Questions Asked

 The Private Investigator meets with Albus and Pern in her apartment.  He's trying to gather information on Cash Nedakh, the long absent father of Pocahontas, Nakoma, and Anakin Smith. 

Albus:  Sad to say, I was the one who introduced him to Kida. I tried to warn her that he was no good, but she wouldn't believe me until it was too late.  I saw him play his game in towns all across the country when we were working as carnies.  

PI: Kida had bought out the carnival, correct?  This was the start of the amusement park that stands today?

Albus: Yes, and she offered us both jobs.  Cash realized she was not only wealthy, but Indian.. sorry, Native American.  He zeroed in on her like I did enemy camps back in the war.   He had a real thing for "squaws" - his word, not mine.  

Pern:  My story's pretty much the same as Kida's.  He never married me, though.  I guess you needed a bankroll to get the ring. When I first met the girls, I was shocked that he'd not only married their mother, but stuck around for ten years.  He skipped out on me five minutes after I told him I was pregnant. 

PI:  You have not seen or heard from him since?  Neither of you? 

Albus: I'm a pacifist, but if I saw him again, I'd probably be in prison right now.  He broke Kida's heart and deserted two children. Weird thing is, he didn't empty the bank accounts on his way out of town.  

****

Across town, Federal agent Carol pays a call to the police chief.   

Carol: There's a detective sniffing around for Cash Nedakh.  

Lynch: I heard a rumor to that effect.  He could have been hired by another scorned mother.  Anakin already came out of the wood work and I really wouldn't be surprised if there are more out there. 

Carol: Or he could be working for the people he went into Witness Protection to avoid.  We allowed him to come here only because he refused to help in the case unless we did, and it's a major investigation.  

Lynch:  I suppose the people on your end are trying to find out who his client is? 

Carol: We are.  But I need you to keep and eye on this detective.  He's already spoken to the Smith sisters and he's got interviews set up all over town. 

*****

At Helena House, renovation work has paused while the County Oversight Committee investigates.

Lex:  Let me get this straight.  You, Dionne, are the mayor's niece.  What are your qualifications for this position?

Dionne: I'll be happy to give you a detailed resume.  Most women with my background would laugh at the idea of doing this for the agreed wages, but this has been a pet project of mine and Rose-Grace's since I was in high school.  

Maisie:  I was in and out of foster homes all my life.  Dionne talked to her aunt about the problems I was having, hoping to help me since at the time Rose-Grace was working with Children's Services. They bonded over a desire to reshape the foster care system. 

Lex:  You're a law student, correct? 

Maisie: I'll give you a copy of my resume, as well.  I'm here more as advisor than anything else.  

Zenobia: And everything is above-board with my donation of the house.  I made certain of that because I don't want to give my father a leg to stand on when he comes after me for squandering his money.  I asked Mrs. Pike if the town could use the manor for something and she accepted my offer.

*****

Later that evening, Mace sits down with the investigator.

Mace: Rosie was a teenager when she worked for Kida Nedakh.  She joined the military after graduating, to get the college fund, so she wasn't here in town when Cash vanished.  Took leave as soon as she could, though.

PI: Kida considered Rose-Grace her best friend, even though there was a sizable age difference.  

Mace:  Rosie felt the same way.  Kida was matron of honor at both Rosie's weddings, but she died before the little twins were born.  

PI: Did either you or your daughter know him well? 

Mace: No.  We traveled in different circles, as they say, and he gave Rosie the creeps. She avoided him unless Kida was in the same... 

Suddenly the entire house shakes.  They can hear glass breaking and the cries of frightened children.

******

Breaking news: The small town of Barbieville, on the south shore of Muneca Lake, was hit by an earthquake.  The upstream dam gave way and flooded the low-lying areas of town.  Rescue efforts are underway.  

(Flood photos from the Internet.) 

Now what?

Pocahontas's office at Witch's Cove

Pocahontas:  Now that Nakoma has joined us, we can talk.  Nakoma, this gentleman is a private investigator.  He's looking for information about our father.  

Nakoma: Last we knew, he was in Virginia.  About ten years ago.  

P.I.:  Anakin is the younger brother and Pernilla Dancer is his mother.  I understand both of them live here in Barbieville now and that she's signed over custody to you and your husband.  I'd like to speak to them, and to Albus Dumbledore.  

    

Pocahontas: I can give Pern and Albus your card, but it's going to be their choice if they want to talk to you.  Neither one of them is president of Cash's fan club.

P.I.: I understand.  The trail's gone cold.  I'm hoping to get some insight into his thinking by speaking to those who knew him.  I've already determined that he's definitely got a thing for women of Native descent.  He's claimed membership in several tribes across the country.

Nakoma (after he's gone):  That is one sexy dude.  

Pocahontas:  I'm more interested in his client.  Why's someone tracking Cash down?  

****  

Speaking of Albus, he's at lunch with the pretty young thing Pocahontas recently hired to coordinate shows at Witch's Cove.  

Tierra:  What do you think?  Could we pull off a show of this caliber in the current venue?

Albus: We'd have to scale it back some, but I think we could make it work.  You know your stuff, that's for sure.  The costumed characters have so much positive feedback, it's ridiculous.  

Tierra:  Since it's Witch's Cove, we call them familiars.  I never heard of a witch with a panda familiar, but buying assorted mascot costumes at that price, we took what we could get.   

***** 

The Sulu family enjoys a rare lunch together across the restaurant. 

Vivica:  How come Mattie went away?  We just now dopted her! 

Lynch: Her musical talent was going to waste here.  Remember what Finnick Pike told us about her, like two days after her arrival?

Bobby (imitating Finnick):  She should be giving me guitar lessons, not the other way around.  You should see about a music scholarship at Julie's Yard.  (To Vivica)  Some day Mattie will be rich and famous.  Wait and see. 

Vivica:  But I miss her so bad!

Rafe:  Geeze, Viv, we just put her on the bus five minutes ago. 

Sulu:  We're all going to miss Mattie.  And I'm sure she'll miss us. 

Rafe: Yeah, she still misses her foster sisters from before you adopted her.  I don't miss my foster anybodies.  Mine all sucked.  

Lynch:  Rayford Sulu!  I'm sure hey did their best.

*****

At the mayor's office, some personal drama goes down.  

 

Rose-Grace:  Brent proposed? Why do you look less than happy?

Kyra: They've inherited their parents' ranch and the whole lot of them are moving to Montana.  Bertie and Daisy have both put in their notice at work.  

Rose-Grace:  That's nuts.  Bertie just got the anchor position at WDLC!  

Kyra: Bertie can't wait to move her lesbian Hispanic self into their house.  She says she can find news work out there, and Daisy really misses Montana.  

Rose-Grace: So if you accept his proposal, you'll be leaving? 

Lex:  Sorry to interrupt.  I hope this isn't a bad time. 

Rose-Grace:  Aren't you from the county oversight committee? 

Lex:  I am.  We've received report of irregularities in the establishment of Helena House. 

Kyra:  I assure you, everything about Helena House is above-board.  

    

Lex:  Mayor Pike acquired the property from a family friend and hired a relative to run the children's home.  And who are you, anyway? 

Kyra:  I'm her executive assistant. 

Lex:  That brings you under suspicion as well. 

For The Children

Jimin starts his work day with checking e-mails, but it isn't long before his appointments start arriving.  

Jimin:  I have good news.  We have a prospect for you.  Take a look at the file and see what you think.

Lynch: A boy?!  Bobby will be thrilled.

Sulu (reading from the file):  We specified children of Asian heritage. It's nice to have the kid at least kind of look like us.  People can be so rude.  This boy is, what, Cheyenne?  Sioux?  

Jimin: He's Vietnamese by blood, but his parents taught at the reservation school.  

Lynch (to Sulu): Let me see that file.  

*****

Jimin barely gets the calls made from the Sulu case when his next client comes in.

Charlotte: You aren't going to believe this.  Kayden had extensive plastic surgery, for no apparent reason, and I'm pretty sure he dipped into Mary and Max's money to do it.  You have got to speed this up.  It's taken so long already.

Jimin: Mrs. Jackson, I've told you, none of the money belongs to any of your children or stepchildren.  Their father is still alive and the money is still tied up in his businesses. The only personal use money coming from Billy Senior is your personal allowance.  

Jimin: I sent our proposal to their lawyer - Kayden can have custody as long as, in the event of their father's death, the share of the inheritance intended for Mary goes into trust until Mary's twenty-first birthday.  Same deal with Max's share.

Charlotte: Kayden will never agree to that.  He only wants them for their money.  And to spite me.

Jimin: We will deal with his refusal when it happens.

*****

Before Jimin realizes the time, his lunch date arrives.

Bonnie: Don't tell me.  The Jackson case? 

Jimin: She's such a nightmare.  (glares at the fax machine) I'm still waiting for a response, but apparently her stepson has to discuss everything at length with his brothers before telling the lawyer what to do. 

Bonnie: How many brothers are there?

Jimin: The old man had two sons and adopted hers, so three adult.  The minors they're fighting over came along after the marriage.  Older boys think she married the guy for his money, but she seems genuinely fond of him.  

Bonnie:  Both sides think the other is after the kids' share of the money?  And Dad is still alive.

Jimin: If you want to call that living.  Poor dude is in a coma. 

*Charlotte's children live in the Facebook Page "Our Toy Story".  Album name is Nearly Famous.*

The Verdict Is In

 WDLC News special report. Live from Doll County Courthouse, Barbieville Mayor Rose-Grace Pike is making a prepared statement regarding Barbieville's Deadly Driver case.

Rose-Grace: Just moments ago, Paris Malfoy, once a respected professor at the local university, was found guilty of all charges.  Homicide victims included his own wife, historian Helena Malfoy, and County Parks Employee Charlie Lake.  Other charges include human trafficking, fraud, and grand theft auto.  Malfoy will be serving at least twenty years, at which time he is eligible for parole. I will not be taking questions at this time. 

Andre: Do not respond to any questions.  Walk directly to the vehicle.

Malfoy: You were supposed to get me off, you lousy little -- 

Lynch: Considering public sentiment, you're lucky to have avoided The Chair. 

****

It's evening by the time Rose-Grace gets home.  

Mace: We saw you on the news.  Looking pretty good.

Rose-Grace: Lynch brought him out and the entire mob forgot I existed.   (chuckles)  I'm not even sure how I ended up being the one to make a statement.  Usually it's one of the attorneys.  I'm just glad it's finally over and I can get back to normal.

Candy: I snuck out in disguise and came right here.  Pike said I can crash on the couch tonight, since your windows are far enough from the road to deter reporters.  

Rose-Grace: According to the police radio, crowds are congregating at your building and The Tor.  You can see them in front of James and PJ's place, too, but so far no one's complained there.  They're like vultures. 

Candy: Making all us ethical photojournalists look bad.  

Taylor: Hey, Mom!  Did he get The Chair? 

Rose-Grace: You know we don't even have a death penalty.  I came in here to tell you I spoke to Halfsies.  They don't have the funds for paid employees, but they said an internship is possible.  

Taylor: Internship is a good start, I guess.  Okay if I stop there after school tomorrow to work out a schedule?  

Rose-Grace: Just remember, your schoolwork comes first.  Keep the grades up. 

Rose-Grace: You left your homework this late?  You know better than that. 

Stacie: I've been working on this all day, Stepmom.  Life in ancient Rome was crazy!

Rose-Grace: Life in modern Barbieville is crazy, too.  I'm gonna pour me a glass of wine and soak in a bubble bath.  Which might be something they did in ancient Rome.  Although my wine isn't kept in lead urns.  

Another Sulu

 The Sulu family is at the airport.

Bobby: Is that our new Sissy's plane?  Is she here now? 

Sulu: I think it is.  Now, remember, be on your best behavior.  We don't want her jumping back on the plane and running away! 

Vivica (giggles): I'll tackle her!  We been playing football at recess!  

Mattie:  Mr. and Mrs. Sulu?  I'm Matilda.

Lynch: No need for the formality.  If you aren't comfortable with Mom and Dad, I'm Lynch and he's Sulu.  These little monsters crowding around our knees are Bobby and Vivica, your new siblings. (To the little ones) Back off and give her some space. 

Bobby: Daddy said you was bringing a guitar.  Where's it at? Can you play it good? 

Mattie (to Bobby): I've just started lessons and it'll be waiting for us at Baggage Claim.  (To Sulu and Lynch.)  I hope there's someone who can give me lessons here?  

Lynch: We've been asking around, but no luck so far.  This all happened so fast!  

Vivica: How come you got such a teeny suitcase?

Bobby: I dint know we was adopting a growed-up lady. 

Mattie (laughs): I've got a few years before I'm an adult. I'm just tall. And the teeny suitcase holds my book.  I'm really fussy about taking care of my books.  (Looks up as Sulu and Lynch return from conferring with the flight crew.)  All set? 

Lynch: All set.  Just had to prove we really are the people that are supposed to be picking you up. 

****

On the way home, they stop at Sunburst for dinner. 

Mariko: Your food will be up shortly. 

Lynch: Mariko, this is Matilda.  (The girls exchange the usual pleasantries) We contacted an agency about adopting an older child and almost instantly, they hooked us up with Matilda.  

Mariko: No offense, but you guys are nuts.  These three aren't aging you quickly enough? 

Mattie: I'm pretty sure that's why they adopted me. 

Sulu: Hey, now!  That may have been part of why we requested --- 

Mattie (laughs): I'm not complaining! It's all very Anne of Green Gables.  

Mariko: When you start school, I'll meet you at the office and show you around.  Unless Lynch already roped Taylor into doing that? 

Lynch: Taylor's in the same grade.  But thanks for offering. 

John: Just what we need. Another Sulu. 

Sulu: How'd you manage to sneak up on me? 

John: Restroom.  (To Mattie) Nice to meet ya, kid.  I'm your uncle John. 

Sulu: Don't confuse her, she just got here. 

John (pretends to be hurt): You didn't tell her about me? Your best bud since kindergarten?  

Sulu: Don't make me kick your ass.  

From The Past

Gabriella's discovery of a submerged SUV in the waters of Witch's Cove Inlet, the connection to Muneca Lake for the town's many small streams, has brought Lynch and Carol to the park. 

Gabriella: I just caught a glimpse of something odd from the corner of my eye.  Had to use my phone's camera and zoom in to tell what it was.  But I didn't take a picture.  I ran back over here to tell Dad. 

Lynch: You were on your way to the restroom? 

Carol:  I didn't know you could see down into the inlet from this side. 

Gabriella: Usually, you can't, but part of the underbrush is all smashed down.  I think that's what I noticed.  I did go back over there, to use the restroom, while we were waiting for you to arrive.  I had to go pretty bad. 

Lynch: I'll make a note of that.  (To Carol)  They keep the underbrush thick to keep people from going over the edge, either by accident or on purpose.  Amusement park is an easy swim across from here, if you can get to the water.  

Carol: An SUV driving through, especially at speed, would crush the undergrowth.  We should have CSI check for tire tracks from the parking area.  

Ryder: Man, Tate, you just keep running into those good looking cop ladies.  If this was a chick flick, it'd be a sure sign of... 

Tate: You watch chick flicks? 

Ryder: I live with three sisters, two of which are teenagers.   Who do you prefer?  The cop or the fed? 

Joe: The cop is happily married with three kids.  

Ryder: I guess it's the fed, then. 

Joe (rolls his eyes):  And they say women are chatty.  Y'all talk more in an hour than any female employee I've ever had did in a day.  

Tate: With my luck, if I find a lady, she'll be buried under 50 years worth of newspapers in my uncle's attic or basement.  (To Joe)  It's all him, man.  I swear. 

****

At Windu Acres, Candy catches Pike up on her recent reunion with Dawn Lung. 

Pike: I think I remember her now.  The girl I called your little sister?  Her dad got busted for bigamy and her parents both sucked so bad she ended up in the system?

Candy: Right.  When wife number two found out Dawn was going in and out of foster care, she stepped up.  Figured Dawn was her daughter's sister, so they should be together.  Funny she ended up here, too, isn't it?  

Pike: That's just how cool Barbieville is.  What's Dawn doing these days? 

Candy: She and her sister have a business called Tailoring by Halfsies. 

Finnick: Hey, you should see if she can give Taylor a job.  She's recently rediscovered how much she loves sewing.  Has Grammy's machine set up in her room and everything. 

Candy: I could ask her.  But I think we should talk to Taylor and Rose-Grace first. 

Finnick: Step-Mom just pulled in.  I heard her car. 

Rose-Grace (on phone): Excellent.  Keep me updated,  Lynch.  I want this nightmare over. 

Pike: Hey, when you're -- 

Rose-Grace: Honey, you know it take me a while to switch from Mayor Mode.  Do you need Wife Mode or Mom Mode?  

Pike: Since it relates to Taylor, definitely Mom Mode. 

 

Arrest and Arrangements

 

Bertie: News on the Deadly Driver, who has killed two local women and injured another.  Paris Malfoy, husband of one of the victims, was arrested this morning at his home in The Tor.  Malfoy is head of the history department at Doll County Community College.  We take you live to Rebecca Weasley, live at Barbieville City Hall Complex. 

Becky:  I'm here with Barbieville Police Chief Becky Lynch, who made the arrest.  Chief Lynch, what led to this arrest?  What evidence to you have that Professor Malfoy committed the crimes in question? 

Lynch:  The third victim, who survived the attack, was wearing a portable sports camera.  She shared video footage with us that contained compelling information.   We obtained warrants not only for his arrest but for certain technology from the Malfoy home and office, from which we hope to determine a motive.  

Bertie: All reports are that the Malfoy family is cooperating with the investigation.  In other news, two events upcoming this summer promise better times.  A civilian committee is planning a Pride Event for later this month and The Grand Re-Opening of Witch's Cove, which will include a formal ball for some of the guests, is planned for Father's Day.  

****

Speaking of that civilian committee... 

Peeta: Hey, we're wearing the same shirt! 

Albus (chuckles): Great minds think alike. 

Ken: I can't believe nobody wanted to help you with this, Zenobia.  Peeta and I were just talking the other day about how so many get ridiculous for Pride events and all of us look bad.  I mean, that's why the town stopped sponsoring anything. 

Albus: Flaunting the differences only alienates the people we're trying to convince.  If we want to be seen as just like them, we need to behave with the same discretion they do.  

Candy (coming up behind Ken): It's not always about convincing anyone.  Sometimes it's just about embracing who you are.  Love is love, sure, but other people are just promiscuous.  Seriously, Albus, neither you or Zenobia has any intention of ever marrying.

Zenobia: She's got us there, Albus.  Pride's about way more than marriage rights and everyone here knows it.  A lot of the folks who go overboard for Pride aren't asking for acceptance, they're showing that they don't need or want acceptance.  (To Candy) And I told you that your help here might be a problem.  Conflict of interest or something.

Candy: Well, you can just claim my son was coming to tell you Windu Acres is planning to do carriage rides and a horse-baby petting zoo.  I tagged along because I'm getting cabin fever. 

Finnick:  All I know is that if I'm making out with Nakoma and Peeta's holding hands with Ken, people are gonna get offended at them and not us.  It's stupid.  And I did not know you told Mom that, Zenobia, or I wouldn't have brought her.  

Zenobia: Well, if there's a problem, we'll deal with it.  I've got too much stress in my life to create more by worrying.  You and your trouble-making mom are welcome to stay. 

Loose Ends Tied

 Zenobia goes to Windu Acres, hoping to speak with Rose-Grace, and is pleasantly surprised to meet Candy in the driveway. 

Zenobia: You're out of the hospital? Already? 

Candy: Oh, yeah.  My quick reflexes saved me from most major damage.  The knee's probably busted for life and I feel like a truck hit me, but otherwise... (laughs) Gee, I wonder why I feel like a truck hit me?  

Zenobia: I don't even know if I should be talking to you.  I think I'm a suspect. 

Candy: I think we're okay as long as we don't talk about the incident.  Are you looking for the boys?  Tanner's helping Mace and Finnick took the little ones to watch the parade.  They should be back soon, if you want to wait. 

Zenobia: I'm actually looking for Rose-Grace.  I need to talk to her about a project I was doing.  

Rose-Grace arrives as they're talking, on horseback.  She dismounts and starts removing the tack from Ka-Gae while they talk. 

Zenobia: I know I told you I'd put together something for Pride Week this year, but with everything going on...  

Rose-Grace: You've been working alone?  I thought you had a group working with you. 

Zenobia: Well, I don't.  I don't even get a chance to explain your definition of family-friendly before people yell about discrimination.  So I gave up looking for help and put something together on my own.

Candy: Sad to say, most of them yelling have a point.  My boys and their girlfriends get away with way more PDA than Ken and Peter do. 

Rose-Grace:  Peeta, not Peter.  (to Zenobia) Look, I know a festival for a marginalized community is best planned by that community, but use the allies you have.  You've got a lot of straight friends who totally support this.  Whole houseful of us right here. 

Candy: Hell, I'll sign up right now.  

Zenobia:  You can't.  A vehicle registered under my name ran over you, remember?  

Candy: Excuse me, young lady, but it only tried to run over me and failed miserably.

******

Across town:

Lynch: Helena was struck sometime that evening and not found until morning, and neither man can prove where they were for the entire night.  James Potter was at home with several witnesses when Charlie was hit, and with a patient when Candy was.  We have no idea where Paris Malfoy was either time.  Both mornings, he claims to have been in his office at the college, but no one saw him there.  

Carol: I think we should wait until we find the vehicle, have CSI go over it, and... 

Lynch: And get a few more of my citizens killed or injured?  No.  I'm bringing Malfoy in. 

Carol: You're going to regret it. 

Zenobia's Interview

Zenobia meets Lynch and Carol at the police station. 

Lynch: The vehicle used in the attacks is registered to Zenobia F. Malfoy, at The Tor.  

Zenobia: I had a green van.  Sorry, SUV.  When I graduated, my parents gifted me with a lot of money.  It was intended to be for college.  Mom told me that if I wasn't going to college, I should invest it in something career-related.  I used it to buy equipment for my band, including the SUV to drive to shows.

Carol: The band being Sarcastic Fringehead? 

Zenobia: It was a heavy metal group called Vagina Dentata.  We were going to be the next Metallica or Megadeth.  Anyway, Dad had a fit.  We had a huge fight and that was when I left.  I got a place of my own and the SUV was stolen shortly after that.  

Lynch: You never reported it stolen.

Zenobia: I did.  I can probably find my copy of the police report.   

Lynch: Against Agent Danvers's advice, I want to show you the video in question.  

Zenobia (horrified): You want me to watch someone being hit by a car?  The same car that killed my mother?  Oh, my god.  Someone killed Mom with my car?! 

Carol: The only reason you aren't under arrest right now is that video.  The driver is obviously not a petite blue-haired woman.  

Lynch: Will you at least look at a still from the video?  

Zenobia (tearful): Just the still, please.  

Zenobia (gasps): Is that Dad?  What is going on? 

Lynch: Is there any reason he'd want to harm these women?  And use your vehicle to do it?  

Zenobia: Oh, he's not liked me from the moment I came out of Mom without a penis.  Add bisexuality and a total lack of ambition.  Hell, he could have had the car stolen and then bribed the idiot who was mayor before Rose-Grace to make the report vanish.  Just to punish me for not being, well, Draco. 

Carol: How was your parents' marriage, Zenobia?  Did your father have problems with either of the other two victims? 

Zenobia: Everyone has wanted to run over Charlie Lake with a large vehicle.  But he probably doesn't know Candy exists.  (pause) Mom used to joke that the only way he could get out of the marriage with anything but the shirt on his back (starts crying) would be to kill her.  

After Zenobia leaves, Carol and Lynch discuss what they've learned.

Lynch: Zenobia's whole world is caving in around her and you're playing Good Cop Bad Cop?  

Carol: I'm not playing anything.  She wasn't driving, but there are so many holes in her story.  Daddy bribed the mayor?  She hasn't known where the vehicle was all this time?  

Lynch: You don't know the former mayor or Paris Malfoy.  

Carol: That's the problem with you small-town cops.  You know everyone and you let that influence your investigation.  Have you forgotten that driver could easily be James Potter?  That Zenobia could have hired someone who has a passing resemblance to her father?  Maybe she's framing him. 

****

At Lakeshore Townhomes.

 

Zenobia: Good, you're still up.  We need to talk. 

Jessie: Tris called, told me the cops were looking for you.  Was it about your mom?

Zenobia: Very about Mom.  But I don't wanna talk about that and maybe mess up the investigation.  The thing is, it's starting to look like a very real possibility that I'll have to move back to The Tor.  Or I might go to prison.  Either way, you need to know you could lose a roomie.  

Jessie: Wait, you might go to prison?  What is going on?