Brothers in Hooves (Shorts)

Shady Business

  Sierra was having fun walking around Lion's Lane and the Garden Park with Loo that Saturday. Her friends were also on the way to meet them at the old campsite, so everything felt just peachy.
  But she definitely wasn't expecting to overhear some shady conversation shortly after she sat down with Loo by one of the cabins.

???: Did you bring what I asked?

  That deep, serious voice was followed by a second, that while still deep, was way more relaxed, and a bit confused.

???: Yep. But what do you need a lighter for?

  She then noticed Loo's ears perk up when hearing the second voice, and he whispered to her.

Loo: That guy sure sounds familiar.

  But before she could ask him anything, the first voice spoke again.

???: Remember when I said we're gonna burn the house down?

???: Yeah. It's gonna be an amazing night.

???: I meant it literally.

  There was a moment of silence, in which both the giraffe and the bison shared concerned looks with each other.
  Sierra then instinctively reached for her phone, and started recording what they were saying, carefully getting closer to the window without making noise.

???: But Howard... This is such a nice cabin.

Howard: I know. That's why my contractor is gonna earn a fortune from rebuilding it. And the others.

???: And who are they?

Howard: Heh. If I told ya, we'd be dead before dinner.

  That was followed by a rather awkward silence. But Sierra kept on recording the audio.

???: But why are you doing this in the first place?

Howard: Because I like it.

???: Fair point... But aren't you afraid of being caught?

Howard: Not if I get a sucker to do this for me.

???: Like who?

  It seemed like Howard finally lost his patient with said "sucker" as he let out a sigh, and from the sounds of it, he pulled something from his clothes.

Howard: You, you dumbass!

  The other guy gasped then immediately replied in a panicked voice.

???: Alright alright. What do you need me to do?

Howard: Just pour this around the place. I'll get rid of the extinguisher.

  With that, they seemed to move away from the window, and deeper into the cabin.

Sierra: Well that escalated quickly.

  She basically whispered that, not sure if any of the two were still close enough to hear.

Loo: Yep. Sounds like a felony about to happen.

Sierra: Do you know one of the guys?

Loo: Yep. I'm sure it's Will Stone, an old family friend who can be rather... Gullible.

Sierra: That explains a lot. Call the cops, then try to see if you can find him through any of the windows. He needs a way out.

  She said that as she started to walk towards the front of the cabin, and Loo started to type the police number.

Loo: Alright... But what about you?

Sierra: I'll distract Howard.

  There was a brief moment of silence as she walked further, and she didn't hear what he said next.

Loo: Just... Be safe, ok?

***

  Sierra was lucky enough to stumble into Howard as he was getting out of the cabin. He was a pale brown boar with dark hair and a full beard. He had a burly physique, and was carrying a fire extinguisher like it was nothing.
  His plaid shirt was loose, but it was still possible to see something solid poking from the side of his hip.

Sierra: Excuse me... Is this Cabin 5?

  He was clearly caught by surprise.

Howard: Huh? No. It's on the other side of the campsite.

Sierra: Oh, okay. What are you doing with this?

  She pointed to the fire extinguisher.

Howard: Oh, I'm just... Replacing it. It's empty.

  It was pretty much clear it had never been used before.

Sierra: Really? What happened?

Howard: Some teens used it for a prank last week. Now move.

  It was then that she saw Loo running with an orange-haired pig to safety with the corner of her eyes, and knew it was time to act.

Sierra: I'm sorry, but no.

Howard: Wha-

  She hit him with a knee on his crotch, and when he bent over in pain, dropping the extinguisher on his foot, she landed an elbow to his face, as the park rangers surrounded the place.

***

  After the whole commotion, and giving their testimony to both the park rangers and the police, alongside the audio evidence, the campsite didn't feel like such a nice spot to hang out that afternoon, so that's why Sierra and Loo went back to the café from earlier, bringing along Will to help him chill after having his life and freedom threatened by his date.
  Cristal and Sylv also met with them there, both surprised and proud with how they dealt with that situation.

Cristal: You sure put him in his place.

Sylv: Yeah. He won't try to pull that stunt again so soon.

  They were all laughing but Will couldn't help but end it with a sigh.

Will: Guess I really have bad taste in men, huh?

Loo: No worries dude. You'll find the right one someday.

Will: Hopefully.

  His voice faltering was enough to know he didn't have much faith in that.

Sylv: Well, at least this is all over now.

Sierra: I don't know Sylv... He did mention a contractor.

Loo: Yeah... This might just be the beginning.

  They then looked vaguely into the busy street outside, bathed by the soft golden light of sunset, unsure of what would come next.