{{It wasn't fun, but I survived another holiday retail season, so Moon Lake will be seeing more of me from now on.}}
Were-tigress Jean Morningcloud awoke to what had become her favorite position since moving to Moon Lake: finding herself wrapped in the large furry and loving arms of her were-grizzly bear boyfriend, Sheriff Douglas Cooper.
The fact that his young cousin (once removed, if you want to get technical) and future were-merman Darrell Cooper was sleeping in-between them just added to her joy.
He wants to marry me! Jean thought happily, recalling what she overheard before Darrell came in to join them last night, because Douglas talks in his sleep. Not sure if formally adopting Darrell between us is necessary, but to be Mrs. Jean Cooper...
The thought actually made the weretigress purr as best that breed of feline could, as both of the men in her life started to stir a bit, which caused Jean to cease the noise.
I understand his concerns about a cop marriage. I've seen enough tragedy involving those on the news and in television dramas, but still...
Wondering when Douglas would actually get up the nerve to pop the question, Jean was content to just move closer and hug her men.
How long the three of them would have just laid there, happy and away from all cares and worries, became a moot point when the outside world intruded upon them via the landline to the Cooper Cabin ringing.
Groggily, Douglas Cooper turned his head and lazily moved a paw to lift up the receiver from its cradle.
He was seriously thinking about dropping it back down and let the phone hang itself up when he heard a voice ask, "Sheriff?"
That got his attention, as Douglas brought the receiver closer and said, "Sheriff Cooper here. What's up?"
"I know technically you're not due in for another hour, but we've got new developments here," said the deputy on the other end.
"What are they?" Cooper asked, sitting up and instantly alert.
"Word is that since they own the hotel, Knight Industries is kicking Freddie Parker and his men out," said the deputy.
"Well, Benton Knight is within his rights to do so, as far as I know, even without the incident that happened at his estate last night."
"That's just it. That man that Tachibana Security warned us about?"
"That Russian guy?" asked Cooper, defurring and looking for his uniform.
"Yeah. Our surveillance team covering the hotel lost him. Although currently on foot, last report put him headed in the direction of the Knight Estate," reported the deputy.
"Oh great!" growled the Sheriff, even as he was trying to get dress while still cradling the phone. "Have someone call that place immediately and alert his security staff."
"Already on it."
"Good. Anything else?" asked the Sheriff, looking around for his shoes.
"Leon Talbot and some of his men spent the night in Peter Talbot's room, much to the dismay of hospital security, while other werelions guarded his business and home."
"No sign of any of Parker's men there?"
"None that's been reported so far. We think the lions are aware that we're watching the place too, but so far they haven't bothered us," revealed the deputy.
"Good. This whole situation is fast becoming one giant powder keg and the last thing I want is for anyone to strike a match."
"Agreed. I—" but then the deputy stopped in mid-sentence. "Hang on a second Sheriff. Just got an update. Our surveillance team at the hotel say Parker and his men are on the move. Suspected destination is... here at the jail!"
"Okay. Don't panic. Parker might just be coming to see his son. Pull any available personnel back to the station though. I want at least two men on everyone of his, especially if that Russian joins him. Otherwise, alert Tachibana Security about these latest developments too. While the Parkers are solely responsible for this mess, the Elders' Council can at least lend us a paw. I'll be there as soon as I can," promised the Sheriff, as he finished buttoning his uniform shirt.
With that, Douglas Cooper hung up the phone, and then turned to look at the two people who meant the most to him in the whole world.
Darrell had gotten up and was now hugging his "other mother", while both he and Jean Morningcloud both looked at Cooper, doing their best not to say anything or start crying.
"When this is all over..." began Douglas, with a lot more emotion in that sentence than he ever intended to use.
Then he leaned into the bed, gave Darrell a quick peck on the cheek, but presented Jean with a fully passionate kiss on her furry feline muzzle before reluctantly pulling away.
With that, he walked toward the bedroom door, grabbing his hat off the dresser before straightening his back and shoulders and walking out of the room.
He wanted to turn back and look at them again, but knew he couldn't because if he did so, Douglas Cooper would not want to leave his cabin or them under any circumstances.
It wasn't until after they heard his department cruiser start to leave that Darrell turned to Jean and asked, "Uncle Yogi's going to be okay. Right?"
The were-tigress just hugged the child as close to her furry body as she could.