Eddie was quick to act. That night, he efficiently compiled the firsthand information provided by Goofy and promptly submitted it to the editor. Speed is paramount for a journalist, and this article, with its detailed content and explosive plot, captured the editor's attention upon review. It was only logical that it secured a prominent page in the next day's daily newspaper.
Consequently, the high-flying and heroic Uncle Frank made his appearance on the streets of New York as a people's hero. Every reader, whether subscribed to the 'Global Daily' or not, witnessed the hero's deeds for the first time. The news also spread among the newspaper staff during their after-dinner chats.
So, Frank, in a way, was on fire. It was like a prairie fire!
---
At nine-thirty in the morning, Goofy, returning from his night shift patrol, was still sound asleep under the covers.
The tranquility of the apartment was abruptly shattered when Frank burst in, holding a newspaper with a pale face. He was breathless and visibly shaken.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Goofy struggled to sit up and asked, "What's the matter, Frank? It looks like you're in a panic."
Frank threw the newspaper on the bed, pointing to the front-page headline. Goofy took a look and saw the striking characters: "Shock! The black gang on the New York Pier was destroyed overnight because of him."
Next to the title was a photo of Frank, the long-haired old guy showing a shameless smile. Below the photo, the article detailed the entire process of Frank, the NYPD, and the FBI working together to exterminate the black gang.
Goofy couldn't help but laugh. "Eddie is not very discreet!"
Turning to Frank, Goofy said with a smirk, "Congratulations, Frank; you've made the headlines. Now you're a New York celebrity!"
Frank, however, was in distress. "I am now the target of public criticism. The black gang we killed last time was powerful, and even though the core members are wiped out, many gang members are still at large, seeking revenge. They've even killed several police officers. Don't you know about this?"
Goofy, still smiling, replied, "Of course I do. But there are only a few gangsters left; it shouldn't be difficult for my omnipotent Uncle Frank."
Frank, angered, exclaimed, "Stop talking nonsense! I'm going to apply for NYPD asylum right away. And who is this journalist Eddie Bullock? I don't remember offending this guy. He not only exposed me but also published my address. Look at this... At the end of the article, he even said in my tone that all evil forces are welcome to accept me in person! This is outrageous!"
Goofy, silently satisfied with Eddie's efficiency, suggested, "Frank, calm down. Why don't I show you a clear path?"
Frank, intrigued, asked, "What's the way?"
Goofy proposed, "Didn't the NYPD reward you for your bravery? Take that money, buy a plane ticket, and go to Los Angeles for a relaxing two months. Your daily life of drinking and picking up girls in Brooklyn won't differ much from getting drunk in Los Angeles, so take this opportunity to travel."
Frank agreed, "That's a good suggestion."
Goofy, now dressed, grabbed the second-hand Chevrolet keys and said, "Let's go now; I'll drive you to the airport. No matter how vicious the black gang is, they won't assassinate you in broad daylight, right?"
Frank nodded, "You're right; I have to leave now. I'll leave right away!"
Frank hurriedly ran back to his room, grabbed a dirty suitcase from under the bed, packed a few clothes, stuffed some cash, and followed Goofy downstairs.
---
Goofy escorted Frank to buy the nearest flight ticket and watched him leave through the boarding gate. With Frank on a plane, he was now safe, and the remaining black gang wouldn't chase him from the East Coast to the West Coast for just one person.
After seeing Frank off, Goofy returned to the apartment alone. His next move was simple: wait at home for the revengeful person to come knocking.
Nestled on the sofa, Goofy leisurely turned on the TV. The news channel reported the frequent attacks on the NYPD recently. The black gang's retaliation fueled the NYPD's determination to fight against the evil forces, but it wasn't easy in a situation where the enemy was elusive.
Fortunately, Goofy had devised a strategy, using the power of the media to play a trick of fishing. With Frank's heroic deeds publicized, the hatred of the remaining black gang members would likely shift to him. In this way, other police officers, undercover agents, and their families could escape the impending disaster.
As noon approached, Goofy grew increasingly sleepy. About to head back to his room for a nap, a sudden knock on the door interrupted his plans.
Goofy, in his slippers, walked to the door in a slightly annoyed mood. Upon opening it, he was greeted by Jessie with a pale face.
"Why are you here, Jessie?" Goofy was puzzled.
"I couldn't leave without seeing you one last time!" Jessie frowned and handed Goofy a newspaper.
Suddenly, Goofy realized, "You saw it too."
Jessie was astonished, "What? So you've read this report? Why did your uncle offend this newspaper? This is pushing him to a dead end. With the black gang, attacking everywhere, retaliation against the police and undercover agents is inevitable. But this report puts your uncle at the forefront. Also, why has your home address been exposed? Are you not worried that criminals could find you?"
Goofy smiled and pulled Jessie into the room, then pressed her onto the sofa and sat down.
"Jessie, calm down. Things aren't as serious as you think. In fact, I've sent Frank away, and the criminals won't find him."
"He's gone, but what about you? Frank might have left, but you're still here. Once the revengeful person comes to the door, whether you're Goofy or Frank, the lights will go out, and suddenly, you won't be Frank's scapegoat," Jessie nervously expressed.
Goofy thought to himself, 'If only things could be this simple.'
Quickly changing the subject, Goofy remarked, "Hey, Jessie, don't you have class this afternoon?"
Rolling her eyes, Jessie replied, "You're almost dead; what class do I have to teach?"
Goofy shifted the topic again, "Since there's no class, let's go out and play!"