[Queue Rescue Rangers Intro Theme]
The scene opens with Chip, wearing a gray suit with brown leather shoes, standing in line at a Bank of America branch as he waits to speak to the Teller.
"Next, please." The Teller states.
Chip approaches the wicket. "Good day, I would like to deposit this cheque and make a payment please." He said, handing the small cheque.
The Teller accepted it. "Okay, so you are depositing the cheque of $3,945 into which account?" She asked.
"Put it into my chequing account please." Chip said.
"Alright, and who would like to make a payment too, and how much?" She asked.
"I want to pay $3,000 to Rebecca Smalls. I have her account number here." Chip said, passing a note.
The Teller accepted the note and began clicking keys. "How is Dale doing these days anyway?" She asked.
Chip sighed. "He's doing better. I didn't think you remembered." He said.
The Teller grabs a receipt from her printer. "You've been coming in every month for the past two and half years to pay the same amount to Rebecca Smalls." She said.
Chip took the receipt. "Hard to believe it's been this long." He said.
"Funny how time flies by. Is there anything else I can help you with?" She asked.
"No, thanks." Chip said, turning and exiting the bank.
Chip exits the bank and proceeds to his unmarked police cruiser. He drives away from the bank and heads back to the LAPD headquarters on 100 W 1st St.
"Morning, Chip. Reports are on your desk as you asked for them." A passing officer said.
"Thank you, Alice." Chip said.
Chip dropped his bags off in his office and proceeded to the boardroom located on the second floor.
"Alright, have we discovered any new clues or evidence to process?" Chip asked.
"Nothing. It's as if we are missing something. Did you talk to Dale about what he remembers from his time at the fan con convention?" Detective Johnathan asked.
Chip nodded. "I did, Dale is as puzzled as we are. Everything hated him in some form or another. That's why he was replaced by Sonic and then dubbed him 'ugly' Sonic." He explained.
"Well, whatever it is or whoever took him, we need to find out soon. The FBI has been on our asses about finding him since he's now technically a part of them." Randal said.
"Does the FBI have any hunches as to who took him?" Chip asked.
"Nope. They're just as stumped as we are." Jonathan said.
Chip then had an idea. "I think I have a hunch. I'll go check it out and give you an update later." He said, exiting the room as the others stared at each other.
Chip rushed to his car and responded quickly using his emergency lights back to his home. He pulled in front of the house and rushed inside. Rebecca was sitting on the back picnic table with Dale going through their usual lesson book. Chip walked over and opened the patio door.
"Chip, I didn't expect to see you so early?" Rebecca said in confusion.
"Chip, you're home!" Dale said as his face lit up with a huge smile.
Chip gave a half-smile to Dale. "Dale, I need to take you with me to help with our ongoing case."
"But, we're not done with our lesson plan for today." Rebecca said.
"I'll still pay you for the day, I just need Dale right now." Chip said.
Rebecca nodded. "I understand. Good luck." She said.
Chip ushered Dale to the police car as they sped away towards Main St.
Dale looked at Chip with a puzzled look. "Where are we going?" He asked.
"Main St." Chip replied.
"Why?" Dale asked.
"We are going to visit an old acquaintance, Mr. Bjornson." Chip said.
"The cheese shop guy?" Dale said in question.
"The same. If anyone knows about missing toons, it would be him." Chip said, pulling the car to the side.
Chip exited and put on his aviator sunglasses.
Dale exited the car and followed closely behind Chip. "But, isn't he going to be mad at us for shutting down their bootlegging business?" He asked.
"Doesn't matter. I have the authority to arrest now, and he shouldn't be a problem." Chip said.
Chip and Dale entered Main St. and proceeded to the cheese shop where Mr. Bjornson was going through the inventory.
"Mr. Bjornson, we meet again." Chip said, placing his left hand on his gun belt.
Mr. Bjornson turned. "You two again. What do you want?" He asked.
"We're looking for someone, maybe you know him. Goes by the name Ugly Sonic." Chip said.
"Nah, I don't know anything. Since you two put my collection service out of business, I've had to take over that part of the business." He said.
"Mind if we have a look?" Chip asked.
"Not without a warrant." Mr. Bjornson said.
"Why, if you've got nothing to hide, why not show me?" Chip asked.
Mr. Bjornson slowly reached his hands below the counter while retaining eye contact as he slowly gripped a sawed-off shotgun. Before Mr. Bjornson could react he froze as Chip got a radio transmission.
"1-Charlie-15 to 1-Adam-81, over." The radio blipped.
Chip unclipped his portable radio from his belt and pushed the button. "Go ahead, 1-Charlie-15." He said, releasing the button.
"We found a witness who saw the accident. She's at the station if you want to interview her." Randal said.
"10-4, Randal. I'll head over there now." Chip said.
Mr. Bjornson removed his hands from the shotgun. "I guess I'll be seein' yeah." He said with a cackle.
"Yes, I suppose you shall." Chip said.
Chip and Dale turned for the exit and proceeded back to the car but were stopped by a gray mouse in a business suit.
"Excuse me." He said.
Chip turned. "Yes, can I help you?" He asked.
"I can't help but overhear you're looking for that ugly Sonic character." He said.
"You know something about his disappearance?" Chip asked.
"As a matter of fact, I do. Follow me." He said.
Chip and Dale glared at each other as they followed the unsuspecting individual down a dark ally.
The mouse turned with a gun in his hand. "You two poking around asking questions that are none of your business. I oughta shoot the both of you for showing your faces here again after what you did to Sweet Pete." He stated in frustration.
"Now you just take it easy, put the gun away and let's talk about this. If you come forward and tell the LAPD what you know, you'll be hailed an honorable citizen and we can put this little incident behind us." Chip said.
He turned to Dale pointing the gun. "What are you looking at red nose?" He asked.
Dale out of fear hid behind Chip. Chip drew his weapon while the mouse was distracted. "End of the line. Drop your weapon." He instructed.
The mouse began to lower his weapon to the ground and in an instance raised it quickly. Chip fired two rounds into his torso. The mouse fell to the ground dropping the gun. Dale covered his ears from the loud gunfire.
Chip unclipped his radio. "Shots fired, assistance required in the area of 1371 Main St." He stated subtly.
Chip walked over and kicked the gun away. He looked back to Dale who was visibly shaken. He walked over, holstering his weapon, and wrapped his right arm around Dale.
"You okay?" He asked with concern.
Dale didn't say a word but simply wrapped his arms tightly around Chip and rested his head on Chip's jacket.
"It'll all be okay, Dale." Chip said soothingly as he placed his left paw around Dale still grasping the sidearm with his right.
Dale remained quiet as they waited for backup. Soon after the radio transmission, numerous cars arrived. Second-Class Detective Randal Williams took charge of the scene.
Randal began jotting down notes on his notepad. "You two were lucky to make it out unharmed. We've been trying to catch that guy for quite some time." He said.
Chip sighed. "Yeah, although I wish it would have ended in a more peaceful manner." He said.
"Well, he pointed a gun at you. You acted within the law." Randal said.
"Sometimes the lawful thing doesn't seem the right thing to do." Chip said, resting up against the cruiser.
"Don't take it too personal, Chip. It's an unfortunate part of our job." Randal explained.
Chip stood back on his feet. "I suppose you're right." He said, proceeding to walk back to his car.
"Oh, one last thing," Randal said.
Chip turned, "What's that?" He asked.
"I need your sidearm for SIU purposes," Randal said, opening an evidence bag.
Chip sighed and unholstered his weapon, removing the clip and cocking the slide two times. He dropped the unloaded gun into the bag.
"Thanks, Captain. SIU will likely call you for a statement later today. Best you go home and get a bit of rest." Randal said.
Chip shook Randal's paw and proceeded to his car. Chip started the engine as Dale looked away from Chip out the passenger window.
"I didn't know you had it in you," Dale said.
"What?" Chip asked in confusion.
Dale looked over at Chip. "To take someone's life. I never thought you'd be capable of it." He said.
Chip sighed. "I'm sorry you had to witness it. It's just part of the job, Dale." He said.
"You said the police are supposed to protect and serve the public. Or at least that's what you said to Captain Putty." Dale remarked.
"Dale, sometimes in the line of any police officer's career they will have to use their service weapon. It is never by choice but because they have to in order to protect themselves and those around them." Chip explained.
Chip pulled the car into the driveway and turned it off.
Dale opened the door. "There's always a choice." He said, slamming the door closed.
Chip opened his door and watched Dale enter the house. Chip followed behind and entered the home.
"Come on, Dale. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't have to. But, you were there and I couldn't see you get hurt so I acted in self-defense for the both of us." Chip said.
Dale sighed. "I'm sorry for getting mad. It's these medications the doctor gave me. One minute I'm happy, the next I'm sad. I just can't control myself anymore." Dale said as he began to tear up.
"Aw, don't cry Dale. Come here." Chip said, giving Dale a comforting hug.
Dale continued to cry into Chip's jacket sleeve as his phone rang. Chip picked it up and answered it.
"I'm in the middle of something. This better be important." Chip said.
On the other side of town, Randal stands in front of a turned-over van amongst other vehicles in a sectioned-off crime scene.
"Captain, I think we found our victim," Randal said.
"I'm on my way." Chip said, ending the call.
Dale raised his head, still teary-eyed. "Who's that?" He asked with a sniffle.
"We found him." Chip said.
The scene transitions to Chip arriving in his unmarked Crown Victoria.
Chip walked over. "What have you found?" He asked.
Randal pointed to the ambulance where Ugly Sonic was holding an oxygen mask while wrapped in a blanket. "We found him," He said.
Chip gave a look of astonishment. "That's incredible." He said.
Chip turned and proceeded towards Ugly Sonic but Randal stopped him.
"Um, actually, Chip I can't let you do that," Randal said.
"Why not?" Chip asked.
"You're under investigation by SIU in regards to that shooting earlier. I technically could be punished for even having you here. Best you go home and prepare yourself for that deposition." Randal said.
Randal walked away as Chip took one last glare at Ugly Sonic who was being treated by paramedics.
[The scene transitions to Chip sitting in front of four individuals who are a part of the Special Investigations Unit]
"Please state your name for the record." One female investigator stated.
"Chip Maplewood." Chip said.
"Can you walk us through the events leading up to the discharge of your service weapon this afternoon?" She asked.
"Well, um, I was with Dale looking for clues on a missing person case and an individual approached me and said he had evidence and led me and Dale down a dark ally where he then proceeded to aim a gun at us." Chip explained.
"What is Dale's relationship to you?" She asked.
"Dale is my half-brother." Chip said.
"You brought a civilian on a police assignment?" She questioned.
"Not entirely, ma'am. Dale had a close relationship with the victim and I believe he is an asset in finding him." Chip said.
"Are you aware that the individual who aimed the gun at you was using a plastic toy?" She asked.
"No, I was not aware." Chip answered.
"Are you also not aware that there is CCTV footage of the incident and it reveals that you shot Mr. Gruman against his own will as he disarmed himself?" She asked.
"That is not true." Chip stated loudly.
"Play the footage please." She said.
The doctored footage shows Chip shooting the individual who appears to no longer have a weapon.
"That footage is fake, I was there!" Dale blurted out.
"Please remove Dale from the room please." She ordered.
Dale was forced out of the room by two uniformed officers.
The investigators flipped through papers briefly and spoke quietly before reaching a verdict.
"Mr. Maplewood, it is in this board's professional opinion that you be placed on paid administrative leave while we pass this information along to the State Attorney General's office to see whether or not charges will be pursued. At this time, you are ordered to surrender your badge and any paraphernalia relating to your position here with the Los Angeles Police Department. This hearing is dismissed. " She said, banging a gavel.
Chip left the LAPD with Dale feeling defeated. The tension could be felt in the car on the way home as they remained silent for the entire journey. At home, Dale went inside to watch TV where Chip said down on the front steps. He moved a loose brick to expose a carton of Marlboro cigarettes.
Chip lights the cigarette and inhales it sharply before exhaling with a long sigh. "What has this world come to?" He muttered in disbelief.
Chip spent a few more hours outside until the sun eventually began to set. He reluctantly returned inside after he diminished the Marlboro carton. He removed his shoes and turned to see Dale sleeping on the sofa and the TV on a static station. Chip turned off the TV and picked Dale up, carrying him to his room. After putting Dale to bed Chip sat down in the quiet living room contemplating the day's actions until his
"Yes, Randal?" Chip said.
"Chip, are you busy?" Randal asked.
"Not really. I was just reading a book." Chip explained.
"Mind if I come over to your place? We need to talk about something." Randal stated.
"Whatever." Chip replied with a shrug.
"OK. Talk with you then." Randal said, ending the call.
20 minutes later, the doorbell rang. When Chip answered the front door, he found Randal outside.
"Hey, Chip!" Randal greeted him.
"Hey, Randal!" Chip greeted him back.
As soon as Randal entered the house, Chip closed the front door.
"Sorry for being late. There was heavy traffic." Randal explained.
"That's OK. Let's go in the living room." Chip suggested.
Randal nodded, as he took off his shoes. They both went in the living room and sat down on the
couch, facing each other.
"First of all, how are you?" Randal inquired.
"Not so good." Chip answered with a sigh.
"I know. I can feel your pain." Randal replied sympathetically.
"So, what do you want us to talk about?" Chip inquired.
"About the SIU investigation, you are under," Randal answered.
"I had a feeling you were going to say that." Chip said with a moan.
"I believe in you, Chip. I know you are innocent." Randal replied.
"Thanks, Randal. Did you see that footage the ones from the SIU showed at the LAPD?" Chip questioned.
"I did. And I couldn't believe it. I agree with Dale. That footage had to be fake. Dale knows what he is saying because he was with you the whole time and even you explained to me what really happened." Randal said.
"Do you think someone wants to hurt me or Dale?" Chip asked.
"It could be a possibility." Randal answered.
Upstairs, in Dale's bedroom, Dale was still sleeping soundly in his bed. But after a few seconds, he woke up and slowly sat up. He yawned and rubbed his eyes with the back of his paws.
"I'm thirsty. I'll go get a glass of water." Dale said sleepily.
He got out of bed and walked out of his room. As Dale climbed down the stairs, he stopped dead in his tracks when he heard Chip and Randal talking to each other downstairs in the living room.
"Everything was just fine, Randal until they came along and ruined everything." Chip stated.
"What?" Dale asked quietly.
Dale noticed Chip and Randal sitting on the living room couch and having a conversation, facing away from him. He began to eavesdrop, hardly making out their conversation.
"I don't trust them. They're so incompetent, they don't do anything right." Chip added.
"I don't trust them either, Chip." Randal declared.
"My life's been turned upside down and it's all because of them. They're nothing, but a burden to me. How could I have become involved with them?" Chip said.
"Heck if I know." Randal admitted.
Upon hearing what Chip and Randal had said, Dale's eyes became watery and his lips quivered. He then quietly climbed back up the stairs and returned to his bedroom, quietly closing
the door behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed and began to sob quietly.
"Chip hates me? How can this be possible? I thought he loved me." Dale sniffled.
Downstairs in the living room, Chip and Randal continued their conversation.
"What am I going to do, Randal? Isn't there a way to get rid of this SIU investigation that I am under?" Chip demanded to know.
"I don't know, Chip. And if there really is a way, it wouldn't be easy." Randal said.
Upstairs in Dale's bedroom, Dale was packing a suitcase. After putting everything he needed in the suitcase, he closed it. He then walked over to his desk, picking up and staring at a framed picture of him and Chip hugging each other and smiling while posing for the photo camera.
"I'm very sorry for causing trouble and making you hate me, Chip. Now that I'm leaving, I hope you have a better life." Dale said dejectedly.
Dale kissed the framed picture and hugged it to his chest for a moment. After putting it back on the desk, Dale grabbed his suitcase and then opened the bedroom window. He took one last look at his old bedroom, before heaving a sigh and carefully climbing out of the bedroom window. 20 minutes later, Chip and Randal were still chatting with each other downstairs in the living room. But just then, Randal checked his wristwatch and saw what time it was.
"It's getting late. I should get going." Randal told Chip.
"I understand. Thank you for coming over, Randal. I feel a little better now, after talking with you." Chip replied.
They both stood up, while still facing each other.
"No problem. And, Chip, don't ever think the worst. Just remember this: "Every cloud has a silver lining"." Randal encouraged him.
"I'll keep that in mind," Chip promised Randal.
They walked over to the front door and Randal put on his shoes. Chip then opened the front door.
"Good night, Chip." Randal said, walking out of the house.
"Good night, Randal." Chip said.
Chip then closed the front door. Right then, his stomach rumbled.
" I best go see if Dale wants something." Chip muttered.
Chip proceeded to Dale's bedroom but saw he was gone. The window was wide open and dresser drawers were left half-opened. He gasped and then ran outside looking in every direction possible to look for Dale. He rushed back in and grabbed his phone and dialed Randal again.
"Dale's run away!" He exclaimed.
"Alright, just calm down. Where did you last see him?" He asked.
"When he went to bed." Chip said.
Chip caught a glimpse the window and saw it was open. He walked over and read a scrap piece of paper sitting on the ledge. He read it silently to himself.
"Randal, I know where he is. I have to go." Chip said hanging up the phone.
Chip got into his vehicle and drove as fast as he could to the bus station. Dale stood there in a line as people boarded. He wiped tears from his eyes as he inched closer to the steps of the bus. Just as he began to ascend the stairs. Muffled shouting could be heard in the distance. He turned to see Chip running towards him.
"Wait! Don't get on that bus!" Chip shouted.
"Chip?" Dale said in confusion.
"I saw your note. Why did you run away?" Chip asked.
"Because you don't care about me anymore." Dale said.
"Of course I do, Dale. What would make you think such a silly thing like that?" Chip asked.
"I heard you and Randal talking and I thought you guys were talking about me." Dale said.
"Of course not, Dale. I'd never abandon you like that." Chip said.
"Really?" Dale asked.
Chip hugged Dale. "You darn right I wouldn't. Don't ever run off like that on me again." He said.
Dale rolled his eyes. "Whatver you say, 'Dad'." He teased.
Chip and Dale laughed in unison as they walked away from the bus station back to the car. A happy ending that could not have come at a better time. Although, maybe all things good do have a happy ending.
