All My Toys: 296

Dear Diary,

Everyone is going through it. I've been nervous to check in with Glo since she has been working at my dad's night club. But, it looks like her audition night went well according to social media. I'm worried about Winston and Sarah. They've been keeping to themselves since she announced the news she'd be away for work for like two years. Something is up with Billy, but I can't put my finger on it. He loved space travel with Sulu, and while I love that he is back, I'm just surprised he isn't making any plans to return to space. Bruce is Bruce. Stoic. But worse because of the amnesia. He showed up for me recently though, and that was nice. It felt a little like the old times. Moth Lady is coming by to pick up Yvie. It wasn't my weekend but she thought I'd appreciate seeing Yvie for a bit for Mother's Day weekend. Moth Lady and I are trying to figure things out. She still resents me for being trapped in her body, but I dunno. That was a crazy time. And then there is Dick Tracy. Oh diary am I in trouble. We're older now, smarter than when we dated briefly in college, I'm really starting to fall for him. Should I even be doing this? It's not like Bruce is going to suddenly remember what we were building. Aside from that, I don't think there is anything that could get in between Dick and I.

-M

Downtown police station...

Arcee: How do you think that meeting went with Trish Manlis? 

Dick Tracy: I don't know. I certainly think Ms. Manlis is not an innocent woman in all this, but I don't think she killed Deathstroke. I am trusting my gut instincts, I don't know the connection, but Big Boy Caprice is involved in this. Any leads on locating the Baroness?

Arcee: She's fast Tracy. But I'm faster. I've been narrowing down where she shows up. She certainly pings out of our jurisdiction, but she always comes back. I've been told she is often in disguise. We're getting close. My calculations are predicting it.

Dick Tracy: Good. The sooner we can solve this the better, I'm tired of the mayor breathing down our necks. 

Arcee: Yes, his breath is foul. I thought he just wanted that Sunny Bros. Pizza place to open, it is now, why is he still causing problems?

Dick Tracy: He thinks we're wasting money and resources. There is something big to this case. Batman was helping me, but now he's been MIA. Just keep trying to find the Baroness. We need to know what she knows.

Arcee: Have you told Miss M yet?

Dick Tracy: Told her what?

Arcee: That you are trying to find the woman who allegedly planned to kill her on her failed wedding day.

 

Dick Tracy: No. I don't think the plot to kill M is related to Deathstroke's murder. But Baroness and Deathstroke had some sort of connection, this town I'm learning, is overflowing with organized crime and violence. Have you found out anything else on Big Boy?

Arcee: No. Someone is keeping the details about his life a secret.

Dick Tracy: Ok. Let's continue to work quietly on this. With Gordon out, we can only really trust each other.

Arcee: You got it Tracy.

Across town at the freshly opened Sunny Bros. Pizza kitchen...

Billy: Ok, while we wait for Winston, I want all the details. What is it like working at Club Ritz? 

Glo: A darn mess is what it is. I think I've gotten in over my head.

Billy: Ok, please be kind and rewind. I thought you wanted to work there?

Glo: I thought I did too. I still do on some level or I wouldn't have taken the job. 

Billy: So, what's the deal?

Glo: There's a couple of things. My direct boss, she's shady as all get out. And, so is the club.

Billy: Well yeah, night clubs typically have shady things going on.

Glo: True, but when our best friend's dad is running the club, it makes things complicated. 

Flash back to Glo's audition night, post performance...

Breathless: Glo! You were stunning up there. You really brought the house down! Thank you for being here.

Glo: I should be thanking you. I didn't realize this was a setup from Lana, if it hadn't been for you posting on social media, no one would have shown up.

Breathless: Yeah, I didn't pick up on what Lana was doing. Tonight is usually slow, but it seemed slower than normal. I did what was right, you are amazing.

Glo: Will you get into trouble? From Lana?

Breathless: Oh, I don't pay much attention to her. Bitter Betties don't spoil my supper. You're gonna be the hottest ticket in town. 

Glo: What did you mean, the other day, when you said it was important that I work here...

Breathless: Well...

Big Boy Caprice: Glo! Honey, come over here. I need to talk to you.

Breathless: I'll tell you later.

Glo: Ok.

Glo: Hi Mr. Caprice.

Big Boy Caprice: So good to see you Glo. I'm impressed. You brought in new customers by being on that stage. 

Glo: Oh that is all due to Breathless, she got the word out.

Big Boy Caprice: That may be, but they came to see you once they knew. Proper marketing and you could breathe in a new audience for this place. I need that. 

Big Boy Caprice: I also need something else from you dear. 

Glo: What might that be?

Big Boy Caprice: Your word. You've no doubt seen some of the more illicit things that go on here. And, we don't have to ignore the fact that you are my daughter's best friend. M can't know about all of this.

Glo: I gathered.

Big Boy Caprice: Will it be a problem for you to work here and be her friend?

Glo: M and I are like sisters Mr. Caprice, we're together forever. But, I also understand, if she knew about what goes on here, it would devastate her.

Big Boy Caprice: She thinks I've learned from my ways. And by and large I have. I also need to earn a living, you understand? Some things I can't control. I want to give the people what they want. 

Glo: What would you do if she were to ever show up?

Big Boy Caprice: I don't think she ever will, but if she were to come here, to see you perform. Well dear, I'd expect you to tell me so that I could prepare things accordingly around here, capisce?

Glo: Of course Mr. Caprice.

Big Boy Caprice: Wonderful. Oh, and Glo, welcome to Club Ritz.

 

Glo: Thank you.

Jason: Hmph.

Glo: Yes?

Jason: I give you about a month.

Glo: Wow. Thanks for the warm welcome. I plan to be here much longer.

Back to the present...

Billy: Wow. So M's dad is basically running mob games at the club. And she has no idea. This is so weird, he asked her to move into his penthouse above the club awhile ago. I don't understand why he would do that, her dad is living in a house of cards.

Glo: I know. I'm sure he would have figured out something, but she said no. I think on some level M knows that her dad is not on the up and up. 

Billy: Ok, now, help me understand, why are you agreeing to all this?

Glo: For many reasons. I need the money and I can't make that touring because I'd away from my daughter. I want to spend more time with her, this will allow for that. Though I don't want anyone there to know about Layla. And besides, Breathless, she knows things that I think she wants to tell me. I think I could maybe help her.

Billy: Oh I see. You're wanting to play hero again, and try to make things right there. Glo, this is major stuff. This isn't like the old days when we'd be fighting a 'roided out Bane in the Cobra Arena of Sport. There are layers to this. And what about M? You're just going to lie to your best friend?

Glo: I'm not lying. There will come a day when she knows about this. I just need to figure out how this can play out.

Billy: All while being a starlet under the spotlight huh? This is crazy.

Winston: What's crazy?

Glo: Winston! Glad you are here, we've been about ready to eat the tiles. The pizza smells so good in here!

Winston: Yeah, sorry I was late. Was trying to get Sarah to join us, but she was in a meeting.

Billy: She's still moving forward with the job?

Winston: Yeah, but her two year relocation doesn't start until June or July, so our lives can be a little normal for a moment.

Glo: Oh Winston. And you still didn't tell her that you were going to propose?

Winston: Why would I do that now?

Glo: You love her, you want to marry her. That hasn't changed has it?

Winston: No. It hasn't. But, I don't want to be engaged while she'll be on an opposite coast for two years. I'd rather wait until all is settled.

Billy: What if things don't settle? What if it becomes more than two years?

Winston: I don't know man. I'm taking this a day at a time. Anyway, what did I walk in on, what's crazy?

Billy: Oh, nothing. Glo was just talking about the mean girl behavior she has to endure with her boss.

Winston: That sucks.

Glo: Yeah it does, but hey, we've got pizza to eat. You ready?

Winston: For pizza, yes. (looks around) Did you guys hear that someone died here?

Billy: No, but that's exactly what I want to know about before ordering. (playfully rolls eyes) Thanks Winston.

Winston: (laughs) Welcome!

Miss M's apartment...

Miss M: Thank you for bringing Yvie by, I know this wasn't my weekend, but I'm glad I got to see her.

Moth Lady: Yes, I know we have had our problems, but Wild One and I wanted to make sure Yvie came by. I'm sure you are wondering why I sent them downstairs so I could stay behind with you.

Miss M: I mean, the thought had crossed my mind. Is everything ok?

Moth Lady: I think so. There are some things we need to talk about. One is about Bruce and the other is about my wedding.

Miss M: Oh. Is everything ok? You're still getting married to Wild One right?

Moth Lady: Yes, she and I are still getting married. That has not changed. There are things I need to tell her. And will eventually need to tell you. I just want to tell her first. 

Miss M: Ok. I mean, she knows I was once trapped in your body. Against both of our wishes. I don't think I understand what else would need to be said about that.

Moth Lady: I realize I am sounding vague right now. I just want you to know, at some point soon, I want to talk about our complicated history. 

Miss M: Sure. I'm always here. Wait. Does this have to something with Bruce?

Moth Lady: Oh no, that is a whole separate issue. Yvie's been with us for a couple weeks now, and that's because Bruce has been managing some challenges. 

Miss M: I just saw him about a week ago, he didn't say anything to me. What's going on?

Moth Lady: Before he met you when you were in my body, he had gotten out of a relationship with some woman named Talia. 

Miss M: Yeah, I remember him talking about her. She was the type of woman that might hold a knife to your throat in an argument but the makeup shenanigans were top notch. Yeah. So let me guess, he certainly is able to remember her and they've gotten back together?

Moth Lady: No. She showed up at his grand mansion door step with a son. She was essentially, "I've raised him this far it's your turn now." That's why Yvie has been with us. He's trying to figure out this news before bringing Yvie back and telling her she has a brother. I wanted you to know, because Yvie might have questions or need to vent. We haven't told her yet, like I said, Bruce is trying to get things settled with Damian first. 

Miss M: His name is Damian? Like the Omen?

Moth Lady: I mean, sure? I don't know why he was named that, but I doubt he's the antichrist. That's a little more reserved for President Luthor if I had to guess.

Miss M: True, true. Ok. Wow. A lot of stuff. Thank you for telling me. I know last year with the custody battles, we hit another one of those rough patches, but I am glad we were able to talk. And what sounds like another talk in the near future.

Moth Lady: Yeah. Well, I'm gonna go. I hope you have a nice Mother's Day M.

Miss M: You too.

Moth Lady: Oh, and make sure you get this door fixed. It doesn't seem to want to shut. 

Miss M: Yeah, I know. It's this place.

Miss M: It's old.

At Club Ritz...

Big Boy Caprice: Well? What did you find out?

The Brow: I've got confirmation. Trish was seen leaving the precinct this morning.

Big Boy Caprice: And? Are they trying to pin this murder on her?

The Brow: It looks like she is a person of interest. 

Big Boy Caprice: Person of interest huh? Good. We need to keep this up. I also know how we will solve our problem with that junkie Cletus. It'll help keep the police sniffin around her.

Big Boy Caprice: We need that Detective Tracy to stay far away from me. I've built too much to have some two bit oobatz bring it all down.

Across town at Dixie's Diner...

Miss M: So that's the latest two scoops for you. I don't know what any of it means, but Bruce has his hands full and I don't know what Moth Lady has to tell me, though I can certainly wait.

Dick Tracy: Yeah, sounds like the two of you have quite a history. You've shared some already. It sounds very complicated.

Miss M: It is. We're talking about something out of a science fiction fantasy story. Enough of that though, how was work? Sounds like things have been stressful lately for you.

Dick Tracy: A little. I'm struggling with a case. 

Miss M: You wanna talk about it?

Dick Tracy: I can't share much, but I've got the mayor getting in my way. I'm trying to find leads that seem to be ghosts.

Miss M: Real ghosts? I'm sorry, I have to ask. One of my dear friends is a Ghostbuster. So...

Dick Tracy: (tilts his head in confusion) No, not real ghosts. My leads just keep disappearing and are hard to find. I almost want to ask you, about that woman, the Baroness, and her alleged plan to kill you...

Miss M: Does that have something to do with your case? I'm confused at why you are asking.

Dick Tracy: No, it's just, I'm not sure how to bring this up. And it might not even be important.

Miss M: I mean just spit it out already Dick.

Dick Tracy: Ok...

Miss M: Oh. My. Gawd. I can't believe she just walked in.

Dick Tracy: Who? The Baroness?

Miss M: Vash. 

Dick Tracy: Who is that?

Vash: (waves towards M) Miss M!

Miss M: A mess from the past. Hold onto your wallet or any artifacts you have on you. 

Dick Tracy: I mean, I'm already an artifact so...

Vash: Miss M! I thought that was you. I was walking by and saw that hair, and thought, "Now who still has the same hair from 2012? That has to be Miss M!" And sure enough. 

Miss M: Yes, well umm looking at you, I can see that nothing has changed from when April and I found you in that bin, umm in that dollar bin, from Bedrock City. So. Yeah. That means you look, that you still look, cheap.

Vash: (rolls eyes) Ohh burn.

Dick Tracy: (holds back a chuckle) You tell her hon.

Vash: You were never good with the put downs, but whatever you lack in that area you more than make up for with that bright eyed optimism. How is the food here? I heard the shakes are top notch.

Miss M: They are. You probably wouldn't like them.

Vash: Oh, because I'm wealthy now and have my own kitchen staff at my glorious house? I'm just like you M. I enjoy the comforts of a diner. Granted, it wasn't too long ago that you had your own kitchen staff when you nearly became a Wayne. But it looks like you've bounced back with quite a catch. And who might be tugging at your heart strings now?

Miss M: This is Dick Tracy.

Vash: Oh, nice to meet you. And what do you do? Banking? Business? Oh wait, I see your badge. 

Dick Tracy: I'm a detective.

Vash: (mutters to self) Talk about a step down.

Dick Tracy: Excuse me?

Vash: Cute yellow hat.

Miss M: Vash, what do you want? I doubt you came in here just to say hi.

Vash: Well I do have a reason, yes. I was going to call you, but running into you like this is actually perfect. Surely you've heard the news?

Miss M: You'll have to be more specific, we're living in chaotic times, there's something new with the news every five minutes.

Vash: Oh I know, isn't it just terrible? But I'm more referring to the Bloglins. It's the most prestigious award ceremony for the blogging community. 

Miss M: I know.

Vash: Well since you know, you must have heard that this year will mark the final ceremony, they'll no longer continue after this year. 

Miss M: (shrugs) Ok. Diary of a Dorkette has never been nominated, so this isn't some loss to hear.

Vash: But M! This is the last year, their calling for submissions and nominations go out in August with the ceremony in the fall. This is your last chance.

Dick Tracy: (to Vash) I'm sorry to interrupt, but why is this so important to you?

Vash: Oh, I guess this isn't really a part of the circles you run in. My husband gifted me a media corporation, and our writing division produces many award winning blogs. And I just wanted to see if you'd actually try for this final year. The little blog that could. You run everything out of your apartment now, right?

Miss M: Yes.

Vash: Gosh, I remember the days when April was running things and had you all decked out in an office suite and everything. 

Miss M: Those were different times. The Diary had more of a budget and was really firing on all cylinders. And even then, we never got nominated. I don't see why it should matter now.

Vash: Well my word! Did you fall and hit your head sometime in the last few minutes and get amnesia? Oh, sorry. Too soon. Miss M, this is the final Bloglin Awards ever to be had. I would hate for you to not try and then end up adrift in a sea of obscurity. This could be your chance to really show the world and the Bloglin academy what it has been missing out on.

Vash: Besides, I'm tired of always winning, the competition in the last few years has been lacking. It'd be nice to possibly go up against an old friend.

Miss M: I don't think we could be considered friends.

Vash: Don't be ridiculous. April, you, and I were as thick as thieves at one time.

Miss M: Yes, until you stole my Spectra collection and pawned it off to some weird alien.

Vash: He wasn't a weird alien. He was an eccentric collector. Oh what was his name Dino...

Miss M: (jumps in) No, I'm pretty sure he was an alien. Who then tried to broker a deal to end a civil war on a planet made of diamonds with that bald headed guy you were seeing at the time.

Vash: Eh, makes no difference. I just wish you would consider this.

Miss M: Vash...

Vash: No, I'm serious. This could be your chance for fortune and glory. This will be 15 years right? What a fitting tribute. I hope you'll think about it. I'll see you around. Nice to meet you Deke.

Dick Tracy: It's Dick.

Vash: Oh yes. How quaint. Ta.

Miss M: (mimics) Ta.

Miss M: Holy moly. Wait until I tell my friends this. Frickin Vash. She is like the most obnoxious and frustrating human being. And she has only gotten worse since marrying into money.

Dick Tracy: Yeah, she sounds like a lot. But, I dunno, she has a point.

Miss M: What point is that? And it better not be about my hair.

Dick Tracy: No. I adore your hair. M, you've poured your heart into the Diary, for almost 15 years. What would be the harm in trying to be nominated?

Miss M: Because. I didn't do this to try and win awards. And if that means I sail off into obscurity, than I sail off into obscurity.

Dick Tracy: I mean, I don't think you could ever fade away into obscurity. You are as compelling as the four winds of the Earth that flow together on an ocean journey. 

Miss M: I don't even know what that means, but it sounds really sweet.

Dick Tracy: I honestly don't know either, I was just putting some words together. But seriously, maybe you should just look into it. I believe in you, and anything that you can do.

Miss M: Thank you. You are such a great boyfriend.. (screams in embarrassment) Oh. Wait. I mean, ya know, friend. That's a guy.

Dick Tracy: Are you getting flustered? Do you want me to be your boyfriend?

Miss M: I mean we're too old for those kind of labels, right?

Dick Tracy: I would be honored to be your boyfriend.

Miss M: (blushes) Really? Ok... Hey!

Miss M: My shake!? Wha-?!

Miss M: Oh. My. Gawd. She stole my frickin shake! That woman is diabolical!

Outside...

Vash: (talking through a wireless earbud) I just saw her. The seed has been planted. We move onto the next stage. (pauses) Of course this will work. Just make sure we follow the plan. She'll never see it coming...

(cue dramatic soap opera music!)

Up next, we look at some fun little items I've bought recently before heading into a super dramatic All My Toys 297!

Like the previous posts on this blog, it is with great sadness that the blogging community lost William Bruce West. My heart goes out to his family, including his wife Lindsay and two daughters. Will contributed so much to the toy/comics/pop culture blogging and podcast community. His opinions on pop culture are the stuff of legend. Please check out the West Family GoFundMe and consider donating, they need our support more than ever. If you can't donate, please spread the word. West Family GoFundMe