Chapter 29: Getting Secrets Out

The group nodded in agreement, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on their shoulders. They had escaped the plantation, but the fight was far from over. Falcon led them through the quiet streets of Avian City, avoiding the main thoroughfares where the Nosedive influence was strongest with anyone that might be a spy. The buildings loomed tall and shadowy, the occasional flicker of candlelight from a window the only sign of life in the stillness.

As they approached the familiar neighborhood where Callahan had once lived, a sense of nostalgia washed over him. It had been years since he'd last seen the modest house with the slightly crooked porch swing. The memories of happier times played in his mind, a stark contrast to the horrors he'd endured at the plantation. Falcon noticed the change in Callahan's gait and gave him a comforting nod, understanding the turmoil of emotions the old vulture must be feeling. Once inside, Callahan sank into his favorite armchair with a sigh. The room was dusty and unkempt, a sad reflection of the life he'd been forced to leave behind. Harmony and Baron hovered nearby, eager to hear what the mayor had learned during his captivity. Falcon leaned against the doorframe, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting trouble at any moment.

"When they took me, I thought I was finished," Callahan began, his voice thick with emotion. "But I had one thing they couldn't take from me: the knowledge of their true intentions." His eyes grew steely with determination as he recounted the whispers he'd heard, the deals made in the shadows of the plantation. "Otto Bulloney had his hooves in everything, from the sheriff's office to the town council. And Becky, poor Becky, she was just a pawn in their twisted game."

Baron and Harmony exchanged glances; their hearts heavy with the weight of Callahan's words. Falcon nodded solemnly; his expression unsurprised but no less grim. "We've always known Otto had a hand in this town's troubles," he said. "But we never had the proof to take him down from corruptin' another town or more."

"He's got friends in high places, and they're all too willing to keep their beaks and muzzles shut," Callahan continued, tinged with anger. "They think they're above the law, that no one can touch them. But we'll show 'em different."

Baron's feathers ruffled with determination. "We need to get to the bottom of this," he said. "Find out who's been helpin' him and put a stop to it."

Falcon nodded. "But we can't just go in all guns blazing, son. We need names, dates, and places. We need hard evidence."

Harmony stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with intelligence. "What if we use the journal as bait?" she suggested. "We could get close to Otto and his allies, see if we can't catch them admitting their crimes."

Baron frowned. "But my ma's name is all over that journal," he said, his voice tight with concern. "We can't just throw her into the lion's den."

Falcon nodded thoughtfully. "We'll have to be clever," he said, stroking his chin. "We'll use it as a last resort, once we've tried every other angle. First, we need to find a way to gather those names and evidence without alertin' Otto or his tyrants."

Baron's frown deepened, but he knew Falcon was right. They couldn't risk Becky's life on a whim. "I'll do whatever it takes," he vowed. Harmony laid a comforting wing on his shoulder.

Mayor Callahan leaned forward, his voice firm. "Your mother's alive, Baron," he assured. "And she'll remain that way for as long as they have her. They won't dare harm her while she's got a shred of value to 'em, not with the leverage she holds." He paused, his eyes reflecting the flicker of candlelight. "But we can't let our emotions cloud our judgment. We've got to be smart, like Clarence would've wanted us to be."

Baron nodded solemnly, his grip tightening around Harmony's wing. "You're right," he murmured. "I just miss my ma so much." He felt tears in his eyes, remembering how she was taken from him like that, after Clarence and Ruby tried to help her recover from the bottle of whisky she drowned her sorrows in, coping with the death of his father.

"We'll get her out, somehow" Harmony whispered fiercely, her gaze unwavering. "We'll make sure she's safe."

Callahan nodded, a sad smile playing on his beak. "For now, Becky's still with us," he said gently. "As long as she's in that prison, we can still visit her, still give her hope."

Baron took a deep breath, the reality of Becky's situation hitting him hard. "But she's in there because of me," he said, his voice cracking. "Because I'm a Buzzard."

Falcon stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Baron's shoulder. "Now don't you go blamin' yourself," he said firmly. "This is on Otto and his kind, not you or Becky. Your ma's a strong woman, and she'd want you to keep fightin' for her."

Baron took a deep breath, trying to push aside his guilt. "I just can't imagine her in there," he murmured. "In that cold, dark place. Tired, hungry, cold, miserable, and alone...it's unbearable."

Callahan's expression softened. "Becky's a fighter, son. She's got more spunk in her than a caged javelina. And she ain't alone, not really. We're all with her, in spirit if not in person. And you can bet your feathers she's holdin' on to the thought of seein' you and your pa again."

Baron felt his throat tighten as he swallowed hard. "You didn't know?" he choked out. "Mah pa...he didn't just ride off. He was...killed."

Mayor Callahan's eyes widened in shock. "What?" he breathed, his grip on his cane tightening. "Baron, what happened?"

The young buzzard's eyes welled up as he recounted the fateful day at Buzzard's Peak. "It was Edward Nosedive," he choked out, raw with pain. "He had my pa, Avery, strung up at the gallows, and Clarence came to save him. But he was too late." The memory of the moment played out before his eyes, as vivid as if it had just happened. The smell of the dusty ground, the creaking of the wooden plank beneath his father's feet, and the harsh finality of the noose tightening around Avery's neck.

Callahan's beak fell open in shock. "Avery," he whispered. "I didn't know. Clarence never mentioned..."

Baron nodded, his eyes misty. "Yeah, it was rough on him too," he said. "He brought Pa's body back to us through one of those hidden tunnels you talked about. He couldn't bear to leave him behind."

Harmony shivered, remembering the day her father had returned with the terrible burden. The usually stoic hawk had been shaking, his eyes red-rimmed with grief. It was the first time she'd ever seen him break down, his proud shoulders slumped with the weight of what he'd witnessed. Baron had been just a hatchling, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation. But she had, and it had left an indelible mark on her young mind.

Baron nodded, his eyes faraway. "Ma was never the same after that," he murmured. "The whiskey took hold of her, and she'd spend days on end in bed, not eatin', not talkin'. It was like she was just a shell of herself." Harmony's heart ached for her friend, knowing all too well the pain of losing a loved one.

Falcon McGriff remained silent, his expression a mask of solemn understanding. He had seen too much in his years to be surprised by such a tragic turn of events, but that didn't mean he wasn't affected. He knew the depth of Becky's pain, and the strength it had taken for Baron to carry on as best he could.

Harmony stepped closer to Baron, her wing gently brushing his. "You remember when my pa brought your pa back?" she whispered. The memory was as fresh for her as it was for Baron. They had been so young, their friendship still in its infancy, but it was a moment that had bonded them in a way nothing else could.

Baron nodded, his gaze drifting to the floor. "Yeah," he said softly. "He looked so...broken." Clarence had always been the strong one, the pillar of their community, the one who had stood up against the Nosedives and their ilk. But that day, he had returned from Buzzard's Peak a changed bird. His feathers were ruffled and dirty, his eyes sunken and haunted.

Harmony had always wondered if Clarence had blamed himself for Avery's death, even though it was Edward's actions that had led to the tragic outcome. She knew her father well enough to know that he would have done anything to protect his friends and family, and the failure to save Avery must have weighed heavily on him.

The friendship between their families had been strong, forged by the shared experiences of prejudice and the desire for a better life in High Wind Gulch. Avery's loss had been a blow to Clarence, one that had driven him to fight even harder against the injustices that plagued their town. Harmony often caught him staring off into the distance, his eyes distant and haunted, his fiddle playing slower and more solemn than ever before.

Falcon broke the heavy silence that had settled over them. "We need to focus on Becky," he said firmly. "On gettin' her out and stoppin' Otto's plans." His words brought everyone back to the present, the gravity of their mission weighing on their shoulders like an invisible yolk.

Baron nodded, his eyes clearing. "You're right," he said, his voice resolute. "We can't let the Nosedives and Bulloneys win. We owe it to Clarence, to my ma...and my pa." Even if their enemies had been banished from Avian City, they still had power elsewhere, making the unjust laws valid.

Mayor Callahan's gaze shifted to Falcon, his eyes questioning. "What happened to Clarence?" he asked softly, the words heavy in the air.

Falcon took a deep breath, the weight of his next words evident on his features. "Clarence never made it outta the war, Mayor," he said, his voice tight with unspoken pain. "He gave his all to ensure the Nosedives wouldn't corrupt this place further. He was a true hero, right up to the end."

Callahan's eyes widened in shock, his beak parting slightly. "Died?" he echoed. "But...but how?"

Falcon McGriff's gaze grew steely as he recounted the events of the war's end. "Edmund Nosedive," he said, his voice tight with anger. "Caught him off-guard, the coward. Took him out before anyone could react."

Mayor Callahan's eyes fell to the floor, his thoughts drifting back to the days when Edward had been his friend, before he turned into the monster he was now, even after death. They had grown up together in Avian City, playing in the streets and dreaming of a future where buzzards and hawks could live side by side in peace. But somewhere along the way, something had changed in Edward. Perhaps it was his father's influence, or perhaps it was a seed of darkness that had always been there, festering within him. Callahan felt a twinge of guilt for not seeing the signs earlier. He had been so focused on his own ambitions, his own life, that he had failed to notice the subtle shifts in Edward's behavior, the growing prejudices that had eventually consumed him. Now, as he listened to Baron's heartbreaking story, he couldn't help but wonder if he could have done something to prevent all this suffering. If only he had been more vigilant, more observant. If only he had tried to save Edward from the path he had chosen. But hindsight was always twenty-twenty, and there was nothing he could do to change the past. The only thing they could do now was ensure that the future was better, that Becky and all the others who had suffered at the hands of the Nosedives and Bulloneys could live free from fear and oppression. He looked at the determined faces around him, at the hope that shone in their eyes, and knew that they had a chance to make it right.

"I'm sorry," Callahan said, heavy with regret. "I never should've turned a blind eye to Edward's ways, nor allowed him to drive us apart. I should've seen the signs, should've done more to protect Clarence, Becky, and all of High Wind Gulch. Maybe the war would never happened...and Clarence and Avery would still be alive."

Falcon's eyes softened, his gaze understanding. "You can't blame yourself, Mayor," he said firmly. "Y'all were young, and we all got our own dustups to handle. Edward was sharp, he knew how to mask his real self. But now, we ride together, bound by Clarence's sacrifice. That's what he'd want, partner."

Baron looked at Callahan, his expression earnest. "Ma used to say that the past is just a story we tell ourselves," he said. "It don't change nothin', but what we do with the present. And right now, we got a chance to write a new chapter for Avian City. To make it a place where everyone's welcome, no matter if they're buzzard or hawk."

Harmony nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. "And we'll do it together," she said. "With your help, Mayor, and the strength of my pa's legacy behind us."

Callahan took a deep breath, his feathers ruffling with resolve. "You have my word," he said firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring Becky home, and to bring peace to Avian City. We'll show those Nosedives and Bulloneys that their days of tyranny are over."

Baron looked up at him, his eyes glistening with hope. "Thank you, Mayor," he murmured. "Ma's all I've got left. If she has to spend another minute in that cage..." His voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Callahan nodded, his gaze steady. "We'll get her out, son," he promised. "I'll do everything in my power to make sure Becky sees the outside of those bars sooner than she's supposed to. It might not be tomorrow or next week, but she'll be free." His words hung in the air, a solemn vow that seemed to echo through the very walls of the shack. "Though I'm not sure how easy it will be, if Edward and Otto might've planned ahead to see that she stays behind bars under their influence, no matter what someone else does." The thought of that being true deeply troubled Callahan, especially with the possible lies they might've come up with to fool the justice and prison system into believing that the former mayor of Avian City approved of their decisions or something like that, knowing he'd have to find a way to prove they were all lies. "And if they did anything else years back to see that I'd never get elected again, that would mean finding someone to take place as mayor, but not just anyone."

Baron's eyes narrowed with a newfound anger that seemed to pulse through his very veins. "We'll show 'em," he said through gritted teeth. "We'll show 'em all that the buzzards and hawks of Avian City ain't just scavengers to be stepped on. We got hearts and brains, and we ain't gonna let anyone tell us where we belong anymore."

Falcon nodded, his own determination mirroring that of the young buzzard. "That's the spirit," he said gruffly. "Now, we got a plan to put into action. Harmony, you and I need to get word to the others in Clarence's network. We're gonna need all the help we can get for this midnight rescue."

The two of them set to work, crafting messages to be sent with the swiftest carrier pigeons they could find. The plan was simple, yet risky. They would strike under the cover of darkness, using the shadows as their allies to navigate the sprawling plantation. The guards would be few and far between, but they couldn't afford any mistakes. Becky's life, and the lives of the others held captive, depended on it.

Falcon took charge, his years of experience in the outlaw life making him an invaluable strategist. "We'll need to be quiet as the night," he instructed Baron. "No shootin' unless absolutely necessary. We don't wanna start a war we can't finish." Baron nodded, his nerves taut as a bowstring. He had never been part of something so daring, so important. Harmony watched him, her eyes filled with belief. The group set about preparing for the midnight rescue. Falcon and Harmony gathered supplies, while Mayor Callahan sent for trustworthy members of the townsfolk to join their cause. They knew that speed and stealth would be their greatest weapons. Falcon spoke in hushed tones, outlining the layout of the plantation from Callahan's journal entries. "The guards are mostly lazy," he murmured. "They rely on the fear of the Nosedives to keep everyone in line. We can use that to our advantage."

Baron listened intently, his heart racing at the thought of finally setting Becky free. He checked the knots on the ropes they had gathered, his feathers fluttering with nervous energy. Harmony looked over her father's notes, her mind racing with strategies. "We should split into teams," she suggested. "One to cause a distraction, the other to sneak in and free the others."

Falcon nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Good idea, Harmony. You and I will go in together, and we'll need someone to keep the guards occupied."

Mayor Callahan stepped forward, his expression grim. "I'll handle the distraction," he said. "I know some old fireworks from when I was a chick, should do the trick. Just make sure to keep your heads down once the ruckus starts."

Baron looked at him, his feathers ruffling with concern. "But Mayor, if they recognize you, it'll be trouble for everyone," he protested.

Callahan nodded, his gaze understanding. "I know the risks, son," he said. "But someone's gotta do it, and I'm the best choice. I can blend in with the townsfolk, stir up enough commotion without drawin' suspicion to our rescue."

Baron hesitated, his heart racing. "But if they recognize you..."

Mayor Callahan held up a reassuring wing. "I've got a plan, don't you worry," he said with a wink. "I've still got some old stage costumes from my youth, back when I was part of the theater troupe in Buzzard's Spring." He rummaged through a dusty chest in the corner of the room, pulling out a garish clown outfit. "This should do the trick," he said, holding it up with a flourish. "I'll be unrecognizable."

Baron's concern eased slightly as he took in the oversized shoes and red nose. "Alright," he conceded. "But we gotta be cautious."

Callahan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Don't you worry about me, son," he said, pulling on the wig. "I've been in tighter spots than this and come out smelling like a rose. I'll be fine."

Baron couldn't help but smile, his anxiety slightly lifted by the mayor's confidence. Harmony clapped her wings together in excitement. "This is gonna work," she exclaimed. "With Callahan's disguise and your distraction, we'll be in and out before they know what hit 'em."

The sun dipped low in the sky the next day, casting long shadows across the town. The trio made their final preparations, checking and rechecking their gear. The tension grew thick, the anticipation of the coming night weighing heavily on their hearts. Falcon looked at Baron, his gaze intense. "Remember," he said, "stick to the plan, and keep your wits sharp."

Baron nodded solemnly. "I won't let you down," he promised. The words were a silent echo of his pledge to Becky, the vow to be the son she had raised him to be, regardless of the circumstances.

As night fell, Falcon, Baron, and Harmony set out under the cloak of darkness. They approached the plantation from the rear, guided by the faint glow of the moon. Falcon's sharp eyes spotted the same tunnel they had used to rescue Mayor Callahan from Edward Nosedive's clutches. "This way," he murmured, leading the group through the underbrush. The earthy scent of the forest floor mingled with the distant smells of smoke and sweat, hinting at the lives of hard labor and oppression that waited for them within the plantation's walls.

The tunnel was as Baron remembered it, damp and narrow, the air thick with the scent of earth and decay. Falcon led them with confidence, his wings brushing the walls as they moved stealthily forward. Harmony held onto a rope they had brought along, her mind racing with thoughts of the people they were about to save. The silence was almost deafening, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustle of leaves above them.

Baron's heart pounded in his chest as they reached the plantation's edge. Falcon signaled for them to hold, his eyes scanning the area. After a moment, he nodded. "Clear," he whispered, and they slipped out into the night. The moon was a sliver in the sky, casting just enough light to guide their way through the tall grass and shadows. They could see the flicker of torches in the distance, the silhouettes of guards lazily patrolling the perimeter.

The tunnel was a tight fit for the grown birds, but Falcon had been right; it was a path unchanged since their last visit. The air was stale, and the damp earth clung to their boots as they moved. Baron felt his feathers brush against the earthen walls, sending shivers down his spine. The quiet was eerie, the only sound their muffled breaths and the occasional drop of water echoing through the dark space. Harmony held the rope taut, her grip unwavering. They had practiced this in the safety of Avian City, but the stakes were so much higher now.

Baron's stomach churned as they neared the barracks. He could almost feel Becky's presence, her strength and courage fueling his own. Falcon leaned in, whispering the final details of the plan into his ear. "Remember," he said, "once Callahan starts the distraction, we move in fast. Free Becky and the others, then get out of there. No heroics."

Baron nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the town's lights flickered like distant stars. Harmony's hand found his, her grip firm and reassuring. "You have us to help out," she murmured. The bond they shared grew stronger with each beat of their hearts, a silent promise to stand by each other through whatever the night brought.

Falcon took a deep breath, his gaze scanning the shadows. "Let's do this," he said, his voice low and steady. With that, he began to crawl through the tall grass, his movements as fluid as a serpent's. Baron and Harmony followed, their hearts pounding in their chests. The tunnel's entrance grew closer, the promise of rescue beckoning them forward like a siren's song.

Baron felt a twinge of guilt as he thought about Becky. He knew she would be worried sick, but he pushed the thought aside. They had to keep moving. The night was their ally, and they had to make the most of it. Falcon held up a wing, signaling for them to stop. He pointed to a spot a hundred yards away, where they could see Callahan setting up his fireworks. The clown costume was a perfect disguise, the mayor's usual dignity hidden behind a mask of painted smiles. Callahan looked back at them, his eyes serious even under the garish makeup. He gave a nod, and with a spark and a hiss, the first rocket shot up into the sky, exploding in a burst of color and noise that echoed across the plantation. The guards jumped to attention, looking around wildly for the source of the disturbance. Baron felt his pulse quicken as the plan swung into action. Falcon tugged at the rope, and the two of them took off at a sprint toward the barracks. Harmony followed closely behind, her eyes fixed on the prize.

Callahan's laugh echoed through the plantation, the sound of his mischief bouncing off the walls of the barracks. The guards rushed towards the commotion, their footsteps pounding the ground like a stampede of wild horses. Baron felt his heart race, his feathers standing on end as the moment grew riper with the promise of freedom.

Harmony's eyes gleamed with excitement, and Falcon gave them a curt nod. The air was electric with tension, the smell of gunpowder lingering on the breeze.

As the first explosion of color and light burst into the sky, Falcon whispered, "Now." They moved like shadows, the rope in Baron's hands and Harmony's sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. The barracks loomed before them, the sound of shuffling feathers and murmured prayers coming from within. Baron's heart ached for the souls trapped there, for Becky, who had suffered for so long under the yolk of Nosedive's tyranny.

Callahan's laugh grew louder, a beacon in the night, guiding them through their fear. Another rocket shot up, and the guards' heads swiveled towards it. The distraction was perfect. Falcon nodded at Baron, and with a deep breath, he began to scale the side of the barracks. Harmony's eyes never left the rope, her muscles tense and ready to pull it tight at the first sign of trouble. The barracks were built of rough-hewn logs, the gaps between them just wide enough for Baron to wedge his hands and feet. His heart raced as he climbed, the wood digging into his skin. Harmony whispered encouragement from below, her voice a lifeline in the dark. Falcon hovered nearby, his sharp eyes watching for any signs of movement.

In the distance, Callahan's laughter grew more manic as he set off another round of fireworks, the sky above lighting up in a brilliant display of reds and golds. The guards' footsteps grew more frantic as they tried to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. Baron reached the top of the barricade, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He could see the shadows of the prisoners huddled inside, their eyes wide with hope and terror.

With one last nod from Falcon, Baron slipped over the edge and dropped into the barracks, his feathers brushing against the wooden slats. The room was dimly lit by a single flickering candle, casting elongated shadows across the faces of the captives. They stared at him, their eyes a mix of hope and skepticism. Becky was there, her feathers matted and her eyes sunken from exhaustion, but she recognized her son immediately.

Baron's heart leaped in his chest, his feathers ruffling with a mix of shock and joy. "Ma," he breathed, his voice barely audible. "I've come to save you."

Becky stared at him, her eyes searching his, as if trying to discern whether he was real or a mirage conjured by her desperate hope. "But," she began, her voice shaking, "the prison...I thought..."

Baron's confusion grew like a storm cloud on the horizon, obscuring his thoughts. "Ma," he said, his voice tight with emotion, "it's me. We're here to get you out." He reached out a wing to her, the feathers trembling slightly with the weight of his uncertainty.

Becky took a tentative step forward, her eyes still unbelieving. "How did you find me?" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. Baron's heart clenched at the sight of her, so much thinner than he remembered, her feathers dull and lifeless.

He opened his beak to explain, but Harmony's sharp cry from outside cut through the night. "Baron!" she called, her voice urgent. "They're coming back!"

Baron's eyes widened, and he spun around to find Becky's doppelganger standing in the doorway, a smug smile playing on her beak. "Hello, little buzzard," she crooned, her voice a mockery of Becky's sweet tones. "Did you really think it would be that easy?"

The room erupted into chaos as the prisoners realized the deception, their hope turning to anger and fear. Harmony's eyes narrowed, and she tightened her grip on the rope, ready to spring into action. Falcon swooped down, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Where is she?" he demanded, his voice a low growl.

The doppelganger cackled, her form shimmering in the candlelight. "Your mother's not here," she taunted, her voice a perfect mimic of Becky's, even tearing off a wig and a mask. "But I'm sure you'll find her once you've played into our trap."

Baron's heart sank. He had been fooled. This wasn't his mother, but a clever trick by Otto Bulloney's minions. Harmony and Falcon looked equally shocked, but there was no time for questions or anger. The sound of guards approaching grew louder, their footsteps heavy with malice.

Falcon's gaze hardened as he addressed the imposter. "Where is Becky?" he demanded, his voice like a thunderclap in the quiet night.

The doppelganger only cackled again, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, she's safe," she cooed. "For now. But if you want to see her again, you'll have to come and get her from the real prison, you know the one, in the outskirts miles from Cow Town where she's been all along. Did you forget about that, or have you been letting your hopes get the best of you?"

Baron's rage boiled over, and he lunged at the imposter, but Falcon held him back. "We don't have time for this," Falcon hissed. "We need to leave now, before the guards catch us."

The doppelganger took a step back, her smirk widening. "Ah, so you do know about the prison," she said, her eyes glinting with triumph. "But let me tell you a little secret. Becky's been there for the past four to five years, keeping her mouth shut to protect her precious son and his friends."

Baron felt the color drain from his beak as the truth dawned on him. His mother had been a prisoner all along, sacrificing herself to protect them. The anger and betrayal he felt washed over him like a tidal wave, threatening to drown him. "You monsters," he spat, struggling against Falcon's grip.

"Come on, Baron," Falcon whispered urgently, "we've got to get out of here."

But Baron's eyes were locked on the doppelganger, his rage burning like a wildfire. "You tell Otto," he snarled, "that I'm coming for Becky. And when I do, I'll make him wish he'd never laid a feather on her."

As they emerged from the tunnel into the cool night air, the smell of gunpowder still lingering on their feathers, Baron made a split-second decision. He would use the imposter's words against Otto. He would make the corrupt bull believe that he had taken the bait, that he had fallen for the trap. "Falcon," he said, panting slightly, "I'm going to Cow Town."

Falcon's eyes widened, his beak set in a firm line. "Alone?"

Baron nodded, his eyes alight with a fierce determination. "I can't let my ma down," he said, his voice steely with resolve. "I have to do this. She needs me."

Falcon and Harmony exchanged a worried look. They knew that facing Otto Bulloney was no small feat, especially alone. But the fire in Baron's gaze told them that he would not be swayed. "We'll come with you," Harmony offered, her voice firm despite the quiver of fear in her chest.

Falcon hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Baron," he said, his voice carrying the weight of experience, "Cow Town ain't a place for the inexperienced. There are dangers there that you can't even imagine."

Baron nodded, his gaze never wavering from the horizon where Cow Town loomed like a dark cloud. "I know," he said, "but I can't just sit around and do nothin'. She's my ma and she don't deserve this."

Falcon sighed heavily, his feathers ruffling in the breeze. "You ain't goin' alone," he said firmly. "You're too green for those streets. You'll get yourself killed, and then what good will you be to Becky? You might as well be walkin' right into another trap."

"I can't leave her," Baron protested again, causing Falcon to shake the young buzzard by his arms to wake him up.

"Look here, kid," Falcon said firmly, his voice as steadfast as the ancient oaks of Moo Mesa. "Your love for Becky is as clear as the desert sky, but that don't mean you go runnin' into the jaws of the beast without a plan. Cow Town's a cesspool of trouble right now, and you ain't ready for it."

Baron's feathers ruffled with a mix of anger and desperation. "But she's my ma," he insisted, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I love her. I don't wanna lose her like I lost my pa." He could hardly control his emotions right now.

Falcon's grip tightened on his shoulders, his eyes boring into Baron's with a fierce intensity. "I know, kid," he said, his voice firm but filled with a surprising tenderness. "I know how much you love Becky, and I'd be worried if you didn't. But love alone won't cut it in Cow Town. You gotta have brains and a plan to match that brawn of yours. If I let you go by yourself and you got killed, I'd never forgive myself."

Baron's eyes searched Falcon's, looking for a crack in his resolve. But Falcon's gaze was unyielding, a wall of experience and wisdom that Baron hadn't seen before.

Harmony stepped closer, her eyes filled with understanding. "He's right, Baron," she said softly. "We need to think this through. Remember what Falcon said earlier? We can't just charge in there like a bunch of headless chickens. We'll get ourselves killed, and then Becky will be all alone. Maybe even die of heartbreak. And we don't want that."

Baron took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded slowly. "You're right," he murmured, the fight draining from his eyes. "We need a plan."

Falcon's expression softened slightly. "Good," he said, his eyes never leaving Baron's. "Now, let's talk strategy." He turned to the tunnel entrance, knowing the doppelganger was still back there, possibly back where they thought that they found the real Becky, a plan forming in his mind. "We're gonna capture that birdbrain, interrogate her, and find out where Becky really is," he announced, his voice filled with the confidence of a seasoned lawman.

"Will Callahan still be alright out there?" Harmony didn't want to change the subject, but she hoped that whatever happened, nobody gets left behind in the end.

Falcon nodded. "I reckon he'll keep 'em distracted for a bit longer. That rogue's got a knack for the dramatics. Now, we need to move fast," Falcon's gaze darted towards the horizon, where the faintest light of dawn was just beginning to creep over the horizon. "We've got to get our hands on that doppelganger before she has a chance to warn Otto."

Baron and Harmony followed Falcon's gaze, understanding the gravity of the situation. "But how do we catch her?" Harmony asked, her eyes searching the shadows of the tunnel for any sign of the imposter.

Falcon grinned, a glint of mischief in his eye. "Leave that to me," he said, his voice low and confident. He reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a set of handcuffs. "These'll keep her wings clipped until we get the truth out of her."

They approached the tunnel with caution, the echoes of the doppelganger's laughter still ringing in their ears. Falcon signaled for them to stay back, drawing his gun with a smooth, practiced motion. Baron's heart hammered in his chest as he watched Falcon disappear into the darkness, the sound of his footsteps fading. Harmony clutched his arm, her eyes wide with fear and anticipation. The silence was deafening, punctuated only by the occasional pop and fizzle of a dying firework outside. They could feel the tension coiling in the air around them like a snake ready to strike. And then, suddenly, Falcon re-emerged, dragging the struggling doppelganger by the scruff of her neck. Her eyes were wild with fear and anger as she spit and cursed at them, her form shimmering and morphing as she desperately tried to escape Falcon's iron grip. Harmony's grip on Baron's arm tightened as they watched Falcon expertly secure the handcuffs around her wings, immobilizing her. The imposter's cries grew muffled as Falcon stuffed a rag into her beak to keep her from alerting the guards.

"Alright," Falcon said, his voice low and deadly serious, "it's time to talk." He pulled out the rag, and the doppelganger spat and sneered, her eyes darting back and forth as she searched for an escape. But she was out of tricks, and she knew it.

Baron stepped forward, his feathers bristling with rage. "Where's Becky?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. The doppelganger just cackled, a sound that sent shivers down Harmony's spine. "Where's my mother?"

The imposter's eyes narrowed, and she spat at Falcon's boots. "You think I'd tell you?" she sneered. "You're just a bunch of filthy vermin and a traitorous hawk. You ain't got nothin' on me!"

Falcon's gaze hardened, and he leaned in close, his breath hot on her cheek. "You're right," he said, his voice a dangerous rumble. "But we're the only ones who know you're here. And if you don't start talkin', I reckon your friends outside might start missin' you."

The doppelganger's smirk faltered for the briefest of moments before she regained her composure. "You wouldn't dare," she hissed.

Baron watched as his friend, the usually gentle hawk girl, transformed into a force to be reckoned with. Harmony pulled a small knife from her saddlebag and held it up to the doppelganger's throat.

"You see this?" she asked, her voice steady. "This here knife's fixin' to slice through yer tall tales and fetch Becky back. And if ya reckon for a heartbeat, we'll let ya or any other varmint harm our kin again, ya got another thing comin'."

The doppelganger's eyes grew wide with terror as the cold steel of the pocketknife pressed against her throat. Her earlier confidence had dissipated, and she now realized the gravity of the situation. Harmony's eyes were hard, her grip unyielding, and it was clear that she wasn't bluffing. "You don't wanna do this," the imposter stammered, her voice shaking. "Otto Bulloney, he'll-"

Falcon's beak curled into a snarl. "Otto Bulloney ain't here right now, is he?" He leaned in closer, his eyes as sharp as the knife Harmony held. "You're gonna tell us where Becky is, or I'll make sure you don't see the light of day again."

The doppelganger swallowed hard, her bravado fading like the last embers of a dying fire. Her eyes darted from Falcon to Harmony and back again, and she knew she was outmatched. With a defeated squawk, she began to spill her guts. "Alright, alright! She's in the high-security federal prison just like I told you. That was never a lie I swear," she revealed, her voice trembling. "But you'll never get to her. The place is swarming with guards, and Otto's got eyes everywhere. The outskirts of Cow Town, that's where it's located."

Baron's grip tightened on his hat, his knuckles turning white. "What do we do now?" he murmured, his heart racing with a mix of hope and fear.

Falcon's gaze never left the doppelganger, his eyes piercing as he considered her words. "We need to get back to Avian City," he said finally, his voice a low rumble. "We'll regroup, gather some allies, and then we'll make our move."

Harmony looked back at the plantation grounds. "But the slaves, they still need our help."

Falcon nodded. "We'll come back for 'em. But right now, Becky's our priority. We gotta get her outta that prison before Otto realizes his plan's gone south. And once she's safe, we'll come back and deal with the Nosedives for good."

The doppelganger's eyes widened in surprise at Falcon's proposal. "What's in it for me?" she asked, her voice still shaky from fear.

Falcon leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with an idea. "I'll tell ya what," he said, his voice a seductive drawl. "You help us get Becky out of that prison, and I'll see to it that you're a free bird. No strings attached."

The doppelganger's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice a little less defiant now.

Falcon moved further into the imposter's face, giving a serious tone. "I reckon if ya help us, we'll see ya outta here safe and sound. You lend a hand in fetchin' Becky, and we'll make sure no one bothers ya 'gin. You'll be free to roam wherever you please, no more skedaddlin', no more games fer Otto Bulloney. What's yer answer?"

The doppelganger's eyes flickered with doubt before she nodded hastily. "I'll do it," she croaked.

Falcon nodded curtly. "Good choice," he said. "But I'm gonna need to trust ya. And that means no funny business. You screw this up, and I'll make sure you're the one in that cell for good."

The doppelganger, now slightly more cooperative, nodded vigorously. "I swear on my mother's grave," she said, her voice earnest. "I'll do anything to get outta here. Just tell me what you need me to do."

Falcon studied her for a moment, his eyes as sharp as the knife Harmony held. "We're gonna need you to be our eyes and ears in Cow Town," he said finally. "We're gonna use you as a double agent. You're gonna go back to Otto, tell him everything's hunky-dory, and that Becky's right where he left her." The doppelganger's eyes narrowed, but Falcon's grip on her tightened, his talons digging into her feathers. "But if you so much as think about betrayin' us," he growled, "I'll switch you places with Becky, and you'll be the one rottin' in that cell for the rest of yer days."

The imposter squirmed, but she knew Falcon wasn't bluffing. With a sigh of defeat, she nodded her head. "Okay, okay," she murmured. "I'll do it." Falcon released her, and she took a step back, rubbing her bruised neck. "But what makes you think I won't just tell him everything as soon as I'm out of here?"

Falcon's grin was as sharp as a knife's edge. "Because, darlin', you know as well as I do that if you do that, you'll never be free. You'll be on the run from Otto's wrath for the rest of your life. And let me tell ya, I know a thing or two about bein' on the run." He leaned in close, his eyes boring into hers. "But if ya help us, we'll make sure you're protected. You'll have the whole town of Avian City watchin' out for ya. And if Otto ever tries to come for you, we'll be there to greet him with a little Southern hospitality."

The doppelganger gulped, her bravado slipping away. "Alright, I'll do it," she agreed, her voice shaking.

Falcon nodded and turned to Baron and Harmony. "Keep an eye on her," he said, his voice low. "We can't risk her spilling the beans before we're ready."

Baron stepped forward, his eyes never leaving the doppelganger. Harmony kept the knife at the ready, her gaze unwavering. Falcon moved aside, giving them a nod of approval. "We'll head back to Avian City," he said, his voice firm. "We've got a prison break to plan."

AN: Another late chapter update that was already finished before, but I had busy plans last month with Halloween. But now that it's over, I'm going back to finishing what is left of this story as soon as possible. Now it looks like a fraud that was impersonating Becky had spoiled the first part of their plans to rescue the others, fearing that Otto's henchmen already know about their attempts at rescue and might've set a trap for them. Now they have no choice but to move onto Plan B of their mission, such as forcing the fraud to take them to the real Becky Buzzard.