Combination Conundrum 3

The road from the Shack to the Northwest residence wasn't that pleasant. Each time Wendy changed gears it made a noise like a cat that had swallowed a trumpet, and made Dipper cringe every time. Then their was that one tire which kept bouncing about as if it was going to fall off any second. True, there was air in it but the tire itself had very little tread left. Whenever Wendy would brake, the two would either slide forward or it would take forever for the truck to slow down. He heard her comment on how her brother said he'd fixed the brakes. When Dipper asked her which one. She said he was the oldest of the three. That would be Kevin, who was only twelve years old.

'That's great, at least she had some machinist blood in her family', he thought. The closest thing Dipper had was a cousin named, Zeak Calmin, and he polished wind instruments for a living.

The path leading up to the Northwest estate was a bit troublesome. There were plenty of dips in the road. This caused the truck to bob up and down like a mechanical top. Before the Northwests bought the land, Wendy and her cousins use to bike on the same road. There was a nice fishing hole somewhere within the small batch of forest, though she'd forgotten where. She did remember the road though. She hated it then and she hated it now, mostly because she kept hitting her head on the roof of the truck.

“Man, you'd think with all that money, these rich losers would do something about this stupid road!”, she cursed, rubbing the top of her head.

“I think they meant to keep it the way it is. Helps to keeps people away.”, Dipper said as his small frame bounced off the seat again.

“Yeah, well they should already know nobody wants them around! Pacifica being the only exception.”

Had he heard her right? People were starting to like Pacifica Northwest and not through any type of bribery from her parents? If he'd heard this the first time he met her, he'd say she was joking. His feelings were different now. She wasn't the stereo type, rich girl she was made out to be.

It was funny how one act of unselfishness can change ones heart. Pacifica Northwest, who once bullied anyone that didn't match up too her standards; was now making new friends and leaving those that only liked her because she was rich behind. The same girl that despised any garments that weren't in style or priced lower then two hundred, was now giving away some of her own cloths too charity. Against her parents wishes, she attended birthday parties and sleepovers with the 'common folk' of Gravity Falls. Once more, she even donated some of her own money to help fix the town pool. If this didn't drive her family crazy, allowing the other girls to wear one of her dresses for the Middle School prom was too much! They grounded her, took away her cell phone and credit cards. None of this phased the girl. She knew now that money wasn't as important as friendship.

“I'm surprised they didn't send her off to a boarding school.”, Dipper said.

“They tried but she threatened to move in with Candy if they did.” Candy? As in Candy Chiu, who was friends with Grenda  Ringbel? That would be a definite, 'Yes'!

Shortly before the school year started she made peace with just about everyone she had bullied. The only two left were Candy and Grenda. She actually cried, openly wept when they forgave her.

Dipper smiled when he heard this. The lumber jack ghost was right. Pacifica wasn't like the other Northwests and for that he was thankful. He only wished her parents could be. Judging by how Wendy spoke of them, they weren't too pleased with her, or how she was conducting herself. As much as he distrusted them, they were the only two that might know where she was and why she hadn't been communicating with him. It might just have been that her father had simply grounded her. Locked inside her room like he had done before. Dipper could speculate on this all he wanted. What he really needed was answers, no matter how bad they were.

As the truck moved down the wide patch of road, the gate that Wendy had spoke of was coming into view. It was just as massive as the stone wall around the original manor. The height of the iron bars couldn't be determined as they still where too far way to make an accurate deduction. Though it's purpose was very clear, to keep others out and the Northwests in. Dipper recalled how she often spoke of her home as a prison. The fencing alone proved her point. The spear tipped ends on each bar made climbing over them impossible. As for the gate itself, the structure was thick and the bars broad. Not one man could easily open them. And just to let everyone know whom this area belonged too, two capital letters stood above the arched gate; N.W.

“This is definitely the place. Got any ideas how we're going to get in?”, Dipper wondered.

Wendy didn't look worried, she seemed to have an idea. After rolling down the window she pressed a button on a speaker box fixed to one of the two, brick pillars on either side of the gate. With a clear voice she told whomever was listening that she wanted them to open the gates and allow them entrance.

A rather humble voice replied, “Whom may I say is asking to enter?”

“Just tell them we're friends of the family, Jenkins.”

'Jenkins?', Dipper thought.

Apparently, Pacifica had told her about the oldest member of the staff. Jenkins had been the butler before she was even born and the two had developed a special relationship; not to mention a few coded phrases they used. The one Wendy had spoken was just one of them. It let Jenkins know just who it was. Also, only the family knew his name and no others. Therefore, she wasn't at all surprised when the gates slowly opened. Putting the truck into gear, they drove onward.

The path changed as they passed the gates. The lumpy, dirt road now became a blacktop. Smoothed, round stones accompanied them on either side. The vast fields of grass had been mowed recently and orchards of trees spread out in orderly fashion. Lush hedges curved about the road as they neared a massive, marble fountain in the center of the square. The path now took the truck around the fountain and up toward a large, open area. Flourishing gardens with all types of flowers decorated the circle drive. Tall lamp poles followed the truck up to the main entrance of the manor house. A cobble stoned circle was marked with a sign made out of pure marble; upon it's surface read: 'Northwest Manor'. Lush, flowery vines covered portions of the manor's front. Wide, windows stared down at the vehicle. Two deer statutes stood guard over the double doors that led into the richly estate.

Th truck pulled up to the front and stopped. As the two got out, one of the doors opened up. A middle aged man sporting a royal blue suit and polished loafers came out. “How did you get in here!?”, he snarled.

“Your butler let us in. So chill, dude.”, Wendy replied.

The man's eyes coursed with anger as he turned his nose up at the red haired girl. He hated being told the obvious, especially from a teenage ruffian. No, he would not be mocked, nor would he allow such poorly dressed individuals to grace his presence. With a stern voice he ordered them to vacate the premises immediately.

Wendy didn't take well to the  man's rude behavior. Rich or not, nobody talked to her like that, never!

Dipper on the other hand didn't wish to see a fight. He would try a more diplomatic approach. Even Preston Northwest would honor such a peaceful alternative to violence.

“I'm sorry we disturbed you. We're just looking for Pacifica. Do you know where she is?”

“And why should I tell you, of all people!? It was you who turned my daughter against her family! I have nothing to say to the likes of you, Dipper Pines! Now leave orI shall have you removed from my property!”, the man hissed.

That was all she could take from Mr. Fancypants Richbutt. Wendy could take being talked too in that manner, but she couldn't tolerate her friends being talked down to. She was going to give him a piece of her mind and some of her knuckles for good measure. She started stomping towards him. Dipper tried his best to push her back but only got dragged forward by the enraged teenager.

“Now you listen here, Northwest! You know darn well that nobody in this town likes you or your fancy family!  The only one they seem comfortable with is your daughter. Now her friend here hasn't seen or heard from her in awhile, and he wants to know if she's alright! Now, you got two ways out of this. One, you tell us or two, I make you tell us by beating some respect out of that snobby head of yours!”

Preston froze and stared at the young women. Had she just threatened to hurt him and on his own property? The audacity was too great to be believed. Surly she should know that such an act was punishable by a jail sentence? The mere thought was laughable but the look in her eyes, was not. She meant to do it if she had to. As joyful as it would have been to press charges and subsequently sue her whole family, he had more pressing matters to attend to. Therefore, he answered her question, “Very well. She's in her room, were she belongs. Now, if you'd be so kind as to remove that hideous looking contraption from my property. I will bid you, ado!”

'I'll give you an ado all right! Right in your jaw!', Wendy thought as she clinched her teeth in anger.

Dipper gave out a nervous chuckle and thanked the man. “Come on, Wendy. Let's go.”

“But he's lying, Dipper! I know he is!”

True, and he knew it all too well. He also knew why he told them what he did. It was because he, although he'd never say it out loud. Preston did love his daughter and was trying to protect her. From what, he wasn't sure of at the moment. The best thing to do now was to return to the Mystery Shack.

……………….

Wendy parked the truck next to the Shack. She was still upset about what had taken place. She wished the Northwests would just pack up and leave Gravity Falls. Sadly, that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Instead, she would have to live with the fact that they were a bunch of snobby, rich jerks. Yet, she was still curious as to why Dipper had given up so quickly. It wasn't like him at all. The answer was rather simple. Neither of them would be able to do anything from inside a jail cell, and that's where they would've ended up if Wendy had hit Pacifica's father.

“Your right, man. I just...I hate them so much!”, Wendy said, punching the dashboard.

“I know but we can't do anything at the moment. I don't like it but we'll have to wait and hope something comes up.” Thankfully, Dipper didn't have to wait too long.

As he was climbing out of the truck, Mabel almost knocked him over with an excited tackle.

“Mabel! Could you at least give me a warning when you do that?”, he said as he picked himself up, dusting the dirt off his shirt and pants.

His sister was too excited to even make audible sentences. About all he could get out was that she saw her, though the 'her' wasn't quite clear. He told her to calm down and tell him slowly what had happened. Mabel took a few breaths before telling him everything.

After they had left she was playing with Waddles outside. She looked up and saw someone staring down from one of the upstairs windows. Mabel couldn't make out the face but the long, blonde hair was a dead giveaway. “It was Pacifica, it had to be her. She's inside, Dipper! Somewhere inside the Shack!”, she exclaimed.

Dipper looked at Mabel. She wasn't one to lie about anything.

Without saying a word, he dashed towards the Shack. He barely heard Soos call out to him as he flung open the front door. Soos kept shouting after the teen as the door shut behind him. He desperately needed to tell him something, something he'd forgotten to mention before.  Now he found himself running after him, hoping he would reach him in time. She made him promise to explain everything to Dipper when he arrived. It wasn't too late to keep his word. He'd have to move fast, though; faster then he'd ever ran before!

Meanwhile, Dipper had reached the living room. Soos' grandmother was watching TV when the boy ran past. The sides of his brown, flapper hat bounced up and down like mini wings. Up the stairs he bounded just as Soos, Mabel and Wendy came rushing into the room.

Dipper's heart pounded in his chest as he made his way up to the second floor. He had just reached the top when he heard the thundering of footfalls behind him. Turning about he came face to face with an exhausted middle aged man and two young women.

“Hold it...Dipper...”, Soos gasped. “Just stop...and let me...catch me breath...dude…I have to...tell you...something...” The poor guy bent down as he tried to speak. He hadn't ran that fast in years.

“It's okay, Soos. I can tell him, myself”, a famine voice spoke up.

He recognized the voice. He'd heard it's tone every time they talked online. Dipper spun around and stared at the one he'd been searching for. Was it really her or was it only an illusion? Nothing was certain in this town.

“Pacifica? Is it really you?”

“Of course it's me, dummy!”, she said with a smile.

Dipper was so overjoyed to finally see her. He didn't know what to do first. He had so many questions but didn't know which one to ask first. He just stood their bewildered. Why was she in the Mystery Shack and not in her own home? Why hadn't she returned his emails? Why all the silence without so much as a hint to let him know she was alright? Everything just froze as if time had been halted for a single moment. In that one frame, all he wanted to do was hold her and look into her eyes. The whole world could end and he wouldn't have cared. He was just so happy to see she was alright or was she?

Pacifica smiled and told everyone it was okay. Then she motioned for Dipper to follow her.

She apologized about keeping so quiet but that wasn't her fault. Since the whole Gumbyscratch incident, her father had forbade her from using the internet for anything. He figured she might let something slip out of her mouth, as if she would do such a thing on purpose. Nevertheless, she had been barred from speaking to anyone. As for her being in the Mystery Shack after hours. That was a little more easier to explain.

When GroverStitch first came to Gravity Falls, everything was simple. He merely asked for his money to be returned to him. Knowing how stubborn her father was, she knew it wouldn't be that easy to wrest the cash from him. He was like a dragon, hording his gold. Preston wouldn't part with a single coin, even if it didn't belong to him. That's when the matter went to court and Pacifica's life took a drastic turn. She told Dipper how she was pulled from her classes to attend the hearings. If he thought history class was boring, he would be mistaken. The poor girl had to sit as the lawyers and judge shouted at one another. Amongst the chaos sat her father, Preston Northwest, wearing the most dignified apparel he owned. Sitting their with a sly grin, as if he knew he'd already won. Then there were the reporters with their flashing cameras. It was hard to believe she wasn't blind by now. Not to mention those microphones being shoved in her face! She couldn't go anywhere without being bull rushed by an army of them. She also knew they weren't really looking for a story, just more dirt to pile onto the family name. The Northwests had enough dirt in their family tree to bury both manors. Every time they would leave, they'd be camped out by the gates like some kind of deranged fan club. Coming back and forth from the manor was just as bad. They'd all hover around the limo like crazed vultures! Finally, she could take no more and decided to go somewhere away from all that media nonsense. A place where she could at least have a normal life, if only for a moment.

“That's why I came here. The tourist season hasn't started and no reporters would even think to look here. I can finally live in peace until this whole mess is finished.”, she said with a sigh.

“Hasn't this GooberSneeze left yet?”, Dipper asked. Last he'd read, the guy had failed four times in court. There wasn't many more chances for him left.

Sadly, he hadn't. He was still in town, staying at the only hotel. Rumors where going around that he was going for a fifth attempt at suing her family.

“Why doesn't your dad just give him back his money?”, Dipper asked.

It was a question almost everyone in town was probably asking. The truth was her father was a greedy jerk! There wasn't one person he hadn't cheated. Heck, more then half the land they owned was probably taken illegally. It was a family tradition to take whatever you wanted, regardless of the consequences. Plus, he knew all the loop holes in the law. There was no way Mr. Glopslop was going to win. Even if he could get a transfer of funds, it wasn't going to be that easy. The Northwests owned the only bank in town. He couldn't just walk in there and ask for his money back. Even if he had the routing and account numbers, it would do him no good. Most people have a password they used when dealing with currency exchanges. As for her family, they used a very rare, nine digit passcode. The code itself was split into three parts. Her father had one, as did her mother. The last three were hers and she kept them locked in her memory. So, even if he wanted to try, there was no way he could get them. Even the bank itself didn't know and they wouldn't be allowed to give away such information.

“So, he doesn't have any chance of getting his money back?”

She shook her head.

Pacifica felt bad for the guy. He was a very honest gentleman, who only wanted to solve the problem in the most peaceful of manners. Her father had forced him to go through all the legal matters, and then some!

About three weeks ago there was a break in at Northwest Royal Auto. Her father's office had been broken into, yet nothing was stolen. The register and safe where untouched. Whoever they were had simply ransacked the place and then left. Preston blamed Gonersnich, but when they checked his records, he was clean; not so much as a speeding ticket to his name. Plus, he'd been in his hotel room all that day of the break in.

“That doesn't really prove he wasn't involved. He sounds like a very desperate man at this point. How do we know he didn't hire someone to break into your dad's office?”

Dipper was beginning to sound like her father. He to had suspected such a thing, but with no evidence, the police could do nothing. It seemed the law could be used against him as well. Turnabout was far play, especially when the other party had little to lose. He'd already been thrashed by his fairness and thwarted by his attempts with the law. Even this supposed fifth try couldn't possibly do him any good. It felt like a last gasp, one single, ditch effort to frighten Preston Northwest to give up what he owed him. However, a Northwest never gave up that easily! They had nerves of steel and the cunning of a thief. Not even an ancient curse swayed him from his devilish deeds!

“He's been to our house and to my dad's place of business. For awhile we thought he'd given up. After the break in, that pretty much was the last straw as far as my father was concerned. He tried getting a retaining order put on GushinStain. No such luck. The courts wouldn't agree due to lack of evidence.”, she said.

“So now what? I doubt this guy is going to give up.”

Pacifica shrugged.

The way things were going. There wasn't much he could do except walk away. There didn't seem to be any other way out. He'd done all he could. Even if he was responsible for the break in, there hadn't been any new happenings concerning the matter. As far as she knew, Gallupsneak was simply staying put. Possibly waiting to hear from his lawyers. There wasn't much else he could do, or so she thought.