Todd's Family
By Misterebony
A Novella set in the Furside Universe

PRELUDE The Forgotten Child

"We shall take our children into the forest, and then we shall leave them there..."

~ From Hansel and Gretel

The basket floated down the river, its passenger crying and wriggling. Maybe it was crying because he was hungry. Or maybe he was crying because of the cold.

But he wasn't. He was crying because his own mother had tried to kill him. He was crying because a crazy woman, who had given birth to him, had called him the devil. He was crying because his father was UNDER this river, and was not so lucky. Even as a baby, you knew when terrible things happened. And this was a terrible thing.

He floated down the river, towards the neutral district, far from his home, crying for someone to love him. Until he settled into the sandy beaches on the shores of the river, near a little orphanage. The owner, a huge bear, came out that morning to see what the weather would be like. She saw the bassinet, and was wide eyed.

"What the?" She said. She opened it to see the crying, hungry child, a Hume, who clearly had been in the river for over a day. The bear picked the child up and carried him into her orphanage. There he would stay all of his life. He would know nothing of the fate of the crazy woman, or of how, two years later, she tried to kill another child she had, and the father of that one as well. 

The child who would grow up in the house of a vixen, marry a mouse, and wind up happy.

One child happy, another forgotten. Until the day that both boys grew up.

CHAPTER 1 Bonbon Eatery

“You look so good, I could just eat you up!”
~ Unknown Source

Once again, the Bonbon eatery was simply packed. The cute all you can eat restaurant, shaped like a big mountain of food, might have looked like it was just for kids at first glance. But when you stepped inside it was clearly a delight for the glutton, with a massive buffet, several cook-it-yourself stations, and even a few cages for role-play experiences. For Todd, 28 years old and head chef, it was a dream job.

Todd was a nice guy, very personable and extremely kind to all his customers. He had light blue hair thanks to dying it a few years back, a trim body with a slight tummy, blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin. He always wore a red chef’s outfit adorned with pictures of Humes in various dishes, a sign he was head chef. He smiled as he walked among the dining area, the mix of patrons always a delight. Many knew him from his Starblazer days, but many more knew him as a fine chef and even, on the rare occasion his wife allows it, a tasty dessert.

Today was not one of those occasions, but Todd was still happy as he watched the patrons gorge and devour his food, many complimenting it as he walked past. His place was a five star establishment and very profitable. But he left the finance part to his wife on her request.  Said wife rolled out as he thought about her, a tasty cheese roll in hand.

The brown furred mouse Fur was as pretty as a picture, even if she was quite fat. She always blamed the rich food for that, and the fact that she liked being soft and cuddly for her husband. She had dark eyes and a long tail out of the back, which had a black bow on it, a reminder of the days she was a punk at school. Today she was a professional accountant, managing the funds for the restaurant. She was also Todd’s wife, and he hugged her to his chest as she rolled close. She had to roll, since an accident when she was younger cost her legs, and she didn’t want prosthetics. She was happy as she was, and Todd liked her as she was too.

After all, she was still lovely and wonderful legs or no.

“Hi Todd.” She whispered, sneaking a kiss on the head chef. “I sure love seeing you at work.”

“Bonnie.” He said simply, the patrons awwing as they kissed, heading for the main office. Once inside, Bonnie told him the news.

“Well, we are making another big profit again love. That means we are getting a lot of money in the bank.” Bonnie smiled. “People thought our place wouldn’t work, and look at us now.”

“It’s all thanks to you my sweet mouse queen.” He said. “Your ideas for this place and menu items, among other things, made this place a hit. How did I get so lucky as to have a wife so wonderful in so many ways?”

“Aww you’re just saying that cutie pie.” She said, licking her lips. “Speaking of which, I am getting hungry. As soon as we close I wanna see that cute butt of yours in some dough. I have a sweet tooth for supper tonight.”

Todd chuckled and nodded. “I’d be delighted.” He started to hold her close, kissing her cheek, moving to the neck. She moaned and kissed his, the two easily able to go further if they were not interrupted by one of the chefs.

“Sorry guys,” She said, the chef blushing at the sight, “But Jaca is at it again.”

Bonnie and Todd both shook their heads, and before Bonnie could say anything Todd spoke up. “Don’t say it, I know.”

“You what love?” Bonnie said giggling. “That your mom was right?”

“You said it!”

****************

That night, Todd talked to Jaca who, despite aging, was still a knockout of a Fur. She was a coyote to be exact, very pretty and always dressed to the nines. But today was pushing it too far, as she hit on someone’s husband, making a couple storm out. AGAIN.

“Jaca, I know you are my mom’s friend and all, but this is the last straw.” Todd said sadly. “We have to let you go.”

Jaca nodded in understanding. “Fair enough. I got enough saved for retirement anyway. But I still don’t see the big deal, I mean SHE sure wasn’t pleasing him or he wouldn’t have the wandering eye.”

Todd sighed. “Jaca… he was sterile.”

There was silence, until Jaca spoke up. “Oh. Oops.”

“Yeah, oops.” Todd said. “I’ll mail you the final paycheck.”

“Thanks Todd. In the meantime, I already know a good guy for my replacement.”

Bonnie tilted her head and chuckled. “Of course it would be a guy. But say more.”

“He is about your age, hard working, never been eaten or ate. But he learns fast. His name is Lance.” He wrote down his number. “He was a honor student at Venetian High, so I am sure he would be a good choice.”

Todd nodded, as did Bonnie. “He would have to be aware that, as a server, he could be eaten.”

Jaca nodded. “Oh he will know.”

CHAPTER 2 Lance

“We know each other so well don’t we…. LANCE.”
~ From Mystery Men

When Lance got the call from his friend Jaca, he couldn’t believe it! He had been looking for some good work all his life, and now he would have it. But it made him nervous WHERE he would work.

Oh it wasn’t that the young man hated Furs. Far from it in fact. For the sandy haired, green eyed, and lightly tanned Hume, working with Furs was a delight. He found them fun to be with and soft as a pillow if things went far enough. But he never kept one because of his fears relating to being eaten up. It brought back painful memories of some of his first foster parents, who ate him without any care for his feelings. Such blatant examples of vore rape were highly illegal, and the people involved always went to jail, or worse. But for Lance it basically killed off the love of it. He created a story he was never eaten, to hide one particular incident.

Now here he was, standing outside of the BonBon Eatery, which looked too much like the house of Hansel and Gretel. It made him shiver some at the sight, both in fear of being food and in anticipation of the good work. 

With a sigh, in he went, a bunny into the wolves den so to speak.

***********

In the employee office, he sat and waited for the boss to show up. He did not have to wait long as a Hume with a chef’s uniform on, symbols on it showing a high level of skill, entered.

“Ah, you must be Lance.” He said, taking a seat. “You must forgive me, Saturdays are always busy, this is the first moment I had off. Jaca told me you would be a good replacement for her.”

Lance nodded at the head chef. “Yes sir. I had training at the Venetian Trade Schools, following my time at Venetian High. I have training in food preparation, host actions, finance, and computer design.”

The chef smiled. “Well, you may wind up helping my wife with some of her posters for the restaurant, or on the commercials. But we do need a good server for now. But I was told you were never eaten before?”

Lance swallowed then nodded. Would that cost him the job? “No sir. I never have been. It’s… kind of frightening to me.”

The chef nodded. “Fair enough. For the first little while we will have you wear a medallion that says you are not for sale. But understand some customers will still offer. We have a wide clientele in the Neutral District after all.”

Lance chuckled and nodded. “So you are understanding then?”

“Of course!” The chef said. “Not everyone was like me and eaten up from the time I was a baby. My mom, Shiva, she would bake me into a pie every so often rather than put me in a cradle. You get used to it after awhile, especially when the Fur or Half-breed doing the eating is nice.” He let out a sigh, looking at a picture.

“Is that your wife sir?” Lance asked. The chef shook his head.

“Todd please. We are very informal here, company rule #1: Can’t have fun, can’t work here. And yes, this is Bonnie.” He showed the picture of the legless mouse he was married too: plump, hungry… and BEAUTIFUL. “This is our wedding picture. I always keep it by me. Silly since she works here I know, but I hate being away from her. You have a girl?”

Lance shook his head. “No sir… er...Todd. I never was able to really land one.” That was a lie. In truth, Lance just dumped them whenever they spoke of eating him. Most understood and were still friends, though some were more than angry about it, feeling like he was leading them on for selfish reasons. Maybe he was.

“Well Lance, maybe you will here. Let’s see what you can do. I’ll give you a trial period of one week. If you show you are capable and hard working, then I think you got yourself a job.”

Lance stood up and shook his hand. “Thank you Todd!”

“Oh don’t thank me until you wait on those polar bears over there. Then you’ll think about whether you want to thank me or rip my head off in anguish.” He laughed. Lance laughed a little too. This boss was a little on the strange side, but he was clearly a good man. He would like working for him.

**********

By the end of the day, Lance was absolutely beat. The other chefs and waiters and waitresses all welcomed him, and were basically like a family for one another. Most knew he was replacing Jaca and asked straight out if he was going to hit on customers a lot. He replied no, though he did have his fears come up. During the day, three young Fur teens, probably on dates, wondered if he could be a big burger for them to share. He politely said no, and went back to work. He did see others get prepared and eaten, sometimes by the Hume chef he now worked for. 

That was the biggest surprise. It seemed that gobbling each other up here was much friendlier then it was for him growing up. That was confirmed as, before the day ended, he met Bonnie.

And she had just eaten.

“Oh… (Urp)” She said, giving a cute little burp as she rolled up to Lance, rubbing her belly. “You must be the new guy. I’m Bonnie Wildfur, Todd’s wife and the financial advisor for the restaurant.

“You did good work today form what everyone said. You’re a regular jack of all trades here.” Bonnie smiled. “Shame you are not on the menu, but I fully understand.”

Lance gulped. “You… you do?”

“Of course! Everyone is nervous their first time!” She said with a giggle. “Unless you were like my hubby! Oh I was so glad every time he became my treat. It was like a present just for me from him.” She pat her belly lovingly. “STILL feels that way. Especially how he does it.”

Lance was curious. “How, may I ask?”

“When you find him in your belongings, covered in chocolate, and icing with the letters ‘yours forever’ on it, you know he still wants to romance you. I’ll tell you two things. One, be warned we get very snuggly throughout the day. Just so you know. And two, if you don’t got a girl try and find one. Nothing seems better than having the right mate to go through life with.”

Lance nodded but said nothing as he left, piling into his car and heading for his home. Well, home was not the word for it really. He couldn’t afford an apartment or a house yet. No home for him was the shelter in one of the cuddlier parts of the district. He parked the car and returned the keys to the shelter owner, a rather gruff looking lioness.

“Your 10 minutes past curfew.” She reminded him. “Considering why this is, I’ll allow it.”

He wanted to reply but she waved him in. Lance knew better than to argue with her, especially since she had helped create the illusion he had a nice apartment and not… nothing. But then he ALWAYS had nothing. A few trinkets here and there, some donated items, and of course his baby blanket and a locket. He never knew anything about his parents, and never really knew a home.

But here, things might turn around for him. And his new boss seemed really nice. In a few days, he might make enough to get a little place in walking distance. Time would tell.

Sooner or later, it always had to.

CHAPTER 3 The Stranger

“They say the sins of the father are passed to the son. Well, they are part right. Sometimes it is the sins of the MOTHER you need to worry about.”
~ Furside judge on the heredity of crime families

It was about four days later. Lance was working out well, so Todd gave him the position. He was a hard worker, and a good one. But for the moment he was thinking of his sweetie. Once everyone had left, he made a HUGE batch of dough for a Hume-sized sausage wrap, and made some spicy dipping sauce to go with it. Bonnie licked her lips in anticipation.

“Alone at last.” Bonnie said, rolling close. A portion of the kitchen had been reserved just for Bonnie when she helped with the cooking, and was made so she could slide along on a harness to get anything she needed. She slid along here as well, getting close to her love and licking at his chest, exposed now after Todd had changed out his chef’s uniform for a dough speedo.

“mmmmmmm…” She said, licking her lips. “I cannot wait to gobble you up. All I got to do is put you in that dough and…”

But she got no further as there was a loud knock on the door. Todd was wide eyed and Bonnie sighed in agitation. Latecomers before had bothered them, seeking just to be fattened for some woman or something like that. Todd ALMOST didn’t answer the door, until the knocking got louder. Exasperated, he threw a robe over himself, which stuck in parts to the speedo, and went to the side door.

He answered the door to see a rather stern faced man in a business suit. He was well groomed and in fine clothes, and carried a suitcase. Todd recognized this kind of person and he hated them. This was either a lawyer or a tax collector. 

“Is this the establishment of Mr. Todd Wildfur?” The man said in a nasally accent.

“It is, and I am he.” He said. “And WE are closed.”

The man nodded. “I apologize for coming so late, but I had to speak to you. You by chance a relative of Clarice Greene?”

Todd heard the name and it stung like a knife. Clarice was the name of his biological mother, who had tried to kill him when he was a baby. Moreover, she had tried to kill Bonnie and was the one responsible for her being in a wheelchair. Knowing someone else knew her was angering to the highest degree.

“I do, and how do you know her?” He said, tilting his head.

“She was the owner of this land.”

Todd tilted his head. “But she lived in Humeside!”

“Yes,” Bonnie agreed. “She NEVER wanted near Furs.”

“That may be so.” The man said. “But her parents willed her this land. Upon her death it was to go to her firstborn child. I am here to see that the transaction goes through.”

Todd blinked. “You mean… I get the land?”

The man shook his head. “I said FIRST born child. According to the judge following the mysterious disappearance of her husband and son, the judge ordered a will be done up that it would go to the missing child, along with the five billion Zorkmid that her other home was worth… minus any costs of course.”

Todd nodded. “But if the firstborn son is gone, what does that mean for me? DO I get the land or… what happens mister… uh….”

“Sneed.” The man said. “Julius Sneed, Attorney at Law and representative of a mister Baxter. He is very interested in this land, and since the bank would take the land if the firstborn son is either dead or not found… well I will have to ask you to leave when the time limit is up.”

Todd was wide eyed. “WHAT?! But we have paid for this land ourselves, and all that is on it!”

“Agreed!” Bonnie shouted, rolling closer with an angered look on her face. “We have the deed to prove it!”

“That deed, based on this evidence, was sold illegally.” Sneed said calmly. “Therefore, the original agreement of the judge stands. Unless the firstborn of Clarice Walters is found, this property and all it’s value will be turned over to Mr. Baxter. That includes, according to the terms, all property and financial wealth of the establishments. Based on our estimates at the last census of this property, that means you would owe… 1.7 million Zorkmid.”

Todd stepped back, collapsing in a chair. The news he had just heard had hit him like a knife in his heart. Bonnie rolled closer and put a hand on his shoulder. Sneed was unmoved.

“However, if you are willing to SETTLE out of court, we will see about what is owed to us. Produce either your decision or the firstborn in one month.” He chuckled some. “I suggest you start raising the funds quickly. Though that should not be a problem for you… would it?”

Todd glared at him. “You bastard…”

“Ah ah, language Mr. Wildfur.” Sneed corrected, making Todd feel like some baby, angering Bonnie. “Mr. Baxter will be by tomorrow to tell you the details. Though why I am not sure. Personally I do not understand that man.” He turned to walk out. “Remember, one month. Failure to do so means we have legal right to take ALL you have.” And with that, the lawyer left.

Todd was left there, huddled to his wife, hit by so many terrible shocks. First, he had a brother, who may or may not be alive. Second, he now had to produce that brother or almost 2 million Zorkmid, an amount they did not have. Third, failure to do so would cost them everything they had built up.

Thank God for Bonnie, who spoke then. “Well, either we find the money, the brother, or we can just move back in with your mom. No matter what we are together in this.”

He looked at Bonnie and smiled. Of course they were. “Well… looks like it is time to dig in my past all over again.”

Bonnie nodded. “You KNOW where you have to start right?”

“He may not help us.”

“Sure he will!” Bonnie said cheerfully. “He loves you! Besides, now that he has been acquitted of all charges, I bet he is doing a lot better.”

Todd smiled. “All right… we don’t work tomorrow, so I’ll go pay my old man a visit.”

CHAPTER 4 Tobias, New and Improved

Well…… welcome home.
~ From Secondhand Lions

Todd drove up to the address and chuckled. It sure beat the last time he visited Tobias. Tobias Greene was his father, and, for much of Todd’s life, he was in prison. Not for robbery or murder or anything like that, but because he was hiding from his wife. But things were different now.

Now he lived in this little shack by the beach. And it looked like things had not changed for him where his wife, fellow prisoner Lupa, was concerned, as he turned over a huge fire, apple in his mouth, a leg missing. Todd couldn’t help it as he burst out laughing at the sight.

“Is that my son-in-law I hear laughing at my choice in meals?” A gruff voice said, Lupa appearing, holding a leg bone. She was dressed in skimpy clothes that showed every curve, all in a camo style, and her fur was sleek and fine. She may not be a spring chicken… er… pup, but she could still turn a few heads. And her wild hair! And the gold eyes! It was no wonder dad loved her.

Besides, her personality, while it seemed gruff and tough, was full of heart.

“Can’t help it. I mean, I need to talk to your dinner when I visit, yet I am ALWAYS interrupting it.”

Lupa chuckled as she waved to Bonnie, who rolled over. “Well I see you brought your lady Todd, so I guess you were going to feed HER while you waited! HA HAAA!” She laughed, going to get the other leg, while Bonnie nodded.

“I wonder if there is room on that spit for two?”

Todd smacked his forehead and laughed. He was glad he could, because soon things would have to get very, VERY serious.

*****************

“A brother?” Tobias said that night, as the four sat in lawn chairs watching the surf. Lupa, fat and full, was now behind her husband rubbing his shoulders. Tobias was a handsome man who Todd looked a lot like these days, though Tobias’ hair was now all gray. He was still happy though... until now. “Todd, I told you before to forget about the past where your mom’s family was concerned. You will only find pain.”

“No choice this time Mr. Greene.” Bonnie said, snuggled with her lover, stroking his leg. “If we cannot find what happened to his brother, and who he is or was, we lose the eatery. Granted we can live without it, it is just a place, but some of the other workers…”

“All right alright alright.” Tobias said, raising a hand. “You made your point. But I warn you. Your mom’s past is not pleasant. I told you some things but not all. She was married twice before I married her, something I did not know until later. But this is the first I heard of any children coming as a result of them.”

Lupa hmmed. “If there were children love, wouldn’t the Furside Pediatric Center have a record of it somewhere?”

“Not likely.” Todd said truthfully. “Remember how long it took to find you and mom. I have a lot less time this time.”

“Actually Todd…” Tobias said, patting his wife’s paw lovingly. “Lupa is right. Babies are a lot easier to track than adults, because they all need registered. If we use your mom’s name or, even better, her fingerprints, we can find where she had any children. But I know her first husband won’t be the father.”

“Why dad?” Todd asked. Tobias looked gravely at his son.

“Because he was only 17, and had The Surgery at her request. You know the one I mean.”

Todd thought on that. His mom was crazy, crazy enough to ask for that. It was possible that the brother might be dead she was that crazy. He almost was. 

But if he was, he had to know. He just had to.

CHAPTER 5 Guilt

I’m not who you think I am. I have done a lot of terrible things.
~ From Open Range

Julius Sneed never cried before. He never needed to. He was a lawyer, and lawyers don’t get emotional. They get the job done and that is it. They win the case or the legal dispute, get paid, and that’s it.

But Sneed was crying, silently, angrily. He hated what he did the other day. He was sure that he came off as some monster to Todd and his wife, just for delivering Baxter’s message. That wasn’t why he was hired. He was hired to make sure this is done in the best legal manner possible. He was here to handle a case, not bully people.

Now here he was, sitting in the bar, sipping a whiskey sour and trying to find a way to correct this. 

“Sneed, I think you had enough.” The bartender said, the bear Fur smiling at his old friend. “Must be having the conscience issues again.”

Sneed nodded. “You have no idea Bruin. I did something terrible. I just told a hard working, devoted father that the person I work for has the legal right to take his place and his land AND all he has, unless he makes a deal OR produces his brother. A brother I already have a feeling does not exist.”

“Ouch.” The bear said, pulling up a seat and pouring HIMSELF a drink. “Who was it?”

“Todd Wildfur. Owns the eatery downtown.”

Bruin Ahhhed some. “I know the guy, went to school with him. Nice guy, and very friendly. If your boss sent you after him I can see why you feel guilty.”

“What do I do Bruin?” Sneed said, downing his drink. “I came off the other day as a cold hearted freak. I want to help him. I want to see that he finds his brother.”

Bruin smiled. “Then DO IT.” He said simply. “Look I don’t know legal matters, I don’t know a plaintiff from a billy club. But I know people, and Julius you are a good guy. Maybe a bit too much into your work but a good guy.”

Sneed chuckled. Good old Bruin. Been that way since Sneed was adopted. He had no memory of where he was at, or who his parents were. All he knew was that he grew up in a little home with a little old wolf that loved boy stew. When she lost her home, he vowed to be a lawyer to defend people like her. He paid her back before her death, getting her home back AND damages, and not taking one cent for pay. When she died, she left him everything as a thank you. Since then he defended people in trouble,, or those wrongly accused. He usually won.

Then Baxter hired him. Said he had to deal with an old problem, and Sneed would do it. He was given the message and told to deliver it as his legal representative. Sneed was told even how to act, and told the person would pretend to be nice but was really not.

Baxter had lied. Sneed knew better now, and was determined to right his wrong. Bruin was right… he knew what to do.

************

It took him awhile to find the address, but finally he pulled up in his corvette to the home of Todd Wildfur. Laughter could be heard from inside, which made Sneed nervous. He doubted his appearance would cause more laughter.

Still, he walked up to the door and rang the bell. A pretty, elderly fox answered, whom Sneed recognized. It was none other than Shiva Wildfur, creator of Starblazers and the CO of a highly successful gaming company. She wore a pretty house dress, and had red fur that grayed in areas showing her age. But she was still pretty as the time when she called on him for a copyright infringement case.

“Well well, Julius Sneed!” She said. “What brings you here?”

Sneed sighed. “If you are here, is Todd your son?”

Shiva nodded and sighed. “Yes, he is my little boy. Why?”

“I came to right a wrong where he is concerned.”

Shiva nodded. “Come in then.” She stepped aside, and Todd stood there, his smile gone, looking fierce at the lawyer. But Sneed spoke.

“Look, I apologize for the other day. I am not here on professional terms, but as a person who wants to help. I know what I said, but I was told you were nowhere near as good as you looked.”

“Who said that?” Todd asked, not convinced.

“I cannot tell you. Legal issues and all. All I can say is that, if you will allow me, I’d like to help.”

“How?”

“I can find back doors around some of the red tape for finding individuals. I can also check places you might not think to. Understand my doing this may cost me my job. But I made a promise once to an old wolf: I would never hurt an innocent man if I could avoid it.”

Todd was about to speak when Sneed extended his hand. “I hope I am keeping that promise.”

Todd slowly extended his hand and took the lawyers, shaking it. “You are. I understand your risk, so your apology for now is enough. Still… One thing you could do is look up the old cases on Clarice’s husbands. They may provide clues.”

“That I can do, even as your opponent. I also know a good lawyer, better than even I, who can help you. He trained me. I’ll see if I can send him your way as soon as possible.”

Todd smiled and nodded. “Seems we got off on the wrong foot. I know you may feel unwelcome, but, as a friend of my mothers you are welcome to stay. It IS a cook out after all!”

Julius smiled. “Thank you. I haven’t had a good burger in a while.”

********************

Julius drove off that night with a full belly and a happy heart. He had done the right thing, he just knew it. All he could do now was the legal thing. But Todd did reassure him that, no matter the outcome, he would be happy.

What Julius did not tell Todd was that was not the case with one Zachariah Baxter. He was an owner of a big construction company that was supposed to be a family business. Then, several years ago, his son was shot and killed. The shooter was cleared of the charges due to lack of evidence, but Baxter never forgot. The land was where his son was killed, and he wanted to make a shrine there.

Somehow, Sneed doubted that was his only reasoning for this case…

CHAPTER 5 Unexpected Help

“Wonderful! We are now a part of the tribe.”
~ Star Wars, on the heroes making friends with Ewoks

Two days had passed since Julius Sneed had agreed to help Todd however he could, despite his contract with Baxter. He had found a potential lead, but it did not pan out, as the person he found was no relation and only knew OF Clarice, not was related to her.

Still, the restaurant maintained a cheery demeanor among the staff and patrons. Lance had helped out with that, though he had made it clear on a few occasions that he was not on the menu. He seemed too enjoy his job, and the other co workers, especially the ladies, liked him. He was kind and caring, and very handsome. Todd was impressed with him.

but today Sneed came in, sighing and smiling. He looked at Todd who was at the counter.

“Sneed?” Todd said, but Sneed raised his hand. 

“I finally found those old cases you were looking for. Took awhile, since personal cases are not easy to find. But I got them.”

Lance, who overheard, walked over. “What’s going on?”

Todd looked to Lance. He had promised Bonnie not to involve the workers in this matter, but he did have to say something. And since he could not lie… “Well, Mr. Sneed here is helping me look up information about my past. I’m trying to find out if I have any brothers or not, and where they are.”

Lance smiled. “Maybe I can help with that. I am not an owner of a restaurant or a busy lawyer. Maybe I can do some of the errands.”

Todd was about to say no when Mr. Sneed spoke up. “Well, I have to admit, that WOULD be a help. Especially to pick up information after I am done. That’s the other reason I am here Todd. The lawyer I told you about is on her way.

“Her?” Todd said.

“Chanelle Blacktail. She is a skunk girl, but don’t let that put you off, she had THE OPERATION when she was three to remove THAT issue. She is very bright and very skilled. We are old friends her and I, both from an orphanage.

At that, Lance perked up. “Wait… an orphanage? Your not the type I would see as…”

Sneed laughed. “I got lucky. Seemed a little old wolf wanted a boy for he larder and I was it. But she was a sweet lady. It was because of her I became a lawyer, eager to defend the innocent. So now I try to help people where I can.” Even if I caused the problem…Sneed thought to himself.

“In any case, thanks for finding these cases.” Todd said. Then he looked to Lance. “I know it is not part of your pay, but if you could go to the Birth Center in town and get information on any children born after work, I’d appreciate it. I’ll have the dates ready.”

Lance nodded. “Glad to help.”

“Now, back to work Lance. Those kittens are eyeing you again.”

Lance gulped, turning to the two little calicos that licked their lips. SO cute yet so….

**********

After work, Lance was about to head out when he saw a lovely form get out of a car. Oh she was gorgeous, with black and white fur, the white forming two stripes down her back. Her face was slightly angled, and she had on blue eye shadow. She was sleek and slim, as most Furs of her type were.

It was a Skunk Fur. She blushed on seeing Lance and giggled.

“My my, does this restaurant have car hops?” She asked, making Lance blush. “Relax dear I meant nothing by it. Besides I am a vegetarian. I’m looking for your boss.”

Lance gulped and pointed into the restaurant, unable to say anything as she walked by, the last thing he saw was that big, bushy, beautiful tail. He stared for a second before coming back to reality. After all, for one she was probably kidding and for another she was way out of his league. Besides, he promised he would help with something.

He just hoped he would do a good job.

CHAPTER 6 Case 1: The Teenager and the Toddler

I have brought you all here today because I am ready to reveal the murderer.
~ From M*A*S*H, in regards to a mystery novel

Chanelle WAS good at her job, Sneed had not lied. She went right to work tracking down leads on the cases, though as old as they were that was not easy.

On her break, she came out to the restaurant area and ordered a green salad. Bonnie brought it out, then stayed with her.

“Odd name, Chanelle.” Bonnie said. “Nice, but so unusual.”

“Well, my mom has so few choices for names, you know, skunk and all.” She chuckled. “It was either Flower from Bambi or Chanelle from a Rock a Doodle fanfiction, or Sripes or some other odd name. Chanelle just sounded the best.”

Bonnie nodded. “And you are married?”

Chanelle shook her head. “I was. Divorced. Husband couldn’t stand it that I was a vegan Fur, kept trying to convert me. He was a sweet guy as far as Half-breeds go, but he was so consumed with the whole “eat me if you love me” that it turned me vegan. I was even willing to give him half of everything just to get him out of my hair.”

Bonnie nodded. “Well some men are like that. Personally I am glad my Todd is willing to be in a treat for me every now and then. He is so yummy! And his love and kindness…”

“That may be.” Chanelle interrupted, finishing her salad. “But I don’t think I could eat meat again for a VERY long time.” She turned a page in her case file and smiled. “A ha! Get your husband I think I may have found something.”

***********

“A child?!”

“I did not say that Mr. Wildfur.” Chanelle said. “I said a POSSIBLE child. Apparently that first marriage has some fuzzy details. All the file says about him was that he was 17 and died when he was 18. No real case was opened for some odd reason. I’m trying to look into why that was.”

“Any surviving family?” Bonnie asked. 

“Well,” Chanelle sighed, “the odds are no. But there are parents listed in the case file, and a grandmother. I also show he had a little brother, about three years old when he got married.”

Todd thought on this. “See if you can find where all of these people live. I have to know if there was a child or not.”

“All I know is that there may have been.” Chanelle said. “According to this, she WAS pregnant when she got married. That does not mean she had the child though.”

Todd nodded in understanding. “We have to try.” He looked to Bonnie who eyed him knowingly. “I never thought I would be doing this again, looking into my past. I was ready to bury it.”

“Maybe we will find some good news mixed in with the bad.” Bonnie said with a hug. “After all, YOU were good. Maybe another kid was too!”

Todd shook his head. “And what about her family… and the family of the two OTHER fathers?”

Todd sighed some, looking at the picture in the file of a teenage girl who was his mom, standing by a teenage boy in black and a little child nearby. Was that little child his big brother? And if he was, was it worth finding?

*****************

Travel to Humeside was never easy for Todd, who had come here last time to see his mother.. .and wound up seeing her die before his eyes and confirm how horrible she was. This time he had come to find his brother. According to the information Chanelle found, the only survivor of the man’s family, Joseph Walters being the man, was indeed the mother, Annabelle Walters. Todd pulled up to her place, which had been converted into an upstairs apartment and was a bookstore downstairs.

On the porch, sitting in a rocking chair, was an elderly woman with gray, curly hair. She looked out at the world sternly, and when she saw Bonnie and Todd, especially Bonnie, she looked angry at them. Todd had a feeling this would not be pleasant.

“Todd… be careful.” Bonnie said, as Todd helped her into the wheelchair. But it wasn’t about her that she was meaning. She meant in relation to the woman on the porch. For indeed this woman was Annabelle Walters. Todd wheeled her up to the porch, and noticed a sign he had not seen:

NO FURS ALLOWED. PRIVATE PROPERTY.

“Odd sign for a bookstore.” Todd said to the woman. She looked at him coldly.

“Odd place for a cripple and her food pet.” She spoke in a raspy tone, her every word sounding like an old witch was speaking. Todd immediately took offense to her comment.

“She is my WIFE.” He said. “And I am Todd Wildfur. We spoke on the phone.”

Annabelle Walters’ look softened some… but not much. “Well then, if you are the man I spoke to I will make allowances. Not like business is that good today anyway. Then again, it rarely is.” She got up, grabbing a cane and starting to hobble into the store. “Well, I have tea on, so come in. I also hope you will buy my wares.”

Bonnie spoke up. “if the book is good, I might.” She said, partially to anger the woman and partially because it was the truth. Inside it was clear that the focus was on pre-fur works, especially classics handed down from generation to generation, including Huckleberry Finn, Ben-Hur, War and Peace, and similar works of classic writing.

Bonnie went to look while Todd and Annabelle sat in the reading room of her little store, tea already poured. Todd never cared for tea but he humored the woman.

“Now, you said you wanted to ask about my eldest son, Joseph. What do you want to know?”

Todd breathed deeply. “One year before his death he married a woman named Clarice Greene. I was wondering what you knew about it.”

The woman soured some. “I thought that was what this was about. Well, I hope you have no love for that woman, because I did not. She was a harlot who made everyone feel bad, unless they liked her in some way. We all had to pretend we liked her just so we could get by with life, lest we anger anyone else.”

Todd sighed. “Well I have no love for her, especially since she was going to kill me as a baby.”

The woman nodded. “That was her. Children were her particular hate. She wanted all of them dead because they loved Furs. It was the only issue we agreed on, her and I. No offense to your lady friend, but I cannot stand it that children anymore just dream of being food rather than doing successful things. It is like everything I grew up knowing was cast aside.”

Todd tilted his head. “I don’t understand.”

Annabelle sighed. “Well, it used to be when I was a kid, about 70 years or so ago, that children in Humeside grew up the way we used to in the peaceful days before the war that brought the Furs. But now everyone is so into the idea of being eaten up, that some just don’t even try in school anymore. Old Annubis was worried this would happen when the whole food pet thing began and he was exactly right.

“But then there are those like Clarice who go the opposite way, and see FURS as wholly evil. She even convinced my poor son to believe like her, and they ran off. When I last saw them she was pregnant with his child, and they were married.”

Todd sighed. Then he showed her the picture from the file. “The toddler… is that the child?”

Annabelle shook her head. “No, that is his little brother William. There WAS no child. She aborted it in a back alley abortion clinic, and my son was furious based on what Willy told me. But then he disappeared. I tried to find out what happened, but all anyone told me was there was a terrible accident, and he had been killed in it. But I know better. This may be callous, but when Clarice died I could have danced for joy. SOMEONE had avenged my son.”

Todd smiled but was not happy. His search here had been in a dead end. His dad was right: The first marriage produced no children. That meant the firstborn son had to be from that second husband. “Tell me… who did Clarice marry? I have a photo but no name.”

Annabelle sighed and smiled. “That won’t help you dear. She married one of a sect of octuplets. Eight brothers and not a bum in the lot.” She chuckled some. Bonnie rolled in at that time, carrying a copy of The Hobbit. “Ah, it seems I misjudged your lady friend! She has good taste in books.”

Bonnie nodded. “I would have wanted more, but…”

“Say no more. Perhaps I should take that sign down. Don’t want to be like Clarice anymore.” She smiled some. “Just remember to focus less on being food and more on being friends.”

Bonnie smiled and hugged Todd, but he did not return it. “No luck huh?” She asked as Annabelle went to ring up the price.

“Dead End. Just as Dad thought.” He replied with a sigh. “And the other husband was one of eight. This will be harder than I thought, especially since the file did not say if he was dead, live, or what.”

Bonnie nodded. They were running out of time, and were no closer than they were before.

CHAPTER 7 Smells Like a Friendship

He can call me a Flower, if he wants to. I don’t mind.
~ From Bambi

News reached Lance and Julius about the failure in Humeside, and the two met at the bar to talk about it. Lance was throwing darts as they talked, sipping some beer.

“If Chanelle was right,” Lance said, continuing the conversation they had before. “This second husband Clarice had was one of eight look alike. That makes it hard to track them down, doesn’t it?”

Julius nodded. “More than you know. Even the fingerprints were VERY similar. Only one or two little details to tell them apart.” He then got off of the stool. “You said you were an orphan. Where at?”

Lance chuckled. “Well, I was one of the orphans at the Riverside Cradle, a small orphan home that burned down a few years back. But not before I got stuck with one of the worst Humes in history for a parent. All he wanted was the money I brought in.”

Julius sighed. “Guess I was lucky there. Though I wish Old Nana had told me where she got me from. Would have been nice.”

“Well,” Lance said, throwing a Bulls Eye, “if you had been at the Cradle you would have liked it. It was my only really happy memory growing up. But now I got my own place, my own job, and my own life, with no need for any kind of parents.” He gave Julius the darts and went for his drink.

But a series of wolf whistles made both of them turn towards the door. Walking in, at that moment, was Chanelle, dressed in her suit, which still showed her pretty form. Several bear Furs looked at her hungrily, while a few of the Hume patrons tied to look appetizing.

“Animals.” She said, as she walked to the bar to get a beer, then over to Sneed and Lance. “Hello gentlemen. As you two are the only ones here not interested in roasting me or BEING roasted BY me, I think I’ll stick with you.”

Lance looked away but Julius spoke right up. “Good seeing you again Chanelle. Shame we are rivals on this case. I wish I was working with you.”

She looked at Lance and smiled. “Looks like you are as much as you can, from what I see.” She smiled at Lance, who blushed. “Glad to see you aren’t out to be fat on me. It gets a little annoying after awhile. Everyone assumes because I am a Fur means I eat Humes three times a day.”

Lance spoke up. “most do.” He mumbled. “That is to say, most eat Humes. I dated quite a few Furs growing up and was in more than a few Fur homes.”

Chanelle nodded. “Understood. Julius here tells me all about his wonderful Nana all the time, so I know a lot of the routine. But something tells me your Fur experience was not so hot?”

Lance shook his head as Julius took his turn at the darts. “My first Fur mom was… rather hungry, we will leave it at that.”

Chanelle nodded. “Sounds like the opposite of my ex. Always wanted to be in my belly. It’s because of him I swore off meat.”

Lance nodded. “Well, at least the Fur I work for is nice. And her husband.”

“Bonnie? Of course she is!” Chanelle chuckled. “I know a little about her, ate at the restaurant a lot you see. Heart of gold and a bottomless pit of a stomach where her man is concerned. Lost her legs as a teenager, been cared for by Todd ever since.”

Lance nodded. “Odd we talk so much about these things, when we just met a few days ago.”

Chanelle chuckled. “One thing about us skunk Furs: we rarely keep quiet about things, and we are often honest.” She stood up, deciding to get another drink. “As for the rumor about us being cuddly… well ask my ex.” She winked and walked off, Julius chuckling some.

“What?” Lance asked.

“I think she likes you.” Sneed said.

Lance chuckled. “She’s not my type.” He said, before heading to the bar to pay his way. But Julius shook his head, not really believing that.

************

Outside, Chanelle began the walk home, when Sneed ran up next to her.

“May I?” He asked, offering his arm. Chanelle smiled and took it.

“Thanks Julie.” She said. The two were often rivals, but outside of the courtroom they were also good friends. “Your friend there at the dart game, he was kind of cute.”

“He said your not his type. But I don’t think I believe it.” He said, smiling. Chanelle chuckled some herself. For her and Sneed, there never would be more than friendship, something Sneed understood and accepted. Besides, just because they were friends did not mean they couldn’t hug every now and then, and even a grown man turned out to need a hug. Sneed did when this whole thing started. But Sneed was also always watchful for the perfect guy for her.

Chanelle chuckled at his latest attempt. “Well I will admit he is cute, and he is not eager to be a treat or to eat me like some of your previous setups.”

“Speaking of which, I forgot to tell you. Mr. Baxter wants to meet with your client at the end of the week to talk about the settlement.” He sighed. “I wish this whole thing never happened though. Even if they settle…”

“Relax.” Chanelle said, using that big tail along his back. “Everything will work out.”

Sneed sighed some.  I hope so. He thought. Because trying to find a son among eight look alikes will be near impossible. If Baxter will not settle, I am hoping at least the brother is found alive.

He said nothing as he thought on this, holding his friends hand, walking her home.

*******************

At the homeless shelter, Lance returned the car to the owner, who chuckled.

“How was work?” She asked. It was new for her to be so personal, usually she was gruff and kinda tough on him.

“Fine. Trying to help the boss find his brother.” He said. Then the lioness spoke.

“And that skunk you were with at the bar?”

He froze. “You were there?!”

“My friend, that s one of my favorite haunts. And I could smell from where I sat that she is your friend. You like her.”

He shook his head. “Furs are not my type.”

She smiled. “So you say. But actions say otherwise.”

Lance went in without another word. His focus was on tomorrow, and on what he could do by the end of the month to help.

CHAPTER 8 Baxter’s Visit

I knew it! They’re here to force a settlement!
~ From Phantom Menace

“Are you sure we have to do this?” Todd asked, dressed in a fine suit, Bonnie beside him in her best dress. “Seems like we should not have to given how close we are.”

“Exactly why we should.” Chanelle said. “All you want is the land right?”

Todd smiled and nodded. “Your thinking give Baxter the money and leave us the land.”

Chanelle nodded. “If the will is accurate then he gets the better end of the deal, and you keep your business. Everyone wins.”

Bonnie smiled. “Would that mean we stop the search?”

Chanelle shook her head. “Of course not! Even now I have colleagues tracking the location of the eight brothers. Two were found so far but both were dead ends. We are investigating a third today during the meeting.” She turned toward the door of her office as it opened, revealing the source of all the trouble.

Sneed came in first, dressed in a gray suit and looking at the others with a smile, but beside him came a large, muscular half-breed. He had Hume arms and legs, but his paws were those of a lion’s, and he had a thick beard that could pass for a mane. His eyes were golden and he ad a set of sharp teeth, the whole of his body seeming to take a gold tint to it, a trait of his half-breed blood. He sat at one end of the meeting office table in Chanelle’s building, and Todd, Bonnie, and Chanelle sat on the other.

“Mr. Baxter.” Chanelle began. “Per agreement between our two clients, we have reached the time for negotiations. With over a week to go before the deadline I think we have a strong case. Even now we are on the verge of finding the brother, and proving his lineage. However, that can be avoided IF terms are met.”

Baxter suddenly leaned in and spoke, his voice a snarl. “Let’s make this straight lady lawyer. I don’t deal with families of murderers. I don’t make bargains with scumbags. I’m here for a special reason: to tell your clients to give up now before people get hurt.”

“Mr. Baxter, that is a threat on my client!”

Baxter stood up. “Threat?! FACT!” He looked to Sneed, shocked by what was happening. “Well don’t just stand there, give me the paper!”

Sneed looked at him. “You said you would negotiate!”

“I lied.” He took the briefcase and opened it, pulling out a newspaper. “You wondered why I pressed this claim. Well part of it was business. This land is perfect for a new housing district at reasonable prices. But the majority of it is personal, and this news article outlines it. It reads, for those of your clients unable to hear or read: ‘young lion and mother killed in hit-and-run motor accident’. This is why I pursue the case.”

Todd was wide eyed. “You mean…”

“Yes you bastard. YOUR mother killed MY wife and child.”

Julius spoke up. “But sir, if you researched Todd’s past as I have, you would see he also nearly died at her hands, and his wife!”

“Bull.” Baxter said, making everyone in the room wide eyed. Was he really that blinded? And then they realized: he was THAT enraged. “When my family died I began to research who could possibly have killed them. The answer I found not too long ago. It was your mother. All the evidence pointed at her being the driver, it matched other murders she got away with. So I knew then I had to get my revenge, for my families sake.

“Then I found out about you. I learned that you were on the very land her will owned. THAT presented an opportunity. According to the will I would get the land and her fortune, plus all money you paid into the land. I mean to have it.”

Todd was outraged. He stood up. “So you blame me for a crime committed by a woman I only saw once?! What kind of crazy bastard are you?”

“Todd stop!” Chanelle warned, but it was too late. Todd let out a cry of pain as a heavy fist sent him against the wall. Chanelle looked to Baxter. “I should have you arrested for assault!”

“Justified assault.” Baxter replied. “After all, his mother killed my family, and the fruit NEVER falls far from the tree. Your client has one week. IF no brother is produced by then, the land is mine, and I expect full payment.” He turned to Sneed. “Let’s go.”

Sneed said nothing. But looked at Todd with a look of apology. It would not be the last time he would have that look.

As for Todd, Bonnie and Chanelle helped him up, a huge welt on his cheek. “Damnit…” He said. “He won’t even listen!”

“Honey,” Bonnie said. “I don’t think your outburst helped.”

“I’m sorry Bonnie, but it angers me that he thinks I am practically the killer. Chanelle, what do we do?”

Chanelle sighed. “Pray we find the brother. That is the only…” Suddenly, the phone rang. Chanelle went and answered it. “Hello? Yes….. you found him?…. just the record… but that is enough! Thank you!” She turned to the others. “We got something.”

CHAPTER 9 “This is my brother.”
Are you ready to meet your family?
~ Unknown Source

By noon of the next day Todd, Bonnie, Lance, Chanelle, and Julius were all heading out together. Sneed wanted to come as an observer, something Baxter approved of thankfully. In truth, he came to help.

Piled into two cars, with Todd, Bonnie, Chanelle, and Lance in one, and Sneed in the other, the group drove to the southern parts of Furside, where at one time a little orphanage stood. Having stayed there as a child, Lance gave the directions, eager to see the remains of his first real home.

“There!” He said, pointing at a little used road. “That is the road that led to the orphan home. We should be there in fifteen minutes.”

Todd nodded. He was eager to find some answers. He drove up to the ruins of the home, Where waiting was a little old woman.

Todd suspected that, at one time, this was a very big, very fat, very HUNGRY bear. Bonnie giggled at the sight of the still cuddly old bear woman, her fur a mix of colors, her back hunched a little so she had to use a great cane. She sat on a large bench with a briefcase on it. Behind her lay the old, overgrown remains of a orphan home, sitting right on the river. The woman waved as the two cars stopped, the people inside getting out. Everyone first helped Bonnie into her chair, then they came to the old woman.

“Are you Miss Dumpling?” Chanelle said, Bonnie giggling at the name. Even the old bear smiled.

“I am dearie. And I must say I recognize two of your friends here. At least I think I do, this old brain plays tricks.”

Todd was curious. “Which two may I ask, before we start our business?”

“Why, the handsome men right there!” She pointed at Lance first… and then at Julius. He was wide eyed with surprise, not believing the happy news he just heard.

“You mean… this is where Nana Wolf adopted me?”

The bear nodded. “Absolutely dear! Here was your home! Well for a few weeks anyway, like your friend here. Don’t ask how you came here though, that I do not remember so well.” She chuckled. “It’s like they say, you remember the good byes more than the hellos.”

Lance smiled at Julius. “Well if you came from here lawyer, you sure picked the right place to start out.”

Todd smiled. “Well, that is one happy finding. But according to Chanelle you may have another.”

“I do.” The old bear said, opening the aged suitcase. “It’s the best I can do. A record sheet. Based on what you told us, your mother would have to have put the child in this very river. Well, as it turns out, she did.

“A long time ago, I found a baby boy by the river. We took him in and gave him a name, though we searched high and low for his parents. Only after the big fire that destroyed most of our records did we find out the truth: Only one was alive.”

Todd tilted his head. “The father?”

“No, the mother. This was before Clarice’s accidental death.” She growled. “Yes I knew of her. Crazy woman. But we all pretended she was so nice and wonderful. All of Furside I wonder. As for the father… he disappeared. But I know what happened.

“It is my theory that it was not just the baby put into that river. No, she would get rid of everything that way. She believed that everything evil had to be buried away or sent away after death. And the river would do that very well. Somewhere near her home, maybe a quick walk from there, I know the bones of the father lay.”

Chanelle nodded. “I’ll tell forensics to find the bones and pick them up. We can confirm a lineage with the DNA inside them.”

The bear smiled. “Don’t need to. You can do that to double check and close the murder case, but I got the file here.” She pulled a sealed envelope, large and fat, out of the case. “THIS is the boy, and I know he is alive.”

Todd opened the folder, looking himself. He kept it hidden, but was smiling, almost to the point of laughing as he saw the picture and name.

“This is my brother.” He said. “Hard to believe, but… it makes sense.” He looked to the skunk lawyer. “I’ll hang on to this for now. Tomorrow we will go to Baxter with our evidence.”

The others nodded in agreement. At long last, it looked like the matter would be completely closed.

That was why what happened that night was such a terrible blow.

CHAPTER 10 Dark Deeds

I have done the deed!
~ Macbeth, after he killed King Duncan

All that night, the group celebrated. Julius and Lance knew now they both had the same home, and that was important to learn. At the restaurant, they invited all of Todd’s family and were eager to tell the good news.

 Todd put the file in the safe, locking it with a secret combination. But what he did not know was that someone else had seen it. In the height of all the excitement and joy, no one knew that someone had to do something he did not want to, or people would get hurt.

And as everyone left, He began to act.

*******************

As everyone closed up and even Todd and Bonnie left, they were unaware of a figure that had snuck in through a back door. He began to think to himself as he went, not wanting to do this, but knowing if he did not Todd might get hurt… or Chanelle. 

That part angered him. Baxter had involved her in this. By making her a target he knew that he had no choice. Either do this for a reward or don’t do it and…

As he thought this he reached the safe. He knew the room had a security code, but during the party the stranger had seen it. He punched it in on the keypad. A sound indicated all alarms were off. 

Then the safe. He turned to the knob and began to undo it. He opened the safe a minute later to extract the file folder inside. But before he burnt it, He had to know. He opened the folder and took a look.

He chuckled at who it was. He didn’t deserve this either. But the stranger had no choice. He took out the lighter and set fire to the file. Now the only proof there could be of the facts he had seen was a dead man’s DNA.

DNA which would never be found. The river was just too big. The stranger stood up and went out, heading for a nearby pay phone. He sighed deeply as he began to place the call.

“Yes?” Baxter’s voice said on the other end.

“It is done.” The stranger said. “Now, call off your men from Chanelle.”

“Already done. I knew you would do it. I’ll pay you in person tomorrow. Incidentally, who was the brother?”

The stranger almost told him. But then he hung up. Keep him safe. Keep him out of this.

“I’m sorry Todd.” He said to himself, feeling like he was in the ringer. “I had no choice.”

Thinking this terrible truth he headed out. No need for the car. He would wait nearby until Todd discovered the truth.

****************

When Todd came in that morning, he knew already something terrible had happened. The alarm had been shut off, and the safe was opened. The burnt embers on the floor told the rest.

“Bonnie…” Todd said, not sure to cry or scream in rage. “Call everyone who was here last night. Someone broke in. And it was someone who is very close.”

CHAPTER 11 A Thief Revealed

The party is over… and someone stepped on the cake…. Which means there is a traitor among us.
~ From Guns of Navarone

Todd looked at everyone who was at the party. All of them looked guilty, even his mother and new stepfather. His own father and stepmother just were sitting there in shock. Bonnie was crying, wondering how any of this could have happened. Only Chanelle could be considered innocent as she had left before the file was put in the safe.

“It had to be someone who knew the alarm and safe locks.” Todd told them. “And only a few of us were here late enough to see them both. But I know who it was.” He turned to Sneed. “What I like to know is why.”

Sneed was wide eyed, but made no look that he was innocent or guilty. “Todd?”

“Why did you do it? Was it under orders? Or for your own personal benefit?”

“Todd stop!” Chanelle said. “Sneed wouldn’t do it.”

“No… but I did think about it.”

Everyone gasped. But Sneed continued.

“I was not the guilty one, but I did see the combinations. I thought about taking that file and shoving it right into Baxter’s face after what he did to you. I was worried when you said you wanted to save it yourself. So I was prepared to break in and secure the file. Steal it before it gets damaged.”

About this time, Lance began to chuckle. “Just like brothers.” He said, with an angry tone to his voice. “Always trying to protect one another. One trying to keep the good news a surprise, the other trying to protect it, without even knowing it was his brother.”

Sneed was wide eyed. “You? Todd… you’re my…”

Todd was wide eyed with surprise, even more than before. “But… I looked at the file with no one else seeing, and… wait a minute.” All eyes turned to Lance, who grew angrier. “No… it can’t be… Jaca trusted you, we all trusted you.”

“Your all FURLOVERS.” Lance said, his face turning red. “I did it Todd, and because I had no choice. If I didn’t, Chanelle would have been beaten. Baxter has had me under his wing all along. Why do you think you had so many missteps? I ARRANGED THEM!”

Bonnie stared. “But… why?!”

“You all have your lives so together, so wonderfully sewn up. Nice families, nice homes, even big fancy cars. I GOT NOTHING! That’s right Todd, I did it to save Clarice, but I would have even if she wasn’t involved for the money. Yes Todd, Baxter is paying me.” He thumped a suitcase on the table, opening it. “Five hundred thousand Zorkmid to be precise. Enough for my own home, away from Furside, away from this damn city.

“You all think being eaten or eating others is so wonderful. Even you Chanelle liked it at first. But I hate it. Furs have raped me with it all my life. Even you Jaca!” He pointed accusingly at the coyote, which was on the verge of a heart attack at hearing this news. But Lance went on. “I worked here under orders. I was told by Baxter to make sure the right person owned the land. I told him everything. I told him every step we took. I want this place shut down, and all others like it. And if I get a house where I can be free of Furside as a result, so be it.”

There was a silence as everyone stared at Lance. He was the last person anyone expected to feel this way, always kind to others and especially to Chanelle and his boss. Only Lance knew that what he had just said was a complete and utter lie. He did it because Chanelle would have died if he hadn’t. He did it because HE would have died. Tears in his eyes were the only clue as to the truth.

Todd did not see them. “Get out of here Lance. If I EVER see you again, I will kill you myself.”

Everyone else nodded, even Chanelle. Lance knew it would happen, but that was fine. They were safe now. Baxter wouldn’t hurt them. But as he went to leave, Chanelle said something that cut to the heart.

“You were the first I could have loved Lance. Why didn’t you tell us? May you be eaten by the masses for what you did! TO HELL WITH YOU!” With that, she slapped him across the face. He wanted to apologize, wanted to say he had no choice.

But his feet carried him out and away from the friends he had, the only ones he ever had. He was alone again. And he knew that he would always be alone.

***************

Todd sat there at the bar of the restaurant in absolute shock. He looked to Jaca, who was just stunned by the revelation that had taken place. 

“All this time he never once told me his past. Homeless and desperate…” Jaca collapsed into a chair. “I was his friend, why didn’t he tell me, if no one else?”

“We were all his friends.” Julius said. “And he betrayed us for money. He is a Judas in every sense of the word, using our friendship for his own goals.”

Todd was silent, angry, and unable to hide how hurt he was. Baxter was going to take all his family had because of his mother, and because of a friend he trusted. He should have given Chanelle the files. And then told Sneed last night. But now it was too late. All the evidence of his brother'’ existence was now gone.

“Todd…” Chanelle said, slowly starting to recover. “He was truthful on one thing. I noticed yesterday somebody was following me. Someone big. I can’t be sure, but if Lance was…”

“Coincidence.” Todd choked out, his fury dominating him. “A coincidence to make a lie seem like a truth. He was always working with Baxter just for money. Well he got it.” He looked to Bonnie. “We have three days to raise a lot of money Bonnie. Start putting everything up for sale.”

“Todd?” Bonnie started, starting to roll closer but Todd walked away to the office.

“JUST DO IT!” He shouted, slamming the door. Everyone was silent as this occurred. It seemed very hopeless.

All because of Lance.

CHAPTER 12 The Eleventh Hour

No matter how dark it gets, no matter how terrible it seems, there is always hope.
~ A soldier to another in Iraq

Baxter poured the champagne again, looked at the begruntled Lance. Baxter was smiling wide. At long last he would destroy the family of Clarice Greene and avenge his family. He just had to wait three more days.

“Why so glum Lance?” Baxter said. “You just saved my families memory, and you destroyed their only case! You won Lance, and you have been well paid.”

“Yeah, I got my thirty pieces all right.” Lace muttered, setting the champagne down.

“What was that?” Baxter said.

“I just betrayed my only friends in the world for you. For the devil himself.”

Baxter lost his smile. “You best watch yourself you little…”

“Go ahead say it.” Lance said, stepping closer. “Say how much of a scum I am. Say how terrible I was to betray everyone I know, then give them a big lie how I helped them all along, so they wouldn’t learn the REAL reasons. Say how I was a self saving creep who SHOULD have died, since no one would miss me. Say it all, because it is true.” He plopped the suitcase of money on the desk. “And you can take THIS back as well. I realize now that this is one thing I do not want, because it makes you insane. And that is what you are Baxter: An insane individual who just hurt an innocent orphan for no good reason, other then he just happened to be related to someone!”

Baxter roared and stood up, walking over to Lance. Lance stayed still even as the first blow was landed, sending him into the wall. He felt the massive paws hit him as he sat there against it, every blow making him bleed. 

But Baxter stopped after a bit, watching him. “No. No I want you to live.” He said. “Unlike Clarice and her kin I am no murderer. Just get out before I change my mind.”

Then Lance said it. “You are worse than a murderer. You are a destroyer of innocent lives.” He limped out, unable to fully stand up. As he walked out he passed Sneed, who went wide eyed as he saw him.

“Lance?” He said, but Lance chuckled.

“Todd will be happy with me at least.” He choked out. “I returned the money and told Baxter the truth.”

“I know. I heard it.” Sneed looked at him. “We got to get you to a doctor.”

“No.” Lance said. “Just tell Todd that I know now why Judas hung himself.”

Julius Sneed shook his head. “Not going to happen. We are getting you to a doctor, these ribs are broken.”

“No more than I deserve after what I did.”

“But why did you REALLY do it?” Sneed asked. Lance chuckled.

“If I hadn’t, Baxter would have killed you. No brother no will. Chanelle would be dead too. They were trailing her form the moment she joined in the case. Baxter made me his eyes because I had nothing. No one would miss a homeless person, would they? Well, unless they were someone’s food pet.

“That part I said WAS true Julius. All my life I have been abused by Humes and Furs, put in foster homes of people who just wanted money or meat, and even been on dates where their goal was to eat me. Even Jaca was like that. But it wasn’t why I did that to Todd. Todd made me see there was some good in this world. Creeps like Baxter have it all wrong. Revenge is less important or satisfying than friendship. I only wish we could show him.”

Julius pondered this as he led Lance to the elevator down to the first floor. Perhaps there was a way.

****************

Two days later, Todd was awoken to a massive commotion. As he stumbled out of his little home, what he saw made him go wide eyed.

Out on his lawn looked like a massive carnival. Kids and adults of all sizes were showing up. Todd knew them all: old classmates, customers, family members, people he met in this search, even complete and total strangers he met on the street were all here, talking and eating a fine breakfast made by his workers, Bonnie, his mom and stepmom, and even Chanelle who offered some fine vegan dishes.

“What the?” He managed to get out before he saw Bonnie roll up, giggling.

“Surprise honey!” She said, pulling him down to her and kissing him. “Julius put it all together. We are going to outdo Baxter’s offer for the land. Already we are close to his offer, and that was just from this morning!”

Todd was wide eyed. “Julius did all this?”

Chanelle walked over after serving a customer. “WELLL…. Not entirely. Lance helped some with spreading the word in the other districts. Seems the owner f the shelter where he lived has a few connections.”

Todd lost his smile for a moment at hearing Lance’s name. “So he felt guilty and decided to help huh.” He said. “Doesn’t change things you know.”

Chanelle nodded. “I knew it wouldn’t. But he had to try and help somehow. He even gave Baxter back the money and told him off.”

Todd said nothing but walked on. He saw all his friends and family doing this for him, raising money to the restaurant could be saved. All he could hope was that it would be enough. 

**************

What no one knew was that, at that very moment, a policeman in Humeside was examining the DNA of a skeleton that was found on the river. It had a fractured skull and was badly decomposed, but the DNA was still intact somehow after all this time.

“DNA profile matches.” The coroner said. “It’s him all right.”

He then compared it to samples given to him from Furside. One by one he compared the two until he found a parental match. But the reading on the label surprised him.

“Call that Lab.” He said to a nearby officer. “We got us a brother.”

CHAPTER 13 Insanity

If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed.
~ From Star Wars

Baxter was beside himself. How the hell had Todd managed to raise so much money? It countered his own offer for the land and all it was worth, meaning Todd could save himself. HOW DARE HE!

He knew Sneed had something to do with it. He knew it. As he walked out of his office to where Sneed always sat, he was ready to finish him for this. He looked at the lawyer and  growled.

“You are working for ME, or did you forget that?!” He said, pounding his pawlike hands on the desk, showing his teeth in an angry growl.

“I work for honest people.” Sneed said, handing him a paper. “And so do most people in your company. Or haven’t you noticed that the building has been somewhat vacant today?”

“You’re all in with that murdering bunch.” Baxter said, his face showing pure rage. I don’t care if it costs me every cent I own, I WILL have that land and drive that family into the streets.”

Sneed stood up, chuckling as he sat his resignation on the desk in front of him. “Even if you made them lose everything they own they still would have their friends. Something you are losing it looks like. Unless you learn to let go of your past, something I myself had to learn long ago, you cannot make a future.”

Sneed turned to walk away… but he soon learned that it was a big mistake. A huge paw lashed out at him, sending him towards one of the big windows. Against such force the window could not stand, and it broke apart. Only Sneeds reflexes saved him from plunging down a dozen floors below, clinging desperately to the window sides, trying to pull himself up.

For a brief moment Baxter stood there in shock. He reveled in his fear, his pleading to be saved… but then it hit him. Didn’t his family plead? His own family, didn’t they beg for mercy? Their death was in a car accident, but didn’t his own wife try to spare the lives of her kids? Baxter was wide eyed, his face pale.

“What have I done?!” He said, rushing to the window. Sneed was dangling there, hanging on as best as he could. Baxter slowly lowered his hands to him, and Sneed took them.

For a moment, it looked like Sneed was going to slip and fall to his death, but that ended as Baxter finally pulled him up and into the hall again. Slowly he backed away from the heavily breathing Sneed.

Baxter stood there and stared in shock. What had just happened? Why did he try to kill Sneed? Hurt Todd? Even take this land? Was it really all just revenge?

“Get out of here…” He said, Sneed wide eyed as he left. “No word of this, or next time…” But Sneed had already left. He had left like many of the people in his company were leaving.

They knew that Baxter was going insane. And he began to realize it himself.

*****************

“Are you sure about those DNA results?!” The Furside officer asked. 

“Quite sure. The match is 99.9% accurate. Almost no room for doubt.”

The Furside officer looked at the forms and nodded. “Then we need to inform the kin.”

CHAPTER 14 A Mistake in the Paperwork

Have I ever been wrong… I mean when it was IMPORTANT?!
~ From the Little mermaid

“Baxter has raised his offer.” Chanelle said sadly. “And if Sneed is right, he doesn’t care who he hurts anymore. It seems all our work was for nothing.”

Todd sat back in his chair, still unable to believe all that had just happened. Tomorrow the will was activated, and unless proof of his older brother was found, he was going to lose everything. But at least now he knew who his friends were, and all of them offered to help make a new restaurant when this was all settled.

“Might as well go in today then.” Todd finally said, standing up and smiling. “In a way we already won. Let Baxter have the land for his own purposes, we have each other.” He looked to Bonnie. “I’ve been neglecting you in all of this though. I think, before we go in, someone deserves a big meal.”

Bonnie smiled, licking her lips. “It seems like forever since I put you in my belly. Come here lover, I don’t care who is watching I wanna eat you right NOW!” And Bonnie would have…

… had the phone not rang at tat moment, making Todd and Bonnie sigh. “Aw crap.” Bonnie said, answering. “Wildfur residence. Yes Officer Pongo…. Yes…. WHAT?!” She cupped the phone end. “Todd, they found the body!”

Todd and Chanelle came close, listening. “Yes officer we are all here…. Uh huh…. Wait that cannot be right….. you tasted it again with the same result? All right…….. yes… no we don’t know where he is now…”

“What is it?” Todd asked, looking at the stunned Bonnie.

“Todd… the paperwork that bear lady had was wrong. Sneed is not your brother. He is no relation at all. Apparently they found his match to be a Hume family to the north, who passed away of natural causes.”

Todd was wide eyed, as was Chanelle. “You’re joking.”

Chanelle, however, nodded some. “I wondered a bit myself. Oh I was hopeful, but the two of you don’t exactly fit the same areas a brotherly pair would.”

“huh?”

“Never mind.”

Bonnie listened, and was wide eyed. “Todd… your real brother… he IS alive. We have seen him all along.”

Todd blinked. For a moment he was silent, but then he knew. He just knew. Maybe he always knew perhaps. “Lance.”

Bonnie nodded. “The very one who betrayed us is your brother.”

Todd sat. But before he could take in the shock, there was more. 

“Yes officer I am still here…… you found the will….. WHAT?!”

**************

Elsewhere, Lance packed the last of his belongings in the worn out old suitcase, including the blanket he had been found with. Nearby, the lioness that owned the place looked at him softly, for the first time.

“Don’t go.” She begged. “Stay until you get a new place. We all like you here, regardless.”

Lance shook his head. “I may have tried to make up for betraying Todd, but I still betrayed him. I want to honor his wishes and get out of Furside forever.” He picked up the suitcase.

“Where will you go?” The lioness asked, biting her lip. “And what about that skunk? Don’t you want to say goodbye to her?”

Lance sighed. “South. Maybe to the African wilds. And as for Chanelle… why hurt her anymore.”

“Your leaving would!” A voice said. But it did not belong to the lioness. Lance was wide eyed when he saw her standing there, arms crossed. How…? “First you come into my life and be a good friend, the first who doesn’t ask me to eat him. Then you betray everything you know just to save me, Then you secretly try to help Todd raise money. Now you are just walking out? I WON’T allow that!”

Lance stood there. “Frankly Chanelle… I don’t give a damn anymore.”

“I’m not letting you leave.” She said, stepping closer, the lioness leaving the room. “You saved my life, losing all you had to do so. How can I not thank you for that?”

“Chanelle, leave me be.” He turned away. “I hurt everyone by all of this. Sure I saved you, but maybe I could have done it another way, so I wouldn’t lose everyone like always.”

A pair of warm furry arms wrapped around him. “You have me if nothing else, and I am not losing you. Not when I finally find a man who liked me for me. Who I like for him. Besides, I have orders to bring you back.”

Lance wanted to say no, but he looked at her. He couldn’t deny that he liked her. She was the first Fur in his whole life that didn’t just want to eat him, or even hinted at it in some way. He held her. He just held her for now.

“Lance…” She continued, “we got to go. Now. And we need you.”

Lance nodded. “All right. I’ll go. Give me the details. Maybe I can do one last good thing for Todd so he will forgive me.”

“You have NO idea.”

CHAPTER 15 The Final Showdown

Almost every conflict, be it marital, military, business, or anything, has a great crescendo on which all-else matters.

~ Ancient Furside belief

The time was up. With only a few hours to go, Baxter stood on one end of the table, Todd, Bonnie, and Chanelle on the other. This was it. 

“Mr. Baxter. We came again to try and make a deal that would benefit us both.”

Baxter stood alone. “I don’t make deals. I regret calling you a murderer, but the fact remains is that you are still her kin. You have to pay for your crimes. Now, if you will just sign the papers.”

Todd shook his head. “I have no reason to. We have the brother.”

Baxter was wide eyed. “What?! Impossible, all the documentation was destroyed!”

Todd smiled. “Which was all false. Turned out that, in the filing of the orphans at the home, there was a mix up. Two orphans, found the same way. One was Sneed. The other was Lance.”

“Lance?” Baxter said. “You mean one of those two…

“Is my brother.” He motioned to Chanelle.

“Mr. Baxter. Our original belief that Julius T. Sneed was the older brother was proven wrong when we recovered and examined the body of Clarice Greene’s second husband. Our DNA test proved he was no relation. Determined to find his line, police found that he was the child of a Thomas Whitehorse in the Neutral district, and was placed on the beach by the parents before they died of an incurable disease. This was closer to the time of the bear den mother finding the baby in the river than originally believed. Because the time of the findings was actually so close, the two babies were mixed up in the paperwork, a mistake never corrected.

“However, DNA paperwork has proven that Lance Jones IS the son of Clarice Greene. The ELDEST SON. Which meets the requirements of the will.”

Baxter was wide eyed as he saw the paper. He almost brought out his lighter to torch the proof, but set it aside, it was over, he had failed his family. “All right.. what are your terms?”

Chanelle took out a paper. As it turned out, it was Clarice’s actual will. But…

“We have had a misunderstanding. True this will states that she owns land and money of a substantial amount. However, the will was NOT officially turned in. Moreover, it was all a lie in the first place.”

Baxter read it, and began to chuckle. “Well I’ll be.. you were right Todd… she really DID hate everybody.”

“Kids in particular.” Todd said. “That will was supposed to have the children killed, not inheriting anything. No lawyer would make it official, so it is basically a worthless piece of paper. However, because of it I found out I had a brother who was not evil, though his actions did hurt my family. Of course, you know WHY he did it.”

Baxter shook his head. “Yes, I do. It seems you were right Todd, the apple DOES fall far from the tree.” He crumpled the will up and threw it away. “All along, if I hadn’t of impeded your progress and let you find this will, nothing would have happened.”

“Indeed Baxter, which is why I want to make a deal. As Chanelle said I am not using the whole of the land I purchased. I am willing to sell you the unused land as a place for a memorial to your family. It is not much, but I can do that.”

Baxter was wide eyed. “Even after all I did? What I made Lance do?”

Todd sighed and smiled, as Bonnie spoke up. “One thing my husband had to remember. Sometimes a little kindness goes a long way.”

Baxter was silent. For a moment he said nothing, and then… “All right. It is a shame we did not meet on better circumstances, because I think we could have been friends Todd Wildfur.” He offered his paw. Todd took it and shook it.

And just like that, it was done. No big inheritance or property exchange, just the righting of a long ago wrong. With one exception.

***********

Lance stood there in the restaurant as Todd returned his uniform to him. “You sure you want me back?” He asked.

“Jaca believed in you.” He said, turning to the smiling coyote. “And so do I. I admit, you really made a mess of things during all this. But I am willing to bet you have a lot of good in you. Just for awhile you will have to work as a cleaning person to make up for it.”

Lance nodded. “Fair enough. I guess I better go back to the shelter and…”

“Oh no you don’t!” Chanelle said, standing nearby. “You are not living in some old shelter. I have plenty of room and I don’t live too far away. Your staying with me.”

Lance gulped. “But…. Yes I know you are a vegan… but… what if…”

“I eat you?” She finished, the others in the room snickering. “Relax. I won’t until YOU want it. Besides, as you  said, I am a vegan. Mostly.” 

“MOSTLY?!” Lance said. As he and Chanelle walked out, Todd chuckled, looking to Bonnie.

“That reminds me love. We have unfinished business.” He chuckled and got out some dough. “When this whole mess started, you were making me into a sausage roll. Shall we pick up where we left off?”

Bonnie smiled, licking her chops. “Gladly my dainty delight.” She said, rolling into her private kitchen. This time, they would not be interrupted. This time, she got her tasty treat.

EPILOUGE Another Day

So, what happens now?
I don’t know! (chuckles)

~ From Pleasantville

Several months later, the oven opened again from Bonnie as out popped a big Todd chocolate chip cookie, all ready for her to eat. She needed to eat more than ever now, with triplets on the way soon. As she took her dainty dearie out to the dining area, she chuckled at hat she saw.

First there was her mother in law and her husband. Shiva Wildfur was a constant visitor to the place, especially now that she was retiring soon. The Starblazers boom was still going strong though, so Bonnie thought it unlikely that she would retire as soon as she hoped.

Jaca, retired now, was working on her meal of a cute boy half-breed. Always after the guys, this time a 18 year old teen. Bonnie didn’t have the heart to tell Jaca that the boy thought she looked like his mother.

Bonnie nibbled on her cookie as she saw Sneed walk in, the restaurants new legal advisor, with Baxter not far behind. With the whole mess settled and the monument built, Baxter had cooled down nicely. Besides, he wanted to try some lamb chops.

But what made Bonnie smile most was in the back corner, as Chanelle snuggled with Lance, Todd’s newly found brother. The duo never did anything vorish like Todd and she did, but they were always together. Bonnie rolled over to see them, smiling happily as she ate her cookie.

It was going to be another day full of happiness. And those, really, are both the best and the most common kind.

GULP.

THE END

(One final note: The decision to include Chanelle’s anthro form in this story was purely by chance. But she fit the persona pretty well I think. Hope you all liked the tale. I enjoyed writing it )