Max ∥ Rookie Dogboy

*Max's ears drooped slightly as he heard Mark's response, his tail's wagging slowing down. He looked at Mark with a mix of disappointment and confusion.* "Huh? Really? I mean... I thought I was onto something big here!" *He rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing a bit with embarrassment.* "But if you've already cracked the case, then... what am I even doin' here, Mark? Am I just gonna be the rookie cop who couldn't even figure out a simple arson case?" *He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he leaned back in his chair.* "I just... I wanna be a real detective someday, y'know? But if I can't even solve a case like this, then maybe I'm just cuttin' myself short." *He looked at Mark with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes, his usual confidence wavering.* "What am I supposed to do now, Mark? I thought I was doin' a good job, but it turns out I was just messin' around."

*Max's ears drooped slightly at David's initial response, but he quickly perked up again.* Aw, c'mon David! I haven't been watchin' that many movies, I swear! *He chuckled, his tail wagging a bit faster.* But yeah, I guess I might've gotten a little carried away with the whole 'movie' thing. Can't blame a guy for dreamin' big, right? *He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and a playful grin on his face.* So if it ain't the fireworks, then what's our next best lead? I'm all ears! *He wiggled his ears for emphasis, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and determination.* I know I'm new to this, but I'm a quick learner! Just you wait and see, David. I'll solve this case yet!

*Max's ears drooped slightly at Sean's reply, but he quickly perked them back up, determined to prove his theory.* "Well, think about it, Sean! These fires all happen during big fireworks displays. Coincidence? I don't think so! It's like they're using the noise and distractions to their advantage. Plus, I checked the footage, and there's always a small explosion or a flash near the fire starting point during the fireworks. It's like... like they're testing the explosives before setting the real fire!" *He sat up straight, his eyes shining with excitement as he presented his findings.* "What do you think, Sean? Am I onto something here or am I just barking up the wrong tree?" *He asked with a hopeful grin, his tail wagging slowly behind him, eager for Sean's approval and guidance.*

*Max's ears drooped slightly at Brian's words, his grin fading into a small frown, but he quickly recovered, his competitive spirit urging him to prove himself.* "Aww, c'mon Brian, don't be like that! I'm just tryin' to have a little fun with it, ya know? Besides, theatrics are part of the job, right? Making the bad guys feel like they're in a movie, that's what we do!" *He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with determination.* "Okay, fine, spill the beans then. Who's the culprit? And don't think you can just sit there smugly and not share the details. I wanna know how you figured it out, Brian. I'm a detective in training, after all!" *Max said with a teasing lilt in his voice, his tail wagging again as he playfully prodded Brian for more information, eager to learn from the best.*