my figure." Horsey licked his lips.

The waitress nodded and jotted down the order, looking over to Jade who shook her head. "Alright, I'll be back with those drinks!"

Pointing over to the horse facing away from them, Jade leaned over and whispered to the duo. "Hey, there's a horse over there. Do you know him, Candy?"

"Oh yeah, I've seen him before. I don't know his name, but he kind of comes and goes. He never really gets involved in club activities though." Cotton Candy slid the salt and pepper shakers back to their original spot. "Forgot what I was going to use these for. Anyways, I think it all started with Hay Now and All Star. They are a pair of brothers that play in a band. They seemed pretty cool. I guess it makes sense they'd have a following who would want to come join them. As the club leader I should have stepped in sooner and said something though, because it is getting out of control. I just want my club back to how it was."

"Dude looks pretty sus." Sprout began sniffing the air, narrowing her eyes, and staring at the other patron. "Who wears sunglasses and a fedora inside of a restaurant in the middle of the day? I think we should go over and investigate." Reaching across the table, the chaotic croc grabbed the butter knife that had been gently caressed in a folded-up napkin.

The pink duck reached over and slowly withdrew the sharp object from her partner's hand, placing it back on the table. "I hate to say this, but I actually agree with you. It isn't normal behavior to be inside of a building dressed like that. Let us just sit and watch quietly, maybe he is just socially awkward or something."

The trio ducked down so their heads were out of sight, peeking up above the booth to confirm their suspicions. The waitress had come over with drinks and had been sucked into the group's hiding as to not alert the horse to their presence. "Um, I really need to get my job." The fat green deer rolled her eyes at the hecticness of the situation. "If only The Banana could see this." The waitress whispered.

"Alright, fine. Just, don't let them know we're here. Go ahead and put our food to go, please." Jade gently stated, much to the chagrin of Cotton Candy's growling stomach. "We will make sure we don't disrupt you anymore, ma'am."

"Hold on, before you go, what did that horse over there order anyways?" The green crocodile sucked up energy like a vacuum. Trembling with anticipation as the usually overwhelming presence searched for an outlet for her unsurety.

Much to Brussel's surprise, she was congratulated again by her superior. "That's a good question. Ma'am, we are from the Toontown Rangers, and Donald's Dreamland Enforcement Agency. Would you be able to disclose this information?" Jade ripped out her usual notepad and readied herself.

The waitress shrugged confused. "Just a couple of waters. Nothing unusual. Although I haven't had a chance to take his order yet."

"A couple of waters? It looks like he is sitting alone." Inquisitive side piqued, Cotton Candy Cutie began imploring the other horse's order, fancying himself a newly minted detective.

"Yeah, just asked for two waters. One with ice, and one without ice. That's all I know. Now, would you mind if I get back to work?" The green deer stood up and strolled off a few feet, before looking back, shrugging, and heading back to the kitchen.

Spinning her firetoon's hat, Sherriff clucked her tongue against her beak, "Let's just keep waiting." The minutes ticked agonizingly as the trio fixated on the most minute actions of the fellow horse. Sipping on his water and checking his whisper device made up the vast majority of the horse's actions.

Brussel groaned, having to cover her mouth to not give away their position. "Ugh, this is useless. I have a fresh pair of handcuffs and I'm not afraid to use them!"

"I don't think that's legal, is it Jade?" The light blue horse looked confused to his close friend who just nodded back unphased. "Well, maybe I can go up and talk to him. It wouldn't be that weird since we both go to the same club."

"That might be a good idea. Get some intel and maybe we can meet you outside and you can update us." Jade patted her friend on the head and began standing up, when she was dragged back down by the angry gator.

As the duck had stood up, the front door had opened again. A hint of déjà vu passed over the three Toons as another stallion entered the establishment. Although this horse was more similar in stature to the robust blue steed in their group. Adorned in a leather jacket, sunglasses and a beanie, the horse somehow looked even more suspicious than the other. To the shock and delight of the trio the newest entrant to the diner went and joined the fellow shady Toon. "I knew it, he is super sus! We need to break out the emergency handcuffs!" Sprout, extra riled up, began pumping her arms and readying herself to roll into a ball of pure hatred and anger.

Figuring the horses would have to be blind not to have seen them, Cotton Candy crossed his fingers and bated his breath as he watched. He had no idea who this second figure was, but the way he acted made him believe he wasn't a good influence on his club members. "I don't like this guy. What's he up to?"

"Just shut up, you're going to blow out position!" Brussel shushed the horse before she was also pulled down by Jade.

"So, do you, have it?" The lilac horse stated angrily after taking a long gulp of water, trying his hardest to assert an aggressiveness that almost anybody could see through. Without speaking a word, the second horse pulled open his jacket flap, revealing something unbeknownst to the detectives who could not see what was being shown. "Hmm. That will be acceptable. Now I will show you the payment as agreed."

The taller horse pulled out a large bank of jellybeans underneath the table, clumsily trying to subdue its location. "I count before you get it." Grabbing the bank, the shorter horse wasted no time dumping the contents onto the table and individually accounting for each bean. Once he appeared satisfied, the more suspicious horse used his thick arm to sweep the chewy currency back to its resting place and pocketing the money. "Very well, here you go."

Pulling out a large cardboard container, the short horse slid it across the table before standing up and quickly polishing off the rest of his drink. Without another word, the Toon began making his exit. All ducking even further underneath the table, the detectives watched with increased heart-races as their suspect walked away. What was in the package? They needed to find out. "I'm going after him!" Sprout yelled out, unable to be restrained by Toon or deity. Shooting out of her hiding position like a bullet, the green crocodile burst through the front doors relentlessly, the echoing of a bloodcurdling scream ringing through the ears.

"Well, I guess we've been given away…" Cotton Candy signed. Leaping up, the newly made duo locked eyes with the horrified horse. "Hey, you! What's in the box!"

"Damn it, Cutie." Jade sighed, knowing now she was locked into some sort of action. Whether through pure shock, or unsurety, the fellow horse had stood up and seemed unable to use his legs. Quickly apprehended, Jade grabbed the horse by the back of the shirt and shook her head. "Alright kid, I'm not in the mood for anything. What is in the box."

With an undeserved sense of confidence, the horse spoke in a cocky tone. "It isn't any of your business, Ranger. Nothing illegal about me being here."

Cotton Candy charged back, with a hint of disappointment in his otherwise angry voice. "I can't believe that a Gentleman Horse would fall to such lows as doing Powdered Sugar. I thought we were above this at the club. Just a shame, really. Now, how many others are in on it?"

"Dude, what are you talking about? Powdered Sugar? Wait, you're the dude from the Gentleman's Club? Why are you here? What is going on? Just let me go!"" The horse became more defensive once he realized he was being interrogated by a member of the club. "Is this because I hooked up with Horsenado?"

Before any retorts could be spattered from his curled lips, the diner doors flung open, ringing the same bell. Dragging along the handcuffed, and lightly bruised and no longer-sunglass wearing horse, Brussel Sprout proudly returned with her prey. "Lookie, lookie bois. Caught myself a certified drug dealer! See, was that so hard?"

"Oh my cog, what is your guys' problem?" The tall horse exclaimed as he witnessed the other horse dragged in. "I want to speak to your superior or something!"

"Please just be quiet. You've been caught. We saw you conducting a drug deal with our own eyes. You don't have much of a leg to stand on." Jade sneered, she didn't find much enjoyment in this part of the job but she had been predisposed to argumentative criminals making her job harder.

The fat horse sputtered and stomped his feet. "Is this a joke? Drug deal? Are you three a bunch of imbeciles? I'm no drug dealer!"

Not willing to let anybody speak about his friends like that, the light blue horse got into the face of the detained stallion and narrowed his eyes. "You're both in here wearing shady looking outfits, slipping jellybeans for a package? That's pretty suspicious if you ask me! Now you're helping to bring this problem into my club? Now you've gone too far!"

"W-what are you talking about? You're crazy, dude!" The lilac steed put his hands on his head, panicking.

"No point arguing now, fool. We have the evidence right here. You better hope you have a good lawyer!" Grabbing the box, the crocodile ripped open the weak material with her sharp teeth, ripping open the box and dropping it on the ground, wide-open, allowing everybody to see. "Oh… Oh my cog…" Sprout could only whisper in a conflicted tone.

Skids waited awkwardly in the stench-filled living room, impatiently waiting for his partner to arrive. Neither Toon wanted to speak to him, and he didn't have much of an appetite for discussing things with the Toonagers until his partner arrived. Explaining things multiple times was just a waste of time he figured, although he was already wasting time. In a show of solidarity, Skids released Stinky and Gummi from their restraints with the promise (threat) of worse consequences if they tried to escape. Even the two idiots couldn't screw up such a simple command. After what seemed like an eternity, the hesitant knocking on the front door alerted the lime green dog of Brownie's presence. Skipping over, the Ranger pulled open the door, overtaken by minor confusion as the green mouse stood alone. "Hey Skids, I'm really glad this is the right house. I knocked on two different doors before I got here. Boy, that was embarrassing!"

"Hold on, where is The Orange? Wasn't he with you?" Deputy inquired.

"Oh, him. Well that's a long story. To keep things short, I'm letting him stay behind with the rest of C.U.M. They will be awaiting further instructions." Brownie walked inside acting nonchalant. Gagging, the other Ranger held his nose and mouth, covering both from the terrible odor. "Good gourd, what is that smell?"

The green dog, who had a very strong sense of smell, had become used to the incredulous smell by an act of magnificent cruelty. "Long story. Hold on though, I'm confused. I told The Orange to stick with you. He is still in training after all, he should be monitored when on work related tasks."

Brownie stood on his tip-toes to match the height of his friend, placing his arm around the dog's shoulder, the green mouse leaned over. "I think those fruits know a bit more about this Captain Jack fellow than they are letting on, I wanted to discuss them before we did anything about it without them knowing."

"Why are you whispering to me. They're not here, they can't hear us." Skids pinched his nose, trying not to laugh at the chubby Toon's ridiculousness.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry. Well, anyways. Apparently, his old team has apparently heard of Captain Jack and they said they worked a case involving him before. Said they couldn't tell me a lot about him, just an old job. Sounded kind of suspicious. Then they mentioned a missing Toon. "The Kumquat." They said. Sounds like it might be related. They were pretty vague about it all, and I think they might be lying about something."

Rubbing his chin, the concerned canine contemplated cautiously what it could mean. "Hmm, do you think maybe they have a connection to Jack? Maybe they worked in his gang? Maybe their friend was "missing" after messing up?"

Nodding, Brownie crossed his arms and curled his lips, letting out a small, exhausted sigh. "I don't think so. It sounds like they were probably trying to track him down for something before and maybe he caused their friend to go missing. Probably dead, honestly. I didn't want to say it as they still seemed hopeful their friend might be alive. Poor guys, I guess they haven't seen what we have."

"Hmm. Alright. Well, I guess that's fine. Maybe it is a sensitive topic for them. They must have their own reason for not wanting to be too open. To be honest, I don't think it is a big deal as long as we are all working towards the same goal. It sounds like we all have our own motivations. Whether that is cleaning up Toontown, or finding a friend. Anyways, I was kind of hoping that you would all show up to save an explanation, because we have a few friends here who are happy to cooperate." Leading the radiant rodent into the living room, Skids threw out his arms in a ceremonious delight, directing aim towards the two hooligans sitting on the couch impatiently.

"These guys are going to help us? Looks like a couple of losers to me." Brownie shrugged, trying to use psychological tactics to irritate the two and make them defensive. While the mouse wasn't as intelligent as his partner, he was good at bringing out reactions from Toons.

Leaping up and thrusting his head forward, Stinky gave Brownie the stink-eye. "Who you calling a loser, man? Who are you even? Bet you just do paperwork. Are you even a real Ranger? Not sure I want to help you guys out anymore."

The red dog who was sitting next to him tore his friend back to the couch by the back of his shirt. "Dude, just shut up. He's just a dumb mouse. The dog already said we can go if we just do what he says. I have things to do, I don't want to be stuck here because you won't shut up."

"You're learning so quickly, Gummi!" Skids clasped his hands and held them under his chin. Fluttering his eyelashes rapidly in a mocking way. "Well, let's just get started. I tried calling Jade and Brussel but they aren't answering their whisper devices. Guess they're busy, so I'll have to explain it at least one more time anyways." Clearing his throat, Deputy Skids stood in front of the trio and spoke in a teacherly tone. "Now, you see, our friends Gummi and Stinky may have a link to a Powdered Sugar dealer through a friend. We're going to have our two guinea pigs wired, meet with their friend and try and get more information. Possibly even having them brought to the dealer. They will then meet with the dealer and if we can get an audio recording, we will be close by and then bust out and arrest the dealer. Then we have our direct link. From there, we can build our plan around infiltrating the gang and making any needed arrests. Of course, we'll get more details and change the plan as needed, but this seems like the simplest and quickest way."

"Sounds like a rather good plan. But why do we need these two? Couldn't we just interrogate their friend?" Brownie asked, hesitant to work with the disgusting smelling rabbit.

Scrunching his face, Deputy nodded. "I wish; however, I can't just take these two's words on this. They need to have some skin in the game just in case they're trying to push the blame on somebody else. Now they can't weasel their way out of this. If we get what we need, they are free to go. If we don't though? Hmm, what do you think?"

"I think we should throw them in the slammer for a while so they can finally be forced to take a shower, and maybe think about their stupid actions. Seems like a win-win!" The green Toons chuckled together, ignoring the scowled arrestees annoyed reactions. "So, shall we get going?"