“…In the strange and amusing; and I do mean amusing; roll on the floor and piss your pants funny. Two men were picked up by border patrol trying to cross the U.S-Canadian border last night. Odd thing was when arrested; both men were buck naked, no clothes no nothing. Border patrol refuses to divulge their names, yet have let slipped that the men are from California and have extensive criminal records. They are associated with the mobster known as Freddie the Shark. Oddly enough, Freddie’s son Daniel Parker is a current resident of our local jail awaiting trial for shooting Peter Talbot.
And finally, good news for every parent exasperated that their children are running amok. Today is the last day of summer break. Starting tomorrow; school begins for the sullen urchins! So enjoy the day while you can you little buggers; because Tuesday is when a mountain of homework starts getting dumped on you. I suggest you make the most of the day by coming over to the lake and attending the Labor Day picnic. With carnival games, rides and a freak show; that last bit is new, there is plenty to keep you occupied for the day. Sadly the fireworks display was called off due to the possibility of rain. Yet if you listened to me earlier…”
“God dam,” Randolph growling as he shuts the radio off; “that woman drones on and on without stopping. Why is she still on the air?”
“Crabby Camilla toes the line,” Tachibana answering; observing as the traveling carnival troupe finishes setting up their gear. Arriving on Saturday as they began setting up; they were surprised when several council members informed them that the town was under a were-alert. Being fellow were’s like the residents of Moon Lake; the workers of the traveling carnival had to refrain from being in their fursona. The skulk helping to set up the various pavilion tents, for some of the local stores to hawk their wares to the town folk; as well as providing security under the supervision of Daisuke Tachibana and Evan Lawson.
“Camilla knows what not to say,” Tachibana looking at the werewolf rep; “well that’s what Lance said a while back. She's a fellow were,” Tachibana speaking low; “you just caught her doing the usual news updates and what not.”
“Well she sounds like nails on a chalk board,” Randolph shuddering; “way worse than a screaming baby at three in the morning.”
“You still complaining about that,” Tachibana chuckling; “you becoming a father was the first time I ever seen you crack a smile. 3am feedings and diaper changes are par for being a parent.”
Randolph snorts as he observes the crew finish erecting a stage complete with a podium; the werewolf rep and avid painter silent on the subject. Not wanting to give Tachibana a glimmer of his softer side as he thinks of his nine month old son. His mate giving birth during the time of Julie Stovall’s statue 1A trial and sentencing. Despite pushing a hundred, Randolph felt like a child for the first time in a long while.
“So I hear Lance is planning something to ruin the so-called surprise press conference today,” Randolph trying to change the subject; “you know anything about it?”
“Just as much as you,” Tachibana answers; “Arnold talking to the were-donkey rep…”
“Braying more like it,” Randolph interrupting; “those nitwits can’t whisper even if their life depended on it.”
“Yes,” Tachibana responding dryly; “with Arnold kicked out of office for influence peddling, he became a campaign manager for Kenya Adeze Crawford. This whole press conference is supposed to be a surprise announcement that she is running for mayor.”
“But that begs the question,” Randolph speaking; “what is our were-panther rep planning?”
“That he has kept mum about,” Tachibana looking bemused; “but he has promised me, that we are going to love what his reporter has lined up for questions.”
“Well it looks like the picnic is nearly ready to begin,” Randolph getting up; “all the entertainment is ready to go.”
“Just remember,” Tachibana looking at the perpetually sullen man; “try and not growl at the parents as they get you to do those caricatures for their children.”
“Bite me,” Randolph answering; “it takes great effort for me to be the town grump, I’m not taking a day off on that just for you.”
“And you think Crazy Crabby Camilla is too much,” Tachibana chuckling; getting up and heading to her grandson as she walks away from the picnic tables.
*******
Back at the Twist household, Martha and William Anderson were just stumbling out of the basement; still in their fursonas as they saw Samantha and Frances see Greta off. The were-cheetah that joined the four last night made the couple feel like amateurs when it came to making love; yet both learned a lot and can’t wait for another night with the assertive feline.
“Morning,” William the first to speak as the Twists walked back into the kitchen; “Martha and I didn’t hear you get up.”
“We were-cats can be silent,” Samantha chuckling; “plus I need to get up early for today’s picnic.”
“You two are attending it today correct,” Frances looking at the two were-foxes.
“Once we have some breakfast in us,” Martha yawning; “and fresh clothes.”
“Both we can get at home,” William adding; “but we won’t be staying the entire day. Martha and I are planning a family dinner tonight with our sons.”
“Will Nate and Eric be attending the picnic as well,” Samantha pouring coffee.
“Nate won’t,” Martha speaking; “he said something about spending the entire day with Jean in bed.”
“Eric will most likely be glued to Spencer and Frieda,” William sipping his coffee; “but I think they will be at the picnic.”
“Just remind them,” Samantha putting the coffee pot away; “that we are under a were-alert. No shifting into their fursona.”
“On that note,” William getting up; “Martha and I should de-fur and head on over to home. We’ll see you in a few hours at the lake.”