Dear Diary,
The new place is really turning out to be a gem. I'm settling in nicely. I mean as nicely as I can since my whole world has been turned upside down. But when is it not being turned upside down? I miss my daughter. For a moment we were a happy family, and then everything changed. But the new place is great. Like really great. Most of my friends have stopped by to see it. I'm spending more time with Dick Tracy, though he has been pretty busy. He's knee deep in solving a murder. Sounds pretty intense.
-Miss M
Downtown at a trendy little coffee shop called Hey Bestie...
Sandy: So, what's it like coming back to the real world after being on tour for the past year?
Glo: It's weird. I'm certainly enjoying the time off and spending more time with my mom and daughter. But, I also feel like I should be singing. On a stage.
Sandy: That creative talent doesn't end huh? Are you writing any new music? I loved the sound and look of your recent tour. It was so up close and personal. Loved it.
Glo: Thanks girl. I appreciate it. I'm not writing new music though. I really have taken a break from new things, but I still feel like I need to be doing something.
Sandy: Something local?
Glo: Maybe. I've been looking at the music scene here, and there were some open mic nights that seemed like it'd be fun to do. Kinda surprise people.
Sandy: No offense, but I think you are capable of something a little better.
Glo: Yeah. It would be nice. The something better. I thought about possibly seeing if I could get a short term residency at Club Ritz. My friend's dad owns that place, but she sort of seemed off when I mentioned it.
Glo: Yeah. I wasn't asking for her to get me on stage there, but when I casually mentioned it as a possibility, she wasn't enthusiastic. I felt like I offended her.
Sandy: Did you talk to her about it?
Glo: No. Maybe I should. We've been friends for over 20 years. I just thought she'd be more supportive.
Sandy: Well, Club Ritz does have a reputation. She might be looking out for you? I heard the singers there, they can be pretty cutthroat. Not to mention some of the rumors about what goes on.
Glo: I've heard the rumors. I feel like in this town, every club has some illicit activity going on. It is a hot spot though, and it would allow me to still work without having to be away from my family.
Glo: Anyway, I just need to talk to her. What about you? How is the reunion tour going with Owen? That's gotta be so much fun to relive all those classics. You're an icon Sandy Swan.
Sandy: I will have you know, I am no spring chicken. This tour has been some work! But it's been so nice to reconnect with the fans. Owen and I have been having a blast. Our tour ends next month, our final show is going to be in Swans Crossing. We're ending it where it all began. It's just really special.
Glo: Oh Sandy, I love that. How nice.
Sandy: Ya know, it might be last minute, but we could always use an opening act for that final show. If you wanted to do a few songs, we'd be happy to have you there.
Glo: Oh wow, that sounds really nice.
Sandy: Think about it. Our tour has been small and intimate like yours. Nothing big and flashy. It'd be real easy to have you open the show. You'd also be nicely compensated. And, we'd be in Swans Crossing! We could chill at a spa, do some shopping. Have cute guys wait on us by the pool at the country club...
Glo: (laughs) Not the cute guys waiting on us at the pool! You are hilarious. Sure, I'll think about it. When might you need to know my final answer?
Sandy: Maybe by the end of the week? I can draft up a contract and send it over so it is all laid out?
Glo: Got it. Sounds good.
Sandy: Oh wonderful. I so hope you will say yes. We can even place bets on who Garett Booth will show up with.
Glo: Lord help us. He's still up to his scalawag ways? At our age?
Sandy: Oh you know it.
Both laugh in unison.
Across town...
Miss M: Thank you again for dinner dad, but next time, it can be my treat.
Big Boy Caprice: Sweetheart, there will never be a day that you pay for my dinner, capisce? Now, if you want to make your grandmother's lasagna some time, I will gladly accept.
Miss M: Ok. Deal. So, what do you think of the place? I'm still furnishing it up, gonna put my pizzazz to it, but it's totally cute right?
Big Boy Caprice: Eh, it's nice.
Big Boy Caprice: Kinda small.
Miss M: Well, I don't need much.
Big Boy Caprice: Ya know, I live in a nice big penthouse that I'd be happy to share with you. Even a great big room for my granddaughter to stay in when she isn't stuck with her other, I'll be nice, parents.
Miss M: Yes. A nice big penthouse above your nice loud night club. I appreciate the offer dad, but I don't think that would be a good idea.
Big Boy Caprice: It's technically a lounge bar.
Miss M: Oh dad. It gets loud there I have no doubt. Honestly, I really need something nice and simple. I only have Yvie one weekend every month, but that could one day change and I just don't think it would be good to have her there. We can always visit you though.
Big Boy Caprice: I'll never say no to a visit. I just feel it would be safer. Is this a nice neighborhood?
Miss M: Dad. You know this is a nice neighborhood.
Big Boy Caprice: My penthouse is nicer. And safer. I don't get that guy. Yeah maybe fancy Mr. Wayne loses his memory and can't stay with you, but to toss you out? My daughter? Sweetest salt of the Earth? At least he does right by my granddaughter.
Miss M: Bruce would have been ok with me staying, it just got to be too awkward. It is what it is.
Big Boy Caprice: Yeah, well you deserve better. I see you hurt and it makes my blood boil. (gets heated) I wanna just punch something.
Miss M: Dad. Slow down. You're getting worked up.
Miss M: Are you ok? You look like you're ready to blow a fuse.
Big Boy Caprice: Yeah yeah. I'm fine. I just get upset. I don't like people messing with my family.
Miss M: No one is messing with me. I promise. Bruce, and even Moth Lady, we're all on good terms. Now you have me worried. When's the last time you saw a doctor? You eat a lot of salted deli meats and sausage, have you had your heart checked?
Big Boy Caprice: Nah, I'm fine. Your old man ain't goin out yet.
Miss M: I sure hope not. I really like how closer we have gotten over the years,
Big Boy Caprice: I know. I messed up going to prison. Let you down bad. I'll never do that again. Your old man is finally living right.
In another part of the city, two detectives partnered together return to a crime scene...
Arcee: I don't think there is anything else we can observe Tracy.
Dick Tracy: I know. Forensics has already combed through everything. I had hopes something else would maybe jump out at us.
Arcee: Yes, well my scanning has shown nothing new. Why do you give me that look? Do I make you uncomfortable? Working with an Autobot?
Dick Tracy: No, I'm fine. I don't shy away from technology. Some would say I sported the first smart watch and that was a long time ago. I just forget how this job is, quicker, with you around.
Arcee: I have my limits. For example, you asked me to get information on the owner of this building. I've been finding rather strange details. The owner on file is registered as Manlis LLC. And when I search the name behind the LLC, I found someone by the name of Bob Honor. Who it appears has also gone by the name Lips Manlis. A rather colorful character with ties to underworld crime.
Dick Tracy: Interesting, though not very strange.
Arcee: The strange part is that Lips Manlis, or Bob Honor, he's been dead. Over four years now.
Dick Tracy: So you're telling me, a dead man owns this building?
Arcee: On paper. I must also add, it took some digging to find out about the paper. Or rather, the deed.
Dick Tracy: Ok. We need to get in contact with the people who own this Sunny Bros. Pizza Kitchen. They are leasing this space, surely they've been in contact with someone. They seem to be cooperative.
Arcee: Already on it, I'm merely awaiting a call back.
Dick Tracy: Nice. We need to talk to the owner of this building. See if they knew Deathstroke or had any awareness of any unusual activity happening here.
Arcee: Oh no. The Mayor is here.
Dick Tracy: Huh? How do you know that?
Dick Tracy: Damn.
Mayor Grody: Detective Tracy! And eh, Detective... What do you robots like to be called at the station?
Arcee: Detective Arcee is fi...
Mayor Grody: Ya ya. Haha. I can't get over this. What a world eh? Robot Detectives.
Mayor Grody: Robots on the force. What a world. And they even make 'em as broads too eh?
Dick Tracy: (stone faced) What can we do for you Mayor?
Mayor Grody: I'm glad you asked. Listen, Tracy, how much longer you think this place is going to be marked as a crime scene eh? I've got the Chamber of Commerce breathing down my neck. They want this pizza place open for business. They're ready, I'm ready, we're all ready for Sunny Bros. Pizza to bring in some revenue. I got people out in the suburbs callin my office demanding to know when they can get their pies. I'm startin to wonder how competent you guys are at the station.
Dick Tracy: I understand. But you see Mayor, a man was murdered here. And we have no leads. These things take time. But, I can assure you we are wrapping up and the renovations for opening day can begin soon.
Arcee: The great people of this city will be able to enjoy their pizza atop former blood stained tiles in no time.
Mayor Grody: Hey Robo-broad. I like your look, but don't care much for your lip. Watch it, or I can see that you get unplugged for good.
Dick Tracy: No one will be unplugging anyone. I mean, you couldn't if you wanted to. That's not how any of this works.
Mayor Grody: Why lookie here, a couple a wise crackers. I think I like the two of you together. Give the force a little something different. Just remember who is ultimately in charge here?
Dick Tracy: Arcee...
Arcee: Honestly, who is he referring to?
Mayor Grody: ME! I run this town. Now help me help you two, and get this crime scene closed so we can have business as usual. Or else! (walks off mumbling obscenities)
Dick Tracy: That went well.
Arcee: I loathe that yellow man. He looks like an irradiated Cheeto.
Dick Tracy: We all loathe him.
Dick Tracy: But we have to be careful with this. We don't want him on our bad side.
Arcee: Fair. Ok Tracy, let's get back to work.
Dick Tracy: Yeah.
Back at Miss M's place...
Miss M: Ok, I really need to get up and brush my teeth. Do some skin care. And get into pajamas. I can't move though. That chicken piccata was so darn good tonight. I'm going to be dreaming about that meal. Those roasted potatoes. All that bread and olive oil. The antipasto.
Miss M: (hears a noise) Wait, what? Was that my stomach or something else? (hears the noise again) Oh no, that's something else.
Miss M: Please just be a mouse. And not, like, a serial killer. Actually, don't be a mouse either. Maybe my stomach is making noise from across the room? Like, what mimics do before they slip out of the shadows and kill you... Oh I never should have ate so much and then laid down to watch horror movie clips on YouTube...
Miss M: Hello? Is someone there? Oh I hope I locked the door. Why am I saying hello? It's not like the killer is going to reply.
Batman: Hello.
Miss M: (screams)
Miss M: What the heck! Bruce!
Batman: I'm Batman.
Miss M: I realize that, but even in the suit, I have always called you Bruce. You just scared the heck out of me!
Batman: This is how I usually show up to talk to people. I assumed I did the same with you.
Miss M: (shakes head) Nope. You never just appeared like that with me. You always gave me a heads up.
Miss M: What are you doing here? Suddenly get your memories back?
Batman: Umm no. I was out patrolling the streets and I saw your light on. Figured I'd drop in. This is a nice place.
Miss M: I know you can't remember the last number of years, but you do remember the use of a phone right? Or text message? That's what normal people use when they want to visit someone. Or like, knock on a door.
Batman: This is about Yvie.
Miss M: (worries) What? What's wrong? Is Yvie ok?
Batman: She's not in any danger. This is a parenting thing. Lately when she has been staying with me, she has been having nightmares. I don't think I am handling that all too well. I was thinking you might be able to share some insight.
Miss M: Well, what have you been doing when she has a nightmare?
Batman: I turn her bedroom lights on and tell her it will be ok. That we'll do some combat training in the morning.
Miss M: Oh you sweet amnesiac man. Bruce. Ok. Let me fill you in and maybe share some insight. When she was younger and a nightmare would happen, she'd crawl into bed with us and we'd stay up watching the Golden Girls. She'd usually be out like a light before the end of an episode, maybe a second episode tops. You'd then carry her back to bed, sometimes she'd stay with us the whole night. Lately, when there would be a nightmare, we'd just dance it out. We were introducing her to '90s alternative and we'd dance it all out and she'd go back to sleep. So, maybe start with that?
Batman: We were all dancing? Even me?
Miss M: Yes. Even you. You have some sweet moves to Stupid Girl by Garbage. FYI. How come Yvie didn't tell you this?
Batman: I don't know. She already tells me a lot already, things I can't remember. I think sometimes she feels bad that she has to say all these things and it's just a blank. Maybe she is nervous. I don't want her to be nervous.
Miss M: I know. But now you know. And maybe you can show up in this way for her.
Batman: Stupid Girl huh?
Miss M: Yup. Yvie thinks Shirley Manson is the coolest woman in the world. She's not wrong.
Batman: We were really a family huh? I'm sorry I can't remember.
Miss M: Yeah, we were. And it's ok.
Miss M: I guess in some ways we still are a family, it's just different now. I'm just glad you are still showing up for her even though you can't remember. I want the best for her, and if that isn't us together, it'll still be ok, ya know what I mean? It's not hurting as much...
Miss M: Bruce? (sighs) Of course he just up and disappears. That frickin man. Frickin Batman. Oh well. I hope that helped...
Up Next: Detectives, Diners, and Dames!
All My Toys is back! Get ready for more soapy toy drama you will ever know what to do with. Also, I want to add info with how you can help support people and communities in need. I have never asked for money for my writing and that will never change, but I will ask if you can please donate (if you can) to a family in need. If you can't donate right now, please spread the word to those who might be able to. Thank you so much and thank you for supporting my dorky blog. Hugs to you all.
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