In a way (at least for the long-suffering Dupain-Cheng clan), it worked out quite well that the story of the mayor's daughter mysteriously disappearing broke just then.

All the news trucks and journalists on their way to reports of a baby being found outside the bakery were probably forced into u-turns to the Le Grande hotel, in order to cover the 'bigger scoop'.

Their unwanted presence at the patisserie, along with many other members of the public congregating outside, would in all likelihood have shut down the family business for an entire week, let alone a single day.

As it turned out though, not only did Chloe going missing prevent a lot of front pages focused on Marinette's private life, it also had the welcome effect of making the non-media people leave in droves. After all, the best place to be when a 'major' incident like this occurs is in front of a screen.

"At last, I can see daylight again!" Tom expressed his relief as the crowd began melting away. He'd phoned the school to inform them of his daughter's temporary absence, as well as called the police regarding the discovered baby. "It's tragic about what happened to Chloe, but at least it's taken some of the heat away from us. I-I hope she's found soon..."

"Don't worry, I know what you mean. On the one hand, Miss Bourgeois has caused nothing but misery and suffering for our daughter. But if Marinette ever went missing without a trace like that… I-I just don't know what I'd do. I can't even imagine what her parents are going through right now." Sabine seemed to speak for both adults concerning their mixed feelings about the situation.

"Of course, because of what else is happening right now in Paris, the station says they'll 'send someone over as quickly as they can'." Tom fumed, referencing the fact that because of events at the hotel, their own request for officers had been put in a 'queue'. "As bad as a disappeared teenage girl is, surely the abandonment of a baby is just as important? I suppose it's true what they say… 'Money Talks'."

"Oh darling, you are so cynical! In this case though, I fear that you're right." Sabine nodded agreement to her husband's frank assessment. "Still, at least we're prepared for the wait. The baby is resting right now, but when she wakes up, she'll have two very qualified adults to help take care of her… along with the city's greatest babysitter. Obviously you should never leave any small child out in the cold like that, but I can think of far worse places she might've been left."

"Don't tell me you're… warming to the idea of actually keeping her?" Though his wife didn't state it directly, Tom thought he detected a maternal undercurrent in her words there. "I told you before, darling: We just don't have the money. I know we've discussed 'trying again' before, but until we see an uptick in business…"

"N-No no, that's not it at all…" Sabine blushed slightly, as she attempted to regain her composure. "I just... think it's a shame when mothers feel they have to resort to such a drastic move when they feel they can't cope anymore. If she'd only tried to get help, I'm sure there are loads of great charities out there that could've assisted her. Hopefully it's not too late, and we can bring this story to a happy conclusion."

"Hey, what makes you think it was a woman who dumped the baby onto our doorstep?" Tom huffed jokingly, trying to stick up for all the single dads out there. "You're always criticizing me for my 'old-fashioned' way of thinking, aren't you just as bad by assuming that?"

"I'm only stating the most likely outcome!" Sabine replied, also with an expression of faux-anger. "Next, you'll be telling me the child was dropped by aliens, and we should be more considerate of our martian friends! You're just mocking me now, aren't you?"

"And what if I am? We could do with a bit of light relief 'round here, after everything we've been through this morning!" Tom smiled slightly, before unexpectedly flicking a bit of leftover flour at his wife. "Here, catch!"

"W-What? Hey, I wasn't ready! Atchoo!" The powdery missile went straight onto Sabine's face and up her nose. "I'll get you for that, Tom Dupain-Cheng!"

"You'll have to catch me first, Sabine Dupain-Cheng!" The baker smirked lovingly, as his wife chased him around the room with a brush. "Hey, shouldn't you use that to wipe that stuff off your face, instead of a weapon against me?"

"I'll 'wipe something off' someone's face in a minute… like, your stupid grin!" Sabine was just as involved in the joke as her husband, but gamely put on a convincing act of being truly offended. "Now stand still so I can whack you!"

"You'll have to catch me first…!" Tom let out a chuckle as the pair sped from one side of the room to another, ducking under tables, hiding under aprons and having immense entertainment whilst doing so.

Even in the slightly unusual circumstances they'd been given a 'day off', they still intended to make the most of it. And if this meant running around like immature school-children playing tag in a potentially hazardous environment, then that was just fine with them.

Unluckily though, one person who it definitely wasn't 'fine' with happened to stroll through the front door at that exact moment, and occupied as they were by their little game, went completely unnoticed by the bubbly couple…

Until it was already too late.

"Hey, what's going on her,,, mmm." Roger Raincomprix's understandable confusion was cut short by Sabine's brush getting shoved right in his kisser.

As it turned out, there were extra facilities available to deal with the Dupain-Cheng case, and knowing that his daughter went to classes with Marinette, he volunteered for the case personally…

...A fact he was beginning to regret.

…

As all this nonsense was unfolding on the ground floor, things were markedly calmer upstairs. Baby was still safely asleep, Tikki was sitting on the infant's basket, and Marinette…

Was just about to vault out of an open window(!)

"Must we go, Marinette? Remember, you promised your mother you'd stay here to look after the baby…" Tikki objected to something which'd apparently already been decided.

"I have to be 'on the scene' as Ladybug, Tikki. I'm not sure if Chloe's disappearance has anything to do with Hawkmoth, but as the protector of Paris, I still need to investigate. Plus, Adrien might need me." Marinette signalled her intention to speak the magic words that would transform her into the eponymous superhero.

"Well, okay then… but, who's going to watch over the young one while we're gone, then?" Tikki asked the pertinent question, almost as if she could change the blunette's mind through simple logic. "You're not thinking of leaving her alone up here, are you?"

"I've already thought of that…" Marinette answered her anxious kwami with a wink, before reaching for the MIraculous box which'd been entrusted to her by an amnesiatic Master Fu. "I can get one of these creatures to do it for me, in the brief time that I'll be away. No-one will be any the wiser, especially my parents! As for the baby, we're lucky she's at an age she won't remember a thing about this in the future, so our secret is safe! It's settled, then. Spots on!"

"If I might suggest a slight hint of cautio… arrgh!" Tikki's worthy objections were for naught, as she was absorbed into the spotted hero's earrings to become one with Marinette.

"Now, who to choose?" Ladybug pondered carefully, trying to decide who'd be the best substitute for her absence. "Trixx? He's clever, but a bit too sneaky for my liking. Wayzz? Very reliable, but I'm afraid he won't be strict enough. Wait… I have the ideal candidate…"

Pollen was most surprised when she was let out, especially as ever since Chloe's treachery, she'd been expected to be 'grounded' for quite some time. Not that she was complaining… It always felt good to stretch her stinger once in a while.

"Hello my Lady, always a pleasure to serve." The yellow kwami made a point of bowing gracefully to Ladybug, but compared to her greeting to her former user, it seemed a bit half-hearted. "So, have you managed to locate a new master for me? Or are you going to use me yourself? I must say, I've always been curious about what would happen if I was combined with the Power Of Creation…"

"N-Not exactly…" Ladybug sheepishly stated, before providing a quick explanation of recent events. "So, you think you can do this small favor for me? I'll be back as quick as I can, and there's a tray full of croissants in it for you if you agree!"

"You don't have to bribe me, my Lady. It is my duty to serve, and if that is what you desire, then so be it." Pollen bowed a second time, whilst casting inquisitive looks at her new charge.

"I knew you wouldn't let me down, Pollen! Well, bye-bye for now! And don't forget: If you hear anyone come upstairs, hide! Good luck!" Ladybug considered informing Pollen about Chloe's situation before she left, but not wanting to concern the worrisome kwami, she kept that part on a need-to-know basis for now.

Hopefully, we can find her soon enough, then there won't need to be any secrets, she'd thought, before vanishing over the rooftops of Paris.

Meanwhile, Pollen had made a start on her duties by hovering just above the snoozing baby, to get a good look at what she'd been left to deal with.

"Hmm, cute looking girl. Can't be too much trouble to look after. Pollen mused, having obviously not been present earlier. "Something strangely familiar about her too, but I've met many people… including babies. It must be just in my head…"

….

AUTHOR'S NOTE: We're getting there, folks. I do believe the writing bug is back, and now that she's here, I don't wanna let her go. See you soon, and stay miraculous now! :)