CHAPTER 84: LOOSENING UP

EPISODE EIGHTEEN: WHEN IRUSH EYES ARE SMILING

Some of our dear readers may remember a day, not so very long ago, when Finnegan found himself treated rather roughly at the Ratchet home on the occasion of Barbie's 50th Birthday. And yes, in his frustration and humiliation, Finnegan had not been particularly kind to the bumbling policeman.

One might suppose that Officer Mike had hardly noticed the slight, so quickly did it come and pass; but plastic people, although they have hard shells, are easily wounded by passing insults, which slide through the thickest skin like a hot needle through butter. Furthermore, plastic people are known for their capacity to carry grudges for the longest time.

So ensues a seemingly endless moment at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop, when nobody dares move or even breath. The scene might as well have been a painting by some great artist--what were once living people now frozen in time, waiting for the tragic ending, just a bullet away.