ToonTown can be known for its constant drama from the toons celebrating for no particular reason, or maybe celebrating a birthday. This is mostly seen all around, but not in one particular area.
Downtown.
Downtown, according to Eddie Valiant, wasn't fun the last time he went. It was bleak, quiet, and loaded with 'crooked' toons. Some of them were either villain actors from classic animations, or just twisted toons who weren't seen on the big screen. Most of the buildings were old gray slated buildings that looked boarded up, or damaged even though toons live in them. Occasionally, there were a few buildings that have washed out stone, clean windows, and fixed patios.
After Judge Doom's death, instead of the Toon Patrol being arrested, they have been doing serious community service in both the real and toon world. From picking up garbage in Hollywood Park, painting picket fences in local toon neighborhoods, mending houses in both worlds, and walk the animated dogs around Toon Park (even though the dogs dragged them all over the place; not one of their favorite services; Except Psychos).
Most of the time, the weasels would be at home doing their own thing. At their home, which is a stale red brick building that used to be an old firehouse, but the firefighters that were there had to be transferred. It was two stories with three windows including a garage door and front door on the rectangular front. Entering the house, it starts as a short hallway, then leads to a small space that's divided. The living room was on the left along with Smarty office in the back and another door leading to the garage, the small staircase in the center led to the bedrooms, and the right lead to dining room and a small kitchen in the back.
In the living room, Psycho and Stupid were watching TV on the floor while Greasy was reading a magazine on a recliner. The sound of a hammer was heard in the garage, all three weasels knowing that Wheezy must be fixing the old bandwagon for repairs. In the office in the back, they could hear Smarty muttering to himself as he's going through paperwork as usual. For the past few weeks, the weasels haven't been doing their job as law enforcers as of lately. Since some toons still fear them, they were afraid of calling them since they were considered villains under Doom's name.
"Damn it…" the three weasels turned to the office as Smarty cursed.
Greasy raised an eyebrow as he put his read on his lap. The dark weasel knew his boss can be annoyed at work, but he had said those two words more than usual. The weasel got out of his chair and stood at the entrance of the office.
Sitting on his desk, Smarty was muttering to himself as he been looking over some scattered papers that were all over his desk, and a few on the floor. From the look on the lead weasels flustered face, to him quickly looking through papers as if he were looking for something. Smarty looked troubled.
"Hey boss," Greasy called out.
Smarty flinched as he crumbled a paper in his hand. He looked up at the dark weasel who stood at the doorway with a look of concern.
"You okay?" the dark weasel asked.
Smarty grumbled as he put the paper down. He turned to the dark weasel. Just as he opened his mouth-
*Knock Knock Knock*
Both weasels turned to the front of the house as the front door knocked. Psycho cackled as he turned into a flash and headed for the door.
"Psycho!" Smarty exclaimed as he ran out of his office. "Don't answer the door!"
The crazed weasel laughed a bit more in the hallway, then jumped back into the living room with Stupid to watch the cartoon of Mickey and Minnie. The lead weasel walked toward the door with a frown as he peeked through the hole in the door. Standing at the door was a balloon image of a red squirrel's head, in which the toon's mahogany brown eyes blinked at the peep hole. Smarty cringed as he knew who he was.
"¿Quién en la puerta?" Greasy called from the living room.
Smarty turned behind. "Hugo."
The lead weasel turned back to open the door to reveal Hugo standing at front. The red squirrel was about the same height as the weasels, with big buck teeth, a thick bushy tail twice his height curved up and over, and only wearing a gray business suit with a mahogany tie.
"Good morning Smarty," Hugo spoke with helium-lifting voice.
"Morning," the lead weasel moved over to let the squirrel in.
Hugo walked out of the hallway and into the living room. He stopped as he saw the rest of the Toon Patrol either standing or sitting, each of them looking at him with narrow eyes.
The toon squirrel gulped as he forehead began to sweat. "G-Good morning gentlemen. Nice weather were having."
"Yeah," Wheezy wheezed as smoke flowed out of his mouth turning into an ominous scull. "Really nice weather."
Hugo gulped again as Smarty came into the room. "Easy boys, Hugo is just here for business." The lead weasel informed as he stood with Hugo. He turned to him. "You know the way to my office."
Hugo turned away from the glaring eyes, then headed toward Smarty's office. When the lead weasel closed the door, the rest of the weasels turned to the office with narrowed eyes.
"This Hugo guy sure comes by a lot." Greasy mentioned from the recent visits of the squirrel.
"Yeah," Wheezy added. "Wonder what's going on?"
Smarty locked the door as Hugo took a seat in one of the guest chairs in front of his desk. The lead weasel turned to him as he saw the toon squirrel taking out his black briefcase and opened it on the weasels desk.
"So Hugo," Smarty addressed to the toon squirrel who took out a few documents. He went to his desk but didn't sit down. "Did the bank accept my proposal?"
Hugo shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
The lead weasel stood stiff. He itched his eyes as he took his seat. "Why 'knot?'"
"I explained to them that work has been slow for you and the other weasels, and that you want to give them more time in not foreclosing, but they said no. Apparently, they were not impressed that you didn't pay the full mortgage last month. They feel you might do it again."
Smarty gritted his teeth as his nails slightly clawed on the desk, creating thin claw marks. Hugo gulped.
The weasel sighed, then looked up at him. "Anything else?"
Hugo shook out of his fear and went back to the papers. "They aren't letting you out on the streets yet. They will give you 8 weeks until you can pay the whole mortgage. If not-"
"I know." Smarty sighed as he looked up at the toon squirrel.
"I'm sorry Smarty." Hugo spoke in a gentle voice. "I know you and the others are trying."
Smarty nodded. The squirrel was right, they have been trying to make a difference in the toon community, but their bad past with Judge Doom made it almost impossible. They did make a few cases, but they only made enough money to buy groceries and pay gas. The Toon Patrol are in a bind.
Smarty breathed. "Thank you Hugo. Is that all?"
Hugo nodded.
"Okay, well, you know your way to the door…"
Hugo gulped again and nodded. He put all of his paperwork away, then made his way to the door. As the squirrel opened the door, the rest of the weasels fell on top of one another with a grunt.
"Boys!" Smarty exclaimed.
As Hugo took a few steps back, the rest of the Toon Patrol quickly went to their feet and looked at their boss with equal frowns of confusion.
"Boss," Greasy started. "What is going on?"
The lead weasel straightened his back. His face showing no sign of weakness, nor expression. He turned to Hugo, who was still standing on the side with his suitcase. He then turned back to the weasels.
"Stupid," he looked at the dumb weasel. "Show Hugo the door." He turned back to the squirrel. "I'll see you in a few weeks?"
"Of course," Hugo turned to the dumb weasel who gestured the toon away from the group. Before the squirrel left, he turned to Smarty. "I know I wasn't big help, but I want you to know, if you need any help, just call me."
Smarty nodded. "Thank you Hugo, I'll see you."
The squirrel smiled, then he followed Stupid to the front door. In the office, it was only the four other weasels. Smarty still stood at his desk while the others were in front of him. Neither of them spoke to one another, not sure what to start with or explain of what just happen. The only noise that was in the room was Wheezys' wheezes and coughs.
The smoking weasel took out one of his cigarettes and puffed out smoke. "So *cough*wheeze* uh-boss, *cough*hack* care to explain what just happened?"
Smarty just stared at each weasel. The other three looking at him with questionable looks and a tint of anger. Since he hasn't said anything to them about his problems, and believing they heard everything from the door, they need to know the whole story.
When he saw Stupid joining everyone in the office, the lead weasel straightened his back.
"What do you want to know first?"
Utensils clanking were heard around the small diner. Lunch platters were being served to happy customers who were drinking cup of joes along with kids chattering happily. Waitresses pumps were clopping down the black and white tiled floor and stopped in front of Maddy's booth.
"Caesar salad with shrimp?" the waitress, with the name Rebecca on her tag, said holding a plate of salad.
"Yes, thank you."
"And a grilled cheese with tomato soup?"
"Oh," Maddy opened her purse, and Squeaky jumped out with a beaming smile next to her "That will be his."
"Okay," The strawberry blonde waitress placed both platter's in front of the girl and toon shoe with a smile. She noticed her empty red cup. "You need a refill?"
Maddy nodded. "Yes please."
"Iced tea right."
"Yes."
The waitress smiled. "Coming right up."
Maddy mouthed thank you as Rebecca took the empty cup behind the counter. The half toon helped Squeaky dip his grilled cheese in the soup, and the shoe instantly dug in. Maddy laughed at the shoes cute reaction as he smiled with content. She then took her utensils and began to dig into her own meal. Taking a shrimp, she moaned with delight of small shellfish then took a dressed lettuce. She almost forgotten how delicious Caesar salads are and that anything besides chicken goes good with it. She took another bite of her lunch, not noticing someone coming up to her booth.
"Mind I take a seat?"
Maddy looked up from her lunch, and she gave a grin. "I don't mind Uncle."
Eddie Valiant smiled as he took off his trench coat and hat and took a seat across from his niece. Rebecca returned with Maddy's drink and asked the private detective if he wanted anything. The man's only answer was coffee and the diner's famous apple pie. A few minutes later, both niece uncle and shoe were enjoying their meals.
"Hey," Eddie said as he swallowed a piece of pie. "Did you get a haircut?
Maddy slipped her tea, then turned to him with a smile. "You noticed?" she brushed away a piece of her volumized hair. "Had a little trim, and the stylists gave me more curls and volume." Her long hair still reached to her lower back, but instead of being straight heavy, it had a more fluffy and wavy texture that seemed to expand more toward the bottom.
"I think I just need a change of look, since I'm technically changing now."
"It looks great." The detective complimented. Taking a sip of his coffee, he then made a serious look. "Anyway, as much as I want to catch up with things, I actually came by for your help."
Maddy took another bite of her shrimp but wished she hadn't. She gulped it down anyway, then pushed her pate to the side. Squeaky stopped stuffing his face, looking between both humans, then went back to his meal.
"What is it?" she inquired with narrowed eyes.
Eddie pushed his now empty plate. "I just got a letter from Scrooge McDuck. Apparently, there's been a break-in in his home."
Maddy silently gasped but calmed down. "Is he alright?"
"He's alright. Nobody got hurt."
She sighed, but realized something. "Why do you need my help? I thought you didn't want me to be in anymore cases?" Recalling from the time with Mortimer Mouse in his restaurant, Eddie didn't want her to risk herself in solving anymore cases with him.
"I know," Eddie looked down as he swirled his coffee with a look of regret. He looked back up at her. "But I shouldn't. I knew you were trying to help, but I guess me being your uncle, I didn't want you get hurt. I made a promise to your father that I would always protect you." He turned away as his eyes showed remorse. "But that night…"
Maddy just stared at her uncle. Her lips bringing out a small smile, but her green eyes showed slight grief. She brought her right hand out and took her uncles hand in her own.
"I know Eddie. I remembered how you and dad didn't want me to get involved with your work, but I was just too excited to be around toons that I didn't see the dangers around them." She caressed her thumb over the detective's hand. "I know I worried you when I almost died a few months ago, but I just want to tell you that I won't act rash anymore. I learned my lesson, and I'll follow anything you tell me to."
Eddie looked up at her niece and curved his mouth. "Thanks kiddo."
Maddy nodded, then immediately changed the subject. Her face serious yet showed question. "So uncle, the break-in, did Mr. Scrooge say what was stolen?"
Eddie went in his trench coat pocket and gave her the letter. Maddy took the opened envelope, took the paper out, and skimmed through the letter. Squeaky finished his meal, then went over his owner's shoulder to look through the letter. Both of them made a weird face.
"A necklace?" Maddy looked over at her uncle weird.
Eddie took a breath and slouched. "Yeah, I know."
Maddy looked more into the letter in case she missed anything. "He didn't say anything else convincing," He looked at Eddie with a raised eyebrow. "Did you start interrogating Mr. Scrooge."
"Not yet." He answered simply. "I was actually heading there right now, but I actually want you and Squeaky to come with. Since you talk to the toons better than me." He ended that last note with a snicker.
Maddy gave out a giggle as she turned away to hide her laughs. When she calmed down, she turned back to her uncle with a smile and nodded enthusiastically.
"It's a complete catastrophe!" a Scottish voice rang through McDuck manor.
Maddy and Eddie had to screw one of their fingers in their ears to get rid of the white noise from Scrooge's outburst. They both sat in McDuck's large living room that was filled with luxury. While Maddy (along with Squeaky on her lap) and Eddie were sitting on a two-person velvet couch, Mr. Scrooge was pacing in front of his large fireplace with a look of anger and stress.
"This necklace once belonged to a great king, I was going to donate it to the National History Museum, and now it's in the hands of a low life thief!" Mr. Scrooge yelled out as his feathers were riling up and his eyes turning red.
Eddie and Maddy turned to each other, then looked back at the rich duck. Eddie cleared his throat to get the rich duck's attention.
"Mr. Scrooge," Eddie started. "We're very sorry of your missing necklace. I know this sounds sudden, but can you think of anyone who would want to steal from you."
The millionaire scoffed. "I have a ton of enemies; anyone could have stolen it."
"Well," Maddy spoke in. "At the night of the robbery, could you describe the thief? Like, was he large? Small? Or did he look familiar?"
"Nay," Scrooge shook his head as he took a seat on his velvet chair. "It was too dark to see anyone familiar. I think the thief was wearing all black." He then put his hand under his chin as he thought of something. "He was though a huge figure. And…"
Maddy and Eddie straighten up as Scrooge stopped talking.
"And what Mr. Scrooge?" Eddie asked.
"I did find this." He clapped his hands, and the duck's butler came over with a sandwich bag. He handed Scrooge the bag, and the duck showed it to the two humans. In the bag was a single long black feather.
"I found it on the floor by the display case." Scrooge explained. "And I was wondering if you two could figure out who it belongs to?"
Eddie took the sandwich bag as he inspected the feather. Maddy scootched over as she too looked at the feather. The feather was long and sharp, but it had a soft feel from under the plastic as the detective took a feel of it.
The man looked at the millionaire. "Finding who this feather belongs to may take a while Mr. Scrooge." Eddie explained. "Considering that there are many toons that have black feathers."
"I don't care," Scrooge shook his head as he made a crossed. "I just want you two to find the thief and get my necklace back!"
Maddy took the feather from her uncle, and brought it up to the light of the window. She looked over at Scrooge.
"Did you call the police? I mean, it's not bad that you called us, but would the enforcements do a better job at finding your necklace?"
"Yes," Scrooge looked down as he shook his head. "They said they will investigate," he looked at them with a frown. "But you know the toon enforcement's these days."
Maddy nodded, then looked back down at the feather again. A questionable look laced her features. She then had a thought.
"Did you call the Toon Patrol by any chance?" she asked again.
The rich duck looked at her as if she had two heads. "You mean those five weasels that almost turned ToonTown into a Freeway?"
"Well, actually there former boss Judge Doom had the idea. They were only listening to their former bosses orders."
Scrooge rolled his eyes, then shook his head. "I heard from my nephew that you and those five weasels actually saved him and other toons from that wicked Judge Doom a while back, and that there trying to make a change."
Maddy nodded.
The millionaire held his cane in front of him as he thought of this. Yes, he heard about the former Judge Doom and weasels from his nephew and a few friends they are trying to change. From what they said, the Toon Patrol haven't been…bullies…to the other toons, nor dragging a barrel of dip in their car. Even though the police said that they will investigate, he wants his necklace to be returned at top priority. Recalling the Toon Patrol were able to find Roger Rabbit, maybe they will be able to sniff out clues.
With his mind made, Scrooge looked up at Maddy.
"Very well. I will give the Toon Patrol a call, but on one condition."
"What is it?" Eddie asked.
Scrooge gave a serious look. "You two will have to work with them. Since you both know them better than anyone, maybe more eyes will be better than one."
Like time had stopped, Eddie felt his hairs stand on ends. His face frozen with shock. Maddy though, nodded with a smile.
"Of course Mr. Scrooge. Valiant and Valiant Detective Agency won't fail you, nor the Toon Patrol. We'll find that thief and your necklace whatever it takes."
"Why thank you lass," Scrooge went over Maddy and shook her hand. "My nephew had told me so much about you. You are a heart of gold."
Maddy blushed out of embarrassment as Scrooge gave her hand a kiss. Eddie though, just looked at the two with a jarred looked. Squeaky saw his reaction and gave a chortle of squeaks.
After leaving McDuck Manor, the Valliant's and Squeaky decided to pay a stop to the Toon Patrol to tell them of the new case. As Maddy parked her car in front of the weasels home, Eddie grumbled with annoyance in the passenger seat.
"I can't believe you agreed to this."
Maddy groaned. "Will you relax." She put the car in park, then turned to her uncle. "It's just one case. It's not like Scrooge asked you to work with them permanently."
Eddie turned to her niece with a glare. "Did you forget that those rotten weasels worked for Judge Doom?!"
"No I haven't," Maddy made a serious look. "And they haven't either."
Eddie turned away with an annoyed look. He muttered a few words, then placed his elbow on the car with his hand over his mouth. He looked back to her.
"After everything they've done, how can you trust them so easily?"
Maddy looked forward as he thought of his uncles' words. Why does she trust them so easily? When she met them again, they were these five henchman of the toon that killed her father, but for some reason, she just doesn't see that. She saw them as these weasels who saved her from danger, and this was before she found out they worked for a villain. When she met them at the Acme Factory, they may have changed a bit because of being under Doom's control, but for some reason, she still saw them as old friends.
"I know the weasels are hard to trust," Maddy stated with a frown. "And they have done bad things in the past," she turned to her Uncle. "But doesn't everyone make mistakes once in a while."
Before Eddie could say anything, Maddy cut him off.
"They became villains because Doom murdered there families. He took away their past lives and twisted them into what everyone saw them under his rule. A villains' henchmen, the Toon Patrol that everyone was afraid of." She gulped as tears began to form. She sniffed as a tear rolled down her eye. "Doom was the true villain, not them."
Eddie looked at his only niece with shock. From what she said, he completely forgot that the weasels had past lives before they became what they are today. From first meeting them, he only saw what was on the surface, and not what was underneath.
"I'm-I'm sorry Mads," Eddie apologized.
Maddy just looked over at her uncle. Her tears drying up as a few went down her cheek. She sniffed as she opened her door.
"Come on." She got out, Squeaky instantly jumping onto her shoulder, and both walked toward the Toon Patrols' home.
Eddie stared at Maddy's form for a few seconds, until he scurried out of the car to follow her toward the front door.
HEARTISSOPURE WILL BE TAKING OVER!