- Chapter 2 -
- Higher for Hire office -
Kit stormed in through the front door - Guys, guys! I guess I found out something about...
The navigator stopped on his tracks when he saw the serious faces of Baloo, Rebecca and Jon. The accountant was hunched, sitting on a chair before Rebecca's desk, while she was by his side leaning on the desk itself, arms crossed, and Baloo was sitting on his easy chair and leaning forward, arms on knees. The mood was heavy.
- ...guys? What's going on? - the bearcub asked.
- Come here kiddo - Baloo motioned for him to come closer - Well, Books, he is part of the crew too, so I guess he should hear it.
- Fair enough - Jon said. And after a pause to clear his throat he started - I...wasn't completely honest with you all...my full name is Wilson Jonathan Goldwing...- he looked at Rebecca - as our boss here already knows...and I am the son of the late David T. Goldwing...Chief Engineer and co-owner of Goldwing & Stein Aircraft Corp.
A heavy silence fell in the room until Kit broke it - I knew it! I knew it was you, from the photo!
Rebecca looked puzzled - Photo?
Kit quickly got the old Flyboy magazine from under his sweater and opened it to show them. There was an article about Goldwing & Stein and a photo of a tall, thin bear with huge glasses, a bearcub in his early teens and they were standing in their workshop...and behind them...clearly...the peculiar half-finished frame of the accountant's motorcycle.
- Man...- Jon whispered - That was quite some time ago...
- But - Baloo started - okay, we get it, you're that guys son. What that has to do with Khan's goons kidnapping you and Beckers?
- Kidnapping? Guys, what happened? - Kit asked worried.
Jon sighed - Dad was very sick. After he passed...Stein assumed full control of the company...but he was a sellout and he sold the company to Khan Industries.
- But if Khan has the company, what does he want from you? And what is that talk about blueprints? - Rebecca asked.
- Dad was working on a revolutionary aircraft engine that would change the whole industry. But he never left any blueprints before he passed . Khan wants that engine, he wants the blueprints. I can't give him what I don't have. - the accountant said.
- Still - Rebecca said - You weren't honest with us. Why didn't you tell us the truth from the beginning?
Jon looked down - Dad wanted his part of the company to go to me when he passed. He wanted me to be well off. But Stein altered the legal papers, got the company, the sale's money and left me and mom with nothing. Everyone knew my first name as it was in many newspapers. Nobody knew me by my second name so that's what I used since. Dad's engine project came out in many papers and people would keep asking me what I knew about it. I needed to get away from that.
- And yer mom...? - Baloo asked.
Jon smiled - She moved out of Cape Suzette. I send her money every week, and she also works as a school teacher. She's doing well.
Rebecca paced around and looked down at her accountant. - Jon...Wilson...whatever...- she sighed - I hired you in good faith. I was very thankful for you saving me and Molly, and you have been a really good accountant and employee here, but...
Jon sighed - I...I'm sorry Miss Cunningham, I...
Shush! - she quickly silenced him - BUT...- she leaned over him, making him slump backward in his chair and gulp - I DON"T like being dragged to Khan's office just because one of my workers is hiding stuff from me! You ARE in trouble, Mister!
- She's right, kid! You put her in danger, didntja think about that? - Baloo growled. The accountant slump even more in the chair.
Rebecca paused for a moment and turned around to face her pilot - Just like YOUR little lie about the days of the week got me standing before a tank firing squad in Thembria?
Now it was Baloo's time to slump back in his chair. - Aw, hum...well
She shook her head and then turned to the accountant. - As for YOU...- she paced toward him, glaring, and he had the feeling he was shrinking. - You STILL have one hour of work to finish today, Mister. I want those papers finished and on my desk before you leave, and don't even THINK about getting late tomorrow! I have a big meeting with clients and I'll need you to answer the phone and the door the WHOLE DAY, understood? - she said, poking his chest with her finger.
Jon had his mouth hanging open and was completely surprised for a long moment. When he finally could speak, he stuttered- Y-Y-Yes Miss Cunningham - he whispered.
- And Jon - she said, crossing her arms - No more hiding things. We are more than just co-workers here, all of us...we are family. And after you risking your neck for us and Cape Suzette twice, I want you to feel part of it too. Now GET TO WORK!
The accountant smiled and nodded, getting behind his desk and adjusting his glasses. At that moment though, there was a knock on the door.
- Yes, come in please - Rebecca said in her best clients-be-welcome voice.
But what walked in wasn't a client, but a Cocker Spaniel girl, half a foot taller than the business woman, wearing pilot's outfit and holding in her hands a pilot's hat and goggles - Mr. Baloo? I am ready for our first lesson! - She said smiling.
Rebecca blinked stunned, then her eyes slowly turned at Baloo and she whispered - Lesson?
- Ah...hum...- Baloo choked - ehm...Rebecca...meet Bonnie Ellis...ah...she wanna get some piloting lessons, and...ah...I TOLD her I would ask you if we could use the Sea Duck...Bonnie, this is Rebecca Cunningham, my boss...
Rebecca's glare turned to the spaniel, who took everyone by surprise by taking the business woman hand and shaking vigorously with both of hers - Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cunningham! I read about you in the newspaper, how you and your crew helped save Cape Suzette from the pirates many times! Please, please, I have this plane, and I would really love to learn to pilot it! Can you allow it, please? I will of course pay Mr. Baloo for the lessons!
Rebecca's mood was forcefully changed from being annoyed to being surprised by the girl's attitude. She paused and said - Well...Miss Ellis...- then she looked at Baloo - my pilot had not mentioned anything to me, we were busy with...business matters - she shot a glance at her accountant who quickly looked down at the papers he was working on - BUT...I guess that if you are willing to pay for the lessons and the gas spent, as long as Baloo is not busy with deliveries...I can allow the use of the Sea Duck.
Bonnie's immediate response was to grab the smaller bear woman in a big hug as she wagged her tail - Oh THANK YOU Miss Cunningham! Don't worry, I will not take away his time from work! Thank you! Mr. Baloo, I'll be outside when you are ready! I mean, if you have no more deliveries today! Oh, hi again Mr. Goldwing! - She waved at the accountant who shyly waved back and then she stepped out.
Rebecca turned around and glared at her accountant - You KNOW her?
Jon coughed - N-No! I mean...she stopped by when you were gone today, looking for Baloo, but I said he was on a delivery and he would be back later and I have never met her in my life and yes I am telling the truth why are you looking at me like that Miss Cunningham? - he finished in a single breath as the business woman had walked closer and now was standing almost nose to nose with the frightened accountant.
- Well...next time DON'T forget to mention it...- she whispered and turned around to Baloo. - as for YOU... you are in luck, and you have no more deliveries for today...but TOMORROW you take off to Spango-Pango at 7AM sharp!
- Aw, man...I mean...yes boss lady, don't worry. I...hum..better start those lessons - and the big bear displayed amazing agility as he got up from his easy chair with one move and was out through the door with another.
Kit was left looking at the door as it closed - Wow, I didn't know she had a plane, I thought she was a singer... - the cub whispered...but Rebecca's ears perked.
- And you know her TOO, Kit? And what do you mean a SINGER? - The business lady walked over to her navigator who was sitting on the stairs and now it was Kit's turn to slump back and gulp.
Outside, Baloo took a look at Bonnie small worn out plane. - Hey, kid, where did you get this? She looks like she could use some TLC.
- I won her in a raffle! - the jumpy cocker spaniel girl said - She may be a little used up but I Love her, and I want to fix her and make her brand new! Mr. WildCat is helping!
- Oh really? - Baloo asked surprised - Well, in that case, kid, you may get her even better than when she left the factory! But...how did you arrive with her from Louie's ?
- Ah, with this! - she pulled out a VERY familiar book from her bomber jacket - See? "Learn to fly any airplane in 3 easy lessons"! That's how I flew from Louie's to here! It even gives you an apprentice's license!
Baloo's hat jumped on his head and he nearly fainted - Oh no, THAT again! Man, they sold more copies of that than I imagined! It's by miracle yer still in one piece kid! C'MON, get in the Duck, we gotta learn ya to fly, and fast!
Bonnie beamed and wagged her tail and quickly got inside the big cargo plane, anxious to start.
Not far from them, inside his black car, a certain rat in a fedora and trench coat observed with his binoculars, and an angry face. He took out a small book and made some notes on it, then he grabbed the lenses and focused through Higher for Hire's window, looking at the accountant sitting at his desk. - Where are you hiding them, kid...- he whispered.
Moments later, in the airspace outside Cape Suzette, a large yellow plane soared through the skies in a less wild manner than it was usually seen. Her new temporary pilot, an excited spaniel girl, sitting on the main chair while her co-pilot and instructor guided her.
- Hey, that's real good kid! It was a bumpy take off, but you got talent! - The gray bear smiled.
- I do?! Yay, I'm flying! And...I never expected to fly such a huge plane! It's amazing! - Bonnie grinned.
- She's old, kiddo, but she's a beauty! Just treat her like a lady and she'll always bring ya home! - Baloo chuckled.
The Cocker Spaniel carefully balanced the airplane under Baloo's watch as the sun set on the horizon.
When they finally returned, the Sea Duck touched down, not gracefully like Baloo but certainly less bumpy than when Bonnie did on her own.
- Hah, yer a natural, kid - Baloo grinned. - Soon you'll be flying on yer own, and then it's time ta learn how to REALLY fly, not just glide.
- I have a great teacher! - she smiled as she got out of the airplane, only to meet Rebecca waiting for them, and not with a pleasant face.
- Baloooooo, say...mind if I talk with you for a little bit? - she said in her best trying-to-pretend-I-won't-kill you voice.
- Huh, sure, Beckers wha..HEY! - he winced as she got him by his left ear and dragged him along, leaving a very confused looking spaniel watching the scene.
Once they were back inside the office, Rebecca let go of the big gray bear's ear and spun around - Seriously, Baloo?! How many times until you learn?!
Baloo was puzzled - Huh, what...wait, what you mean, lady? WHOOF! - He gasped as she pushed in back against his easy chair, forcing him to sit and looming over him, poking his chest with her finger.
- Kitten Kaboodle wasn't enough? You need to fall for each and every lady in a dress, even when she ISNT wearing one? Kit told me about her! She's a stage singer! - Rebecca stated bluntly.
- HEY! Now, lady, waittaminnit! She's got a plane and she has a talent! Why can't she learn how to fly? - Baloo asked outraged.
- Baloo, wake up! - the business lady growled - You thought that actress was the best thing in the world too until she turned your head so bad you nearly killed yourself! Now we have this girl, who is a stage singer and she wants pilot lessons? To fly a plane that conveniently is a Goldwing plane, made by Jon's father?! Can't you see the connection?!
The big bears eyes opened wide - You think...man...she could be a spy for Khan? But Rebecca, she could really be just someone who wants lessons!
- But why come all the way here? There are tons of pilots at Louie's! I don't buy it, Baloo, and neither should you! I see the way she looks at you and don't trust her! Why would she want YOU after all? - Rebecca reasoned.
- B-Because I wanted to learn from the best. - a small voice came from the door as Bonnie was standing there, looking hurt. - Baloo's picture is at Louie's Hall of Fame as the best pilot in the world...I dreamed of learning to fly, and wanted to learn from him...and when I got this plane in the raffle, I wanted to go for my dream. I'm no spy or whatever you two are thinking, and Miss Cunningham, I don't know what you have against me. I don't even know you! Yes, I am a singer and love to sing. Singing and flying are my passions! You should understand that, because I guess being the owner of a company was yours one day, wasn't it? You realized your dream! Why can't you let me realize mine?! - the cocker spaniel nearly burst into tears as she turned around and left running to her plane.
- Aw, kid... wait! - Baloo quickly got up, shooting a reproaching glance at Rebecca on his way out and went after her but before he arrived the docks, he could see her small worn plane leaving, gaining speed and taking off in a very bouncy way, nearly hitting the cliffs as she left.
- Oh, no...Rebecca, she can't fly well yet, and in that state, she may crash! I gotta go after her! - The gray bear yelled as he darted to the Sea Duck.
Rebecca, who was still in a bit of a shock, ran after Baloo - But Baloo, what if...
- Rebecca, we can think about all that she is or isn't AFTER she is safe on the ground, can't we?! - the pilot growled and displaying all his skill, he started the Sea Duck in the blink of an eye, did a reverse 180° spin and took off, the seaplane twin engines roaring to the max.
When they cleared the cliffs, he quickly spotted a small dot that was flying very irregular.
But then, things got worse, as they saw the storm forming in the horizon.
- Aw, c'mon, are you kidding me? - The bear growled as he accelerated, pushing the engines to their limit. He picked up the radio and started trying the distress frequency - Bonnie? Bonnie, c'mon, kid, you're heading for a storm! Turn yer plane around!
No answer. Baloo growled - I bet that beat-up plane doesn't even have a working radio!
- Then...we have to reach her somehow, Baloo. Faster! - Rebecca said, which surprised Baloo.
The Sea Duck was finally catching up, and her plane was clearly visible. Rain had already started to fall, and Bonnie's plane did not have a closed cockpit. Baloo pushed even more and soon the Sea Duck was nearly parallel to the small plane. Rebecca lowered her window and called out.
- BONNIE! TURN AROUND, THERE IS A STORM AHEAD! -the business woman screamed.
- LEAVE ME ALONE! - Bonnie retorted, wiping her goggles from the raindrops falling against them.
- KID, C'MON! I'M STILL YER TEACHER, AND I'M TELLING YOU TO TURN AROUND! - Baloo screamed, which actually made Bonnie look at the Duck. It was then that Baloo could see that behind her goggles, she was very scared and unsure.
- BONNIE! I AM SORRY, I DIDN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT YOU LIKE THAT! IT WAS JUST A VERY HARD DAY AND...AND I SORT OF BLEW UP ON YOU! PLEASE , LET'S GO BACK AND LET'S TALK! - Rebecca yelled, finally getting the spaniel's attention. She nodded , but the storm was already on top of them, lightning falling all around.
- Aw, man, Becky hang on! - Baloo warned and then the seasoned pilot turned the Sea Duck belly up and brought it flying over Bonnie's small plane, mostly protecting it from the rain and giving her a chance to wipe her goggles and see better ahead.
- KID, WE GOTTA TURN AROUND NOW! - The gray pilot screamed - JUST FOLLOW MY LEAD!
And both planes slowly started making the turn, narrowly avoiding the lightning, Baloo keeping the yellow cargo plane perfectly parallel with the small plane all the time. Once the turn was complete, the storm was slowly being left behind, the weather becoming gradually calmer until they were finally able to see the night sky.
- Whew! - was all Baloo could say as he brought the Sea Duck again back from its upside-down position and aligned it side by side with Bonnie's small plane.
Soon, both aircrafts were touching down on the waters of Cape Suzette and docking at Higher for Hire.
Baloo and Rebecca stormed out of the Sea Duck to meet a very dripping wet Cocker spaniel climbing out of her plane.
- Kid, what were you thinking?! Flying into that storm? You don't have ta prove anything! - Baloo chided.
Bonnie didn't answer, she just looked down, not even bothering to take off her goggles.
Rebecca however, stepped closer and looked up at her - Bonnie? I am sorry. Really. Look, I admit I may be a little...protective of B...my employees. I guess I didn't think all the way through. Can you forgive me? Please?
The spaniel looked at her through her goggles and half-smiled and nodded. The older woman then took her hand - Let's go inside...I wish to talk to you, woman to woman...and you will catch a pneumonia if you don't change! You have spare clothes?
The spaniel nodded and reached in the cockpit of her small plane, taking out a backpack.
And Baloo watched both of them walk back at Higher for Hire, in awe, surprised at how quickly the whole situation had changed. - Man...go figure! - he whispered.
- Higher for Hire, the next morning -
Baloo snored in his bed, not a care in the world, when a booming voice woke him up.
- BALOOOO! IT'S 6:30 AM! - Yelled Rebecca.
The bear rolled off his bed and landed with a thud on the floor, grunting and grumbling to himself. - She never sleeps...or she has a twin sister...has to be...
Rebecca and Bonnie had spent quite a few hours talking the night before, so many that Baloo eventually got up and crashed on bed when he could not fight sleep any longer. When the big bear finally dressed and came down, he was greeted by a surprise: a plate of pancakes served by a cocker spaniel girl dressed in blue overalls, a lavender shirt and an apron.
- Hi Mr. Baloo! Hope you're hungry! - Bonnie said brightly.
- What huh ahn? - Baloo blinked then he looked at Rebecca - Boss lady, what...?
- Come on, Baloo! Breakfast, then delivery! You are NOT leaving late today, buster! - Rebecca said as if everything was normal.
- Huh...sure Beckers, sure...- he mumbled confused, but his stomach spoke for him when he set his eyes on the big pancake plate and started digging.
Rebecca checked her watch - I hope Jon arrives in time...he KNOWS that I have those meetings today.
And answering to her thoughts, the sound of a motorcycle arriving outside make her sigh in relief. Minutes later, the accountant was coming through the door carrying his suitcase.
- Good morning Miss Cunningham - Jon greeted as he set his suitcase on the floor and took off his jacket, setting it on the hanger, then sniffled the air - MMm...pancakes...Good Morning Baloo! - he yelled at the kitchen.
- Oh, you want some Mr. Goldwing? - Bonnie said from the kitchen.
The accountant then spotted the spaniel, looking quite puzzled as if not sure he was in the right place.
-Just in time, Jon. - Rebecca said ignoring the bear's confused look - I'm heading out soon to meet the clients and Baloo and Bonnie are going to Spango-Pango. I need you to hold the fort as I told you.
- Baloo and..wait, Miss Cunningham, what's going on? - The accountant finally asked.
- Mr. Baloo is giving me piloting lessons and I'm co-pilot today, Mr. Goldwing! -the spaniel answered - I have an apprentice's license!
That made Baloo choke on his pancakes - Waitwhat? Beckers, she's coming to Spango-Pango?
- Yes, Baloo, she's going to Spango-Pango. - Rebecca said smiling.
- I'm going to Spango-Pango! - Bonnie repeated grinning and doing a happy dance.
- Okay...sooooo they are going to Spango-Pango...rrrright. - Jon said, giving up trying to understand.
- I need to go! I will be back later today, Jon, take the calls, make the sales...- she started.
- ...answer the door, take the complaints, receive the suppliers, check the accounts and smile, got it - Jon said smiling and Rebecca nodded as she left.
Moments later, Baloo came from the kitchen, followed by Bonnie who was already wearing her bomber jacket, scarf and pilot's hat, and held a plate of pancakes that she left on Jon's desk.
- Here Mr. Goldwing! - Bonnie said smiling.
- Oh...thank you Miss Ellis...and it's just Jon...Mr. Goldwing was my dad - he smiled warmly at the spaniel.
- Ah, okay, but Miss Ellis is too formal! I'm Bonnie! - she grinned and hurried to follow Baloo as the big bear was leaving through the door.
- Okay Books, we're off then...don't let Rebecca drive ya crazy! - The big bear said.
- Too late...- the accountant whispered as the phone started ringing.
Downtown, Rebecca was waiting at one of the fanciest coffee shops in town, where she met a penguin man wearing huge glasses, a parted hairdo and an expensive suit.
- Mr. Bright, it's a pleasure - Rebecca said standing up and offering her hand, which the smaller penguin shook.
-Yes yes, Miss Cunningham. I am glad you have come, but I am afraid it has been a waste of our time. I have already signed the cargo contract with another company - The penguin bluntly said.
- W...what? But Mr. Bright, I believed that we had come to a deal! We had talked over the phone and in many meetings for hours! I have listened to each and every of your stories about your nephew and a bathtub going south! - the business woman said, growing infuriated.
- Well, yes, Miss Cunningham - the penguin said a bit outraged - but see, we received an offer that was half your price, one third of your delivery time and that we simply could not refuse .
- An offer? From someone else? but...from whom? - She asked completely surprised.
- Khan's Logistics & Cargo, Ma'am. It was an incredible deal that frankly, your small company would not be able to match. Good day, Miss Cunningham - the penguin businessman said and left, leaving a dumbfolded Rebecca staring blankly.
Minutes later she was back at the Higher for Hire office and bursting through door.
- JON! You won't believe we lost the contract...- she stopped, seeing the look in her accountant's face as he held the phone...probably the same look she had when talking with Mr. Bright.
- ...to Shere Khan. - Jon completed, hanging up the phone. - Miss Cunningham...they have been calling all morning. We have lost them all.
- What do you mean...by...all? - Rebecca gasped.
- Khan made them all...all our clients...impossible offers. - The accountant whispered. - They all cancelled with us. We have no clients left.