Hello readers! Glad you're enjoying the story so far. I hope you're ready for this chapter because the heist for the Golden Dolphin is on! Enjoy!
Chapter 4:
Boy reached into his backpack and pulled out a notepad and a pen so he could take notes on Mr. Wolf's big bad plan. He was ready to do bad things and he wanted to be prepared.
"WAIT!" Snake shouted
Wolf paused for a moment as everyone turned to Snake's attention. The gang noticed their reptile friend was sniffing the air for some weird reason. Sniffing in one direction to the next, Snake could tell something smelled oddly familiar to his taste buds. It was making him hungry. This made Boy look very nervous.
"What is it, Cumpleañero?" Piranha asked
"Fellas," Snake said, "Take a sniff?"
Wolf, Piranha, Shark, and Webs glanced at each other for a moment. They were all confused. They shrugged their shoulders up and decided sniffing the air along with their comrade. Each sniffed from different directions: Wolf sniffed next to the windows, Webs sniffed from where she stood on the couch, Shark only sniffed under his armpit just to find disgust to himself, and Piranha: the only air he tried smelling was from his rear (if only he could reach it).
"Do you smell it?" Snake asked
Wolf shook his head in reply.
"Do you?" Snake asked the arachnid
Webs shook her head, "Nope"
"How bout it, guys?" Snake asked the two fish
"Yeah—no, I don't" Shark replied, "That depends if we have deodorant or not"
Piranha crossed his fins, "Hey, don't look at me. I let it all out in the car hours ago"
Snake frowned, "That smell, though. It smells like a guinea pig!"
Boy's eyes widened in fear realizing Snake could smell Barks scent again. The kid then looked down at his backpack only to discover that his guinea pig wasn't in there anymore—again. He quickly looked around until he spotted Barks walking towards the backside of the couch where the other Bad Guys sat. Boy gripped his head with his hands, in frustration. If the reptile or the other Bad Guys catch him, not only will Barks be discovered…but so will he, himself.
"Barks, get back here!" Boy whispered
The child quietly crawled over to scoop up the guinea pig. When he did, he quickly covered Barks mouth with his hands and quietly crawled back over to his hiding spot behind the armor. Boy sighed with relief and glared at his companion, with anger.
"Are you trying to get us caught?" Boy whispered, angrily
Barks scrunched a sad face feeling sorry for himself.
"You know if you want we could always open up one of the windows so you can jump out and eat the billboard, instead" Shark teased
(BAD GUYS LAUGHING TEASINGLY)
Snake scolded his friends, "I'm NOT joking! I know I smell a guinea pig in here. I know it!"
"Are you finished?" Wolf asked, cocking a brow
Snake sighed with defeat, "For now"
"Good," Wolf said, as he continued narrating the plan to the crew. "As I was saying…"
The plan was set. They would infiltrate the fancy pants event at the Museum of Fine Arts, posing as guests who were there to celebrate the life and achievements of that annoying guinea pig, Professor Marmalade. During the festivities, they'd sneak backstage using Web's clever hacking skills. Boy could feel enthusiasm tingling in his bones. He was desperate to hear the Bad Guys plan and was very determined to strike first before they could.
Wolf finished explaining the plan for the gang, "…the Museum of Fine Arts is where the Golden Dolphin will be positioned just beyond the backstage curtain"
"Backstage curtain" Boy repeated to himself, while writing in his notepad. "Got it!" he then turned to his guinea pig comrade and winked at him.
Barks winked in reply.
"Sounds easy" Piranha said, crossing his fins
"Sounds easy, hermano," Wolf agreed. "But to get there, we'll need to bypass three levels of security. So. Step One: We'll need to blend in"
The scene changes to a close-up of Mr. Wolf already in his disguise outfit. He and his crew were seen walking down the red carpet towards the museum, who too, had all their disguises on. They were all set. Wolf had chosen a white snazzy suit, along with a dapper fedora, silk tie, fake mustache, and tinted glasses. He mastered the part of a famous movie star, using George Clooney as his muse and guide. That guy always looked good. Shark, meanwhile, had gone the opposite direction by posing as a women, cramming his body into a gorgeous gown that was stretched to the limit by Shark's massive, muscular form. Perched atop Shark's head, Webs had fashioned her long limbs into the shape of a butterfly fascinator hat. Snake went old-school, complete with a classic suit, handlebar mustache, monocle, top hat, and a pair of fake arms to help fill out the look. Piranha squeezed into a kid-size coat and tails, looking handsome and a bit childish—but it did the trick. Every one of them wore a pair of glasses to complete the look and to help hide their true identities from anyone who decided to look a little more closely at the characters under the costumes.
But what they didn't realize that the 'greatest trick' was walking right behind them. Boy, too, walked down the red carpet…but only looking like a kid. His appearance…looked more like a man. The kid managed to smuggle one of Shark's disguises by choosing a snazzy suit just like Mr. Wolf's but not as identical. He also managed to fix up some stilts to make him look taller; to look more like an adult. His hair was combed back and consisted a fake brown beard with tinted glasses. That way—everyone wouldn't suspect he was a kid going to an adult party. But the best part was—the kid knew how to change his voice! Boy tilted his glasses up and gave the fourth wall a wink and a smile.
"This is gonna fun" Boy said, talking in his Clooney disguised voice
When they arrived at the museum, they joined in with a long line of guests who were already milling about, waiting to enter the event. There was a grand staircase stretching up toward the Fine Arts Museum, and the group of disguised Bad Guys (along with Boy) had just begun to climb the steps when a stretch limo pulled up at the bottom of the stairs. Many of the guests turned to watch as Professor Marmalade, the eccentric and good-natured do-gooder who would be honored that night, popped out of the limo and began his own march up the stairs to the party. Paparazzi flooded in around the little guinea pig, eager to snap shots of the evening's featured guest.
"Professor Marmalade…" Wolf muttered, "This year's recipient of the Golden Dolphin, the most annoying good creature on the planet"
Marmalade waved to his crowds of adoring fans, then stepped up to talk with Tiffany Fluffit, the eager news reporter who'd been assigned to the night's festivities.
"Professor," Tiffany started, "In the past year, you've stopped wars, fed the hungry and saved countless pandas. Some have described your goodness as second only to Mother Teresa."
Professor Marmalade nodded, putting on a look of earnest humility. "Oh, Tiffany, it's not a competition. And if it were, it would really be more of a tie. But we can all agree that there is a flower of goodness inside all of us just waiting to blossom."
Meanwhile, inside the museum, the Chief of Police is seen pulling out her key card as she and Diane Foxington entered through a guarded door that led to the backstage area door that was also guarded by two large and muscular guards.
"Once inside," Wolf explained to the others, "There are two armored doors. The first can only be opened by a special key card that is carried by our dear friend, the chief of police"
Diane Foxington is seen scanning her right eye through a retinal scanner allowing the metal-automatic door to open allowing her and the chief to enter inside the backstage area. The two muscular guards, who would show NO mercy, stood focus and ready for anything. One of them managed to catch a fly and pound it with its fist.
"The second is outfitted with a retinal scanner and guarded by an elite special-ops unit trained to strike first and ask questions later" Wolf explained
As the Bad Guys made it to the top of the staircase, Wolf caught sight of Diane Foxington who was busy laughing, chatting, and welcoming the guests at the main entrance of the museum. Every so often, she would pose for a picture with an adoring fan, right in front of one of the museum's pieces of art: an abstract sculpture made using rusty, jagged metal beams.
Wolf pointed out, "Governor Foxington is the only one who has clearance to open the second door. So, Step Two, she and I will need to get up close and personal"
Wolf then looked directly at the fourth wall and expressed his usual cunning smile. He was ready to make a move on the Governor.
The moment Governor Foxington was alone, having just bid farewell to an ambassador of this or that place, Wolf sidled up beside her. His suit was impeccable, and he fit in perfectly next to the well-dressed governor.
"Interesting piece," Wolf said, observing the sculpture. "Trashy, pointless, and pretentious"
Governor Foxington smiled politely at him. "Hmm. They say that art reveals more about the viewer than the artist"
"She's right, you know" said a deep voice
Wolf and Diane looked to their right to see another man observing the sculpture with them. No one other than Boy, who was talking in his disguised voice.
"According to Edgar Degas, he stated, 'Art is not what you see, but what you make others see'" Boy said, in his disguised voice
"That is very true" Diana replied, "Mister…"
"Rooney," Boy said, bending over to kiss her hand. "Jake Rooney, love"
Diane then turned her attention to Wolf. It was then Wolf immediately realized he was dealing with a politician who was much smarter than he'd given credit for.
"And you, Mister…"
"Poodleton" Wolf said, "Oliver Poodleton"
He bent over to kiss her hand, while slyly swiping the diamond ring right off her finger. Boy saw what the canine had done and he just rolled his eyes.
"I must say, governor, I really appreciate for what you've been doing for the people. You've given this city a voice. A shining light. It just warms my heart" Boy complimented her, in his disguised voice
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Diane replied. "I'm just giving what the city needs to be safe"
"And that we are so grateful to have you as governor" Boy complimented her, in his disguised voice
Diane blushed under her fur. "Oh, Mr. Rooney, you're so sweet"
Wolf cleared his throat and looked at Boy with a fake smile. "Shouldn't you be somewhere else, buddy?"
Boy smile grew wider and said, "Shouldn't you be drinking out of a toilet?"
Wolf let out a small warning growl from under his breath but stopped when Diane turned to his attention. The canine showed off his fake cunning smile again and chuckled.
(WOLF CHUCKLING)
"A comedian, isn't he?" Wolf said. "You know it's about time someone stood up to those diabolical Bad Guys. Though I've got to say, no one's succeed yet"
The governor smirked. "Eh, I don't think it'll be that hard"
"I have a feeling it will be harder than you think," Wolf countered. "I'd say they're one epic job away from cementing their legacy"
The governor—Diane, Wolf thought, now that he felt they were on a first-name basis—laughed. Boy did the same just to play along.
"Yeah, right" Boy muttered, whisperingly
"Ha!" Diane laughed, "Mr. Poodleton, you're funny!"
"I am?" Wolf asked
"The only legacy they're cementing is life in prison," Diane said certainly. "Did you see their last job?" She ticked off each of their mistakes on her long fingers. "Unsecured exits, crude disguises, compulsive showboating—I mean, it was a mess. All the classic signs of a crew in decline"
Boy chuckled under his breath. "You tell him, DF" he whispered
As her insults continued, Wolf started to feel more and more insecure about his skills as a thief. But then he remembered: She didn't know anything. This was just a random politician trying to make people like her.
Diane finished, "Next, they're gonna make it personal. That's when you know they're toast"
Wolf swallowed, trying to hide his discomfort behind a cunning smile. "Uh, well, that's your opinion"
Through a polished smile, Diane said, "It is. And I'm the governor"
"Governor" called a voice
Wolf rolled his eyes from under his sunglasses, "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" he muttered
The threesome turned to see Seymour Butz, who Boy recognized, coming their way. Boy gulped; he wasn't expecting Seymour to make it to the event. The child could feel the heat rising inside his suit. With a few deep breaths, Boy managed to calm himself down and tried his best to keep himself from getting exposed.
"I gotta get rid of that butt-head" Boy said, in his thoughts, "It's time for some payback"
Seymour and Diane extended handshakes, "My dear, governor Foxington, it's so good to see you here tonight"
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Butz" Diane replied. "So glad you could make it"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I mean, after all that Marmalade has done I think he really deserves this award" Seymour said, "But I'm sad to say, I can't stay very long"
"That's even a greater pleasure," Boy said, in his disguised voice
Seymour, who heard the remark, turned his attention towards Boy.
"Well, since you're here, how about lending Marmalade's Gala for Goodness twenty-million dollars, you old skinflint?" Boy demanded, in his disguised voice
"Twenty-million dollars? That's a lot of money" Seymour said, brushing his mustache. "I'd have to take that up with the bank"
"Well, in the meantime, could you let me have twelve dollars until payday?" Boy asked, in his disguised voice
"Twelve dollars?" Seymour questioned
"Don't be scared, you'll get it back. I'll give you my personal note for ninety days. If it isn't paid by then, you can—keep the note" Boy teased, in his disguised voice
Seymour gasped along with Diane while Wolf just chuckled under his breath by the insult.
"I say, sir" Seymour said, with a puzzled look. "Haven't we seen each other somewhere before?"
Boy shook his head, "I don't think so. I'm not sure I'm seeing you now, it must be something I ate"
Seymour gasped again. He was being insulted by a man—who was really a clever kid in disguise. This made Boy feel so much better.
"Look here, sir! Are you trying to…" Seymour said, in an agitated voice
Boy then got up close to Seymour's ear, turning his head in one direction to the next, "Don't look now…but there's one man too many at this museum and I think it's YOU"
This made Seymour furious! He felt like a geyser ready to erupt.
(DIANE AND WOLF CHUCKLING)
"If I may cut in, gentlemen" Wolf said, stepping in between the two. "May I remind you this is a night for celebration? We're here to celebrate the pig. After all this is a society. We're civilized beings both human and animal living together in harmony. I mean, what else is there to say?"
"I wouldn't know what else to say if I was in your place," Boy teased, in his disguised voice
Boy then turned his attention to Seymour as the child began taunting the man some more in his disguised voice.
"Maybe you can suggest something," Boy said, "As a matter of fact you do suggest something. To me—you suggest a baboon!"
Seymour gasped again while Wolf and Diane tried their best to hide their laughter's. This was really entertaining (at least for Boy and Wolf).
"WHAT?!" Seymour yelled, angrily
"I, uh…I'm sorry I said that" Boy apologized, in his disguised voice. "It isn't fair to the rest of the baboons"
Seymour was MAD! He had never been so insulted in his whole life. Especially from a kid playing in a Halloween costume. The man was ready to choke this guy to death with his bare hands.
"This man's conduct is inexcusable!" Seymour yelled, "Why I oughta…"
Diane quickly got in between the two from preventing a brawl.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please!" Diane demanded
"I did NOT come here to be insulted!" Seymour said, starting to walk away
But Boy blocked his path as he continued to taunt him some more. The kid wasn't finished with this butt-head just yet.
"That's what you think!" Boy added
"You swine!"
"Come again?" Boy asked
"You worm!"
"Once more" Boy asked again
"You upstart!"
"That's it!" Boy said, pulling out a glove and slapping Seymour in the face with it.
"Touché" Boy finished
Seymour huffed and puffed like a raging bull. He wanted to teach him a lesson. However, since he was at a party he couldn't make a scene especially not with dozens of police officers around. So with a look of defeat, he decided to let it go. Seymour took a deep breath and sighed.
"Sir, I must say, whoever gave birth to you—should've been claimed by the Devil himself" Seymour insulted
"Mr. Butz, please, he was only kidding" Diane pointed out, stepping in between the two men. "It's just a little humor"
"Well, unfortunately, governor his humor has hurt me plenty!" Seymour replied, angrily. "I'm a man of few words!"
"I'm a man of one word: SCRAM!" Boy said, in his disguised voice
It was at that moment that Seymour had enough and began marching away into the crowds of people leaving the threesome next to the sculpture. Diane wasn't sure what just happened but Wolf couldn't stop laughing under his breath.
Boy then faced the two, "I apologize for my behavior, madam Governor. I just can't stand being next to a guy who looks at more butts so often in public. Rumor has it: he's a pervert"
"Looks at more butts?" Wolf asked
This suddenly made Wolf jump to sudden realization when he realized what Boy's joke meant and he couldn't hold it in any longer and began bursting out into laughter.
(WOLF LAUGHING)
(BOY LAUGHING ALONG WITH DIANE)
Wolf rested a paw on Boy's shoulder and shook his finger at him. "Hey, that is very funny!"
"I know right" Boy replied, in his disguised voice
"So, um, weren't we talking about the sculpture here?" Diane asked the two
Both Wolf and Boy nodded in agreement.
"Right" they answered
The threesome gazed back to look at the ugly, trash-like sculpture again.
"As for the sculpture: I think it's about perspective. If you both look closely enough, even trash can be recycled into something beautiful" Diane said
Wolf and Boy looked to where she was pointing and noticed that the sculpture's shadow on the wall was in the shape of a gorgeous swan. When Boy saw this, he was astounded. He didn't know Diane could read art that good. She was full of surprises; especially to him. The kid always wondered how she got so wise with her words.
"How about that?" Wolf mused. "I guess some things aren't always as they appear"
"If only my son could see this" Boy said, in his disguised voice
Diane turned to Rooney's attention. "You have children?"
"Yes, I do" Boy answered, in his disguised voice. "A little boy—almost seven—just chuck-filled with imagination. He says wants to be an artist someday. But just last night he told me he wished to be just like you, Governor"
"Me?" Diane said, feeling flattered. "Aw, that's so sweet. Well, I'm sure if he works real hard—someday in the future he can achieve that accomplishment"
"You know you seem like the 'mother-type' kind of gal, Governor" Boy pointed out, in his disguised voice. "Don't you have any kids?"
Diane's ears perked up, in surprise. She then showed signs of nervousness on her face. Something that Boy hadn't seen her show before.
"I uh—I mean…" Diane stuttered, "I do, it's just—I haven't been able for a while due to my job"
"Being the governor?" Wolf asked
"I'll bet it's a little boy" Boy guessed, in his disguised voice
Diane placed her hands on her hips. "Well, aren't you the mind reader? We do, in truth, have a relationship. You see, he was abandoned as a baby so long ago. A few days later, I got a call from the LACPS telling me that his parents entrusted their baby over to me. So I kind of became the mother of that little boy. And I gotta say, he sure is an handful"
It was then that Boy started to feel very insecure with himself. Sure—he was an orphan: no home—no family. Except for Diane. She was all he had. Even though they never actually shared a family moment together…not once (or so he thinks).
Wolf clicked his tongue, "It's a shame. There are crazy people out there. Some parents just don't have the decency to wanna to care of their own flesh and blood"
Boy looked sad but quickly shook the feeling away and went back to his plan. "But, hey, that's life. At least not mine, anyways"
Shaking his head to get his confidence back, Wolf tried to jump back to his plan, too. "That reminds me…may I? I can't miss a photo op with the governor and a pile of garbage"
Wolf turned to Rooney and handed him his cellphone, "Do you mind?"
Boy smiled and nodded taking the camera, "Not at all, Mr. Poodleton"
"Oh," Diane said, grinning her pearly white polished smile for the camera. "Mr. Poodleton, you're too hard on yourself"
"Hey…"
(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
Boy snapped the selfie that Wolf needed in order to execute the next step of their plan, He'd show that arrogant Governor Foxington just how wrong she was…Diane had no idea what was in store for her—and her fancy, schmancy Golden Dolphin—that night! Except for Boy. The kid knew what would happen here tonight.
The Bad Guys were on the move.
Another chapter done! How will you think the next step of the heist will go? Please review and stay tuned for more fun soon!