- Chapter 3 -
-Louie's place, Saturday -
-Here guys...this one is one the house - the simian bar owner said as he served a pair of sundaes to two frustrated looking bears sitting before him.
- Thanks cuz, yer still the best - Baloo said as he started eating his ice cream half-heartedly.
- Thanks Louie - Kit said, eating with just as much enthusiasm as Baloo.
- Is it that bad, guys? - the monkey asked.
- It is Louie - Baloo sighed - Khan has put a bullseye on us, and he's got the big guns.
- We have not delivered anything since Spango-Pango, and Rebecca can't close new deals - Kit said.
- Yeah, and what Khan's doing to you guys is affecting everyone! - Louie sighed - Sure, lots of Khan's pilots here as always, but the regular folk...the little guys, are grounded home because of these...offers Khan is giving out. He can't be having any profit on that!
- But then why, Louie? Since when Khan does anything that won't get him richer? - Baloo wondered.
- Unless...- Kit said - He is expecting to get profit from somewhere else by doing that? Maybe he wants something else?
- But what, kid? What does Mr. Big Bucks want? - Louie asked.
The three of them looked at each other.
And at that moment, at Khan's tower at Cape Suzette, a very angry business woman wanted to get the same answers directly from the source.
- Mr. Khan! - an elderly looking rat lady with glasses announced as she tried to prevent the entrance of Rebecca - I tried to stop her, but she is quite insistent!
- It's alright, Mrs. Snarly - Khan said calmly - Miss Cunningham is a welcome visitor. How can I help you, Madam?
- Mr. Khan - Rebecca said, panting a bit after crossing Khan's enormous office - I have come because of the outrageous cargo hauling offers your company is making. They are much lower than anything the market can offer, Sir! It is making free market impossible!
- Oh, that? I deeply apologize, Miss Cunningham, but the board of directors insisted on a new, aggressive plan for the goods transportation sector of Khan Industries...one that, it seems...can lead to such unfortunate results. I am afraid that, until the next meeting, my hands are tied on the matter. - The tiger said apologetically.
- The next meeting, but...Sir...when - Rebecca asked.
Khan shrugged his broad shoulders and opened his large hands as if being completely unsure - Who can say for certain, Miss Cunningham? After the attack of the Air Pirates to Cape Suzette, many properties were left destroyed...merchants and small companies... and materials and goods are needed to rebuild...so we are all under intense pressure to transport all that as fast as efficiently as Khan Industries can. You see...the other option would be to close those damaged business...and that would result in thousands of citizens unemployed...we wouldn't want that, would we?
- I...I suppose not, Mr. Khan... - the small bearess said.
- Sadly - Khan said - I was about to open a whole new aircraft manufacturing plant...one that would provide a large number of jobs...however...my engineering department was unsuccessful in creating a functional prototype of the engine we need to power our new airplane, as you may know...so I was forced to put the project on hold indefinitely. Therefore, all Khan Industries can do right now to help the city, is to help those business to rebuild. And that means alleviating their goods transportation costs.
- I understand, Mr. Khan...you are right - Rebecca conceded. - I am sorry for taking your time.
- Not at all, Miss Cunningham. - Khan said - My door is always open for those who help our great city. If only others were so helpful... - he swiveled his chair around to look at the large glass windows - if we could complete the aircraft engine...then the factory could be opened...and the cargo offers would no longer be necessary as additional help.
- if only...- the business woman whispered as he entered the large elevator.
- And that was his explanation for what he is doing - Rebecca said, now in her office at Higher for Hire and telling Baloo, Kit and Jon, who had taken off his glasses and was rubbing his eyes with a thumb and forefinger.
- His is earning millions thanks to the city using construction machines from HIS company, and HIS construction material. - Jon grumbled - He can lose as much money as he wishes in the cargo transports. He could do them for free if he wanted.
- But we can't - Rebecca sighed - and without clients, our reserves will go out soon. I still had to pay our suppliers, the gas and everything. We can't survive much longer like this.
- Man...- Baloo whispered - feels almost as bad as when Khan built all those robots to replace the pilots and we almost had to sell the Duck...
- Oh Baloo - Rebecca walked to him and placed a hand on his large right forearm - we are not THAT bad yet...we can hang on a little more...
- Yeah, Papa bear - Kit said - we will find a way! We saved the city from the Pirates, we will manage to win this too, right Miss Cunningham?
Rebecca smiled and hugged both of them - Right! We just have to think of a way to cut costs and perhaps I can find some other ideas to make money!
- No truffles or pigs, please, Boss Lady - Baloo chuckled.
Jon smiled from his desk watching the three of them, but then his smile faded. He knew exactly why Khan was doing that, and who was responsible for their situation.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door and when Rebecca opened, a familiar cocker spaniel stood there, holding her pilot's hat and looking a bit worried.
- Miss Cunningham? - Bonnie said - I hope I didn't arrive at a bad moment...I was wondering if Baloo was busy right now or if we could have our lesson...
- Oh, he is not busy at all dear - Rebecca said, smiling.
- Aw, man, the lesson! Right, I had forgotten, kid, sorry. Let's go! - Baloo got up and put his hat on and both he and Bonnie left.
Rebecca looked at the clock - It is getting late, I need to get Molly...Kit, would you like to come? She has been missing you these last days.
- Sure Miss Cunningham - The boy smiled and got up - See you later Jon!
- Jon, I am leaving a note for Baloo that Kit is staying with me and Molly tonight. - Rebecca said - you are welcome to join us if you would like.
- Thank you Miss Cunningham - the accountant said - but I am going for my regular coffee in town.
- As you wish, Jon. And will it EVER hurt if you call me Rebecca once? - she pouted.
He simply smiled - Of course it wouldn't, Miss Cunningham.
She rolled her eyes and a minute later, they were gone and Jon was alone in the office.
He looked around, sighing. That place felt so much like home.
Then his eyes set down on the desk, where one of Khan's advertising flyers for Cargo Hauling was sitting.
And his eyes squinted.
- Khan's Tower -
Even when the night falls, Khan could still be found at his office, even during weekends. Rumor said that he never slept.
At that moment, he gazed at the large city below - his empire. His city. Until he saw a reflection behind him on the glass.
When he turned around, a familiar golden brown bear wearing a leather jacket and jeans stood in the middle of his office.
- Apparently visiting during work hours from Monday to Friday is becoming quite a thing of the past - The tiger calmly said as he sat down and placed his paws together, almost a smile forming on his face.
- After so many attempts and pressure - Jon said - don't you think that if I had any blueprints, I would have given them to you already, just to be left in peace?
- A man in my position does not conjecture on the what ifs, but in the hard facts, Mr. Goldwing - Khan said bluntly. - I have paid a hefty sum for your father's company that-
- You have paid Stein for the company he stole from my father and that weasel simply conned both you and me alike and now you have a factory you don't need and I have nothing. - Jon retorted before the tiger could finish and stepped closer to the desk.
- Unfortunate. - Khan said - Mr. Stein however, will eventually find his match...men like him always do. Me, however...I don't like wasting an investment, Mr. Goldwing. And you...don't you want the work of your father to see the light of day?
- My father wanted no glory...he was a dreamer. But he is no longer here and neither are his dreams - the accountant said - I. Don't. Have. Blueprints. But since you are not going to leave me alone...I am going to leave YOU alone.
Khan raised an eyebrow - And what exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Goldwing?
- Goodbye Mr. Khan - Jon said as he turned around and left the office, leaving the tiger pondering, but uneasy.
Meanwhile, the famous yellow cargo plane touched down gracefully on the waters of the bay and came to a gentle stop by the docks. The pilot's door opened and Bonnie stepped out, smiling brightly.
- I'll be...kid, you really GOT it! Yer gonna be a great pilot! - Baloo grinned.
- Oh, Mr. Baloo...it's...it feels wonderful! Thank you so much! - and the cocker spaniel hugged the big bear, who embraced her back.
- Kid, fer the last time, it's BA-LOO! Not Mr. Baloo! Don't make me sound older now! - He smiled.
- Okay, okay...Baloo! There! - she smiled and stick her tongue out.
Then Bonnie blinked - Wait...where...where is my plane?!
Baloo let out a loud laughter - Hehe, dontcha worry, kid! I have a little surprise fer ya! Come! - the big bear grinned and he started walking toward WildCat's workshop. Bonnie blinked again and followed him close.
Baloo found Wildcat outside and by him, something on the water, covered with a huge tarp.
- Hey, Wildcat, is it ready? - the gray pilot asked.
- Uh, yeah, Baloo! but I couldn't find sprinkles and baloons at this hour - Wildcat answered.
Baloo blinked and shrugged - Hum, ah, it's alright...I guess Bonnie wants ta see it.
Wildcat smiled and he pulled off the tarp.
At that moment, Bonnie fell on her knees with her mouth wide open. Before her stood her plane, with a shiny new coat of teal paint, a covered retractable glass canopy covering the cockpit, and just looking and smelling as if had just come out of the production line. On the engine lid, the famous wings joined by a circle that was Goldwing & Stein Aircraft Inc logo shone golden again.
- Ba...Ba...Ba... - she stuttered, but could not find words - B...BALOO! WILDCAT! You...You guys did...you are...
Baloo just grinned - And she's all yours, kid.
This time Bonnie threw herself on Baloo and hugged the big bear's neck so tight he wheezed. Then she picked up Wildcat in her arms and spun him around, making the mechanic blush and quite dizzy.
- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOU! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST, I LOVE YOU! - She screamed, full of happiness.
She jumped on the wing and looked at her own reflection on the glass of the canopy - And this is...?
- Had Wildcat build it so yer ears wouldn't get wet again, kid - Baloo smiled.
- Baloo...Wildcat...guys...this is...I don't know how to thank you enough for this - she smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks.
- Promise you won't crash her, Kid, and it's a good start - The big bear pilot chuckled.
- Promise! I promise! She's my baby! - the cocker spaniel grinned. - I...may I take her for a spin?
- It IS yer plane, kid! - Baloo said - and now you can land her good enough.
She did a happy dance and gave the pilot bear and the mechanic each a kiss on the cheek and jumped in the cockpit. The engine started with a loud and strong roar and soon she was speeding off through the water, taking off and disappearing between the cliffs.
- Aw, they grow up so fast - Baloo chuckled. Only Widcat to manage to make a plane brand new with leftover parts and some paint.
The big bear walked back to Higher for Hire office and when he entered he spotted a paper and an envelope on Rebecca's desk.
Being Baloo, he ignored it and went straight to the kitchen, because being a teacher was hard work.
After a few moments, he returned with a footlong sandwich about half a foot tall - Man, I had no idea the fridge was so empty...
He then took a huge bite from the sandwich and took the paper from the desk, written in Rebecca's handwriting.
- MMhmm... heh, good luck with shortstop, Lil' Britches - Baloo whispered, knowing that Molly would give Kit quite a bit of headache.
And then he looked at the envelope. It simply said To my Higher for Hire Family.
Puzzled, he took another bite from his sandwich and opened the envelope. From inside it he pulled out a letter.
And then his jaw dropped. So did his sandwich.
- Aw no...kid...why - He whispered, reading it.
A few moments later, the telephone was ringing on Rebecca's apartment.
- Hello? Oh, Baloo! Has something happened? - the business woman answered while Kit and Molly played. - Wait, what do you mean? WHAT?! - she then paused, bringing a hand to her mouth shocked.
- Molly, please honey get your jacket - Rebecca said. - Kit, we are all going back to the office.
The boy blinked and looked surprised - Miss Cunningham? Has something happened with Baloo?
- No Kit. - she whispered - Not with Baloo.
That did not ease the navigator's worries, and soon enough, Rebecca's car was pulling up by her office.
As she entered with the kids, Baloo was leaning by her desk with the letter in his hand, which he then slowly passed to her, who opened it and started reading for all to hear...
To Rebecca, Baloo, Kit, and you too Wildcat and Molly.
I am sorry things came to this point. I wish I had been more honest with you all but I was trying to forget the past. Khan does not. He wants something that I don't have and I can't convince him of that. He will not stop coming after me, and with his money, he can do anything, including make the lives of those close to me very difficult. It's me and those fantasy blueprints that he wants, not You.
Thank you for EVERYTHING. You guys are the best, like a family to me, and I will never forget each one of you. I wish I could have stayed, but this is the only way you'll be left in peace.
It was fun, guys.
Fly high and Clear Skies
Jon Wilson G.
P.S. See? I can call you Rebecca, Miss Cunningham.
There was a long silence after Rebecca finished reading the letter. Then she looked at Baloo with tears in her eyes and the big bear embraced her.
- I can't believe Khan won again - she said.
Baloo sighed - Books thought he was keeping us safe from that snake, Beckers. He did that for us all.
Kit got the letter and read it and couldn't believe - But he cannot be far away! If he boarded a passenger plane we may find out which flight it was, and if he boarded a cargo plane, he may be stopping by Louie!
- Kid, you're brilliant! - Baloo grinned as he picked up his young navigator.
- Good thinking Kit! Let's call Louie right away! - Rebecca said as they went to the radio room and called Louie.
A moment later, the radio came to life at the most well-known pilot's bar, and the monkey owner answered.
- Yeah, Louie here! What's up?
- Hey cuz! Baloo here, we're looking fer Jon! The guy jumped ship and left! We don't know if he's in a passenger plane or a cargo plane, we're trying to find him! - the pilot bear said.
- What?! Oh man, not good! I'll keep an eye open here at the bar and spread the word! - Louie quickly assured.
- Thanks cuz, you're great! Baloo out! - the gray bear said as he cut the transmission. - We better check the airport.
They nodded and quickly rushed to Rebecca's car.
Back at Louie's, it was a slow night but no sign of the accountant. Louie asked a few pilots but none knew about him.
However, just outside the bar, at the beach, a familiar golden brown bear in a leather jacket was getting his feet wet while looking the horizon toward Cape Suzette.
- Jon? What are you doing here? - a feminine voice startled the young bear and when he turned around, a certain cocker spaniel dressed as a pilot was standing before him.
- Bonnie? I...what are you doing here? - Jon answered.
- I asked first! - she smiled.
He rolled his eyes and after sighing, he said - I'm leaving, Bonnie. Saying bye bye to Cape Suzette and all this stuff.
- What?! But why?! Why would you do that?! - she asked.
- It's...complicated - he whispered.
But the spaniel just crossed her arms and said - Well, try me!
He rolled his eyes again- Ah, whatever. My full name is Wilson Jonathan Goldwing, my dad co-owned the company that built your plane and many others, but he was very sick and passed. His ex-partner sold the company to Shere Khan because Khan thought dad had this revolutionary engine created but he never found any blueprints. Now he thinks I have them, and he is trying to get to me by ruining business for Higher for Hire. Can't let that happen so I left. I guess that's the short version...
Bonnie blinked many times as if trying to understand everything , then spoke - And do you have any blueprints?
Jon shook his head - No, I don't...never did. Told Khan many times. If there were, I don't know where they are.
She walked closer and put a hand on his shoulder, looking up at the bear - But leaving is not the answer. Everyone must be worried about you. I see how they treat you and you them. You guys are family. Isn't that clear to you? It's in plain sight.
The accountant sighed - I know they are family, but...wait...what did you say?
- They are your family...- she whispered.
- No, after that - he added.
- It's clear. It's in plain sight.
His mouth fell open and his eyes widened - Are you kidding me, Dad? - he whispered and then he looked at Bonnie. - I need a plane. I gotta go back! I...hum...came as a stowaway in a cargo plane...
Bonnie grinned and swung her keys in her finger - You need wings, I have wings! BUT...on one condition!
Jon blinked - What's that?
- You gotta CHEER UP! Have some fun for a change! I know! I'll fly you...BUT owe me a dance! - she smiled - Take it or leave it!
He looked at her confused, but opened his arms and conceded - Fine! I take it! Can we go now?
- Yay! Where are we going? - she asked.
He smiled -Cape Suzette. I gotta get my bike.
As they started running toward Bonnie's plane, a pair of eyes in binoculars was watching them from a small plane...and behind the binoculars, the rat in fedora and trench coat grinned.
- Cape Suzette Airport-
- Hmmm...Goldwing...no...Wilson...no...Jonathan...I'm sorry, Ma'am - a small poodle flight attendant said, checking the names in the flight records -Nobody with that name has boarded any flight in the last hours.
Rebecca sighed - Thank you.- she whispered. Her accountant was really proving to be hard to spot.
- No sign of him here - she told Baloo, Kit and Molly - maybe they found him at Louie's?
- Let's see if we can use a radio around here - Baloo said.
Meanwhile, a small plane was touching down in the waters of the bay and docking close to Higher for Hire. When the canopy opened, a bear and a spaniel jumped out.
Jon rushed past the office and further down the docks, followed closely by Bonnie.
- Where are we going? - The spaniel asked.
- There's a small delivery service at the end of the docks - the accountant said while running - they deliver fragile antiques...I put my bike in a crate and told them it was an antique for my mother to have it delivered .
- Your mom? - Bonnie asked as they ran - that's where you were leaving to?
- Yep...here we are - He said as they arrived the small business and he knocked at the door.
A small and old dog opened the door, grumbling - Do you two kids know what time it is? Oh...it's you...- the dog said adjusting his glasses - but your crate will only leave tomorrow, Mr. Popper...
- I'm sorry Mr. Spencer but I'm not shipping that crate anymore. See, my mother...ah...is moving to Cape Suzette so the antiques can stay here...but I need to take them to her home by tomorrow. But please, keep the advance I gave you. And thank you for your services...
The old dog shrugged - Well, Mr. Popper, I'm sorry to lose another delivery in these difficult times, but it's your cargo. It is in my warehouse, here let me open for you...
The old dog led them to the small warehouse and opened the lock and sure enough, there was a big crate close to the entrance. - Do you have a truck or something to take that away, son? I could help...
- Ah, yes, transportation is coming Sir. - Jon quickly added -Thank you SO much for your help. Don't worry, I'll close the lock once I bring it out.
- Mr. Popper? - Bonnie whispered, grinning and Jon just winked.
The old dog shrugged and walked back into his office and was then startled by the loud sounds of a motorcycle engine followed by the screeching of a tire. When he looked outside, there was only a burn mark of rubber on the ground and his closed warehouse.
And just one minute later, Rebbeca's car arrived Higher for Hire, and she jumped out, along with Baloo and Kit.
- There, look! - Kit said pointing at Bonnie's plane docked not far from the Sea Duck.
- Aw, man, we keep playing tag! - Baloo groaned - Louie said one of his monkeys saw both of them running to her plane, and now her plane is here, but where are they?
- Well, at least they are in Cape Suzette now! - Rebecca said.
Kit ran to the small teal seaplane and touched it - Baloo, it's warm! They were just here!
- Then they can't be far, unless... - Baloo whispered.
- His motorcycle! - Baloo and Rebecca said at once.
- That keeps getting better 'n better - Baloo said - Now what?
- We can call the police and see if they can spot his motorcycle...it's not a common one. - Rebecca pointed.
- I guess it's worth a try - Baloo nodded - but let's radio them from the Sea Duck. We'll be able to cover more ground from air!
And just on the outskirts of Cape Suzette, the motorcycle in question, carrying a bear and a spaniel, arrived at an old, deserted airfield. There was an hangar by the lane and a large warehouse far in the distance.
Jon parked just outside the hangar. The whole place seemed as if it had not been used in a while.
- Wilson...where are we? - Bonnie asked.
The accountant noticed how funny it was that she preferred to use his first name. He shut down the bike's engine and got off. He looked back at the spaniel and half-smiled.
- Welcome to Goldwing & Stein Aircraft Inc., Bonnie - he said, making the girl eyes widen - Now...what you said about plain sight... - he walked toward the hangar door and after a few tries, managed to push it open. It was dusty inside, but there were no planes...just parts against the wall, a huge painted circle on the center with his father's logo and far against a corner, his workshop...where the photo from Flyboy magazine was taken.
The bear and spaniel walked to the workshop...he opened a panel on the wall and flipped a knife switch, and the lights that still worked lit up.
- At least Khan has power in this place...now...let's see... - the accountant whispered as he started looking for something on the workshop.
Bonnie did not know what they were searching, but she saw something odd. By a locker, it was the Goldwing logo...with the wings folded down. - Wilson, look at this! - She called, and the bear hurried to check it with her.
Jon felt the symbol with his fingers, wondering...then he moved a bit the "S" from the logo, and finally pulled it out.
The wings opened and a loud rumble ensued. The cement floor of the center of the hanger where the large logo was painted started moving away and in the huge hole that was left, something was coming up...like an elevator...
What appeared next was majestic. A small single engine plane, with a very unique design, sleek, in chrome metal and with the letters "WGZ1" painted on the wing.
Bonnie and Jon were in awe, staring at the beautiful machine...then Bonnie ran and climbed on the wing to check the cockpit. However, before she could jump in, she gasped in surprise and raised a large folder from the pilot's seat. - Wilson, look...could this be...
The bear approached and together they opened the folder...and inside...a few papers, notes, a small envelope...and blueprints. Those blueprints Khan wanted so badly.
Both bear and spaniel looked at each other then hugged happily. They had found it all.
- Dad always said that the best way to hide things were in plain sight - Jon whispered - I would never had found that symbol on the wall without you.
- I'm glad I could help - she smiled.
- Indeed, the old man was good with hiding things - a voice came from behind them, and when they turned, they saw a rat, wearing a fedora and a trenchcoat, calmly walking towards them.
And pointing a gun.
- I should thank you kids for helping me find this baby. It will make me rich - Mr. Jones said.
- And who do you think you are? - Bonnie growled but Jon put a hand on her shoulder. Now it was not the time to lose control, not with a gun pointed at them.
- Oh, my manners, lady...I'm Trent Jones...private eye working for Khan Industries - the rat smiled - AND former test pilot for Goldwing & Stein. And THAT - he pointed at the small plane grinning - is now mine.