Page 8 of One Hundred Merry Memories

Amanda's face seemed to lighten at his words, though a heavy undertone remained. "Well, that's kind of him, and you too, obviously. I'm managing, given the... circumstances." Her gaze shifted to the woods. "Had to resort to nature's restroom. Spent the night serenaded by wolves and owls. Wasn't sure I'd greet the morning."

Her tone made it sound like forest bathroom breaks were tantamount to life-or-death situations, offering Jackson a glimpse into the kind of night she'd had.

"Problem with the plumbing?" Gunner left his side and went to stand by her car. His ears perked up, and he growled, low and menacing.

"Hey, Buddy, what's up?"

"He probably senses Catsby."

"Catsby?"

She sighed. "It's my tabby. His full name is The Great Catsby, but that's a mouthful when calling him, so it's just Catsby."

He tapped his leg, and Gunner came back to his side. "About the plumbing. Is there an issue?"

She shrugged. "I haven't got a clue. I haven't been able to test it out. I have a squatter in the cabin."

"A what?" He knew what a squatter was but didn't understand why she was standing outside staring. "Why didn't you tell him or her to leave?"

She stood up taller. "You don't think I tried?"

"You should call the sheriff."

She let out a small, rueful laugh. "I don't think this is up his alley. It's not a person but a raccoon. A mean, beady-eyed critter that came after me."

Jackson raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A raccoon, huh? Well, I've dealt with my fair share of critters. In fact, I've got a pretty funny story about a squirrel who managed to sneak into my tent when I was in the army, stationed in the desert. The thing stole my trail mix and had a feast on my sleeping bag while I was in it. When I woke and surprised it, it offered me a peanut with its outstretched hand before it scurried away."

Amanda laughed, and the tension in her shoulders eased. "This animal doesn't appear quite as hospitable. All he's offering me is probably rabies or the plague."

"Let's see what we're dealing with."

Jackson told Gunner to stay while he and Amanda entered. Together, they tried to locate the raccoon's hiding place. As they moved from room to room, Jackson noticed how Amanda's face would light up with excitement every time she discovered something new or interesting about the cabin. She was clearly falling in love with her home despite the mess and the unwanted visitor.

Finally, they discovered the raccoon huddled in a corner of the back bedroom, eyes wide with evident fear. Jackson sensed the animal was more frightened of them than vice versa. "Alright, little buddy. We don't want to hurt you, but you can't stay here," he said, lowering his voice to offer a calming presence. The raccoon responded with a chittering sound and bared its teeth, clearly not convinced.

Amanda jumped behind him, holding on to his jacket and peeking around to see the raccoon. "It's ridiculous. I just moved here and am already having a turf war with a local."

"What have you tried?"

"I asked it to leave. I was quite patient and nice, but it refused. Then I knocked over a box of these amazing Christmas ornaments. It simply stared and left me to them while it came into this room."

"Remember, to him, you're the uninvited guest. But don't worry, I'm here to help."

Amanda's expression softened. "I appreciate that, Jackson. I do. I hope we can get this raccoon out of my cabin, so I'm not forced to sleep another night in my car."

"Let's get to work then."

Eyeing the situation, he began to piece together a plan. "Listen, raccoons aren't just cute faces; they're sly and can turn aggressive. Those claws can slice like knives, and a bite means a tedious run-in with rabies shots."

"You speak like someone who's learned the hard way. Personal experience?"

"Sort of. A friend from my military days tried to hand-feed one some Cheetos. Ended up with a bite and a series of gut shots."

"Sounds like a lesson learned the hard way. Let's avoid bites, shall we?"

Amanda and Jackson exchanged a determined look before embarking on their first attempt to get rid of the raccoon. They had armed themselves with brooms, hoping to shoo the crafty creature out of the cabin without getting too close.

“Okay, on the count of three, we'll swing the door wide and start waving these around," Amanda whispered, her eyes wide. Jackson nodded in agreement, gripping his broom tightly.

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