Snoot Autism part 4
This SHOULD be the last one I need.
For the 2nd pass anyway.
Hoo-boy. Anyway
Part 1: https://rentry.org/cbqhkotg
Part 2: https://rentry.org/ncaxd6f5
Part 3: https://rentry.org/m5nw8dr7
Part 5: https://rentry.org/zyc7rbxc
Part 8B - THE POINT OF NO RETURN. Cont.
Ending 2
Three days later
Wynn has spent pacing back and forth through the house debating with himself as to what to do about Dierdra, Donovian, Alphonse, and the police. He's been doing it so much its been causing Claudia to worry, which is the last thing Wynn wants to have happen but he finds himself in a state of constant agitation since the meeting with Dierdra. He isn't entirely sure where the agitation is truly coming from precisely. It's more of an accumulation of everything that has been building up for the last 5 and a half months, and a growing impatience. However there is one thought that sticks in his head that causes him a great deal of internal turmoil, and that is the sum total of his lies and obfuscation he's used to keep Claudia and Malcolm in the dark.
He has denied pretty much every attempt to come clean with them about what's been going on and his inner monologues about how everything will work out for the best have begun to sound hollow even to himself. All it serves to do is frustrate him, and his usually emotionless demeanor has been slipping more often as these frustrations mount. It doesn't help that nothing is getting done with any of these problems. He just keeps being told to wait and hold off of doing anything. So he has been pacing back and forth wishing he could do SOMETHING.
Meanwhile, Claudia has been a bit stressed by Wynn's behavior, but she occupies herself with work, church functions, and Malcolm. She rarely wants to hear or listen to any news or gossip about the world and does everything she can to ignore bad news. She keeps what friends she has close around her, and uses them as a bit of a shield to keep out anything that may upset the balance of things as they are. She has also been waiting intently on word back from the police about anything regarding arresting Donovian or at least curtailing his power, but so far, nothing has happened and there has been no word. Even talking with Father Xander provides no assurances, but just as Wynn warned, all he does is caution her to just be patient. All this does is drive her into a mood similar to Wynn's.
Malcolm has been quite happy with Wynn, as it so happens. To him, these are the best days he's ever had. Wynn's protectiveness of him and his mother has rubbed off on the boy, and has gotten into the habit of sticking up for kids at school. He often tells Wynn and Claudia about helping someone find something or sharing with them, or indeed trying to cheer them up if they look sad. This is well received at dinner, and the young parasaur has been around Wynn long enough now to read the extremely subtle details to notice the man's approval of the behavior. They have gotten quite close, and the trio is practically inseparable when they are together.
It is during this third day that Wynn is en route to pick up Malcolm up from school a little early. He had gotten tired of doing nothing, and figured he'd rather wait around the school than wait around the house. And this way he could go directly to Minnie's diner with him and keep his mother company until her shift ends, possibly with some ice cream getting involved. Upon arrival at the school, Wynn makes his way through the hallways to Malcolm's classroom where he plans to wait for the boy to get out. However he finds that he is not alone once he arrives, as a small, twerpish, and stuffy looking saurian man stood looking into the classroom with another female saurian Wynn recognized as a teacher. Odd, but so far not a cause for alarm.
THAT comes when the teacher spots Wynn approaching and starts looking extremely nervous. This puts a certain lurch in the man's step as he processes everything such a look might signify, and guesses it has something to do with the twerpy looking saurian. Wynn's stride becomes a bit more aggressive as he closes the distance and comes to stand next to the pair. The small saurian stranger in a suit finally notices Wynn and checks some kind of note pad. Some kind of recognition crosses his features as he glances back and forth between Wynn and the notepad several times but remains silent, only making slight marks in his notes every so often. Wynn normally would let this go, but due to his mounting frustrations he very curtly asks the small saurian if there is something wrong.
The twerpish saurian freezes somewhat and stammers out to not mind him, he's just here observing. Wynn shoots a questioning glare at the teacher next to him, but the teacher keeps her maw shut. Although her face denotes a hint of worry about being there. As the time comes for Malcolm's class to let out, Wynn ignores does his best to ignore the stranger but can't shake the sense that something is off. Eventually the children come filing out and as soon as Malcolm appears the man's mood improves. Upon seeing each other, the boy calls out to his 'father' and runs into Wynn's waiting arms. The man picks up the parasaur boy and asks how his day was. Malcolm begins a long run down of all of the words, numbers, and facts he learned about during the day, while Wynn half listens.
The other half of his attention is keeping some awareness on the stranger and the teacher, both of whom are observing him in particular. However, when the man looks in their direction they look away. This naturally disturbs Wynn, whose first thought is to make sure Malcolm is someplace safe. So ignoring those two for now, the man maneuvers through crowds of children and staff until he reaches the outside back into Claudia's car. Once there, he and Malcolm sit for a time. Malcolm soon gets confused why the man is staring intensely at the doors to the school office instead of starting the car and departing. Asking what's up, Wynn simply tells Malcolm there is someone he met in the hallway that he wants to talk to, he just needs to wait for them to come out.
Malcolm asks if it's gonna take long because he's getting hungry. Wynn considers this as a decent enough excuse to take the boy back inside and grab something from the vending machines while he conducts his own business. And so they trek back to the office, which is still abuzz with activity. It doesn't take long for Malcolm to select his preferred dose of junk food, so the two of them loiter on some complementary chairs as they wait. The young parasaur boy swinging his legs and looking around as he munches on some chips while Wynn scans the faces of anyone that comes and goes. The boy eventually asks who they're waiting for, and the man answers a little guy that was escorted by one of the teachers.
This comment is overheard by the front desk and Wynn notices her posture get a bit more defensive. He concludes she knows something and approaches her. It takes very little for her to spill the beans when the man asks her if she knows who he's talking about, as his question is accompanied by an unblinking stare. She reveals the twerpy individual in question is an agent for Child Protective Services and is following up on a tip that one of the students may be getting neglected by unfit parents. That's really all Wynn needs to know to put things together. Given the reaction in the hallway, and there's only one person that has their sights set on ruining his, Claudia's, and Malcolm's lives. The phone rings, interrupting the moment, but also signalling for the man to turn and leave.
Before he can collect Malcolm and head out the door, the desk lady gets his attention again and tells Wynn she believes the person on the line is asking for him. This catches him off guard, and Malcolm suggests it might be Claudia. The desk lady says it's a man's voice, which instantly changes Wynn's intense stare into an intimidating scowl. The desk lady leans back as the man approaches and takes the phone receiver from him. Sure enough, it's Donovian. His voice is dripping with a smug satisfaction as he exclaims how happy he is to have caught Wynn. The man tersely inquires if Donovian is the one behind siccing the CPS agent on Claudia and Malcolm. The director merely laughs and admits that he may have a had something to do with it, and gotten a tip from said agent that Wynn was there.
Enjoying hearing the seething anger in Wynn's tone, Donovian prods him some more by stating that he should watch his temper, as it could be bad for his health. Wynn tells the director that whatever scheme he's cooked up with the CPS agent will fail like all his other attempts to harass Claudia. This elicits more laughter from the other end of the line, as Donovian asks if Wynn really thought those pranks over the last six months were Donovian being serious. The director gloats that those were just little jabs to keep the three of them from getting to comfortable. This is the real deal. Wynn asks what he means, and Donovian is all too happy to boast over the phone. He tells Wynn that it took some work, but he's gotten some very authentic looking documents made about Claudia.
Documents that will paint her as a mentally unstable degenerate that is as unfit to raise a child as can be, and that needs to be enrolled in one of the director's own mental health centers for "personal counseling" sessions. Donovian chuckles to himself saying that probably isn't too far from the truth as is. Before Wynn can react with anything more than a clenched fist and a growl, the director mockingly continues, saying how sad it will be for the brat to be taken away crying 'cause his mommy is crazy. For emphasis he makes a few "boo hoo hoos." Once again he can detect Wynn seething on the other end of the line and offers up his main point of the call. He starts by telling Wynn not to be mad, as it's bad for his health, and that he has a deal for the man.
Wynn is incredulous and repeats the word "deal" like it was acid in his mouth, much to the delight of Donovian. The director explains that he's actually gotten bored of the whole thing, and is willing to throw all those files away and finally let Claudia raise the little bastard in peace. He even says he'll also fix her professional records so she can get a something better than the white trash job she's working now. He even claims that he'll wish him and Claudia well on whatever shitty life they want to have together. When the man doesn't immediately reply, Donovian tells him to ask what he wants in exchange. He wants Wynn to ask. Through gritted teeth the man does so.
Donovian, titters on the other end. Nothing much he says, just ready to forgive, forget, and get back to a place in their lives where everybody was doing what they were best at. He states that the only thing that really impressed him about Claudia was the sex, so he says that if she wants to live in peace all she has to do is spread her legs for him about once a month or so. The man knew the director was going to ask for something horrid, but is still finds his stomach churn when Donovian actually states what he wants in exchange. The "No." Wynn gives in response is about as venomous as it gets. This only seems to amuse Donovian more as he taunts Wynn by saying not to be too hasty. If the answer is no, Wynn, Claudia, and Malcolm can say bye bye to each other for good.
Wynn is furious and feels utterly helpless in the situation. He begins to say the police will find out the documents are false, but Donovian cuts him off saying that even if they do it'll be far too late to do anything to help Claudia or Malcolm, and he is untouchable. Wynn on the other hand has no record beyond being a suspicious nobody that can be smeared as anything Donovian wants him to be. So the director warns the man to think over his answer carefully. He informs Wynn he has until the morning to convince Claudia, or else he'll end their happy little lives. He ends the conversation by telling Wynn that he should be used to enjoying his leftovers by now. With that, Wynn slams down the phone.
The office has been watching this entire exchange, Malcolm included. The boy looks scared and asks Wynn if the bad man is back. Wynn just says they have to get home. He scoops up Malcolm and leaves the gossiping office ladies behind, and drives home as quickly as possible. Once there, he plugs the phone back in and dials up the Claudia to tell her to get home as soon as possible, as there is an emergency, and that he'll explain everything once she gets there. Malcolm's picking up on Wynn's agitation and is on the brink of crying, so Wynn gives him some comforting words about how they're going to get through this, and everything will be fine. It takes a few attempts and patience, but Wynn succeeds in calming down the young parasaur.
After about an hour Claudia returns home, where Wynn takes her out of earshot of Malcolm and explains the situation to her. She's disgusted and begins to panic, but Wynn tells her that this is what the police have said to wait for. He says that now is the time to call the detectives and actually do something. She is calmed slightly by this and nodding tells Wynn to make the call while she goes with Malcolm to his room. She considers taking him to Tiffany's or Minnie's house, or even to the church to stay with Father Xander during all this. She doesn't want him to hear any of what is transpiring. Wynn agrees and begins the call. Det. Winslow picks up and Wynn proceeds to explain the situation.
As Wynn concludes the summary, Det. Winslow asks if Donovian mentioned where the documents might be kept. Wynn says no, but this should be enough for a search warrant for any place of Donovian's the police could want to go. Det. Winslow says that they have the warrants written up, they just need the right people to sign off on them and they can kick in the door. Patch sounds optimistic and tells Wynn to hold tight and he'll keep the man informed. Wynn thanks the detective and hangs up the phone. He goes to Claudia to relay the conversation and finds her trying to comfort a very worried Malcolm. Wynn assures them both to not worry, and that things will be fine. They should be getting good news tonight that will make everything okay.
This helps a little, it there is still a cloud of anxiety over the whole house. This anxiety only increases as time goes by. Malcolm and Claudia attempt to distract themselves by watching some movie, and though Wynn sits with them, he is distracting himself by watching the phone like a hawk. As the minutes drag on and turn into hours with still no word, a horrible feeling that something wrong grows in his stomach. As the sun sets there is still no word, and now even Claudia watches the phone anxiously. So both of them are surprised when a knocking comes from the door. Wynn is there in a flash and Claudia wraps her arms around Malcolm just as quickly. The man asks who it is and is surprised to hear it is Det. Winslow.
Opening the door, the aged pachy detective stands there alone with a rueful expression. The horrid feeling in Wynn's stomach grows even larger as he asks if the task it done. Det. Winslow sadly shakes his head as he says that he and the chief were just about to get the warrant signed before the DA pulled the rug out from under the damn thing. A flabbergasted shout or, "WHAT?" comes from Claudia, which matches Wynn's own feelings. Malcolm starts to ask what's going on as Claudia moves him to his room, leaving Wynn to confront the detective. Patch explains the Donovian is the Director of the biggest hospital in the city, and has rubbed elbows with every important person in the city one time or another. The DA wanted more concrete evidence before searching the director's home.
All to avoid a potential embarrassment, Wynn concludes for the detective as his fists tighten. Det. Winslow apologetically confirms this, adding that considering the source for the warrant is Wynn, whose identity can't be confirmed, is not enough to justify it. Patch says that it may take some time but he and the Chief think they can get the DA to come around. Wynn responds that they do not have more time. The detective nods and says that for the time being Wynn, Claudia, and Malcolm should go hide somewhere until he can get the warrants signed. Some place CPS won't think to look, or can't. After that, Patch once again says he's sorry, but they can still do right by them and to not give up hope. Wynn just stands there seething quietly. He tells the detective goodnight and closes the door.
As he stands there, his mind is made up. He's going to have to handle this himself. He goes to the phone and calls Tiffany. She picks up and Wynn asks her if she is still wants to help him, Claudia, and Malcolm. She says of course, and so Wynn tells her to come over for a sleep over. She's a little confused, but obliges as she very quickly asks for and receives her parents' permission. Then the man goes to Claudia and Malcolm, both of them in tears, and Claudia asks what they're going to do. Wynn tells them to sit tight as he gathers some items of his own. Tiffany arrives shortly after, and as the two parasaurs and raptor gather in the living room Wynn tells them that he can't say where he's going, but if anyone asks, he was here all night. He makes sure each of them says it.
He then kisses Claudia and goes out the door. He doesn't take Claudia's car, but instead walks to the church to claim the van, only to find Father Xander waiting for him. They are not surprised to see each other, but Father Xander is curious as to what Wynn is planning. The man tells the ancient ankylosaur nothing. He just gets into the van and drives off. He arrives at Donovian's neighborhood after most everyone has retreated indoors. He parks the van a short distance from Donovian's home, and approaches on foot. The lights are on and music can be heard from inside. Wynn observes briefly and then makes his way to the back. He spots Donovian through the windows, and makes an effort to be stealthy whenever the parasaur was facing his direction. Before long the man was at the back door.
He silently turns the knob and enters into the house. No alarms go off, not that Wynn is currently concerned with that at the matter. He is focused entirely on Donovian. The parasaur in question is pouring himself a drink in the wide open living room, oblivious to the man's presence as evidenced by the the smirk on his face and his occasional glance at his watch. Wynn overhears the director comment after one such glance that "the bitch is running out of time." The man breaks his silence and drops a one liner, "Couldn't have said it better." From the director's perspective, Wynn just appeared a short distance away from him, glaring at him with pure hatred, and the parasaur reflexively shouts and tumbles backwards over a chair. He attempts to hurl his drinking glass at the intruder.
It goes wide and Wynn responds by drawing forth a bowie knife and lunging towards the prone parasuar. Donovian scrambles to his feet, but not before the man can plunge the blade deep into the director's leg and carving a brutal chunk out of it. This hinders the saurian as he tries to run away towards his office. Wynn stalks after him, making sure to not let the parasaur get too far ahead and taking some pleasure in seeing the once arrogant director stumble and crawl away from him. Donovian goes for the cell phone on his desk only to feel a knife slash it out of his hand. Donovian swears and flips over to see the hateful glare of the man looking down on him. Two more slashes send the parasaur crashing to to the ground and throwing his arms up in meager defense. But no more slashes come.
In the momentary pause Donovian begins to beg for his life and shouting that he gives up. In a few panicked bursts of pleading Donovian guesses that Wynn is here for the documents and points to a nearby safe. He blurts out the code to access it. Wynn tells him don't move as he goes to unlock it. It's an easy task with the code and the files are indeed in there, along with some others. Then Wynn turns back to Donovian, contempt radiating from his eyes. Donovian continues to plead with the man, saying he's made his point, and he'll do whatever the man wants if he just lets him live. He offers Wynn everything. Leaving Claudia alone, not calling the police, turning himself in, everything. Just as long as the man spares his life. Unfortunately, Wynn doesn't trust any of it.
And he's wrathful besides. Striding over the whimpering Donovian, Wynn begins to stomp on the wounded parasaur. For the first time, possibly in the man's life, he finds himself shouting. "5 years" is how the man begins his beatdown, condemning the 5 years Donovian tormented Claudia, and then Malcolm, and despite having taken everything from her Donovian still couldn't let them be. Wynn then picks the director up, throws him over the office desk and begins beating him with his fists as he continues to list the heinous things the saurian had done since Wynn arrived. He ends every portion of the rant by exclaiming Donovian could have stopped, but he didn't. He could have walked away, but didn't. He could have chosen to be a better man, but didn't.
After one last strike once more sending Donovian to the ground, Wynn catches his breath and looks down on the broken and bruised face of the director. Through shattered teeth the parasaur still makes a plea for his life. The man asks if Claudia begged him to have mercy. His victim is unable to answer coherently, but Wynn answers for him, saying with pure hatred, "but you didn't," and lands a final strike that knocks the director unconscious. Wynn takes a moment to recenter himself, and refocuses. He collects everything from the safe and finds a place for it in his jacket. Then he collects Donovian, slings him over his shoulder, and as stealthily as one can carries him out the back to the van. Tossing the director in the back, Wynn enters the driver's seat and quietly drives into the dark
Eventually, the van comes to a stop on the scenic landmark of the city. The Bluff of Volcadera Bluffs. It juts out into the ocean. The dark of the night is impenetrable, and the wind blowing up off the ocean is cold, hard, and bitter. Wynn does not care about any of these as he hefts the broken body of Donovian from the van and drags the soon to be carcass to past the warding fence and to the edge of the bluff. Once there, Wynn struggles to prop Donovian up on his feet and pauses to take in the whirling darkness in front of them. Donovian makes one, last, barely audible "please," to which Wynn simply answers "No." The man stabs the captive in the back and hurls him off the bluff onto the great stones of the bluff and into the dark crashing waves beneath.
The man stares down as the dark waves consume Donovian's body. The wind buffets against him and threatens to knock him down to follow the deceased director, but he remains as long as he can to watch the body vanish beneath the waves. Wynn knows the body will be found. Probably won't even need to wait until morning. However he doesn't particularly care. He breaths out and for a moment releases all tension in his body as he tells himself that Claudia and Malcolm are now safe from Donovian, and whatever the outcome of his actions, that has made it worth it. Which is not to say he wants to go to jail, but he holds no illusions that he left a trail of evidence that even a rookie beat cop could follow. He turns from the Bluff and heads back to the van so he can at least say goodbye.
Upon his return to the church, he finds Father Xander and the two detectives waiting for him. He doesn't see anyone else however, which surprises him but he wagers they must be hoping he will go quietly. After a moment of thought, he decides that he will, but on the condition he gets that goodbye. Getting out of the van, Wynn approaches the trio. His jacket and pants are stained with blood, so there's no point in trying to deceive anyone. He stops in front of them and waits as they look him over. Eventually Patch just sighs, Terry swears, and the old priest looks disappointed. However, the detectives make no move to arrest him, which causes Wynn to raise an eyebrow and starts to look questioningly between them. Det. Winslow answers, sounding pained.
Looking at Wynn, the pachy tells the man not to speak, but listen very closely, with the ptero comment how that should be easy for Wynn to do. A sharp hiss from the elder quiets the commentary. Patch says that what happened to Donovian was a long time coming, but it's still murder. However, if Wynn can provide the VBPD with evidence of the director's criminal activity specifically those pertaining to Alphonse, then certain pardons and protections will be offered. At this, Patch will extend a hand, and conclude with the ultimatum that if he chooses not to, then he'll have no choice but to take him in. Chief Aaron has his ass on the line because of this stunt, and he needs something to make up for it. Pretty easy choice for Wynn, but he looks to Father Xander.
The Ankylosaur answers the questioning look by warning the man that no matter how much Donovoian may have deserved his fate, there is a price for killing someone. If not a material one, then one of the soul. He pleads with Wynn to confess what he has done and take responsibility for his actions. He may suffer, but it may also prove to be his ultimate salvation. Wynn thinks this over for a long minute, before turning back to the detectives and pulling forth the stolen documents from his jacket and hands them over. Det. Winslow looks at them with an emotion of shame, and says he's sorry it came to this. Wynn only asks if he can go. Det. Connors says yes, but add he may want to at least take the jacket off. Bloodstains and all that.
Wynn walks down the dark streets back to home, and while doing so concludes that the police are of no help, and neither was Father Xander's advice. As such, from here on out he will handle protecting Claudia himself. He does remove the jacket, however, and as he arrives home things are quiet. Entering the front door silently, he sees Claudia asleep on the couch with the two children sleeping soundly on the floor in front of the TV. He chooses not to wake them yet, and instead change clothes. Afterwards, he comes back into the living room and wakes Claudia with a kiss on the forehead. She's shocked to see him but quickly pulls him in close to return the gesture. She whispers a question of where he went and what happened.
Instead of telling her the truth, he instead tells her he spent all night dealing with the police. He says that he convinced them to look into Donovian, and their raid was successful. Her eyes go wide as she asks if that means it's over. Wynn confirms it is. The parasuar woman nearly pulls the man down on top of her as she hugs him, and elatedly thanks him so much. Tears of joy flow, and the commotion of movement and sniffling is enough to wake the children. Both of whom are excited to see Wynn, and ask what happened. He repeats the lie, and says he'll explain more in the morning, but he's quite tired and needs some sleep. Wynn receives a final kiss from Claudia before shuffling off to bed, while Malcolm and Claudia return to their own, and Tiffany takes the couch.
The man barely touches the mattress before he is overcome with exhaustion and falls asleep with a deep feeling of satisfaction.
Ending 3
Three days later
Wynn has spent most of these last three days brooding in one of the plush easy chairs the reside in the living room. This brooding he finds himself in revolves around Dierdra's offer weighed against the plans of the detective. Scenario after scenario plays out in his mind of all sorts of possible outcomes. Everything from just taking the money and leaving Volcadera to trying to reenact an action movie and shoot everyone he doesn't like. Amusing as some of these outlying scenarios are to imagine, the majority of his ruminations that seem feasible all line up with joining forces with Dierdra. She seems to have more of a plan in place, and the detectives have so far only made a lot of promises with very little tangible results. That he knows of, he admits.
According to them and Father Xander, they have been building a case against Donovian and convincing rather important people that the director is worth investigating, while also keeping inquisitive eyes away from Wynn. He is unsure of how much work they're doing behind the scenes for him in all this, and while he appreciates it, not being able to see the effects of their actions does make it seem like they're doing a whole lot of nothing but telling him to keep waiting. Talking things over with Claudia these past three days hasn't helped much either. She's similarly been thinking heavily about Dierdra's offer. She does want to give the police their chance, but the thought that the allosaur woman could just solve all her and Wynn's problems certainly sounds appealing to her.
The only sticking point as far as Claudia concerns herself with is the illegality of Dierdra's plan, and what the allosaur has in store for Wynn. She and Wynn have grown very close these last six months, and the idea that the man will be forced to be apart from her to do goodness knows what leaves the parasaur woman in a near constant state of unease. It only seems alleviated when she's with Wynn and Malcolm both. The man, likewise does not have a particularly good feeling about being forced into Dierdra's new criminal organization. She promised it will rely far less on overt violence, but that doesn't mean it will be any less caught up in morally dubious acts. Wynn highly doubts the detectives will have a bright view on Wynn's potential new career regardless of what changes are made.
All these things weigh heavily on them both, specifically on how it shall affect Malcolm. They young parasaur boy is not wholly unaware. He does notice how deep in thought both his mother and Wynn seem lost in. The do not ignore him or his needs. To him, they just seem to be very distracted. Unfortunate for Wynn during playtime, or when playing video games with Tiffany. During times when the children thought he couldn't hear them, he has overheard Malcolm asking the young raptor girl what she thinks is happening. She seems to think that Wynn and Claudia must be thinking about getting married or something similar. Malcolm is excited by the idea of it, but when Wynn's presence is noted, they both clam up, apparently deciding that the topic must be some sort of secret they've stumbled onto.
Wynn does find their attempts at secrecy amusing, and bashfully admits to himself he is not against the idea of marriage to Claudia at all. Any plans for the future are unfortunately forced to the back of his thoughts, as there is just too much going on to make any decisions. Further making Wynn's life difficult, he doesn't have something like school or work to distract him from just sitting down and thinking most of the day. Which is why he sinks deeper into his chair as his weary mind once again thinks itself in circles with possibilities and their consequences while he waits for the time to collect Malcolm from school. He considers leaving a bit early, but he'd just end up lurking in the hallway or office with the same problem and a less comfortable chair.
His ruminations end when the phone rings. It's the school calling for him. It's a bit early for Malcolm to be picked up so Wynn is not only curious as to why they're calling, but is also struck by a jolt of concern. Wynn is a bit more sociable than in other instances, so he has a decent enough rapport with the school staff that one saw fit to inform him that the man needs to come to the school right away. When he asks why, the lady on the end of the line says it's not appropriate to discuss over the phone. This hardly comforts him, but he obliges. He makes his way to the church, mounts the van, and drives to Volcadera Elementary. Once there he enters the office and asks why he was summoned there. One of the teachers takes him to his office where he then proceeds to ask some rather probing questions.
Specifically about Wynn's home life with Malcolm. The man gives short and direct answers, but starts growing impatient, and eventually asks what this is all about. The teacher, seemingly satisfied with the results of his little interview with Wynn, reveals that today a CPS agent arrived and asked to observe Malcolm. According to him, an anonymous tip hinted that Malcolm may be in danger of neglect or one or more of his legal guardians are unfit. The accusation causes Wynn to feel an anger well up in him that's hard to hide, even for his well practiced stoicism. The teacher informs Wynn that Malcolm's teacher assured the agent that nothing of the sort was going, and the agent saw for himself the boy was not suffering from any sort of distress. However the agent was not completely satisfied.
Wynn then demands to speak to this agent but the teacher states that the agent has already left. The teacher knows Claudia and Wynn, though the man to a lesser extent, and knows how much they care for Malcolm. So he felt he owed them a heads up of what's coming. Wynn calms down and thanks the teacher. Sinking into the office chair the man's mind starts to develop a stress migraine. He did not need another problem in addition to everything else. The timing and target of this investigation by CPS leave little doubt in Wynn's mind that Donovian is somehow involved in this. He receives confirmation to his deduction as one of the office desk clerks call from her post and says someone on the phone wants to speak to Wynn. Moving to the front desk and taking the phone, his mood instantly sours.
To his surprise, it isn't Donovian, but Dierdra on the other end of the line, who greets him with a rather warm hello. Wynn can't suppress the surprise in his voice as he greets her back, and asks how she knew he was here. She answers very simply that because things are going so well on her end, she's able to spare some man power to have the man, Claudia, and Malcolm watched. "Comforting," is Wynn's reply as he glances out a nearby window to try and spot whoever may be observing him. Dierdra says she does indeed mean for it to be. They are partners after all, aren't they? Wynn comments on how he wasn't aware that had been decided yet, resulting in a small chortle from the other end of the line as the allosaur says that she is optimistic. Especially once he hears what she has to say.
She asks Wynn if he knows about the CPS agent, and once he confirms he does, she continues by saying that the guy she has watching things at the school had a little talk with the agent, and after some convincing learned that this agent apparently got a tip about Wynn and Claudia not treating Malcolm very well. He also mentioned something about the tipster having some documentation confirming the mother was mentally unstable. Wynn and Dierdra agree that only Donovian would have the means to falsify something like that, and likely plans to use it as evidence to separate Malcolm from them. Possibly get Claudia put in a mental hospital as well probably. Lastly, Dierdra says that Wynn should get Malcolm back home, and if Donovian makes another move to let her know. She's here to help after all.
He thanks her, and says he will certainly think about doing so if he and Claudia can't think of how to get out of this on thier own. Before he ends the call, he does ask Dierdra what happened to the CPS agent. All she does is laugh and tell him nothing, for right now. She adds that Wynn shouldn't be too concerned with the agent's well being anyway, as from what she was told, said agent had just gotten off the phone with Donovian and seemed quite friendly with the director before her guy was able to strike up a conversation of his own with him. She suggests that the two of them are probably in cahoots. Wynn ponders the info for a moment before once again giving Dierdra his thanks, and ending the call. The takes a minute to digest the situation before making strides towards Malcolm's classroom.
The school day ends, Wynn collects the young parasaur boy, and drives him home. However he is surprised to see Claudia's car parked at the house waiting for them. When the pair walk through the door Claudia appears before them, appearing to be distraught and having had or being in the process of weeping. She immediately embraces Malcolm and clutching him close to her presses into Wynn, desperate for a group hug. Malcolm's cries in asking what the matter is go unanswered by Claudia, who can't bring herself to say. Wynn can guess that Donovian must have called Claudia to harass her with the threat posed by the CPS agent. The man is also hesitant to speak of it directly in front of Malcolm, so conjures up an excuse to talk with Claudia alone for a bit.
He asks the boy to go clean up from school and together he and Wynn can cook his mother something nice to make her feel better. Malcolm thinks this is a great idea, and looks for his mother's approval. She knows what Wynn is trying to do and plays along. Once Malcolm is away she begins to break down again as she describes what Donovian said to her. In addition to all the usual vile things he called her, he threatened to take Malcolm away unless she gives herself to him tonight. If she doesn't then tomorrow morning he'll show documents that paint her as some kind of crazy or neglectful monster to the CPS. Then she'll be thrown in jail, or an asylum, or worse. She goes on to explain through her tears that she tried to tell Father Xander and the detectives but they said they'd need time to do things right.
She is convinced that Malcolm will be taken from her by then and she pleads with Wynn to do something. The man holds her tightly as he comforts her, and says that he will. He walks Claudia over to a nearby seat and sits her down before going to the phone and calls Father Xander to see what is being done. He confirms that the detectives are making their case to investigate Donovian now, but they're optimistic. He tells the man to comfort Claudia and just be patient. Wynn acknowledges the suggestion, but he is irked that there isn't more he could be doing. After he ends the call, he recalls Dierdra wanting to be kept informed, and with a glance back towards Claudia, his heart pulls at him to see if there is something she could do. So he dials her number, and is greeted warmly by the allosaur.
He informs her of the goings on. Dierdra is makes her disgust known upon hearing Donovian's threat, and she sadly gives him some grim news. She states that the detectives are unfortunately going to fail to get their investigation approved. There are those in the city, the DA specifically, that are friends with Donovian and won't allow any sort of inquiry without something concrete. She offers that if Wynn agrees to work with her, she could get this solved before dinner. The man stares at Claudia, and as she looks back at him with eyes wet with worry, he says he'll do whatever it takes. Dierdra breaths a sigh of relief from the other side of the phone and tells the man to get ready. She'll be over in a few moments. She reassures Wynn that he's making the right call, and that everything will be alright.
Wynn hangs up the phone and goes to sit with Claudia, and informs her of his choice. Claudia asks about the police, to which Wynn informs her of Dierdra's prediction. They parasaur woman asks if Wynn trusts her, and the man answers while he does not trust her entirely, he does believe her about the police and sees very little choice in accepting her help. Claudia leans against the man and solemnly agrees. Wynn notices that Malcolm has been lurking in the door to his room watching and listening to them for a minute or so, looking quite worried. Wynn takes the pause in the conversation to get started on cooking. He calls over Malcolm and the two get to work in the kitchen making a comforting dish for Claudia. While doing this, Wynn attempts to explain to Malcolm what's going on in simple terms.
He fumbles through most of it, but believes he gets the key points across. Specifically, he and Claudia are going to have some help from Ms. Dierdra to make Donovian leave them alone. Malcolm is still pretty upset about seeing his mother in such a state, and wishes she could just be happy, and it makes him sad as he thinks it's somehow it's his fault. While he fumbled a bit in his speaking before, he has no difficulty in assuring the boy that he is not the cause of her sadness, and that it is much the opposite. He very definitively tells Malcolm that the boy is what makes his mother the happiest. This does brighten the young parasaur's mood, particularly when coupled with successfully completing the creation of the meal he and Wynn made for her. A simple yet comforting bowl of soup.
They return to Claudia in the adjoining room and present her with the soup. She very clearly heard what was said in the kitchen and takes some time telling how thankful she is for Malcolm, and how much she loves him. Before she can continue there is a knock on the door. Wynn and Claudia exchange a look, and the parasaur woman just nods her acceptance. The man goes to the door, and upon opening it is greeted by Dierdra who is flanked by two saurian bodyguards. She asks if he's ready to go, which the man replies that he is not as he was explaining things to Claudia and Malcolm. Dierdra is understanding and tells him to get some of his tools, and she will wait for him in the living room. He nods and moves to his room while Dierdra enters the house, noting the pair of parasaurs huddling together.
Wynn doesn't take long to get the tools of his trade all squared away, and as he goes to rejoin the others he grabs the bag of money. With the money in hand, he returns to find Dierdra sitting near the others and talking reassuringly to the others. The softness on display is less surprising compared to how genuine it seems. The elegant allosaur is currently explaining to them both, though mostly to Malcolm, that she and Wynn are going to go take care of things and they'll be back later. Malcolm's questioning of who she is procures the allosaur to identify herself as "Auntie Dierdra" and that she and Wynn will take care of everything. The boy, and Claudia seem to accept this, and upon noticing Wynn observing things, wish him luck. The man says his goodbyes to the parasaurs and follows Dierdra out the door.
The allosaur woman leads the man to her car parked in front of the house, and once he is seated next to her inside the back seat, she comments that she really does enjoy those two. She also tells Wynn not to worry, as he'll be back with them shortly. She then asks to see the money. He provides the bag for her to look through. Dierdra does so and is satisfied, reiterating that he's making the right call, both for him and his family. The man just nods and asks what now. Dierdra informs him that first they're going to Donovian's house to remove what little leverage he has over them, and then they're going to pay him a visit at work and bring him in line. The man asks if that means she's going to remove him but she says he can be useful to her as director. She does smile as she adds a "for now" at the end.
The drive to Donovian's is over quickly and it still being late afternoon the director's neighborhood is effectively deserted. The car parks in the driveway of what Wynn knows is Donovian's home, and Dierdra tells the man that somewhere in there is evidence connecting her organization to Donovian. Wynn needs to find it. It's probably in a safe tucked away somewhere. She'll be sending one of her boys in there with him to help search. Wynn understands and gets out of the car and is followed by one of the saurians. He recognizes the voice as being the one who was speaking to Dierdra back at the restaurant six months ago. They don't engage in much small talk as Wynn leads him to the back door and gets ready to break in. The man scans the rear entrance for any sign of cameras or wires, but finds none.
He then tries the door, only to find it unlocked. The man is utterly stunned by the audacity Donovian has, and his companion is likewise shocked, though he verbalizes his disbelief by calling the director a putz. The pair enter the house and begin searching. Wynn mentions to not cause a mess, as any crashing sounds will draw attention from outside. The goon just shrugs and starts searching, saying he'll begin upstairs. Wynn meanwhile begins by just wandering the rooms of the first floor, giving them a quick scan before moving on. He doesn't search long before he comes to the study and sees a large safe with a code lock. Considering Donovian doesn't even lock his doors when he leaves, the man suspects this might be it and gets to work. The safe has a key pad for the user to open the lock with.
Saurians and their scales fingers don't leave finger prints or oils the man could use to determine which keys Donovian presses. However, the scales of their finger tips, or indeed their claws, do leave scratches on softer materials such as plastics or wears thin any markings painted on those materials. Not a finger print per se, but it is something Wynn can use. Extracting a magnifying lens from his tool kit, Wynn scans the key pad, and sure enough finds hte tell tale signs of what he's looking for. Even though he has the keys used, he still needs the combination. Using a pen and paper from the nearby desk, Wynn records the numbers and used in the combination and then calls for the companion he was sent with. The saurian asks what's up and Wynn informs him he found a safe, but needs to figure out the key code.
He passes the list of numbers to the other and asks him to keep an eye out for anything that may have some kind of relation to those numbers in his search. Wynn meanwhile searches the study, the lounge, and anything on the first floor that could fit. He is rejoined by the other goon who says he couldn't find anything. Wynn likewise couldn't find anything obvious, and the saurian enforcer says they don't have long enough to play guessing games so they should just take the safe and crack it open later. Wynn however is scanning his memories about everything he knows about Donovian and makes a few failed guesses. Then he remembers something from Claudia's notes from all those months ago. A birthday scribbled in the margins. The numbers line up. He gives it a try, and sure enough, success.
The saurian is impressed and congratulates Wynn, though the man is more concerned with the contents of the safe. Inside are indeed the documents concerning Claudia, but also the incriminating files that link Donovian to Alhponse's operations. The man clears out the safe, closes it, and then he and his associate hustle back to the car. Once there, he hands over the files to Dierdra, who smiles at him and then makes a comment to the driver, saying she told him Wynn could do it. This is only answered with a harrumph from the front seat, but the three saurians do all seem pleased. Dierdra then tells the driver to go to the hospital, as it's time to make good on her end of the deal. She lays a hand on the man's leg and gives it a few reassuring pats, as says he's done good and to let her handle the rest.
The sun is low in the sky when the car pulls up. Dierdra, Wynn, and the saurian guard that helped search the house walk into the hospital. The storm right past the lobby, enter the elevator, take it office level, and with the goon leading the way burst their way into Donovian's office. They seem to have interrupted him in the middle of flirting with his secretary, and he's about to explode in fury when he sees Wynn. However, his blood turns to ice when he spots Dierdra behind the man. The allosaur woman tells the secretary to get out, which she hastily complies with. The Director attempts to regain composure before he is cut off by Dierdra telling him to not say anything and just listen. He obeys, and Dierdra extracts the files from his safe, throws them on his desk and tell him that she has a very simple offer.
He can work for her, or she can have Wynn go to the police with the evidence linking Donovian with Alphonse, after scrubbing them of anything that implicates her and her associates from it, so it'll all come down on the director's head. Donovian stammers out a weak counter about her father finding out. She informs him that as far as the other members of the gang are concerned, she runs the gang now. Donovian can either sign on or look towards a lifetime in jail. Or, she adds gesturing to Wynn, she'll let the man kill Donovian and solve her problems that way. The director glances at the three intruders and seeing the contempt in Wynn's face and realizing he has no power in this situation whatsoever, crumbles. He promises to do anything Dierdra wants. She congratulates the director on the wise, if cowardly choice.
She then gets into the conditions of his remaining a part of her organization. Firstly, he is to stop harassing Claudia, Malcolm, and Wynn. The man is part of the gang now, and the two parasaurs are under their protection. She emphasizes that if word reaches her of Donovian ever tormenting them again, she'll eat him. Alive. This gets concerned looks from her bodyguard and Wynn, but Donovian is completely terrified by the statement, and complies entirely. Secondly is calling off that CPS agent. If he doesn't, he's dead. And third, to ensure his loyalty until her father is in the ground, he'll have a watcher with him. She gestures to her body guard and says that the goon will make sure Donovian gets home safely tonight. Once he grovels his compliance enough to satisfy her, she motions for Wynn, and they leave.
On the way out, the man asks if she was serious about eating Donovian. She merely shrugs and says no, but her father's reputation does come with some advantages so might as well use them. Breaking into a more jovial tone she asks the man if he enjoyed the performance at least. Wynn admits that seeing Donovian grovel like a coward was rather cathartic. She's glad, and hopes that now Wynn and his little family he's found for himself can have some peace, mentioning how cute Malcolm is and that it's hard to believe the boy is related to that slime. She comments off handedly as they exit the hospital that she hopes her own kid is like the parasaur boy. Before Wynn can ask, she adds "When she has one." Wynn mentions that he thinks she'd be a good mother, which gets her to reply that she thinks he'd be a good father.
The man shoots her a raised eyebrow before she explains with a flustered laugh, "To Malcolm, of course." Wynn nods, but isn't so convinced. But they reenter the car and return home to Claudia's. Wynn feeling a great weight removed from his shoulders is practically giddy on the ride back, not that he expresses so in any discernible way those who don't know him can detect. Once they return back to Claudia's, Wynn and Dierdra exit and they enter to share the good news. Claudia and Malcolm are only just starting to set the table for dinner when the man and allosaur enter. The pair of parasaurs rush to welcome them back. Claudia wraps her arms around Wynn and asks expectantly of how it went. The man says that Dierdra did as she promised, and that they are all safe from Donovian now.
They all look towards the elegant allosaur who gives a small curtsy and explaining it was her pleasure. Malcolm excitedly runs to hug her legs, which she is apparently a gesture she is unused to. She get extremely bashful as she says tries to saying it was the least sh could do, but when Malcolm calls her "Auntie Dierdra" she melts despite her being the one to tell him to call her that. Claudia is also quite thankful, and admits she to having doubts about the allosaur woman before, but would now love to invite Dierdra to dinner. While she is evidently quite touched by the gesture, she declines, saying that she has quite a lot of work to get to. She does promise to treat them all to a feast once this is all over. Malcolm asks if there's going to be pizza, which gets a round of chuckles from all present.
Dierdra does pick up and gives Malcolm a big hug before handing him over to Claudia. The elegant allosaur is obviously quite hesitant to leave, but she does move to the exit. Wynn does stop her briefly and gives her his very genuine thanks. She accepts, and tells him that he can thank her properly later. Looking more serious, she tells him that the next time they'll speak it'll be the time to take down her father, and after that the real work for the two of them will begin. She almost apologetically says that he should take some time for Claudia. Something really special. Wynn agrees, and once again gives her his thanks and bids her goodnight. After she departs, he joins Claudia and Malcolm in the dining room and share a very wholesome meal where he must answer a slew of questions.
He does his best, and the conversation continues on in the living room as the night winds down. Wynn finds himself in the center of a pile of a pair of parasaurs, idly listening to Malcolm make suggestions as to where Claudia and Wynn should go. Which is to say, places he would like to go, like the arcade or Pizza Cave. Their peaceful moment is disturbed by the phone ringing, and Wynn grumbles as he extricates himself from the pair to answer. They look on as he questions who it is, only to her a somber voice of Patch Winslow. He goes on about how the DA has prevented them from launching an investigation on Donovian without more evidence. He asks the man to give them more time and get Malcolm someplace safe.
Wynn isn't sure how to respond, but wagers he'll let the detective find out about Donovian being brought to heel on his own instead of outing himself as siding with Dierdra. He says he will, and that he hope the detective can find something soon. The old detective gives his apologies once more before he hangs up. After the call is finished, Wynn tells Claudia who it was, and that Dierdra was dead on with her prediction. When asked about whether he should have told them they joined with Dierdra, Wynn says that's probably best left unsaid for now. Claudia relents, and decides it's time for bed. She gathers up Malcolm and as she passes Wynn, gives the man a kiss. The pair tuck the boy into bed before Claudia takes Wynn to spend the night in her room. They sleep soundly that night, particularly Claudia.
Ending 4
Three days later
Wynn awakens next to Claudia in their now shared bed with a deep intake of breath that draws in the comforting and now familiar scents of the parasaur woman and her bedroom. With a rather impressive display of willpower, the man forces his body out of the warm pocket under the blankets he and Claudia had snuggled into during the night. The parasaur woman begins to stir, but upon the man telling her he's going to make breakfast she settles back into a comfortable spot. As the man makes his way to the kitchen and begins the process of making the morning meal for the household, he reflects on the last 3 days. Between the impromptu marriage proposal to Claudia he made on the Bluff and the pair of them being intimately close has made Wynn a very happy man. In spite of expectation, they have still not had sex.
Not that Wynn minds. He is just happy to have a family. Reflecting on just the idea brings a sly smile to the man's face. He's happy. He's never really been that before. Not like this. He has also not been particularly subtle about his mood. Subtle for him anyway, which is to say he's been more talkative and emoting slightly more. Those who know him have picked up on it. Claudia, Malcolm, and Father Xander in particular have become adept at telling what the man is thinking, but Minnie and Tiffany still have some trouble. The long and short of it, is that these three days have been the happiest three days of his life. Especially that he now remembers a great many things about his life. They aren't pleasant memories, he feels somehow more complete and grateful for where he is now.
That all being said, one thing he still cannot remember is his original name. Not that he finds himself caring much about that. He enjoys being Pvt. Wynn Doe. He's got a good thing going. Aside from the looming threat of retribution by a criminal organization and the ever present harassment by corrupt hospital director of course. He shrugs those thoughts away as he puts the finishing touches on breakfast gets the coffee machine brewing. By now Claudia has emerged from their room and has roused Malcolm from his sleep to get him ready for school. As Malcolm and Claudia file in and say their good mornings to Wynn, the man revels in the mundanity of the morning. It's like a dream come true for him, and he is looking forward to when he and the parasaurs may live like this for the rest of their lives.
As he and the parasaurs sit down to eat he snaps out of his blissful daydreaming and ponders the days to come. Claudia and him have essentially gotten engaged, but neither have shared that information with anyone. Nor do they plan to until the various crises are taken care of. Neither of these antagonistic forces have been much of a bother recently, but given the last interaction with Dierdra, Wynn is concerned for the allosaur woman's safety among her villainous coworkers. Her resolve to pursue that life was certainly shaken at the end of their little trip. He hopes that she will come around to their offer of leaving her criminal life behind. Claudia has even added it to her nightly prayers. However, there has not yet been any word for good or ill on the elegant allosaur's status.
Breakfast's reflections are interrupted by Malcolm's own vocalized train of thought about this and that. It's mostly minor concerns that a 5 year old would have about what he's in for at school today and what all the kids are into these days, but it does make the meal go by at a pleasant pace. Afterwards he goes to get ready for school while Claudia likewise rises to get ready for work. With a quick peck on the cheek she leaves Wynn to tidy up the kitchen. Before long, the parasaurs are up and out of the house, off to their respective grinds. Wynn busies himself with housework until he receives a phonecall not too long into the morning from Malcolm's school. It's near the start of the day so the man is more confused than concerned when he answers. On the other end of the line is the school's desk lady.
She and the rest of the faculty relevant to Malcolm have gotten to know the man rather well in the past months, so her tone is friendly, familiar, but undeniably troubled. She tells the man that he should come to the school right away as there's a CPS agent snooping around and asking about Malcolm. Certain members of the faculty are giving the guy a bit of a run around, but she suggests Wynn get there ASAP in case there's trouble. Wynn says he understands and says he'll be there right away. However, after he hangs up, he quickly dials Father Xander and informs him of the situation, who in turn says he'll get the van ready for him and pass the news onto the detectives to perhaps do some checking and run interference. Wynn thanks him and sets out immediately afterwards. As promised, the van is waiting for him.
Father Xander is also waiting for him, and informs the man that the detectives have been informed and are going to meet him at the school. After a quick exchange of thanks and a good luck, Wynn drives to the school and makes his way to the office. Sure enough, Det. Patch Winslow and Terry Connors are there waiting for him. They mention that the police weren't contacted by CPS to provide an officer in case of a potential conflict, so they have a hunch that this little visit is probably unsanctioned. The lady at the desk informs the trio that the CPS agent is still being given the run around by some of the teachers Wynn and Claudia know, and asks what they want to do. Wynn doesn't want to actually cause a scene that might be used against him but he voices his suspicion that Donovian has something to do with this.
Connors asks what makes him so sure, and Wynn replies that it's just a hunch based on Donovian being too quiet recently, and the whole thing seemingly targeting Malcolm. Winslow agrees and says that if this Agent is here based off of a bogus tip from the director, then they shouldn't have any problem scaring him off. Connors comments they might be able to shake some kind of confession out of the agent that they can use against Donovian while they're at it. Again, Winslow agrees, and asks the desk lady to please call the CPS agent back to the office. During the wait, Wynn thanks the Detectives for showing up. He's actually surprised to see them. Connors says it's no problem. The man was lucky this was a slow morning, so they were available. Winslow mentions they were in the area anyway, so why not show up.
Not too long after, a twerpish looking saurian is led into the office by one of Malcolm's teachers, who promptly excuses herself and leaves the agent alone with Wynn and the detectives. Upon seeing he trio, the agent at first looks confused, but then blanches once he realizes that Connors and Winslow are police. He stammers out a greeting that attempts to sound casual, but between his diminutive size and apparently timid persona, he fails miserably. The detectives corral the CPS agent and escort him back out into the parking lot to have an impromptu interrogation. Wynn follows along behind silently. The detectives grill the CPS agent on what he's doing there, if his documents are in order, and wondering if he checked to make sure the whole thing wasn't a bogus tip, as that would be very bad. For him.
The looming detectives and Wynn's own unsettling gaze boring into the small saurian agent gets him to spill quite a few beans about the subject. He admits that that Malcolm was indeed targeted via a tip with no evidence to back it up, but that all he was told to do for today was just observe by the one who gave him the tip, and that evidence may be given to him tomorrow incriminating the boy's mother. When pressed to reveal the Who and Why, he realizes he's in deep shit and tries to haggle for some leniency, but after a few threats cracks. He reveals it was indeed Donovian, he's doing it for a bribe, and he's supposed to contact the director at the end of the school day to give the give him the call that parents are showing up to pick up their kids or if Wynn appeared.
Upon learning the general plan, the detectives and Wynn put together that Donovian is definitely using CPS as a threat. And seeing as how Wynn is the one that usually picks up Malcolm these days, he likely wanted to make that threat at the man. Wynn asks the detectives if this is enough to finally nail Donovian. They say with some work, yes, but it would be a slam dunk if they can find evidence of wrongdoing with a warrant. Plus, the more people who can testify against the director in court, the better. Winslow says that they have several hours before the CPS agent is supposed to make his call, and suggests Wynn has a look around for some of this evidence and lets him know where it is or isn't, so they can get a warrant written up. He also says that the CPS agent will be making that call under police supervision.
Wynn nods and wagers he'll start with Donovian's home. Connors warns the man to leave any evidence he finds there for them to collect later with a warrant. Again, the man nods and thanks the detectives for their help before heading to the van and driving out to the director's home while the others all make way to the police station. Wynn soon arrives at Donovian's house and as subtly as he can combs its exterior for cameras, alarms, or other such means of signalling his soon to be committed crime of breaking and entering. He is surprised when he finds none, and more so when he goes to open the rear entrance and finds it unlocked. The man is staggered by this, and can't tell if the director is truly this careless or just so arrogant that he never considered anyone would dare try to break in.
Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, the man eases his way inside, taking precautions to not leave any trace of his passing by misplacing any objects or leaving an excess of dirt on the clean tile floors. Searching the opulent domicile Wynn inevitably locates the study and the safe. Much like in E3, he deduces the code from a combination of scratch marks left on the number pad and recalling the numbers aligned with the director's birthday which Claudia had penned into the margins of her college notes. The safe is opened and quite a few incriminating documents are inside. One folder is medical information about Claudia that Wynn knows to be false. Particularly the parts that concern her sanity and competence. The other pile seems to be documents to be used as blackmail against various figures around the city.
Various important people from city hall seem to have been rubbing elbows with Donovian and benefiting from special favors. There is also a section that Donovian has made that links him to Alphonse, presumably. It's mostly just a list of names and a few pictures of cadavers. Not much Wynn can deduce from. While it's tempting to take all the evidence, Wynn places it back into the safe as it was and closes it back up. Then he makes his way back home. This particular portion of the day has put him close to the time when he needs to pick up Malcolm, and he needs to be at the school to collect the young parasaur and, presumably, answer what is supposed to be a surprise phone call. However, he does have just enough time to swing by Minnie's diner and let Claudia know what's going on.
It's a surprisingly brief meeting considering the concerning topic. Claudia is of course shocked to hear about the turn of events, but her relief is palpable as Wynn explains that the detectives were on the scene and have secured the agent. She actually seems excited as she expresses confidence that Donovian has finally overstepped and they'll get him on this. Her confidence is reassuring, and with a quick peck on the cheek, the man departs with an optimistic energy to go pick up Malcolm and presumably play along with whatever Donovian's scheme is so as to not alert him that it's been waylaid. He arrives just as the school is letting out and as he returns to the office, the desk lady informs him that no calls have come in when he asks. The man wonders if he has time to get Malcolm, but the phone rings.
He freezes as the desk lady answers and then looks to him with a nod. The man returns the gesture and reaches to accept the device. Sure enough, the smug voice of Donovian oozes from the other end of the line. He comments that he's happy he caught the man, as he wasn't sure whether to call here or at home, but seems to have guessed right. He goes onto say that Wynn has really gotten attached to the little bastard if he's so prompt in picking him up from school. The director continues his insults by mentioning how it must secretly burn the man to be so devoted to a kid that isn't even his own. Donovian takes time to remind Wynn that the man has essentially just gotten the director's left overs and mockingly wonders what Wynn thinks about having nothing but unwanted trash as a family.
The insults do cause the man to get angry despite Wynn knowing he has one up on the director. He does however make a quick retort of, "You're loss." Donovian's reaction satisfies Wynn. The director is apparently still unused to people biting back at barbs. Which gets Donovian to the point of his call, saying that Wynn has something to lose now so he'd better watch what he says. The director reveals that he had a friend of his from CPS make an appearance at the school today, and just confirmed with him that together they can get Malcolm taken away from Claudia, while getting her committed to a psych ward and the cops after Wynn. However, recent developments have made Donovian feel generous, which is to say spiteful, towards Claudia. So he'll make a deal with her and Wynn that will solve their grudge.
He mockingly offers that if Claudia comes over to his place tonight and does the one job she's good at, Donovian will stop harassing her, Malcolm, and Wynn. And, perhaps once or twice a month going forward will keep the bargain going. Wynn does not have to fake any anger or disgust seeping into his usually monotone voice as he calls Donovian sick in the head. The director laughs at the weak rebuttal. He goes onto say that this is a limited time offer, and that if the man knows what's good for that little family he's made for himself, he'll comply. He has until tomorrow morning, so don't take too long to decide. Then the phone hangs up, and Wynn is standing there with mixed feelings. He is able to keep control of himself, but the director's taunting has gotten him quite upset.
The time limit also has him worried, but he will address that later. For now he focuses on getting Malcolm back home. It's a quick task to get the parasaur lad, who as always is overjoyed to see the man whom he has decided is his father. The man reflects briefly on his quick retort earlier, about Claudia and Malcolm being Donovian's loss, and really can't think of a truer statement. Taking the boy back home Wynn explains to Malcolm, in simple terms, that there are some important things happening today, but if everything works out the bad man that has been bothering them will finally get arrested. Malcolm is of course ecstatic about this and asks if he can help. Wynn tells the parasaur boy he'll let him know, but hopefully the detectives will be able to handle it. At which point Wynn decides to call them.
Det. Winslow picks up the phone, and after an exchange of of information sounds quite pleased by what Wynn has found out. The evidence Wynn found should take care of Donovian, and knowing where it is means that a warrant will be easy to get. However, Winslow tells Wynn that if he can get Claudia or anyone to agree to testify, it'll make this whole process go so much faster. Thinking of all the incriminating documents in the safe, Wynn wonders about Dierdra's fate. With no more info to share at the moment, Wynn ends the call with Winslow and starts a new one. This time he calls Dierdra. She picks up and is curious about what the man wants. Wynn says that he would like to speak with her, and asks if she's willing to come to Claudia's home alone. She is cautious, but when Wynn says things are in motion, she agrees.
And so Wynn waits with Malcolm while "Auntie Dierdra," as Malcolm knows her by, makes her way to them. During the wait, Claudia arrives home from work and immediately sets about asking Wynn for what's going on. The man explains the actions he's taken up until now, with one or two interjections from Malcolm, including contacting Dierdra. Upon questioning why he did this, Wynn says he had hoped to convince the allosaur woman to testify against Donovian and perhaps work with the police against her father. Claudia hopes that Wynn is right, and offers whatever assistance she can. Wynn appreciates the offer of assistance, claiming he'll probably need it. Until then thought, the parasaur woman gets some coffee ready while Wynn wonders what to do with Malcolm. Before he can decide on anything, the door knocks.
Opening it reveals Dierdra, alone, though dressed in her low key casual attire. She wastes no time in entering the house and glancing around, stating that she is fairly certain she wasn't followed. Claudia and Malcolm both greet her warmly, and with more familiarity than Dierdra is used to. She is taken aback by such earnest affection, but obviously is not opposed to it. Without too much more wasted time, Dierdra asks Wynn to explain what's going on, and whether he has accepted her deal. The man takes a deep breath as he explains that no, he hasn't. He actually thinks that he has an offer for Dierdra. The man says that it's time for them all to finally be free of what's keeping them down, and he thinks that now is the time for Dierdra to break away from her old life and start fresh.
He makes the offer to the allosaur woman to help the police nail Donovian. Donovian had evidence that links him to her father's organization in his safe, and with Dierdra's testimony, they might be able to not only sic the police on the gang, but leave that life behind and start over. Upon speaking those last words, Wynn holds out the money to her and says that he knows starting over isn't easy, but the money may help her with that. The elegant allosaur looks quite unsure of what to do. She begins to describe how she has indeed thought about what Wynn and Claudia had said at Moe's. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she really does hate her current situation, but also how terrified she is about the price of failure. She's scared that the police won't be enough to protect her from her father
Collapsing onto the couch, she further admits that even after realizing how much she hates her life, and fears her father, she is still scared to let it all go. To lose everything. She faintly laughs at the ridiculousness of it. Wynn tries to think of some way to convince Dierdra and tell her things will be okay, but he falters with the words. Fortunately Claudia steps in. She sits next to Dierdra and starts to tell the allosaur woman about her life, what she lost, and how she was able to recover. Claudia includes Wynn's own story in her speech, saying that all of them, herself, Wynn, and Dierdra are being given a chance for a new life. With Wynn and Malcolm throwing in their own supportive statements, it gives Dierdra enough courage to relent and agree to do it.
After the group engage in a comforting hug, Wynn calls the detectives and shares the news of that he has someone who they a definitely going to want to testify, but they're gonna need some protection. They of course tell them to get to the police station and they'll get it all set up. Winslow gives them some extra instructions about where to park and who to talk to before they conclude they call. After packing some essentials and grabbing the money, Wynn, Claudia, Dierdra, and Malcolm all take a family trip in Claudia's car to the police station. Once there and after following their special instructions to get Dierdra inside in a subtle fashion, they reconnect with Det. Winslow, Connors, and meet the chief of police himself, Ripley. Ripley is VERY interested in what Dierdra has to say.
Dierdra expresses her wish to get out of the criminal life for good to the detectives and chief, and they all say that if she can help them take down her father it shouldn't be a problem to get her a clean slate. Before being led away to make her plea deal and testimony, she looks back at Wynn and the parasaurs and asks if they'll wait for her, to which they all unanimously affirm. This comforts Dierdra as she vanishes into the back offices of the station. Winslow congratulates and compliments Wynn and Claudia for all this, and guides them to a waiting room with some couches. He speaks that they may not look comfy, but he's spent plenty of nights on them. And so the would be family sits down, gets comfortable, and waits for hours on end. Occasionally Det. Winslow or Connors would pop in to chat or bring food.
As the night drags on, the three find small ways to entertain themselves. Mostly chatting up whichever detective or officer happens to stop in to check on them. Malcolm talks to them about their cars and Claudia about their how their days are going. Wynn meanwhile is surprised by the atmosphere of the place. The sort of ordered chaos and investigative nature of the place tickles an spot in his brain that makes him find the whole thing fascinating. Eventually Winslow and Connors will return escorting Dierdra. All three look exhausted and inform them to return home. They'll have some officers stationed at their home for protection, but they're on their way to make the arrest. Dierdra will have to be moved to witness protection soon, but for a brief time she should be safe at Claudia's.
Det. Winslow says to keep an eye on the news and get ready, because things are gonna be moving fast from here on out. Wynn, Claudia, Dierdra, and Malcolm then return home, a bit anxious about the future, but hopeful. Malcolm is exhausted after the outing, so upon returning home Claudia and Wynn both go to put him to bed. Dierdra watches and listens to the evening ritual enviously. Upon the pair's return, the three adults spend a long while speaking softly of what may come in the following days. The talk goes long into the night, but eventually they all give into their own exhaustion. Dierdra is not excited about her diminutive sleeping space, but falls asleep almost immediately in spite of it. Wynn and Claudia both cuddle together in her bed, and in the comfort of each other's arms, drift away to sleep.
Part 9B - Fallout of Donovian's death/arrest and date night to decompress a bit
quarter coverage of the former, and 3/4s of the latter? We'll see. It may not be that much depending on ending.
Ending 1
1 week has passed, and quite a busy week for Wynn indeed.
Of course, that was to be expected by the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of one of the city's more prominent citizens. It was not made easier by the inclusion of Det. Patch Winslow and Det. Terry Connors into the investigation. There was little doubt in their minds that Wynn, with help from Dierdra, caused the vanishing of Donovian. The detectives knew the situation between the director, Claudia, and the man so they know that Wynn was looking for solutions. The conversation at Volcano Elementary didn't help matters as it was extremely suspicious to say the least. That being said, there was no evidence present that linked the man to anywhere near Donovian or the director's home the night he disappeared.
Privately, the detectives are not upset at what happened to Donovian. They knew what he was and him being gone is no great loss to the city. They are mostly worried that Wynn has thrown in with Dierdra. In a move that surprises the detectives, Wynn admits that he did ask for Dierdra's help in dealing with Donovian, and agreed to her deal. He is tactical with his language, but states that by agreeing to her deal she'll bring him in on the ousting of Alphonse. He tells the detectives that once he gets on the inside of the organization and learns when the coup begins, he can notify them and the police can just round everyone up in one fell swoop. This will solve everyone's problems, more or less, and allow Claudia and Malcolm to truly be at piece.
Patch and Terry are skeptical, but it is quite an opportunity. Terry is all for it, but Patch is far more hesitant. He insists that they tell the chief and get his approval. If he says no, then Wynn, Claudia, and Malcolm are all gonna go into protective custody. The elder detective rubs his hardened scalp with his hand as he squares with what he has to do. He eventually says that it'll be easy enough to pin everything on Dierdra, as Donovian was one of her father's henchmen, and the motive can be explained as her just cleaning house. It is, regrettably, not the first time the truth has been ignored in order to try and take down a bigger threat. Patch hates it, but if it means taking down Alphonse's whole criminal organization, he'll go along with it.
It didn't take long to hear back from the police. Chief Ripley considers it worth the risk, and if everything goes smoothly, whatever suspicions surrounding Wynn will be forgotten. Patch and Terry warn the man that this is an incredibly dangerous line he's walking. For whatever reason, Dierdra seems to want Wynn in on this but that does not mean she won't have her own suspicions about the man or won't kill him once she gets what she wants from him. Wynn understands and in his usual emotionless fashion accepts the risk of death if if means Claudia and Malcolm can finally know peace. Patch remains concerned, but with both the chief and Wynn's confidence in the plan, there's little he can do beyond worry.
The detectives inform Wynn to keep his head down until they return to him with the full plan, and most importantly to stay out of trouble. Again the man agrees in as pleasant a way as he can muster.
Claudia's social circles, or what remained of them, knew less but were more concerned. Father Xander in particular knew that Wynn had taken things into his own hands regarding Donovian, and asked the man to speak to him about it. Wynn respected the ancient ankylosaur, and so listened patiently as the elderly priest expressed his concerns that the certainly justifiable death of Donovian may have felt like the right thing to do, he had thought Wynn was going to try for a more Just outcome. Wynn's only response was that while the law and society at large may have preferred a different outcome, as far as he is concerned justice had been satisfied. And at the end of the day, Claudia is safer for it, which is all that concerns Wynn.
Father Xander is disturbed by the exchange. He tells Wynn that now that Justice, as the man sees it anyway, has been meted out, perhaps the time has come for him to do as he originally intended and leave Volcadera Bluffs behind with his plunder, and to leave its people in peace. To leave Alphonse and Dierdra for the police. Wynn explains he cannot do so, as Dierdra still poses a danger to Claudia and Malcolm, and so will have to be dealt with before he goes. The man reassures Father Xander that this time the police will be involved, so the old priest may rest easy. Wynn's solution is hardly a comfort to Father Xander, who tells the man that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, and as much as he want Claudia's life to be one of peace he cannot approve of Wynn's methods.
He prays things work out for Claudia, and that Wynn's path concerns him greatly. He shall pray for the man for whatever good it may do him.
Minnie was a far more supportive of Wynn, but also far more ignorant of what had transpired. All she truly knew was that Claudia's tormentor was gone and that her friend was happy again. She praised the Lord often and loudly for delivering Claudia from her place of darkness, and swift justice to Donovian for his acts of evil and torment against an innocent. She also gives thanks for Wynn's arrival and his support for the parasaur woman, as she considers the man to have been a blessing. Wynn does not put much stock into her words or prayers, but does nothing to stop her from saying them. Her words have certainly made his reception at the church less chilly from the other members, save for Father Xander.
Despite the concerning discussions with the police over the week, Claudia and Malcolm could truly not have been happier. Not once had Wynn seen Claudia since informing her of Donovian's demise that he did not see a beaming smile on her face or a skip in her step. She still jumped when she heard the phone, but Wynn was always nearby, and so her panic was likewise always momentary. In spite of the happier mood however, she was not returning to the more social personality she had before. Indeed she was remaining close to Wynn at virtually all times she could afford to. It was not unpleasant for the man, but it was not without its more bothersome aspects as well.
There were times when she even suggested that Wynn and her could share a room as that would make her feel safer. The man denied this request, and suggested that if she desired company that she use someone closer to her, such as Malcolm. She proclaimed she had already moved Malcolm into her own bed for safety and security reasons, but they'd all be safer and more secure if Wynn was there too. The man reaffirmed his denial of the request, as he prefers to be alone. He sensed that this was disappointing news to her but he knew it to be the best option. His presence would only cause discomfort, and was aware of his failings in being emotionally supportive. Not that such a thing ever concerned him over much anyway.
Malcolm was told that he could rest easier now, and that his mother was at last safe from the bad man that threatened her. His jubilant mood rivaled the relief felt by his mother. Malcolm, who his mother had used like a stuffed animal, felt a great deal of pride in what he considered to be a very important role in caring for Claudia. Wynn told him as much at any rate, and the trio spent virtually the entire week in private celebration. Although the boy wanted to boast about how his "father" Wynn had come in and defeated the wicked director to anyone and everyone, under the man's watchful eye the young parasaur never let slip any involvement Wynn may have had. It was treated like a fun family secret. Malcolm interpreted it as his perceived father was actually a hero in disguise.
While Malcolm does not share the details of what transpired with Tiffany, his hero worship of the man proves contagious. It's not difficult for Tiffany to put together what has occurred given how close she was to everything, but knows enough to only ever bring it up if she, Malcolm, and Wynn are alone together. She views what Wynn has done through the lens of a child raised on video games, anime, and movies. The fact that Donovian was a fiend is all the justification she needs to be okay with Wynn executing him. The bad guy lost, and that's all that matters. It helps that no body is ever recovered so no gruesome details could emerge. As such, although she doesn't spend much time with them during the week, when she does it is always marked with her wanting to learn how to be like Wynn.
Wynn does not care for this attention, and in fact considers Tiffany's continued presence to be a bit of a hindrance. While her presence did make Malcolm and Claudia happy, her continued probing into what happened could cause problems for all of them. Loose lips and sinking ships and all that. It would bring unwanted attention into Claudia's life. As such Wynn does take a moment of time during the week to explain to Tiffany the importance of not speaking too much about what she knows for the sake of Claudia and Malcolm. She agrees, but Wynn is unsure she will keep her word forever, especially after he leaves. As to what they all DO during the week, it is like a week long vacation spent at home, where Wynn and Claudia prepared or purchased numerous fabulous meals.
At the end of the week as the celebratory feelings were seemingly at their crescendo, Wynn is approached by Claudia in the kitchen with news from Minnie. Apparently there is a carnival in town that has set up in fair grounds to the city's east. She thinks that Wynn and her have earned a fun little outing. Wynn nods saying that it would be a fun family activity to end the week on. He was concerned with the chaotic nature of the event and held absolutely no interest in carnivals except in how one might exploit the crowds to disappear into. However, Wynn considered that it would be a good idea to play the part of caretaker for the sake of appearances. The community may have softened on its opinion of him thanks to Minnie and Malcolm's praise of his character, but every little bit helps.
So he agreed, and would inform Malcolm. Before he could leave to go summon the boy, she took hold of his arm and asked if it could just be the two of them. Curious, Wynn asked for her reasons. She rather bashfully explains that Wynn has been so good to her and Malcolm, and because the last time they were supposed to go out by themselves Malcolm was forced to come with them, she thought that perhaps this could be her way of repaying the man. Wynn questioned what her plan was for Malcolm then. She replied that she hopes Wynn isn't mad, but she checked with Tiffany and set it up for the young girl to watch Malcolm that night. Wynn stares flatly at the parasaur woman before he nods once more and say that it is fine. Claudia somehow looks even more happy than she had previously at the news.
And so the date is set. Although Wynn feels somewhat hesitant to let Malcolm out of his sight. Especially now when things are on the verge of truly coming to a head. He thinks back to his break in at the start of the year, and how it had all gone so smoothly until the last few moments. He was concerned that things would go awry and his maneuvering of both Dierdra and the police's trust in him would be wasted. The thought irritated him, but he also knew that if his plan to exit Volcadera Bluffs with no remaining attachments weighing him down were to succeed, Claudia and Malcolm would need to reestablish a portion of independence from the man, so that they may let him go when the time comes.
Malcolm is informed of the plans, and while disappointed he can't come, the boy's complaints are calmed by Claudia informing him that the carnival will be here for the whole of first month of summer, so there shall be ample time for another trip. Claudia tell him that she just wants to do something nice for Wynn on her own this time. The young parasaur understands and complies. Fortunately Tiffany is not sick this time, and is actually able to watch him. So with the passing of the day, and as evening falls, Wynn and Claudia drop Malcolm off at the young raptor girl's house and then proceed to what will hopefully prove to be a fulfilling evening.
Next Scene
The fair grounds are located in one of two large fields nearby the cemetery on the eastern edge of the city. The place is teeming with activity when they arrive. Claudia handles the price of admission and the purchasing of tickets for rides and games. The two of them walk together and take in the sights and sounds of the carnival's night time atmosphere. It's a cacophony of delightful sounds, enticing smells, and dazzling lights. It would be easy for any normal person to lose themselves in all the excitement surrounding them. Wynn however remains utterly stone faced as he and Claudia walk the paths of the carnival. The parasaur woman looking this way and that as she wanders in a dream like trance from one spectacle to another.
Wynn is far less mystified by the enchanting atmosphere. His cold visage merely scans the crowds that surround them and follows along behind Claudia, content with his only contribution to the evening being to keep the parasaur woman company. As they travel from booth to booth, Claudia occasionally points to some bauble or game and attempts to get Wynn's input on it. Whether it is a question of if some stuffed animal looks particularly cute, or a or game looks like it would be fun, she would ask him and attempt to gauge his interest. She would always find an emotionless, analytical stare in response, and if she was lucky, a single word appraisal of a question. Wynn's robotic behavior was causing the the early signs of worry to form on Claudia's features.
She was, interaction by interaction, growing slightly more desperate to ensure Wynn was having fun. Wynn notes this growing concern in Claudia, and was considering making a suggestion of what they could do before he noticed the presence of someone behind him. Upon turning to confront the intruder of his personal space and sees a Mime mimicking his movements. Noticing the Mime elicits giggling from a gaggle of onlookers that had apparently been watching for a time. The Mime mirrors Wynn's expression, stance, and movements in an admittedly expert fashion. When Wynn attempts to walk away from the annoyance, the Mime follows in lockstep and once again elicits a smattering of amused chuckles from the crowd. By now Claudia has taken note of the encounter and she joins in on crowd of smiles.
She rather jokingly states that Wynn has found a friend that he talks about as much as he does. The man in typical fashion does not emote at all beyond his usual analytical stare and unnerving stillness. The Mime for his part replicates this, however throws in a flourish of comedic face whenever Wynn turns his head to scan the crowd and keep an eye on Claudia. She appears to be entertaining the show, so Wynn continues his stoic statue routine until the Mime grows bored and moves on. A process that takes slightly longer than the man would like, but it does end all the same. As the Mime comically walks away to pester a new target, the crowd that has formed around them thins, and Claudia approaches Wynn saying what a fun little event that was.
Wynn doesn't respond verbally of course, but does offer a shrug. Claudia looks troubled by this and hastily looks around and spots a collection of rides. Gaining a hopeful expression she pulls Wynn towards them saying that those look like they'll be fun. The man joins Claudia on a series of rides, from the spinning gravitron, the swinging ship, all the classics. During all the most exciting moments of these rides Claudia would cling a little closer to the man and playfully shout in excitement in an attempt to coax some emotion our of him. Unfortunately Wynn remains as robotic as ever. After every ride Claudia sees the same stoney expression looking back at her which causes her to become all the more desperate to get some kind of emotion out of the man.
At this point she starts to nervously wring her hands and looks around for something, anything that might interest the man. This was her idea after all, so if Wynn didn't have fun, it would mean she'd have just messed everything up and that would demolish the idea she could do anything without his input. She begins apologizing to Wynn about him not having any fun, and what a mistake she had made in the evening. She starts breathing in short and fast breaths as the panic inside starts to take over. Wynn sees this, and places a hand on her shoulder, which gets her attention and stifles the oncoming panic attack. Once she is looking at him he points to a shooting gallery booth and asks if he may have some tickets to win a prize.
Claudia is stunned for a moment, but soon snaps back to reality and begins to hastily and happily nod. After handing over the tickets to Wynn the man approaches the stall and is presented with a BB gun. Wynn admits he's mire familiar with pistols, but takes aim and begins to peg one target after another. He concludes the 10 shots granted to him just as the minute of time required to win a prize runs out. What few people were around to watch the display hoot and holler in congratulation. The vendor makes a big show at being impressed, and passes Wynn a massive stuffed anomalocaris (the shrimp with the face tendrils). Claudia applauds Wynn as he returns to her and in customary fashion presents her with the stuffed crustacean.
As she squeezes the creature close, she asks Wynn where he learned how to shoot like that. Wynn lies and says the army. He watches her continue to hold the stuffed animal close to her, but notes she her occasional glances at his own face to try and read some kind of emotion. To further appease Claudia, Wynn lies to her and says that he knows he is not very good at showing it, but he is having fun. With her, specifically. She believes him, and the two of them walk away towards the entrance past the carnival's big animal tent, where mastadon's, moas and dire wolves can be heard from within. Looking within he sees some kind of giant bird being tranquilized by a syringe.
Claudia notices Wynn's interest and in an effort to engage with him begins to explain what he's seeing. She says they're injecting the bird with concentrated carfentanil. A pretty hefty tranquiler that was used in the wars by humans to knock out and capture saurians. It's a controlled substance now used by doctors and vets now. Very dangerous in higher dosages. Anything more than a tea spoon would likely kill anyone. Claudia concludes her unbidden talk by explaining that in an aerosolized form it proves to be an effective intoxicant. Wynn does express gratitude for the information, which Claudia readily accepts. Wynn looks to the parasaur woman and notes how eager she is for any small amount of his attention.
Wynn's thoughts focus on Claudia as they leave. Specifically her rapid emotional breakdown Claudia succumbed to when Wynn did not appear to have fun. The man admits to himself he did not help matters by being...well, himself, but if the desperate attempts to please him prove anything, it's that she is not likely going to be able to function without him there to guide her. That, and she may have a very different idea of what kind of relationship he and her have.
During the ride back to Claudia's house, he silently broods over his situation. His ideas of leaving Volcadera Bluffs and its people behind, with himself being little more than a footnote and millions of dollars richer have all but slipped away. He wants to be free of all of them. Desperately so. He looks to Claudia as she drives, and wonders whether she'd be able to survive an actual crisis by herself at this point. Whether she or Malcolm could withstand one. He also considered whether he cared. He had solved the Donovian issue because the director was jeopardizing Wynn's cover. Or had he? How many of those promises to take care of Claudia did he actually mean? And did he actually kill Donovian on her behalf, instead of his own?
He considered this, but quickly banished the possibility. He needed Donovian dead because the director had threatened his nice, and stable hide away. Alphonse will have to go for the obvious reason that the monster of a saurian will hunt him down eventually. Dierdra has to be removed because she knows too much about Wynn, and she wants the money. The detectives have to go because they too know too much about Wynn. Father Xander, Minnie, Tiffany, the whole church community. Malcolm. Claudia. They all know too much about him, and not one of them will likely forget him. Each one threatens his desire to disappear.
A singular solution enters his mind. He shook it away before as an insane intrusive thought, but now it lingers and is not so easily dismissed. As the car pulls up to the drive way and Wynn assists Claudia in extracting herself and her great stuffed crustacean. Together they enter into the house and are welcomed by Tiffany and Malcolm, whose eyes go wide at the sight of the giant stuffed creature. Claudia gives it to them, and spends some time recounting the evening and how Wynn appears to be an expert marksman. The children exchange looks as if they knew that already, as they suspect Wynn to be some kind of super spy. The man doesn't deny or confirm anything. He merely grabs some sustenance from the refrigerator and waits until he may speak with Claudia.
Eventually she comes to him, and he thanks her for the lovely evening. He apologizes for not being more into the spirit of things, but he is how he is. Claudia is genuinely apologetic as she says she was foolish to have the idea in the first place. She should have known better that the man was just fine staying in than going to some silly carnival. Wynn accepts her unnecessary apology and says that he's going to go rest. Claudia meanwhile says that once she drives Tiffany home, she will likely do the same, and bids the man goodnight. He bows his head and departs to his room, where he, like so many other nights before, closes his eyes and rests.
However, the intrusive thought remains. The thought that the only way to be forgotten completely, is for there to be no one left who remembers him. No one.
Logical, he thinks.
Ending 2
1 week passes
The fallout from Donovian's death was cathartic, to say the least. Although Wynn's deal with the police protected him from too much scrutiny, there was still a token investigation of him and Claudia as suspects due to her history with the director, but the memo to not look too closely apparently went through. Tiffany's testifying Wynn was with them that night was all it took for them to call it a solid alibi. Wynn regretted how he explained his whereabouts to Claudia that night. He described it to her as a police raid was going to take place, but the word on the lips of the news and local gossips was murder. However, if Claudia was ever bothered by the contradiction in stories she never made it known. She pushed those thoughts out of her mind, and instead focused on one thing.
She was free from Donovian, Malcolm was safe, and Wynn was there by her side, and they were finally able to be truly happy. The man did nothing to dissuade this notion. The parasaur woman acted as if she had gotten a fresh breath of life in her. She was happy, sociable, and was starting to focus on perhaps starting a new career as a small time clinic or nurse. Malcolm has never been more excited, for as far as he is concerned, his new dad has just come in and teamed up with the police to take out a bad guy. The apparent secrecy of his involvement just adds to he mystique the young parasaur has been allowed to build up around the man. It's obvious to the boy that his new father is some kind of undercover action hero.
Tiffany, to her credit, does not believe this completely, but she does get swept away in the romantic nature surrounding the situation. While Malcolm is under the impression Wynn didn't break any laws, the young raptor girl thinks Wynn broke a few laws to do what's right. Regardless of interpretation of events, they all seem on board with the idea that whatever Wynn did was justified. Minnie and Father Xander are different stories, especially the latter. Minnie, for her part is just happy that Claudia's happy, and like most others who knew what Donovian was really like, thinks the director got the punishment due to him. Father Xander is the only one concerned by Wynn's actions. All the priest has said to Wynn since then is that he is praying for him, and to be wary.
To live by the sword is to die by the sword, and that this bloody business isn't over. He alone reminds Wynn that Alphonse and Dierdra are still out there, and they are much more deft at slaughter than he is. Wynn is troubled by this, so he asks Father Xander what the police are doing about it. When the priest says that they are unable to act because they are currently covering up Wynn's crime, leaving the man to fend for himself for the time being. The priest advocates for Wynn turning himself into police custody voluntarily, and loudly, and hand over the money. That way the man will be put into protective custody and the those coming after him will have no reason to go after Claudia or Malcolm. An ideal solution, but Wynn doesn't believe it.
He counters the suggestion by stating that Father Xander was wrong about how best to protect Claudia before, so Wynn will keep her safe on his own. As far as Dierdra, Alphonse, and their gang is concerned, Wynn has received no word from the allosaur woman expressing her displeasure or further demands. Wynn can only assume that his actions must have caused some kind of stir within the organization, and perhaps the files he handed over to the police have actually had an affect. There is little he thinks he can do about it at the moment, so he resolves to keep his magnum and knife close at hand, stay vigilant, and if they make a move do what is necessary.
The day Wynn finds himself waking up to is a pleasant one. There' fresh coffee, no calls coming in, no work to be done, and the weather is beautiful. As the man is enjoying his morning beverage and gazing out the front window, Claudia emerges from her room and wishes him good morning before preparing a more substantial breakfast for the household. During which she chit chats with Wynn about making the most of the day, and getting out of the house. Perhaps doing something fun like they did way back when the two of them went shopping, or to the park. Wynn says he's sure Malcolm maybe better to ask for fun activities, but the parasaur woman reiterates she wants it to just be the two of them. She also declares a preference for this outing to take place in the evening.
This causes the man to ponder. He discounts an evening walk through the park, as it's not exactly safe from Dierdra potentially appearing there. The Bluff is likely still a crime scene. He has grown tired of Moe's and Pizza Cave. Eventually he is struck by inspiration and asks if Claudia wants to see a movie. She beams at the idea, exclaiming that she hasn't seen a new movie in years. She and her friends from back in the day always used to go. She almost starts to recount that it was before the Donovian situation, but she cuts herself off and waves away the thoughts. She says its a wonderful idea, and she'll be looking forward to it. Until then, she plans on helping Minnie sort out some preparations for an upcoming charity, so she will see him again in the afternoon.
With a quick kiss on the man's cheek she tells him he can pick the movie and goes back to preparing a breakfast for everyone. Wynn then takes a seat in the living room and enjoys the mundane decision before him. However, he has no way of knowing what's playing and has no means to check. Claudia's house has a severe lack of internet access, which proved useful for when Donovian was harassing them but has had its downsides. Wynn considers thus sort of mundane purchase, in addition to others, now that the director can no longer trouble them. He spends most of the morning, for the first time really, considering what luxury items he could buy with the stolen money. It amuses him enough he loses track of time and gets called back to the kitchen for breakfast without having touched his coffee.
Malcolm arrives for breakfast alongside Wynn. At one point over the course of the bountiful meal, when Claudia excuses herself from the room, the man asks the parasaur boy if there are any good movies in theaters. The boy says he doesn't know, but Tiffany would. He is eager to go to the movies, and is disappointed when Wynn tells him it's just for himself and Claudia. The boy questions if it's a date, and although the man never considered it as such before now, he supposes it is and admits it to the boy. Malcolm laments he isn't going, but he guesses that now that the bad man is gone, his mom and dad want to do mom and dad stuff. A sentiment Wynn agrees with. After concluding that Malcolm and Tiffany would be spending the evening together, Wynn downs the rest of the meal and gets up.
He moves to the phones and calls Tiffany, who once again agrees to sit for Malcolm for the evening. The man also, quietly asks if she knows any good movies to take Claudia to. Tiffany thinks about the question and suggests an action film that she saw recently. Wynn questions if she's sure, and the young girl says that she thought it was awesome. It seems like a good enough endorsement for Wynn, so concluding that chore he steps outside into the sunlight of the balmy morning and takes a deep breath of fresh air and see if the mail has arrived. As he gazes around, he notes a dark car parked at the end of the street he doesn't recognize. He stares at it for only a few moments before it animates and slowly rolls out of view. He logs it in his mind, but otherwise disregards it as coincidence.
The rest of the day is spent playing with Malcolm, and later in the afternoon, going to Tiffany's with the young boy. The discussion of course begins with the children lionizing Wynn's actions and asking him various questions about his past that he genuinely can't answer, or indeed continues to lie about to preserve their image of him. After some time is spent with them, the man returns home. It's a short time after that when Claudia returns. It is not long after that they they both prepare for the night out, during which time Claudia mentions from behind her door that she has been looking forward to this. She pauses before also commenting that this would be one of the few time for quite a while they're alone in the house together. The implication in Claudia's tone is obvious.
Wynn hears this from his room and briefly considers skipping the movie portion of the night entirely, but figures Claudia wanted to get out of the house. He also isn't sure if their relationship is at that particular level yet. Perhaps he can find that out tonight. When she exits her room, she is in a very nice, if a bit plain dress. Wynn is in his usual attire, but both of them have freshened up so they look and feel ready for a night on the town. As the sun sets they head out and drive to the closest movie theater. The only thing of note on the drive to the theater is that he notices the same dark car from earlier in his rear view mirror. Another coincidence he thinks. The two of them arrive at the movie theater as the sun is setting. Crowds are sparse making the lines move quickly.
Wynn and Claudia approach the ticket booth and the man makes the purchase from a very bored looking teen (maybe make it Buster's job to save on making a new character). Upon hearing the title of the movie, Claudia balks somewhat and asks what it's about. Wynn says he asked around and this one came highly recommended. His date is dubious but says okay, hoping that it isn't too violent. Unfortunately for the pink parasaur, it is pretty violent with a plethora of shootouts and explosions. Wynn doesn't particularly pay attention to the film and is more watching Claudia's reaction and is crestfallen to see she is not enjoying herself. The violent parts in particular seem to disturb her the most. It's about halfway through the movie when Wynn finally leans over and asks if she wants to go.
She tries to at first deny it, but when the villain kidnaps the female lead and she is put in a position that hits a bit too close to home for the parasuar woman, she agrees that she would like to go. The pair get up and exit the theater with Claudia leading the way. She comes to a stop at the entrance of the building and the two linger there for a time before she finally speaks. She sounds like she's on the verge of break out into crying as she apologizes for ruining the movie. Wynn doesn't waste a moment in saying it was his fault and comforting her. The small comforting gesture of putting a hand on her shoulder is enough to calm her down and change the oncoming sniffles to laughter. The clasp hands and start back towards the car as they chit chat about what little of the movie they saw.
Claudia asks Wynn if he was having a good time at least. He answers that he wasn't really paying attention as he was never really one for movies, so asks Claudia what movies she likes are. She laughs and jabs at him with her elbow and says he probably should have asked her that before. She says that she liked the swashbuckling movies she used to watch when she was little. They had everything; romance, humor, and a clean sort of action that wasn't gratuitous. She supposes that's probably what ruined her in the long run. She was always waiting for a prince charming to sweep her off her feet, fight off some villain, and take her on a whirlwind romance. Wynn doesn't comment, so Claudia does it for him, saying that that the man took his time showing up as she gives him a nudge with another laugh.
Wynn can't help but smile as the finish their approach to the car. The smile wipes from his face immediately when he sees a strange saurian attempting to force open the vehicle's lock. Wynn does not issue a warning or shout "Hey" to try and scare the burglar away. He just quietly tells Claudia to stay back and stalks towards the car-jacker. Claudia is stunned for a moment but calls after Wynn to question what he's doing, which alerts the thief. The saurian pops to his feet in an instant with a switchblade flashing into appearance, and demanding the man back up. Wynn sees red however. His mind sinks back to the night he killed Donovian and the rage he felt then. Wasting no words on threats or warnings, the man lunged at the stranger completely unfazed by the weapon he held.
Fortunately for Wynn the would be car thief was hoping the sight of the knife would be enough, and was not prepared for his opponent to, not only be completely unafraid, but apparently go berserk at the sight of the knife. This is made evident by the thief not actually being all that skilled with the weapon in question and having a weak grip on it. The actual confrontation is short, as Wynn's lunge goes unopposed and he is able to twist the knife out of the thief's hand and turn it back onto the saurian. The saurian falls back as soon as he realizes he's been stabbed and slashed by his own knife. He immediately cowers and tries to surrender as he trips over his feet and lands on his back. Looking up he sees eyes filled with murderous intent, similar to Alphonse's
Wynn approaches in silent menace, but the cries from Claudia snap him out of whatever blood lust has overtaken him. A quick glance behind him is all the opening the would be thief to scurry away into the dark streets away from the man. Wynn meanwhile stares at Claudia with an expression that slowly morphs from one of a killer to the more recognizable one she's familiar with. The parasaur woman is shocked to say the least and tells Wynn she thought he was going to kill that guy. Wynn looks down at the bloody knife in his gloved hand and he tosses it away before giving Claudia an apologetic look, and says he was just trying to protect her. The parasaur woman stares back at him in fear for a few moments longer before saying it looked to her like he was going to kill him.
The man just looks away in shame and freezes, unsure of what to do. Eventually a gentle hand touches his shoulder and Claudia spins him around to look at her, saying that she was worried he would, but only for a moment. She says she knows Wynn would never just kill someone. It's not like him. After that she embraces him in a comforting hug. The man returns the embrace, but wears a disturbed expression as he rests his head over her shoulder. He breaks the embrace a bit early and says they should go home. Claudia agrees and they enter the car, with the parasaur woman taking the driver's position. Wynn leans back in the passenger's side seat and internally wonders what he would have told Claudia if she didn't stop him. The look in her eyes when she saw him was one of pure terror.
It's a look his mind lingers on, and a deep well of regret wells up in him. He was going to kill that car thief and he knows he would have not felt bad about it, of that he has no doubt. What he can't stand is Claudia's disapproval of it. His internal thoughts are interrupted by Claudia's voice, and he snaps to awareness realizing they've arrived home. She asks if Wynn is feeling alright. He answers that he feels shaken up from earlier, and after a moment he apologizes for scaring her like that. She looks at him tenderly, saying that the look he gave her was pretty frightening. He tries explain, but he can't bring the words forth. Her face takes on a more serious expression, and states she never wants to see Wynn look at her like that again, and for him to never let Malcolm see it.
She asks him to promise her that. Wynn does, knowing he can't. But she believes the lie, and breathes out in relief. She then says that she is thankful to the man for the heroics that night, and says that all the excitement has exhausted her. Wynn agrees, and they move to enter the house. In the last moments before they enter the house, Wynn spots that same dark car from earlier. It's parked far down the street, and while a small warning bell goes off in the back of his head, Claudia beckoning to him and the conversation they just had discourage him from giving it too much thought. The events of the day have indeed been exhausting, so both of them retreat to their rooms and quickly fall into sleep.
Ending 3
1 week passes
The following week has proved to be just about everything Wynn and Claudia could have hoped for. The CPS agent dropped their investigation, Donovian has not been heard from since the meeting with Dierdra, and the man and his parasaur family have found themselves in a blissful, almost idealic state of living. The detectives were left scratching their heads as to why Donovian backed off, but it didn't take long for them to figure out that Wynn had gotten help from Dierdra. They didn't know to what extent the help went, and in a subsequent interview with them all Wynn told them is that he returned the money and she took care of it. That was all. They're dubious, but aside from some pointed assumptions, all they can do is tell Wynn to be careful.
Dierdra may not be as bloodthirsty as her father, but that doesn't mean she isn't dangerous. Winslow tells the man if he needs any help, just call. Wynn can tell that there is no small amount of guilt in the old pachy detective for falling short of helping the man and Claudia. Wynn does not hold a grudge against him, as he regrets that the more legitimate methods could not run their course. Both Wynn and Claudia are grateful towards the detectives, and after the second visit it becomes clear that there isn't going to be any kind of follow up investigation. Beyond that, only Father Xander had any hesitation about celebrating the news. He was happy Claudia was free from Donovian's harassment campaign, and doubly so that Malcolm was safe, but he worried for what price Wynn will have to pay.
He tells Wynn as much, and while the man takes the ancient ankylosaur's words to heart, he confesses that he doesn't really care about what price there might be, or what happens to him. He's just happy for Claudia and Malcolm. Father Xander understands the sentiment, and tells the man he'll be praying for him. Minnie and Tiffany make up for the lack of jubilant attitudes found in the priest and detectives. When they heard the news, both were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement and each launched their own barrage of questions. Minnie's were directed at Wynn and Claudia's developing relationship and questioned whether they had discussed plans for their future lives together yet. Being less than a week since the event, neither had even brought it up. Though Wynn had given it some thought.
Claudia is far too embarrassed to speak of anything of the sort out loud. The parasaur mother had certainly, and rapidly, grown intimately closer to Wynn. Affectionate displays of hugs and kisses were far more common now. Although they shared a bed almost every night now, they still refrained from anything beyond very intimate and intense cuddling. Outside of these intimate moments, Claudia was walking with renewed vigor and joy in her steps as she went about her daily routine. She moved with a sort of fluidity and grace during the week that it inspired Wynn on what to do for a big celebratory night on the town. Although he handed the money over to Dierdra, he had learned through the grapevine of certain restaurants and public shows occurring in the park this week that he is certain will impress.
Tiffany had a different sort of questions she asked of Malcolm and Wynn. Particularly ones that presumed Wynn pulled off some sort of daring heist filled with action and intrigue where he had a dramatic confrontation with the director. Wynn was almost sorry to disappoint her, as the idea of him turning into a one man army and fighting a bunch of goons did sound pretty cool to him. He embellishes things here and there for the benefit of the story. He is not the best storyteller by any measure, but regardless of how he struggles to fill a sentence with descriptions or exciting turns of phrase, Tiffany and Malcolm eat up every word. Soon enough, the children are reenacting some scenes from his tale, and demanding he tell them more whenever he's over to play video games again.
By the end of the week, Wynn has prepared everything for the big night he had planned for him and Claudia. Malcolm is spending the night with Tiffany, and he had squared away a reservation with a restaurant located on the edge of the park. With a bit of prodding by Minnie he had divulged the plan to the ceratopsid woman, who then made certain Claudia had the whole week off. While it may have been fun to have the whole thing be some kind of surprise, having something he and Claudia can both look forward to has its own kind of excitement to it. Claudia goes out shopping with Minnie on a few occasions during the week to prepare an outfit. She's quite giddy about the whole prospect. Wynn didn't have a whole lot of funds after reserving the restaurant, so he couldn't update his own wardrobe.
It should be fine though. It's a nice place, but he didn't hear or see anything about a dress code. It is also the start of summer so he'll be sweating beneath his jacket through the whole thing, but he'll tough it out. He did consider asking Dierdra about whether she wanted to float him a couple of dollars to help him out, but he suspected that she would be busy cementing her support with her colleagues. Wynn tries not to think about how he's joined a criminal organization, but he can't help but be reminded about the inevitable day when Dierdra comes calling for him every time he goes to the closet where he kept the money. Its absence only reminds him that he bought himself into something that he really doesn't know much about, or what will be expected of him.
He shakes the thoughts from his mind and resolves that tonight is all about Claudia. A night like this has been a long time coming. A night where he will express to her the love and adoration that he has been feeling grow in him over the past few months. Even if his words fail him, perhaps his deeds will make everything clear. He also considers he's overthinking things. Claudia has not been subtle with her own amorous behavior, and more than one observer has already claimed that pair are moments away from getting engaged and making the relationship official. The man swears under his breath that he gave the money away before buying Claudia a ring, because tonight would be the perfect opportunity to ask her to marry him. He sighs and says there will be other moments. Especially if Dierdra pays well.
For the majority of the day of the date, Wynn and Claudia actually spend most of it with Malcolm. Either watching movies, playing with toys, or attempting to play video games with him. The young parasaur boy seems to be aware of the romantic nature of the outing and asks Wynn if he's gonna marry his mom. With Claudia present in the room, the poor man has to be careful with how he responds, as he doesn't want to just say "No" or "Not this time." Unfortunately instead of words he just sort of shuts down and sputters. Fortunately Claudia comes in for the save and tells the young boy that he shouldn't ask that sort of thing as it's just sort of rude, and may spoil a surprise. The boy just gives a whoops, but Wynn is left facing a now expectant look from his mother whose expectations may have just been set high.
The hours tick by, and eventually Claudia excuses herself to freshen up, while Wynn does the same. A quick shower and a fresh set of clothes gets him ready in about 30 minutes. Claudia takes quite a bit more time, leaving Wynn to take Malcolm to Tiffany's house. During the trip Malcolm once again apologizes for maybe spoiling a surprise, but Wynn reassures the boy that he didn't spoil anything. The man admits since giving Dierdra back her money he can't afford a wedding ring anyway. After dropping off the young boy, he returns home to find Claudia ready and wearing a very simple, but no less beautiful dress. He's speechless, which while that's normal for him, Claudia knows that this time it's because he's genuinely smitten. She extends a hand for him, and he escorts her to the car and they head off.
The restaurant is on the edge of the park closest to the coast. The entire restaurant, from the kitchen to the seating, is one big open air pavilion about the size of a large barn. String lights crisscross above the tables giving the entire setting an enchantingly cozy atmosphere. A live band plays in the center of the pavilion. Wynn however had to settle for seating nearer to the edge of the place. It suited the pair fine though. It made it so the music was not too loud, and if there was a breeze they would actually get to feel it. A relief for Wynn who was already suffering from the summer night heat in his jacket. Claudia does make mention that he should just take it off. She playfully assures him that she doesn't mind if he strips down a little. This is all the invitation the man needs to shed the coat.
They take their seats and drink in the atmosphere while they wait for a waitress to arrive. Night has fallen by the time they arrived, so outside of the pavilion's boundaries are the soft street lights of the park's walkways with the twinkling city skyline beyond. The chirp of grasshoppers, crickets, and other night creatures intermingles with the band playing a variety of music, and from where they are sitting, it's hard to say which chorus of sounds is louder than the other. The kitchen located at one end of the pavilion can not only be seen cooking up a storm, but can be smelled too. The scents are indeed mouth watering, and both Wynn and Claudia feel their stomachs growl with anticipation. No sooner does the parasaur woman excuse the noise from her stomach than the waitress arrives with menus.
The waitress greets them warmly and asks if they are the Wynn and Claudia party and if it's their first time at dining there, to which they reply yes on both counts. After confirming their identity the waitress takes their orders stating that their bill has been prepaid. Wynn is confused by this but assumes that it's part of the cost of the reservation. It was a decently tidy sum after all. So he shrugs and follows Claudia's lead in ordering something a little nicer than he was planning. After placing the order they discuss the prepaid status of the meal and Wynn shares his theory, but Claudia is still a little dubious about whether that is how it works. But she also ends up shrugging, saying that if that's the way the restaurant does things, who's she to argue. And so their talk changes course to other topics.
Topics dealing with their futures and what they plan on doing. Claudia feels as though she has a new lease on life. She's still worried that Donovian is out there, and she doesn't want to risk trying to become a nurse again. She also doubts she can get a medical license. He may have stopped harassing her, but the damage he did to her reputation remains. She considers perhaps applying for a job as a school nurse. Volcano Elementary knows her, and that way she can keep close to Malcolm. Wynn suggests that the diner may pay better. She laughs and agrees with that, but admits she really did love practicing medicine, even for a little bit. Leaning forward she add that with Wynn going to work with Dierdra, the pay may not be such an issue. Wynn looks off into the distance as he ponders his response to that.
He tells Claudia he has no idea what Dierdra has in store for him. Pay or otherwise. He's worried that he just doesn't know what he's agreed to. Claudia places a comforting hand on his and very much understands where he's coming from. She admits to being concerned too, but after having met Dierdra and after all the things the allosaur woman has done for them, she is willing to trust her. The parasaur woman smiles and states that she believes that Dierdra won't turn Wynn into a monster. With a playful squeeze she proclaims that if the allosaur tries, then Claudia will just have to take a page out of Wynn's book and do some secret agent stuff. She makes some mock karate chops as she says this, drawing a rare laugh out of Wynn and easing his worries. Soon after their food arrives and they dig in ravenously.
The meal is of course delicious. The two of them devour the food so quickly they barely take the time to enjoy it. Afther their plates are cleared, the both lean back into their chairs and just digest their meal in silence for a time. They let the atmosphere of the setting really sink in. A process made more enjoyable now that there is food in their stomachs. After about the length of a song from the band, the waitress returns to clear their plates, but departs before Wynn can ask her to explain the payment situation with a bit more detail. Claudia just takes it as an invitation to sit and chat a bit longer. She asks Wynn if he's thought about what Malcolm said earlier, specifying the marriage proposal. Wynn balks slightly, but admits that he had.
He rather embarrassingly states that he probably should have gotten a ring when he still had all that money. He laments that he has no idea what he's doing in regards to romance. He has been thinking about his and her future together for a while now. He struggles as he he tries to explain that he feels like he belongs with Claudia, that she and Malcolm feel like home to him, and that once all this is taken care of and his work with Dierdra is over, he will get her that ring, and ask her to marry him. Claudia is tearfully smiling back at him, and replies that she'll be looking forward to that. Then she leans in, and reaching across the table to tug him closer by grabbing his jacket, plants one very passionate his upon him. There are a few who spot them that give a small smattering of applause.
The waitress returns as the kiss ends with a wine bottle and a note. Once again, before Wynn can ask any questions the waitress tells them the wine is as before prepaid. Handing over the bottle, she adds that offers the note to Wynn, who opens it up and reads rather elegant handwriting. The note instructs him to "Make sure it's a night she'll remember," and signed, "-D." Now the man understands the situation and informs Claudia that apparently his new employer has seen fit to pay for the meal. With an understanding Ah-Ha, the two of them pour a glass of wine and make a toast to Dierdra. Wynn silently ponders the instruction on the note, and decides that he will endeavor to rise to the challenge. After finishing their glasses, Wynn rises from the table and offers Claudia a hand, and asks if she wants to dance.
She asks if he knows how, which he responds with a sheepish, "not really." Claudia is amused by the answer and takes his hand as they move a few steps away out from under the pavilion where they have some space to sway back and forth in tune with the music. It's a clumsy affair, but they have fun regardless. The wine certainly helped matters, as does other dinner guests following their lead to dance in the warm glow of the night lights getting attention off of them. Eventually they songs and the dances run their course, and the man and parasuar woman return for their table, collect the half full bottle of wine, and with much thanks to the staff, the two depart into the night. The walk along the paths of the park until they reach a pond to sit next to and finish off the bottle. Each taking a sip at a time.
They don't speak much. They just sit, sip, and cuddle as they look out onto the dark surface of the pond reflecting the moon and city lights. After the bottle is well and truly empty, Claudia's cuddling grows more intimate. Soon, the cuddles turn to kisses. Then Wynn finds himself on his back with Claudia on top of him. There is a moment then, when they stare into each other's eyes, they realize they are at a line that has yet to be crossed. Wynn recalls Dierdra's note, and decides to go for it. Pulling Claudia down into a kiss, they roll into a more concealed spot, and instincts take over as the pair of them start making love. Fade to black of course. I ain't drawing all that. They wake up a scant few moments before daybreak spooning one another. The summer air was gentle and kept them warm through the night.
A morning choir of ducks is what rouses them from their sleep, and after a kiss good morning, they take a moment or two to right their clothes and emerge from their spot. They are lucky enough to not encounter any early morning joggers on the way back to the car. It's a quiet drive back, but there is a certain relief and giddiness between the two that keep bother of them smiling. Once they return, Claudia goes to disrobe and change into something with less grass stains, while Wynn starts preparing breakfast. He has to go pick up Malcolm later, but there should be enough time for some food. Over breakfast, Claudia tells Wynn how wonderful the previous night was, and that she's thinking she might ask Malcolm to sleepover at Tiffany's about once a week. The man says that sounds like a great idea and smiles.
Ending 4
1 week passes
And what a week it is. The news was indeed flooded the following days with the shocking story of the hospital director's corruption. Donovian's lawyers aren't even putting up a campaign denying the allegations, and hiding behind a screen of innumerable statements of "No Comment." That first day when the news broke, Claudia leapt into Wynn's arms, and the two embraced in pure exultation. Even Wynn's usual neutral expression couldn't resist beaming a smile when confronted by Claudia's infectious exuberance. Malcolm is naturally swept up in all the laughter and excitement. Dierdra is surprised to be included in on the the festivities. Of course she's also still somewhat dazed by her decision to betray her father and leave her criminal life behind. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, a somber cloud hangs over her.
However, as Claudia gets into contact with Minnie and Father Xander to share in the good news, she spends some extra time focusing on attempting to brighten Dierdra's mood. Wynn for his part is trying to contain Malcolm and warn him about telling too many people that Dierdra is with them. The house hold spends the week generally trying to keep a low profile when outside the house but practically parties the moment everyone is home. Wynn and Dierdra spend a great deal of time alone together in the house over the week. They spend most of the time just talking. Or, Dierdra does. For her it's a form of coming to grips with her choice and reassurances from Wynn. Intermixed with all this talk is coaching Dierdra in how to do mundane house chores. By the end of the week, Dierdra has actually gotten rather comfortable.
The police keep in contact throughout the week, if for nothing else than to stop by and get some coffee. The detectives can't thank Dierdra enough for her help. Taking down Donovian has made Alphonse's gang spooked, and Dierdra's disappearance probably has them confused. Winslow and Connors hope that they can get a strike force together to make sweeping arrests before Alphonse gets the gang mobilized. Dierdra is worried that it won't take long at all. Especially when they figure out she sold them out. The detectives share the concern, and are trying to find a good place to keep her until the time comes to take Alphonse and Donovian to court. For now, they're all fairly sure that Dierdra is safe with Claudia and Wynn, just so long as she keeps her head down. And for the majority of the week, she does.
However Father Xander, though more accurately Minnie, have other plans. It seems that the church going ceratopsid has decided that all the good news deserves a party and has organized a church potluck/picnic/barbeque. The whole church community is invited, including some others from across the city. Neither Wynn, nor Claudia are sure about the whole thing. The parasaur woman in particular is embarrassed about the whole thing because, as she admits to Wynn, she let slip to Minnie about how close she and Wynn have become. So this is also sort of an engagement party. Wynn definitely doesn't want all the attention, more so now that Dierdra is living with them and is supposed to be keeping a low profile. Dierdra on the other hand is desperate for any kind of excursion.
She admits that being alone with Wynn all week wasn't all that fun without being allowed to seduce him. She's joking. Mostly. After discussing it with the detectives by phone, they give the go ahead for them all to attend, as an increased police presence there won't seem suspicious. He also mentions that they're keeping an eye on Alphonse's territory. They'll know if something's up, so he tells them to go enjoy themselves. With a shrug, Wynn, Claudia, and Dierdra all get ready to have a nice outing. All Malcolm knows is that it's a cook out, so he's excited as ever to play with some other kids and Tiffany. And while he's made it a point to show Dierdra his Hotwheels collection several times, even he can tell that Dierdra, being a girl, is more interested in talking with other girls.
The cookout is at the end of the week, and as the car pulls up to the church parking lot, Wynn is amazed at the turn out. It is certainly more than just St. Sattler's in attendance. He spies numerous people from all over Volcadera Bluffs he's met doing deliveries and charity events for. Rosa and Mrs. Aaron are there, as well as Ripley and detectives Winslow and Connors. All seem to be in more casual clothes, but with a keen eye Wynn notices that they are still armed with concealed pistols. The man wagers that there may be quite a few plain clothes officers among the attendees. Feeling a bit more secure, he focuses on the daunting challenge of finding a place to park. It takes a bit and some exasperated directions from Claudia about whether a space was good or bad, before they found one that was just right.
The group exits the car, with Dierdra looking particularly unsure of what to do. She admits that her only social gatherings involved business or threatening people, so she isn't really sure she can do small talk. That, and a she suddenly wants to go back and get a change of clothes, as she's wearing some hand me down clothes she got from the Good Will pile that were "good enough," but still slightly too small. Claudia assures her that she'll be fine only to have Malcolm soon jump in to insist he introduce her to Tiffany, and promptly drag the elegant allosaur into the crowds. Wynn and Claudia are left to play catch up. As they pursue, they bump into just about everyone who could have something to say to them. First up it's the Detectives and Ripley, who confirm that they're undercover and enjoying the party.
Ripley seems pretty set on keeping a strict demeanor, until his wife appears at his side to go drag him into a conversation with a friend she's made, leaving Wynn and Claudia to have a brief talk with the detectives. Winslow and Connors chat the two up about how they're doing, and the situation with Donovian. The director is trying to trade what he knows about Alphonse for a lighter sentence. They reassure Claudia that even if he gets a deal, he's never going to bother her again. Although, if he does get a deal they may not need a trial. He'll serve a term in jail and still be ruined. Claudia is a bit disappointed at the thought she won't get her day in court, but she does take some solace in the news. They tell Wynn that Ripley is actually impressed when he heard the whole situation. Which is not an easy feat.
Wynn and Claudia move on through the crowd and encounter Minnie and Father Xander, who are both pleased as punch to see them. Minnie corrals Claudia into a meeting with Rosa while Wynn has a chat with the elderly priest. Father Xander expresses his pride in the man and the actions he's taken. He's done a great deal of good in his short time with them, and the priest wonders how the man feels about it, and how he compares it to his life before. Wynn ponders the question for only a moment before he says that he feels like an actual person now, whereas before he felt like a ghost. He has something to live for and hold onto. Father Xander asks if that means Wynn is staying, and the man replies with the affirmative.
Feeling satisfied, the elderly ankylosaur rescues Claudia from her conversation with Minnie and sends them on their way. Finally Wynn and Claudia catch up with Dierdra, who seems to be surrounded by children. Malcolm and Tiffany are more or less keeping the others in line, but are giving most of their focus to including Dierdra in their games. The elegant allosaur is paying attention as best she can, but once the kids start trying to explain the plot of their favorite video games to her, her eyes glaze over. Wynn and Claudia's arrival is a life saver for her, as she immediately tries to divert the children's attention onto them. It is partially successful as Malcolm insists Wynn join him and Tiffany in another reenactment of Kingdom Souls scenes while simultaneously explaining what it is to Dierdra.
Tiffany is more socially aware and takes it upon herself to wrangle Malcolm away from Dierdra as she can tell the allosaurus woman is not as into the topic as Wynn is. The children talk to Wynn and Claudia before leaving the adults. Tiffany tells them that Malcolm has told her all about how Wynn went on a secret mission to steal secret files and saved Dierdra from a criminal organization in order to stop a bunch of bad guys. With that description the young raptor girl is certain Wynn is an actual secret agent and asks him if he has any cool gadgets or cars, or if the James Bron (snoot 007) movies are based on real events that the man has done. Malcolm reminds her that he's a spy so he can't say, but the parasaur boy then asks Wynn to confirm he can't say because he's a spy. The man sighs as he thinks of a reply.
Wynn makes a very diplomatic, "I cannot confirm nor deny the veracity of the James Bron films." This gets the children excited all over again as they go running off to play secret agent, but not before Malcolm asks his mom, Dierdra, and 'dad' to promise to play later, to which they all agree. Finally, Claudia and Wynn may are able to speak to Dierdra and apologize for Malcolm dragging her off like that. She admits she was unprepared for the exuberance of the children. She says that she should be thankful her old business never had dealings that involved kids. Claudia asks what she thinks about children now that she has a whole new life ahead of her. Dierdra says that the idea of the 'new life' has only just begun to sink in and that she never considered motherhood as a possibility.
However, she can't help but betray some lingering thoughts by glancing towards Wynn as she adds an "until recently" to the end of the statement. The flashing glance is quickly buried by her saying that she doesn't even know for sure if she even should considering her past and is probably going to have to spend a while figuring things out. If Claudia noticed the glance she doesn't mention it. All the parasaur does is clasp Dierdra's hands in a reassuring manner and says that the allosaur doesn't need to rush into anything. As she says, she has a whole new life ahead of her, it's a big step, and not just Claudia is there to help but everyone at St. Sattler's. Dierdra accepts the gesture with genuine appreciation and gives a quiet thanks. She comments that she should probably try getting to know her knew neighbors.
Considering the amount of police milling around both in and out of uniform, Dierdra feels safe enough to try and be sociable. And arriving just in time to help is Minnie who is excited to help her feel welcome. This leaves Claudia and Wynn more or less alone with one another. At this point Wynn and Claudia look around the big social gathering and take it all in. Wynn thinks of Dierdra's words about a new life. He's thought a lot about what it may be like to actually have a life, but now that it seems like it may actually happen he is struck with a sudden bout of worry. These thoughts abate as Claudia's hand intertwines with his and she leans into him and rests her head on his shoulder. She tells the man it's hard to believe how different things are after only six months because of him.
Wynn says it doesn't feel like he's done all that much except kick a hornet's nest and crash on her couch. This gets the parasaur woman to face the man and say he did more than that. She explains that before Wynn showed up, she was on the decline, unwilling to open up about or let anyone help her with Donovian's harassment against her, and in complete denial about her situation. She was stuck in a rut and looking back she is certain she would have snapped by now if not for Wynn falling into her life and forcing her to change. The man shrugs and states she makes him sound like some kind of hero. He says she's done more for him than he has for her. He was just a amnesiac thief that bit off more than he could chew, git himself hurt, and met people who treated him better than he ever deserved.
Claudia pokes him in the chest as she continues to point out what he's done for her. HE pushed back on not only Donovian, but pushed her into not being afraid of him anymore. Forced her to be honest about her problems and was there for her. And not just her, but Malcolm too. He chose to be a father for Malcolm, a fact she is eternally grateful for. He could have left them and their problems behind but he chose to stay. Claudia laments that she can't help him with his own problems. Now Wynn again takes the time to point out that without her, he'd have likely died, she brought out feelings in him he never even knew he had, and it was really her that convinced Dierdra to walk away from her criminal life. Plus, she stood up to Donovian and had Malcolm. Wynn states that she was always brave when it counted.
The two of them just stare at each other for a bit before Claudia bursts into a sparkling laugh and plants a kiss on the man's mouth. She says that perhaps they'll just have to keep helping each other out and settle things by counting up the scores when they're in the retirement home together. Wynn cracks a joke about her having an unfair advantage as he has memory problems. She laughs again and then sinks her head into his chest where they rock back and forth a bit. After a time she out of the blue says, "Marriage." Wynn asks her if she wants to officially announce their intentions today, to which she replies, "not yet." She says she wants to just enjoy the day with everyone for now. And so with one more kiss the pair walk into the crowds of parishioners to talk, play with the kids, eat, and have a swell date.
Public and not very date like though it may be.
Part 10B - Finale
Ending 1
Two weeks later. Saturday.
It has been six months and two days since the botched theft. Wynn is up early, and has been ever since the night with Claudia at the carnival. He goes over to the closet where the money is kept and extracts it, as well as some other items of interest he has acquired. Most notably several small unmarked bottles of carfentanil, wrapped in protective gauze, as well as two syringes. After those are set aside on his bed, he counts out his money. Despite footing the bill for numerous expenses, Wynn was pleased to see that he had not even spent a whole percent of the total he had stolen in these last six months. He suspects he will be able to survive a long time off of this haul. Possibly the rest of his life. If his plan for Alphonse, Dierdra, and the detectives works as intended that is.
Glancing at the bottles of the powerful tranquilizer, his usually controlled thoughts flare with a strange rapidity as the scheme concerning those bottles rouses to the fore of his mind. Looking away also forces the thought to retreat back into the darker corners of his mind. He wraps them back up in the gauze and places them back into the closet. After dressing in his usual attire he steps out into the quiet pre-dawn darkness of the living room and prepares a cup of coffee. As he downs the fist sip of the beverage he hears the soft footsteps of Claudia behind him. She sleepily says good morning, and asks what he is doing up so early. Wynn merely states that he has simply been waking up earlier. The answer satisfies the parasaur woman, who with bleary eyes sets about starting her day.
Wynn gives her space as she moves about the kitchen, and while she does so she comments that she'll start having coffee ready for him in the morning, or breakfasts that he can reheat if he wants. Wynn doesn't say anything at first. He instead thinks about how Claudia has acted since the night of the carnival. She has bent over backwards attempting to please him or to make herself useful to him. It is honestly what has caused him to consider certain alternatives to simply leaving her once this business with Alphonse is concluded. However, he wants to make sure before such an act will be necessary. He did promise to take care of Claudia, and he doesn't want her to suffer. What vestiges of humanity exist in him desperately want to avoid a more permanent solution.
The man downs the rest of his coffee and speaks to the bustling saurian woman. He tells her that she does not need to concern herself with his needs. She freezes in place and stares at him while he speaks, giving the man her undivided attention. He tells her that once this business with Alphonse and Dierdra is concluded, she won't ever see him again. This causes Claudia to raise her voice slightly as she releases a "No!" She recoils at the volume of her own voice. She claims that she still needs him. Tears well up in her eyes as she ashamedly looks at her feet and backtracks slightly saying that she needs him for right now at least. She expresses that it's gotten so much harder for her to handle anything without him. Every time she tries she just falls apart.
She explains that ever since the carnival she's tried to do things on her own, or with Malcolm and Minnie, but every time she lost her head and panicked when even the slightest thing went wrong. Looking at Wynn now, frightened tears trickling down her cheeks she tells the man that he needs to stay. She admits that Donovian broke her and only Wynn can fix her, like he has been doing these last six months. She moves to the man and wraps her arms around him and begins to beg him to stay. She says that she'll do anything he asks. She just doesn't want to be left alone again. That Wynn promised he'd take care of her and Malcolm and they still need him. Wynn stands rigid as a stone, and does not return the embrace. Eventually he lets out a heavy breath and looks down at Claudia's wet face.
The man thinks to himself that this outcome is unfortunate. She cannot live without him, and all he wants to do is drive off into the night. To leave her and Malcolm behind would only cause her to suffer. Or worse, pursue him. He can't have either of those. So, placing his hands on her shoulders and meeting her gaze, he says that he will do what he can, and that she doesn't need to worry. He will stay as long as is needed to make sure she is happy again. This gets a wide smile to cover her face as she buries her head into his chest. She thanks him over and over again, and promising to do anything for him. Wynn slowly pulls himself free of her grasp and pats her on the head. All he says is he knows, and that he'll keep his word and not leave her until she can be at peace.
Before she can compose herself, the phone rings and causes her to yelp. In her emotional state she clutches back onto the man and in a moment of terror begs him not to answer it. He extricates himself from her embrace and moves to answer the phone. It is Dierdra. It's time. She tells him to come to the restaurant with the money, and be subtle. Wynn agrees and hangs up. Claudia stares at him from the entrance to kitchen and after a pause she asks if it was "her." Wynn nods. Once more she pleads with the man. She asks him not to go. She's scared that he won't come back, and doesn't know what will happen to her and Malcolm. Wynn says that he will return, possibly tomorrow, but if he doesn't she has Minnie and Father Xander to rely on. She shakes her head and says that it isn't the same.
They aren't like Wynn. They didn't fix her problems, or make them go away, they just told her to pray at them or do nothing and wait for a solution. She tearfully says that Wynn is what she's been praying and waiting for. He's her savior. So he can't leave her now. Not when she finally has a chance to be happy. What she says next is with a bit of softness to it, if not outright anticipation, as she says that Wynn and her could be together. Of all the things that might have affected the man, he had not expected the look on her face to have done so. It wore and expression of pain and longing, and her eyes stared straight into his. Wynn could only describe it as a look belonging to someone that was begging for their life, or perhaps, a life that could have been. But it was too late.
Wynn looked away as he strode to his room to gather the money. After collecting everything he needed he addressed Claudia once more on his way out of the house. All he says is that he'll return, and then he leaves. Her eyes remain fixated on him as he goes. When he moves out of sight of the window she takes a spot beside it to wait for Wynn's return, and does not move from it. She begins to mumble to herself that Wynn will be back to take care of her. All she has to do is wait.
Wynn steals a car from a nearby parking lot in order to make the rendezvous with Dierdra, as he does not wish to implicate Claudia being anywhere near what is about to happen. He parks the vehicle a block or so away and goes the rest of the distance on foot. Dierdra told him to be subtle, so he went through some familiar back alleys and narrow corridors to reach the rear entrance of the building where this whole mess started, standing where he once stood. No guards were present, nor any new cameras since his last visit, or so it seemed. Wynn takes a moment to go over the plans, as advertised to him, by Dierdra and then the police.
Dierdra simply wants the money, and then will use the reclamation of it to cement her position as the leader of the gang. Then with the support of everyone else she will oust Alphonse, likely by killing him in some fashion. Then she'll induct Wynn into the gang and make him some kind of lieutenant or right hand man, or so she says. However, she is counting on a lack of police interference.
The police's plan for Wynn is for him to infiltrate the organization until the time of the coup and then call them, so they can swoop in and arrest them all, with Wynn, Claudia, and Malcolm all being spirited away into protective custody until all the gangsters are in prison. This plan does place a great deal of trust on Wynn, which is already not an easy thing to do considering his murder of Donovian.
Then there's Wynn's plan. He wants to leave Volcadera Bluffs and finally shed the identity of Private Wynn Doe. To finally disappear off into the distance and be free of all of this. As such, he has constructed his own plan. The first phase is to go along with Dierdra's plan. Wynn knows very little of what to expect in there so this part gives him the most trepidation. It the biggest risk for him, but he has very little choice but to play along in this situation. And so he approaches the rear entrance and performs an act that is usually anathema to him. He knocks loudly to announce his arrival.
It only takes a moment before some rather grim looking saurians open the door. They give Wynn a once over and motion for him to enter while speaking into a microphone in their shirt collars. One of them directs Wynn to the security room, and after a brief pat down reveals that Wynn has arrived with only the bag, he is brought to the conference room that held the safe that he stole the money from. It's a somewhat awkward moment when Wynn enters, as sitting around the table is Dierdra and other familiar faces from that night. All but Dierdra scowl at the man. One immediately asks if this is the mook that stole from them. Dierdra answers that Wynn is indeed the guy and motions towards one of the guards to present the duffel bag.
Wynn hands it over to the guard in question and the money is poured out onto the table. Even at a glance it is easy to see the amount still ranges into the millions. Dierdra leans back as her compatriots count the piles of money, some of them asking in a somewhat astounded tone that it's is all there. As they count it out the do discover Wynn had spent some of the money, but it is such a low amount they seem more amused than upset. One of the gangsters is legitimately impressed, stating that usually a guy gets his hands on this much cash he doesn't even wait to skip town before spending it like nuts. Saying this one of the others ask Wynn what he spent the money on. The man robotically state, "groceries," eliciting a chuckle from the mobsters, with another asking if that's all.
With a shrug, Wynn adds "Gas," to the expenses which garners more amusement. Wynn's tone and demeanor is unphased by the situation. He, like Dierdra, is gauging the reactions of the others at the table. Given how she seems to be watching her companions, it seems to Wyn that this little interaction is her play to convince the gang that not only can she deliver, but her recommendation of letting Wynn join their cadre has merit as well. However the man's silent, motionless, staring does draw some speculation from one of the saurian mafiosos. They lean over to Dierdra and ask who the hell Wynn even is, and why exactly is Dierdra even wasting time with him.
Dierdra has apparently been waiting for this, and responds by very politely by laying out her plans. Wynn is a very capable individual as proven by his ability to steal from them, and a smart enough man to accept a good deal when it presents itself. She stands up and walk around the table towards Wynn while continuing to speak. She states that with their lost capitol returned their organization is once again in a position to expand, and once her father is dealt with, they can do so in a direction that won't lead them all off a cliff. She states that they are going to use this money to pursue more legitimate forms of income, which will get the police off their backs for a bit and allow them time to salvage something from the chaos left by her father's madness.
She finally stands next to Wynn and continues on, saying that they had up until now excluded humans from their organization. It's a practice that they are going to have to change, especially for the plans she has for Skin Row. Little Troodon has been transformed under her watch into a money making machine. She wants to do the same thing for Skin Row, and with the human gangs wiped out from that section of the city it should be easy to invest and renovate as they desire. They'll own every business, and every building, and make money hand over fist. After the carnage her father caused, she thinks that they'll need a human face to forward the effort, and Wynn has proven himself reliable. She promises that in two years time, the money on the table in front of them right now will triple.
The question is raised by one of the assembled of how can be so sure about Wynn will be able to perform. Another expresses his own concerns seeing as how Wynn is just sort of standing there, ominously. Dierdra states that Wynn understands that brute force is a last resort, but that he is obviously not afraid to break some fingers if it comes down to it. As for how they can be sure they can trust Wynn, Dierdra has one last test for the man that just so happens to be necessary to removing Alphonse. Even Wynn cocks an eyebrow at this statement. Dierdra just smiles and says that he's the bait. When her father hears that she's brought the human who robbed them in alive, he'll waste no time to get here to eat him. That's when they strike, and put the old monster to rest.
There's some murmuring among the assembled gangsters as the look at Wynn to see his reaction. He's stone faced as ever as he stares at Dierdra. Internally he's not exactly excited about the idea, but he needs to get Alphonse here somehow. So all he says in response is a very flat toned, "Very well." One of the monsters comments on Wynn having some stones, and the rest nod and go through some official looking ritual of declaring themselves in support of Dierdra's plan and leadership. Afterwards Dierdra says tells everyone to arm themselves and get into position. Once she calls her father there will be no turning back. The sooner he is dead, the sooner they can all breath easier and move forward.
The room nods in its agreement and begins to filter its way out of the room. Some of the mobsters going so far as to wish Wynn luck and say they're happy they aren't him. Wynn for his part waits with Dierdra until the rest have departed. She places a comforting hand on his shoulder and says not to worry. Not even her father can survive the hellfire they're about to unleash on him. Once he enters the kill zone, all Wynn will have to do is keep his head down.
Wynn's mind was barely concerned with Alphonse, but with the next stage of his own scheme. Getting the police to arrive. Somewhat of a tall order currently. He doesn't have a phone and it's unlikely he's going to be left by himself. He considers his scant few options. The security room comes to mind as does its alarm system. So he asks Dierdra if they should wait in the security room, where the can keep an eye on things until the big moment. She considers the idea and agrees to it, saying everyone needs a bit to sort themselves out before they begin. As they walk to the room weapons and ammunition are being distributed to the various mobsters and goons. Wynn asks if she's concerned about the police getting called once all the shooting starts.
Dierdra assures the man that no one in Little Troodon will report anything. This is her town now, and instructions have been given for everyone to make themselves scarce and keep quiet today. Wynn is impressed by the declaration, but that does leave whatever he can do from within the security room as his only real chance. Once there Dierdra sits with him in front of a wall of screens that display the public spaces of the restaurant where the various mobsters can be seen getting into position. Just her, Wynn, and a guard are in the security room. While Dierdra scans the cameras and relays orders through her bodyguard to the others around the restaurant, Wynn is searches, as subtly as possible, for the alarm system. Silent or otherwise.
He is successful in finding the silent alarm button, but has no idea who else might pick up the signal, or if the police will pick it up at all, this being a mobster run business. It's a gamble he'll have to take. Even so, with Dierdra's plan in play, he's not in any immediate danger if it doesn't pan out. Except for the whole Alphonse thing. If the police do not arrive, then it will just require some adjustments to his own plans.
Eventually Dierdra seems satisfied with everyone's position on the cameras and leans back in her seat. Taking a long breath through her teeth, she settles her nerves and says to inform everyone that it's time. She extracts a phone and makes the call. Wynn can hear the low reverberating rumbles of Alphonse's voice answer from where he's sitting. Dierdra and her guard are shaken just hearing it, even over the phone. Dierdra spins the lie that she's got the money and the human that stole it alive all tied up and waiting for him. The voice of the mafioso congratulates Dierdra on a job well done and says that he's on his way. The phone hangs up and Dierdra turns to Wynn, saying it's show time. Wynn doesn't react. He merely says lead the way.
Dierdra moves to exit the room followed by her body guard. In that brief moment Wynn flips the silent alarm switch. Fortunately it lives up to its name. Wynn follows the other two to the main dining area and is sat down in a chair with some ropes very loosely wrapped around him. At a glance they appear secure, but Wynn is fairly certain he can escape them quick enough, if needed. Dierdra explains that her father can only really fit through the front door, so the moment he emerges from beneath the balcony, they'll open fire and Wynn can get out of the danger zone. Wynn nods.
They do not have to wait long. It is not even 30 minutes until a large van can be seen through the front bay windows pulling up to the entrance of the restaurant. Out of the front seats exit a pair of suited saurian chauffeurs, and from the back lumbers the giant form of Alphonse. The small entourage enter and are silhouetted by the early morning light. The loud, thumping, foot steps of Alphonse sends tremors through the floor as he approaches. Wynn never truly comprehended the immense size of the saurian until now. He was almost twice the size of the man, and the crests marking him as an allosaurus barely avoided scraping the underside of the 2nd floor balcony as he passed beneath it. Alphonse stops his approach just before coming out from under the balcony seating.
He stands there in silence and takes things in. He sees Wynn "tied" to a chair with Dierdra and an armed guard standing on either side of the man nervously. The sudden stop at the edge of balcony causes everyone, including his own chauffeurs, to pause and wonder what is going on. Alphonse stares unblinking at Wynn. Wynn stares back. At last Alphonse speaks with a low, throaty, rumbling voice. He speaks to Wynn, asking if the man knows who he is. Wynn nods. Alphonse then asks if Wynn knows what fate awaits him now that he's been caught. Again, Wynn nods. Alphonse offers a final question of whether the man is afraid. Wynn does not make any gesture. The colossal allosaur nods, saying that he can see that the man isn't lying. He isn't afraid where most humans would be terrified.
As such he tilts his head towards Dierdra, and states that he is impressed she has found the one responsible and was able to capture him without so much as a scratch on him. She hastily replies that they took extra precautions to bring him in unharmed so that her father isn't eating bruised meat. This gets a ponderous bellowing from the great reptile, as he tilts his head once more in a questioning manner. He states that Dierdra has never approved of his eating habits. Why now? His daughter attempts to begin to explain but is cut off by Alphonse saying he knows about the coup. He expresses congratulations at her ambition, but he says that she could never run this business. She's too soft hearted, just like her mother.
The last comment causes Dierdra to attempt and fail to repress a flash of hatred from crossing her face. Alphonse looks like he's about to continue when the sound of numerous cars pulling up from the front is heard, followed by the growing sound of police sirens. Alphonse slowly turns to look, allowing Wynn to see past him to see police cruisers and trucks disgorging scores of officers. The lesser mobsters begin to panic, but Alphonse just turns back to Dierdra and states she's stupid too, just like her mother. Her contempt for her father boils over and she draws forth a pistol and begins shooting. The small caliber is not as effective as one might hope, but it does spur Alphonse to charge toward Dierdra, Wynn and her bodyguard.
Wynn squirms out of his bonds and dives into Dierdra. Doing so spares them from the bodyguard's fate as Alphonse crashes into him and claws him down. Dierdra shouts at the others in hiding to open fire, getting a half hearted question about the cops, but she just screams it's too late just shoot. And so all hell breaks loose. A hail of bullets start peppering Alphonse, but like the pistol, their caliber proves insufficient. Wynn bounds to his feet and grabs the pistol from Dierdra's grasp and uses it to methodically shoot down the chauffeurs that came with Alphonse. The drop before they are able to pull out their own weapons. Wynn then yanks Dierdra to her feet and pulls her away into the office spaces of the restaurant.
Alphonse is not able to pursue, as he turns on the men on the balcony. The last thing Wynn sees of him as he and Dierdra slip into the kitchen is the monstrous saurian leaping up onto the balcony, followed by screams. Dierdra snaps out of her shock of the situation as she and Wynn reenter the conference room with the safe. The money has been put back into the safe, and Wynn tells Dierdra to open it quickly. She questions what the hell is he thinking, and Wynn explains that they don't have a lot of time before the police swarm in, and Alphonse is put down. If she wants to get away with anything they can't waste any time. Take what they can now and recoup later.
In the heat of the situation she agrees and opens up the safe. Together they fill the same duffel bag that Wynn emptied earlier to the brim. They move as quickly as they could as the sound of the police breaking in, gunfire, screams, and the unmistakable sound of Alphonse roaring could be heard from below. Wynn asks if there is any way out other than the back alley and the front. Dierdra says the second story windows if Wynn is up for another round of broken bones. With a flat look Wynn leads the way down towards the back exit through the kitchen. Taking a brief moment he activates the gas on the stoves much to Dierdra's confusion. He explains this may help cover their tracks. Meanwhile the sound of gunfire is winding down out in the dinning area. Neither of them dare to look.
Moving quickly to the rear exit, Wynn and Dierdra slink out into the alley ways. There are no police present, but they can hear cruisers idling nearby. However Wynn and Dierdra are able to slip through the surround police blockade thanks to Wynn knowing how and when to move without being seen. They are almost at Wynn's stolen car when an explosion goes off in the distance followed by screams from the public. Wynn throws the money in the back and takes the driver's seat and drives as casually as he can to the cemetery across town. All along the trip Dierdra is fuming and freaking out. She's breaking down over how everything went so wrong. It takes her the length of the trip to go over the events that just transpired.
As they sit in the parked car Dierdra's demeanor has changed from panic to horrified realization as she turns to look at Wynn. She says that Wynn ratted them out to the cops and planned to cause that massacre to escape with the money. Wynn nods, but admits that to say it was planned out would be an exaggeration. He merely had a goal and took advantage of a series of opportunities. Leveling the pistol he took from Dierdra at her heart, he states that the best plans tend to be mostly improvisation. Dierdra looks at the barrel of the gun as tears well up in her eyes and says he doesn't have to do this. She'll let him leave and forget all of this. Wynn shoots her in the heart, and as she lays dying he apologizes, saying that he has to.
The gunshot echoes of the tombstones, but no living person hears it. Afterwards he drives the car to the fair grounds where the carnival is set up. It's just far enough away where only the loudest of its sounds can be faintly heard by those in the cemetery. It's about midday, and already a slew of cars is parked at its gates. Wynn parks at the edge of the lot and as quickly and subtly as he can moves Dierdra's body to the trunk. Fortunately it seems no one spots him. He takes the money from the car and finds a public trash bin, and after disarming the gun, buries it beneath a layer of garbage. Once that's done, he starts walking to the nearest metro station. It takes some time, but he arrives without issue. The public is in a state of concern, if not outright fear.
Gossip about the explosion and shootout in Little Troodon is being whispered about amongst by everyone on the metro. Most of it is hearsay and exaggeration, but some details stick out, like a fair number of police were caught in the explosion. Wynn regrets the loss of police life, but suspects such a blow will benefit him. The loss of manpower will put the city police force in disarray for a day or so, at least. And by then, it will be too late. The metro pulls into the nearest station to Claudia's house, and the man disembarks and begins the lengthy walk to it. The thought that tomorrow Pvt. Wynn Doe will be gone lingers in his mind. And he feels relief.
After a long and lonely walk, Wynn arrives back in front on Claudia's house. Claudia is already at the door waiting for him as he approaches. When he comes to stand next to her, she reaches out and wraps her arms around him in a hug. She proclaims how happy she is to see him safe. Wynn doesn't respond for a time, but eventually says that they should move inside. The TV is on when he comes in with news retelling the events Wynn had lived through hours earlier. Or at least what they know about it. As far as the public is aware, a gang war erupted in Little Troodon and the police responded. Once the shooting started, SWAT teams went in and allegedly subdued the infamous crime boss, Alphonse. As detectives and SWAT were securing the scene, what is believed to be a ruptured gas line went off.
The explosion decimated the interior of the building and a fire has slowly been consuming everything inside. It is unclear who, if anyone that was inside is alive at this time. The whole situation is in chaos. Wynn asks Claudia if she's had any visitors during all this. She says no, but Minnie and Father Xander both tried to call her. She didn't answer though. Then Wynn asks where Malcolm is. Claudia says that she he's in his room. She didn't want him to see the news, so she asked him to stay in there. Wynn nods and then turns off the TV. He asks Claudia to go get Malcolm, as there is something he wishes to ask them to do. She does so, and when they are both present Wynn very calmly asks them to not mention the duffel bag Wynn brought in. It's a simple request, so they both agree.
They Wynn tells them a story about what happened in Little Troodon. He says that Dierdra planned to hand him over to Alphonse as a distraction and then betrayed him. During the opening moments of the betrayal, Wynn was let go by Dierdra and he ran out of there and made his way back to Claudia's house. That's all, and he asks the mother and son to tell the police or their friends that if they ask. After they agree, Wynn nods and goes to place the money back where it was in the closet of his room. He then cleans himself up with a shower and takes a seat in the living room. And then he waits. Claudia and Malcolm both sit with him, asking him questions of how he's doing and if he wants anything, to which he provides simple, one word answers.
Eventually, Minnie arrives and conducts her own series of questions. The ceratopsid is given the same story Wynn told Claudia and Malcolm, and she seems to believe it. She then lingers for most of the night asking Wynn about all sorts of details, which the man deftly lies about not knowing about or covering up anything that may implicate him. Minnie keeps Claudia and Malcolm company, and Wynn suspects an eye on him for Father Xander, until well after nightfall. She's clearly concerned about everyone's well being, and after Claudia reassures her several times that she's fine now that Wynn is there, the ceratopsid leaves. For the rest of the night, Claudia and Malcolm spend the rest of the night staying close to Wynn, and as the night drags on, they both fall asleep on the couch.
However, in the dead of night, when all others are asleep, Wynn remains wide awake. Once he is certain that the other two are completely unconscious he rises and goes to his room and collects the hidden vials of carfentanil and syringes. He stalks out of the house as quietly as he can and makes the walk to the church. He's familiar with the security of the building and knows where best to make his entrance. He also knows that at this time Father Xander is usually fast asleep. A single light illuminating what Wynn knows to be the priest's bedroom tells him that he will have to be a little extra cautious for the task he must perform tonight.
Breaking into the church quietly and without alarm, Wynn stalks through familiar dark hallways to the lounge-kitchen he had spent his first days recovering in. This room is also where the sacramental wine is kept. Two bottles for the whole church. A single sip for everyone in the congregation. Extracting the concentrated carfentanil and looking at it, Wynn internally comments that a single sip should be enough. Using the two syringes, Wynn extracts wine from each bottle, disposing it down the nearby sink, and then, he injects the carfentanil into the bottles. Even one of these syringes far above a lethal dose for saurian. Once the poison is added to the wine, the bottles are put back in place and Wynn begins to make his exit.
During his exit, he passes Father Xander's room. He overhears the priest discussing with someone over the phone. The conversation is apparently getting updates on the condition of the police that were wounded today. As Wynn listens in, it is revealed that Det. Terry Conners and Patch Winslow were caught in the blast, among others. They'll live based on the conversation. A slight feeling of disappointment emerges within the man, but there is nothing he can do about them now. He settles for the fact that by the time they awaken he will be gone, and they will be in no position to follow him. Hearing all he needs to Wynn exits the church as stealthily as he entered and returns to Claudia's house. Along the way he discards the syringes and empty carfentanil vials down a storm drain.
The following morning.
Sunday service is about to begin, and Wynn sits with Claudia and Malcolm as the final members shuffle in. He didn't truly sleep last night, and he wagers that he will not tonight either. The events of yesterday are on everyone's lips. Everyone seems to know someone that was affected, and there is of course gossip of who may be to blame. Wynn, Claudia, and Malcolm ignore them much as they've done in the past. Minnie's ascent to the pulpit marks the beginning of the mass, and the yammering and murmuring slowly lowers to silence. The mass opens with a prayer for the victims of the events of yesterday's violence, and calls for prayers and donations for the police that were harmed in the explosion. Following that, the mass proceeds.
Father Xander also has special words for the congregation. He gives out words of comfort for those gathered, saying that evil is like a beast that prowls at night seeking to devour the life of anyone it comes across. He says that there are times where loved ones and friends fall victim to this monster, but even though their bodies are destroyed, that their souls have been brought into the Lord's light. He follows this by saying that one day this same light shall find the beast of evil, and there will be no hiding from the justice of the Lord then. Wynn notes a suspicious glance towards him. It doesn't bother the man. When Father Xander finishes, the service continues.
Eventually, the time comes for the eucharist, where the bread and wine is shared to renew the bonds of faith. It is also the moment that Wynn has silently been waiting for. One by one every member of the congregation goes forth and sips from the wine. The only ones who do not drink from it are the babies that some parents bring with them. Although some have a drop placed into their mouths by their mother sharing her portion. Wynn observes all this silently and without emotion. Soon, it is their bench's turn. It is Minnie who holds the cup of wine for the ceremony, She and Father Xander drank first, and Wynn can already see their eyes beginning to sag, but they don't seem to realize something is wrong yet.
Claudia drinks, then Malcolm, and then Wynn pretends to. He doesn't let the liquid touch his lips. He's even careful not to breathe. After feigning his participation, he returns to his seat and waits. Soon, everyone but him those too young to partake have sipped from the wine.
It is done.
He gazes around the sanctuary and sees that there are already those who have fallen into their finals slumber. Mostly the children, but also the elderly. Father Xander wobbles on his feet as he moves to take the pulpit and he falls. A subdued cry rings out from the mass as suddenly everyone attempts to stand. Few manage it, finding themselves overcome with numbness and exhaustion. Then the panic begins as the those not yet fallen realize the state of those sitting next to them. That they are not sleeping, but dead. One by one the others start to collapse.
During this, Claudia is looking around in terror, utterly confused and totally terrified. She clutches Malcolm's body close to her. Her quickly numbing yet panicking mind realizing after several moments that the boy has gone limp, and that he has been so for some time. In a state of dreary delirium, she looks to Wynn for guidance, or indeed to save her. The man stares back at her with genuine emotion writ on his face. He tells her to not be afraid, as he's taken care of everything. Her horror is palpable even with the exhaustion creeping over her senses. As the strength leaves her limbs Wynn catches her, and sets her into a sitting position with Malcolm firmly wrapped in her arms.
He tells her that he's sorry for scaring her like this, but she, Malcolm, and the entire congregation had to die. He explains he had to do this, because he cannot leave behind any history of himself. He must wipe it all away. He regrets that it had to come to this. If he thought that everyone here could just forget him, he would not have felt the need to take such drastic measures. He looks into Claudia's eyes as they rapidly lose their focus and begin to drift. He states that he kept his promise to her. Now she'll never be in pain, or afraid again.
The last words out of Claudia's mouth are a soft, strained, "It didn't have to be this way. You didn't have to be alone." And then, she dies. After this only Wynn and couple of weeping infants remain alive in the chapel sanctuary. The man rises and looks out over the scene. Somehow, the quiet field of death here is more haunting to him than the bloody carnage unleashed at the restaurant. But all the same, he takes the keys to Claudia's car, turns his back on the bodies, and leaves. In minutes he reclaimed the money from her house and departs. He drives out of the city along the coast.
Moved E2 finale to 5th rentry. God, I might need a 6th! Woof.
Onwards to rentry 5!
Part 5: https://rentry.org/zyc7rbxc