Page 37 of Fish and Chip: Nine Lives One Murder
She blinks slowly, then snarls.
I’ll consider it if I get first dibs on pizza crust.
Done.
Also, I want first pick of hammock spots,she mewls seductively.
I must look like a sucker. Mostly because I am.
Hammocks are negotiable,I tell her.
She considers me a moment longer. Then nods.Let me get my crew.
Crew?
Twenty minutes later, I return with not only Patches—a fierce-looking calico with one chewed ear and the attitude of a cat who’s never backed down from a fight—but also what appears to be a small army of additional cats following me like I’m some kind of orange pied piper.
Fish! Fish! Look what I found!I yowl with excitement.Patches brought friends! Lots of friends!
Fish looks up from her conversationwith Shadow—a sleek black cat who does indeed move like a ninja—to see approximately twelve cats following me.
How did you manage this?Fish asks, impressed despite herself.
Well, I told Patches about the mice situation, and she was interested. But then I mentioned the Turkey Leg Emporium, and she got REALLY interested. So she told her friend Whiskers, who told HIS friend Mittens, who told HER friend Boots...
You started a recruitment pyramid,Shadow yowls with what might be respect.
A what what?I look confused.
Never mind,Fish sighs.The important thing is we now have a proper army. Everyone, gather around for the mission briefing.
The assembled cats form a loose circle, ranging from tiny kittens who probably shouldn’t be anywhere near a rodent combat operation to grizzled veterans who look like they could take down a small bear.
Welcome to the Feline Extermination Force,Fish begins with the authority of a general addressing her troops.Our mission is simple: eliminate the rodent infestation at Huckleberry Hollow Wonderland Theme Park. In return, you’ll receive food, shelter, and all the mice you can catch.
What about hoomans?calls out a nervous-looking orange kitten.Are they going to try to pet us?
Probably,Fish admits.But our hooman is acceptable. She provides quality food and doesn’t insist on ridiculous accessories like bowties or those little hats.
I wouldn’t mind a hat,I whisper to the kitten.As long as it’s not embarrassing. Maybe something military-themed? A beret? A raspberry beret that I can eat!
CHIP!Fish’s mental voice reaches new heights of exasperation.Focus! This is serious business!
Right, sorry. Serious business. Got it.
Now then,Fish continues,we’ll be dividing into strategic units.Patches, you’ll take the food court—I understand it requires someone with your particular skills.
Patches grins, showing teeth that have clearly seen some action.Finally, a job that appreciates my talents.
Shadow, you’ll handle perimeter surveillance. Use those ninja abilities of yours to patrol the park boundaries and make sure no rodents escape.
Shadow nods silently, because apparently, ninja cats don’t waste words.
Whiskerface, you’re in charge of the main midway. Those popcorn stands are going to be rodent central.
Understood,he growls.
The rest of you will be divided among the various themed areas. Chip will coordinate assignments and provide tactical support.
