The Fed Gets Acclimated

 

 Agent Carol Danvers (The Fed) catches up on things.  Chief Lynch leaves her to it, but remains available for questions. 

Lynch: My husband's on the way with lunch.  I told him to bring something for you, too.  

Carol: Thanks.  I can see why you were reluctant to trust the County, after the debacle with Glimma Spiro.  Do you think Charlie Lake was honest with you about her investigation? 

Lynch: The powers that be in the county are crazy for publicity, but after the whole Spiro thing, they've been better at sharing information.  We have her file on the Animal Abandonment, but I've not seen them.  They just aren't a priority with two murders on my desk.  

Carol: So you don't think there's a connection? 

Lynch: Not after Helena.  If there is one, I can't find it.  Both women were... well, I phrased it on my list there as strong personalities.  Which reminds me (checks time) that I have a person of interest coming.  She tangled with both victims, but mostly Helena. 

Charlotte: Seriously?  You think I killed those two? 

Lynch: You do have a contentious history with both of them, but especially Helena Malfoy. Why don't you tell us about that? 

Charlotte: You already know the story with Helena.  Charlie Lake started in on me after I made an honest mistake.  I saw a man who I mistook for my brother-in-law, pointing a telescope at my penthouse, and confronted him. 

Lynch: Rubeus Hagrid, who also works for Doll County Parks.  (To Carol)  It turned out that Mr. Hagrid is, in fact, distantly related to the brother-in-law, but the telescope was only pointed toward Mrs. Jackson's building coincidentally. There's a very strong resemblance, apparently.

Charlotte: I'm going through a custody battle.  I thought he was spying on me. But even after my lawyer sorted everything out and all was forgiven, Charlie Lake would not let it go.  She never failed to make a snide remark if we met, and we did often.  

Carol: Such as? 

Charlotte: She asked me if I'd slapped any more total strangers.  She made it a point to splash with her sons in the pool at the country club, near where I was sitting.  Things like that. Deliberately baiting me, you know.  I just ignored her as best I could.

Carol: And what's the story with Helena Malfoy?  I'm new here, and I don't know it. 

Charlotte: She bullied me horribly when we were children, her son destroyed property I owned, my husband is a coma patient and one of Helena's daughters is a volunteer there.  I had to tell the hospital to keep her away from Billy for fear she'd do something to him. 

Carol: The daughter might do something?  Or Helena?

Charlotte: Helena would be behind it, of course, but she wouldn't dirty her own hands.  She'd make the daughter do it.  

By the time Charlotte leaves, Sulu has arrived with lunch.  

After lunch.

Carol: Usually, if a civilian discovers the identity of a client, we move him.  But Mr. Higgins will only work with us on the condition that he stays in Barbieville.

Pern: Sounds just like him.   

Carol: From what I've gathered, he came back here to woo his first wife but discovered she had passed away in the meantime.  I'm not sure why he's still insisting on being here. 

Pern: Yeah, he never did get over Kida.  Talked about her all the time, but never mentioned his daughters until I got pregnant.  He told me then that he had kids with her, that was why he left her, and he wanted me to get rid of Anakin.  I told him to get the hell out, then, and he did.  Next time I saw him was here, at the mayor's office.

Carol:  After the agent before me thought he could simply kick the man out of the program.  It was the only thing the mayor and chief could think to do, to keep the people after him away.  They couldn't risk you exposing him. 

Pern: I'm a great secret-keeper.  And after all the hate I got for being a junkie, moving here has been a godsend.  I'd hate for anything to happen to the people here.  Hank Higgins refused to eat at Sunburst when he found out they had a junkie for a cook, that's the official story. 

Carol: I'm impressed.  None of this bears on the hit-and-run cases, but since I'm apparently "his man" in the agency, I needed to know your status.

After Pern goes, they turn to the Animal Abandonment files from Charlie Lake's office. 

Carol (reading from computer): This video is edited together from doorbell cameras along Roberts Street.  Properties on that road meet the nature preserve at the rear.  See notes for specific contacts.

Lynch: That's not our SUV. 

Carol: Definitely not.

 

Best Laid Plans

Barbieville High School, 8 am

Cho:  Two new guys on the same day?  Do you suppose they're brothers? 

Belle: I know they aren't.  The brunette is my stepbrother Iggy.  He's moved in with Mom and James, too, but I'm not sure why.  I know his mom wasn't deployed!  

Belle: Who's your friend, Iggy?  

Iggy: This is Rupert.  We met on the plane.  

Rupert: Yeah, it was weird to be seated next to a guy heading to the same little town!  

Cho: Oh, you're a Weasley!  I see the resemblance to Ron now!  (laughs at the surprise on all three faces.)  Everyone in Barbieville knows everyone.   You'll get used to it.

********

Barbieville High School, 10 am 

Whitney: I know Mariko has to work after school.  What are you doing, Nakoma?

Nakoma: Fittings for the wedding.  You can tag along if you want. 

Whitney: If you're sure it's okay.  I'll have Wilma.

Mariko: You always have Wilma.  It's like you gave birth to her or something.  (they all laugh) I'm glad Nova and Jeremiah aren't going all fancy.  We'll just be in old prom dresses. 

Nakoma: Pocahontas isn't going near as fancy as she could.  She's decided the wedding colors are shades of blue and "precious metals" rather than spend a bit extra.    

Whitney: She's smart.  Saving money, time, and stress.

Nakoma: Weddings are supposed to be expensive and stressful! 

****

Mayor's office, 1 pm

Rose-Grace: I know you're trying to finish up your work for the day, but you need to see this. 

Kyra: What is it?  Oh, the people who got into the empty downtown buildings.  (Murmurs as she reads over the list of names, then stops in horror.)  That can't be right.  He can't be... 

Rose-Grace: I double checked everything.  Unless there's another guy of the same name and the same background, it's him.  

****

The Malfoy Residence, 7pm 

Paris: I don't see any harm in letting him drop the class.  If he isn't comfortable, why make him?

Helena: You never see the harm in giving him what he wants, and life is full of uncomfortable situations.  After his brush with the law, I am done looking the other way while you spoil him.  He is not in charge! 

Paris: When he inherits everything, he will be. 

Helena: Everything?  That's ridiculous.  You have a wife and three other children!

Paris: Not everything, of course.  You and the girls will be provided for.  But the bulk of my estate will go to my male offspring.  That's Draco, since you have failed provide me with more. 

Helena: Look, we agreed that the child-rearing was to be my domain.  

Paris: You are the mother. 

Helena: Draco will remain in that class, and he will do any charity work I decide to volunteer him for, and he will learn to at least pretend to have some respect for his fellow human beings.   

Any Requests?

Rayshawn Lucas came to Barbieville with a business proposition for his old colleague Billy's wife.  She insists on the most casual meeting ever.

Rayshawn: Went by the hospital to check on Billy.  He's looking good, all things considered.

Charlotte: Yes, his care has been excellent.  I honestly didn't expect him to last this long.   How long will you be in town? 

Rayshawn: I hope to be here long-term.  I want to buy you out on that lake front property. 

Charlotte: The Point? Oh, no, it is not for sale.  That's the first of the nails in this town's coffin. 

Rayshawn: What you're doing with that property is undermining everything else you're trying to do.  Losing money hand over fist is not gonna convince anyone to give you custody of your kids - or their trust funds.  In fact, you could lose everything.  

Charlotte: How do you figure that? 

Rayshawn: According to my estimates, you've already lost half a million on it.  The legal fights over zoning alone ate up most of that.  Factor in loss of revenue from a functional RV park, property taxes, all those things...  You've got a very expensive millstone around your neck.

Charlotte: You have no idea what I'm trying to do.

Rayshawn: You're trying to crush this town for wrongs of the past and keep your pretty little hands on Mary and Max's inheritance.  You'll be much better off - and get a better revenge - if you act as a savvy and rational business woman.  But this thing with The Point is neither savvy nor rational. 

Charlotte: You may be right.  Buy up the town bit by bit...  they'd rent from me, work for me, everything.  Rayshawn, you are a genius!  I could own them all.  

Rayshawn: First step, sell me that property.  Spin the tale somehow to make you look good.  

******

A very different sort of meeting is happening at the county seat, in the probation office.

Draco: I did my community service.  Are we done here?

Helena: Apparently not, if that's all the respect you have.  (To Bonnie) It doesn't appear my son's learned his lesson, Ms Carson. Any suggestions? 

Albus: He's done what the courts said he had to, Helena, but certainly you can volunteer him for more.  I can get you a list of homeless shelters, food pantries... 

Bonnie: Albus is right.  Once I enter this data into the system, Draco's obligation to the courts is fulfilled.  However, a bit of volunteer work with the less fortunate would do him no harm.  (To Draco) You've been very fortunate.  Don't mistake that for anything you deserve. 

Draco: Look, you ginger bim-- (Helena claps a hand over his mouth, and not very gently.)

Bonnie: If you'll send my next appointment in, Mrs. Malfoy? 

Helena leads Draco out, hand still over his mouth.

Albus (pauses in the doorway): Doctor Malfoy.  She has a PhD. 

Bonnie's next appointment is Pern.  

Bonnie: Everything looks good.  You're working, attending sobriety meetings.  Even got a fellow from the group a job at Sunburst?  Very nice.

Pern: Turns out, his fiancee is the aunt of one of our servers!  You should have seen her face when she realized who the new day cook was! 

Bonnie: I do have to tell you, it's quite unusual for an adult to bring relatives in with her.

Anakin: Oh, that's my fault, Ms Carson.  I wanted to ask Mommy and Pocahontas something, but I want you to hear.  You can give us advice about it, I think.

Anakin (to Pern): I been thinking about what can help you get better and I think I know something that is best for everyone, but I'm scared you're going to get upset when I tell you.  I don't want you to think I hate you or anything like that. 

Pern: I promise to hear you out, even if it upsets me.  

Anakin: I want Pocahontas and John to adopt me. 

Openly Biased: Bullies and The Bullied

Zenobia: Welcome to Openly Biased.  Today we're continuing the series on bullying, focusing on why people bully and what can be done about it.  My first guest today are Ryan Guinness and Helena Malfoy, both former bullies! Kudos to them for the "former" part! 

Zenobia: Let's hear Helena's story first.

Helena: When I was a teenager, there was a pair of sisters that I targeted.  I did everything within my power to make their lives worse.  It wasn't until adulthood that I realized how wrong I had been.  

Zenobia: What did you have against them? 

Helena: Honestly, I think it was a case of tearing others down to build myself up.  I had incredibly low self esteem.  I had the power to make them cry and I reveled in it.  And they were easy targets - poor, unfashionable, all of that.

Zenobia: What made you see the error of your ways? 

Helena: As you know, I'm a historian.  In the course of my studies, I saw the harm done by mistreatment of the poor.   Also, in the course of simple maturation, I came to understand that the things I vilified those girls for were not their fault, that they didn't choose to be what they were.

Zenobia: Have you talked to them since?  How did that go?

Helena: One of them has forgiven me and moved past it.  The other, not so much. 

Zenobia: Ryan, what's your story? 

Ryan: If there was anyone around who wasn't obviously a white Christian heterosexual with a good job, or parents that worked, I hated them.  I got beat up at school, lost jobs, all kinds of stuff.  Slut-shaming, fat-shaming, you name it - I did it.  

Zenobia: Often, in a case like this, the bully has learned these things from his parents.  But that doesn't apply to you.  

Ryan: My sister blames her ex-boyfriend.  All I can tell you for sure is that when Dad figured out I was the one causing all the trouble, he hit the roof. Might as well have sent me off to military school.  Then Mom found out we have, like, one drop of black blood.  Seeing my sister treated the way she was, by a man she thought loved her...  That was the last straw.  I've been trying to make up for it ever since.

Zenobia: Next up, I have those who were bullied.  Three of them are peers of Ryan's and one is a former victim of Helena's.  That's not really on purpose, but Barbieville is a small town and I work with what I have.  

Zenobia: Peeta Mellark, Frodo Dean, Batgirl Montez, and Whitney Darling.  We'll start with Peeta and work our way across.  How did being bullied affect you, and do you have any advice for viewers?

Peeta: It was more like attempted bullying in my case.  I am Jewish, so I learned early on to deal with people who didn't understand.  In second grade, I remember a big scandal over my refusal to eat the pork and beans in my lunch. (laughs) Then word got out that I'm gay and people tried to give me grief for that, but it didn't bother me.  Bothers my boyfriend a lot.  He was never, you know, different.

Zenobia: I tried to talk him into being here, but he declined.  

Peeta:  Anyway, my advice to viewers is the same as I tell my boyfriend:  You aren't hurting anyone and these people have no power over you.  That second part isn't true when it comes to lawmakers and stuff, but it sure applies to that jackass who wrote gay slurs on your locker.

Frodo: Most of the bullying I've dealt with has been racial.  Mom's black and Dad's white, so I get it from both sides.  I just roll with it like my parents do. Getting mad is counterproductive, that just "proves them right".  Joking about stereotypes is a good way to show how dumb the whole thing is, though, so I do that a lot.  

Zenobia: I've heard it said the blacks can't be racist. But you said you get it from both sides?

Frodo: If you're talking actual racism, the stuff that's embedded in society, blacks can't be.  But plenty of us are...  We tend to assume the worst.  Like, say I'm wearing the saggy pants and your mom tells me to pull them up.  She doesn't realize it, but she's being racist.  Now, I could get mad and scream at her, but odds are she just thought it looked stupid.  

Zenobia: Because she doesn't understand that it's a big thing in black culture.

Frodo: Right.  The best thing to do is stay calm and give the lady the benefit of the doubt.  If she did mean to be racist, you screaming in her face is just gonna make her even more so.  

Batgirl: I can vouch for that.  Not so much on the race thing, but in general.  If people think you are trash and you don't behave like trash, it creates a chance to communicate.  I'm one of the sisters Helena talked about and, yes, we were trailer trash.  Everyone in town knew it.  We both left town upon graduation and I grew some self-esteem.  

Zenobia: You must have, if you chose to return and raise your kids in the town that treated you so badly. 

Batgirl: I realized then that most of what Charlotte and I went through was our parents' fault.  Kids, especially junior high kids, like Helena was during the worst of it, can't understand that children don't choose to live like we did.  I married Joe and brought him back here, we both work hard to support our family, and the worst my girls have gotten is an occasional comment about going back to Mexico, which they just find funny because they're Navajo. 

Zenobia: So you offer the same advice as Frodo and Peeta.  Roll with it, they mean nothing.

Batgirl: More or less.  

Whitney: I had what I thought was some harmless fun and Wilma came along nine months later.  Those nine months were a living hell.  Mom was there for me, every step of the way, but when you're thirteen, your peers are the most important people in your life. When I see the news stories about kids committing suicide because they've been bullied, I totally get it.  I thought about doing it, myself.  

Zenobia: But you got through it. 

Whitney: I had Mom.  She stood by me, helped me make my choices, even divorced my dad for me.  Held me when I cried, hid the cutlery when I was really down, everything.  But most parents are kind of oblivious to stuff like this. Maybe they aren't even capable of understanding. (Crying)  I think we need to be giving advice to everyone instead of just the kids getting bullied.   If you see someone being bullied, anywhere, any time, step in.  Don't mind your own business, don't make excuses for the bully.  Step in.  You might save a life. 

Zenobia: Everyone out there - don't be a bystander. If you have ideas, advice, anything constructive, tell us in the comment section. (Outro music plays over everyone gathering around Whitney.)

Santa Visits Barbieville!

Courtesy of the museum, Santa photos are free for children under the age of twelve.  He arrived this morning after the parade.

Boudica: Seriously, Mom, can't you get an older lady to play Mrs. Claus?  

Helena: Some children are frightened of Santa and the opposite of old and male....

Guinness and Boudica:  Is young and female.

Helena: Besides, you aren't his wife.  You're one of his elves. 

The Sulu children are first in line.

Vivica: Santa, this is our new baby.  Her name is Dixie.

Santa: And what would Dixie like me to bring her?

Vivica: She likes juice.  Can you bring her juice?

Santa: Of course.  What would you and Bobby like this year?

Bobby: A Switch and PlayStation and Xbox and lots of games and... 

Vivica: Hey! Mommy said no being a greedy butt! (to Santa) But yeah, we've tried to be good so you would bring us a video game system.  

Ty Dean is next.

Ty: My big brother says all of your reindeer are girls.  He says boy reindeers lose their antlers in the winter.  But Rudolph is a boy name, right? 

Santa: Well, now.  Frodo seems to be under the impression they're normal reindeer.  He's mistaken, of course, since normal reindeer cannot fly.  You may tell him that some of my deer are girls and some of them are boys.  

Ty: YES!  Thank you, Santa!  (Runs off without asking for anything.)

Jenny Montez pauses to show Santa her candy-cane dress before the picture is taken.

Jenny: You picked a good helper this year, Santa.  Boudica helps Doctor Marcus take care of my Uncle Billy.  

Santa (exchanging a glance with Boudica): It was very nice of her to help.  My wife and elves are all very busy, you know.  

Jenny: And last year her big sissy helped you, but that silly Zenobia pretended to be an elf.  Why'd she do that for? 

Santa: Today Boudica is an elf.  My helpers always are.

Jenny: What I would like for Christmas is a big-girl bicycle.  Wif training wheels, so Daddy can take them off when I get even bigger.  I have been very good and don't even sass Auntie Charlotte.

Guinness is surprised to see Anakin.  

Kelly: Oh, Santa, look!  This is Anakin and he's gonna be our uncle soon!  His mommy didn't let you come to her house, but now he lives with us and you can bring him goodies, too! 

Santa: Yes, of course I'll bring Anakin goodies.  What would you like, young man? 

Anakin: Nothing for me, sir.  I'm very happy with what I have. 

Kelly: Ask him to help your mommy not get sick no more!  (To Santa) Sometimes Pern takes medicine wrong.  But we don't want her to get dead. 

Roxy: Kelly!  What did Pocahontas tell us about don't tell secrets that can make people cry?

Anakin: That's not what she meant, Roxy.  (winks at "Santa") My mommy's problem isn't a secret, anyway. 

Kelly: Fine then.  You can ask for a car with muscles. 

Anakin: I'm too young for a car, goofball.  (To Santa) We will write to you at the North Pole with our wish lists. C'mon, girls, other kids are waiting!

The three youngest Pike children clamor onto Santa's lap.  Well, two of them - Orlando needs Boudica to soothe him a bit.  

Fred: My big brothers said to ask you for a really big toy box because my toys are taking over our room.  But me and the babies really bad want you to make a baby grow in Silvie's belly.

Santa (shocked): Silvie?  Sylvia Guinness?

Fred (giggling): No, silly.  Silver Stream.  Grandpa Mace's girl horse.

Santa (relieved): I'll see what I can do. 

Santa: Stacie, you didn't want to be in the picture? 

Stacie (leans close and whispers): I know that's you, Mr. Guinness, working for the real Santa.  Don't worry, I won't tell the littles.  Grandpa Mace will handle the horse baby thing.

Guinness: Good to know.  And thank you, Miss Pike.

Anakin: Come on, Stacie, hurry. Our grown-ups are waiting in the lobby.  We're going to the Oriental Buffet!  

Stacie: I love that place!  Sushi is so good! 

Anakin: Yuck.  Raw fish.  What did you say to him, anyway? 

Stacie: Just letting him know his secret's safe with me.  Besides, we know he's gonna report back to the real Santa.

Anakin: Uh, yeah.  No need to upset anyone, right? 

Tough Love Everywhere

In the early morning hours, Pern meets the other members of the Sunburst crew.  

Midna: Before we get started, I want to make a few things known. With Pern's permission, of course.  She's newly sober and wants to stay that way.  She's also new to the work force, so let's be gentle on her at first.

Pern: I can't thank all of you enough for giving me this chance.  This is my second try at living clean, I have no idea what I'm doing, but I promise to make my best effort.

Zenobia: I think I can hold off on the whips and chains until Thursday.  (laughter all around) No, seriously, we'll do our best to help as much as we can.

Esmeralda: But not so much you depend on us.  We can't turn you into a contributing member of society by contributing for you, can we? 

Jason (nods in agreement):  But first we gotta make sure all your paperwork is in order.  I'll take you to Violet. 

Violet: It looks like Midna got all the formalities taken care of.  Normally, I take care -- 

Pern: This is gorgeous artwork.  Did you do it?

Violet: My husband and stepchildren don't celebrate Christmas, so my stepdaughter painted that to replace my Merry Christmas one.  

Pern: She's good.  How old is she?

Violet (sternly): Midna hired you against my advice.  Fresh out of rehab, never worked before...  (smiles) I'd love it if you proved me wrong.  And Samantha is thirteen.  

Pern (confused): Okay?  Would challenge accepted be the wrong thing to say here? 

Violet: Absolutely not.  Now, Jason is waiting for you in the kitchen and I've got inventory to do.  

******

Doll County Courthouse, Judge's chambers

Bonnie: Your honor, the probation office has no objection to the proposed action regarding Draco Malfoy.  All parties involved have agreed to the terms.

Draco: Mother, tell them!  I didn't agree to anything!

Helena: You are a minor.  I agreed in your stead.  

Albus: I already have a list of jobs he can legally do at The Cove.  

Bonnie: I've reviewed that list with Mr. Dumbledore's employer and with Mrs. Malfoy.  It is a bit unusual for the defendant to do community service under the supervision of the plaintiff, but under the circumstances...

Helena: Albus Dumbledore is nearly the only person in the county who can't be swayed by the Malfoy name.  There's a very real concern that anyone else will be and that Draco will not learn the intended lesson.

Judge: Very well then.  We'll make it official in court this afternoon.

*****

As the third graders leave Suzie's classroom at the end of the day, they're a bit surprised to see Anakin coming in.

Roxy: Do you got detention or something?  

Dan: What did you do?

Anakin: I didn't do anything.  I just wanna talk to Mrs. Dean for a minute.  (He waits until they're gone.)  Is that okay, Mrs. Dean?  You said if any of us ever needed advice.... 

Suzie: Of course, Anakin, what's bothering you?  

Anakin settles in at a desk.

It seems like moments later when Nakoma taps on the classroom door.

Nakoma: Roxy told me you needed to talk to Mrs. Dean, kid, but it's been almost half an hour.  

Anakin: Oh, sorry.  (to Suzie) Thanks for talking to me.  Sometimes it helps to have somebody not, you know, family to talk to.

Suzie: I understand.  If you need to talk some more, I'll run your sister off.

Anakin: No, I'm gonna do what you said.  I think it's a good idea.

Anakin stops to hug her on the way out.  

Moving Out, In, and On.

Moving day for the Smith-Nedakh family. 

Tanner:  No place on the Jeep for the trailer to connect.  Fin?

Finnick: Nothing on the golf cart, either.  We're gonna have to use The Tank. 

Albus: Neither SUV has a trailer hitch?  

Tanner: The Tank's the only one with a hitch.  Grandpa Mace's truck had one, but Dad gave him a free pass to use The Tank for horse shows.  He sold the truck when Grandma got sick. 

John: Wish we'd known this before.  We could have made the move in one trip, using that beast. 

Nakoma meets them in the driveway of the new house. 

Nakoma: Change of plans.  One of the bunk beds goes into Anakin's room.  He's giving Roxy the lounge thing, since she's shorter.  Also it's pink. 

Albus (chuckles): I wonder what he'll do if they decide to have a pink wedding.  

Tanner:  Same thing I will.  Grin and bear it.

Nakoma: You're in the wedding party?

Tanner: No, but I'll have to look at y'all. 

*****

Meanwhile, at the police station.

Helena: Thank you, Chief Lynch, for driving Draco.  

Draco: Why did you have her do that?  It was humiliating! 

Helena: That's exactly why I asked her to do it.  If I had my way, you'd be in Juvenile Corrections until your trial.   

Draco:  TRIAL?!  You can't let this go to trial! 

Helena: I can and I will.  

Draco: What does Dad have to say about this? Where is he? 

Helena: Your father has protected you with his influence for the last time.  

Helena: Until your trial, you can consider yourself under house arrest. You will go nowhere but school.  Your phone will be taken and I've already changed the Internet password at ho --

Draco (stops suddenly): I need to use the restroom before we go. 

Helena: I've already seen the woman.  You are not going to avoid her. 

Charlotte: Well, fancy meeting you here.  Come to pick up your little angel? 

Helena: There's no need to be catty.  

Charlotte: I hope you don't think you can convince me to drop the charges.  

Helena: I wouldn't dream of trying.  Come along, Draco. 

Charlotte watches them go, thinking: She doesn't want me to drop the charges?  Or is this a reverse psychology thing?  What kind of mind game is Helena playing?  I wonder what she'd do if I did drop the charges?  If I convinced that old hippy to do the same?