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Chapter 17: Panic

Jason watched in horror as the police cruiser carrying Ellie disappeared down the freeway. What should he do?! Should he try to catch them? He could attempt to shoot the swift fox through the window, but Ellie could be killed in the ensuing wreck. Besides, it had been years since he'd fired a gun.

Should he go to Maplesburg and throw himself at the Duchess' mercy? Ellie would be angry he'd given up, but what might the Duchess do to Ellie on her own? He'd been ready to be arrested with her. He'd been more afraid of letting Ellie be taken on her own than of them both being captured, but had that been right?

And what about Katya? She was relying on them. Maybe the way to save Ellie was to expose the Duchess. Then she might be forced to let Ellie go. I don't even know Katya's number. Ellie had been the one communicating with her. Would Jason even be able to get ahold of her? Who can I call? Jason scoured his mind for an answer to who he could ask for help.Fitzie. Katya had mentioned working with Fitzie, and Fitzie was logical. He could help Jason decide what to do. Jason yanked the phone out of his holster and dialed Fitzie's number.

After a few rings Fitzie picked up, "This is Dr. Fitzgerald. How can I help you?"

"Fitzie! It's me! I need your help!" Jason meowed frantically.

WHUMP!

Jason jumped at the sudden noise. "Fitzie?" he called into his phone nervously. There were several more seconds of silence, but Jason thought he could hear

movement at the other end. "Fitzie?"

"B-Brown?" Fitzie's voice cracked nervously. "I-is that really you?"

"It's me, Fitzie, Jason Brown, your friend. Are you okay? What was that noise?" "B-Brown, I, I didn't think you'd ever call me again," Fitzie spoke hoarsely.

"I wanted to speak with you face-to-face, but there's not time for that now. Ellie's in

trouble!"

"Ellie," Fitzie repeated weakly. "Brown, J-Jason, I'm so sorry."

"I forgive you, Fitzie! That's what I wanted to say to your face! But I need your help first;

we'll talk more later."

"What do you need?" he asked nervously.

"Katya's number. She said she'd been in contact with you. The ginger cat police officer." "Sure, is this your cell phone? I can text it to you," he sounded a little less nervous now. "That works. I also need your advice. Ellie's been arrested. I think they're taking her to

the Duchess. What do-"

WHUMP!

Jason jumped again.

"Sh-shit, oh Zeus, Tartarus, I, Jason, I, I can't help, not with that. I-"

"It's okay! I'm sorry, Fitzie. I don't need you to do anything. Ellie's alright for the

moment."

"B-but you said-"

"I don't think the Duchess will hurt her. I don't know, but she'll probably be happy to get her back."

"B-but she's, she murders prey, Jason. I, I thought she'd murdered you. I thought," Fitzie paused and sobbed heavily. "I thought I left you to die," he choked.

"I forgive you, Fitzie," Jason repeated. "Ellie wants to forgive you too. A lot of things happened when we were with the Duchess. You've probably heard part of it, but the truth is, she seemed to start to like us after a while. She wants to make us live with her, so Ellie will probably be fine for a few days."

"What did you want advice on then?" Fitzie asked nervously.

Jason hesitated. He didn't think Fitzie was in a good state of mind at the moment. It sounded like Jason's call had sent him spiraling back to the day he'd left them for dead. "Actually, I think I should talk to Katya more first, but I'll call again, just to chat. And when I can, I'll stop by. You're still my friend, Fitzie."

"Th-thanks, Brown. I'll send you that number, and, and I'll look forward to talking more." "Alright, thanks, Fitzie. Talk to you soon. Bye."

"Bye, Jason." The other line hung up.

After a minute or so, Jason got Fitzie's text. He added Katya's number to his contacts

and called her.

After several rings, it picked up. "Hello? Who is this?"

"This is Jason Brown."

"Oh, hey, Jason. What's up? Is everything alright?"

"A-actually, it's not alright. It's, Ellie's been arrested. They're taking her to the Duchess." "Shit!" Katya hissed. "Zeus fucking blast me! I knew I shouldn't get you involved! What

are you going to do now? How did you get away?"

"For some reason they didn't want me. I don't understand it, and I don't know what to

do?"

"We have to save her!" Katya declared. "I won't let Ellie die! This can wait!"

"I-I'm not sure she's in any imminent danger," Jason returned quickly. "The Duchess

wants to keep her. I don't know how much Ellie has told you, but the Duchess was more interested in making us her pets than killing us by the time we escaped."

Katya was silent for a second. "Pets? What does that mean? Anyway, that was beforeyour video!"

Katya's reminder sent a surge of fear through him. How would the Duchess react to their public accusations? "Are you already in Wolfsbane?" he asked. "What do you think I should do?"

"I am, but I can come back. How far are you?"

"I think I'm a couple hours from Maplesburg."

"Do you want to meet me there?"

Jason hesitated again, "I think we need a plan first. I have Ellie's gun, so I guess I could

try to force the Duchess to give her back."

"Could you shoot her if you had to?" Katya inquired concernedly. "Besides, you won't get

close to her during the day. She has bodyguards; one of them's a puma. I don't know about at night, but you'd have to get into the hotel unnoticed."

Jason's heart sank. His chances of success seemed low. Maybe he should just give himself up and beg the Duchess for leniency. "I think you should stay in Wolfsbane for now,"

Jason decided. "I'll scope things out, but if she's too well guarded, our only hope is to expose the Duchess. I don't want you to be arrested too if something goes wrong."

Katya was silent for a moment. "Alright, Jason. I'll wait a few days in case you get Ellie away. Then we can present our evidence together like we planned."

"Thanks, Katya. Good luck with the King."

"Good luck, Jason." She hung up.

Jason let out a resigned breath. He hoped Katye would be able to convince the King on

her own. He didn't have much hope for himself. If his chances of success seemed slim, he'd turn himself in; at least he'd be with Ellie. Jason moved to the driver's seat and started toward Maplesburg.

Jason didn't know the best place to stay in Maplesburg, but he didn't think it was safe to go home, and he didn't want to put his parents in danger. He decided to try the office, parking in the office building's garage and taking the creaky elevator to their floor. Fortunately, he found their office unoccupied. Their furniture was still in place, but as Katya had told them, she and Fitzie had removed the boxes and papers. He sat at his desk, uncertain what to do next. He thought the Duchess would be at City Hall right now, and he assumed she was still staying at the Regina Hotel. Should he try to spy on her? Could he disguise himself somehow? Jason decided he should just stake out City Hall and see whether an opportunity presented itself.

Jason took Ellie's blue satchel with her handgun inside and walked across town toward City Hall. On the way, he stopped at Lulu's sub shop for lunch and then at a thrift store to purchase a wide-brimmed black hat with a white ribbon and a newspaper. There was a cafe? at the right corner of the street that formed a T-intersection with Government Lane, which ran in front of City Hall, the Courthouse, and the Regina Hotel. Jason purchased a coffee and sat at the window where he could see the left side of City Hall and the street leading toward the hotel. Hiding under the black hat, he pretended to read the newspaper whilst furtively watching for the Duchess or Ellie to appear.

A few hours later, his patience was rewarded when he saw Ellie, the Duchess, and a red squirrel descend the stairs from the red granite edifice and start toward the hotel. Folding his newspaper on the table, Jason slung Ellie's purse over his shoulder and hurried out of the cafe?. He dashed across the street to the left side of the T-intersection. Tilting his hat down to better shadow his face, he peered around the building at the three mammals. He thought Ellie and the Duchess were handcuffed together. I hope she has the key. Jason didn't know how he'd get Ellie away if she didn't.

"What's your interest in Her Grace?" a gruff growl sounded behind him.

Jason whipped around to see a badger in a jacket and tie glaring at him suspiciously. "I, er, nothing! I, I was just surprised to see her out in public," Jason lied.

The badger's eyes narrowed further, and he eyed Ellie's purse, "Whose is that?" "It's mine! Can't I carry a purse if I want?" Jason shot back.

The badger sniffed distastefully, "I suppose. Get a move on and stay away from Her

Grace. If I see you hanging around again, I'm not going to be so polite." He stared at Jason, waiting impatiently for him to leave.

Jason had no choice but to give up on rescuing Ellie for the moment. Hastily, he started back toward the office.

Back at the office, Jason was unsure what to do. Was the badger one of the Duchess' bodyguards? Would he be staying at the hotel? If he saw Jason again, Jason would be in trouble. Jason didn't want to pick a fight with the burly mustelid. He decided to call Fitzie again.

Fitzie picked up after a ring, "Brown?"

"Hi, Fitzie, I'm in Maplesburg right now. Do you want to meet to chat?"

"What?! You're here?! What are you thinking?!"

"I have to rescue Ellie," Jason rejoined. "Someone stopped me this time, but I'm going to

try again. Do you want to meet?" "Where are you?"

"The office."

"Why don't you come to my place? You need a place to stay the night, right? No one will think to look for you here."

"Thanks, Fitzie. I'll be over. Do you want me to grab something on the way?"

"I'll fix us something. I'll be waiting, Brown."

"Alright, see you in a few." Jason hung up.

Jason was climbing into his car in the parking garage when he received a call. Thinking

it might be Fitzie or Katya calling back, he quickly withdrew the phone from its holster. He stared in shock at the name of the caller: Ellie. Did she escape?! Jason quickly picked it up.

He began nervously, "Ellie? A-are, are you al-"

"Hello, Dear!" the Duchess' voice replied cheerfully.

Jason's heart sank into his belly.

"Ellie and I were reunited this afternoon," the Duchess continued. "We're at the Regina

Hotel if you'd like to come join us."

"Stay away, Jason!" he heard Ellie yell. "Don't let her get you too!"

"Thank you for confirming your presence, Ellie," the Duchess responded slyly. "Why

don't you tell Jason how you've been treated? You haven't been harmed at all, have you?" "No," Ellie grumbled faintly. "I'm still in one piece."

"But you miss your dear kitty terribly, hmm?" the Duchess mocked. "You won't be happy

until he's with us where he belongs."

"Don't listen to her," Ellie growled fiercely. "I swear, Jason, I'll beat the Tartarus out of

you if you turn yourself in to this creep."

"Oh dear, such violent threats," the Duchess taunted. "But she'll really be happy to see

you, Jason, as will I! Like I was telling Ellie, I'm determined to make the two of you happy living with me at the manor! You won't want for anything. Be an obedient kitty and come back to your owner."

Jason felt sick to his stomach. He could tell Ellie was trying to be brave, but he could also tell the Duchess was having fun toying with her. She was on her own with the cruel fox. If the Duchess wouldn't seriously injure Ellie, she'd find enough ways to torment her. Jason couldn't abandon her to that misery!

"Please, let Ellie go, Your Grace," Jason pleaded despondently. "I, um, I know you want to treat us well, but we can't live like that."

"You can get used to anything if you try!" the Duchess pronounced decisively. "I'm disappointed, Jason. I thought you loved this bunny. Would you really abandon her so that you could go free?"

He'd known begging wouldn't work. Maybe he could succeed in rescuing Ellie, but the Duchess was deviously clever. Could they really hope to escape?

"No," he answered resignedly. "If the choice is being your pet with Ellie or living without her, I'll choose the former."

"No, Jason!" Ellie protested. "Get away! Be free!"

"We'll be awaiting your arrival," the Duchess declared. The other line hung up.

Jason stared at the phone. Should he go try to rescue Ellie again? If he was going to get

himself captured, maybe he should do it sooner rather than later so that Ellie wouldn't have to suffer alone. No. He needed to figure out the best plan he could. He had to make their odds of escaping as high as possible. He started the car and began the drive toward Fitzie's.

Fitzie lived in a suburb to the Northeast of downtown. It was still rush-hour, and it took Jason almost an hour to make the relatively short drive. But, finally, he pulled into the gravel driveway in front of the sizable two-story, light blue-sided house. Fitzie popped out of the front door, and the sable ferret leapt the flower bed in front of his porch to bound across the lawn to meet Jason as he climbed out of his car. Fitzie halted a short distance from Jason, looking nervous. Jason strode the last few steps between them and hugged him tightly.

"It's good to see you again," Jason murmured.

"I-I'm so sorry, Jason," Fitzie sobbed.

Jason could see tears streaming down the hob's dark brown mask from his jet-black

eyes. "I forgive you, Fitzie," he murmured. "It wasn't your fault."

"I-I could have, I could have saved you," he sobbed. "But I couldn't shoot. I was too

afraid, Jason."

"I understand," Jason soothed. "We're alright now. I talked to Ellie, and she said she

hasn't been harmed. She's not happy, but I doubt the Duchess will hurt her." Jason was trying to convince himself as much as Fitzie.

Fitzie looked up at him teary eyed, "You talked to her?"

"I think the Duchess wanted to let me know she had her," Jason explained. "She tried to convince me to give myself up."

"Don't do it, Jason!" Fitzie urged.

"I won't without doing my best to rescue Ellie," Jason replied.

"How did she get captured," Fitzie asked awkwardly.

"We were on our way to Wolfsbane when we got pulled over," Jason told him. He sighed

exasperatedly, "You know, we would have made it if Ellie didn't always speed!"

"I guess that's why you wanted to call Letova," Fitzie murmured. "She told me she'd

found the evidence Schulz stashed and was taking it there." He looked up at Jason ashamedly for a moment. "I quit as coroner, Jason. I couldn't stay after what happened. I couldn't continue to work with that snake Schulz."

"I'm sorry, Fitzie. I know you loved that job," Jason apologized awkwardly.

The hob shook his head, "Not once I knew what was really going on. Whatever we found, Schulz was burying the evidence. I wish I'd realized sooner. If I'd known she couldn't be trusted, it, things might have ended differently," his voice trailed off miserably. He looked away ashamedly, "I hope Ellie's alright," he murmured sadly.

Jason did too. "If nothing else works, I'll turn myself in to the Duchess. I want to be there for Ellie if I can't get her free. I can't live without her, Fitzie."

The ferret blinked up at him curiously, "Are you in love with her?"

Jason realized he'd never told Fitzie about his confession of love or their decision to live together. "A lot has happened since we really talked last. Let's go inside, and I'll tell you."

Fitzie led him inside. The front door opened to a narrow hall, the right side which led to a large great room containing kitchen, dining area, and living room. Jason sat at the island counter between the kitchen and the rest of the room whilst Fitzie seared a pair of beef steaks.

Jason told him about how he'd realized his feelings for Ellie and how they'd decided to live together. He held back in his description of his torture at the hands of the Duchess, but he explained how their captivity had strengthened their bond. Finally, he told him about meeting Ellie's family and taking her to see his. They were eating at the four-seat maple table by the time he finished the abbreviated recount.

"My brother and sister still haven't met her though," he concluded.

Fitzie sniffed wetly and wiped the back of one black-furred hand across his eyes. "I'm happy for you, Jason, but wish you didn't have to go through all of that suffering," he murmured. "I'll never forgive myself."

"I want you to try, Fitzie," Jason replied earnestly. "I don't want you to hate yourself for what happened."

Fitzie nodded and sniffed again, "You're a good friend, Jason."

They finished their meal in silence. When they had put their dishes in the dishwasher, they moved to the living room area. Jason sat in a charcoal gray armchair, and Fitzie sat on the midnight blue sofa. Jason was concerned about his friend. Fitzie seemed dejected; moreover, he seemed shy or nervous of him as if he didn't truly believe Jason forgave him. Jason stood and moved to the couch, sitting close to the hob. He wrapped an arm around Fitzie's lithe body.

"Remember when I used to wash your ears for you?" Jason murmured. "I'd like to do that now."

Fitzie looked at him shyly, "If you want to, Jason."

"Do you want me to call you Tom?" Jason queried. He'd noticed Fitzie had mostly called him by his first name since he'd gotten in contact with him, and he was worried using the shortened version of the ferret's last name was making him uncomfortable.

The hob smiled slightly, "Either is fine. I like your nickname for me. No one else shortens it like that anymore, only you, my oldest friend."

"I'll keep using it then," Jason murmured.

He nuzzled the closer of Fitzie's velvety ears, breathing his sweet musk, and then began to groom the crescent-shaped flap. As he lapped, he felt Fitzie begin to relax, and Jason began to purr, enjoying this closeness with his oldest friend. Fitzie leaned closer, one of his shoulders overlapping Jason's. Jason licked meticulously, finishing the closer ear and tucking his head over Fitzie's to reach the second. When he was done, Fitzie leaned closer to tuck his head under Jason's jaw, and Jason held him and purred contentedly. He was glad he'd gotten to see Fitzie again. If he had to submit himself to the Duchess, at least he'd had this chance to offer his forgiveness.

Eventually, Fitzie sat up and gave Jason a tender smile. Jason smiled back warmly.

"Let me get you some blankets," Fitzie murmured. "Do you think you'll be alright on the couch?"

Jason nodded.

"I'm sorry I don't have a second bed," Fitzie apologized. "There are two other bedrooms, but they're not furnished. I don't really need all of this space."

"It's fine. I could have been trying to sleep in my office chair." Jason leaned over and nuzzled Fitzie's ear again, "I'm glad I came here," he murmured. "I'm glad I got to see you again."

"I'm glad too, Brown." Fitzie nuzzled his cheek then stood and waddled out of the room.

Fitzie returned with a bundle of white and green blankets, and Jason made his bed, placing one white sheet on the bottom to cover the couch. He slid between the other sheet and the green quilt, laying his head on one of the throw pillows. Shortly, he heard Fitzie in the shower, and then there was silence as Fitzie had presumably gone to bed. Jason assumed he had to work at the hospital early the next morning. Jason, on the other hand, had trouble relaxing, filled with worry about Ellie. After hours of tossing and turning, he gave up and sat at the table with a cup of hot herbal tea until he was finally able to return to the sofa.