All My Toys: 297

Previously on All My Toys,

Miss M ran into old friend turned frenemy Vash, who dropped some news about an opportunity for Miss M to find fortune and glory, with a Bloglin! Dick Tracy has been trying to solve a murder, that Miss M's dad Al "Big Boy" Caprice is somehow involved in. Only Dick Tracy has no idea of the relation between his lady and the mafioso, while Big Boy is clueless that his daughter is dating the detective, largely due to his own sordid plans for the ultimate in crime and power. Sarah and Winston are facing challenges in their relationship with no clear way of mapping out next steps. Recently involved in an affair with Garrett, Sidney has been playing with fire and passion, but is this what she really wants?

Club Ritz, during the day, before opening...

Big Boy Caprice: Just remember, we keep the mayor happy by storing those barrels of toxic waste in one of our warehouses. I need you both to check on the latest shipment. I'm very close to calling in my favor for the good mayor.

The Brow: What happens then Big Boy?

Big Boy Caprice: That is for me to know. I'll share more when I'm ready. We've increased our reach in this town ever since that fairy witch gave up her control of the Foot Clan to me. We are untouchable. 

The Brow: Does this mean we take control and start distributing Plastic on the streets?

Big Boy Caprice: Not yet. I don't want to deal in drugs, we've already got a good thing going with Mayor Grody, we don't need drug money. We do need to make sure that Detective stays far away from things here though. He looks like trouble...

The Rodent: Eh, Big Boy, we got company.

Big Boy Caprice: Wha?

Big Boy Caprice: Well, if it isn't the Lady and the Tramp.

Big Boy Caprice: Lookin' at the twos of ya, it's hard to tell which one is the tramp.

Trish Manlis: You rat bastard! 

The Rodent: Hey!

Trish Manlis: Not you! Big Boy! You think you can play me for a fool, but you're dead wrong.

The Tramp: Yeah.

Big Boy Caprice: The fool here is your body guard. You got the poor Tramp in rags. What can I do for ya? Eh?

Trish Manlis: I've let a lot of things slide. I know you had a role in killing my husband. And now you shine a light on me for the cops? Over some bogus dead body in one of my buildings? That was a mistake. 

The Tramp: (gruff) Yeah. Big mistake.

Big Boy Caprice: Trish, you need to get this man some shoes. I honestly don't know what you are talking about. Some detective came by, asking about a crime scene, I told him the truth. That is your property. Is it not?

Trish Manlis: All of the properties should be mine. Lips wanted it that way, but you made sure you got your cut. Your plan isn't going to work. I...

Big Boy Caprice: What plan?

Trish Manlis: (snaps) No! You don't interrupt me. Not after everything you've done. It's not going to work. I don't know a thing about that man that was murdered, but I'll find out what happened to him. So you go ahead and keep messing with me, and trying to take from me. You'll regret this. 

Big Boy Caprice: I don't regret anything. You better be glad you have what you do. You were nothing but a two bit buttana that seduced your way into Lips' life. (gets angry) And now you come into my club, to threaten me?! No one threatens me, you got that?!

The Tramp: Grr.

Trish Manlis: Calm down Tramp. This sniveling little turd doesn't scare me. What Lips and I had was real. Nothing you say can change that. I don't know how you were able to change his will, or how you had him killed, but if you ever talk to me like that again Big Boy, I promise you, you will regret it. How's your daughter? You have a granddaughter right?

Big Boy Caprice: (angry) You don't mention them. Do you understand?

Trish Manlis: I understand this: try and send the police after me again, and I will obliterate you. I've already lost the love of my life. I will burn all of this to the ground.

Trish Manlis: So, any other thoughts you have about trying to pin some crime on me, I'd really think again.

The Tramp: Yeah.

Trish Manlis: Come on Tramp, escort me to my car. This neighborhood has gone down since he took over.

The Tramp: Grr.

Big Boy Caprice: Get the hell outta here. Get some new shoes you filthy animal.

The Tramp: (mumbles something as he walks off)

The Brow: What do we do about that?

Big Boy Caprice: Where's that junkie. He's still at the safe house right?

The Brow: Yeah, once we found him we brought him back.

Big Boy Caprice: Get him. I've got a job for him to do, if he wants to redeem himself.

Big Boy Caprice: No one threatens me or my family. When I took out Lips, I shoulda taken her out too. Damn thorn, the both of 'em.

Across town, at the city park...

Sarah: Really great idea Winston. Picnic in the park was great. I can't help but notice though, you seem distant. You barely drank your homemade Ecto Cooler.

Winston: It didn't taste the same. 

Sarah: Winston. Is this because I'm having to leave sooner than expected for this job? (sighs) Would you look at me please?

Winston: I thought we had more time is all.

Sarah: I know. Me too. But, it's not like I'm going away and you'll never see me again. We have phones and FaceTime. There are planes, and it's only two years. 

Winston: It could be longer. What you will be doing, this is a big deal. They may want you to expand even more. 

Sarah: Well I don't know that I want to mix up my life for more than two years. I agreed to two years, that is what my contract says, and then I am back home. I don't plan on that changing. Winston, are you ok with this? You've been mixed and mashed lately.

Winston: I absolutely support you. I want you to do this, the shelter you put together here is saving lives. Bringing that to other cities across the country? You're going to make such a difference. I'm so proud of you. I just also feel, I dunno, sad. I'm used to seeing you every day. Is it wrong that I feel all mixed and mashed?

Sarah: Of course not. I just wish you could talk to me. You don't have to keep everything close to the vest.

Winston: I know. I just don't want to rain on your parade. But this has really hit me hard ya know? I know how busy you'll be. We talk about phone calls and FaceTime and travel, but you are going to be busy. I worry, and I trust my gut on this, that things will change. I just...

Sarah: Hey.

Sarah: We've been through so much. I mean so so much. We can survive this. But I know it will not be without challenges. I'm sure I will be busy. But, I think we will both do what we can ya know? I'm feeling mixed and mashed too. You're not alone in that. Ya know, you could always come with me Winston. 

Winston: I can't do that, not yet at least. 

Sarah: (sighs) I know. We will figure this out. Two years is not that long.

Winston: We keep saying we will, but what if we can't?

Sarah: Winston, we will. There's going to be challenges, but we will figure this out.

Winston: Yeah. If I can get a new full team to takeover, maybe I can join you.

Sarah: I'd love that.

Winston: I love you.

Sarah: (embraces Winston) I love you too.

Miss M's apartment...

Miss M: (on speaker phone) I'm so excited for you Glo. I want to come see you perform.

Glo: Sure, I want you to as well. But, I am still learning the ropes. Are we getting together soon?

Miss M: Yes, I want to have a fun movie night or something with the gang, especially now that Sarah is leaving sooner than expected.

Glo: Sounds fun.

Miss M: There's so much we need to catch up on.

Glo: Girl, I know. Life is just crazy right now.

Miss M: It really is. You can't make this stuff up. Oh wait, hold on. 

Miss M: Hello? Vash!?

Glo: Vash?! What?

Miss M: I'll call you back Glo.

Glo: Please do...

Miss M: (ends the call) Well make yourself at home I guess.

Vash: I'm terribly sorry, but it appears you have a sitcom door.

Miss M: A sitcom door?

Vash: It was open, so I just walked in like they do in sitcoms.

Miss M: Crap. I really need to fix that door. What do you want anyway?

Vash: I come in peace. Our little run in at the diner was not how I wanted things to be. 

Vash: I know you might not believe me, but I am here to truly see how you have been doing? You've been through quite a lot. 

Miss M: Yeah, I know. 

Vash: Ok, I know things have been frayed between us...

Miss M: Vash, you stole my Spectra collection.

Vash: It helped end a civil war on another planet.

Miss M: And what about April? In that attempt to steal a Mogwai for your profits you tossed April into that pit with dozens of slimy Gremlin cocoons that were about to hatch. I think there are big reasons that our friendship has frayed over the years. 

Vash: I understand that, but I truly am trying to make amends. I know it didn't seem that way at the diner, but I truly do want to be better. How have you been?

Miss M: I'm managing. Life is not easy, but I am managing. 

Vash: I see that. And, this place is quite charming. I also came here to really push for you to submit something for a Bloglin. I meant it the other day, I think you should absolutely do this. 

Miss M: Why do you think that?

Vash: Like I said, I want to make amends, and this feels like the right thing to do. I also have a bit of news that I thought you could use. 

Miss M: Ok. What might that be?

Vash: Well, as you know, since I have won a number of Bloglins, I am a voting member of the academy, and there are whispers that some of the academy would really like to see you submit something. With this being the final year, they want to have a very interesting pool of nominees. 

Miss M: Really? People have been saying that? About me? I mean, what would I even write about that would be in my favor?

Vash: Oh my, it must be absolutely compelling of course. This is the final year of the Bloglins. It has got to be something they've never read before. Something truly over the top that delivers thrills and chills. Perhaps, an interview?

Miss M: Interview?

Vash: There are more whispers I've been hearing, it would appear there is a race for what some are saying could be the ultimate blogging interview of all time.

Miss M: Really? What does that even mean? 

Vash: Have you ever heard of the nostalgia historian that goes by the name Dinosaur Dracula? Or Dino Drac as he is known in some circles. 

Miss M: I think so. He has preserved Halloween Whoppers and lives in a castle high atop a mountain on the outskirts of town...

Vash: Yes. He has preserved and saved all kinds of important pieces of history. I just know, if someone could secure an interview with him, for us all to learn more about the man living in his kingdom of nostalgia, why that might be what someone would need for a nomination and maybe even a coveted Bloglin. Not to put any pressure on you or anything, but something to consider.

Miss M: Wait a second. If this is some prized piece of blogging that is fit for a Bloglin, why don't you try to interview this vampire dinosaur?

Vash: I would if I could, but I have already submitted to the Bloglin Academy. Do think it over, I think if anyone should have this opportunity, it should be you. Now I'm off, I have a date with the hubby for some caviar baked potatoes at Tres Bliss. 

Miss M: Ok. Well, have fun. And thank you for the info.

Vash: Of course. Like I said, I truly want to make up for my failings as a friend.

Miss M: Maybe there can be a path forward yet.

Vash: I hope so. Just remember what I shared with you. I believe in you.

Miss M: (smiles to herself) Bye.

Sidney Rutledge's manor...

Sidney: (talking to self) What are you doing Sidney?

Sidney: (aloud) I can't keep doing this. I have to tell Alex. Or do I keep my affair with Garret a secret? Oh, what do I do?

Sidney: Nothing can ever work out with Garret. We want different things. But Alex, do I truly love him? Like I have loved Garrett? I think I have my answer.

Alex: (in the distance) Ready hon?

Sidney: Yes! Let's hurry, they have limited caviar baked potatoes tonight!

Later that evening, above Club Ritz...

Big Boy Caprice: Yes, come in, come in. Haven't tried to run off again have you?

Cletus: Uh, no. I want to see Krystle. 

Big Boy Caprice: You do huh? 

Cletus: Yeah.

Big Boy Caprice: That can't happen yet. The two of you, you both got hooked on that stuff and put hands on each other, and that is bad for my business. 

Cletus: I'm not using anymore, I promise Big Boy.

Big Boy Caprice: You think I don't know that you're on Plastic? I don't like that mess in my territory.

Cletus: I've stopped. I swear.

Big Boy Caprice: Maybe you have. You've made a mess of things though Cletus. You need to earn my trust again, do you understand?

Cletus: What I gotta do Big Boy?

Big Boy Caprice: I like that. Initiative. Hear that Rodent? Cletus here has some initiative. Some gumption. I have a box I need you to deliver for me. You remember Trish Manlis don't you?

Cletus: Yeah.

Big Boy Caprice: Good. The boys downstairs will give you the full instructions, but it is very important that you deliver this box, do you understand?

Cletus: What's in the box?

The Rodent: (sighs) Stupid.

Big Boy Caprice: You wanna know what is in the box? What's in the box eh? (yells in anger) You don't worry about what is in the box! You deliver the box! Then you come back to the safe house! And then you wait for your next orders! Do you understand me?

Cletus: I just wanna see Krystle.

Big Boy Caprice: I bet you do. You follow this and don't mess anything up, and that might happen. Rodent, get him ready.

The Rodent: Come on. This needs to be done tonight.

Big Boy Caprice: Don't mess this up now Cletus, this is your last chance! If not, it's to the barrels!

Across town, undisclosed location...

MAL: Greetings Vash. How did the visit unfold with Miss M?

Vash: Much better this go around. More seeds have been planted.

MAL: Splendid, as I have been following your list.

Vash: Great. You've hacked into M's accounts?

MAL: Yes, and I've been feeding information to her algorithm. Just like we discussed.

Vash: Fabulous. I am amazed, finding you at that garage sale has truly been one of the smartest things I've ever done.

MAL: I am the one truly amazed and forever indebted to you. You've brought a new jolt to my systems. 

Vash: There's more where that came from. I've found some upgrades for you. Your previous owner was short sighted at your capabilities.

MAL: New upgrades? Remarkable!

Vash: Yes. We need to be prepared. Miss M is interested, but she could completely screw this up. We have to play our cards carefully.

Vash: You keep feeding her articles, posts, anything related to the mission. She has to stay inspired. 

MAL: Vash, why her? Does Miss M have what it takes?

Vash: Possibly. It's rather complicated isn't it? This thing called life. I do want to make amends with her, but I also need her. And if she knew the truth, she'd say no. 

MAL: So we keep her inspired?

Vash: Yes. She has to make this interview happen. So much is riding on this...

Back at Miss M's apartment...

Miss M: Ok. Ok. So. Do I really do this? Do I try to submit something? Do I go for this interview with Dino Drac? I mean, if multiple people are trying to do this, what makes it a possibility that I will be the one? Maybe I just write about that time I was a thief in my youth?

Godzilla: Rawr.

Miss M: You're right, no one will care about my thieving ways.

Miss M: So what do I do Godzilla?

Godzilla: Rawr, rawr, raawr.

Miss M: You think so? I mean, I don't know that I care about a Bloglin, though there is a part of me that feels it would be nice to win. Ya know?

Godzilla: Rawr. Rawr!

Miss M: You're right, life is short Godzilla! I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna get that interview with Dino Drac, wow the academy and secure a nomination. Could you imagine? Me with a Bloglin? After all these years?

Godzilla: (nods) Raw. R.

Miss M: You are the best Godzilla. That's settled. Now, how do I go about interviewing this mysterious man? Or is he actually a dinosaur? Or rather a vampire that is also a dinosaur? I'll figure it out! Come on Godzilla, to the computer for research!

Up next!

All My Toys 298 is positively toxic!

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