"Ladies and gentlemen," said Akane no Tachibana, as she started to rise from where she was sitting. "We all have had time to contemplate the decision before us while enjoying our evening meal. Now is the time to vote," added the werevixen with the grey tinged fur, looking around at all the other Were Elders of Moon Lake gathered together to discuss the current crisis before them.
"I know that technically, I have no vote in this matter," began a were-grizzly bear, as Sheriff Douglas Cooper rose from his seat to address the crowd, "but I would just like to take a moment to remind everyone that while my office and staff will do what we can, the Sheriff's Department can have no official involvement in this matter. While Jack Crawford is their prime suspect at the moment, the FBI is looking into who used that alleged private investigator to attempt killing known mobster Fredrick Parker in my jurisdiction, and we're already cooperating with them while doing what we can to make sure our secrets are not discovered."
"That is why the proposal before us is to split our forces," Akane reminded everyone. "One person shall lead our own investigation, while another shall keep an eye on Crawford to make sure he doesn't either succumb to pressure or carry out his previous threat to expose were society in an attempt to save his own worthless hide."
"I know. Yet we have no idea who else might be involved," Cooper reminded her in return. "I'll be surprised if at least the IRS isn't already investigating Parker on RICO* charges, let alone that the mob might try to arrange another attempt on his life once they discover he's still alive but crippled for life."
"I know," said Akane, bowing her head slightly, "but, providing the Council decides to implement it, this is the best plan we have at the moment."
"Either way, I would humbly recommend that this Council notify the Mayor's office that they continue the CODE W Alert** at least until Parker and all the FBI agents are out of Moon Lake," suggested Cooper.
"I already was planning to do that," said Mayor Pro-tem Samantha Twist, as she walked into the Council Chamber. Although still wearing her business suit, she had assumed her werecat fursona since her outfit was from Awareness, the clothing store that catered to weres. "My apologies everyone. I would have been here sooner, but felt it best to wait until normal office hours were over before leaving for the day to come for a situation update."
"Understood Mrs. Twist," said Akane, acknowledging her presence. "We were about to take a vote on a proposed plan of action. As Mayor, unfortunately you have no voting power on the Council either, but like the Sheriff, your input—as always—is greatly appreciated."
Then the werevixen turned to address the others. "Unless there are any further comments, I call for a vote of the assembly."
MEANWHILE...
The room in Intensive Care was dark. Lit only by the active monitoring equipment.
Fredrick Parker drifted in and out of consciousness. Acutely aware of everything.
The pain of being shot. The news that he would never walk again. Being a prisoner of the Feds. The pain of just being trapped in a now useless body that was good for nothing but feeling pain...
I never should have come to Moon Lake. Damn Daniel! But he's my kid, and I promised myself that I was going to be a better father to him than my old man was to me. Some job I did.
Then, Parker thought he heard something.
He turned his head and saw someone standing in the shadows.
His voice was harsh and weak, but what he lacked in strength, Fredrick Parker made up for in anger.
"Come to finish the job?" he gasped.
"You have me all wrong Mister Parker. I'm a doctor. What if I told you there was a way not only to regain the use of your whole body, but to become much better than you were even in your prime?" asked the shadow.
"If that was at all possible, I'd make a deal with the devil himself," replied Parker.
"Considering even the accusations against you, I think your soul isn't yours anymore to begin with, but what I'm proposing could also put off your eventual appointment with Lucifer for at least a couple of centuries," replied the shadow.
"Unless you have 100% concrete proof you can show me right here and now, I'd say you're even higher than whatever it is they've got me on," said Parker in return.
"Oh. I can prove my words, and deliver on my promises too, but I haven't much time right now and don't want to risk being discovered before we work things out between us. Yet there is one question I need to ask you in return," said the shadow.
"What is it?" Parker demanded to know.
"If you could become something other than what you are now, or were, what kind of animal would you be?"
AND BACK AT THE ELDER COUNCIL'S MEETING...
"We have a quorum, and the decision is unanimous," announced Akane, after counting all the raised hands and paws. "We shall proceed with our plan immediately," she added, before turning to face Far and Kai, the two white furred weretigers in attendance.
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*The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
**Publicly, water conservation due to drought conditions. Privately, no were can assume their fursona outdoors/in public until the risk of potential exposure is over.—tmw.