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. 

Catching Up and Getting Acquainted

Windu Acres: Candy has provided lunch for Mace and Tanner.

Candy: I'm surprised you're not taking courses in animal husbandry or something, given society's rejection of apprenticeships.  Unless you call it internship. 

Tanner:  Grandpa Mace found me some on-line courses.  I usually do that in the evenings while everyone else is fighting over the television. 

Candy: I see.  And Finnick is in trade school learning to fix roller coasters.

Tanner: Well, it's not that simple, but yeah.  Albus says he's looking forward to retirement, finally, but the guy's full of it.  Witch's Cove could've hired someone a long time ago if he really wanted to retire. 

Mace: Albus will retire when he's dead.  He's as much a part of the family as the park is.  Or maybe it's the other way around.  Ask Tanner about the wedding.  

Tanner: Grandpa!

Candy: Whose wedding?  Peeta and Ken's is the only one I know of.

Tanner:  Grandpa thinks it's funny that Whitney is...  well, she keeps fussing at Nakoma and Finnick that there is no reason to delay their wedding.  But me and Finnick want to have a double wedding.  There's no way me and Whitney are ready - I'm not gonna be the guy that moves his wife into his parents' house.

Candy: Maybe she's turning into a Bridezilla and doesn't want to share the glory.  Or maybe Ken and Peeta gave her wedding fever and it'll pass. 

Tanner: It better pass. 

******

Speaking of Nakoma, she's providing Maisie with a casual tour of the college campus.

Nakoma:  Most of your classes will be in this building, and I've never even set foot in here!  

Maisie:  Thanks so much for this.  They gave me a map and everything, but it always helps to have a flesh-and-blood person to ask. Where's the best place to study?  Besides the library.  (Her phone chimes)  Oh, that's my husband.  Let me take this real quick.

Husband: Who is Helena House and why are you using her phone?

Maisie: It's the group home's name.  Helena was the mother of the benefactors, and this is my new phone.  I get a company one as one of the founders.

Husband: She found you again, didn't she? Where'd she get arrested this time? 

Maisie: I don't know and I don't care.  Look, I'm kind of in the middle of something.  I'll call you tonight? 

Nakoma: Finnick told me what little he knows about your history when he asked me to show you around campus.  I'm sorry your birth family sucks.  

Maisie: Thanks.  I lucked out when I met Dionne, though.  The Baptistes welcome me to everything - and now the Pikes do! (gestures with the phone)  The military ever stops deploying my husband, I hope to start a semi-functional family of my own.

Mrs. Moneybags: Third Elimination

 After the day at Zenobia's pride event, the group gathers in the office of The Point. 

Rayshawn: Well, ladies, it's time.  Marty and I have made our decision.  

Rayshawn: Doreen, you're this week's high score.  Fives from both of us.  You and yours are very compatible with the Lucas men.  That brings your total to 27. 

Doreen (claps her hands): I'm so glad! 

Rayshawn: Gwen, I gave you a three and Marty gave you a four.  We liked your family, but frankly, we just liked the Carsons better.  Your total is also 27.

Gwen: I'm not complaining.  I figured Doreen would take this one, with Tommy existing and all. 

Rayshawn: Sally, I'm sorry to say that you scored lowest this time.  One point from each of us.  From what you tell us of your family, it doesn't seem as if they'd be compatible with us at all.  We don't do gender roles and we certainly don't cast out people for things beyond their control. 

Sally: Nobody cast me out.  I chose to be here and do this. 

Rayshawn: You clearly feel that you had no better option.  Your total is sixteen. 

Rayshawn: Seven, you get four points form me and three from Marty.  From what you tell us, your family seems like our kind of people.  Your total is 21. 

Seven: Excellent. 

Rayshawn: Esperanza, you score two from each of us, despite the fact that we did find your mothers to be good people, bringing your total to thirteen.  You're going home.  

Esperanza: Yeah, I figured. 

Rayshawn: A parting gift of three thousand dollars.  No airfare home, since you live here in Barbieville.  

Esperanza: It's been quite an experience.  Thanks for the consideration.  (shakes hands and leaves)

Rayshawn:  Next week, we're relaxing more.  Just pulling our shifts in the front office, hanging around The Point, and at the end of the week....  (gestures to Nakoma)

Nakoma: For those of you who don't know me, I'm Nakoma Smith, one of the owners of Witch's Cove.  On Friday, we've reserved admission tickets for all of you.  Nothing like the pleasant exhaustion from a day at the amusement park to bring... 

Sally: I can't go to an amusement park!  With my health issues, I won't be able to ride anything!

Seven: There's lots to do besides ride.  Midway games, eating, shopping... even just people watching.

Gwen: Yeah, I can't ride much because of my back, but it's still a fun day. 

Doreen: See there?  Gwen can stay with you while we ride the things you can't.  

Sally: No, thank you.  (To Nakoma) I respectfully decline your offer.  I'll just stay here at the motel while they go. 

Nakoma: I did not expect that.  

Rayshawn: It's cool.  We'll just need one ticket less.  

Charlotte: Seriously?  You should make her go!  It's part of the deal! 

Rayshawn: I'm not in the habit of making people do things they don't want to.  (To Nakoma) Don't worry, you'll still get your money's worth in free advertising.  

Ghosts and Gold Diggers

 Diana is finishing up her first day teaching at the college when a man enters. 

Jeremiah:  Diana Prince?  

Diana: Yes.  Can I help you with something? 

Jeremiah:  I hope so.  I'm the president of Doll County Paranormal.  We investigate claims of hauntings, with a scientific focus, and our current project is at Witch's Cove.  Are you familiar with this area at all? 

Diana: I graduated with Pocahontas.  And I believe you graduated with my brother Severus.  

 

Jeremiah (chuckles): Small world.  Anyway... we're putting together a video of this particular investigation, to sell in Witch's Cove's gift shops, and hoped to have an actual historian present the -- well, the history of the place.

Diana:  I hate to be rude, but it's been a long day and I just want to get home to my son.  Can I give you my card and we'll make arrangements? 

****

At The Point, a motel and campground on the south shore of Muneca Lake

William: I've been considering your proposal.  I'm sorry, but I just can't condone gold digging. 

Charlotte: It's not gold digging if it's honest.  I know many people look down on me, but Billy knew the entire time that I wouldn't have been with him if he was broke.  And Rayshawn isn't looking for that type of girl, anyway, they'd all be eliminated quickly. 

Rayshawn: Right.  You see those shows on TV, it's all hot tubs and cocktails, but my elimination criteria is gonna include working on renovating The Point and getting along with my kid.   Gold-diggers ain't into that kind of thing, are you, Charlotte? 

Charlotte: I prefer the term social climber, thank you very much.  

William: Wait.  You want to bring in a bunch of women with the marry a millionaire concept and then make them do manual labor?  

Charlotte: He's following my example.  This way he can focus on compatibility without wondering if she's faking interest to get at the money.  Rayshawn envies us because our marriage isn't based on deceit.  

William: I'm beginning to see some merit in this idea.  Would the child have a say in the matter?  Perhaps even act as one of the judges? That's an angle we haven't seen.  Father and son decide the elimination.  

******

Friday afternoon, DCP meets at the Overlook in Witch's Cove.

Jeremiah: OK, y'all, we need to get coordinated for this weekend's investigation.  HQ will be here, in the event venue, but of course we'll be spread out over the entire property.  But before we get started, Phoebe Guinness has news.

Phoebe:  I've submitted my paperwork for my doctorate.  Accredited schools don't have one for parapsychology, so it's actually in plain ole psych, but with a heavy focus on the para!  

Jeremiah: And welcome to the team Diana Prince and Esperanza Hernandez.  Diana is a history professor and will be acting as team historian, but Esperanza will be out in the field with us.  Remember, everyone, we do not scoff at rookie mistakes.  We once made them ourselves.  

Diana: May I say, whoever did the research for this specific project did an excellent job.  

Nakoma: That would be Phoebe.  She's currently employed in the park and therefore not allowed to take part in the field work.  Jeremiah's rules, not mine!  (To Jeremiah)  I'm here as park owner, to protect our legal interests.  

Diana (to Esperanza): That's Pocahontas?  She looks so young. 

Esperanza: Nakoma.  The younger sister.

Diana: Wow.  I'm really behind on my hometown gossip.

Kids These Days

 Snape and Diana, moving her into her new home, take a lunch break.

Whitney: Well, hello, Mr. Snape.  How have you been? 

Snape: Quite well.  Have you met my sister?  Diana, this is a former student of mine, Whitney Darling.  I imagine she's a student of yours now.  

Whitney: Oh, you must be the new History instructor.  

Diana: Yes, I am.  

Whitney:  I guess I'll see you this evening, then.  I'm in the eight o'clock class. 

Snape: Whitney's an excellent student.  (to Whitney) Have you decided on a major? 

Whitney: Not yet.  My father wants me to go into broadcasting, my boyfriend's aunt wants me in paleontology, my daughter wants me to be a doctor... 

Snape: No pressure from Tanner to go into animal husbandry? (To Diana) Whitney is dating the heir apparent of Windu Acres.  Rose-Grace's stepson. 

Whitney: I should have a career of my own, so I can take care of myself if...  you know, if anything happens. 

William: You flirt with men old enough to be your father?  

Whitney: He's a teacher at the high school.  And what you call flirting is part of my job description.

William: When are you coming into the studio?  

Whitney: I'm not.  I told you, broadcasting doesn't interest me. 

Charlotte: You should treat your father with more respect.  

Whitney: I don't believe politely declining a job offer is disrespectful, Mrs. Jackson.  

Charlotte (to William): My own children are disrespectful as well.  They rarely check in on me or their father, who is hospitalized.  Our generation -- 

William: This is a business lunch.  I prefer not to discuss personal matters. 

Charlotte: I understand.  Since Rayshawn is running late, I suppose I could summarize for you what we have in mind. 

*** 

Whitney rushes to class after work. 

Nakoma: There you are!  I was getting worried. 

Whitney: I met our new prof today.  She's Snape's sister.

Nakoma: Oh, dear.  I hope she's nicer than him.  

Esperanza: Who's Snape?  Your ex?

Nakoma: Chemistry teacher at the high school.  I don't have an ex. 

Ken: Did you hear that?  We're getting a female Snape!  

Frodo: Chill, man.  Mom met her when she was enrolling her little boy at school.  Mom said she's really nice.  Great sense of humor. 

Ken: She must have gotten all the sense of humor genes in the family.  

Lies and Gossip

 Zenobia and Boudicca have been summoned to Judge's Chambers.

Judge: It is unusual for me to speak directly with witnesses, but both attorneys have agreed provided they are present.  What I want isn't evidence, per se.  It's context to help me decide on sentencing. Both of you had obvious reactions to your father's testimony, which intrigues me. 

Zenobia: If Mom knew about my van, she wouldn't have kept quiet.  She would have told me and encouraged me to prosecute the thief.  If there'd been drugs in it, she'd have seen to it I was prosecuted. She was very into teaching us that actions have consequences. 

Boudicca: I'm beginning to think Dad needs psychiatric help.  That entire scenario sounds more like him protecting the family name than anything she would have done.  

Zenobia:  You were always more forgiving than me.  The man is a liar, plain and simple. 

Andre: Your Honor, I have to object.  Miss Malfoy is accusing my client of perjury.

Judge: Objection noted.  Is there anything else you'd like me to consider? 

Boudicca:  He's always been more concerned with the family's public image than with our own feelings.  He wanted to legally disown Zenobia a long time ago, but Mom wouldn't hear of it.  Personally, I think he's the one who hid the vehicle away.  Whether he's lying or delusional I'll leave to the experts. 

Zenobia: His first-born was supposed to be a lot of things I'm not. But none of that really bears on the case, except the van.  And the question of why it was in hiding doesn't change the fact that he used it to do what he did.

Judge: I'll take Boudicca's advice and consult with the professionals already on the case.  Thank you for your time. ladies. 

**** 

As a result of this meeting, the keytar player for Sarcastic Fringehead is late for rehearsal. 

Zenobia: Thanks for waiting, guys.  Talk to me about anything that's not my dad, please! 

Whitney: Finnick was telling us he doesn't think Maddie Sulu needs guitar lessons and Nakoma wants to punch Esperanza in the nose.

Tanner: I wanna punch Esperanza in the nose.  Just because she gets you so worked up.  

Whitney: I just worry that she might be right.  Even just a little. 

Tanner: Well, she ain't right.  If I had a problem with our relationship, I'd talk to you about it.  

Nakoma: It's not just you, anyway.  She's spreading tales about Finnick and Mattie, too.  Among others. 

Zenobia: It's just gossip.  Do you have any ideas how many times the gossip mill's had me pregnant?  

Nakoma: Mattie is a minor.  Finnick could get arrested. 

Zenobia: Nobody's gonna get arrested based on gossip.  Investigated, maybe, but not arrested. 

The Overlook Formal

Father's Day.  Evening.  The Overlook, event venue at Witch's Cove, reopens after remodeling with a formal ball. 

Nakoma: Welcome to the Overlook, Ms Jones!  Who's your friend? 

Rallee: Nakoma, this is Susan Anthony.  She'll be taking over as principal of the High School.  Susan, this is Nakoma Smith, one of the owners of Witch's Cove.  

Nakoma: Nice to meet you, Ms Anthony.  I think you'll like it here, at least until my little brother reaches the ninth grade.  (to Rallee) I was stunned to hear Dean resigned.  Is it true he got a offer from some fancy private school out west? 

Rallee: East, actually.  I hate to lose him, but we get Ms Anthony, so its a win/win situation.  

Susan: It was fortunate that this event was the same day as my arrival in town.  Superintendent Jones insisted upon my coming, to meet most of the town's leaders.  

Pocahontas: Rose-Grace, how did you escape your husband looking like that?  (To Maren) I don't believe we've met.  I'm Pocahontas Smith and this is my sister Nakoma.  We own the Cove. 

Maren: Maren North.  I was hired to run the Barbieville Museum after Helena's death.  Terrible thing. 

Rose-Grace: Maren's young, but she's fully qualified and has excellent references. 

Maren (blushing): I'm something of a prodigy.  Graduated high school at 12 and dove right into college.  I'm quite driven. 

Susan: Do you have any family enrolled at the high school? 

Maren: Not yet.  That is, my younger sisters haven't been registered.  They'll be arriving later this week with my brother.  

Susan: I look forward to meeting them.

John: The mayor's got a whole brood.  (To Pocahontas) How many of them are in high school now?  Two? 

Pocahontas: I think just Taylor.  Maybe Nikki, too.  

John: We can ask Finnick if we can tear him away from Nakoma.  (To Susan) He's one of the brood in question.  

Susan: Don't bother the young couple.  

Nakoma: I can't believe Tanner and Whitney didn't come.  What's wrong with them, anyway? 

Finnick: He's right.  Even if he proposed to her all public like you suggested, Esperanza's still gonna think what she wants.  Want me to propose to you all public?  I'll do it. 

Nakoma: No, you idiot.  Get back to me when you finish trade school, though.  

The sisters spot more guests arriving and hurry to greet them.  

Pocahontas: Dean quit?  The Mellarks are moving?  What the hell, girl? 

Nakoma: I figured Midna told you, since she's lost her bookkeeper.  Peeta is moving in with the Carsons, but both the girls are going with Dean and Violet. One of the Rhee boys did bookkeeping for their parents' restaurant, so he'll be taking Violet's job. 

Pocahontas: She did mention Violet had given her two-weeks notice, but Violet's such a crabby thing, I figured she just got fed up with Midna.  Didn't know the whole family was skipping town.  (To the new arrivals)  Welcome to The Overlook!

Finnick: Why are you looking so sour?  

Albus: I hate all this fancy stuff.  Tried to bail, but the girls said I had to be here as head of Rides and Maintenance. 

Finnick: Relax, man.  Enjoy the scenery.  Nakoma is looking hot as hell. 

Albus: Nakoma's practically my kid, you sicko.  But you're right.  Lots of eye candy walking around here tonight.  You're looking pretty good, come to think of it. 

Finnick: Stay in your lane, old man.  I'm straight and spoken for.  

John: Finally I get you on the dance floor.  

Pocahontas: This is a work thing for me, you know.  I really shouldn't be taking time to enjoy my handsome husband.  Even if he does look much better since he quit going to Albus's barber.  

John: Albus has a barber?  (both laugh) I was due, though.  The long hair was easier, but I look safer to the parents that trust me with their kids.  And I can tell you like it short.  (whispers in her ear) 

Pocahontas: Later, I promise.