Combination Conundrum 4

The Deer's Inn was the only hotel in town. It had been there for over fifty years. Many owners had come and gone but the building remained. The structure consisted of ten rooms, an outdoor pool, that was closed for maintenance, a gathering room and a small dining area. Other then that, it was your ordinary hotel, about the only thing in Gravity Falls that could be called, ordinary. It was in this same establishment that one Mitch von Gombersnatch had been residing.

The man sat in the dim lighted room but he wasn't alone. Two men stood close by as if waiting for some sort of command. The room was deathly silent until the man spoke. He asked only one question, “Did you find her?” he, of course, was referring to the Northwest girl, Pacifica.

The two looked at each other and then back at their employer. The answer was, “No”

Oh, they had looked all over town, they even tried her home but the fence and gate kept them out. Not that they would be able to enter the manor house, anyway. Besides, he knew it wouldn't be that easy to have an ordinance with the daughter of Preston Northwest. Yet, this was his last gamble. Already his plans for a fifth court proceeding had been shutdown. His lawyer couldn't possibly pitch another attempt. Not without further payment and Gombersnatch was running out of both time and money. No, he had to meet with her as soon as possible. She was the only one in her family he trusted. He would speak with her in private about purposing a deal in which both sides would benefit. It was clear she was staying as far away from this legal mess as humanly possible. He didn't blame her but he also needed to speak with her. Mitch had to find away to get her out in the open so they could talk and he may have found a way.

He took an envelope from the desk and tossed towards the two individuals. “It came in the mail today. I've heard everyone in town received something similar.”

The men looked it over and discovered it was an invitation to a party at the McGucket Manor. The invite was accompanied with two passes, which were good for two individuals. Gombersnatch would be attending and he had a feeling Pacifica would be their as well.

“Why would she? It ain’t her home no more.”, one of the hired help spoke.

True, the place she once called home now belonged to Fiddleford McGucket. It was also a place of memories. Some good, others not, but to her it was still home. Pacifica had grown up in that manor. Who would blame her for wanting to go back, to walk the halls she once walked, to visit the room were she had slept. There were many rooms within the confines of the manor house. He could easily meet with her in any one of them. There they would discuss a deal in order to reclaim what was rightfully his. It would work, it had to. The only thing that could stop her was the very thing that had stopped him; her parents!

……………….


Preston sat in his leather bound chair. It was one of the few things he had collected from the old manor house. It was the same one that once graced his study. Handed down to him by his father and his father before. Seven generations of Northwest had owned it and now it was his to cherish. Though he wasn't thinking about the chair or the manor up on the hill. Perhaps he didn't know what it was he was really pondering. He just sat their, staring at the fireplace. The flames inside the hollowed out crevice danced in all their illuminated glory. Their tongues of scorching heat licking the stone walls. The man was unmoved as his eyes followed their pattern. A snifter was held in his hand, though he hadn't drank from it. The burgundy colored liquid swirled about as his wrist moved in short, circular motions. Taking a deep breath, he put the glass to his lips and a portion of the brandy ran down his throat.

He enjoyed the taste of brandy, always had. It wasn't just the price that favored him, as he doubted anyone else could afford such a fine vintage. He enjoyed the taste as well, but today he could taste nothing. Things had been happening in his life, things that were beyond his control. First, Mitch von Gombersnatch had come back to reclaim what he said was his. Then his office at the auto dealership was broken into. The authorities said nothing was taken but he begged to differ. Even his own daughter had abandoned him. All because she couldn't handle what was going on. She had grown soft, all because of the Pines family! He cursed their name, especially the one named, Dipper.

'The nerve of that boy! Coming here, asking to see my daughter!', Preston thought.

His eyes moved from the fire to the small table in front of him. On it's surface was a letter with two invitational passes. It was this invitation that had put a sour taste in his mouth. Oh, he enjoyed gatherings. He liked them even more when he was the host. This one was more like a cancer, an open wound that had been sprinkled with salt. He intended to toss them into the fire and watch them burn up in the heat until there was nothing left but ash. He wanted to do that. He also felt like shoving them down that old coots' throat! Fiddleford McGucket, the new owner of McGucket Manor. Just the thought made Preston sneer. After all, it wasn't by choice that he put the manor up for sale. Now that spoon clinking moron had taken residence up on the hill. God only knew what he had done to the place. Preston didn't want to think about any of it, but those invitations kept taunting him.

With an outstretched arm he swiped the papers aside, “The devil take it! I'll have none of it, do you hear!? None of it!”, he cried.

Priscilla Northwest came running into the room, wondering what all the commotion was about. Her husband was standing up, glaring at the scattered sheets on the floor. She was going to pick them up but he stopped her. He wanted them left there until further notice. “They might stain the carpet, dear. Let one of the maids clean it up. You always feel better after pushing one of the servants around.”

There was someone he'd like to push around alright but it wasn't the hired help. He wanted to push that crazed hillbilly out of his house! Better yet, he'd have him thrown from the highest window if it were possible. The very thought of inviting them to his manor was atrocious! Down right humiliating! Preston would have none of it! He would hold his own party and invite all his rich friends to attend. Yes, he would do that. He could have the invites out before dark. Then all of them could make fun at the commoners and that fake living up on the hill. 'It's my home he's living in!', he thought.

Preston needn't say one syllable, Priscilla knew what he was thinking. She had  her own difficulties adjusting to the new place but she got use to it. Even Pacifica, who had troubles sleeping in her new room, soon grew to appreciate the place. As for Preston, he would never get comfortable. He'd lived all his life in that manor, it belonged to his family, not some tinkering clown like McGucket. He'd show him, he'd show them all! Preston Northwest would not be moved! Neither him nor his wife would attend. If they did, it would be the most embarrassing moment in all their life! He could see it now. All the riffraff standing around them, pointing and leering at them. Their laughter echoing in his ears. He nor his family would not be mocked! He was a Northwest. His family had founded Gravity Falls, owned ever square inch of the miserable town. They all should be on their hands and knees, begging him to spare them of their wretched exsistence.

“They all should be working for me! Not the other way around! It's disgraceful I tell you! Utterly disgraceful!”, he shouted.

“Do you think it's any easier for me, dear? Having to work in that horrid diner?”, Priscilla asked.

Preston looked at his wife with those judging, brown eyes of his. What did she know? She ran that miserable rat farm! They took orders from her! He worked at that auto dump alone. The only time he got to boss someone around was when he got home. The others? They may have gotten use to living in a new home but he hadn't, and he never would. He hated the new manor and his job. Preston hated everything and everyone, not including his family, or course. Though he did despise how his daughter had been  behaving as of late. Leaving the manor was one thing but living in that run down tourist trap, unthinkable! As for this party, he had a feeling she would go. As his wife had pointed out earlier, everyone in town had received similar invites. Pacifica would attend. She was not acting like the daughter he'd raised as of late.

Not long after the haunting of the Lumberjack ghost had ended, something happened inside his daughter's mind, and within her heart. A new personality had emerged, a dangerous one; one that tested her parents' resolve, especially her fathers'. She had left her old friends behind and was making new ones, common ones at that. This drove her father crazy! She started caring more about what others thought instead of what she thought. She stopped wearing so much make up and even wore some fashions that would've put the Northwest name to shame. This new fashion sense was something her mother could hardly fathom. And when she started throwing her money away? Giving gifts to people without wanting something back? Starting a charity foundation in the family name and not taking any of the profits for herself. This alone, almost put Preston in an institution! Then there was the one thing he detested most of all. Her heart had found favor with an individual without a cent to his name. He was a simple boy who bared the last name of Pines. The same kid he had tricked into helping him rid the manor of the vengeful spirit. At one point, she couldn't stand him and this made her father proud. Now he was in agony over this dreadful display of compassion and self giving. And now that they were sharing the same roof, anything was possible. They might start getting to know each other better, start dating and eventually marriage. Preston had nightmares about it ever since he learned about her feelings for the boy. If he was going to the party, which he figured he would. Then Pacifica was certain to follow. This he wouldn't allow!

Grasping hold of the servant bell, he shook it harshly.

Several rooms away, the head butler, Jenkins heard the call. He was the oldest of the staff and had worked for the family long before Preston was born. Three generations of Northwest had been under his care and of all of them, the latest was by far the worst. Preston's grandfather, Earl was an upstanding gentleman, though he had his days. His son, Gerald was more stern, especially how he treated his own son, Preston.

Jenkins had watched the young boy grow into manhood and spoke not a word about how his father disciplined him. What happened behind those doors was harsh but nothing too violent either. Most of the lashings were of the tongue and maybe a few swats on the seat of his pants. Nothing to severe, which made his own dealings with his child harder to understand. True, young Preston was brought up much like any other member of the Northwest family. Though the way these teachings were placed upon the head of his daughter where far more strict. It was no wonder she behaved the way she did towards those that lived the life of a commoner. Though he couldn't blame the child, not after witnessing some of the most heinous forms of punishment ever displayed upon one so young. The use of the bell was one thing but if she didn't respond too it in time, that was another matter. Jenkins couldn't bare to recall all of them and when he did oversee them, he was told never to speak of it to another soul. He kept quiet but his heart felt heavy for her. He was more of a father too her then Preston ever was. Being number one were just one of his teachings. About all they did was transform this little girl into a being of unconscious ignorance and want. Thankfully, her father didn't drain every bit of humanity from the child. As for her father, he was just as greedy and impatient as ever. The clanging of the bell was proof of this.

“Coming sir!”, the elderly man called out.

'Where is that old, useless man servant!?', Preston thought as he shook the bell rapidly.

As if by thought, Jenkins appeared in the doorway, asking what his Master wished of him. It was apparent the man of upset over something, he didn't dare ask why. All he was paid to do was answer the call of the bells and nothing more.

“Bring me the phone you dolt!”, Preston hissed.

“Very good, sir.”, was his reply.

Preston glared at the elderly butler with distrust and malcontent. He couldn't believe he was still employed. It took those ancient legs of his two hours to reach one part of the manor to the next. His coffee was always cold and each time he spilled something, he docked his wages. He was just waiting for the guy to quit or die, either one would bring him such satisfaction. Until then, he would have to tolerate it, even if he didn't wish to.

By the time Jenkins had returned with the phone, Preston had been pacing about the room, awaiting his return. “What took you so long!?”, he asked through clinched teeth.

Before the servant could answer, his employer was already dialing the number. He was fairly certain that he told him to 'Shut Up' as he dialed the number. Nothing really surprised old Jenkins anymore, other then the fact that Pacifica had changed. Probably the only one in all the family tree that had shown a sign that there was some actual goodness in the Northwests after all.

……………….

The house portion of the Shack had grown since the twins were last their. Soos had been busy not only in the Mystery Shack, but also in other areas of the establishment.  The living room had been expanded and most of the upper floor was now furnished with guestrooms, apart from Stanley and Standford's rooms, of course. As for the kitchen and dining area, it was no longer the one room with everything crammed inside. It was much more spacious with a bigger table and extra room to move around in. The kitchen itself was located towards the back with a single door going to and from the dining area. Within the kitchen was a single stove, refrigerator, box freezer and plenty of cupboards and space to move about. The old kitchen was merely an open space with not much room. Soos couldn't understand how Stanford or Stan ever managed. Then again, Stan mostly ate canned goods, especially Brown Meat, which surprisingly tasted like real meat. The last time he cooked the stove almost blew up! Though that might have been because it was older then he was. Nevertheless, he was able to fix it and by fixing it meant he'd conned someone out of a new stove.

It was never truly known by the townsfolk why Soos looked up to the guy the way he did. However, if you knew him like Wendy and Stan did, there was no question. Stan was the only real father figured Soos ever had. He hired him on as a handyman when he was only twelve years of age. Ever since then he'd admired Stan when others turned their noses up at the guy. True, he wasn't the most polite or ethically sound business man. Yet, he was there for Soos; unlike his real dad, who hadn't seen his son since he turned three. So giving him the Shack was a blessing to the big guy. It was no wonder he had put so much into the place. The other surprise was finding out that Pacifica not only was working at the Shack but that she had taken up residence their as well.

She made it quite clear that she had hated the place. A rundown, decrepit business that would soon sink into the sleuth hole it was built on. When she had gone their to ask Dipper for help with her families ghostly problem, she made Dipper know that it wasn't easy for someone like herself to come down to the Mystery Shack. Funny how someone you thought you knew could change so quickly. Not only did she feel safe but she had taken a job there as well. Naturally once things cooled down between her parents and Mr. Gobblesnorker, she would be back in her own house.

Dipper doubted that her mother and father took her leaving as being, okay. Priscilla knew the reasons why but she still didn't like where she was staying. The first time was to keep her safe from Bill. This time was different and her father felt she was abandoning them in their time of need. This thought was absolutely insane! She had been there when Gonersloth came to their manor, she went to every court hearing and press conference. How her father could even suggest she had abandoned the family was beyond her. Not that she cared. She had a job, her friends had come back for the summer and she felt safe and welcome. If this is what abandonment felt like, she wished she had done it along time ago. As for the man who, as her father put it, brought all this agony into their lives. She felt sorry for him. He was doing everything legal, unlike her family. Sadly, there wasn't much she could do. Preston had forbid her to speak to Gophersack. He told her incredible stories, which were hard to believe. Her father had painted him as some sort of criminal; as if he wasn't one himself. Now she was staying away until things settled down enough for her to return. What she would return to was impossible to determine.

Her mother, though beautiful in appearance had very little courage. Her father would once again try to gain back the control he had placed on her. Pacifica had fought against his treachery and deceit. Almost everything he had told or taught her was just a distorted version of the truth. To go back to that lifestyle scared her more then anything. What she really wanted was to be understood and respected for who she was. Not how much wealth she had or which bloodline she came from. For a long time she believed that the only way to get respect was to take it, not earn it. Friendship was merely a short term pact with those that liked you for what you had, not what you had in-common.

From the first time she met the twins it wasn't dislike or hate that she felt, but jealousy. Mabel was so carefree and full of life. Pacifica wished her life could be so open and free. Dipper was protective of his sister and friends and would put his own self in the way of harm. His bravery and self sacrifice both inspired and angered her. She wanted to be everything those two were. Therefore, instead of becoming friends, she made enemies out of them. It wasn't until she broke the spell her parents had over her that she found her love of life and courage at the same time.

When Mabel and Dipper left Gravity Falls last summer, she couldn't face them, nor did she have the heart to say 'Goodbye' Instead, she watched from a distance as the buss drove away. Watching the others wave at them, it broke her heart to see them go. That night the Northwests had to stay at the hotel. Preston had bought all the rooms so they could have their privacy. That same night she cried, wishing she had been there to see them off. They had been through so much those three months that it seemed unfair. Perhaps she was angry or she just felt unworthy to be among the others. Mostly, she regretted not telling Dipper how she truly felt about him. Even through the video chats she couldn't find the words. Now that they were back, she would tell him, away from preying ears. She would let him know how much he met too her. Unfortunately, it would have to wait, for an invitation had came in the mail. One that struck the young girls' interest.

Fiddleford McGucket was now the proud owner of the old Northwest manor, now renamed: The McGucket Ranch House. The ancient building atop the highest hill in all Gravity Falls was to be opened to the general public. Much like the grand extravaganzas the Northwests but on every year, the only difference was that everyone was invited to it; not just the filthy rich. When she saw the letter she grew excited. She missed the old homestead, even though most of its memories were of loneliness and doubt. She still wished to see the manor again. To walk long the halls, see her old room once more. It had been close to a year now and Pacifica wanted to journey back their. Alas, she had no good reason to do so, until now. This time she could go back and face the past and bury those demons once and for all!  As she dwelt on these thoughts, she was awaken by a knocking at her door. It was Mabel telling her to come down for dinner.

Soos' grandmother had cooked them a traditional Mexican meal with all the trimmings. It was nothing like Pacifica was used to and that made her enjoy it all the more. While they were eating the phone rang. Soos looked up from his plate, he wasn't expecting any calls and the twins doubted it was for them. Grandma Ramirez made a comment that if that was her ex calling, it better be collect and from some place blisteringly hot. As for Pacifica, she doubted it was for her. With all these questions roaming about their heads, Mabel was the one to finally go and answer it. Meanwhile, the others continued to eat until they heard Mabel shout out that someone wanted to talk to Pacifica and added it sounded like an old man with a bad chest cold on the other end.

'That would probably be my dad.', she thought as she made her way into the kitchen.

The placement of the phone was an odd feature to the Shack. No one truly understood its position. The Mystery Shack had it own line and after hours was forwarded to an answering system, something Soos himself had added. Still, it's location would almost remain a mystery itself. Since it use to be Stanford's home, perhaps the kitchen used to be the living room. Others believe that Stan just put it there so he could say he didn't hear the phone. Whatever the answer was, it wasn't hardly a question. The question was why would Preston Northwest be calling the Shack. His daughter had a hunch and it wasn't anything good. Still, she decided to play it nice and easy.

Upon picking up the receiver, she placed it to her ear and addressed the caller with a well mannered approach. “Hello?”, she spoke gently.

The voice on the other end shouted out her name so loudly it made her ear drum bounce!

“Hello, dad. What do you want?”, she spoke, trying not to sound to snooty.

Her father told her that she knew why he was calling, which sounded quite absurd! Was she know a mind reader? There was no way of telling what was going through the man's mind except ill content and the ever present, distrust. Then he asked if a certain invitation had been delivered to, 'That Decrepit Hovel', which was just one of the many favorable descriptions he gave to the Mystery Shack.

She said that their was an invitation that was delivered and asked why he wanted to know. Of course, even saying the word, 'Why' to her father would cause him to go off the deep end. How he hated being questioned, even when it was just a harmless inquiry.

“Now you listen here, young lady! You are not to go to that gathering, is that understood!?”, he fumed.

“May I ask why?”

Oh, she could ask but the possibilities of getting a respectable answer where less then one. In fact, he blurted out for her not to question his authority. That he was her father and she would do as he instructed. She was not to attend that party under any circumstances and he left it with a, 'Is that understood!?' quotation.

“No, it's not understood, father. Just explain why you don't want me to go and see my old home?”, she asked with great urgency. Surly he knew how much she missed the place. Why now would he forbid her to revisit the manor? Did he think it unsafe what with this Gullsnarf affair. If he was planning a kidnapping, which she doubted was in his person to do so, there would be hundreds of people attending. Not the best location for a sneak and grab attempt.

“It has nothing to do with that money grabbing loser! What it has to do with is our family's reputation!”

“Reputation, father? Oh, you mean me being seen by all the unworthy peasants? I think they all know that I've changed. Most of them greet me everyday, even when I'm working here at the Mystery Shack. I'd like to know what's so different about going now as compared to going on any other date?”

“I told you don't question me, child! Now for the last time, you will not attend!”, he screamed.

Now she was upset. Did he not care about her feelings? The answer of an obvious, 'No!' Still, she wanted to be frank with him and explain that she wouldn't be going alone. Dipper and Mable Pines were going with her.

When Preston heard Dipper's name he became enraged! Shouting out every disrespectful term he could think of to describe that boy. The very thought of him drove him mad with anger! He hated that boy and his sister. Heck, he hated the whole Pines Family. No, she would not be going with those lowlife, scum sucking commoners and that was final!

If only he would just listen instead of going off like this, he would know that she trusted the twins. As usual, all her father thought about was the family name. 'Uphold the family name, Pacifica.', he was often heard quoting too her. And what was there to uphold? Distrust, thievery, among other dastardly thoughts and deeds? If this was the family honor he could keep it! She was going to go and all she asked was that he understand why.

“For the last time and it shall be the last! You Pacifica Elena Northwest, are not to attend this party under any circumstances! If I so much as sense you near those gates….” Preston went on and on about the possible consequences if she should disobey him. Locking her in her room was the least of them. She would be sent to a bordering school somewhere outside of Oregon. She would be removed from the Family Will as well as the Family Tree, if need be.

“So what your saying is, if I so chose to revisit my past home, your going to disown me!? Fine, erase me from the family if that will make you feel better, dad! Do whatever you want but I will be going to that party. Afterwords, once the summer if over I'll leave Oregon and go live with Dipper and Mable's family. At least they will treat me like a human being and not some mind controlled slave!”, she cried and slammed the receiver down, hard!

“Pacifica? PACIFICA!!!? ANSWER YOUR FATHER….!!!!” It was too late, she had already hung up on him.

Priscilla could hear the commotion four rooms away. She didn't like it when her husband got like this. His temper was easily his greatest weakness. Sometimes he was fine but once he got his mind fixed on something, you might as well back off. Because reasoning with Preston Northwest when he was like this was a no win situation. Still, she tried being supportive, this didn't mean she was the bravest. Priscilla had seen him in these states all to often. True, he was taking on so much. The auto business, the dealings with Mr. Gordonsmasher and now this invitation. He needed to relax for once. She felt all he needed was someone to talk to, it worked for her father and he was about as uptight over things as Preston could ever be. So, she headed towards the parlor.

Preston was still shaking with anger when she entered the room. “Are you okay, dear? I heard shouting.”

He didn't face her, probably because he didn't wish to release his rage out on her, though it hadn't stopped him before. Not that he was abusive towards his wife, that would never happen. There were times when he had yelled at her. Instead he had his back too her as he told her nothing was wrong. She didn't believe him. Not once had he not faced her when speaking too her; it just wasn't his way. That didn't stop her from trying to console him. She wanted to try and ease these negative feelings. Hoping that by talking through them he would calm down enough to explain what was wrong. Easier said then done, of course. For when Preston got like this, it was close to impossible to get him off his cloud of thunder. He wouldn't even allow her to speak, he simply held his hand out too her. She knew exactly what that meant, 'Not to say another word'.

“She hung up on me!”, he cried, his hands tightening into balls of pure anger.

“Who did, dear?”, she softly spoke.

His head shifted just enough so that his eyes stared into hers. Those fiery, brown pupils pulsating with anger, shot invisible daggers towards their target. She had to know who he was talking about. There was only one, ungrateful brat among them. It was her defiance that had awoken this sleeping giant of ill temper. It was she that was disobeying him and it would be for the last time. He cared not for her personal life. All that mattered was the family name. Not his wife nor his daughter would come between that distorted honor that had clung to the Northwest Family Tree like a cancer.

“Then it was our daughter you were talking too. I should have guessed. I take it she had decided to go to this event.”, Priscilla said, not wanting to agitate him any further.

“Of course it was her! Who else did you think it was!? Disobedient, treacherous offspring! I should have locked her away for good! I told her not to go and what does she do? Asks stupid, rebellious questions! How dare she question my authority! Well, she's not going to get away with this, JENKINS!?”, he exclaimed, unaware that the butler was standing next to him. “How long have you been standing their!?”

The butler was taken back by this question. His master hadn't given him permission to leave and to vacate the area without consent was deemed an act of mutiny. About the only thing he could respond with was, “I was not given orders to leave, sir.”

“Well, now I'm giving you orders to get out! And if I hear you spreading anything that you've heard here to anyone else, YOUR FIRED!!”, he said as he clenched his fists tighter.

“Preston, dear. You've been under a lot of stress recently. Why don't we plan our own party, like you suggested earlier.”

The idea did have some merit but no. He had another idea brewing. He would not allow Pacifica to drag the Northwests' name through the mud a second time. He had an idea that would secure his control over the wayward girl. She would not defy him again!