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Part Six

I was Dressed in dark blue slacks and a white button down shirt with French cuffs. My Mousey and I were on our way to our first delivery of the day: Anima Mundi.

“So, what can you tell me about this place, Sir?” Mel asked trying not to fidget.

Anima Mundi?” I asked. My Mousey nodded. “Well, it is said to be _ Thee _ best restaurant in the city. It has been in business for almost sixty years, the menu features world cuisine, they usually have a six to eight month wait on the reservations list, and they have a strict dress code as well as Three Interon stars.”

“Yikes! I don't think I should come within a mile of this place.” My Mousey squeaked.

“Oh, believe me, you won't be walking through the front doors of this establishment anytime soon. It is one of the last bastions of the 'Purest' movement, at least the average clientèle seems to reflect that backwards attitude. The staff however, are a different story.” I said with a sly grin.

“What are you saying Sir?” Mel asked with a touch of panic in her voice.

“Well... lets just say what goes on in the front of the house isn't what happens in the Back of the house, and that is where anything that really matters happens. But do your best to relax and you will see for yourself.” I say with a knowing wink.

Gliding into the delivery dock I powered down and stepped out of the Skimmer unlatching the cargo hatch the interlocks hissed as the hatch opened just as I heard the service door behind me. Turning, I saw a expressive swarthy human in chef's whites Grinning widely.

“Rico! Do I have a delivery for you today, my Friend!” I say exuberantly greeting the head chef of Anima Mundi as my Mousey came around the skimmer to assist me to unload.

“Keven! Partigiano! Welcome back, Oh,ho, you delivering lovely Mousey morphs now?” he chuckled exuberantly, a huge friendly grin plastered over his countenance as he took an appreciative look at my companion.

“Sorry, Rico, they are not on the Fresh Sheet this week. This is my new Companion, Melinda Montserrat. She Personally harvested you order of Parisian market carrots and chard this morning, just for you.” I declared bringing the nervous Mousey to meet the executive chef of the best restaurant in the city.

“H-hello?” she stammered nervously.

“Welcome to Anima Mundi, miss Montserrat!” Chef Rico's booming voice announced as he swept her up in a hug. “ I am Chef Rico Callominzetti, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. It was such a tragedy when Keven lost his Bella Breeanna, she was much loved here, and I am sure you will come to be as well. Now, let's see what you have for me today?” He enthused patting her shoulder as I pulled the first crate from the skimmer handing him the invoice to sign.

“You Grow some of the best produce I have ever come across. None of my providers have ever heard of these lovely jewels. They are one thing that makes us the best.” he said reaching into the case and taking out a few of the carrots popping one into his mouth, the look of pure pleasure as he made short work of it as he inspected the others.

“Top quality as always, and you say she harvested this, just for me this morning?” he asked with a wink and a smile. I nodded.

“Yes Sir, Mel selected the entire lot herself, I am glad they meet with your approval.” I chuckled.

“Everything we receive from Craggin Moore always exceeds my exacting standards,” Rico enthused turning back to the open door. “Eh, Mapache! Keven is here! Lets get this ready to go.” He boomed as a Raccoon morph in brigade whites and checked pants appeared at the door beaming happily wiping his dark furred paws on the towel tucked into his belt.

“Welcome back Keven, this is my favorite part of the week, accepting delivery from Craggin More, Oh, who is this Bonita la ratona?” The raccoon asks beaming at the lovely mouse morph.

“This is Carlos Mataya, my Chef Garde Manger, this Ma pa chay has some of the best paws in the business. Carlos, may I present to you, Miss Montserrat, Keven's new companion.” the chef said placing a restraining hand on the raccoon's shoulder.

“Pleased to meet you miss, I am very glad Keven has found a new companion; We all miss Senorita Bree... Welcome to Anima Mundi, I am in charge of the cold dishes such as salads, hors d'œuvres, appetizers, canapés, pâtés and terrines that are prepared and other foods that are stored under refrigeration.”

“And my rising star. If the front of the house only knew, Heh!” Rico snorted “Send Cody and Ginger out her to help you.” he ordered

“Yes jeffe`,” the raccoon grinned as we went over the invoice as Rico inspected the delivery.

“Ah, these tomatoes...” he commented pulling one from the case and deftly bisecting the fleshy globe with a knife he kept at his hip. Biting deeply into it with a sigh of pleasure. “ I don't know how you do it, but I am glad we can get these... Are they the Rutgers you were telling me about a few weeks back?” Rico asked spearing a cherry tomato from one of the baskets as well.

“Indeed they are. You can't find them on the commercial market, despite being a industry standard in the last century, they have phenomenal flavor but are not as good a keeper, like a perfect peach, they don't do well sitting around and they must be enjoyed at their peek, I am glad you can appreciate them.” I say seeing two more of the kitchen brigade appear at the door. A lanky human in his teens and a skunk morph. Both dressed in check pants and white coats.

“Ginger, Cody, come taste this.” Rico said as his staff approached. Slicing them each a thick wedge of tomato. “Ginger, Cody, this is Miss Montserrat, Keven's new assistant. They both greeted her warmly.

“Boss, this is amazing!” The Skunkette churred, “Imagine a Tomato Bisque made out of these?” She asked then turned to Mel holding out her paw to my companion. “Hello there, I'm Ginger Kennedy, soup goddess.” she grinned wickedly at Rico who rolled his eyes.

“Nice to meet you Ginger, I'm Melinda Montserrat, but call me Mel.” My Mousey smiled back.

“She's My Potager, in charge of soup.” Rico deadpanned. The Skunkette nodded beaming happily.

“Exactly... Soup Goddess.” she chirped. “Nice to see you again Keven, glad you found someone, I'd better get this stuff inside.” She said picking up a crate and heading inside. The lanky human beamed at my Mousey in greeting.

“ I'm Cody Salazar, I'm the Tournant in this brigade, I help out where needed, moving throughout the kitchen, assisting other positions.” he nodded. “Those are the best tomatoes, I'd love one sliced with a bit of salt and pepper on a BLT..” He chuckled hefting the third crate of produce. “Nice to meet you miss Montserrat, thanks for the delivery!” he nodded before moving off.

“Good to meet you Cody, and it's Mel!” she called back with a giggle in her voice.

“Top of the line as always my Partigiano, it's always a pleasure doing business with you.” The Chef said handing me an envelope. shaking my hand and stealing a glance into the cargo area a moment. “You sure I can't talk you into letting me have the rest?” Rico chuckled with a wink.

“Not this week old friend, those are spoken for, Sorry. I patted him on the shoulder. He turned to my Mousey taking both her paws in his hands. “ well I will be happy with what I can get for now... As for you Bella Melinda, give me a weeks notice on your next birthday and we will sneak you both into my private chef's table to celebrate,” he beamed with a conspiratorial wink. Mel looked like she'd been pole-axed, eyes wide mouth moving without a sound. Chef Rico chuckled once more, drawing her into a hug.

“Don't worry, bella donna, back of the house knows best.”

“Th, Th...Thank you Sir!” she stammered hugging the large man exuberantly. He chuckled patting her on the back handing her back to me. Shaking my hand

“See you on Wednesday, Partigiano. Be safe.” he waved as we each headed for our destinations.

Lifting off I set the Skimmer for our next destination. Pelligreeno's

“See what I meant by the back of the house knowing better?” I asked my Mousey as we made the ten minute hop from Anima Mundi.

“ I never would have believed that Morphs would be working at that kind of place. At least not as anything other than maybe dishwashers or lowly scutt workers.”

“Life's Full of surprises Mousey mine. Now Pelligreeno's is more a family style Italian place, they are number two in the city, depending on who you talk to, as they also have Three Interon stars, but are not as full of themselves as Anima Mundi pretends to be.” I say dropping down to the delivery pad at the back of the elegant two story Italian Villa. A moment later a portly gentleman and two Lapin morphs appear at the service door just as we are stepping out.

“Roberto! Good to see you again How's Martha?” I ask greeting Roberto Pellagreeno himself.

“Keven! Welcome back, and who is this with you now?” he enthused seeing my Mousey smiling back as she approached.

“Melinda Montserrat, I am Mister Morgan's new Companion.” she said stepping up extending her paw. The portly restaurateur beamed at the mouse morph, taking her paw in both his hands greeting her warmly.

“Belladonna. Welcome to my home. I am-a so glad to meet you.” He greeted her warmly “These are my boys, Geno and Dominic, they help you unload.” The well muscled Rabbits stepped over without a word as I got out the delivery for the restaurant.

“Four crates, Roberto, and Yes, I personally harvested your herbs.” I chuckled seeing the way he had his arm around my Mousey Mel seemed just a touch unsure, but was rolling with it.

“And my patty pan?” he asked with a chuckle of his own. I nodded.

“Fifteen pounds, you really love that stuff.” I chuckled opening the crate that held the golden little summer squash. I lifted the case showing it off. Roberto clapped his hands together in glee.

“Bella bella, you are soo good to me Keven, Grazie.“ he said turning to Mel “Did you know, Craggin Moore Grows da best produce around?” he said with an exaggerated nod, Mel smiled warmly nodding in agreement.

“Oh, Yes Sir... Matter of fact, I helped harvest this produce early this morning. And you know what?” my Mousey asked grinning widely. Roberto beamed nodding for her to continue.

“It was the most fun I've ever had!” she finished with a giggle causing the chef to slap his knee in laughter.

“Eh, Keven You gotta good Mousey here.” he declared, the lapins grinned seeming very pleased with the delivery.

“Hey boss..” Geno said holding up a plump Rutgers Tomato. “Look at da quality of dis tomato!” he rumbled in his baritone voice sounding quite impressed.

“Scusa...” he said to Mel stepping over to one of his chefs taking the fruit and examining it in the sunlight. “...perfecto...” he whispered reaching into his pocket and taking out a butterfly knife quick as a flash he exposed the blade and sliced into the meaty orb. Popping a thick slice into his mouth he passed it to Geno who cut his own slice before passing it to his brother.

Roberto just nodded slowly “Now That... Is howa tomato is suposta taste!” he beamed. Turning his attention to me. “Why you no bring-a me these before?” he asked.

“New variety, actually an old heirloom variety. They have much better flavor and are meatier with fewer seeds I am glad you approve we will have these for another three, maybe four months.” I said

“And your San Marzano's; you can't make good sauce without them, right Dominic?” I asked nudging the gray rabbit standing next to me who nodded with a grunt. Roberto laughed.

“Lighten up, Dominic, you know he's right?”

“True dat, boss. Thanks mista K, youz always come through for us here.” He smiled taking the crate into the kitchen.

“Now. We go inside and-a have coffee. You gotta time, yes?” he asked. I looked at my watch and nodded.

“For you, Roberto, we have time for coffee.” I smiled.

“Bella! Come little missy, we have a cappuccino and biscotti,” He announced leading her into the restaurant kitchen.

Sitting in the empty restaurant, it looked like it was transplanted from the old world, the incredible aromas of classic Italian cuisine was redolent in the air, as we sat at the bar.

“Thank you Roberto, we should be ready in two weeks for your pesto festival, the basil this year is doing really well. And with Mel here to help, things should run smoothly.

“Grazie, your basil makes-a da best -a pesto...” you likea da pesto miss Melinda?” Roberto Pellagreeno asked my mouse.

“Um... I... Believe I do sir. I've only had it once on some I believe was linguine, and it was verry, Verry good.” she smiled as Dominic brought the cappuccinos.

“ Scusa momento.” he smiled and exited to the kitchen a few moments. Mel looked at me

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked concerned, I just patted her paw reassuringly.

A few minutes later Roberto appeared with a small bowl and placed it before My companion, it contained a tasting portion of the house special Pesto spaghettini. Roberto beamed. Mel looked questioningly at me a moment I grinned back.

“Try it my dear, That is the real deal.” I said winking at our host. Mel picked up the bowl in both paws and slowly inhaled the wonderful aroma of the pasta dish. “...Oooh.” she sighed setting the bowl down looking at a grinning Roberto Pellagreeno, who nodded encouragingly. Mel matched his grin as she picked up the fork taking her first bite....

The look on her face said it all. She closed her eyes and sighed. slowly...” Oh, oh, that is Nothing like what I had before... this is.... this is, perfection.” she said clasping her paws to her chest before returning to finish off the sample.

“Thank you mister Pellagreeno, until this moment I never knew just how Wonderful pesto could be, you, good sir, have made my day. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I feel truly blessed to have experienced this.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Grazie.” she said with a nod.

“Ha ha! Prego! It warms my heart that you come inna to Kennie's life. You a good Mousey. You always-a welcome here.” he declared patting her on the shoulder. Snapping his fingers he looked at me as if suddenly remembering something.

“Inavoice!” he looked at me a moment. I nodded with a smile and took it from the clip board handing it to him “Now, you musta bring her here for a dinner.”

Thank you sir, I shall.” I said standing he escorted us through the busy kitchen. “ I will talk with you on Monday. And if you need anything, I am only a phone call away.” I said shaking his hand.

“And That's why I like-a doing business with you.” he laughed as we returned to the skimmer.

“So, what did you think?” I asked my Mousey once we were back in the air.

“That was the best pesto I have ever had in my life! I can't believe he did that?” Mel exclaimed. “And... and he invited me out to dinner! I mean... I've never... I mean, just... wow!” she giggled overwhelmed at the reception she had received.

“Yes, Roberto Pellagreeno has been my customer from just about the beginning. He says loyalty has it's rewards, and whenever he has needed anything, I have been there for him.,. Now all we have left is the for home deliveries and we can go pick up your stuff from the rooming house and perhaps grab lunch unless you would rather head home?” I asked.

“Oh that pesto was sooo yummy!” Mel cooed rubbing her tummy and smacking her lips in delight. “ I could go for a little something I suppose.” she mused.

Reaching into the center console I handed her a ziplock bag.

“What's this?” she asked as she opened the bag and sampling what's inside.

“Kale chips.” I grinned.

“Oh! These are really nice! Did you make these?” she asked.

“This morning when you were changing. They take less than fifteen minutes to whip up and make a nice 'in-flight' snack,”

“Thank you Sir. They are perfect!” she says crunching on the tasty leaves. As we approach our next drop off point the rooftop of a posh high rise. I key my communicator, a few moments later I get an answer.

“You got The Rock God; talk ta me” the booming voice announced.

“Hey Greg, Keven here, making your delivery, can you meet me on the landing pad for pick up?” I ask.

Kev! Yeah man we will be right there, Hey ..Sarah! Delivery time!” I hear him shout to someone in the room “See you soon and thanks!” he says before the line drops.

“Well, he seemed excited.” Mel grinned.

“Yeah, Greg is a musician and doesn't have a lot of time for shopping.” I smile setting down on the landing dock. As we step out, Mel stretches in the sun looking around at the view.

“it's nice for the city, I'm afraid I'm soo spoiled living in the country,” she grins as I hand her the delivery box. A moment later the elevator on the far side of the landing pad dings and out steps Greg Richards, Rock God. And his Vulpine companion Sarah. Both were dressed in tight black leather, Sarah's eyes go wide at seeing Mel. She starts to grin nudging her human.

“Told ya he wouldn't be alone forever!” she taunted as she squeed making a bee line for me.

“Keviiiiie!” she shouts jumping into my arms hugging the stuffing out of me as her leather creeks, I spin her around to help absorb the impact and laugh at her exuberant welcome.

“Helllo Sarah! How has my favorite 'Leather Vixen' been doing?” I chuckle.

“Kevie, you found someone.” she squeed, disengaging from me to meet my Mousey.

“Hiya! I'm Sarah green, also known as Leather Vixen, I am soo glad to meet you.” she exclaimed almost bouncing in place as Mel set down the delivery box and was immediately glomped in a full body hug.

“Eep! Oh Hi yourself! I'm Mel Montserrat, Mr. Morgan's new companion.” Mel squeaked in the vixen's exuberant embrace.

“Oh Mel I can't begin to tell you just how happy I am to meet you, I was soo worried about Kevie here. Losing Bree was soo tragic!” she sniffs holding my Mousey at arms length.

“So I gathered She seemed like a really wonderful morph.” Mel said smiling at the slightly taller vixen.

“Oh she was! And now he has you! She beams “And you are wearing her bracelet! Oh Mel, thank you... The vixen morph sniffs, shaking herself she looks at the box at her feet. “Ooh what do we have this week?” she asks excited as a kit at christmas.

“Hey Greg, how's it going this week?” I ask as we watch our morphs interacting.

“S'all good, some days are more creative than others, ya know, getting ready for the new tour.” He asked looking at my new addition.

“So, got yourself a Mousey this time, huh? How is she? Ya know Sarah is a regular fuck storm, and I really like her energy. Best money I ever spent.” he said nudging me with a grin.

“Can't argue with you there, thanks for sharing her with me.” I said recalling that low point in my life, “That exuberant loving vixen really lifted my spirits.” I said

“S'all cool bro, she really got off on helping you,and really enjoyed her downtime. So, what cha got in the box this week?” He asked grinning at the prospect of garden fresh produce unavailable anywhere.

I took out the fresh sheet handing it to him, he nodded. “Rock on, looks amaze-balls. You wouldn't happen to have any of those kale chips with you, do you?” he asked with a grin. I nodded and reached into the Skimmer and handed him a bag.

“Awesomesauce! Dude, you should Totally sell these, you would make like a fortune! Hey, on the next tour, do you think we could swing some kinda deal for you to like supply us? I know the Band is gonna really dig these.” he asked crunching on the surprisingly healthy snack. “These are like addictive as hell.” he chuckled as we made our way over to our morphs who were getting to know each other.

“Sure, I think we may be able to cover you depending when, and how many stops and how many pounds of them you think you are going to need. We can go over the details next week, yeah?” I ask.

“ Hell yeah thanks! Hey Sar, check these out.” Greg said tossing his companion the bag of kale chips.

“Whatcha got there honey?” she asked taking a crispy leaf out of the bag and crunching it in her muzzle.

“Whoa! What the hell are these?” she asks crunching into three or four more.

“Oh, those are Kale chips, Keven makes them to snack on when we make deliveries, tasty aren't they?” Mel asks the happily snacking Vixen.

“Oh My Gawd, these are Totally Amaze-Balls! I've never had nothing like em. And you said Kevie made these?” she asks my Mousey who beams with pride.

“Yes Ma'am, awesome aren't they?”

“Hell yeah!” she exclaimed once more taking my Mousey in a leather creaking hug..

“Well, they seemed happy.” my Mousey chuckled “You know, I really like Sarah, she is a bit over the top, but she really is sweet.”

“Yes, she is... a few months after I lost Bree... Greg loaned her to me for a weekend. She was very loving, Verry attentive, and incredibly compassionate.” I said remembering my time with her, Mel just looked at me with a soft smile on her muzzle.

“That is wonderful. I am glad she was there for you. Though Greg seems a bit...” Mel paused trying to articulate her feelings.

“A bit of an egotistical heavy metal Rock God?” I supplied. Mel snorted with a nod.

“Yeah, sorry, I'm sure he's nice, he did loan you Sarah after all...” she pointed out.

“True, I guess it's all part of the rock and roll lifestyle. He is just a bit too high energy for me to take in more than small doses. But he's a good customer and loves my kale chips, so he's cool.” I chuckled.

End Part Six

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