#tree prune dallas | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jmaster13 · 2 years ago

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The Case of the Sleeping Plants

Tony showed up at the Dinero mansion around one in the afternoon. He entered the house to find it crawling with cops. They were darting in and out of rooms like crazy flies. One officer saw Tony and called him over.

“Thank goodness you are here Captain,” Officer Dallas Smalls said. “This has to be the strangest thing I’ve seen.”

“What’s going on here Smalls?” Tony demanded. “It looks like a circus in here.” Officer Smalls led Tony into one of the rooms of the mansion. On the floor was Quincy Dinero, the millionaire. Tony knelt to inspect him. “Well, he’s not dead,” Tony stated after feeling his pulse. There was a strange barb sticking in his neck. Tony carefully pulled it out with some tweezers. “What in the world is this?” Tony motioned to Officer Smalls to had him an evidence bag.

“So, here’s what we were told,” Officer Smalls said taking out his notes. “According to the butler, a package arrived around 11:40 this morning. Quincy brought the package in here and after a few moments the butler heard a thud. He came in here to find Quincy like this.” Tony stood up and looked around the room.

“What was in the package.” Tony asked. Dallas pointed to the desk in the room. On the desk was a wilted flower. Tony went over and examined it with a pencil. “Why would someone send him a dead flower?”

“It probably died during transit.” Dallas said. Tony turned to Dallas. Tony looked at the box it can in to see who sent it.

“Plant Paradise!” Tony said with astonishment. “I closed that place a couple years ago.”

“What?” Dallas asked in confusion.

“Plant Paradise was a plant shop that had an illegal gambling ring going on in the back room.” Tony explained. “We raided it and shut it down for business with the owner spending a few years in jail. I don’t know what happened to him after he was released.”

“Should we go check out the old shop?” Dallas asked.

“No,” Tony scoffed. “Seeing the plant is dead, it’s probably an old package. However, there could be fingerprints on it, so like I said bag it.”

Tony left the room to let Dallas finish up bagging evidence. As he was exiting the house, he ran into Officer Ricky Preston.

“Rookie!” Tony snapped. Ricky rolled his eyes and turned to face him.

“You know I hate when you call me that,” Ricky growled. Tony patted Ricky on the shoulder to let him know he was just teasing.

“I want you to lead this case.” Tony said. “Keep me informed on everything you find, and make sure Smalls does things right in there.” Ricky nodded and went into the room where Dallas was bagging evidence. Tony climbed into his car and headed to the precinct.

At city hall Deputy Mayor Alastor Doyle was at his desk working when there was a knock at the door. His PA Dennis Tyler entered the room. “Sir,” He started. “I got reports that Quincy Deniro was attacked today. He seems to be in a deep slumber and can’t be awakened.”

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” Alastor said placing his pen in its holder. “I guess our test run was a success.” Alastor rose from his desk and walked over to the bookshelf in his office. He tugged on the book “The Secret Garden” and there was a clicking sound. The bookcase swung open revealing a dark flight of stairs. “Are you coming?” Alastor asked Dennis.

Dennis shook his head. “That man scares me,” Dennis replied.

“Fine, suit yourself.” Alastor said. He descended the stairs, and then Dennis closed the bookcase behind him. Alastor followed a path to a lab hidden underneath city hall. The lab was filled with plants, and shelves of chemicals. In the middle of the lab was a man sitting with his back to Alastor, chained to a table. He was calmly pruning a bonsai tree as Alastor entered the room.

“What do you need this time Alastor?” the man said without turning around.

“How did you know it was me?” Alastor chuckled. The man turned to Alastor with a look of disdain.

“Because you are the only one that knows I’m locked down here.” The man turned back to his tree and clipped a small piece off.

“I thought you would like to know the target was eliminated.” Alastor said. “Your plant worked perfectly.” The man slammed his clippers on the table and spun around to face Alastor again.

“I wish you wouldn’t put my plants through that,” he growled. “Like the honeybee that stings, once my plants shoot their barb they die. You should have let me work on it more.”

“No,” Alastor said. “At least when the plant dies there is no way it can be traced back to me.” The man squinted his eyes and curled his lip.

“It’s all about you, isn’t it?” The man hissed.

“Careful Fern,” Alastor barked. “I gave you everything you needed to grow your precious plants, and I can take it away just as easily. Now is the next plant ready for our second target?” Fern sighed and pointed to a wrapped package ready to be mailed. Alastor let out an evil chuckled as he picked of the package. “Hope you can grow more quickly next time; I have a feeling we will need them.” Alastor left the secret lab carrying the package, Fern just sat there watching him disappearing into the dark passageway. A plant vine coiled around Fern’s leg.

“Not yet, my pet,” Fern cooed. “I’ll let you know when it’s time to strike.”

At the precinct Tony was in his office filling out paperwork when there was a commotion going on outside. He sighed and stomped over to his door to yell at whoever was causing the ruckus. When he opened the door, his eyes grew wide in terror and his jaw hit the floor. His mother was in the station talking to people. “MA!” Tony yelped. “What are you doing here?” His mother smiled sweetly and waltzed over to him carrying a plate of something.

“There you are Tony,” she said with a smile. “I was wondering where you were hiding.” She placed the plate on Lara’s desk and gave Tony a big hug. Lara snickered seeing Tony’s shocked expression. His mom then gave Tony a big smooch on the cheek. “Oh dear,” she said as he pulled away. “I left a mark.” She pulled some tissues from the box on Lara’s desk and licked them. She them proceed to wipe the lipstick she left on Tony’s face. He tried to fight her off. “Now hold still young man, I need to get that off of you.” Several cops were pointing and laughing. “That’s better,” she said releasing Tony’s face.

“Ma, what are you doing here?” Tony asked with exasperation.

“I came to visit my little man,” she said picking the plate back up. “I brought some cookies!” Tony’s face went deadpan. He knew what he was in for. “Who wants some freshly made chocolate chip cookies?” Tony’s mom asked the room. Several cops raced towards Tony’s mom and grabbed a cookie.

“Ma, please don’t do that,” Tony begged. “You are distracting my officers from doing their job.” His mother ignored Tony and began to chat with the boys. Tony sighed and shook his head in defeat. As Tony turned to go back into his office. Just then a voice called out to him. He turned to see Dr. Curtis coming towards him.

“Captain,” Dr. Curtis called. “I just analyzed the barb that was in Quincy Dinero’s neck, I think you better come with me.” Tony nodded and followed Dr. Curtis to the lab.

“Now Tony don’t stay away too long,” His mother shouted to him. “We have some catching up to do.” Tony waved his hand at her brushing her off.

Dr. Curtis held his lab door open and let Tony go in first. It was a small room with a few machines and microscopes. Dr. Curtis shut the door behind him and went to the lab table in the center of the room. “I was doing some testing on the barb and found something truly amazing.” Dr. Curtis began placing a slide in the microscope. “First off the barb is from a plant.” Tony grabbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger and listened intently. “The problem is, I can’t identify the plant. I have never seen this type of flora before.” He directed Tony to look into the microscope. Tony bent down and gazed into the microscope. He could see the cells from the plant barb, however some of the cells had smiley faces on them. “As you can see some of the cells are normal plant cells, but the others I would have to guess are toon plant cells.”

Tony bolted up and looked at Dr. Curtis with amazement. “Are you telling me that there is a plant out there that is a cross between a real and toon?” Tony asked.

“Yes,” Dr. Curtis answered. “That dead plant that was in his office, was the plant.” Dr. Curtis walked over to the plant laying on another table. “This is where it gets bad.” He picked the head of the flower up with some tweezers. “The barb was shot out of the pistol here and my guess is when the barb is released, the plant dies.” Tony leaned in and took a closer inspection of the plant.

“Why does it look familiar to me?” Tony asked.

“I think it’s because that this plant was crossed with a poison apple.” Dr. Curtis responded. “That’s where the big problem comes in. The plant is full of real and toon toxins. There is no antidote.”

“Can’t you make one out of this?” Tony said pointing to the plant.

“No, I need a live specimen that still has its barb.” Dr. Curtis sighed. “I’ve already sent my findings to Commissioner Gray.” Tony got a panicked look on his face. “I know what you are going to say, but he personally asked me to do that.” He handed Tony a file. “This is for Sergeant Preston. It has everything I just told you.”

“Thanks Alan,” Tony said as he took the file. “If you find anything else, please let me know asap.” Tony left the lab and headed back to his office. He had forgotten his mother was still at the station until he heard her talking.

“This is when Tony was 5 years old,” she said. “He wanted to be a pirate when he grew up.”

“Oh god,” Tony grumbled to himself “She’s showing them the photo album.” Tony rushed over and slammed the album shut. “I think that’s enough photos for today.” The group gathered around Tony’s mom groaned in sorrow. “Get back to work!” Tony ordered.

“Oh Tony,” his mother sighed. “You are so strict.” She turned to Lara. “He gets that from his father, the General.”

“Is that why he never smiles?” Lara asked giggling. “You know Tony, you were really cute as a kid. Especially in the pic when you were running around pant-less.” Lara could not stop laughing.

“Yeah,” Dallas chimed in. “You had a nice pair of cheeks on you.” Tony grabbed Dallas by the collar and pulled him so close they touch noses.

“Unless you want demoted, I suggest you go back to your desk and get to work!” Tony said through gritted teeth. Dallas gulped and made a mad dash to his desk, but not before he took another cookie.

“Stop being such a meany Tony,” His mother scolded. “He was only teasing.” Tony turned to his mother.

“I have two questions for you mom.” He said. “Where are you staying, and how long?” Tony’s mom began to gather her things.

“I’m only here for a week, and I’m staying at the Thalia.” She turned back to Lara. “Have you ever been there?” She asked Lara. “It’s a beautiful place. Maybe the three of us can have dinner there sometime.” Tony stood behind his mother waving his hands mouthing “NO”.

“That would be wonderful," Lara exclaimed. “I have always wanted to dine there.” Lara gave Tony a sly smile. Tony looked to the floor in defeat.

“Cutler!” a voice shouted from across the room. Tony perked up at the sound of the voice. It was Commissioner Gray. Tony knew this would be his saving grace.

“Commissioner,” Tony said standing erect. “What brings you down here?”

“There’s been another incident like the Dinero one.” Gray said handing Tony the file. “City Councilman Xavier Gordon is the victim this time.”

“Okay,” Tony responded. “I will just pass this on to Ricky and…”

“No!” Gray cut him off. “I want you to head this case, it’s to be high profile. Also, I assigned a special consultant to help you with this case. They will be meeting you at City Hall.” Gray turned his attention to Tony’s mom. “Hello Irene, it’s so lovely to see you again.” Gray took her hand and kissed it.

“Ethan, you are looking good.” Irene replied. “Have you lost weight?”

“Oh, about twenty pounds.” Ethan answered, “This job will do it for you.”

“I was just about to leave would you be a dear and walk me out?” Irene asked Ethan.

“It would be my pleasure,” Ethan replied hooking her arm like a gentleman. They chatted about Ethan’s wife and kids as they walked away. Tony heaved a sigh of relief now that his mother was gone. He went to grab a cookie from the plate only to discover the plate was empty.

“You have to be quicker than that,” Lara quipped as she began typing. Tony just shrugged and left the precinct to go me the consultant at City Hall.

When Tony arrived at City Hall, he expected it to be on lock down, but the place seemed noticeably quiet. The paramedics were wheeling Councilman Gordon away to the ambulance. He looked like a statue on the gurney. Tony spotted Ricky taking notes of the scene and walked over to him. Ricky was surprised to see Tony there.

“Captain, what are you doing here?” Ricky asked. “I am handling this case just like you asked.” “Sorry Ricky,” Tony replied. “I’m taking over this case. This comes from Gray himself.” Ricky sighed and handed over his notes to Tony. “I’m really sorry about this, but I guess since a city councilman was attacked this is now a high-profile case. Anyone could be next, another city council member, or the mayor or…”

“Jacob Valiant,” Ricky “interrupted.

“No,” Tony said coldly. “He’s not a big enough name to warrant high profile.”

“No,” Ricky said with a smile. “He just entered the room.” Ricky pointed behind Tony who turned around in shock.

“VALIANT!” Tony shouted. “What are you doing here?” Jacob sauntered up to Tony and greeted him and Ricky. Ricky shook Jacob’s hand, but Tony stood there glaring at him.

“I’m here for a case.” Jacob said. “Commissioner Gray personally asked me to join this case as a consultant.” Tony groaned in pain.

“You’re the consultant?” Tony whined. “What did I do to deserve this?” Jacob smiled and patted Tony on the shoulder. Tony jerked away from Jacob.

“I was asked to come on board because of how the plants are mixed with toon DNA.” Jacob paused for moment and looked around the room. “However, cartoon botany is not my forte.” Just them someone was shouting at the other end of the room.

“What’s the hold up?” The man shouted. Tony, Jacob, and Ricky turned to see what all the commotion was about.

“Oh look,” Ricky said dryly “It’s our favorite politician, Alastor Doyle.” Alastor looked at Tony and made a bee line straight for him.

“Cutler!” Alastor snapped. “Why are you holding up this meeting? This is a particularly important meeting to discuss the plans to build a new apartment complex over Paix Park.” Tony rolled his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Well, Alastor,” Tony began. “This is a crime scene were one of the members of the city council, a man with a pregnant wife was just attacked and put into a coma. We need to make sure this place is secure so no one else is attacked.” Tony and Alastor started a staring contest between them. After a few minutes with Tony and Alastor not blinking Jacob cleared his throat. Tony jumped at the noise and turned to Jacob.

“So anyway Mr. Doyle.” Jacob said. “If you could give us a little time to go over everything, you can have your meeting.” Alastor let out a harrumph.

“Fine,” Alastor said straightening his jacket. “You have twenty minutes. I think that should be ample time.” Tony was about to say something, but Ricky jumped into the conversation cutting him off.

“That will be fine,” Ricky said. “We were just finishing up anyway.” Ricky began to push Tony away from Alastor so they could concentrate on the scene. “Look don’t make things worse Captain. We know Alastor is a cretin, however he can hold up our investigation.” Tony sighed and agreed. Ricky patted Tony on the shoulder. “Great I’m going to go look around this place. I have a feeling something is going on here.” Ricky left the room, and it was now just Tony and Jacob standing next to each other.

Ricky wandered down the halls looking to see if his hunch was correct. It did not take him long to find what he was looking for. He saw a toon that looked like a scientist attempt to sneak across the hall and into an office. Ricky quietly made his way to the office and saw it was Alastor’s office. He looked around to see if anyone was looking and slipped into the room.

When Ricky was in the office, he noticed that the bookshelf moved slightly and there was a clicking noise. Ricky crept across Alastor’s office to the bookshelf and examined it. It was full of books about law and politics except one book stood out, The Secret Garden. He tugged on the book and the bookshelf opened to reveal the dark staircase. Ricky descended into the darkness not knowing what he would find. He saw a light at the end of the dark tunnel and quietly made his way to it. Ricky found himself in Fern’s laboratory and he wasn’t alone. Fern was talking to a toon scientist. Ricky hid behind a large device and listened to the men converse.

“My lab is ready for you,” The toon said. “Together with the plant species that we created we will take over Toontown.” The mad scientist cackled. Fern was petting a small toon like plant. Ricky had never seen anything like it before.

“Once my little Gertrude grows a bit more, I know exactly who to feed her.” Fern said. “That will show them I’m not to be trifled with.” The plant snapped some flies buzzing around. “That’s it my pet, eat up and grow for me.” Fern turned to the mad scientist with a smile. “Let us not forget planting lots of the Poison Dart Flower around the human world too. Only I have the antidote to wake everyone that gets poisoned. Too bad it won’t kill them, just make them sleep forever.” Fern let out an evil laugh. Ricky heard enough and jumped out from his hiding spot with his gun drawn.

“Freeze!” Ricky shouted. “Don’t move, you two are under arrest.” Fern scoffed at Ricky.

“Really?” Fern asked. “You are going to try and arrest us all by your lonesome self?” Ricky moved closer keeping his gun pointed at Fern.

“You don’t scare me.” Ricky snapped. “Now come quietly, don’t make me use force.” Fern smiled and snapped his fingers. Plant vines wrapped around Ricky’s ankles and tightened making him lose his balance and fall to the floor.

Ricky dropped his gun when he fell. The gun slid across the floor and Fern stop it with his foot. Fern picked up the gun and tossed it into the shadows of the lab. Fern then twirled his finger above his head and two more vines grabbed Ricky’s wrist and hoisted him off the floor. Fern sauntered up to Ricky looking him dead in the eyes. “You think you are tough huh?” Fern scoffed. “Let’s see how you handle this.” Fern gave a pull gesture and the vines tightened and pulled Ricky making him stretch a little.

Ricky closed his eyes and tried to not show it hurt. “More!” Fern ordered. The vines pulled harder more Ricky winced in pain. “Good,” Fern snickered. “Tell me, who else knows you are here? Are there going to be more cops raiding this place?” Ricky, fighting through the pain refused to talk. “Fine then, stretch him until he snaps in half.” The vines yanked on Ricky’s limbs hard, and Ricky could feel his torso being stretched to its limits. He could feel he was about to snap. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he embraced his fate. Ricky could hear Fern and the toon scientist laughing, but soon he could not take the pain anymore.

“I’m alone!” Ricky whimpered. “I swear, no one knows I’m here.” Ricky could feel the vines loosening and his body going back to normal. “I saw that toon sneaking around city hall and I followed him. I didn’t tell anybody else what I was doing.”

“I believe you,” Fern said as he picked up a Poison Dart flower and brought it over to Ricky. “It’s a shame this flower has to give it’s life just to get you out of our way.” Fern flicked the back of the flower, and a dart came flying out of its pistol. The dart hit Ricky in the neck and the poison went to work right away causing his muscles to relax and go numb. Ricky’s eye lids grew heavy. He tried to fight it but the last thing he saw was Fern and the Mad Scientist standing over him before he fell into a deep sleep. “Now then,” Fern said as he placed the now dead flower on a table. “What are going to do with him?”

Upon finishing things up Tony and Jacob were rushed out of the room by Alastor who quickly waved in other members of the meeting. Alastor gave a sickening smile to Tony has he shut the door.

“What a creep,” Jacob said. Tony just looked at Jacob and rolled his eyes. Without saying a word Tony headed for the exit. Jacob followed behind like a stray dog. Tony left City Hall and got into his car. Jacob made a dash for the passenger door knowing that Tony would drive off without him. The door was locked, but Jacob held tight onto the handle or the door.

“Valiant!” Tony snapped. “Let go of the door.”

“Not happening,” Jacob replied. “Commissioner Gray gave you and order to work with me, and that’s what’s going to happen.” Tony rolled his eyes and started the car. He slowly began to drive off with Jacob holding onto the door.

“Let go of the door Valiant!” Tony ordered. Jacob held on tight and ran alongside the car. Tony shook his head and accelerated in speed. Jacob was still hanging onto the door and was starting to look like a human flag blowing in the wind.

“TONY!” Jacob screamed. “Stop the car!” Tony laughed, but then he realized what he was doing was wrong and not how the police captain should act. Tony sighed and slowed the car down allowing Jacob’s feet to touch the ground again. When the car came to a complete stop Tony unlocked the door letting Jacob inside.

“Fine,” Tony snapped. “But let us get one thing straight. I am in charge; you do what I say and follow my lead. Step on my toes and you will be sorry.” Jacob agreed and the pair went back to the precinct.

Tony stormed through the police station and headed right for his office. Jacob followed him while saying hello to a few of the officers. Tony stomped passed Lara who was trying to get his attention. He slammed his office door right in Jacob’s face. Jacob turned away from the door and adjusted his tie acting like he wasn’t insulted. Lara sat watching everything.

“Let me guess,” Lara said. “You’re the liaison Commissioner Gray sent?”

“Oh yeah,” Jacob nodded. “This is going to be a fun case.” Jacob sat at the corner of Lara’s desk. “I know you know a lot of stuff Lara, what can you tell me about this case. I only ask because I’m getting the silent treatment from Mr. Stubborn.” Lara laughed at Jacob’s nickname for Tony.

“Of course.” Lara said reaching for a file on her desk. “I was trying to give this to Tony, but... well you know.” Lara gestured to the office door. Jacob took the file and began to read it. “It basically gives a list of people that would want to do harm to Quincy Dinero and Xavier Gordon.” Jacob looked up from the file.

“Do any of these names look good to you?” Jacob asked.

“Actually, the name that does look good to me isn’t on the list.” Lara said. “And I think that his name was left off intentionally.”

“Who?” Jacob asked.

“Deputy Mayor, Alastor Doyle.” Lara said with a smile. Jacob was now intrigued. “You see my sources have told me that Alastor wants to build a new set of apartments on the land that is now currently Paix Park.”

“I am aware of that,” Jacob said.

“But here’s the kicker,” Lara continued. “The Park is owned by Quincy Dinero. That lot of land has been in his family for generations. They converted into a park for the city. Quincy was about to hand over the deed to the land to the city on the condition that it remains a park.

“And he has the right to stop the deal if they don’t.” Jacob interjected.

“Right,” Lara said enthusiastically. “Quincy was going to pull the deal when he heard about Alastor’s plans. However now that Quincy is in a coma, the deal can’t be stopped.” Lara took a sip of coffee from her mug.

“As for Xavier he was on Quincy’s side and was planning of leading the vote to reject Alastor’s plans. With Xavier out of the way, everyone will fall into Alastor’s pocket.”

“Well that all makes sense,” Jacob said, “But that still doesn’t explain the plants.”

Lara looked beyond Jacob and smiled. “Hello Alan,” she said. Jacob turned to see Dr. Curtis had joined them at Lara’s desk.

“Hello Lara,” Alan said. “Hello stranger,” Alan said looking at Jacob.

“Oh, Alan this is Jacob Valiant,” Lara explained. “He’s Tony’s liaison on this case.”

“Okay,” Alan shrugged. “Is Tony in there?” He said pointing at the office door.

“Yes, he’s in there sulking.” Lara chuckled. Alan knocked on the door three times and Tony opened the door sighing.

“What do you want Alan?” Tony asked.

“I analyzed the poison from the darts.” Alan said with triumph as he handed Tony his findings. “The toxin in the darts is made up of two poisons, oleander and poison apple.”

Poison apple?” Jacob gasped. “You mean one bite causes Sleeping Death, poison apple?”

“Yes,” Alan assured him. “However, because of the oleander no loves first kiss will wake these guys.”

“Would you be able to create an antidote?” Tony asked.

“Yes, but I would need the exact type of oleander to do it,” Alan replied. “Sadly, I can’t tell what type of oleander it is.”

Just then there was a commotion going on outside the station. Tony raced to see what all the ruckus was about. On the steps of the precinct was a rolled-up rug with something inside of it. Two officers slowly approached the rug and carefully unrolled it. Everyone gasped in horror. It was Ricky with a dart in his neck. Tony screamed in anger.

“Quick pick him up and bring him to my lab,” Alan instructed. Tony, Jacob and the officers that unrolled the rug gently lifted Ricky up and carried him into the station. They placed him on a table in Alan’s lab. Being a small lab, it was cramped with everyone inside. Alan told everyone to leave, but Tony stayed behind along with Jacob and Lara. Alan plucked the dart from Ricky’s neck and sighed. “It’s the same as the other two,” Alan stated with sadness. Lara gasped and hid her face in Tony’s shoulder. “There is nothing I can do unless we find the person that created this toxin.” There was a knock on the door and Dallas entered with the rug Ricky was rolled up in.

“I thought you would need this for clues.” Dallas said. He placed the rug against the wall and slowly walked out looking at Ricky frozen in slumber. Lara looked at the rug and raised one eyebrow.

“Alastor?” she questioned. Everyone looked are her with confusion. Lara walked over to the rug and unrolled it a little. “This is one ugly rug and I’ve seen it before in Alastor Doyle’s office. He was bragging how he had it imported from some foreign country.”

“Let’s go get him,” Jacob yelled. Tony held out his hand to calm Jacob down.

“We can’t go after him,” Tony explained. “This rug is just circumstantial, he can spin it that someone is trying to frame him. We need to get this antidote fast. Alan what do we need for you to make it?”

“Like I said before,” Alan said. “I need the type of oleander used in the toxin, or you can just bring me the person that made this toxin to begin with.” Everyone looked at him puzzled. “These plants seem to launch their darts when felt threatened, I’m sure the creator made an antidote just in case the plants darted them.” Alan looked back at Ricky and sighed. “It’s the only way to save him. Thankfully, oleander is rare around here. Chances are you find oleander; you’ll find the creator.”

“So, we have to check every flower shop and green house in the city?” Tony asked. Alan nodded and shrugged knowing it was a long task to do.

“Well, you could start at the farmers market,” Lara suggested. “There’s a vendor that sells exotic plants. If they don’t have oleander, maybe they know people that do.”

“Great idea Lara,” Tony said. Tony raced out of the room, it took Jacob a second to realize Tony was gone and he rushed after him not wanting to be left behind.

“Oh shoot,” Lara gasped. “I forgot to warn him.”

“About what?” Alan asked.

“I sent his mother there for fresh produce.” Lara giggled. “I hope they don’t run into her there.” Lara and Alan looked at each other and started laughing.

At city hall Dennis was in Alastor’s office and yanked the Secret Garden book on the shelf allowing his access to the secret lab. Dennis stomped into the lab looking quite mad. “Can you explain to me what happened to Mr. Doyle’s expensive Persian rug, it’s missing?” Dennis demanded. Fern was reading a book and gently put it down and slowly turned to Dennis.

“I had to get rid of a cop,” Fern answered sweetly. “I darted him, rolled him up in that god awful rug, and had him dropped off at the police station.” Dennis eyes grew wide in terror.

“You did what?” Dennis screamed. “How dare you do something like that without consulting with us.”

“Because I’m tired of taking orders from you.” Fern said coldly. “I’d like you to meet my new partner.” Fern directed Dennis's attention to the mad scientist who took a bow. “He has helped me a great deal, so you and mister Doyle are now obsolete to my plans.”

“Try and turn on us.” Dennis dared him. “Mr. Doyle will have you locked away in a room so dark no light will shine on you.” Fern scoffed at the idea.

“Allow me to also introduce you to my pet, Gertrude,” Fern said with a wicked smile. Plant vines wrapped around Dennis’s body and hoisted him into the air. Dennis struggled to free himself from the vines, but they kept getting tighter every time he moved. He was then turned around to see Gertrude, a man-eating plant that was seven feet tall and pointy teeth. “Goodbye Mr. Tyler,” Fern waved. Dennis screamed in terror as Gertrude popped him into her mouth. Dennis fought to free himself from the plant’s maw, but Gertrude took a big gulp and swallowed him whole. Fern turned to the mad scientist. “I think it’s time to pack up and move to your lab in Toontown.” The scientist agreed and they started grabbing crates and loading them with chemicals and plants.

Tony and Jacob arrived at the market and began to skim the stalls lining the streets. Several of them were selling plants, but each one denied selling oleander or knew anyone who did. Tony was beginning to suspect one of them was lying until Jacob pointed out one stall that was selling plants. There was a hooded figure tending the stall which seemed to draw suspicion. Tony and Jacob approached the stall, and the hooded figure began to act nervous.

“Let me handle this,” Tony said while he pushed Jacob back. Tony stood in front of the stall with a very intimidating look. The hooded figure began to shiver with fear. “Do you sell oleander here?” Tony asked in a demanding tone. The shaking figure slowly picked up something from underneath the stalls table and placed it on front of Tony. It was oleander, Tony turned to Jacob and winked. Tony flashed his badge and started asking questions to the vendor. The more Tony talked the more scared the vendor got and couldn’t answer. Tony could see he wasn’t getting anywhere with this guy, so he looked around the stall for any clues. He noticed the name of the vendor was Plant Paradise. Tony knew he was on to something and grabbed the hooded figure by the collar of the hood. As he lifted the figure into the air a toon cactus fell out of the hood.

The little toon was cowering behind the stall. Tony was about to grab the toon when Jacob pulled Tony back.

“Take it easy there,” Jacob snapped. “Can’t you see you are scaring the little thing?” Tony snorted like a bull and stood there watching Jacob takeover. Jacob bent down and started talking gently to the quaking toon.

“Hi there little guy,” Jacob said with a smile. “Please forgive my friend there, he won’t hurt you and neither will I.” The toon stopped shaking and looked blankly at Jacob. “There that’s better.” Jacob smirked at Tony. “I was wondering if you know anything about those plants that have been shooting people with poison darts?” The toon nodded yes. “Do you know who is behind those attacks? The toon nodded again. Jacob smiled and grabbed a pencil and some paper from the stall and handed it to the toon. “Could you please write down who is planning all those attacks?” The toon nodded once more and began to write. Jacob stood up and faced Tony. “See what happens if you take the gentle approach?” Tony scoffed at the suggestion. Just then Tony heard something that made his skin crawl.

“Tony?!” a voice cried out. Tony slowly turned only to be face to face with his mother. “I knew that was you,” His mother said with a smile. “Did you come help me shop for tonight?”

“Tonight?” Tony asked puzzled.

“Yes,” Irene said pointing to the bag of produce she was carrying. “I was going to surprise you by cooking a healthy dinner tonight.” Tony rolled his eyes while Jacob snickered, he was enjoying this. “I mean look at you,” Irene continued. “You have been eating too many sweets.” She patted Tony’s belly; Tony squirmed a little. “I swear my little T-Pony could never resist sweets.” She said to Jacob.

“T-Pony?” Jacob asked

“MA!” Tony cried as he hid his face in his hands. “Please stop?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Irene said sweetly. “I sometimes forget my little man is a grownup.” She turned her attention back to Jacob. “I’m Irene Cutler by the way, Tony’s mother.”

“I got that,” Jacob said with a nod. “Jacob Valiant, I’m helping your son on a case at the present time.”

“Oh, you are working?” Irene gasped. “I’m so sorry.” She placed her hand on Tony’s shoulder. “I will see you tonight then.” She kissed Tony on the cheek leaving a lipstick smudge behind. Tony groaned as she tried to wipe his cheek. Jacob was getting a huge kick out of this but was interrupted by a tug on his pants. Jacob looked down and saw the little cactus toon holding a piece of paper. Jacob took the paper and thanked the toon which scampered back to the stall.

“Tony,” Jacob said. “I think we got him.” Tony took the paper from Jacob and read it. The paper said, “Deputy Mayor Alastor Doyle”. Tony crumpled up the paper dropping it on the ground before storming off. “It was lovely to meet you,” Jacob said to Irene before taking off after Tony. Irene wave at them and looked down at the paper Tony dropped. “I thought I taught him better than to litter,” she said picking up the paper.

Tony sped through the city streets at a pace that would make the fastest cabbies jealous. He slammed on the breaks bringing his car to a screeching halt in front of City Hall. When Tony exited the vehicle, he stormed into the building. He was on a mission, and no one was going to get in his way. Jacob chased after him fearing Tony was about to do something stupid. Sure enough Tony kicked in Alastor’s office door and charged for the man. Jacob quickly shut the door and locked it; he didn’t want security to interfere.

Tony grabbed Alastor by the jacket and yanked him out of his chair slamming him into the wall.

“You’re behind the attacks!” Tony screamed. Alastor looked terrified but tried to keep a calm demeanor.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Alastor said. “Now take your hands off me before I have your job.” Alastor gave Tony a nasty wink which sent Tony into a rage. He dragged Alastor across the room and held him out an open window. Alastor screamed for help, but his screams fell on deaf ears. Jacob stood watching afraid to move.

“Do you know that one of my best officers was attacked by one of those plants?” Alastor saw the rage in Tony’s eyes and feared that he would be dropped as Tony held him further out the window. “Are you going to talk, or should I just drop you now?” Alastor could feel his jacket slipping from Tony’s grip, so he started to sing.

“Okay!” Alastor shouted. “I was keeping a secret lab behind that bookshelf.” Tony’s grip loosened a bit more. “I hired and ex con who was a florist that did experiments on plants. He created those plants, I just told him the targets.”

“Who’s the ex-con?” Tony demanded.

“Floritian,” Alastor cried. “Fern Floritian, he was arrested for running an illegal casino in the back of his shop. He was doing it so he could pay for the stuff he needed for his experiments.” Tony pulled Alastor back into the room and pushed him towards the bookcase.

“Show me,” Tony ordered. Alastor looked at the door to his office thinking to run, but Jacob was two steps ahead and was blocking the exit. Alastor grumbled to himself as he pulled the secret garden book revealing the secret passageway. Tony pushed Alastor first to go down the passage.

Alastor led Tony and Jacob through the dark passageway to the hidden lab. Alastor froze in terror to find the lab was completely empty. He could feel the fire about to erupt from Tony.

“I swear Tony,” Alastor cried. “There was a lab here, and I had Fern chained to that table.” Alastor groaned realizing what he just said. “I supposed you won’t pretend you didn’t hear that?” Tony yanked Alastor next to him. Jacob noticed something near the side of the room. It was a gun, he brought it over to Tony who recognized it right away. It was Ricky’s issued gun. Tony was now seething with rage.

“Listen you giant sleazeball,” Tony growled through gritted teeth. “You better start telling me the truth or I’m going to take you to the roof of this building!” Just then the room began to quake. The floor cracked open and giant vines snaked their way through the cracks. The vines wrapped around the men and dragged them to a hole in the floor. The men were whisked away through an underground tunnel the vines created.

Back at the farmers market Irene had finished her shopping and was heading for the street to grab a taxi. She couldn’t wait to cook a healthy meal for her little boy. While she was walking down the sidewalk to the main street, she passed a dark alleyway were something grabbed and pulled her into the alley. It was the toon Wolfie, he was pointing a gun at her demanding her purse. Irene held tight to her groceries and froze in fear. “You heard me lady, hand over the purse!” Wolfie demanded. “You don’t want me to get rough dos ya?” Irene shook off her fear and stood he ground.

“Young man, do you know who my son is?” She insisted. “He’s the captain of the police force.”

“Well, he’s not here now ain’t he,” Wolfie scoffed. “For the last time hand over the purse.”

“FREEZE!” a voice shouted. Wolfie and Irene looked down to the entrance to the alley to see a cop standing there with his gun drawn. Wolfie’s eyes grew wide, and he let out a high-pitched screech. Wolfie dropped his gun and dashed down the other side of the alley until he was out of sight. The cop placed his gun back in his holster and approached Irene. She recognized him from the precinct but could not remember his name. Just then a mug came flying out of nowhere and smacked the cop in the head knocking him to the ground. Irene picked up the mug that read “Welcome to Toontown” on it. She giggled and placed the mug in her purse. She then walked over and helped the young cop to his feet. “Are you all right Mrs. Cutler?” the cop asked. “I hate it when toons mug humans.”

“I am,” Irene said happily. “Thank you for coming to my rescue Officer…”

“Smalls ma’am, Dallas Smalls.” Dallas politely told her. “I’m glad I happened to be passing by.”

“Thank so much Dallas,” Irene said. “I’m sure my Tony will give you a promotion for saving me.”

“I find that highly doubtful,” Dallas laughed. “Right now, he’s deep into a case and no one knows where he is.”

“Well, I just saw him not that long ago scaring a small cactus,” She informed him. Dallas looked at her with confusion. “He and that other gentleman in the brown suit took off running when the cactus handed him this.” She pulled a wadded-up piece of paper and handed it to Dallas. “I picked this up after he threw it to the ground. I swear I taught him better than to litter.”

Dallas opened the wadded paper, and his eyes grew big. “Do you know what this means?” He asked Irene.

“Not really,” Irene answered. “He was just asking the cactus who it was working for, and I guess that name is the person.”

“I think Tony is in trouble,” Dallas said. “He would have called for backup by now.” Irene gasped in horror. “Come on, we need to get to the precinct,” Dallas took Irene’s hand and lead her to his car and the two of them took off.

Tony, Jacob, and Alastor found themselves in a lab that looked like the set from Frankenstein. The vines still had the trio tight in their grasp. Tony and Jacob struggled to free themselves while Alastor tried to bite his way out. The vines dropped Tony and Jacob into a cage while Alastor was plopped onto the floor in the middle of the room. The vines retreated into the shadows of the room. Alastor looked around trying to figure out where he was.

“Welcome Alastor,” a voice echoed in the room. Alastor heard movement above him and looked up. Descending from the ceiling was Fern riding on some more vines. He stopped just a few feet from the floor and hovered there. “I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait long for you.”

“What’s going on?” Alastor demanded. “Where am I.”

“My new lab,” Fern laughed. “You see, I no longer need you. My friend over there freed me and we formed a partnership.” Fern gestured to the toon mad scientist who was eagerly checking out Tony and Jacob in their cage. “He helped me create my baby.”

“What baby?’ Alastor asked. The was a low growl behind him. Alastor slowly turned to be face to face with Gertrude. Drool was dripping from in between her teeth. Before Alastor could react, Gertrude grabbed him in her mouth and yanked him off the floor with such speed that one of his shoes flew off his foot. Tony and Jacob watched in horror as the plant slurped Alastor like a spaghetti noodle.

“I hope you and Dennis are happy in there,” Fern shouted. Fern hopped off the vines he was sitting on and turned to the cage Tony and Jacob were in. He began to circle it like a vulture eyeing his next meal. “I remember you Captain Cutler,” Fern said with disdain. “You cost me everything. IF you had just let the casino go, none of this would have happened.”

“You broke the law, you paid the price,” Tony hissed.

Fern stopped circling the cage and glared at Tony. “I think you deserve a very harsh punishment.” Fern nodded to the toon scientist. “I will let my friend deal with you, his way.” Fern left the lab letting out an evil laugh.

The toon scientist looked at the pair rubbing his hands eagerly. “What to do with you?” the scientist pondered. He wandered over to a table filled with weird gadgets and things, playing with each one trying to decide what to use. Tony and Jacob were rattling the bars to the cage hoping to wiggle something loose. “Now, now,” the scientist purred. “That’s no way to behave.” Tony elbowed one of the bars heavily and the bar broke from the cage. There was now a hole big enough for him to squeeze through.

Tony escaped from the cage and picked up the fallen bar off the floor. Tony then charged for the scientist with the bar raised over his head. The toon turned quickly and shot Tony with a pellet. Tony stopped in his tracks, the pellet stung. Tony looked himself over to make sure he did not have any holes on him. There was a small dent on his abdomen, but it was nothing serious. Tony raised the bar over his head again and took a few more steps and stopped again, his pants were starting to get tight. He looked down to see his stomach was swelling.

“What did you do to me!” Tony cried. “I’m blowing up like a balloon!” The toon scientist laughed as Tony’s belt snapped off his expanding torso. Jacob who was now out of the cage as well stood in awe as Tony swelled into a round ball. His head stuck out of the top like a stem on and apple.

“I am so glad I created this air pellet gun,” The scientist said. “Anything that get shot with it is filled up with air.” The toon turned to Jacob. “Now it’s your turn.” The toon pointed the pistol at Jacob and was about to pull the trigger when vines wrapped around the toon. Gertrude had the scientist in her grasp and quickly swallowed the toon in one gulp.

Gertrude suddenly eyed Tony and licked her lips. Tony let out a whimper and tried to move. He waddled a bit but then he started to roll, towards Gertrude. Jacob raced to grab Tony by the foot and attempted to pull him out of Gertrude’s range. He was able to stop Tony from rolling, but he was too heavy for Jacob to move backwards. Gertrude slipped her vines around Tony’s ballooned body. With a slight nudge Tony rolled straight for Gertrude’s open maw. Just as Tony was about to become plant food, Gertrude was smacked with a long plank of wood.

Jacob looked over to see Irene holding the plank and swinging it again at Gertrude. “Get away from him you plant!” Irene growled. Gertrude released Tony from her viney grip and turned her attention to Irene. “That’s right,” Irene said. “I’m right here.” Gertrude lunged for Irene, but Irene anticipated her lunge and held up the board she was holding. Irene wedged the board in Gertrude’s mouth and did a roundhouse kick to the plant’s head. Gertrude seemed a little dazed and confused. She bit the plank of wood in two and lunged for Irene again who did a couple of back flips to dodge the attack.

Jacob was in shock at the sight of Tony’s mom flipping around and kicking the plant’s butt. He shook his head and went to push Tony away from the fight when he was grabbed from behind. Jacob turned around to see a fist heading right for him contacting the left side of his face. Jacob was knocked back a bit and covered his eye. He saw Fern standing before him looking extremely angry.

“So, you want to dance plant boy?” Jacob asked as he made fists in defense. Fern attempted a one, two punch combo on Jacob, but Jacob was quicker and easily avoided the punches landing a few counter punches himself. Meanwhile Irene grabbed some hedge clippers and started trimming Gertrude's vines. Soon Irene was able to get close to the main stem and hacked off Gertrude’s head.

“NO!” Fern screamed. He picked up the broken cage bar and went to beat Irene, but Jacob grabbed him by the back of his suspenders and swung him around into a shelf full of chemicals. He crashed to the floor with some of the bottles and beakers spilling all over him. Fern pulled himself off the floor and wiped his face. “You are so dead,” Fern announced. He took a few steps and raise the bar above his head only to drop the bar. His hand could no longer grip it. Fern looked at his hands which seemed to be smaller.

Suddenly the was a sizzling sound and smoke was emitting from Fern. He was shrinking. “What’s happening to me!” Fern shrieked. He slowly shrank into his close calling for help. Jacob and Irene watched in awe as Fern shrank before their eyes. His voice kept getting higher and higher the smaller he got until he went quiet, and a small hiss was heard, and puff of smoke burped from the pile of clothes on the floor.

Jacob slowly approached the pile of clothes half expecting something to jump out and scare him. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. Jacob combed through Fern’s clothes to find a seed the size of an acorn nestled in them. “Would you look at that,” Jacob laughed picking up the seed. “He turned into a seed.”

The police arrived not long after that looking for the antidote. Gertrude's stem rotted away quickly releasing an undigested Alastor, Dennis and Mad Scientist. The scientist was promptly arrested but Alastor was able to weasel his way out of it claiming it was all Fern’s idea and Dennis was in danger if he did not listen. Fern and Dennis were free to go despite Tony and Jacob’s pleas. Jacob found the antidote in Fern’s pocket that would save Ricky and the others, and he gave it to Dr. Curtis so he could produce more just in case that plant should ever resurface.

As for Tony, Irene was not too happy with his spherical appearance. “Just look at my little boy,” Irene cried. “I told him to lay off those sweets.”

“Ma,” Tony griped. “It’s nothing like that. Just get me to the toon hospital and I’ll be fine.”

“No, no,” Irene said. “I know what you need, diet and exercise. After all mother knows best.” Irene began to roll Tony to the door. He begged her to stop because he was getting dizzy, but she ignored him and kept lecturing him about the bad eating habits he has.

Dallas was bagging up some evidence when a shadow loomed over him. He looked up in horror to see Tony’s giant body right over him. Irene couldn’t see where she was directing her spherical son and she rolled right over Dallas. He let out an “OOOF” and he was squished to the floor.

“Now see what you made me do!” Irene cried. “Your unhealthy lifestyle caused me to squash that nice young man.” Irene managed to push Tony out the door. Jacob was trying to hold in the laughter when he heard Tony beg to be popped.

Later that week everyone was welcoming Ricky back to work. Tony was happy to see him but didn’t let it show. He just gave him a ton of paperwork to do that he was behind on. Ricky knew that was Tony’s way of saying welcome back. Just as Tony was about to enter his office Irene sauntered into the station. She was there to say goodbye to Tony before she left for the airport. Dallas was giving her a ride at Tony’s insistence, he wanted to make sure she left.

“I have had such a wonderful visit,” Irene said as he kissed Tony on the cheek. “Though maybe next time let’s not involve man eating plants.” Irene said goodbye to Lara and the rest of the station by leaving another plate of cookies for them. “Now Lara make sure my little Tony doesn’t eat these, he’s on a diet.”

“Will do Mrs. Cutler,” Lara assured her.

“You are such a sweet girl,” Irene purred. “Tony when are you going you marry her?” Tony’s eyes grew wide in terror and Lara giggled.

“Ma, I think it’s time for you to leave,” Tony ordered. “You don’t want to miss you flight.” Tony motioned to Dallas to get her out of the station. Irene said goodbye to everyone and let the building. Tony heaved a sigh of relief and took of bite of some celery, he did not like the taste of it that that at all.

#Detectives #Roger Rabbit #Cartoons

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