Sorry for the wait, hectic school year!

The hotel's conference room was crowded with villains. F.L.O.P.P. and D.O.O.M., the Mad Cows, Crazy Horse, Wild Turkey, Kung Pow Chicken, Dr. Rabies and Madame Catastrophe, the Chameleon and Wangero (who he had snuck into the country by giving her his transformation suit so she could turn into a rock and be carried in his pocket), Jack Rabbit, the Caped Cod, Snowflake and Slush, the Stinkbug, and Quacky and Sharing Moose; they all had been called to a secret meeting of villains. Nobody had a clue who called the meeting.

Suddenly a tall badger followed by two bears entered the room. Josie shuddered; it was Tomas Brock and the Oso brothers! They had escaped from jail!

Tomas took a seat at the long table, silence reigning the room. "Buenos Noches, he said slowly. "For you who no know, I am Tomas Brock, crime boss of who no want work for me, leave now."

Even if the badger was old, he had a dangerous air about him that was making some people nervous. And the two bears behind him sneered evilly at everyone. Quacky, F.L.O.P.P., the Chameleon and Wangero, and Skip Duck (BirdBrain's henchman) all slowly got up and left.

After they had gone, Brock surveyed the remaining villains. "I no tolerate anyone who turn me in," he continued, "or be disobeyed. If you work for me, you follow my rules. I plan crimes, choose partners. Anyone no like it, leave."

Despite her fear of her old tormentor, Josie did not like the idea of having someone tell her what to do (again). She stood up, declaring,

"I ain' t gonna listen ta no old has-been!I'm in charge a D.O.O.M. now, and I ain't givin' up bein' in charge!"

Brock stared at her, no emotion showing on his face, but the two bears glared as they recognized the otter. "Very well," the badger said to everyone's surprise, "go." Quickly Josie went out the door, her agents following. After they had gone, Brock smiled at the remaining villains. "D.O.O.M. is our competition now. No be friends with them. Now, let's get to work."

Quacky did not even bother staying at the hotel; he rushed home to get away from the creepy badger. Once he was in the safety of his own house, he sank down into an armchair. His mind wandered to when he saw Brooke the other day. He pulled out her phone number from his coat pocket and stared at it. He wondered if she was married by now, raising six or seven kids. Or maybe she was a pro dancer. Well, he would not know until he talked to her again. But it was late now, she might be asleep. And what if she found out he had become a villain? She would not want to talk to him!

The duck sighed; he knew the questions and worry would keep him up all night unless he called, so he may as well try. Quacky went over to the phone and dialed the number. It rang once and a half before it was picked up. "Hello?" came Brooke's sweet voice.

Quacky gulped before answering, "Hi Brooke."

"Oh hi, Quacky! What's up?"

"I was just thinking, we really didn't catch up all that much the other day."

"No, I was thinking that too."

"I was wondering, are you married now?"

"No, I haven't met anybody yet."

Quacky smiled in mild relief. "So, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm a first-grade teacher. Have you found a job yet?"

"Well," his nervousness came back, "I had a lead, but I don't think I'd be able to cope with the boss."

"That's a shame. Hey, I'd prefer to talk to you face-to-face, want to meet at the coffee shop Saturday?"

Quacky felt like swooning as he answered, "Sure! How's 10:00?"

"That's fine, I'll see ya then!"

"Nice talking to you, Brooke! Bye!"

"Good night, Quacky!" and she hung up. Quacky held the phone a moment before hanging up, smiling.