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Sitting down at his desk, Rodger sighed and leaned back in his chair. He closed his eye with a sigh and tilted his head back. This case wasn’t any closer to being cracked; it irritated him to no end. Toons were going missing left and right and only he could solve this. All the pressure and stress would eventually shatter his spirit. Even if he weighed on him quite literally, he couldn’t afford not to care. These were his friends! Sure, it would take a bit of coaxing to get that word out of him, but he cared about every single one of these toons just as much as the next. Well…maybe not Shrimpo, but the other toons probably wouldn’t look at him the same if he completely ignored the obviously troubled toon. Why else would Shrimpo act that way if that wasn’t the case?
The door to Rodger’s office slowly creaked open. He really needed to oil those hinges…a mental note would be made for that soon. Tearing away his gaze from the ceiling, he looked towards the cracked door, scrutinizing his gaze at any unwanted guests. Luckily for him, this guest was more than welcome. Teagan poked her head through the doorway, giving a gentle knock as she quietly entered.
“Ya still haven't fixed that door a yours, huh Rodge...?” She closed the door behind her.
“Agh…I have more pressing matters than a door , Teagan. What brings you here anyways?”
With a sigh, they walked over behind his desk and stood in front of him. She leaned against the desk and looked down at the exhausted detective with pity.
“I’m worried about’chu Rodge. Ya’ve been workin’ yerself down to tha bone without even a single break! That ain’t healthy Darlin’…”
“I’m fine . Besides, I can’t just ‘ take a break ’, Tea. Toons are going missing and I have to find out why! I can’t just sit around twiddling my thumbs-!”
“I know that, but Rodge- ya’ve been on this for so long ya can barely walk! If ya’d just relax fer a lil’ bit…it would do ya some good, Honey.”
“ How am I supposed to relax right now?” Rodger asked, exasperated.
Teagan huffed and looked around his office, immediately finding what they were looking for. Rodger only watched as they went into a corner of his office, seemingly searching for something. Just by being in that area, he knew exactly what she was implying.
“How ‘bout you have a small drink with me, hm? Somethin’ t’ clear yer mind fer just a lil’ bit.”
She sauntered over with a drink in her hands along with two glasses. Putting the glasses on the desk in front of him, they wasted no time opening the bottle.
“Tea- I really shouldn’t-“ he tried to protest.
“Nonsense. Just one.” she averted her attention to Rodger with a small expectant expression, “Fer me…?”
Well he couldn’t say no to that. “Fine…but just one!”
They smiled and let out a small giggle, “Of course, Honey. Just one last drink before y’ go on and crack this case like th’ good little detective you are…and hey, maybe y’ could bring lil’ ol’ Toodles wit’cha. Ya know she’s been dyin’ ta see ya at work.”
While pouring him a drink, they noticed the small flush that washed over his glassy face, tinting his pane rose red. One last drink before he ultimately saves everyone’s lives. She held so much faith in him…
That was the last drink they ever had together.