The Backstage Raccoons Chapter 5

Written by Brother Ralph

The journey to the police dog station in Schaeffer's car was silent and awkward with Ralph and Melissa staring determinedly out of their respective windows. Schaeffer seemed to notice that they weren't in the mood for discussing what exactly happened last night so he too remained quiet. Ralph wished she could just punch and kick him rather than this slow torture she was inflicting upon him. Of course Melissa's silence was not intended to hurt him; it was just that she had no idea how to talk to him after what happened last night. Over the past few weeks she had thought that he was interested in her, and now every time she spoke to him she wondered if his kindness and sensitivity was just an act. She preferred to stay silent for now.

It was a relief for all of them when they finally arrived at the police dog station. Schaeffer stayed behind to lock the car while the raccoons rushed through the door. Behind the front desk was one of the police dogs they had met last night.

'Ahh…I wondered when we might see you two here.' He said politely, 'cleaned yourselves up a bit have you?'

Melissa looked down at the floor a little embarrassed. She'd never been in any trouble with the police before and the way the dog had said that had sounded quite disapproving.

'Is our friend still here?' Ralph asked impatiently.

'Yep, we put him and the other one in a holding cell 'till they calmed down. He's in quite a mess you know…you youngsters should try to look out for each other a bit more. Still, I guess you weren't in top condition yourself.'

'Alright, alright, I know we went a bit overboard last night but there was no harm done!' Ralph defended himself indignantly, 'We were just having a bit of fun.'

'Hmm,' the dog seemed to consider something, 'well I hope you enjoyed yourselves last night, your friend might not be going anywhere soon. Maybe if it was just the fighting it would be alright but he had drugs in his possession so we'll have to charge him. I'll take you to see him.'

Walking down the dingy corridor of holding cells was depressing and Melissa felt the walls had been built just slightly too close together for her liking. These walls would be a terrible fate for a spirit as free as Bert's. They had to get him out or he'd go mad in captivity. When they arrived at Bert's cell and peered in at him they realized that he looked probably how they had this morning.

'Bert! How are you buddy?' Ralph asked, concern filling his voice.

'Ralph! Melissa! Boy am I glad to see you guys. What am I doing in here?' he leapt up and came to the door.

'You had a fight and they found the E in your pocket.' Melissa said, and tears welled in her eyes 'If only I'd taken it you wouldn't be in so much trouble.'

Bert took her hand through the bars and looked honestly into her eyes, 'hey, Melissa this is not your fault. How could it be? You were the sensible one not taking it, it's me who's the idiot having it in the first place.'

'It's pretty bad this time Bert. They're going to charge you with possession.'

'Something will come up for us. Come on, we're the good guys! Something always comes up doesn't it?' Bert laughed nervously.

Ralph and Melissa just looked at him sadly, both trying to think their way out of an impossible situation.

The police dog led them back towards the main entrance but on the way they passed the cell with the funshine bear in it. He hadn't calmed down at all; in fact he was more wound up than ever. He was shouting curses and kicking the door, telling the police he'd kill them when he got out of here. The policedog shook his head and said to the raccoons,

'You know there is something wrong with our system. A guy like your friend is caught once doing something he shouldn't have and faces charges. It's his first time in trouble but he could go down for it. And then there's scum like that in here who we can't charge. He's a real thug that bear; see him almost every night. Unfortunately we never get hard evidence to charge him with, so he's always back on the streets within twenty-four hours.'

'Isn't there anything we can do for our friend?' Melissa pressed sincerely.

'You can stand up in court and give him a character witness. Maybe the jury will listen to a pretty face, but beyond that nothing.'

When they got back out into the main entrance room Schaeffer was standing facing them.

'Tony!' he said cried upon seeing the dog.

'Schaeffer? Hey buddy! What can I help you with?' the dog asked, obviously recognising the great sheepdog.

'That raccoon you brought in is a friend of mine'

The policedog looked at the floor. 'ah, well like I said to these two there's not much I can do about that.'

Schaeffer nudged him in the ribs, 'Come on old pal. Don't you remember the old days? We were on the wrong side of the tracks all the time at dog camp. One E hardly makes him deserve prison and you know it. They're just stupid kids messing around.'

Melissa and Ralph exchanged looks, confused not only at how Schaeffer knew the police dog so well, but also at the idea of Schaeffer on the wrong side of the tracks. Schaeffer was the most law abiding person you could ever meet but now that they thought about it they'd never really known much about Schaeffer's past.

The police dog looked very uncomfortable. 'Well, I know. It's wrong. We've had our fair share of crazy nights out haven't we? But what can I do? The evidence has been submitted and logged in, I'd lose my job if I just threw it away.'

Schaeffer nodding understandingly. 'How about we talk privately? See if we can't work something out huh? Just one dog to another.' he turned to the stunned pair and said 'You two wait outside. I'll see what I can work out.'

Melissa and Ralph sat on the steps outside the station. Schaeffer's welcome assistance had come as a surprise to both of them.

'I guess they know each other from him being a bouncer.' Melissa asserted quietly.

'Yeah, well however they know each other I hope that dog listens to him. Otherwise we may be using that pretty face of yours on the jury after all.' Ralph said.

'What with this 'funny nose'?' she retorted bitterly. He didn't understand her comment, but he couldn't think of anything to say to it so he let it go.

They were only outside for a quarter of an hour when the doors opened and Schaeffer came out. They jumped up to him and peppered him with questions.

Everything they asked was answered when Bert emerged from the doors just a few seconds later.

'Bert!' they cried together. Melissa rushed to give him a hug, and Ralph patted him on the shoulder.

'Aww, did ya miss me?' he joked.

'Not one bit.' Ralph said immediately

'Of course we did!' Melissa shot Ralph an icy look. 'How did you do it Schaeffer?'

'Well, Tony is an old friend of mine. We went to the same all dogs school together, I grew up from a pup with him. He wasn't happy about it but we managed to find a way of getting Bert out without endangering his job. Still, best not to mention it though.'

'Why?'

'Just trust me Melissa, let's not say anything more of it.'

The reunited gang were about to leave when the producer of the show pulled up beside them in his car. He got out with a look of fury on his face.

'Hey! You lot! I've heard two of my actors have been arrested! Who's in there?'

'Two sir?' Schaeffer asked in mock confusion, 'No, only one. Funshine bear was arrested, that's all.'

'Really? They said on the phone he was in a fight with someone from the Raccoons cast.' The gang all gave blank expression and shook their heads. The producer continued a little less angrily 'Oh…well OK. You guys go back to the studio, I'll see if I can clear any of this up. If I can't sort something out I'll have to advertise for a new funshine bear!'

The gang got into Schaeffers car and drove off towards the studio leaving the producer alone. He went into the station and demanded that the bear be released immediately. The dog behind the counter gave him a knowing smile and placed a packet with a white pill in it on the desk.

'I'm afraid it's a little more serious than that sir.'