Mister Drake wasn't happy as he started to walk out of the Moon Lake Police Department.
The fact that his own son Dymixious may have been just as responsible, if not more so, than the officer who fired the fatal bullet that took his son's life didn't do much for Drake's mood. Until he got a chance to talk directly to Akane no Tachibana herself, he was uncertain how to react toward the town of Moon Lake, let alone those in its police department.
As he walked to his rented town car, the chauffeur from the Seattle limo service promptly got out and held the rear passenger door open for his client.
"Where to now, sir?"
"Unless there's someplace better in town than that Moon Lake Inn we passed on our way here, that's our next destination. I'll be staying at least overnight until my business is concluded," answered Drake.
"Yes sir."
Drake was about to enter the back seat of the car, but stopped when he saw what was already in it. "What's this doing here?" he asked.
"You instructed me to go out and buy the best one locally available. Was I premature on installing it?" asked the chauffeur.
Drake stared at the back seat for a moment and then said, "No. Let's go," before entering the car.
The driver closed the door after him, and then got in the front to carry out his client's orders.
Alone, Drake turned and stared at the installed car seat sitting next to him.
Hope, he thought, recalling the name his daughter-in-law gave his new granddaughter. Jade has no idea how ironic the name is, for now that babe will have to carry out her father's duties honoring our family's legacy of protecting were society against its rogues. Once they've been released from the hospital and are back home with me, it will take years to train Hope properly, provided nothing happens to me in the meantime. I am not the Komodo Dragon I once was, but I will do what I must, Drake promised himself, as the car sped off into the night.
MEANWHILE...
"Now that the residence issue is settled for the moment, what job skills do you have?" inquired Samantha Twist, Moon Lake's Town Chancellor.
"Before I met Dymixious, I was working in a clerical position. But between his... work and the fact that we moved around a lot, I haven't officially been employed in years," replied Jade Drake, while nursing her baby.
"I see. How are your computer skills?" wondered Samantha, trying not to focus on the act of motherhood happening before her.
"Excellent. Dymixious needed them from time to time. Mostly making reservations, but I've kept up with the latest programs."
"Good. If not for Moon Lake itself, I can check with a few people and see what's available in the local job market right now," promised Samantha.
"You have been so kind to me and Hope. Far better than we deserve," said Jade, trying to keep from crying.
"None of what's happened has been your fault. The two of you are as much innocent victims as those police officers that were wounded trying to apprehend your husband."
"Whatever I do professionally, I would still like to help were society somehow, if possible."
"That's a goal we all have."
"Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Depends upon what it is," replied Samantha.
"Why do you keep trying to avoid watching Hope eat? Do you have something against breast feeding a baby? We're not in public right now and this is one of the most natural acts there is."
"It's not that. My wife Frances and I have already raised one child, but he was adopted. Frances keeps longing to have a child that is truly ours, but that isn't possible for an otherwise happily married lesbian couple and I hate to disappoint the love of my life."
"I hear there are ways..." began Jade.
"And even if we never have any physical contact with him, all involve bringing in a third party as the sperm donor. Something I'm not crazy about to begin with and Frances' dream is for just the two of us to be the child's only parents. I have absolutely no idea how to do that without having the third party, so we're basically at an impasse on the issue. She wants to do it all, from morning sickness to labor and actually giving birth, but that's never going to happen."
"Yet you love her?" asked Jade.
"With all my heart and soul."
"And she feels the same way about you?"
"From the moment we first met," replied Samantha, happily. "She was a normal before becoming a werecat like me."
"Well, adopting again is always an option, but whatever the two of you decide, I wish you well."
"Thanks."
"Now I think it's time we get some rest," announced Jade, although she was looking at her baby when she said it.
"Okay. I'll make arrangements for you to be driven back to the house in the morning after you're discharged," promised Samantha. "Good night Mrs. Drake."
"Please, call me Jade."
"Right. Good night Jade."
"Good night Samantha."
"Night Hope," said Mrs. Twist quietly, before leaving the hospital room.
Alone, Jade stared at her daughter and said, "Our new home. Life is certainly going to be more promising from here on out little one," before kissing Hope gently on her forehead.