FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 9: Interim Governor

Rita waved Heather over to their table as the red squirrel entered the hotel. She sipped

her coffee, satisfied with her speech and the crowd's enthusiastic response. She was going to

enjoy having so many adoring fans. And won't they be even more impressed when they see

how much better the city can be under my direction? They might even ask Rita to remain

Governor for life. She would refuse, of course, but she expected they'd be writing books about

her astute decision making for centuries to come. She just needed to determine what those

decisions were actually going to be.

Heather climbed into her seat and took a grateful gulp of her own coffee.

"That went well, I think," Rita remarked conversationally.

Heather nodded, not making eye contact.

"I hope the prey return soon so that we can begin to put things right," Rita went on. "How

did they get out of the city by the way?"

"The officer yesterday said something about tunnels," Heather murmured. She still kept

her eyes on the table.

"Is something the matter, Dear?" Rita asked in her best concerned tone.

The squirrel glanced up at her embarrassedly, "I'm sorry about last night, Your Grace."

Rita waved her hand dismissively, "Don't concern yourself, Dear. We've all had too

much to drink, and it was no trouble at all. You were comfortable, I hope."

Heather nodded again.

"What else did Terrance have to say?" Rita inquired.

The gray fox member of City Council had been the one to alert the media, and he had

turned up at the door to Rita's room with the hotel skunk to notify her that she needed to

address the city less than an hour ago. Rita had only had time to brush her fur, and she was

peeved that she hadn't been able to purchase appropriate attire before her speech. However,

she appreciated that the tod had passed the story of her heroism on to the television and

newspaper outlets. She suspected there would be requests for interviews soon to follow, and

she had already decided to only grant an interview to the most watched station, channel 5. This

likely meant being interviewed by Ferdinand Gamboa, but despite her dislike for the bloated

feline, Rita was looking forward to the interview. She was looking forward to making the

squeamish cat squirm.

"He said the roads are back open," Heather replied. "And he's having the Mayor's office

prepared for you. I told him about your other requests, and he said he'd get on it."

Rita gave Heather a warm smile, "Thank you, Dear. I'm looking forward to getting to

work addressing all of Maplesburg's pressing issues. However, I would like to purchase some

appropriate attire before I meet more of my subjects."

"We can head to the mall right after breakfast, Your Grace," Heather replied. "Though

I'm sure no one thinks less of you after all you've done and been through, and your fur is lovely

too."

Rita smiled at the squirrel coyly, "Thank you for saying so, Dear," she teased.

Heather seemed flustered and looked to her coffee, taking a sip to hide her

embarrassment. Rita held back a giggle and sipped her own coffee, pleased with the response

she had elicited. Many people found foxes alluring, and it seemed Heather may have been one

of them.

Rita had a soft-boiled egg with ham while Heather had scrambled eggs and toast, and

then they took a cab to the mall. At the mall, Rita was fitted for four dresses: one they had

tailored immediately and the others to be delivered to the hotel. Once Rita was arrayed in her

regal new gown, they made their way to City Hall. The gown was full length and satiny black

with black lace decorating the bottom half and lining the arm holes of the sleeveless crew top.

Rita also purchased a gold necklace with an oval gold and onyx pendant, a shiny black clutch,

and a set of lacy black handkerchiefs. Altogether, the clothes and other items cost a tidy sum,

but appearances were of utmost importance.

The gray fox, Terrance, greeted them as they entered City Hall. Rita was pleased to see

the cultist's encampment had been cleared away, and one of the high-backed maple chairs from

the Council Chamber had been placed on the back wall underneath the Vulpinevan flag, which

was an orange rectangle on top of a black rectangle with the very triangular, stylized head of a

crown-wearing fox in the center. The pink marble dais, indigo carpet, and Vulpinevan seal were

still lacking, but Rita was confident they would be in place soon.

"That was a wonderful speech this morning, Your Grace," Terrance greeted her. "Truly

inspiring."

Rita smiled indulgently, "Thank you, Terrance. I'm impressed with how diligent you've

been in preparing everything for my reign. Once I've settled in, I'll be ready to take charge. Have

you gone about soliciting applicants for my attendants?"

The gray fox nodded, "I posted the openings on our website and asked the news

stations to mention it. When will you be ready to meet with City Council? We need to discuss

which of the Mayor's duties you'll take on and which you want us to handle."

"Right after I've seen my office is fine."

"I'll show you there," Terrance offered.

"I know where it is," Rita replied.

"Do you want me to come with you, Your Grace?" Heather asked.

Rita gave a quick shake of her head, "I'll meet you in the Council Chamber in just a few

minutes."

Rita took the left marble staircase up to the second floor where the Mayor's office was

located, but instead of heading directly there, she went to the office she and Judith had

occupied. The office had not yet been cleared, and their bedrolls remained strewn out on the

floor. Rita went to the wolf's tan backpack and collected the handcuffs the wolf had used to lock

her to the chair. Rummaging through, she also found a folding knife, which would have been a

small pocket knife for the wolf but was a formidable blade in Rita's hand. She slipped the latter

into her clutch and made her way to the Mayor's office.

The Mayor's office had been cleared of the puma's things, including the cage Rita had

been held in though Rita found what she suspected was the key to said cage in the desk

drawer. She deposited the handcuffs and their keys in the drawer and then proceeded to the

Council Chamber. Inside, the remaining members of City Council were already in their seats

with Heather in the center. While the bodies had been removed, Rita noted dried blood in the

cracks between many of the floorboards and bullet holes in the desk and walls. She particularly

noticed the one in front of Heather's seat, near where Rita had been hiding. Rita trotted down to

the bottom of the tiered room but stopped in front of the long, curved desk.

Heather motioned to an empty seat on her right, "Please have a seat, Your Grace.

There's a lot to discuss."

"Not so much, I should think," Rita replied. "Aside from preparing for the election, I shall

be taking complete control."

The black chihuahua frowned from his seat beside the long-furred brown tabby on the

left end of the desk, "You want all of the Mayor's duties?"

Rita shook her head, "You've misunderstood me, Dear. I won't serve as Mayor. If I'm to

take charge, then I'm taking charge of everything. It's much easier that way; I'll run things until

you're ready to reinstate the elected government. I may come to you for advice, but I think I can

handle things more smoothly on my own."

The stoat, seated on the right end of the desk, piped up nervously, "That, that's not how

it works! One person can't run everything!"

"If you wish, I shall return to my estate," Rita rejoined matter-of-factly. "But I wonder how

much confidence your depleted council will inspire if you oust the person who single-handedly

removed the terrorists who held your city hostage. Maplesburg needs strong leadership now; I'll

not negotiate. This is a temporary arrangement, but it's the only one I'll agree to."

The City Council members exchanged worried glances, and Rita thought they might

decide to send her home after all. Eventually, the other members' eyes all rested on Heather,

silently begging her to make a decision. The red squirrel glanced at each of her colleagues

uncomfortably, reluctant to shoulder the burden of this decision herself. She turned back to Rita,

who smiled at her reassuringly.

"A-alright, Your Grace. It is only temporary, as you say," Heather answered reluctantly.

Rita grinned toothily, "Meeting adjourned then. Send the applicants to my office, and

once I've selected the attendants I need, I'll schedule public court in my throne room. Let the

citizens know to bring their concerns to me, and let me know of any other concerns that arise."

Rita returned to her office. A short while later, Heather visited; the squirrel peeked

around the door nervously, and Rita waved her in.

"Is there something you need, Dear?" Rita queried.

Heather crept through the door and carefully closed it behind her. She looked up at Rita,

who was seated at her desk, worriedly, "I, um, I didn't expect that, Your Grace. Why didn't you

tell me that's what you had planned? That you wanted to, to take control?"

"I'm sorry, Dear. I suppose I should have mentioned it," Rita replied in a sincere tone. "I

did say I wanted to be Interim Governor. I could have detailed what I meant by that."

"A-are you sure, Your Grace? We'd be honored to work with you; you don't have to do

this alone," Heather phrased it as a suggestion, but Rita could tell the red squirrel was

uncomfortable with turning over the city to her.

"It will be simpler with me alone," Rita reiterated. "However," she gave the squirrel what

she intended as a reassuring smile. "I wouldn't be opposed to an advisor if you'd care for the

position."

A look of relief instantly washed over Heather's visage, "Thank you, Your Grace. I'd be

honored to assist you."

"Excellent! I have been enjoying our time together. I think we shall be an effective team!"

Rita chirped.

Heather nodded slowly. "Um, Your Grace? I know you're busy with hiring your own

attendants, but we lost over a dozen officers this past week. Would you like me to handle

hiring? I'll work with Chief Schulz, and-"

"No, I would like to pick them as well," Rita cut her off. "Send any applicants my way."

"O-okay, Your Grace. I was also thinking about how the prey are going to return. I think

we could provide some type of public transport to help accelerate their return."

"Good idea. You may handle that. Is there anything else?"

Heather shook her head, "Not at the moment."

"See you later then. Shall we have dinner again this evening?"

"Um, if you want to, Your Grace."

"I'll see you at six then. We'll leave from here."

Heather nodded and exited the office. Rita went back to waiting. Waiting was boring.

She looked through the drawers of the desk but found nothing of interest. Rita began to wish

she'd handcuffed Heather to her chair so that she would have had someone to talk to. Finally,

after the long hand had twice traversed the sunny landscape of the clock face, the handle on the

office door turned. Rita sat up expectantly, perking her triangular ears, but she almost fell out of

the rolling desk chair when a puma pushed through the door.

Rita's heart leapt into her throat, and her stomach reeled in horror. "Y-you're dead!" she

gasped. "I checked! You're dead!"

The puma halted and stared at Rita in confusion. Slowly, she raised her hand to her

neck to feel her own pulse. "Still alive," she growled. "Isn't this the right office? They said four

doors down to the left. I'm here for the job interview, for Her Grace's valet?"

Rita's ears burned red hot with embarrassment. A different puma, female, she scolded

herself. She was even wearing a knee-length pleated black skirt, in addition, she was

significantly smaller than the enormous cult leader had been though she was still ten times

Rita's size and nearly four times her height. The cat towered over Rita's desk as she stepped

into the room. Rita realized she didn't have a seat to offer her and wished someone had left the

one Joshua had used.

Pushing aside her shock and embarrassment, Rita addressed the puma in a confident

tone, "This is the correct place. I apologize for my outburst. I mistook you for someone else."

"Someone dead, apparently," the puma rumbled amusedly. "The position is still open,

isn't it?"

"It is," Rita stated. "Do you have experience as a valet?"

"If you consider raising three cubs experience, then yes. I also worked as a security

guard at Maplesburg Community Capital Bank until recently."

"What ended your employment there?"

"I was terminated for doing my job," the puma replied dryly. "They said to defend the

vault; well, that weasel didn't get in. They didn't say not to put thieves in a body cast, but I guess

I should have been more careful. Everything's a lawsuit these days."

"That's true," Rita agreed. "Are you committed to remaining in Maplesburg, or are you

looking for long-term employment?"

"I want to stay in Maplesburg. I have three cubs, like I said. Their school and friends are

here. I'd rather not up-root them, but I hoped if you gave me the job, a reference from the

Duchess would override the poor one from MCCB."

"Very understandable. I'll review your résumé and let you know in a day or two. I'm

desperately in need of attendants at the moment."

"Is that all?"

"One more thing, if, not that this would ever happen, but if for some reason there were a

conflict between myself and City Council, would you side with me or your elected

representatives?"

The puma stared at Rita a second, studying her with pale yellow eyes. "Who's paying my

salary?" she growled.

"Me, of course," Rita answered.

The puma bowed, "Then I am at your service, Your Grace."

Rita smiled, "Very good. I'll let you know if you're hired tomorrow or the next day. Thank

you for your time, er." Rita blinked, "Sorry, what was your name, Dear?"

The puma smirked, "I don't believe I told you. My name's Felicia Burbank."

"Alright, talk to you soon, Felicia."

"Have a good afternoon, Your Grace." The puma turned and stalked back out of the

office.

Rita wasn't certain she wanted a big cat as her valet after her recent experiences, but on

the other hand, she would hardly need additional bodyguards with the puma by her side. Rita

started up the desktop computer that had been left on her desk to find the puma's résumé but

quickly realized no one had told her how to sign into the network. She went to find Heather.

By the end of the workday, Rita had interviewed several more potential servants, a few

who seemed promising. She read through their résumés and phoned their references. She

decided to hire a long-furred silver tabby named Miguel as a general attendant and a badger

named Franz as a bodyguard. The dog she spoke to at Maplesburg Community Capital Bank

strongly warned her against hiring the puma, but when Rita had inquired whether there had

been other incidents, the dog didn't offer anything else, only reiterating that the puma was

"dangerous" and had "nearly crushed [the weasel she'd apprehended] to death". The warning

didn't have the intended effect; as far as Rita was concerned a valet/bodyguard who wouldn't

hold back when defending her charge was just what she was looking for. She decided to hire

the puma as well.

Heather arrived at a quarter past six, quickly pushing her way through the door, "Sorry

I'm late, Your Grace!"

"Don't concern yourself, Dear. Shall we dine at the hotel, or is there somewhere else

you'd like to eat?"

"Do you like sushi?" Heather asked. "There's a nice Japanese restaurant a couple

blocks away."

Rita didn't often eat Asian food, as Gustav was no expert in these cuisines, but she

agreed anyway. They walked side-by-side between the downtown high-rises with the early

September sun dipping below the concrete towers on their left. They met several other

pedestrians on their way, nearly all who recognized Rita, and were obliged to stop and

exchange niceties. All were predators, and all thanked Rita profusely for her heroism. Rita

basked in the praise and suggested to a few she particularly liked that they might visit her court

in the coming days where they could chat more. However, these exchanges also delayed them,

and Rita was famished by the time they arrived at the restaurant.

The restaurant had a green neon sign in the window that read 'Neko Neko'. Inside, the

walls were also a pale green while the floor was a dark wood and the tables were black with

black-cushioned chairs. There was a glass-fronted bar on the right side as they came in, and a

white cat in a chef's coat was preparing sushi rolls behind the glass.

A black cat approached them at the door, "Welcome to Neko Neko!" he meowed. "Table

for two?"

Heather nodded, and he led them to a table with two chairs on the left wall, leaving them

two menus. Rita quickly scanned the single page and flipped it over to scan the back. The back

was blank, so she returned to the front. Along with various noodle soups, there was a confusing

number of different rolls, both classic and inside-out. Rita had a hard time distinguishing

between them, in no small part because she didn't recognize a number of the ingredients.

"What would you recommend?" Rita queried.

Heather looked up from her menu curiously, "I don't know. Do you like fish?"

Rita shrugged, "On occasion."

"Okay, well, if you don't like it much, you could try some ramen. I hear the pork belly is

good. I only eat fish, personally, but friends have told me."

"I would like to sample some of the sushi," Rita replied. "But I'll take your

recommendation on the soup."

Heather pointed to a roll on Rita's menu, "Try this tuna roll. I'll get a couple others, and

we can share."

Once their waiter--another cat, this one ginger--had taken their orders, Rita asked

Heather how things were going with returning the prey to the city.

"It's a bit hectic," Heather answered. "We have every metro bus and school bus in the

city getting ready to go. The problem is we don't actually know where. We might have to wait

until the first few return before we'll know where to send them. I tried calling some of my friends,

but they didn't answer."

"Oh dear, I hope they're alright."

Heather nodded worriedly, "So do I."

"How about the new officers?" Rita changed the subject. "Have you been in contact with

the chief of police regarding recruiting?"

"Yeah, she wanted to talk with you. I said you'd probably be available tomorrow. I

noticed your schedule filled up pretty quickly this afternoon."

Rita cocked her head questioningly, "Was there a schedule? I noticed the applicants

seemed organized, but I thought perhaps they worked that out among themselves."

Heather flicked her bushy tail, which stood in a question mark behind her head, "Oh, uh,

I guess I should have shown you that too when I logged you into the network. Someone set up a

schedule for you. Maybe it was Terrance. He was screening the applicants before they went to

you. I hope that was alright," she replied concernedly.

"Quite alright. I found the servants I need. I'll have to thank Terrance again for all his

help when I see him. As for the chief of police, I wanted to speak with her anyway."

Heather smiled, relieved, "I'm glad we could be of assistance, Your Grace."

Rita returned a friendly smile, "Of course. I'm pleased you've been so accommodating. I

noticed the throne room is almost ready as well. I could get used to having such an efficient

bunch of ser-" she stopped short and corrected herself. "Of helpers."

"We're grateful for your help too, Your Grace. After all, we all want the same thing, to put

Maplesburg right after this week of terror."

Their food arrived before long. Rita sampled each of the rolls and found she didn't much

enjoy the tuna roll or the other one with fish that Heather had ordered. She liked the third roll,

which contained avocado, asparagus, and squash tempura, better, but what she really enjoyed

was the pork belly ramen. When they were finished the ginger cat returned with the bill. Rita

lifted her left hand without even glancing at the sum, but Heather interrupted her.

"I'll handle it tonight, Your Grace."

Rita glanced at the red squirrel, "It's no problem, Dear. I can afford it."

"I can afford it too, and it's my turn," Heather returned. "If we're working together, I don't

want everything to be one-sided."

Rita lowered her hand and shrugged, "If that's what you want, Dear."

The cat scanned Heather's left hand then collected their empty plates and bowl. Rita led

the way to the door and stopped to let Heather catch up beside her as she stepped out onto the

sidewalk.

"Shall we make our way back to the hotel?" Rita queried.

"My car's at City Hall, but I can drop you off on the way if you're not sure how to get

there," Heather replied.

"I think I do, but if you like, there's still a bed available. You can go home and get your

things and come back. I'll wait up for you."

Heather looked up at her embarrassedly, "I, uh, don't know if that's appropriate, Your

Grace. I-"

"I wasn't suggesting anything untoward!" Rita interjected.

Heather quickly replied, "N-no, that's not what I meant! It's just that I, um, don't want to

overstay your hospitality."

"No need to worry about that, Dear. I enjoy having you around. Besides, I'm not

accustomed to solitude. I would appreciate your company."

Heather flicked her tail and stared up at Rita conflictedly for a few seconds. "I, um, you

really just want some company?"

Rita bobbed her head once, "Just that."

Heather hesitated another moment, "I suppose if you'd be lonely otherwise, I-"

"I'll be alright if you don't want to."

"No, um, it's alright. It's only a night or two. Then you'll have your attendants to keep you

company."

Rita smiled, "Thank you, Dear."

They made their way back South to the hotel. There were fewer pedestrians about now,

but another pair did recognize Rita and stopped to thank her. Heather left Rita at the hotel, and

Rita went to her room to take a shower while she waited for the squirrel to return. Around an

hour later, there was a light knock on the door, and Rita opened it to reveal Heather dragging a

light blue suitcase.

Rita stood to the side, holding the door, "Come in, Dear. Make yourself at home."

Heather dragged her bag back into the servants' quarters, and Rita followed her.

Heather dropped her bag by the end of the bed and turned to regard Rita warily, "Do you

need something, Your Grace? I guess there's still time if you want to talk before bed."

Rita dropped down onto the bed and patted the space beside her, "Hop up, and I'll give

you a little massage. I'd guess you need one after a stressful day at work."

Heather remained on the floor. "That's not necessary, Your Grace."

"I insist. You need to relax after all that worry, not to mention everything you've been

through the past week."

"Just because I'm prey doesn't mean you can push me around!" Heather shot back

irritably.

Rita put on a hurt expression, "I wouldn't dream of pushing you around, Dear! I only want

to help you relax! You don't need to be embarrassed; it's just a gentle massage between

friends. You can massage me next if that will make you feel better."

Heather hesitated another few seconds then slowly climbed up the sheet onto the bed.

She stood a short distance from Rita, eyeing her reluctantly. Rita leaned over and gently

scooped up the diminutive squirrel, laying her across her lap backside up. Heather squirmed

uncomfortably, but Rita held her with one hand on her lower back and brought the other down to

gently knead Heather's shoulders. Gradually, Rita felt the squirrel's tense little body relax, and

Heather seemed to flatten out on her lap. Rita continued to massage her back, neck, and ears,

and possessive excitement coursed through Rita's chest as she felt the squirrel give in to her

ministrations. Rita slipped one hand under Heather's neck and tenderly massaged her throat.

Her own heart pounding, Rita felt the squirrel's vulnerable pulsing veins. She imagined closing

her hand, squeezing that tiny throat while the squirrel squirmed helplessly. She pulled her hand

away from Heather's throat and petted her head.

"Are you feeling better now, Dear?" Rita crooned.

Heather stirred and turned her head to glance up at Rita, "Yes, Your Grace."

"It's not so bad getting a little massage from a friend then, hmm?"

"No, it's nice. Thank you, Your Grace."

Rita continued to massage the squirrel, and after a few seconds, Heather spoke again.

"You're different from how I imagined, Your Grace."

Rita perked her ears curiously, "How so?"

Heather seemed a bit embarrassed as she went on, "Well, uh, I guess I thought you'd be

aloof, haughty, especially after you wanted a throne room."

"And now you don't think that?"

"I think you want to connect with others more than be above them. I think you're just a

little awkward at doing that appropriately."

Rita paused her massaging, "I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable, Dear."

"It's okay. I, uh, I think your heart is in the right place."

Hands still resting on top of her, Rita studied the red squirrel with growing irritation. It

would please her to make Heather her pet regardless of whether Jason and Ellie were returned

to her. This squirrel took her for an oaf! "Awkward." Inappropriate. "Heart in the right place." This

rodent dared to patronize her! Rita would make her squirm! But not yet! For now, Rita would

tolerate her insolence. For now, she was useful, but eventually, Rita would disabuse Heather of

the notion that she was anything more than her plaything.

Thump thump thump thump! An urgent knock pounded on the door to Rita's room.

Rita shot up, Heather tumbling off of her lap to sprawl on the marble floor. Rita bounded over

the fallen squirrel and hastened to the door to investigate the ensuing angry and frightened

squeaks from the hall. Rita yanked open the door and froze at the sight of the twisting ball of

black, white, dark brown, and pale-yellow fur. The hotel skunk was furiously wrestling with a

terrified Edgar! The skunk pinned Edgar with his hands around the pine marten's neck.

"I told you to get out!" the skunk snarled.

"Release him this instant! That's my servant!" Rita barked.

The skunk jerked his gaze toward her, staring in baffled shock, "Y-Your Grace? Y-you

said you didn't have any attendants."

"And now I do! Release him immediately!"

The skunk hastily got up and helped pull Edgar to his feet, "Er, s-sorry, Sir, I, um," he

stopped trying to apologize as Edgar, ignoring him, threw himself at Rita with a sob.

Rita caught the pine marten, and he hugged her tightly, his chest heaving with continued

wordless sobbing. Rita hugged him to her chest, placing her right hand on his head and

caressing his velvety ears.

"Shh, you're alright now. I've got you," she crooned. Rita looked up at the skunk, "I can

handle things from here. Goodnight, Clyde."

"G-goodnight, Your Grace."

Still holding Edgar close, Rita stepped back into her room and shut the door.

Heather was waiting just inside, and she stared at the pine marten in surprise, "Who's

this?"

"This is Edgar, one of my servants from my estate. He's made his way back to me." Rita

petted his head, and he pressed the side of his muzzle against her chest, letting out a plaintive

little whine. "I'm so glad to see you," she murmured in the pine marten's ear. "I didn't know if

anyone survived, and after losing Wolfgang, Johann, and Boots, I couldn't bear to lose you too."

"I-I'm glad to see you too, Your Grace," Edgar whined. "I was a-afraid that you'd been

killed. I was so relieved when I saw you on tv."

Rita stroked his back with her other hand. "Everything's alright now. Where's Howard?

He escaped with you, didn't he?"

Edgar hesitated, letting out a choke, and Rita understood without him needing to say

more.

"I'm so sorry, Edgar. I know you were friends. I'm glad at least you got away. I hope

others did too."

"E-Ellie and Jason did," Edgar replied quickly. "They helped me get away."

Joyful relief washed over Rita, and she smiled down at the pine marten, "Are they here?

Where are they, Edgar?"

The pine marten looked up at her nervously, "I, I can't tell you, Your Grace. Th-they

wouldn't want that."

Rita frowned, but then she petted Edgar's head again reassuringly. "That's alright,

Edgar. They'll come back to me eventually. I'm glad to know they're alive and to have you back

by my side."

"Well, um," Heather spoke hesitantly, and Rita turned to regard the squirrel curiously. "I,

um, I guess I should go. Your, Edgar will be needing a bed, and it seems you have company

now."

"There's no need for that. Edgar and I can share. I'd be a poor host to throw you out

now," Rita corrected.

Heather gave them a funny look, "Er, maybe it's better if I give you some privacy."

"I won't force you to stay if you feel uncomfortable," Rita replied.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Heather hurried to her room and quickly reemerged pulling her

light blue suitcase. "Goodnight, Your Grace. See you tomorrow."

Rita watched her as she hastened out the door then looked back to Edgar. "She's a bit

skittish. Still, I think the two of you will learn to get along. Have you had anything for dinner,

Edgar?"

Edgar shook his head.

"I'll order something to be brought up. Why don't you take a quick shower, and then you

can tell me all about how you, Jason, and Ellie escaped the cultists."

Edgar nodded, and Rita let him go, directing him toward the bathroom. She ordered

Edgar a grilled chicken filet with green beans and watched him eat while he told her about his

escape. Edgar was guarded about where they had gone, only stating that Ellie and Jason had

taken care of him and treated him like a friend. He ashamedly admitted that he had stolen Ellie's

car to return to her, but Rita dismissed his concerns. The rabbit wouldn't need a car when she

was back with her rightful owner. Rita wanted to press Edgar to tell her where the cat and rabbit

actually were, but she recognized that he felt it would be a betrayal of trust to do so. It didn't

really matter: Ellie and Jason would be returned to her before long. Unless they fled Vulpineva

entirely, they couldn't hide forever, and now Rita knew they weren't so far away, a day's drive,

maybe. She would have the police look for them; they were fugitives after all. When all of this

was over, she'd take them and Heather back to her estate, and she'd live happily ever after with

her reluctant pets.

"I suppose it's time for bed," Rita remarked when Edgar had finished. "There's quite a lot

to be done setting Maplesburg in order, and it's up to me to see it's done properly."

"M-may I still sleep with you, Your Grace?" Edgar asked timidly.

"Of course, Dear. I rather liked having someone to curl up with."

Rita pulled back the covers and climbed into bed turning onto her side to face the pine

marten. Edgar scrambled up and lay next to her with his nose to her chest and curled up his

legs against her belly. Rita curled herself around him and pulled him close with her right arm

reaching under his neck and holding the back of his head. Edgar reached his snout up to nuzzle

her under the jaw and let out a happy little squeak of a sigh. Rita sighed too; it was good to have

one of her faithful servants back by her side. As much as she enjoyed the challenge of reeling in

fresh quarry, the satisfaction of holding onto those who already worshiped her wasn't to be

discounted. Soon she'd have more faithful supplicants, an entire city full, perhaps. No longer the

distant Duchess, she'd be the Queen of her own little kingdom. Old Frederick might even get a

little jealous. Rita smirked at the idea. The King already adored her, but to have him wrapped

around her paw would be truly delightful. She stroked Edgar's back as he drifted to sleep and

contemplated all of the fun she'd have in the coming days.

* * *

The next morning, Rita was pleased to find her throne room completed. She left Edgar in

her office and went to thank Terrance for all his help. The gray fox looked up with a surprised

expression that transformed into delight as Rita trotted into his office.

"Your Grace! I hope everything is to your satisfaction!" he chirped.

Rita stopped a short distance from his desk and nodded, "It is indeed. As were the

applicants you screened for my attendants. I wanted to thank you for all your assistance

yesterday."

Terrance grinned, "It was an honor, Your Grace. You found who you needed then?"

"I did. I'll soon be ready to hold court. Ms. Fletcher informed me that you've been

managing my schedule. I should like to have access to that as well."

Terrance nodded amiably, "Of course, Your Grace. Step around, and I'll show you."

Rita trotted around the desk to stand beside the smaller gray fox. Standing, he would

have been half a head shorter than her and was perhaps three-quarters her weight. Curiously,

Rita noticed that he wore an oversized gray jacket that covered to mid-thigh even as he sat in

the rolling desk chair. Rita turned her attention to the desktop computer as Terrance gave her

an overview of the system. Once she was confident she could navigate herself, she gave him a

final nod and turned to go.

"Thank you again, Terrance. I see that the chief of police will be visiting me soon, so I'll

let you get back to work. Perhaps you'd like to join me this evening for dinner, so I may thank

you properly."

Terrance smiled, "That sounds delightful, Your Grace. May I bring my wife? I'll never

hear the end of it if she doesn't get to meet you too."

"The more the merrier! Bring your kids if you have them!"

"No kids, but thank you, Your Grace. I'll let my wife know. Where should we meet you?"

"The hotel's fare is quite satisfactory unless you wish to meet elsewhere."

"The hotel works for me. Around six?"

Rita nodded, "I'll see the two of you then."

Rita returned to her office and sent Edgar to fetch her a cup of coffee, and before long,

the chief of police, Lily Schulz, pushed her way through her door.

"I'm pleased to see you survived the cultists' raid,'' Rita chirped as the characteristically

surly bobcat tromped up to her desk.

"So did you," the bobcat growled. She didn't sound altogether pleased, but she never

did.

"It would have been a pity to have to replace you," Rita returned. "Sadly, many of your

colleagues weren't so fortunate. I'll be selecting their replacements. I expect you to have them

ready for duty as quickly as possible."

"The officers I have can handle things for now," the bobcat growled.

"I'm sure they can," Rita replied indulgently. "But one never knows what might happen.

After such turmoil, I shouldn't be surprised if further unrest rears its head. We need to be

prepared."

The bobcat narrowed her amber eyes dangerously, "Are you planning something?" she

growled softly.

"'Are you planning something, Your Grace?'" Rita scolded. "Don't forget who you're

speaking to." Rita was more annoyed that she didn't have an answer than that the bobcat had

neglected to use her title, but she didn't want to admit she had no definite plans. She was still

waiting for a spark of inspiration and hoped it would come soon.

The bobcat growled low but didn't reiterate her question. "I'll do what I can."

"That's all I ask for," Rita replied cheerfully. "By the way, there's something else I need

you to take care of. My pets have gone missing, and I should like them returned to me. I

assume you know who I'm referring to."

The bobcat growled, "Are you sure they're still alive?"

"Edgar confirmed as much. I expect they'd find their way back to me eventually, but if

you happen to see them, send them my way."

"Do you want me to issue a warrant?"

"Nothing so drastic yet. Let your officers know I wish to speak with them. I'll handle

things from there."

The bobcat hesitated a moment before growling again, "Why'd you let them live?"

Rita smiled amusedly, "They're rather a winning pair if you get to know them. You're

welcome to visit once we've returned to the estate."

The bobcat's grimace told Rita she wouldn't be likely to take her up on that offer, but she

nodded slightly. "If that's all, I have work to do," she grumbled.

"One more thing: I noticed one of your officers, a ginger feline, seemed to have some

suspicions as to my involvement with the inspectors' disappearance. How do you suppose she

came to that conclusion?"

The bobcat narrowed her eyes, "I didn't say anything to her if that's what you're asking."

"Someone may have. If she's going to be a problem-"

"She won't be," the bobcat cut her off sharply.

Rita studied the surly cat for a few moments, "I have your assurance on that?"

She nodded, "I'll take care of her."

Rita smiled, "Thank you, Officer. As always, I'm glad I selected you for chief. You may

go now."

The bobcat bowed slightly and left without a word. She almost collided with Edgar as

she stepped out the door, causing him to jump back. He cowered under her glare then hurried

into the office when she turned away. Edgar quickly placed the cup of coffee on Rita's desk, and

she gave him a reassuring smile. Things were shaping up just as she'd hoped.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Rita contacted the puma, silver tabby, and badger

and asked whether they could start tomorrow. The tabby and badger responded that they would

need a few days, but Rita told them she'd contact their employers and have things expedited.

The puma was ready to start right away.

At five, Rita returned to the hotel and found that her other dresses had been delivered.

She changed into a sleeveless, midnight blue velvet gown. Edgar had nothing to wear, and Rita

left him in her room as she descended to the dining area. A few minutes after six, Terrance led

his wife in through the tall front doors, and Rita waved them over. Terrance was still dressed in

his oversized jacket while his wife, who was slightly taller, wore a pink cocktail dress with

spaghetti straps. They stopped beside the square oak table.

"This is my wife Sylvia," Terrance introduced the gray vixen.

Rita gave the vixen her best winning smile, "Please to meet you, Sylvia."

Sylvia performed a quick, somewhat embarrassed curtsy, "It's an honor, Your Grace!

Terrance has told me about how you saved the city. I wish I could be as brave as you! I didn't

know what to do when Terrance was captured, but you rescued him and all of us!"

"I only did what any vixen would have done, kept my wits about me and took advantage

where I could. I'm sure you would have managed in my place," Rita replied as humbly as she

could. "Or even your husband, had he been in my place. I think I can say as much among fellow

foxes: we're a wily bunch, easily a match for dull dogs or arrogant cats in most circumstances."

The gray foxes exchanged a quick amused glance.

"As you say, Your Grace," Terrance replied good-humoredly.

They took their seats with Terrance sitting across from Rita and Sylvia sitting on her left.

Rita had already ordered a bottle of merlot and served the two gray foxes whilst they looked

over the menu. Once the hotel skunk had taken their orders, Rita turned their conversation to

other aspects of recent events.

"The cultists, or terrorists as the news calls them, were a curious lot," Rita expounded

conversationally. "They were absolutely convinced that prey are oppressing predators simply by

denying them the right to consume them."

"They were maniacs," Terrance responded darkly. "They forced us to eat prey too. Only

Heather and the Mayor resisted, and then they ate the Mayor too. I don't know how Heather is

still sane; she must have a constitution of steel."

"She is quite an impressive squirrel," Rita agreed. "What did you think of the cultists'

thesis though? I personally had a difficult time evaluating its validity. I'm afraid I'm a bit cut off

from the struggles of the common folk on my estate. Have you ever felt prey take unfair

advantage of their numbers?"

Terrance frowned, and Sylvia looked disturbed. "I haven't ever felt that way, Your

Grace," he answered awkwardly. "There are more prey certainly, but that didn't prevent me or

the other predators on the Council from being elected. I think most people look past that."

"Would you say the opposite is true? Ms. Fletcher seemed convinced that prey are the

victims of discrimination, at least in the workplace."

"She would know better than me," Terrance replied. "I suppose species-based

discrimination is illegal for a reason, but I'd like to hope it's not too common. I know how hard it

can be to get others to look past your physical appearance."

Rita cocked her head to the side curiously, "Do you? I wouldn't think a handsome tod

such as yourself would have an issue. There isn't some bigotry against foxes I wasn't aware of,

is there?"

"Er, no, Your Grace. It's not that," Terrance replied awkwardly. He exchanged an

uncertain glance with his wife who gave him a nod of encouragement. He turned to Rita

hesitantly, "I was assigned female at birth, Your Grace."

"Oh!" Rita yelped in surprise. Terrance flinched, and Rita quickly composed herself.

"Sorry, Dear, I wouldn't have guessed is all. You do make a handsome tod."

"He's the most handsome tod in Vulpineva," Sylvia stated, placing her hand on top of her

husband's.

"Don't tell that to Count Dubois," Rita quipped.

Terrance let out a snort of laughter, and Rita was glad to feel the tension of her blunder

diffuse somewhat.

Rita gave a little cough, "Hem, as I was getting at before, the cultists had a rather odd

view of things. As you say, predators can still get elected, but perhaps there are other ways in

which their freedoms are limited. Not in eating prey of course--that's barbaric--but there is a

terrible amount of training predators have to go through. Do you find any of that limiting or

excessive?"

"Certainly not!" Sylvia declared. "It's necessary!"

"I tend to agree with my wife," Terrance added. "Maybe it is excessive for some

predators, but if anything, recent events show we need more training, not less."

"I shall endeavor to devise some additional exercises then," Rita decided. "I myself have

recently found that developing an intimacy with particular prey bolsters one's regard for the

class in general."

Terrance looked at her curiously, "What do you have in mind, Your Grace?"

"I haven't worked out the particulars, but I'll discuss it with you and Ms. Fletcher when

I've decided," Rita replied airily.

Terrance nodded, "I look forward to seeing what you come up with, Your Grace."

The skunk returned with their meals. Rita had ordered the filet mignon, which was in fact

no different from any other filet of lab-grown beef. Rita assumed the hotel retained the outdated

terminology out of some absurd sense of cachet. Terrance had ordered roasted chicken, and

Sylvia had ordered salmon.

"You did say you had the opportunity to sample real meat, didn't you, Terrance?" Rita

queried conversationally once they had all had a few minutes to begin eating.

Terrance set down his fork and swallowed, looking disturbed and a little ill. "I wouldn't

call it an 'opportunity', Your Grace. I'll be having nightmares about it the rest of my life."

Sylvia grasped his hand, and he looked at her gratefully.

"Not many predators these days have tasted it though," Rita pressed. "I found it rather

interesting, nothing worth dying over but different in a not unpleasant way. It had a bit of an

herbal taste, didn't you think?"

Sylvia stared at her, aghast.

Terrance looked nauseous and regarded his dinner unhappily. "Maybe I should have

ordered something vegetarian," he murmured.

"Dear me! I didn't mean to put you off your food!" Rita exclaimed contritely. "Let me

change the subject. How do you like the wine? Would you like some more?" Not waiting for an

answer, she topped off his glass.

Terrance took a heavy gulp. "The first day it was some poor opossum. They murdered

her right in front of us. I didn't even realize they were considered prey with their fangs. I'd never

seen someone killed before. They, they just snapped her neck." His visage took on a queasy

look again, and then he took another gulp of wine.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Rita responded sympathetically. "I understand it's

hard for some people."

"I, I'm glad you didn't have to see it, Your Grace," Terrance murmured hauntedly.

"Oh, I've seen worse. I had to kill my prey myself, actually, and I had to finish off one or

two cultists. One does what one must when it comes down to it."

Both gray foxes stared at her in horror. "Th-they forced you to murder prey!?" Sylvia

choked.

Rita regarded the horrified foxes placidly as she considered the correct response.

However, before she could offer the proper expression of regret, Sylvia leapt up and wrapped

her arms around Rita's shoulders in a tight hug.

"I, I can't even imagine," the gray vixen murmured sympathetically. "You poor thing.

You're even braver than I thought."

Rita hugged her back and gave what she hoped was a tearful sounding sniff. "Thank

you, Dear."

Sylvia hugged her several more seconds before letting her go. The gray fox looked a bit

embarrassed as she broke away, but Rita gave her a reassuring smile. Sylvia returned to her

seat.

"If you ever need to talk about it, I'm always available, Your Grace," Terrance put in

sympathetically.

Rita nodded and was glad to leave it at that. For the remainder of the dinner, she turned

the conversation to lighter topics until Terrance and Sylvia decided it was time to go.

"We'd best be getting home," Terrance commented.

Sylvia nodded in agreement, "It was an honor to meet you, Your Grace."

"It was a pleasure for me as well. We must have dinner again sometime," Rita

responded.

She and the other foxes stood. Sylvia gave her another hug, which Rita accepted

graciously.

"See you tomorrow, Your Grace," Terrance chirped.

Rita bobbed her head in acknowledgement. "Have a safe trip home."

The gray foxes turned and trotted to the door, arm-in-arm. Rita watched them go, and

her eyes drifted down to the end of Terrance's long coat where his bushy black-tipped tail

emerged and bounced behind him along the tile floor. I suppose it covers her-. His! Rita pushed

the thought aside; what the tod's jacket concealed was none of her business. What was

important was that he seemed prepared to assist her in whatever decisions she made, so long

as they didn't go too far. It was important to understand the sensibilities of those she was

compelled to work with, and Rita now understood that the tod, and likely his predator

colleagues, held no resentment toward prey. Everything would need to be framed within that

sentiment, as upholding the interests of predators and prey alike. Rita didn't suppose it would be

too challenging.

She returned to her room and found Edgar waiting patiently. She didn't see any sign that

he'd ordered room service.

"Have you eaten?" she queried.

He shook his head.

"Go ahead and order what you like. I'll be in the shower."

"M-may I join you, Your Grace?" Edgar asked hopefully.

"No, I don't think so," Rita decided. "Eat and then take your own shower. You may take

the bed in the servant's quarters tonight."

"Yes, Your Grace," Edgar murmured.

Rita turned and trotted to the bathroom to prepare for bed. She knew the pine marten

was disappointed at her denial, and that was appropriate. It simply wouldn't do to let her servant

get complacent, to think she owed him her time or caresses. She'd been grateful for his return,

but now, he was her servant again. They weren't a couple and never would be.

As Rita curled up alone in the comfortable bed at the end of the day, she contemplated

her plan for the citizens of Maplesburg. She had grown in respect for her rabbit pet over the

course of their cohabitation. Mightn't a similar arrangement of cohabitation foster greater

respect between the predators and prey of Maplesburg? Prey would learn to trust their predator

neighbors, and predators would see that prey could handle themselves. With this greater sense

of respect and intimacy, such foolish notions of unfairness and oppression wouldn't take root. It

would be her own little experiment, and if it went well, Philip would be certain to be impressed.

Rita smirked at the irony that she might be the architect of such a reform. She would become

above reproach, and the horror of her next prey victim would taste all the sweeter with that

garnish.