Of Tomkats in Fedoras and She-Kats in the Spotlight, Part 2

Sulty Singers and Shady Dealings

<Jake> ::knocks discreetly on a rear door of police headquarters::
<TrinaK> ::dressed in the typical 20's P.I. suit: a shirt, tie, and slacks with heels. Appears at the door::
<Jake> Trina! ::grins:: Right on time.
<TrinaK> ::grin:: Am I late? Sorry, must've overslept.
<Jake> Nopes. Perfect timing. So, what can you get me on Dark Kat?
<TrinaK> ::grins anew:: Enough fer ya to buy me dinner fer the next couple weeks. C'mon up and I'll show you.
<Jake> ::nods and follows::
<TrinaK> ::leads him to a back of the office room, her little corner. A pile of files and folders and whatnot are on her desk::
<Jake> ::blinks:: He's that infamous....
<TrinaK> ::gives him a "you kiddin' me?" look:: Weapon smuggling, katnip, murder, kidnappin'...you name it.
<Jake> ::growls:: It figures... Chance and I were only on the tip of the iceberg...
<TrinaK> ::sighs:: How's Callie?
<Jake> Holding in there... She's... understandably upset...
<TrinaK> ::shakes her head:: Well...::passes him a newspaper clipping::
<Jake> ::takes it and reads::
<TrinaK> That's the latest. His last scheme involved a buncha nip shippin'....tho' we didn't have enough evidence to nail 'im...
<Jake> And, this is weapons... So,... is he in this for the money... or something else?
<Jake> ::looks like he's thinking to himself::
<TrinaK> That's what we couldn't figure out...'ccordin' to the Feds he's got his money cleaned by someone else...who? That's what I've got people investigatin' right now... ::issa Captain, forgot to add that in...::
<Jake> ::shakes his head::
<MaxSK> ((Cleaned?))
<TrinaK> ((counterfeit))
<Katney> ((Meow))
<Jake> ::darkly:: I'll ask him when I bring him in....
<TrinaK> ::rolls up her sleeves:: And he's gotta nightclub out somewhere...in the bad part o' town...dunno if you've ever been to the Kit Kat Klub?
<Jake> Was there last night... Might get some info outta a singer...
<TrinaK> He's got quite a few anyway...::pause:: What's her name?
<Jake> Overheard it... Nina O'Klaw...
<TrinaK> ::narrows her eyes:: O'Klaw...had 'er in fer interrogation a few weeks ago...::goes to her file cabinet::
<Jake> She dangerous in any way? ::chuckles:: Hides her gun real sloppy.
<Jake> ::is more worried for Max than himself::
<TrinaK> ::snickers as she takes out a file:: She's pretty much Dark Kat's little 'angel' ::does quotation marks with her fingers::
<Jake> ::arches a brow:: Angel?
<TrinaK> ::smirks as she takes out a profile:: A failed experiment...some nut by the name of Purvis decided ta make her the ultimate bride of Frankenstein...it didn't work too well....she got stuck with the ability to grow wings. On the other hand, she's like Dark Kat's right hand kat. He pretty much trusts her more than anyone else in that joint...maybe it's cuz o' her looks...
<Jake> ::looks at the profile:: Bizarre..... ::debates his chances of getting anything outta DK's right hand kat::
<TrinaK> Bizarre's the word...but she didn't act like someone who'd wanna be in that place...check this out. ::hands him a birth certificate::
<Jake> ::eyes it::
<TrinaK> Parents died a few years back....and guess who became her "legal" guardian...
<Jake> Dark Kat?! ::incredulously::
<TrinaK> You've hit the target.
<Jake> ::shakes his head:: Him... adopting a child... He had something in mind...
<TrinaK> That's what we figured. ::eyes are narrows as she leans over the files:: Parents were killed inna drive by shooting while walking back home...
<TrinaK> And Dark Kat seemed pretty eager ta take 'er in.
<Jake> ::blinks:: He *wanted* her and set it up... Why? Sure, she's got... ::eyes profile:: ...wings... but how can that help him?
<TrinaK> Big bucks. Nobody's ever seen anything like it, so he'd figure "Why not? Let the money roll in."
<Jake> Wonder how many believe it's more than what you can see with Barnum and Bailey?
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: This is Dark Kat we're talkin' about. Anythin' he believes'll have 'im rollin' in 20's and 50's he'll go for. Smart mind, but sick.
<Jake> Perverse. ::growls softly then controls himself and turns to leave:: Thanks, Trina...
<TrinaK> Anytime. Think ya got enough info?
<Jake> Much as I'll get 'til Miss O'Klaw talks...
<TrinaK> ::grins:: Then you owe me dinner.
<Jake> What do you like? ::turns around, grinning::
<TrinaK> I dunno. Wadda ya recommend?
<TrinaK> ::her eyes shift to the top drawer in her desk, suddenly feels something click::
<Jake> Hrm... The South Seas Club?
<Jake> ((::mun spent five minutes remembering that name from The Rocketeer!::))
<TrinaK> Sea food it is. ::grins::
<TrinaK> ((LOL!))
<TrinaK> Oh, Jake...um....forgot to show you something...
<Katney> ((::rolls eyes::))
<TrinaK> ::goes to open the top drawer of her desk::
<Jake> ((I kept getting stuff from Roger Rabbit and Back to the Future!))
<TrinaK> ((I keep thinking Roger Rabbit in here!))
<Katney> ((::giggle::))
<Jake> ((It's not hard!))
<TrinaK> ((I know! Jus' think Jake as Eddie Valient and all's well...;) ))
<Jake> ::watches her:: What're you up to?
<Jake> ((But, that makes me think of Kat's fic!))
<Katney> ((Jake was Eddie in my "Who framed Dusty Bombay!"))
<Katney> ((Exactly!))
<TrinaK> ((Whoops!!))
<TrinaK> ::pulls out a file:: There's somethin' I needed ta ask you...about Chance...::says this quietly::
<Jake> What?
<TrinaK> Did he...ever mention anything...about any other relatives?
<Jake> Other relatives? No... But... We only just met in the war... ::means MegaWar I as it shouldn't have been that long ago::
<TrinaK> Well....this is gonna shock you...::pause:: And if you faint, I'll thwap ya.
<Jake> I'm not fainting. Unless he has another wife I should know about...
<TrinaK> :half laughs and shakes her head:: No....he's....gotta sister.
<Jake> A sister? Where? Does... does she... know?
<TrinaK> That's something I wouldn't know...::tosses a file on her desk:: Apparently separated at birth as far as the story goes...
<Jake> ::blinks:: Then, Chance never knew?
<TrinaK> As far as I know, he'd never even met her...he never mentioned her to me anyway...::gives him a picture of her:: This is what she looks like, currently...
<MaxSK> <Jake> Can I keep this?
<Katney> ::she looks quite a bit like Chance, except gray fur, and she's a girl, of course::
<MaxSK> <Jake> ::studies it, noting those details... well, he expected her to be female!::
<TrinaK> Hey, you have every right to...::chuckles:: I hadta sneak this back to my cabinet before someone else gotta hold of them, so you might as well get it outta here before I get nailed...
<Jake> You and me both... Feral can't pass me on the street without giving me the evil eye...
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: Ah, don' worry about the ol' crab...Steel's been giving 'im a hard time again..
<Jake> ::rolls his eyes:: Ugh... Only reason he's here is his city councilman dad...
<TrinaK> Maybe we outta ask him ta give Dark Crud a visit...::snickers:: He'd be swimmin' with the fishes in no time...
<Jake> ::grins:: But, we'd hate ta' do give the city's fishes that kinda indigestion...
<TrinaK> ::laughs:: Yeah, really. ::smirks:: Oh, and by the way...she's a singer....at the Kit Kat Klub...but as far as I know...I don' think she's one of Dark Kat's people....think she's just there for the job...but I could be wrong....
<Jake> Well.... That makes it easier...
<TrinaK> ::nods:: Jus' ta let you know...
<TrinaK> By the way...you've heard from Max lately?
<Jake> ::small quirky smile:: Followed him last night actually... He's flirting with my Angel-girl contact...
<TrinaK> ::snickerlaughs:: Typical...oy...
<Jake> ::nods:: Tho' I don't think he knows about her... wings... or her about his...
<TrinaK> ::nods:: And the less she knows, the better. Dark Kat finds out about that, and Max's toast.
<Jake> ::nods in agreement:: Frankly, I don't want Max near him... But, I can't really tell him that... I learned years ago that the more you tell a Furlong to stay away, the more determined he is to get to the bottom of things...
<TrinaK> Yeah...::quietly:: And Chance learned the hard way...::pauses to lean against her desk, lower lip trembling, eyes closed:: I'm sorry, Jake...
<Jake> It's okay... Just so it *never* happens again...
<TrinaK> ::looks up at him and nods:: Yeah. ::perks her ears towards the office outside:: Uh oh...
<Jake> What? ::ears swivel::
<TrinaK> Old crab jus' crawled outta the sand...::motions him to stay put as she peeks out her door::
<Jake> ::slinks behind a file cabinet::
<Feral> Where are those files?!
<TrinaK> ::mutters:: Yep...and it appears Steele got on his ugly side again...
<Jake> <Swell... > ::stays low::
<Feral> ::marches across the office:: Korat!
<TrinaK> ::shuts the door quick and goes to her desk, pretends to be sorting through files...after putting the old ones away...::
<Jake> <I am not here.... I am not here...>
<TrinaK> ::thinks fast, throws her trenchcoat on Jake::
<Feral> ::marches in:: Korat!
<TrinaK> ::stands up fast:: Sir...
<Feral> Were you able to find anything on our lucky contestant?
<Jake> <Lucky contestant?>
<TrinaK> If you mean Dark Kat, I've got a few of our men investigating the money cleaning rumor...
<Feral> Not him...I was talking about that supposed operation partner of his....
<TrinaK> <Partner?!>
<TrinaK> Partner, sir?
<Jake> <Cough it up, Feral...>
<TrinaK> You never mentioned anything about a partner....if I'm not mistaken, sir....
<Feral> ::slaps a hand against his head:: Please...don't tell me Steele didn't give you the files, captain...
<TrinaK> I'm afraid to tell ya I haven't received anything, Sir...
<Jake> <Steele... Big surprise....>
<Feral> ::growls:: That's the last time I entrust him in anything. Those files contained information on a supposed mobster...calls himself Katscratch....
<TrinaK> The katnip overlord?
<Jake> <Ahhh....>
<Feral> ::nods:: Look, I'll cut Steele off that investigation. Think you can look for information on 'im, Korat?
<TrinaK> I can start immediately, Sir.
<Jake> <Good choice, Commander....>
<Feral> Then get to it. Give me whatcha got in 24 hours.
<TrinaK> Yes sir.
<Feral> ::leaves::
<Jake> ::appears:: Seems you have a new job... ::smiles::
<TrinaK> ::lets out a huge sigh:: Thanks to Steele...::smirks:: Not that I mind...the desk job was getting kinda boring...::grabs her trenchcoat::
<Jake> You'll do great at it.
<TrinaK> Oh yeah...jus' hafta threaten Katscratch a bit and hope I don't get shot...::peeks out to make sure there's no one there:: OKay....they're out fer donuts...
<Jake> Then, let's go...
<TrinaK> ::nods:: Just stay behind me. ::jogs outta her office and towards the back entrance:
<Jake> ::trots behind her::
<TrinaK> ::gets down the stairs and out the back entrance::
<Jake> ::follows her out::
<Katney> ::a stranger watches in the shadow::
<Jake> ((::snickers - ought send Max over to the club to hit on his own aunt::))
<TrinaK> OKay...as far as I know, this guy Katscratch usually has a hang out close to the Kit Kat...
<Jake> How convenient...
<TrinaK> Yeah, really. Wanted for illegal nip smugglin' more than anything...heard he's gotta couple sidekicks by the name of Mange...
<Jake> Swell... Creeps on top of creeps....
<Katney> ::the shadow person fishes eating their hot dog and leaves::
<Katney> ::finishes even::
<Jake> ((::dies!:: For a minute I thought she was fishing a hotdog outta somewheres!))
<TrinaK> ((<Shadowperson fishes> ::are the rarest oftheir kind::))
<Katney> ((Hee))
<TrinaK> Yeah...::smirks: They're a married couple...
<TrinaK> Not too fond of eachother last I heard...
<Jake> ::half-smile:: Bickering marrieds join the madness....
<TrinaK> ::half-chuckles:: Really. ::turns to start walking:: So where are you headed?
<Jake> I'm thinking the Kit Kat...
<TrinaK> I'll walk you there...then, I'm afraid we must part...::inna joking dramatic tone::
<Jake> ::pauses, grabs her by the shoulders gently:: Just be careful so it's only for a few hours or so, okay?
<TrinaK> ::smiles weakly, holds one of his paws:: I promise I won't be in there for more than what I need ta get.
<Jake> Good.
<Jake> ::ambles into the Kit Kat Club, looking around, particularly for his "nephew"::
<Katney> ((Nephew?))
<Jake> ((Max.))
<Katney> ((Oh))
<Nina> ::is just sitting there, taking a sip of milk::
<Jake> ::avoids Nina for the moment, they have a meeting set::
<MaxSK> ::comes shambling in:;
<Announcer> ::comes out onto the stage and over to the big microphone:: Ladies and gentlekats, the next act will be coming up shortly.
<Nina> ::notices Jake, but doesn't say anything. Waits for her "rival" to appear.::
<Jake> ::settles into a seat and looks toward the stage before pulling the photo out of his trenchcoat to look at it again::
<Katney> ::when the annoucer annouced it, there are several "katcalls"::
<MaxSK> ::spies Nina::
<Nina> ::sighs silently, wishes they wouldn't katkall like that...she can't stand it::
<MaxSK> ::slides onto a stool by her:: Hello again.....
<Jake> <Chance has... a sister... >
<Katney> (('Member, Kitty is like a rival to Nina.))
<Nina> ::looks up:: Well, hello. You weren't kidding when you said you'd be back...
<MaxSK> Nopes.... ::grins::
<Nina> I guess you're just in time to catch the show...
<MaxSK> Show? Your's?
<Nina> ::shakes her head:: Kitty's.
<Nina> ::smirks:: Voice could break a glass in three seconds flat...
<MaxSK> Oh... <So, the dame with the great legs didn't like another dame?>
<MaxSK> ((::chuckles:: <Kitty> ::sings beautifully:: <Nina> ::hears a squalling alleykat::))
<TrinaK> ((<Chance> ::starts to turn in his grave:: Maaaaa-x!!! ::smacks hand against his head::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!::))
<MaxSK> ((<Max> Wait 'til I say yer sis is a babe to do that!))
<Announcer> ::comes back out:: Ladies and gentlekats, the she-kat you've all be waiting for! ::audience wolf whistle:: And now, here is Kitty Carver! ::steps off::
<TrinaK> ((<Chance> ::turns in his grave even more::)))
<Jake> ::looks up, curious:
<KittyCarver> ((<Chance> She'll be your aunt! You can't call her a babe!))
<KittyCarver> :audience quiets down::
<Nina> Here it comes...
<MaxSK> ((<Max> I didn't know it at the time! I swear!))
<MaxSK> ::looks over there::
<KittyCarver> ::spotlight on the curtain::
<KittyCarver> ::sticks a leg out:: You had plenty money in 1922...
<KittyCarver> ::audience gives a wolf whistle::
<Jake> ::blinkblink::
<TrinaK> ((<Roger> JESSICA!!!!!!! ::Flies into Kitty's arms, then pauses:: Yer not my Jessica!!!))
<Nina> ::rolls her eyes::
<MaxSK> ((ROFL!))
<KittyCarver> ((<Kitty> Nor would I wanna be. Beat it before I cook me a Roger Rabbit meal I learned to cook on Dinner and a Movie.))
<TrinaK> ((<Roger> ::Flees::))
<MaxSK> ::blinks himself::
<KittyCarver> ::curtains open, she appears in a blue dress:: You let other women make a fool of you. Why don't you do right like some other men do?
<Jake> <Wow....> ::still has the photo in his hands::
<KittyCarver> Get out of here, get me some money too... ::starts out into the audience, hisses at Nina::
<Nina> ::gives her the look::
<MaxSK> ((<Max> ::jaw drops:: <Nina> ::reaches over and shoves it up:: You're drooling on yourself... ::dryly::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!::))
<Jake> ::watches::
<MaxSK> ::is trying to pretend he's *not* see-ing the other girl:: <One dame at a time, Maxie...>
<KittyCarver> Now if you had prepared 20 years ago, you wouldn't be a-wondering from door-to-door. Why don't you do right like some other men do? ::is over by Jake's table::
<TrinaK> ((::has the movie in her head already, and is dying!!::))
<Jake> ::is wearing a black trenchcoat and sorta ragged fedora pulled low over his eyes::
<KittyCarver> ((What's a fedora?))
<TrinaK> ((hat))
<MaxSK> ((Humphrey Bogart hat?))
<KittyCarver> ((Oh))
<TrinaK> ((the classic PI hat. ;) ))
<KittyCarver> ::sits on his lap, messes his collar up a bit:: Get out of here, get me some money too. ::runs a finger over the bridge of his hat:: Get out of here ::takes it off:: get me some money too. ::shoves in his face and gets up::
<Jake> ::blinkblink:: Whoa....
<Nina> ::sighs, rubs her eyes::
<Jake> <Not what you're here for, Clawson....>
<KittyCarver> ::sits on his table slightly:: Why doncha do right... ::rubs his tie through her fingers:: Like some other men.. ::pulls him up to her face::
<Jake> Uhm... Miss....
<KittyCarver> Dooo? ::lets go slowly and walks back up on the stage and behind the closing curtain::
<MaxSK> ::looks at the guy Kitty's... "manhandling":: Uncle Jake? ::under his breath::
<Jake> ::does a few more blinks::
<KittyCarver> ::more kat calls from the auidience::
<Nina> ::growls lightly::
<MaxSK> ::looks over at Nina:: You okay?
<Jake> ::collects himself and pulls his hat back down::
<Jake> ::goes to put away his photo and freezes, stares at it closely:: Her?!
<NinaSK> I'm fine...:narrows her eyes towards the curtain:
<MaxSK> Oh... ::blinks::
<NinaSK> ((<Jake> ::Hassa coronary and faints::))
<MaxSK> ((::snickers::))
<Jake> Can't be... But... Trina said she was a singer... ::debates::
<Jake> <Well, I got into the dressing rooms last night...> ::slinks off::
<KittyCarver> ::passes by some guys::
<Janitor> Nice show, Kitty!
<KittyCarver> Thanks, Joe. ::goes into her dressing room::
<Jake> ::is already there - her dressing room, that is::
<KittyCarver> ::surprised:: Aah!
<NinaSK> ::gets up:: I must be going now...::to Max::
<MaxSK> Must you?
<Jake> Sorry, Miss....
<NinaSK> Got an act I've gotta rehearse.
<Jake> ::blushes big time::
<MaxSK> Oh.. Alright....
<NinaSK> And I do mean, *rehearse*. ::walks off::
<KittyCarver> ::exhales:: Kats, trying to give me a heart attack?! What the **** are you doing in here anyway?
<MaxSK> ::watches after her::
<Jake> Wanted to ask you a few things...
<KittyCarver> ::walks past him and sits in front of her vanity mirror:: Not answerin' unless you're a gumshoe.
<Katscratch> ::is counting his illegally-gotten bucks::
<TrinaK> ::is near the club, at an underground warehouse that requires a password. Knocks on the brass door::
<KittyCarver> ::takes out a cigarette and lights it, takes a few puffs::
<Jake> I'm a... ex-cop, turned vigilante... How's that?
<KittyCarver> Close 'nuff.
<Thug> ::peers out at Trina thru a peephole::
<Jake> And, just why are you lookin' for a gumshoe?
<Thug> Yeah?
<TrinaK> ::looks in at the peephole:: Need ta talk to yer boss...
<Thug> And, you are....?
<KittyCarver> I ain't. I don't like being asked questions unless they came from a cop.
<KittyCarver> ::reapplies her lipstick::
<Jake> Alright. Question one: you have any relatives you know of?
<KittyCarver> Just my mother.
<TrinaK> You know who I am, Furball. And the password's sushi.
<Thug> ::grumbles and opens the door::
<Jake> ::leans into the wall and debates the correct phrasing:: I've seen your records... Ever know anything of a brother?
<TrinaK> ::walks in, eyes his suit:: If you ever need a tailor...::cuts it off:: Where's Katscratch?
<KittyCarver> Nope. Never gave a brudder much thought.
<KittyCarver> Let alone a sister.
<Jake> Well... Records say you had one...
<KittyCarver> ::blows smoke into the air:: The records are screwy.
<Thug> In th' back... ::eyes her evilly:: But, you'd better have an appointment... or you're dogmeat...
<Jake> Maybe... And, maybe not...
<KittyCarver> Listen, flatfoot, you look up Kitty Carver, you're not gonna find much.
<Jake> ::shoves his hands in his pockets::
<Jake> Then, what about one on Katarina Furlong?
<TrinaK> ::smiles innocently:: Of course I do...::whips out her handgun and presses it against his temple:: Because you just gave it to me.
<KittyCarver> What's it to you?
<Jake> Cuz Miss Furlong's brother was my partner... and the guy who owns this joint killed him...
<Thug> ::growls:: Yer a dead kat, Dame...
<KittyCarver> ::stop her actions for a moment, then grabs her purse:: All right.
<Jake> ::watches her with an arched brow::
<TrinaK> Not as much as yer gonna be inna few. Now, tell yer boss I'm here or yer gonna be seein' the light soon.
<KittyCarver> ::opens it and takes out an old picture:: The old lady never told me much about my brudder.
<Jake> ::leans forward to see the picture::
<Thug> Fine!
<KittyCarver> She either said moved away or died. :shows him a young Chance::
<Jake> That's Chance alright....
<KittyCarver> Never knew my old man.
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: Much better. ::lowers the gun to stick it behind his back:: Now walk.
<KittyCarver> He wouldn't know about me anyway. We's like 20 apart or more.
<Thug> ::walks, snarling under his breath::
<KittyCarver> Maybe 15.
<Jake> ::looks at her:: So, I'd guess....
<Thug> ::leads her into a dimly lit room - aren't they all? - at the back of the warehouse:: Boss? ::hoarsely::
<Jake> ::is blushing again, quickly conceals it::
<KittyCarver> Look up Katarina Furlong, you'd find out she's 25. And how old was my big brudder? Like 40. Even if he knew about me he'd forget about me.
<TrinaK> ::follows him, checking behind her to make sure she isn't being followed from behind::
<Jake> I think he would have liked to know you... Unfortunately, he's dead.
<KittyCarver> Right now, I ain't got no family. This job's the only thing I can afford do. The owner of the joint took me in.
<Katscratch> I said to leave me alone, Idjit!
<Thug> Th' dame with th' pistol in my back has other ideas....
<Jake> ::nods:: He's such a good samaritan.. ::sarcastically::
<Katscratch> ::looks up from his money-counting quickly::
<TrinaK> ::pushes him aside:: Now go. ::handgun still pointin' at him::
<KittyCarver> If he killed my brudder, why ain't he in the slamma?
<TrinaK> And don' try anythin' funny, or yer one fried kat.
<KittyCarver> ::takes a bottle of liquir, takes a swig of it:
<Thug> ::leaves, more fearful of his boss than Trina::
<Jake> Cuz his record's clean...
<Jake> Nobody who has anythin' on 'im is still breathing...
<KittyCarver> Yeah, like this joint's clean.
<Katscratch> And, you are? ::to Trina::
<TrinaK> ::twirls her handgun and holsters it, then turns to Katscratch:: Katscratch, Katscratch...yer breakin' my heart...
<Katscratch> ::small smirk::
<Jake> Doesn't have to be clean... Last three detectives to investigate are pushin' up daisies...
<TrinaK> Who I am's not imporatant...::smirks: Hear you have more money than whatcha bargained fer..
<Katscratch> My money's hardly *yer* concern... Gettin' out alive should be...
<KittyCarver> ((So how old's Jake in this anyway? I notice he keeps blushing.))
<TrinaK> ((Um...late 30's? Mebbe?))
<KittyCarver> :offers the liquir to Jake::
<KittyCarver> ((Hmm))
<MaxSK> ((He's... Well, he was in the equivalent of WWI with Chance... Ought we put him way younger? Yeah, 30's?))
<KittyCarver> ((Sure))
<Jake> No thanks. Not when I'm workin'....
<KittyCarver> Refreshment?
<KittyCarver> ::grins:: I hardly call this working.
<KittyCarver> You're an ex-cop.
<Jake> I'm in the devil's den, if you forgot...
<KittyCarver> How can I forget? You never told me.
<TrinaK> ::half laughs:: Yea, I've heard that a lot. I'm hurt. Yer launderin' money and ya didn't invite me to the ceremony? ::tsktsks::
<Jake> Oh. Well, let's just say your employer killed your brother... and I'm here to put him away.
<KittyCarver> ::takes out a brush and starts to comb her hair::
<Katscratch> I never invite smart-mouthed dames...
<KittyCarver> And you wanna put a pretty thing like me outta job? It's **** to find work these days.
<Jake> I'm sure someone else would looove to take the reins here... Maybe someone with less blood on his hands...
<TrinaK> ::leans against the table:: Let's cut to the chase, Katscratch. Heard ya have a parntership with Dark Kat. How did THAT get into the streets?
<Katscratch> I hire idjits... Happens to everyone... ::dryly as he lights a huge cigar::
<KittyCarver> Cause you noticed how the toms here enjoy my little "innocent school girl" act.
<Katscratch> ::blows smoke Trina's way:: So hard to find good help...
<Jake> ::blush:: Innocent school girl... Eh...
<TrinaK> ::blinks, blows it away:: Run that by me again?
<KittyCarver> All I'm missin' is a few braides in my hair, some freckles, and a paper lunch bag.
<Katscratch> I hire idiots... They talk... Leak. Make me haveta' knock off 'em and yet the damage is still done...
<Jake> <And, a less... "endowed" figure...>
<Jake> Uh-huh....
<KittyCarver> ::grins:: That would just tick the heck out of Nina.
<KittyCarver> I love to make her mad.
<Jake> Competition fierce around here?
<MaxSK> ((<Kitty> We off more girls'n Dark Kat!))
<KittyCarver> Call us rivals. We ain't too fond of each odder.
<Jake> I could guess...
<TrinaK> Hire? ::raised brow:: Who was yer latest thug fer hire?
<KittyCarver> Always trying to outstage each other.
<MaxSK> ((<Jake> ::blinks:: Off? With what? <Kitty> ::files her nails innocently:: Oh.. nuthin'...))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!::))
<Katscratch> I forget their names... Lefty, Mugsy, Furball... They all run together...
<Jake> ::just nods::
<KittyCarver> She's just jealous that my latest act gets a lot of kat calls.
<JakeCSK> And, her's get less?
<TrinaK> Ah, Mugsy...noisiest kat in the slammer...too bad we couldn't get much outta him...
<KittyCarver> Yup. I'm always sleepin' with one eye open 'round here.
<Katscratch> Smarter'n I gave 'im credit for then.. ::takes a long drag of his cigar::
<JakeCSK> I c'n imagine....
<KittyCarver> ::finishes off her cigarette in the ashtray::
<TrinaK> No duh. So let's talk about yer "partnership" with Dark Kat. What's it with you two? Have dinner every Friday night?
<Katscratch> More of a business partnership... Besides, lookin' at that ugly mug makes me lose my appetite...
<KittyCarver> Now, about that little act I did with yous...
<Jake> Part of the show, I'm well aware...
<KittyCarver> I just pick a table and flirt. :drinks::
<TrinaK> ::chuckles yet again:: Wouldn't blame ya...then again, I'm pretty sure he's got the same problems.
<Jake> I figured. ::smiles beneath his fedora::
<KittyCarver> ::peaks under the hat:: ::mock shock:: He smiles!
<Katscratch> ::glowers at her:: But, really... Dark Kat is very... profitable...
<TrinaK> How so?
<JakeCSK> Sometimes. ::smirk::
<Katscratch> He gets counterfeit, untraceable money... I get real cash... and lots of it...
<KittyCarver> ::blows the piece of hair out of her face:: Y'know, slugger, ya ne'va tossed me ya name.
<TrinaK> ::narrows her eyes:: Doing what? Bustin' the Megakat Bank?
<KittyCarver> ::turns back to her mirror and watches him the rest of the time in the mirror::
<JakeCSK> Jake.
<KittyCarver> Do you have a last name?
<Katscratch> Actually, I sit back and wait for Dark Kat to deliver it... He makes quite enough...
<JakeCSK> When I want to. Maybe I'll tell you some day. ::turns to leave::
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: What about the katnip?
<Katscratch> My own project... None of Dark Kat's business... Although, I'm sure he's aware...
<KittyCarver> I'll letcha know if I hear of anything that can lead ya to putting the boss inta the slam.
<JakeCSK> ::tips his hat up:: I'll keep in touch then. ::disappears out the window - he's getting skilled at that::
<TrinaK> ::narrows her eyes:: Which is somethin' I'm gonna leave fer some other time. You better watch yer back, Katscratch. Don' think this is the last time you'll see me.
<KittyCarver> ::nods her head and grins::
<Katscratch> But, I could hope of course....
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: Count on it. ::turns to leave:: I've got my eyes on you, Katscratch. Remember that.
<JakeCSK> ((<Kitty> ::seeking mischief, gets inna katfight wit' Nina...::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!!!!::))
<Katscratch> ::under his breath:: And, mine are on you.... ::motions to his men:: Ice th'dame...
<TrinaK> ::pauses, then turns, looking around::
<KittyCarver> ((Kit Kat or somewhere else?))
<JakeCSK> ((Who? Where?))
<KittyCarver> ((And Katscratch is the owner, right?))
<TrinaK> ((Huh?))
<JakeCSK> ((Dark Kat owns the Kit Kat. Katscratch is his partner.))
<TrinaK> ((He's inna underground warehouse))
<Thugs> ::are inna shadows::
<KittyCarver> ((Oh. Thank you. Was gonna help Trina))
<JakeCSK> ((It's near the Kit Kat tho' ;) ))
<TrinaK> ::takes out her handgun, aims it at whereever::
<Thugs> ::back off::
<Katscratch> How long can you watch your back?
<Katscratch> ::calling after her::
<TrinaK> ::glowers, calls back:: Long enough til I make sure yer behind bars. ::leaves::
<JakeCSK> ::is padding down a back alley when a figure jumps him and pushes him to the ground:: Yah! ::rolls away::
<Katscratch> We'll see.....
<JakeCSK> ::gets up to find his opponent... only to be pinned to the wall::
<TrinaK> ::jogs outta the warehouse, making her way towards the Kit Kat. Hopes she runs into Jake...and prays he's still alive::
<Max> It's me! ::hisses to him::
<JakeCSK> Max! Put me down! ::feet are a foot off the ground::
<Max> Sorry... Just didn't want you to make a scene... Are you following me?
<KittyCarver> ::watches from her window with the shade down, but lifts one of the thingys to look::
<JakeCSK> I'm working on finding out who killed Chance... You know that...
<Max> ::backs off, isn't sure Jake knows what he's up to:: Oh....
<TrinaK> ::pauses, then turns around again, just KNOWS she's being followed::
<JakeCSK> And, so are you... ::catches the look on Max's face:: Yes, I know.
<Thugs> ::are indeed on the trail::
<KittyCarver> ::eyes stray to look at other scenery, notices Trina:: Hmm.
<Max> Am I that obvious?
<TrinaK> Crud...::picks up her pace, makin her way across the street and into a back alley.....only to find it's a dead end:: Oh....crud.........
<JakeCSK> Yes. And, hauling kats off their feet like that is even more obvious... of.... *other* things... ::eyes narrow::
<KittyCarver> ::dashes off, makes noise as she gets away from the window::
<JakeCSK> ::head jerks up::
<TrinaK> ::turns, ready to run out::
<KittyCarver> ::the window shade moves a little::
<JakeCSK> ::ducks into the shadows, dragging Max with him::
<Thugs> ::are at entrance to Trina's alleyway::
<KittyCarver> ::makes her way there::
<TrinaK> ::freezes right on her tracks:: Eeps!
<JakeCSK> Somethin's up.. Stay here.. ::slinks toward the street, staying hidden::
<TrinaK> ::pulls her handgun out:: Don't make a move, or I'll fire.
<Max> Over my dead body.. ::follows::
<Thugs> ::have... uh... tommy guns!:: Right.....
<KittyCarver> ::makes a slight whistle noise behind the thugs::
<Thugs> ::spin around::
<TrinaK> You boys don't play fair, ya know that...
<KittyCarver> Lookin' for trouble, boys?
<Thugs> Another dame?!
<TrinaK> <Another dame??>
<KittyCarver> Got a problem with dames?
<Thugs> ::growl and aim tommy guns at Kitty::
<TrinaK> ::slinks up, kicks onna them in the head::
<KittyCarver> Teentiy thugs against 1 dame? Bum odds.
<JakeCSK> ((<Thugs> There ain't nuthin' like a dame! Beth made me!))
<Thugs> Works fer us....
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!!::))
<TrinaK> ::runs, gets in front of Kitty::
<KittyCarver> Yer mudders wear army boots.
<KittyCarver> ((Back in the days, that may have been a real insult))
<TrinaK> ::turns to give her the "you NUT!! look::
<Thugs> ::snarl and start to fire::
<JakeCSK> ::dives in, tackling two thugs::
<TrinaK> Get outta here!!!! ::pushes her away and starts to fire back::
<Max> ::takes a couple more::
<TrinaK> ::runs out, dragging Kitty away::
<KittyCarver> ::pulls out her own gun from her leg holster:: I got me own tommy. ::starts to fire at dem thugs::
<JakeCSK> ::punches his thugs, grabbing one's gun and slamming it into his gut::
<Max> ::snarls as he's hit with a stray bullet in the side, swings his fairly normal looking tail around to slam one guy quite abnormally hard::
<TrinaK> ((<Trina> Women these days! Carrying guns?! ::pause:: Waitaminute...))
<Thug or Two> ::bite the bullet and the dust, courtesy Kitty::
<TrinaK> ::issa firing back::
<Thugs> ::scatter... those that can::
<TrinaK> ::runs to grab one of them:: Not so fast!
<KittyCarver> :pins one thug against the wall:: What was it yous was saying about pickin' on dames bein' fair?
<KittyCarver> ::puts the gun up to his throat::
<Thug> ::whimpers::
<Jake> ::punches one as he runs past him::
<KittyCarver> ::twitches her nose:: Ain't even worth killin'. Leave yas to either the cops or the other tree.
<TrinaK> ::pins the guy to the ground:: Who sent you?!
<Thug> ::issa wuss, passes out::
<Thug> Who do you think? Katscratch!
<KittyCarver> Katscratch?!
<KittyCarver> ::lets the one she pinned fall down::
<Thug> ::to Kitty:: Yer friend's got quite a mouth...
<TrinaK> ::growls and grabs him by the collar:: You know that counts as another point on his "I'm Guilty" scoreboard!
<KittyCarver> ::shove the tommy to his ribcage:: You wanna REPEAT that?
<Thug> ::snarling in pain:: Can't prove it!
<TrinaK> ::holds her hand up::
<JakeCSK> ::steps up::
<JakeCSK> ::watches the interrogation::
<TrinaK> ::picks the guy up, motions to Kitty to put the gun down::
<KittyCarver> ::snorts at the thug and lowers the gun::
<JakeCSK> ::puts in:: Want me to hold him while you smack him? ::to Trina::
<TrinaK> ::grins:: Inna while...
<TrinaK> ::growls to thug:: He sent ya ta kill me, didn't he?
<Thug> What do YOU think?!
<TrinaK> Fer how much?! Some of his FAKE money!?
<Thug> Fer REAL money... An' whatever c'n be spent's worth it!
<Max> ::holds a hand over his wound.. as it seals itself::
<TrinaK> ::narrows her eyes, raises her fist::
<Thug> ::growls::
<KittyCarver> :hisses::
<Max> ::steps over to watch, pulling his coat over the hole in his shirt::
<TrinaK> ::then, lowers it:: It's not worth it. I'm just gonna let the squad take ya away.
<TrinaK> ::drags him to a lampost and slaps the handcuffs on him::
<JakeCSK> Best idea... ::looks at Trina:: I take it Katscratch isn't happy with you?
<KittyCarver> ::is leaning against the wall, looking deep in thought::
<Thug> ::growls to himself::
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: I walked in at a bad business hour. I shoulda made an appointment.
<JakeCSK> Usually helps... And, here I told you *not* to get killed...
<Max> ::moves to slink away::
<TrinaK> Yeah, yeah. I know...sorry.
<KittyCarver> She kept her promise, didn't she?
<TrinaK> ::looks over at Kitty:: Jake....is that....?
<JakeCSK> Well, she's still breathing... Can't complain too much...
<JakeCSK> ::to Trina:: Yes, she is....
<KittyCarver> You ain't gonna get much outta me, flatfoot.
<KittyCarver> Just ask 'im.
<JakeCSK> She doesn't talk much....
<TrinaK> I knew she was a singer....but never thought she'd be carryin' a gun...::low voice to Jake::
<KittyCarver> Protection.
<JakeCSK> ::quietly:: When you work there... everyone does...
<TrinaK> ::sighs, she'll ask him the rest of the questions later::
<TrinaK> So you usually step into a gun fight fer the fun of it?
<JakeCSK> ::nods in agreement to that::
<TrinaK> ::to Kitty::
<JakeCSK> ::pauses to see Max get away:: <Gotta talk to that kid...>
<KittyCarver> Nah, only when punks like him want to cause trouble.
<JakeCSK> ((<Kitty> I loves a good fight, I does!))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!::))
<KittyCarver> Ain't you glad I DID come along?
<JakeCSK> Well, I am....
<TrinaK> ::nodsnods:: Yes, I'm glad you did. Gotta admit yer a pretty good shooter...
<KittyCarver> ::half laugh:: Welcome, Jake.
<JakeCSK> ::smiles::
<KittyCarver> Mama said I had my brudder's shot.
<TrinaK> ::smiles softly::
<KittyCarver> Had to take her word for it. Never met 'im.
<JakeCSK> <Your brother's shot? He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn!>
<TrinaK> ((LOL!))
<KittyCarver> ((Might've been different as a kid. Him always carrying a sling shot and shooting birds...))
<JakeCSK> <Well, he did once during the war... But, it wasn't the target...>
<TrinaK> <Must've been another brother...gonna hafta check on it...>
<JakeCSK> ((::snickers:: <Chance> ::at twenty lost all skill there:: ::killed three cows during the course of the war::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!!!::))
<KittyCarver> ::blows the bangs out of her face::
<TrinaK> ((<Chance> ::and managed to nail a couple crows in the cornfields and blew a scarecrow to bits::))
<JakeCSK> ((ROFL!))
<KittyCarver> So what do you guys do after a good funfight?
<TrinaK> ::isn't about to spill the beans on that one::
<JakeCSK> I return to my boring life of skulking....
<JakeCSK> And, right now... catching someone I need a word with...
<KittyCarver> Skulking. Sounds like fun.
<TrinaK> And I go back to my paper work.....lotsa entertainment...
<KittyCarver> Like a root canal.
<KittyCarver> Well, I'll call ya if I get any dirt you need to bust the boss.
<TrinaK> ::nods: You do that.
<JakeCSK> ::nods::
<KittyCarver> ::grins:: Gonna go pester Nina sommore.
<TrinaK> ::to Jake, gives him the "I need to talk to you" look::
<JakeCSK> Don't get yourself shot then. ::winks to her::
<JakeCSK> ::nods to Trina::
<KittyCarver> ::grins:: I'll keep my tommy loaded. Later, hotshot. ::leaves::
<JakeCSK> ((<Jake> Wow! Women all around me! ::nods, winks, blushes::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!::))
<JakeCSK> ::waves and turns to Trina::
<TrinaK> ::is looking at him with a raised brow:: Flirtin'?
<JakeCSK> ((<Jake> ::wobbles between shyness and attempts at flirting::))
<JakeCSK> ::gives her a mean look:: Flirting?! On the job?
<KittyCarver> ::heard that, turns back and kinda blows a kiss::
<TrinaK> ::raises both brows:: 'Hotshot?'
<JakeCSK> ::bluuuushes::
<KittyCarver> ((<Kitty> ::giggling::))
<JakeCSK> ::to Trina:: Must mean her brother...
<TrinaK> Just as I thought...
<TrinaK> yeah yeah...::sees the thugs are being taken away by the squad as it pulls up::
<JakeCSK> Oh, stop. I have work to do... Like catching my flirtatious nephew...
<JakeCSK> ((<Trina> Ain't the only flirtatious man around here...))
<TrinaK> Speaking of Max, was he in there? ::points to the Kit Kat::
<TrinaK> ((ROFL!))
<JakeCSK> Yeah... He was in that fight too.. Think he took hit, but as he left standing... Well, you know Max...
<TrinaK> ::nods:: I know...if Callie ever finds out...::sighs:: Listen, rumors of a partnership were confirmed. :once the streets are quiet again::
<JakeCSK> ::nods:: Figured...
<JakeCSK> Now, tell me you didn't give Katscratch your name? ::before the computer an ID by face will be hard::
<TrinaK> Seems Dark Crud's the one launderin' the money, but it's Katscratch's "real" money I'm concerned about...
<TrinaK> ::shakes her head at his question::
<JakeCSK> Good. ::to her comment:: 'Nip?
<TrinaK> He admitted to the 'nip...but I have a gut feelin' there's more than a shipment of katnip that's makin' him rich...
<JakeCSK> ::nods:: He and Dark Kat are both up to something...
<JakeCSK> ::grins:: If we're lucky, it involves killing each other and saving us the trouble.
<TrinaK> ::grins:: Yeah...but the money is somehow...how can I say it...being passed under the table?
<JakeCSK> Passed? ::arches a brow::
<TrinaK> ::puts her hands into her trenchcoat pockets:: Jake...I have a feeling there's a third party involved.
<JakeCSK> ::hisses:: Crud... All we need...
<JakeCSK> Well.. They'll just all haveta' go....
<TrinaK> Thing is...this...::motions her hand:: third party doesn't seem to belong to the ugly side of town...
<JakeCSK> Hrmm... Don't like the sound of that...
<JakeCSK> ((Jake n' Max are all spending their days skulking around working on DK's downfall!))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!:: Yeah!))
<TrinaK> I think he...or she...may have a pretty high position...the way that money is comin' in is pretty fast...
<JakeCSK> ::nods:: Make a deal with you - you spy out the nice side of town and I'll spy out here?
<TrinaK> And when it comes to katnip...by the time it gets smuggled and sold...that can take a couple weeks at the most...
<TrinaK> ::smirks: Oh sure. Take the dangerous side, why don't you? ::is joking::
<TrinaK> ::mock-pouts::
<JakeCSK> ((Is she related to Chance in this?))
<JakeCSK> I like danger. Besides, there's a club full of beautiful women you seem to think I'm interested in...
<TrinaK> ::rolls her eyes:: You're a high candidate in my weirdness list, Clawson.
<JakeCSK> Hey! YOU started it, Korat!
<TrinaK> Oh? ::smirks:: Who do you think I got it from?
<JakeCSK> Th' Furlong half... You're a family of nuts...
<TrinaK> Ya got that one right. ::gives him a friendly not so hard punch on the arm::
<JakeCSK> ::grins:: Yeah, yeah. Think you can get yerself home? I'm after Max...
<TrinaK> I'll be okay. The handgun wasn't loaded a couple minutes ago fer nothin'...
<JakeCSK> Ahhh... Touche.
<TrinaK> ::grins, then becomes serious:: Look, anything else I find I'll let ya know.
<JakeCSK> ::nods:: Thanks.
<TrinaK> And, tell Max to watch is back....::pause:: And you do that too.
<JakeCSK> I will... But, you know Furlongs....
<TrinaK> They'll never listen til they get to the bottom of things...I know...
<TrinaK> Is that a rule to you Clawsons?
<JakeCSK> ::nods:: Yups. Cuz we're sworn to keep Furlongs outta trouble.
<TrinaK> ::laughs:: I gotcha. ::looks down the street, making sure it's completely empty::
<JakeCSK> ::scans it:: I'll run ahead... See anyone out cold and it was likely me... ::dashes away into the shadows::
<TrinaK> ::nods:: Be careful, Jake...
<JakeCSK> ((::hopes Jake isn't coming off like a shy Highlander... running around inna trenchcoat and skulking in shadows::))
<JakeCSK> ::voice from somewhere:: I will!
<TrinaK> ::sighs as she watches him go, then, after looking behind her once more, walks on::
<TrinaK> ((::dies!::))
<TrinaK> ((<Jake> There can only be ONE shy highlander!! ::is inna blushing duel::))
<JakeCSK> ((But, he doesn't carry a sword! Actually, he's weaponless at this point...))
<JakeCSK> ((::DIES!::))
<TrinaK> ((He's got his blushing!! Mua ha ha!))
<JakeCSK> ((ROFL! That'll slay 'em!))
<TrinaK> ((LOLOL! Yeah! Hrm...::glares at clock:: End here?))
<JakeCSK> ((Yeah... It be laaaate!))
<TrinaK> ((Yeah. End ))