Police Headquarters
"Damn those two thieves," an irate Carmelita said pounding her fist on her desk. "Striking at me right under our own noses."
"Now Ms. Fox," a gruff sounding voice belonging to a heavy-set mole rat, "I get you're angry but to tear up the parking lot, the fire escape and destroy some police cars. That is way out of your control."
"That's Inspector Fox for you Commissioner Jacobs ," a smooth voice said. The two turn towards the doorway to see a green lizard with his arms folded and leaning in the doorway. He has an appendage on his head that makes it look like a faux hawk. He wears a gray overcoat with a black vest and white dress shirt with a green tie. "Always quick to lose her cool and everyone else pays the price." He walks into the room.
"Stay out of this Walker," Carmelita hisses back, "this doesn't concern you."
"It actually does since I'm looking into Malcolm Crawford, Sly Cooper's right hand man, who struck here tonight."
"That's enough out of both of you!" Jacobs said. "We're all officers of the law here so settle down."
"Um sorry to interrupt," a fourth voice chimes in, causing the three to turn their attention to the doorway. A female barn owl with a black vest over top a purple shirt, black pants and black boots. She has long brown hair with a portion of the side of her head shaved. "But I'm looking for Inspector John Walker."
"That'd be me," Walker said. "You must be my constable, Serena Miller. Looks like I'll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your lecture Ms. Fox." He bows before leaving the room, the door promptly shutting behind him.
"Was I interrupting something?"
"No you weren't, just a verbal lashing readied especially for Fox. Anyways, let's head to my office. Hallway's a bit too public for my taste," Walker said taking the lead, as Serena follows behind him.
They walk to a familiar green door as he unlocks it. Inside is an office much like Carmelita's, but with folders and papers stacked neatly onto shelves and a couch for relaxation. A mahogany desk with a computer and fancy leather office chair set in front of it. A vault like the one in Carmelita's office is there tightly locked up.
"Nice set up," said Serena.
"Thank you," said Walker. "I've put some of my own stylistic touch into it using some funds I have leftover but come on and take a seat, I'll tell you everything you need to know." He takes a seat in his chair. Serena notices a gold watch on his left wrist as she sits in her seat.
"That's a fancy watch," said Serena.
"Yeah, another one I saved up for."
"If you don't mind me saying. That watch and this interior decorating. It seems a bit above an officer's pay grade."
"What can I say? I'm an avid saver. Plus when you have the experience I do. You get to have a higher paycheck than other officers."
"Seems so. Thanks for taking me on as your constable. I always wanted to be an officer and working with my father's old partner is a good first step."
"Yeah you're Frank's daughter. He was a good man, taken from us too soon. I've been trying to find his killer but haven't had any luck these past 13 years."
"Damn. That's another reason I became an officer, I want to track down his killer."
"I know and I believe this," Walker said holding a file, "will help us out." He places the file in front of Serena for her to read. She looks at it and sees an owl man with a fedora on his head with the name "Malcolm Crawford" written next to it. A picture of the Eurasian eagle, lie with the file.
"What does Sly Cooper's partner have to do with my father's death?" Serena asked confused.
"Glad to see you've done your homework."
"It's hard to not to hear about them. Especially since those two are all over the news and social media."
"Well the thing is it was your father who found a lonely little Malcolm Crawford on the night that Cooper's parents were murdered by the Fiendish Five, something he also worked on."
"You think they're connected?"
"Possibly, Frank was found dead only a few weeks after all this. Not to mention the reason everyone here is on edge is because both Sly Cooper and Malcolm Crawford broke into Inspector Fox's office and took her file on Cooper."
"They actually did that?"
"Yeah they did. She also had information on the Fiendish Five. I don't think I need to explain to you what that means?
"You don't, it means that Cooper and Crawford are going after them. But what does the latter have to do with my father's murder? He would have only have been a kid at that time and I don't think he was capable of murder back then."
"No of course he wasn't. I know he didn't kill him. But I believe he knows who did."
"Interesting," Serena said curiously.
"Now if you're going to work this case, be sure to follow my instructions to the letter. I've dug up on some background around you and while you're smart, you do have a rep for getting into trouble and often doing your own thing. I don't want a loose cannon as a constable. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir," said a mildly annoyed Serena.
"Anyways I'll let you look through his file for a bit. It has everything I got on him," Walker said standing up. "I got some things I need to do in administration, so I'll be back. I'll bring some coffees on my way back. Do not go on my computer either by the way." The lizard then left the room leaving Serena in there alone.
"Guess I better get on with this," she said picking up the file, moving to the more comfortable seating of the couch. She opens the file and begins reading through Crawford's file.
Suspect Name: Malcolm Crawford
Age: Early 20s
Wanted for: Grand theft, burglary, vandalism, trespassing, breaking and entering and evading custody.
Known associates: Sly Cooper, Bentley Green and Murray Thomas
Background: An orphaned child, met Sly Cooper, Bentley Green and Murray Thomas at Happy Campers Orphanage. Accompanies Cooper on his heists and serves as his right hand man. Though not as skilled as the raccoon, Crawford still boasts skills in thievery, athletics and in speech. Anything about him before the age of eight is unknown.
"Why is it that Inspector Walker doesn't know about Malcolm Crawford before that time?" Serena thinks to herself. "I'm sure there's a good reason for it but what is there to him?"
13 years earlier
In the study of a large manor in Paris, a young owl in a red turtle neck quietly reads a book, Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince, in a study room.
"Malcolm," a voice said drawing his attention as he closes the book. "It is time." That voice belonging to a rather large grey owl with piercing yellow eyes.
"Time for what father?" Malcolm asks.
"Time for you to properly meet my associates boy. We have something planned tonight and want you to be apart of it."
"You mean I get to join you on one of your jobs?" Malcolm asked excitedly, causing his father to chuckle at it.
"Yes you do."
"Oh boy!" Malcolm says getting out of his chair and moving by his father's side. "I finally get to put that training to use now."
"Indeed, now come," The large owl said taking the lead as his son eagerly follows. "This is something I've been looking forward to for a long time and would delight in sharing it with you."
"Thank you for this father."
"Why of course," the patriarch says, opening the door to of living room where four individuals sit around a fire place. One is a small frog with a large top hat, another is a large purple bulldog with arms bigger than most of his body, one is an alligator with a red bandana that looks like a voodoo priestess and a large panda with red and yellow karate pants on. Malcolm hides behind his father shyly.
"Clockwerk," the frog says to the large owl. "About time you've arrived."
"Yeah come on," the bulldog said, "my trigger finger is getting twitchy over here."
"Calm down now Muggshot," said the alligator. "I sense a fine fortune in for us tonight if we don't rush into things."
"Mz. Ruby is right," said Clockwerk. "Be patient and listen and we'll all walk away richer and more skilled."
"Who is the child Clockwerk?" The panda said, causing all eyes to fall on a peeking Clockwerk.
"Ah him," Clockwerk said looking down at the boy. "This is my son, Malcolm. He will be accompanying us tonight. Introduce yourself boy."
"Hello," Malcolm said showing himself and bowing to the four. "My name is Malcolm, it is nice to meet you all."
"He's coming with us?" The frog said surprised. "He doesn't appear fit for this kind of thing at all. What can he even add to the table?"
"He's just a weak little squirt," Muggshot said. "Raleigh looks like he can take him in a fight and that's saying something." Raleigh glares at him as Malcolm looks down in shame. "He can't be ready for whatever we're doing tonight."
"What are we doing tonight?" The panda asked Clockwerk tonight. The owl walks to the fire place and turns to the group with his back to the crackling flames.
"I called you all here tonight to tell you that tonight is the night," Clockwerk said. "The night we go and take the Thievius Raccoonous from the Cooper family resident."
"We're going after the Coopers? " Malcolm asked.
"Yes Malcolm. Tonight is the night we show the world that without their precious book, the Cooper line means nothing."
"I saw it before me in a dream," said Mz. Ruby. "Tonight will be a bad night for the Cooper family indeed."
"What's in it for us Clockwerk?" The panda asked. "I do not see how this benefits us."
"The Thievius Racconous gives the Coopers their thieving prowess Panda King," said Clockwerk. "Without it, they are nothing. We will split the book between the five of us. I am only interested in my take of the pages. Any valuables will belong to whoever finds them first between you four."
"Ah yes," Raleigh said rubbing his hands together excitedly as he showcases his yellow smile. "More treasure to add to my collection."
"To think of the weapons that cat has got in his house," Muggshot said.
"What jewels must he have that will help me with my vexes?" Mz. Ruby asks herself.
"Those pages could help my martial arts skills," said Panda King. "What of Conner Cooper himself?" He asks. A sinister smile creeps up on Clockwerk's face.
"I am glad you asked," the gray owl said. "Tonight is also the night Conner Cooper dies." This announcement causes Malcolm's eyes widen in shock. "And my son will be the one who does the deed."
"Y-you want me to kill him?" Malcolm asks his father, with a sweat falling down his face.
"Yes Malcolm. Tonight you get to help me eradicate the Cooper blight from the face of the Earth, together as father and son."
"But why does he deserve to die?"
"Why? Because he is a thief that steals the fortune from others for his own gain and revels in his vanity."
"Even if he's a bad man. I don't want to kill him. Let the law decide what to do with him. I won't do it!"
"What!?"
"I said-"
"I heard you boy!" Clockwerk said stomping to the boy, towering over him and gazing into his soul. "I am your father and you would dare defy my wishes!?"
"It's not any different from what you and your colleagues do," Malcolm said putting on a brave face.
"We are nothing like them! The Coopers are our enemies and have been for generations. They are evil and deserve to die!"
"That is not for us to decide! I will not have anyone's blood on my hand. Not for you or anybody. Conner Cooper can't be any worse than you who's never around and chastises me for every little-" Malcolm is interrupted by a slap from his father's wing, knocking the boy to the ground. He clutches his cheek as he looks up at the glare of his father, one filled with hate.
"So the boy is scared of a little blood," Raleigh said. "This boy is more pathetic than I thought."
"A weak squirt in both the body and head," said Muggshot. "What do ya know?"
"I sense a bad future for you boy," said Mz. Ruby. "You'll be nothing now and you only have yourself to blame."
"Weakling," said Panda King.
Tears well up in Malcolm's eyes as Clockwerk looks down on him without any remorse in those golden eyes.
"Get out." Clockwerk said plainly.
"What?" Malcolm asks. "What are you saying?"
"Get out of my life and this house and never return you disappointment. Lest you join the Coopers in hell."
"But father," Malcolm says. Clockwerk then brandishes his sharp talon. The boy bolts for the door and leaves without ever looking back.
He runs into the night, as far as his legs will take him. Malcolm stops in an alley way and sits to rest. He thinks on the words his father and his friends said to him. It's not long until he cries into his knees, his sobs bringing sound to the quiet Paris night.
Present Day
Malcolm slowly opens his eyes and gets out of bed, having rested from the prior night's heist. He walks over to the mirror and stares at himself.
"I haven't thought about that night in a long time," he thinks looking at himself in a mirror. "Still, I don't regret my stand against killing Conner Cooper. I only regret my inaction from stopping them. But now I have the chance to atone for it. Today's a new day." He leaves the mirror and walks out the room.
A nice smell of breakfast greets him as he sees the Murray cooking up breakfast. Sly and Bentley are sitting at a table with Sly reading a sheet of paper. He looks up and sees Mal.
"Hey you're up," the raccoon said. "Was worried you were gonna miss breakfast."
"With that good smell," Mal said, "how could I possibly resist leaving my humble abode?"
"No one can resist my delicious bacon and eggs," Murray said.
"That we can't pal. You reading one of the files from last night Sly?"
"I am Mal," Sly said. "I've been reading this particularly one all morning and we've agreed that we want to hit this member first." Sly said handing the file to Mal. The owl picks it up and sees a familiar frog in a large top hat. Raleigh.
"What do we know about this guy?" Mal said pretending not to recognize him. It appears to work.
"This is 'Sir' Raleigh the frog," said Bentley. "He was born into a life of luxury. But he eventually got tired of it and turned to a life of piracy to satisfy him. He's addicted to the pirate's life and is a prodigy when it comes to machinery. He's the Fiendish Five's chief machinist."
"Sounds like he's the usual rich kid who wasn't happy with his gift of luxury and wanted more. Nothing could ever truly please him."
"You sound like you know him," Sly said.
"I know his type," Mal said back.
"He was also the one who found the Thievious Raccoonous the night they murdered my parents," Sly said squeezing his napkin. "He held my inheritance like it was his all along and he earned his prize but he didn't."
"Easy there Sly," Bentley said. "You get angry and you'll make a mistake."
"I know I'm sorry," Sly said releasing his napkin.
"Where can we find Raleigh?" Mal asks.
"I've already plotted a route to our first target," Bentley said. "He found on the Isle of Wrath in the middle of the Welsh triangle. Where violent storms rage violently seemingly 24/7."
"Ah I've heard about that place from a contact of mine. A lot of ships have gone missing there. No doubt in my mind that this Raleigh is responsible."
"My thoughts exactly," said Sly. "We'll lay low the rest of the day to let the heat from the cops die down and move out tomorrow."
"Breakfast is served," Murray said catching everyone by surprise.
"And after we finish this delicious breakfast," Mal said, "courtesy of Murray."
Later...
Mal sits on the deck smoking a cigarette, looking out at the Parisian skyline in contemplation before taking another huff and puff. Not long after, Bentley walks out and Mal immediately puts out his cigarette.
"Sorry about that Bentley," Mal said as Bentley takes a seat next to him. "I forget about your asthma at times."
"It's fine," Bentley said. "I just wish you would stop for your own sake."
"I know, but we all have our own vices."
"Anyways, I just wanted to get a feel for how everyone is doing before we head out tomorrow."
"Never thought of you as a therapist Bentley."
"Well someone always needs someone to talk to regarding their troubles and I'm always willing to lend an ear. Even if some people aren't so willing." Bentley said as he looks out at Sly and Murray who are packing the van for the next day. Loading up box after box filled equipment and provisions for the job ahead.
"You're worried about Sly aren't you," Malcolm said leaning forward with his hands crossed.
"I'm always worried about the two of you when you're in the field, especially when plans fall apart. But I just hope Sky's ready for all this. All that anger pent up inside him over this."
"I agree, but it also means he'll be extra careful so as to make sure everything goes the way he wants to. Which is to see the Fiendish Five brought to justice."
"Just promise me you'll keep an eye on him."
"I always do. Especially since I trust him to do the same. We both have our own vendetta against the five."
"They do something bad to you too?"
"Damn I said too much," Mal thought to himself. "My uh... old man, may he rest in peace, had a run in with them a few times." Mal says rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Guess this is personal for you too then." Bentley said.
"It is."
"Well just know that I'm here to talk to whenever. Whether it be in person or on the radio."
"So, what's the latest Cooper fan gossip today," said Sly who was standing with his arms on the railing.
"Just that two incredibly handsome thieves are about to pull off some incredible heists and put the Fiendish Five on notice," said Mal.
"I'll let you two take the glory," said Bentley. "I'm ok just staying in the safety and cleanliness of the van."
"Same," Murray said walking over with a bag of popcorn. "It's too much for me. I don't think I'd stand a chance against some the guys you fight."
"I'm sure both of you will be in the field one," said Mal. "You just gotta believe in yourselves."
"Mark's right," said Sly. "You guys can do it one day. But for now just sit back and take notes on how we handle the Fiendish Five."
"I guess it would be too soon for them," Mal thinks to himself. "Not how I would handle it but I trust in Sky's judgment."
"We're all set to head out tomorrow," said Sly. "Let's enjoy the rest of the day off. I got a movie all set to watch in a bit."
"Sounds good. You guys head on in. I'll come inside in a bit." The other three members of the gang head on inside, leaving Mal alone with on the patio. "So we're going after Raleigh first." Mal thinks to himself. Raleigh's words to him that fateful night come at him suddenly, causing him to wince.
"The boy is more pathetic than I thought."
"I'm not that pathetic boy anymore." Mal said to himself, standing up and heading inside.
The next day...
"We're all ready to go," Sly said sitting in the back of the packed van with Mal. Bentley and Murray are seated in the front in the early morning hours.
"I've already plotted a route to our first target. We'll be there before we know it so rest up," said Bentley.
"Not vamos!" Murray shouts as he starts the engine as the van starts flying.
Mal sits quietly looking at the floor, anxiously anticipating where this path he had chosen so many years ago, yet also unfazed by the van's fast speed.
"Hey we got this," said Sly, causing Mal to look up. "Just don't overthink things and remember our training. It'll be just like any other job." Mal nods at this.
"How about some tunes to help lighten the mood?" Murray said putting on the radio.
"Thanks, Murr," said Mal who smiled softly at the gesture. 80s synth kicks in as Mal instantly recognizes the tune as I Ran (So Far Away) by a Flock of Seagulls.
While the others were cracking jokes at the song choice, Mal sat quietly thinking, pretending to listen as the lyrics to that chorus transfixes him. Seemingly highlighting his journey ahead.
And I ran
I ran so far away
I just ran
I ran all night and day
I couldn't get away
FYI, I just made up Bentley and Murray's last names since I don't think they're ever stated, at least not to my knowledge. Also expect inconsistent updates with this story since I'll be mainly focusing on my job and other story on this site. Thank you.