Getting Crafty

 

I finally got the BMR 1959 men.  Two of them came in their boxes, which are the perfect size and shape to be pedestal frame beds.  The twins started telling me they needed new beds and they weren't wrong.  

I wanted the bases to be wood, but nothing I had was woodgrain. I did find a couple patterns that could be carved wood.  The mattress (lid of the box) would be scrap fabric.

As I worked, I imagined these beds being built from repurposed pirate ships.  That's what the patterns brought to mind, anyway.  I think it was meant to be Victorian ceiling tiles.  There wasn't enough to cover the backs or bottoms of the bed, but since those will be against the wall or floor, I'm not fussed.  I basically cut the paper to fit and glued it on.  This left a visible seam, hidden by corner braces made of gold tape.  (Added later.)

I found some dead pillowcases, but they frayed badly as I tried to glue them into place.  And I could see the pattern on the box through them after all that work!  When a T-shirt gets too worn to be worn, they are turned into cleaning rags or work shirts for the dolls.  The edges don't fray!   No hemming required!

So I used a dead T-shirt.  I usually avoid solid colors when making work shirts for the dolls but for a couple bed sheets, why not? There's gonna be pillows and blankets and dolls on top of them! 

Waiting for the glue to dry, I looked at the front of the shirt to see if any of  the picture could be used for doll work shirts.  (It was too dark and too large to be a coherent pattern on their scale.)  And since I'm a big girl, there was a good bit of leftover fabric. Rather ironic that the little pile of cleaning rags there came from a shirt with Daryl Dixon on it.  

Finished product with my other crafted beds.  The one in the rear began life as the package for Barbie You Can Be Anything Surprise (Two career looks and a doll in her civvies.)  I just bent the front flap back to make a headboard (sideboard?) and turned it into a daybed.  Since I just used contact paper and no fabric, it reminds me of the stone slabs Klingons use.

The one in the front is a craft box from Michael's.  Pillowcase fabric worked for it because it had no pattern to hide.  The headboard on it is cardboard and wrapping paper.

Bonus storage space in three of them!  The twins will get the new beds, Mace will take the one in front, which was in the twins' room, and the Klingon bed will wait for a new home. 

Digging For Clues

 The investigation continues.

Iggy: I tagged along with PJ to tell you about this guy Mom dated.  He's the main reason I moved in with Dad, and then Mom got smart and dumped him.  Apparently, she thought I was the problem but after I was gone, she realized it was all him. 

PJ: That guy would have no reason to kill Helena, though.

Iggy: Unless she was a witness.  

Lynch: Anything's possible.  I'll take a formal statement from you after I clarify a few things with your stepmother.  (To PJ)  You mentioned that Charlie took issue with some of your parenting methods? Was that a problem? 

PJ: Charlie had a right to say something about the boys, being their mother, but I felt she over-stepped when my girls were concerned.  For example, I was arguing with Belle about dating.  I think she's too young, but Charlie recited that vulgar rhyme that starts "old enough to bleed".  

Iggy: But dad backed up PJ on that one.  In their house, we can't date until we can drive.  

PJ: It's nothing unusual for a blended family.  Surely you don't think I killed her over that?

******

Across town, Jimin is dealing with his most troublesome client.

Jimin: Mrs. Jackson, I don't understand.  Why do you think Miss Carson is needed?  She knows little or nothing about your family situation. 

Charlotte: Not for the custody thing.  For this ridiculous claim that I killed Helena Malfoy and Charlie Lake.  Bonnie has insight into that, since she is the Malfoy boy's parole officer. 

Bonnie: Probation officer.  Parole is an entire different thing. 

Charlotte: Whatever.  Tell him how nice and civil we all were.  

Jimin: Mrs. Jackson, I do family law, not criminal law. You'll have to retain a different lawyer if you're concerned you might be charged.  (To Bonnie) Unless you can contribute to the custody matter, I'm afraid we've wasted your time.

Charlotte: Seriously?!  It's all connected, can't you see?  Whoever killed them is working for either Billy's sons or for this damn town.  I'm not sure which bunch hates me more.  Hell, maybe they're in it together!  (Eyes Bonnie suspiciously) Come to think of it, the Carsons are one of the founding families of  Barbieville... 

Bonnie: Well, I  think I've heard enough.  Jimin, I'm sure I'll see you in Family Court.  (Shakes his hand)  Maybe we can get dinner sometime?  

Jimin: That would be nice.  (Raises his voice to be heard over Charlotte) I'm sorry about this.

Bonnie: Never apologize for your clients, Mr. Rhee.  You aren't responsible for their behavior. 

****

At Doll County Museum

Carol: Mr. Patrick, you are a hard man to track down. 

Coby: I keep busy, that's for sure.  What can I do for you, Agent Danvers? 

Carol: I wanted to speak to you and Ms Pike about Helena Malfoy.  You were the last to see her alive.

Morgan: Dr. Pike.  I have a PhD in paleontology.  

Coby: I don't think I'd be much help.  Helena works with the university, having permanent exhibits here that connect to our disciplines.  I've recently taken charge of Gender Studies and met with Helena about my own exhibit.  But that's the only time I ever met her.

Carol: Did she mention any problems?  At home or professionally?

Coby: She did mention that her husband clings to old-fashioned gender roles, much to the detriment of their daughters.  An older daughter even left home because of it.   But nothing to indicate she was in any danger. 

Morgan: Did she mention that her son is an entitled little shit? 

Coby (chuckles): She didn't phrase it that bluntly, but yes. 

Morgan (to Carol): I was here helping plan Coby's space, more out of boredom than anything else.  Helena mentioned that she was going for a jog along Hawthorne.  She liked it because the hill made it a challenge, but the shade from all the trees kept it cool.  I guess that's when she was hit. 

  

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.

 

The Investigation Part Five (The Fed Arrives)

 Outside Barbieville Police Station

Hank:  How are you lovely ladies this morning? 

Midge: On my way to work, Mr. Higgins.  (pulls up her neckline) I guess you've finally decided to give Lynch your statement?  

Nakoma: We've got the okay to get back to work on the Overlook.  Lost two days so the police could make sure they had everything they need. 

Hank: Aren't you a little young for that?

Nakoma: I'm part owner of the largest employer in Barbieville.  (laughs)  At least that's what my sister tells me.  Never mind that she's still holding my hand every step of the way. 

Midge: From what I saw at the crime scene, she's got absolute faith in you. 

Hank: Did I miss something?  The crime scene's up by the lake.

Midge: Second victim was found on Witch's Cove property, Mr. Higgins. 

Hank: Really, Miss Sherwood?  Who was it?

Nakoma: I think you mean Doctor Sher--  (Someone shouts at Hank from across the parking lot.)

Hank: Settle down.  We were just passing the time of day.

Carol: You are to avoid any and all contact with that girl and her family.  You know that.  

Hank: So I should be rude?  Wouldn't that draw unwanted attention?

Carol: I don't care if you run away screaming.  Stay away from all of them or you're out of the program.   The agency already made a grave mistake letting you come here.  Get inside.

Lynch: Are you ready to give us your statement, Mr. Higgins, since Agent Danvers is here? 

Hank: I don't know why you're all acting like I'm out of line.  It's my legal right.

Lynch: In order to cover for the fact that you're in the program, my department has had to request federal help in this investigation.  That's how we're explaining her being here.  It makes us look incompetent as hell.

Carol: You're a small town department.  Something like this is bound to overwhelm you. 

Lynch: Let's just get this over with, shall we? 

After Hank has gone, Lynch apologizes to Carol.  

Carol:  I understand.  I'm no fan of him, myself.  If he wasn't so important to the case - you know, our case - I think we'd just cut him loose.  What are we dealing with here? 

Lynch: Our second victim was jogging in this area.  She was hit hard enough to toss her across the inlet and onto Witch's Cove property.  A security camera at the Overlook caught footage of her hitting the ground.  Tire track across the grass indicate the same type of vehicle used in the first attack, so we're assuming a connection. 

Carol: Large vehicle chases woman across grassy area in order to hit her hard enough to kill.  It's a hell of a coincidence if it's not connected. What about that nature preserve? Do they have cameras?  

Lynch: The first victim worked for the county park services, there were three foals dumped at the preserve, but we've got nothing on the preserve's cameras.  For the horses or for this case. 

    

Lynch: This is where the first victim was found.  So far it appears she was hit at the same speed, but differences in the terrain and the body mass of the victims means she wasn't launched as far as the second.  

Carol: I see you've been brainstorming commonalities. 

Lynch: Yeah.  Both women were white and in the same age group, but that's where any physical resemblance ends.  First one was an amazon and the second incredibly petite, one with black hair dyed partially blue and the other a platinum blonde.  One divorced, one married.  

Carol: Let's get to work. 

The Investigation Part Four

 

Lunchtime at Sunburst.

Becky: Oh, man, that looks good.  And smells even better.

Tris: Brick oven in the back, from the auction when Taste of the Orient closed.  Strange thing to have in an Asian buffet, but we aren't complaining.  

Becky: No way!  I knew Midna hired the Rhees, but this?  It's their recipe and everything?

Tris: Sure is.  I took leftovers home last night and barely got any, between Four and the new puppy.  I keep telling him not to give Dauntless people food!  

Ben: When Dauntless barfs all over him, he might learn.  Maybe.

Ben: Now, what were you saying?  The kids are insisting they each need their own room?

Becky: Yes, and I know we can afford it now that I've got the WDLC job, but... Sorry, I can't get over how different you look with your hair down.  I almost didn't recognize you when you picked me up.

Ben: Claudia told me only pretentious losers have a man bun.  

Becky: I never thought you were a pretentious loser. 

Ben: Oh, neither does she.  She just thinks I looked like one. My grandmother said it made me look like a samurai.  Claudia told her we don't live in feudal Japan.  (laughs)  Also, I'd probably chop off my own leg if I swung a katana.  

Boudicca stops Tris as she crosses the dining room.  Draco and Leia, who should be in school, are with her.  Leia is crying.

Boudicca: Where's Zenobia?

Tris: She's in the back, flirting with the Rhees.  I'll get her.

Boudicca: Hurry, please.  It's an emergency. 

******

State University, Doll County campus 

Phoebe: I know you, you work at Sundance.  My brother gave you a hard time when he was going through his jerkass phase.  

Whitney: Yes.  But Ryan apologized and has been very nice since.  Are you Phoebe or Sylvia?

Phoebe: Sylvia graduated.  She works for the county parks service now.  I'm doing a mixed major, focusing on the paranormal.  You? 

Whitney: I haven't decided.  I'm still surprised I'm even going to college.  

Paris: I hope everyone downloaded the syllabus without any trouble.  If there was an issue, let me know and I'll get you a hard copy.  I do not allow deviation from the syllabus for any reason and expect everyone to participate in discussions, following the guidelines included within.   

Someone knocks on the classroom door and he commands them to enter, clearly annoyed.

Paris: You're interrupting my lecture.  What is it?

Zenobia: If you'd answer your phone.... you know what?  I'm not going to fight with you.  We need to talk privately. 

Paris: Now? 

Zenobia (bursts into tears): Please, Daddy, it's urgent. 

The Investigation: Part Three

 Picture day at Barbieville High.  

Gabriella: So then Charlotte tells my mom she's a bad sister!  Because she won't lie on the stand! 

Taylor: Will Charlotte leave town when this custody thing is over?  Please say yes. 

Gabriella: Probably not.  Mom thinks her real reason for coming back to town was revenge.  She wants to make this town pay for whatever she thinks it did to her.  

Phoebe: Looks good to me, but you're the photographer. 

Kenna: (to Samantha, who just sat for her photo) You can head back to class now.  Thank you.

Phoebe: Granger, Hermione. (looks towards the assembled students)  

Draco: She and her boyfriend are at home crying because his mommy died. 

Kevin: She's his stepsister, you moron, not his girlfriend. 

Ron: Losing your parent is horrible.  Of course they're sad. 

Draco: Oh, that's right!  You're an orphan, so you know all about what they're going through, don't you? Maybe you'll run over there after school and give them all hugs.  Have a giant pity party. 

Phoebe calls Alex Russo next, but Kenna turns to Draco. 

Kenna: Young man, your lack of sympathy is disgusting.  What I just overheard will be reported.  

Draco: Big deal.  

Kenna: Barbieville has some pretty strict anti-bullying policies.  I'm sure you just violated several. 

Draco starts to reply, but the intercom drowns him out.  He's being called to the office. 

Kevin: You know you're an ass when you get called to the office before they even know you did anything.

Draco: You look like a pimp. 

***** 

Mayor's office

Midge: It's the same person, I'm sure.  Both victims were hit at high speed by a large vehicle.  The same vehicle, or a very similar one.  Our second victim was thrown across the narrowest section of the inlet, from the park.  

Lynch: Your report gives a tentative make and model of the vehicle.  It's a very common vehicle.  

Rose-Grace: My family has three of them.  

Midge: Yes, but your vehicles don't match the paint transfer we found on the victims.  (weak smile) I think you're cleared. The question now is - Do we talk to the media again and how much do we tell them?  

Lynch: We don't want to create a panic. 

Rose-Grace: I'll put together a statement.  Dealing with the media and the public comes with being the mayor.

Midge: I'll practice my "no comment".  

Lynch: And my refusal to discuss an ongoing investigation. 

The Investigation: Part Two

 

Witch's Cove Employee Parking.

Pocahontas: Oh, good, Joe.  You're here. 

Joe: I said noon.  Am I late? (notices Lynch) Why're the cops here?

Pocahontas: We found a body.  Halfway down the hill from The Overlook, towards the inlet.  I've been trying to call you, but I guess you were driving.

Lynch: I have statements from everyone who was here when the body was found?  

Pocahontas: Yes.  It was the four of us, waiting for Joe and Jessie.  We were going to start work on the revamp today. 

 

Lynch: I'll head back to the scene.  Hurry the crime scene units along. 

Joe: Do we know who it was?  Surely it's not another hit-and-run in that location?

Nakoma: We didn't get a good enough look. Too much brush around and we didn't get any closer than we had to.

Jessie:  I don't blame you.  (nods toward the dog) Who's this handsome fellow?

Nakoma: Butterscotch.  Finnick's grandpa got him for me.  

Joe: Well, Jessie, I guess you and me have time for that cup of coffee after all.  (looks around) Can I get anyone anything from Sunburst?  (No one wants anything. Joe and Jessie leave.)

Finnick: Who do you reckon it is?  The body?

Albus: No idea, but I hope it's not linked to Charlie Lake.  I'd hate to think we have a serial killer in Barbieville. Could be someone was sneaking into the park and fell badly. 

Finnick: Why would anyone want to sneak into a closed amusement park?  (suddenly distracted)  Holy crap!  This thing's blue tooth compatible?

Albus: It's a new Beetle.  Not one from my era. 

Pocahontas (to Butterscotch): My new car gets no love.  

Nakoma: I can't believe we're just sitting around playing with a dog.  There's a body in our park! 

Pocahontas: We're staying out of their way, which is all we can do at this point.  (laughs) We could speculate and scare ourselves silly.  Call all our friends and start a panic around town.  But no, I think we're doing exactly what we should. 

Nakoma: Still.  I wonder who it was.