Disclaimer
The following story you are about to read is fictitious. Any similarities between the characters and events of this story and real events and people, be they living, dead, or animated, is purely coincidental. No animals and toons were harmed during the writing of this literature.
In addition,
Roger Rabbit, Jessica Rabbit, Eddie Valiant, Judge Doom, The Toon Patrol, Baby Herman, RK Maroon, Maroon Cartoons, Marvin Acme, and Dolores belong to Gary K. Wolf, Touchstone Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Zigzag, Tack, The Man Who Believes in Truth from The Little Island, Goblin, Tickle, Gopher, Slap, Princess Yum Yum, and King Nod belong to Richard Williams. The Broodals belong to Nintendo. Wile E. Coyote, Bugs Bunny, Road Runner, Acme Corporation, and Daffy Duck belong to Warner Bros. Goofy, The Big Bad Wolf, The Three Little Pigs,Cinderella and Madame Tremaine belong to Disney. Cuphead and Mugman belong to Studio MDHR. Cid Highwind belongs to Square-Enix.
Garret Greyhound, Susanna Greyhound, and Eucalyptus Raccoonstein are my characters.
The Cast
Starring
Garret Greyhound as Ace O. Spades, protagonist, part-time cartoon actor and toon detective of the Toontown Detective Agency
Cid Highwind as Deacon Diamond, current owner of Maroon Cartoons and murder victim
Susanna Greyhound as Rosie Raccoon, heroine, newly hired cartoon actress and Detective Spade's girlfriend
Roger Rabbit as Himself, top star of Maroon Studios and Detective Spade's close friend
Jessica Rabbit as herself, Roger's beautiful wife.
Zigzag as Himself, Sorcerer and Detective Spade's rival
Eucalyptus Raccoonstein as Sheriff Apollyon Apocalypse, the judge, the jury, and the executioner who was the protégé of the deceased Judge Doom.
The Broodals as The Fluffy Ones, Sheriff Apocalypse's motorbike riding henchmen
Wile E. Coyote as Himself, current owner of Acme Corporation
Bugs Bunny as Himself, star of Warner Bros cartoons
Tack as Himself, cobbler, part-time waiter of the Two-Tone Café, and Detective Spade's old friend
The Man Who Believes in Truth as Professor I.Q. Pointer, scientist in Toonology
Prologue
In 1947, Hollywood was rocked by one of the biggest scandals since Charlie Chaplin's second divorce. It was the case of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. On that day, Marvin Acme, the owner of Acme Corporation, was found dead with his head crushed by an anvil. At the time, all fingers were pointed to Roger Rabbit. According to Detective Edward Valiant, Roger Rabbit allegedly flew into a jealous rage after he discovered that his wife, Jessica, was caught playing patty cake with Marvin Acme… Yes, they were literally playing patty cake, but you get the picture.
Accused of killing Mr. Acme, Roger Rabbit turned to Detective Valiant for help, hoping to clear his good name. Following the murder of R. K. Maroon of Maroon Cartoons, Detective Valiant, together with Roger and Jessica, followed clues until the evidence pointed to the real killer, Judge Doom, who was responsible for the death of Detective Valiant's beloved brother, Theodore Valiant. However, before Judge Doom could even stand trial, Judge Doom died from the Dip, a deadly chemical toxin that can kill any toon with a single dunk.
With Judge Doom dead and Roger's name cleared, Detective Valiant married a waitress named Dolores and lived a happy life together while Roger settled down with Jessica and led a successful cartoon career. Thus, everybody lived happily ever after…. Or did they….?
Part One
My name is Ace O. Spades. I am a cartoon actor by day and detective by night. I have been working as a detective for six and seven-eighths years… perhaps, even longer than that. Anyways, my story began in 1958; eleven years after the Roger Rabbit case took place. On that day, I was expected to meet the owner of Maroon Cartoons.
I started my day with a cup of coffee and listened to the radio. "In today's headline, Goofy Goof reflects on how he rose into stardom with the 1955 documentary, The Goofy Success Story", the announcer said on the radio. "He will be signing copies of his autobiography Gwarsh: The Goofy Goof Story, at the Handmedown General Store tomorrow at 11 O'clock." I smiled as I took a sip of my coffee.
"Now for the latest in crime: Detective Ace O. Spades has caught The Big Bad Wolf trying to break into the Three Little Pigs' houses", the announcer continued. "The Big Bad Wolf is expected to be due in court on the charges of destruction of property, harassment and illegal use of blowing houses down tomorrow. When questioned about the arrest, Detective Spades said this: It was no trouble spying a, if you pardon the cliché, wolf in sheep's clothing." I chuckled and said, "Ah, I kill me."
After I had my coffee, I was on my way to the studios. Indeed, life was grand for a toon like me. I had a successful career in both acting and crime-solving. Little did I know that as soon as I get into the parking lot, things are about to take an interesting turn. When I arrived, I was stopped by Cuphead and Mugman, who were working as the gatemen.
"Good morning, Mr. Spades", Cuphead said. "Good morning, Cuphead, Mugman", I said as I greeted them with a smile. "How are you boys doing?" "We're fine, but Mr. Diamond wants to see you", Mugman replied. "It's very important." "I know, I know", I said.
A few minutes later, I arrived at Mr. Diamond's office. Deacon Diamond had a blond, buzz-cut hairstyle and wore a blue jacket, brown boots, and black pants. In his mouth was a cigar that he was smoking. As soon as Mr. Diamond noticed my presence, he welcomed me with a smile.
"Ace, my boy!" Mr. Diamond said happily. "Good to see you're here. I've got someone I would like you to meet." "Are they a new employee?" I inquired. "No, Ace, you're going to meet the Queen of England", he said in a sarcastic tone. "Of course it's a new employee!" He opened a door and said, "Kid, meet Rosie Raccoon, fresh out of ToonTown."
Rosie Raccoon was a young raccoon toon about my age. She had green curly hair, a green bow tie, a viridian shirt, and a white poodle skirt. As soon as I noticed her, I immediately fell in love with her. Hearts were in my eyes and smoke was pouring out of my ears! She was the most beautiful toon I have ever seen. "Well, hey nonny nonny and a ha cha cha", I said, enamored. Mr. Diamond looked on while he took a puff from his cigar. "Huh, must be a full moon coming tonight", he said.
I composed myself and bowed lowly to Rosie while saying, "I mean, welcome aboard, Miss Raccoon." "Hey, Ace," Mr. Diamond called out to me. "Do me a favor and show the little lady around. Okay?" I nodded as Rosie and I started walking out of his office. On the way out, I heard Mr. Diamond say, "Ah, young love. Those kids sure do remind me of Niagara Falls in '39."
Rosie and I walked around the studios as I gave her a tour. But all I could think of was how beautiful and sweet she must be. "So, what brings a sexy babe-"I composed myself. "I mean, bright, intelligent young lady like you here?" Rosie told me her story. "You see, Mr. Spade, I come from a family of eight children: A boy, a boy, a boy, a girl, a girl, girl, a boy, and a-" I interrupted her. "Don't tell me, the youngest is a boy, right?" "No, a girl," Rosie replied.
"Since cartoons run in the family," Rosie continued. "I figured that I get a job here to earn some money." I patted her shoulder and said, "Well, believe you me, you're gonna be meeting some of the best cartoon characters around." We continued our adventure until we came across a set that was made like a carnival. There, we saw Roger Rabbit and Soapy Skunk on the set.
"And over there is the star attraction: A Mr. Roger Rabbit", I said as I pointed to Roger. "He used to co-star with Baby Herman, but their partnership kinda died off after 1953." "Oh? Why is that?" Rosie asked. "They couldn't find a partner to run a ship", I explained. Rosie let out a hearty giggle and said, "Say, my little brother was right, you have an amazing sense of humor." "Well, I am what I am", then in my best Popeye impersonation, I added "And that's all what I am!" Rosie giggled again. "Anyways, you are about to witness the filming of Roger Rabbit's newest cartoon, Hare at the Fair", I said. "Now, watch." We watched as the shooting of Roger's cartoon begins.
In the cartoon, Roger Rabbit is seen on his knees before Soapy Skunk, who is playing the carnival owner. "Now get this, long ears", Soapy said in a New Yorker accent. "For the past three days you've screwed up the games, burnt the food and scared off my customers." Roger bowed pitifully like a servant before his king and said, "P-p-p-p-please, have mercy, boss! I couldn't help it, they were all accidents, mishaps, mistakes!"
Not willing to hear Roger's excuses, Soapy tapped his foot and barked, "So was the San Francisco Earthquake of 1957!" He got into Roger's face and said while jabbing his finger on Roger's nose, "If I ever catch you goofing up again, your next job will be target practice at the shooting gallery!" He handed Roger a bucket and mop and said, "Now get going! You can start by scrubbing the elephants." Roger saluted like a soldier in the military. "Aye aye, sir, whatever you say, okie dokie", Roger said before turning around and accidentally hitting Soapy with the mop, causing Soapy to growl.
As soon as Roger started cleaning up the elephants, one of the elephants used its trunk to pull Roger's suspenders from behind and hit him by letting go. Roger yelled out in pain and turned around, clutching his mop like a baseball bat as he looks at the elephants. "All right, who's the wise guy?" Roger said. The elephant blew its trunk at Roger, causing him to fly and crash into a puddle of mud. Rosie and I howled with laughter as we watched. I then turned to Rosie and asked, "Like what you see?" "Why yes", Rosie said. "I can take some lessons from him as well."
Once the cartoon was finished, I introduced Rosie to Roger. Rosie shook Roger's hand and said, "Oh, Mr. Rabbit, I've seen every cartoon you've been in." Roger greeted her with a happy smile and said, "It is an honor, a delight, a p-p-p-p-pleasure meeting you." "It certainly is", Rosie said.
Of course, this happy meeting was cut short when we saw Zigzag coming down the hallway. Accompanying Zigzag were his men: Tickle, Gopher, Goblin, and Slap. Each of them was carrying a clipboard and a pencil." "And furthermore", Zigzag said to his men. "If Mr. Diamond wishes for me to stay, I demand that he gives me double the pay." Zigzag's men nodded as they started writing.
"Well, well, if it ain't the Grand Vizier himself," I said to Zigzag. Zigzag turned toward me with a scowl. "Hmph, Detective Spade, I presume. Still the cocky young usual self, I assume?" I rolled up my sleeve and growled. "You're lucky I'm a lenient detective", I said to Zigzag as I shook my fist in his face. "Otherwise, I'd pound your sorry blueberry butt into Jell-O!" Roger quickly stepped in and separated us. "P-p-p-please, not in front of Rosie!" Roger said.
Remembering that Rosie was present, I turned back to her and said, "Oh, do forgive me. Rosie. I'd like you to meet the fathead- I mean, Zigzag, the Grand Vizier." Zigzag bowed to Rosie and said, "How do you do, Rosie Raccoon. You are certainly wasting your time with that mongrel of a buffoon." Rosie held onto me as I said, "Now if you don't mind, I have a tour to give to Rosie." Zigzag scoffed as he and his men leave. Jeepers, what a grouch!" Roger declared.
Later that night, Rosie and I were having dinner at the Brown Derby. It was a fine and fancy restaurant and I was treating for the occasion. Rosie was surprised to see all the stars that had their pictures shown on the wall including Lucille Ball, Andy Griffith, John Wayne, Marlon Brando, and Elvis Presley. "Thank you for showing me around Maroon Studios, Mr. Spade", Rosie said. "Please, call me Ace", I insisted with a smile. "All right... Ace", Rosie said with a warm smile.
Just as we were about to kiss, a waiter caught our attention by clearing his throat. "And what will you have?" He asked rather impatiently. "I'll have the shrimp cocktail", I said to the waiter. "Make mine the scallops", Rosie added. "Understood", the waiter said. "Your food will be ready shortly."
After we had dinner, I drove Rosie home and we kissed each other goodbye. "How about on Friday, we visit Disneyland for our date?" I asked Rosie. "That sounds great", Rosie replied. It was indeed a magical night.
The next morning, I was in my office drinking a glass of orange juice. Just as I was about to read the newspaper, I heard the telephone ringing. I picked up the phone and answered. "Mr. Spades! Come quick! Somebody's been murdered at Maroon Cartoons!" Soapy said on the phone. Shocked, I spat out my juice and said, "I'll be right over!" I then ran as fast as I could, tripping down the stairs along the way.
No later when I got there that I saw a few police officers at Maroon Cartoons. They were pushing back people and toons who were curious enough to see what just happened. One of the officers waved to me and led me inside the studios. "Detective Spades, you're not gonna like what you'll see", the officer said, worried. "There's a murder at Mr. Diamond's office." At first I doubted the officer, but as soon as I got to Mr. Diamond's office, I was horrified by what I saw.
Slumped on his desk was Deacon Diamond, dead, with a penknife on his back. Papers were scattered on the floor. Even in his death, Mr. Diamond still had that cigar in his mouth, but it wasn't lit. On the penknife was a label that read "Acme Corporation". "Who could have done such an awful thing?!" The officer said. "I don't know", I said. "But I'll have to pay Acme a visit." I took a picture of the evidence while the officer, putting on his gloves, put the penknife in a plastic bag.
As the officer left, I noticed a large pair of paw prints on the floor. When I was about to wonder who the paw prints belonged to, I looked up and saw a tall, menacing figure perched on the windowsill like a hawk, watching me. I was going to approach the figure when they leaped out of the window and landed on the sidewalk like a cat on its feet. "Hey, you!" I shouted at the figure. "Come back here!" I started to give chase when I accidentally bumped into Roger Rabbit.
"You literal dumb bunny!" I shouted at Roger. "Watch where you're going!" "Ace! This is bad news!" Roger said, frantic. Rolling my eyes, I said, "If it's about your uncle Thumper's prostate again, I don't want to hear it." Just as I was about to resume the chase, Roger grabbed me by my tail and said, "But, Ace, you don't understand! Rosie's been arrested!"
I was horrified when I heard the news. "Roger…" I said. "Please tell me it's another joke you're pulling…" I can pretty much tell that Roger was not joking. "It's true! Rosie's been arrested, seized, taken prisoner for murder!" I couldn't believe my ears. Who would frame my girlfriend for murder? Why would someone do the deed? Thus, I would get caught up in the biggest case I have ever been in: the Case of Who Killed Deacon Diamond.
Part Two
I wanted to deny it. I wanted to tell myself that what happened was only a bad dream that I can wake up from. I wanted to pretend to forget. But I couldn't. Deacon Diamond was dead and my sweetheart, Rosie Raccoon, was framed for murder.
So the first thing I did was talk to Rosie at the police station. "Where can I find Miss Raccoon?" I asked the police chief. "She is in the interrogation room", the chief said. "Poor girl has been shook up." I then went to the interrogation room and sat down with Rosie. Rosie looked up at me, looking as if her whole world came crashing down before her eyes.
"Rosie", I said as I comforted her. "I didn't want to believe the whole ugly incident was true, but why were you arrested?" Rosie began telling me her story. "I... I was going to get some coffee from the break room when I suddenly heard someone shouting 'How's THIS for a demotion!' And before I know it, I heard Mr. Diamond screaming bloody murder."
"Then what happened next?" I asked Rosie. "When I raced to the office, I found Mr. Diamond dead with a pen knife behind his back", Rosie explained. "I became so sick that I nearly fainted. I was about to get the police when someone shouted 'There she is! There's the killer!' And they handcuffed me..."
Rosie began to cry as she took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears. "Ace..." she said while sobbing. "I'm so scared I feel nauseous..." I felt very sad for Rosie as I hugged her and said, "I know how you feel... But why would someone kill Deacon Diamond? And besides, you were just hired." "I just don't know what to do…" Rosie said, lowering her head. "Don't you worry your pretty face, Rosie", I said. "I'll clear your name."
As soon as I got back to the front office, I saw Rosie's mother and father confronting the chief, looking very furious. "I'll have you know, Chief", Rosie's father roared at the chief. "That my daughter is no murderer! I demand that you do some real investigation!" The chief tried to calm down Rosie's parents as he said, "The investigation is still ongoing, Mr. Raccoon, and I assure you that we'll let your daughter go... that is if she is not guilty."
"On the contrary, chief…" I heard a low, gruff voice say. Bursting through the door is an eight-foot high raccoon with legs like a stork's. He was wearing a black cowboy hat, an eye-patch, a black cloak, a blood red vest, a gray shirt, and blue jeans with a golden belt. On his left cheek was a skull tattoo and he had a twig in his mouth. In his hands was a Remington Model 58. And when he spoke, he sounded like Clint Eastwood. "Where I come from, the verdict is ALWAYS guilty", he spoke.
Following him were four small rabbits with white fur. They were wearing motorcycle helmets, black jackets, black gloves, and jeans with brown belts instead of gold. "Yeah!" said Topper. "And we, the Fluffy Ones, are gonna make sure the boss always gets his man... or toon!" It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the Fluffy Ones' boss was none other than Sheriff Apollyon Apocalypse.
Sheriff Apocalypse was a young teenage toon when he was taken under the wing of Judge Doom. Throughout the years, Sheriff Apocalypse and the Fluffy Ones upheld the law of ToonTown while Judge Doom and his henchmen, the Toon Patrol, carried out their executions. After Judge Doom and the Toon Patrol's deaths in the Roger Rabbit case, Sheriff Apocalypse took over, dishing out his own version of justice and putting human and toon alike on the edge. No matter what the crime is, he will make sure that the offender, human or toon, will perish in the name of justice.
The sheriff turned toward me and said, "So, you're the murderer's boyfriend, aren't you?" I became angry. "Rosie is no murderer and you know it!" I yelled. "Now, now," said the sheriff in a supercilious manner. "Let's not get excited, Spades." "Excited?! Who's excited!" I screamed as the chief held me back. "My girlfriend has been framed for murder! Now, listen, Sheriff Apocalypse, I know for a fact that Rosie is innocent and I am going to prove it!"
The sheriff applauded slowly with a smug look on his face. "How brave of you, Spades", he said. "And if you don't... My men will see that she is sentenced to death." He snapped his fingers, cuing the Fluffy Ones to bring in a large metal barrel that contained a green, slimy liquid. It was… The Dip!
"But I thought it was banned in California! How did you get it?!" I said with a horrified look on my face. "Oh, let's just say that I found a little loophole", the sheriff said. "Boys", he said to the Fluffy Ones. "Let's ride." With that, they took the Dip and got onto their motorcycles. "Good luck clearing your girlfriend's name, Spades!" he shouted as he and his group ride off. "I really don't like those guys", I said to the chief.
The next day, we held a funeral service for Deacon Diamond. Everyone, including Mr. Diamond's family members and friends, was present at the funeral. Mrs. Diamond had to be comforted while Mr. Diamond's casket was lowered to his grave at the cemetery. It was a somber moment for all of us who knew Mr. Diamond very well.
After the funeral, I decided to pay Acme Corporation a visit. Acme Corporation, since its founding in 1940, was the foundation of cartoon gags, household appliances, weapons, and other goodies. Since I remembered the penknife back at Mr. Diamond's office, I decided to pay a visit to the owner. The first thing I noticed at the front desk was Princess Yum Yum, who was working part-time as a receptionist.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Spades", Princess Yum Yum said. "How can I help you?" "I would like to see the owner, if it's okay with you", I said. "Very well then. He'll be down here shortly", said Yum Yum. "In the meantime, would you like to take a seat while you wait?" I sat down and heard the sound of a whoopee cushion. I stood up, picked up the whoopee cushion, rolled my eyes, and tossed it aside. "Amateur hour", I said in an annoyed tone as I sat down.
Ten minutes later, the owner stepped out of his office. It was Wile E. Coyote, who was well-known for starring in cartoons with the Road Runner. "Princess Yum Yum", he said to Yum Yum. "Is there something the matter?" "Mr. Spades over there wants to see you", she said as she pointed to me.
Mr. Coyote walked up to me and shook my hand. "So you must be the famous toon investigator", he said. "I have heard about you on the radio." "Wile E. Coyote? I didn't know you own Acme", I said, looking rather surprised. "Indeed. I, Wile E. Coyote, am not only super genius, but I am also the owner of this establishment", he said in a prideful tone. "Now then, what can I do for you?"
"Yesterday, I found Deacon Diamond murdered in his office", I explained. Mr. Coyote was shocked. "Egad! How unfortunate for Mr. Diamond, for he has been my best customer for eleven years", he said. I then showed Mr. Coyote the photo of the crime scene. "He was killed with a pen knife on the back", I said as I pointed to the label in the picture. "Does this ring a bell?"
Mr. Coyote, taken aback, back away a couple of steps and said, "Wait a minute, you're not assuming I'm the one who killed Mr. Diamond, are you?" "No," I retorted. "But I was curious about this: Did the pen knife come from here?" Mr. Coyote became annoyed. "Look, that pen knife was not mine. A customer bought it. You will find him at the Two Tone Café." "Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Coyote", I said as I walked out, determined to find the suspect responsible for Mr. Diamond's death.
Just then, I felt the barrel of a shotgun on the back of my head. I turned around and saw Sheriff Apocalypse aiming his weapon at me. He was looking very annoyed. "So, we meet again, sheriff", I said, pushing the barrel aside. "What do you want this time?"
"If you know what's good for you, Spades", Sheriff Apocalypse said. "Get off the Deacon Diamond case. I already got your girlfriend secured as the killer, and she's one inch away from doing a swan dive in the Dip. So, if you keep snooping around like a wise guy and screw up my play, I would be very angry… very angry indeed." I was not intimidated and I said, "Not a chance, sheriff." "Whaddaya mean, not a chance!" One of the Fluffy Ones protested. Sheriff Apocalypse pulled him back as he said to me, "All right, Spades, I'll leave you alone with your little mystery solving. But just so you remember," he continued as he started to ride off. "Don't say I didn't warn you." "Like I said before, I don't like those guys", I said to myself.
Later on, I was standing at the entrance of the Two Tone Café. From what I have heard, the Two Tone Café is a popular Hollywood restaurant where humans and toons can mingle and dine after a day on the job. I figured that since whoever was at the crime scene had the penknife, they must have been a frequent customer at the Two Tone Café. The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was Bugs Bunny, who was sitting with his feet casually resting on the table and telling one of his stories to a few friends.
"And then I said 'Nyeh, what's up, doc?'", Bugs said, prompting all five of them to burst out laughing. "You are such a card!" one of the patrons at Bugs' table said. Bugs noticed me and waved. "Hey, Ace! Have a seat, will ya?" Bugs said, and so I sat down with them. "Fellas, this is my best bud, Ace O. Spades" he said as he introduced me to his friends. They were surprised to hear my name.
"No kidding, THE Ace O. Spades?" the first friend said. "The one who solved the Case of Racketeering Roosters?" the second friend said. "The one who helped Cinderella sue Madame Tremaine for child abuse?" the third friend said. "The one who solved the Case of Popeye's Missing Spinach?" the last friend said. I simply nodded and said, "I would love to share all my stories with you guys, but there's something I want to inform you."
I pulled out a photo of the crime scene. "Yesterday, I found Mr. Deacon Diamond dead in his office with a penknife behind his back", I said. Bugs and his friends gasped at the photo and Bugs said, "Deacon Diamond is dead?! What a revoltin' development!" And that's not all", I said as I pointed to the Acme label in the picture. "The penknife was bought by someone who visited Acme Corporation."
"Now, hold on, doc", Bugs said as he looked at the photo. "I use my Acme gags for entertainment. You think I'm the one who committed moider?" "No, Bugs", I said. "What I'm saying that someone who was there said 'How's THIS for a demotion!' ending the life of Mr. Diamond. The clue points to a former employee of Maroon Cartoons, and I am not going to rest until I clear my girlfriend's name!"
Bugs, though he felt sorry for Rosie and I, said, "Look, Ace, if you wanna get some answers, I ain't got'em. You better talk it out with the owner." I looked down and said, "I'm sorry, Bugs. It's just that I'm worried about Rosie." "I get your point, doc", Bugs said as he patted my shoulder.
As I was about to head for the office, I noticed my good friend Tack serving food to some customers. "Oh, it's Tack the Cobbler", I said, surprised. "I didn't know he works here. I'll bet that he's making some extra money to pay for his rent." Then I remembered Yum Yum back at the Acme Corporation building. "Or maybe he needs to buy some tools to make a give for Princess Yum Yum." Either way, I shrugged and went to the office.
Inside the office of the Two Tone Café sat a little man with wild dark hair, glasses, and a purple coat with buttons on them. "Are you the owner?" I asked the man. The man adjusted his glasses and nodded. "I am Dr. Ignatius Quincy Pointer, scientist in Toonology." "Dr. Pointer, I am looking for someone who killed Deacon Diamond and framed my girlfriend", I said as I showed Dr. Pointer the photo. "Do you have any ideas?" "In that case, we shall return to the crime scene at Mr. Diamond's office", Dr. Pointer said.
Soon, we returned to Mr. Diamond's office. The office is now empty except for a desk and the rug. Dr. Pointer examined the same big paw prints from before and came to a conclusion. "Just as I suspected", he said. "Someone with big feet must have entered the room, did the deed and escaped." "Well, it can't be Roger since he also has big feet and wasn't fired", I said. "I'll tell you what. I'll examine the paw prints a little more and then-" Dr. Pointer said before he was splashed with the Dip, causing him to melt into a puddle.
I jumped back and looked back at the windowsill. Perched like a hawk on the windowsill was the same figure from yesterday. It was the same person responsible for Mr. Diamond's death. In my anger, I fired my gun at the figure, but I missed. The figure laughed and said, "You'll never stop me now!" Once again, he leapt out and got away.
I looked back at Dr. Pointer and sadly shook my head. I went by the nearest telephone and said, "Operator, send in the coroner. There's another dead body in the office..." It looks like I was getting nowhere. Dr. Pointer was my only hope into finding the true killer.
Back at my apartment, I slumped on my couch. I couldn't stop thinking about Rosie, the one who I love with all my heart. I felt as if I have failed her and the real killer got away with the perfect crime. "What am I going to do now...?" I thought.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. I knew that this wasn't a good time to have visitors at my door. However, I had a feeling that whoever was there might be able to help. As soon as I answered the door, I saw Roger, Susanna, and Tack standing in the doorway. I was surprised to see them there and wondered why they were here.
"We came here to help you, Ace!" Roger said. "Help me?" I said, confused. "But…" "Thanks to Tack, we found a clue that may lead to the real killer", Rosie explained. Tack handed me a receipt and I took a good look at it. "Ah ha", I said. "Now we're really getting somewhere." Thus, thanks to Rosie, Roger, and Tack, I was now back on the right track.
The receipt that Tack found led to the residence of Zigzag, the Grand Vizier of the Golden Land. I knocked on the door and Zigzag answered. "You again, Ace. May I ask what are you doing here at my place?" Zigzag asked. "Zigzag, I'm bringing you in for questioning under the suspicion of murder", I said. "Me, a murderer? Don't be ridiculous. Surely, you should have come to Sheriff Apocalypse…" Zigzag said before I interrupted him. "Sheriff Apocalypse, huh? Tell me more. How did you know him?" I said.
Before I could get any answer, Zigzag smiled slyly as if he's got a trap laid out for me. "My dear friend from ToonTown. Have you not noticed? Turn around", ZigZag said. I turned around and saw Zigzag's men tying up Rosie, Roger, and Tack. "Son of a…" I said before I hit from behind and fell to the ground. I looked up and saw Sheriff Apocalypse, standing over me with Zigzag, his men, and the Fluffy Ones watching and giggling. "I warned you to stay off the Deacon Diamond case", the sheriff said. Then, everything went dark. "Sorry to… hit and run", the sheriff added as I slipped into unconsciousness.
Part Three
For a while, everything went dark. With the sheriff outsmarting me once again, I was at a disadvantage. I woke up with a throbbing pain on the back of my head, and looked around, wondering where I was at. I was inside a small townhouse not far from Hollywood. Then I turned my attention to Jessica Rabbit, who was tending to the bump on my head. "Long time no see, Jessica", I said.
"Likewise, Ace", Jessica said. "So I take that you have a bone to pick with the sheriff too?" I nodded. "Luckily for you, Ace, I have recently appointed as a leader of a resistance group against Sheriff Apocalypse and the Fluffy Ones." Jessica gave me some medicine to ease the pain and a kiss. "If Judge Doom wasn't bad enough, Sheriff Apocalypse is even worse. Why just the other day," Jessica continued. "A young toon goat was on his way home from school when he accidentally made the Sheriff trip and fall."
Jessica shook her head and sighed, "He tried to drown the little boy in that horrid dip. If Roger, Eddie, and I didn't stop the sheriff, things would have gotten worse." I growled upon hearing the news. "That heartless creep", I said. "He was trying to drown innocent children..." "And since the Resistance and I heard about your cases, we're going to help you take Sheriff Apocalypse down", Jessica said. I stood up and said, "Why not? The more, the merrier."
With Jessica on my side, I was now more determined to rescue my friends and stop the sheriff before he could cause anymore harm. That night, we made our way to the sheriff's farmhouse. "Well, this must be the place", I said. "It's best if we sneak in", Jessica said. I looked around and saw an open window.
As I peeked inside, I saw Rango watching some cartoons on TV. He was laughing his head off as he said, "Oh, that Daffy Duck, he slays me!" Using my ventriloquist skills, I threw my voice to a small flower pot and said in a falsetto voice, "Help! Help, I say! Help!" Startled, Rango looked around the room. "Gosh! Where are you, lady?" he said. "I'm trapped in this little old flower pot!" I said. "Get me some... Horseradish!" "Horseradish?" Rango said, confused. "Why?" "Don't ask why! Just go!" I said, prompting Rango to dash out of the room like a bolt of lightning.
In no time at all, we managed to climb the window and into the room. I looked out of the room to make sure the coast is clear and led the way. As we spread out into the hallway, I was about to explain my plan to Jessica when we suddenly heard Spewart shouting, "Where are you going with that jar of horseradish?!" I quickly cue the others to hide as I duck into the rug. As we stay hidden, Rango was heard saying, "I need it to save the lady trapped in the flower pot!" Spewart was annoyed. "Rango, are you drunk? How could there be a lady in a flowerpot?" he said. "Get back in that room and makes sure nobody gets in the house!" As Rango returned to the room, Spewart said, "God, what a moron."
Once the coast is clear again, I explained my plan to the group. "You'll find Rosie and the others and while I take care of the Sheriff", I said as we split up. I found myself in the living room, where Sheriff Apocalypse was sleeping on the couch. He was watching Tonight Starring Jack Parr when he presumably fell asleep in the middle of the show. I quietly put earmuffs on the Sheriff's ears while I grab the keys. Quietly, I scurried our way back to Jessica, who managed to find Roger, Rosie, and Tack locked up in a cell at the basement.
Once we opened the cage, Rosie, Roger, and Tack were free. "Jumping Jeepers! You save-" Roger said before Jessica covered his mouth. "Not so loud, long ears!" I whispered. "You want us to get caught?!" "Ace is right, honey bunny", Jessica said. "We mustn't wake up the sheriff." "Rosie embraced me and said, "Oh, Ace, we knew you would come and save us." "Don't mention it, Rosie", I said as I kissed her. "Now let's get out of here."
However, just as we reached the top step of the basement stairs, Harriet spied us and pulled the alarm. That was our cue to get the heck out of the house as fast as possible. However, in our hectic flight, Tack, Jessica, Roger, Rosie, and I were unable to escape since we saw iron bars blocking the doors and windows. I could hear the sheriff cocking his shotgun and say, "Jailbreak, shoot to kill." "Split up!" I said. All five of us scrambled while the sheriff gathered the Fluffy Ones, ZigZag, and ZigZag's men in the living room to spread out and search the house.
It was no sooner that in my frenzied flight, I accidentally bumped into the sheriff. He was staring right into my soul. "What's the matter, Spades?" He said mockingly. "Got no jokes to tell me?" "You're the devil in toon's clothing", I said.
"Oh, come on, Spades", he said as he aimed his rifle at me. "You gotta do better than that." He continued, "Everybody back in ToonTown admired your sense of humor, haven't they, Spades? I ran for my life as he followed. "Come on, Spades, whatever happened to the jokester detective everybody and their dog knew and loved?" he said in a mocking tone.
I was soon cornered by ZigZag, his men, the Fluffy Ones, and the sheriff. "Give me a quip, a joke, a pun, a one-liner, a zinger, anything!" Sheriff Apocalypse said. "I ain't got all day, Spades!" I grabbed a nearby flowerpot and threw it at the sheriff, but he dodged. "Come on, Mr. Funny Man!" he said, becoming angry. "Make me laugh! Make me laugh, god damn it! MAKE ME LAUGH!"
Suddenly, he jumped into the air, screaming and holding his butt at the same time. I looked behind Sheriff Apocalypse and saw Tack holding a nail gun and a box of thumbtacks. Rosie, Jessica, and Roger were by him as well. "Thanks for saving me, Tack", I said as Tack gave me the peace sign. Sheriff Apocalypse looked to see the thumbtacks stuck to his butt. Zigzag, his men and the Fluffy Ones laughed at this. "Don't just stand there laughing, you jackasses!" the sheriff yelled. "Get rid of these thumbtacks!"
I grabbed the sheriff's rifle, which was equipped with a dip can, and aimed it at him. "All right, Sheriff Apocalypse. You have nowhere left to run. Tell me: who killed Deacon Diamond?" I said. "Okay, Spades", he said begrudgingly. "If you wanna know who killed Deacon Diamond, I did it." "Even though I'm not surprised, why did you kill Mr. Diamond?" Rosie asked.
"Years ago, my old man was a cartoon actor who wanted to get in show business", the sheriff said. "But according to those schmucks at Disney, his style of humor is 'too mean-spirited' and 'dark'! Thus, I turned to Judge Doom, my master, to get revenge on those who ruined my father's career." "But what about you?" I asked. "Like my dad, I used work as a major antagonist for Maroon Cartoon's western shorts", he explained. "But once cartoons started airing on television, Deacon Diamond demoted me into a sidekick! That's why Zigzag and I killed him. And I would have gotten away with too if it weren't for you meddling toons and your rabbit!"
After the sheriff and his gang were arrested, Rosie and I breathed a sigh of relief. "Ace, you are one heck of a hero", Rosie said to me. "Yes, but to be truthful", I said. "I couldn't have done it without you." With Rosie's name cleared, I felt as if a great weight was lifted from my shoulders.
The next day, Sheriff Apocalypse was sentenced to death for murder, attempted murder, extortion, child kidnapping, child endangerment, and various other crimes. Zigzag was sentenced to life at the San Quentin State Prison for his involvement with the murder of Deacon Diamond murder. As for Tickle, Goblin, Slap, Gopher, and the Fluffy Ones, they were sentence to a life time of community service. They were last seen picking up trash at the streets of San Francisco.
Meanwhile, Roger Rabbit now owns Maroon Studios and is still having the time of his life as both a cartoon star and Jessica's husband. With enough money that he received from the Two Tone Café, Tack was able to buy some new tools and made a beautiful pair of shoes for Princess Yum Yum. As for me and Rosie, we were married and had a wonderful wedding. Together with my wife and some of our friends, the ToonTown Detective Agency has gained more members than ever before. Indeed, we all lived happily ever after.
The End