Unexpected arivals
(June 13 06:00 Portland Oregon)
Susan awoke and looked at the clock, a full six hours of sleep. The plump chinchilla stretched then rolled out of bed, landing on her hands and feet. Instantly she assumed the 'front-leaning rest' position and commenced her daily exercise routine. Though she had increased the duration and intensity of each exercise, she was unable to lose the slightly overweight look to her body. For the past three years, she had spent so much time and money on every body sculpting gimmick that showed up on late night infomercials and in fitness magazines. If only she could find a way to get that feminine feline shape Lilly had, maybe he would notice her again.
Thinking of Lilliana brought her current task list to the forefront of her mind. Running through the checklist; Paperwork from Lilliana received, Cecily's case files transferred to Dr. Sooner. Justification from court house sent out by Jeff... The other thing still needed completion...
She rolled over and began her abdominal routine. Today's list; Pick up drop phone to initiate next meeting, call Lilly to check on progress and ETA...
Her train of thought was derailed as a knock came from her apartment door, "Who the fuck is up at this hour? And why at my door?" She got to her feet, tossed a housecoat over her nude body, quickly moved to the font of the apartment, and looked through the peephole. When she saw nothing her anger was riled even more. Ready to hammer the management for their lack of effort to curtail the 'dingdong ditch' epidemic, another knock came, louder than the first. Swinging the door wide open fast, "Now look here you little shit..." Her angry tirade was cut short by the sight of a small kangaroo mouse standing in front of her, not tall enough to be seen through the peephole, clutching a denim backpack, looking at her with the widest fear filled eyes she had ever seen. Dumbstruck, Susan stood there with her mouth wide open.
"Damn, the little Squeakers got you speechless already. I knew she was good." Lilliana said, walking up the stairs with a duffle bag over one shoulder and another in her paw. The six foot liger dwarfed them both as she rounded the corner. "So, you going to let us in or just cuss at us all day?"
"What the fuck, Lilly? You said three weeks." Susan finally said stepping aside to let them in.
"Well I thought it might be better if we were here for this little fiasco, just in case you needed us." Lilliana said as she led the mouse past the chinchilla. "Besides, the Grand Canyon will be there next year, this opportunity may not." Dropping the duffels in the middle of the small living room then dropping her own weight on the couch Lilliana said, "God, Sisy, why did you let me do that? I am not a young cat anymore; I need more than thirty minutes of sleep at a time."
Susan looked at the small mouse. She only stood three feet tall, half the height of Lilly. "You must be Cecily. A pleasure to meet you young lady. I think they sent me the wrong files. What I got was for a fifteen year old."
Not letting her continue, Lilly broke in, "Nope, you got the right stuff. This is her, the fifteen year old art prodigy I found wandering the streets of D.C. so far from home. So, what do you need me to do, Susy?"
Looking her in the eyes with the most commanding look a chinchilla can give, "I need you to stay out of my way. You're going to go up to Hank's and stay with him. If I need you, I'll know where to find you."
"You know what; you're really pushy for a squirrel."
"Damn it, Lilly. I don't want you to fuck this up. I have been working hard to get things in order. I need about two more days to have most of it set. You will need to take a five day class; I can set that up for next week. Until then you need to stay out of it... and go see Hank." Susan ended her little tirade with a sad tone to her voice.
"He's doing that bad?" Lilly asked, with a downturned face.
"Maybe worse, I saw him on Tuesday, and I don't think he has bathed in months." Looking at Lilly, "I told him you were coming, but I told him he had three weeks. I don't know if he's ready yet"
Mustering a smile, "Well then, Short stack, we're going to meet the otter that saved my life." Pulling out her droid 4, "Can you beam me his six digit grid?"
"Shit, Lilly, when are you going to drop the military talk? It's been six years." Susan said as she sent the address via text message. "I hope you can get him out of his three year funk. He won't do a damn thing I tell him."
Stretching out on the couch Lilliana said, "Before I go, I need to catch a few 'Z's. I am sure Sisy would like to stretch out as well, maybe see a bed for a few hours. You two mice should be fine without me." Lilliana said with a yawn.
Susan looked down at the mouse still clutching the backpack, "You managed to put up with her for five days? You're a better woman than me. So... Cecily, are you hungry? All I got is some cold cereal and eggs." Looking at the fear still in the mouse's eyes Susan said, "Ok then, I have to get ready for work. Make yourself at home, kitchens over there, bathroom's down the hall, and the bed is at the end of it. If you want to watch TV the changer is on the table there, I don't have cable or anything. I only watch the news." As Susan finished her little speech, she saw that the mouse had sat on the floor by the couch and dozed off next to Lilliana. "Heh, now there is something I can get behind. If she is not doing some good for that kid, no one will." Susan then went on with her morning routines before heading out to the office.
(07:25)
Susan sat in the Jeep punching buttons on the new prepaid cell phone. When she heard the line pick up on the other side, "The timeline has been moved up... Next week... They have arrived earlier than expected... Can you handle that?... Don't disappoint me... I will see you Sunday for the package... Good... Yes, I am ready with my end... It has been a pleasure doing business with you." Once again removing the battery and SIM, Susan tossed the phone under the Jeeps tier and headed out to the office.
Slipping the Bluetooth ear bud in and hitting the button, "Dial Dr. Sooner on cell... I know you don't use this line for business... Is this really business?... Half of what you have been doing in that office of yours isn't business... No, I am not threatening you, just stating facts I have on record. If you want, I can call you back from the office... I didn't think so... How is the paperwork coming along?... Can it be ready by next Friday?... I know, but things have changed and we must all adapt... I don't think you understand your position, Dr. Sooner... Ok, let me spell it out for you. The complaints lodged against you have been substantiated. The case files, all ten, are sitting on my desk... Do I need to remind you how old they were?... You have three choices, two of which will end your nice cushy job... the other is to bend a few little rules and maybe... FIND ...the needed paperwork with the correct names on it... OK, you have seven days... At that time I will close the cases and send them up the chain, what is included in those files depends on you... I knew we could come to an arrangement... We will be in your office after the seminars on Friday... That's not my problem, is it?... You might want to change your habits if you don't want to find yourself in situations like this again... Have a nice day."
Taking the earpiece out, Susan shivered at the thought of the deal she just made. If Lilly knew what she was doing, she would put an end to it all. Susan just needed to keep her out of the way long enough to finish the bad parts of this task. A sudden tickle in the back of her throat caused her to pull off the road. She jumped out of the Jeep landing on her hands and knees, gagging. As the reports of Dr. Sooner ran through her head she sat on the side of the road, dry heaving the breakfast she never ate.
(07:30)
Cecily opened her eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room. The only sound was the heavy breathing of Lilliana, sleeping on the couch above her. The room they were in was decorated in a classic style with an overstuffed couch and two arm chairs; one looked to be a recliner. The TV was a modest 40" screen mounted on the wall, flanking it were two shelves filled with books. She sat her back pack against the couch and stood to walk over to one of the shelves. Looking over the books, Cecily found that they all seemed to be some sort of College study books, nothing really for pleasure reading.
She then set out to explore the rest of the apartment. Walking down the hall she found the simple bathroom, with a standup shower, sink and mirror, and a commode arranged for best use of space, not much bigger than a walk-in-closet. At the end of the hall was the only bedroom in the apartment, just big enough for the twin bed and dresser that dominated one wall. There was a small window on the far side looking at the window of another apartment across the way. She walked into the bedroom and sat down on the bed. It was so soft even her small size sank into the memory foam mattress. As she stretched out on the bed, she felt for the first time, how the foam formed to her body. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the feel of the warm embrace of the inanimate object. Her bliss was interrupted by the growl of her stomach. Rolling out of the small Mouse shaped depression; she got up to find the kitchen.
Moving back down the hall and through the living room she found her way to the Kitchen/Dinette area. The small breakfast area had a simple square table with two chairs. The kitchen only had a small single door fridge/freezer; one wall had a tall pantry cabinet next to a counter. Above the counter there were four cabinets that she assumed held dishes, and below were cabinets filled with cookware. Opening the pantry she found canned food and a box of Cheerios. Her tummy growled again, as she turned to look into the fridge. The sparse fridge only held a half empty carton of eggs, milk, cheese, and butter. She pulled out the contents of the fridge and sat it all on the counter. Not able to reach the overhead cabinets, she rummaged through the pots and pans under the counter. Retrieving a saucepan and fryer she set them on the counter. Then pulling one of the chairs over to the counter, she climbed up and began looking for salt and pepper. Mixing three eggs, milk, salt, and pepper into the saucepan, she whisked the contents together with a fork she found in a nearby drawer. Sliding the chair over to the three burner compact stove, she turned one on, and then sat the fryer on it with a dab of butter. Waiting for the butter to fully melt she rolled the pan with both hands to coat the bottom thoroughly. Once warm and coated she poured the contents of the saucepan into the fryer.
Waking to the smell and sound of eggs cooking, Lilliana sat up "My God, Susan, I thought you had to work." Looking toward the kitchen she saw the little mouse standing in a chair diligently working at the stove. "Well now, Sisy, you never told me you were a chef as well. What'cha burnin up there, it smells great?"
The soft voice spoke just above the sizzle of the fryer, "Scrambled eggs. There's nothing else worth eating." Looking over her shoulder, "You want some? There are three eggs left."
"What? No bacon? I'm going to have a word with that girl." Lilliana said, standing to make her way to the kitchen. "I guess after a quick bite we'll leave a note and head out to Hank's. How does that sound?"
"Ok. " Cecily mumbled.
"You need any help in there?"
"I'm fine." Cecily said, seeming content with her activities.
Lilliana sat in the chair remaining at the table and smiled at the happy little mouse, slaving over the stove.
(10:00)
Hank stood in front of the burn pile, tossing in papers and boxes. There was still so much work to be done before Lilly got there. Most of the trash was cleaned out of the cabin, and the three rooms were ready for beds. He had no cash and was looking at cleaning up the wood pile by building the furniture that the cabin lacked. He hoped that Susan would be willing to take him into town to get mattresses, as he had let his license expire two years ago. Why pay for something you never use?
Tossing the last bit of trash onto the fire, he heard the familiar sound of a horn he had not heard in years. He shook his head to get the sound out, My mind must be playing tricks on me. She's not going to be here for two more weeks. The sound of the horn infiltrated his senses again. Turning to the drive, blinking, still not believing his senses, he saw the bright candy apple red Camaro pulling up. It came to a stop next to the rusted out Chevy truck near the cabin. Hopping out of the passenger door was something that could not be real, the smallest kangaroo mouse he had ever seen, clutching a denim backpack to its chest. Looking over the top of the car was the one sight he feared the most, Lilliana with her big toothy grin. She's not here. This is another dream, she's not coming for two more weeks. Not with this place, I'm not ready.
"Hey there you stupid water squirrel. When did you become a hermit?" Lilliana shouted over toward Hank. Walking around the car toward the otter, "What the fuck does a guy like you do out in the woods? Go skinny dipping in the creek?" Looking over at Cecily, "Now that sounds like a plan."
"L-Lilly?" he stammered.
"No you jackass, its Santa Claus. Are you really that out of it? Get your ass over here, the fire can burn on its own for a few seconds." Crossing her arms and tapping her paw on the ground, "You need to show this greenhorn the ropes out here. I have something I need to do over in Midway."
Still slightly drunk, not expecting to see anyone for at least a week, Hank staggered over to the pair, "What day is it?" he asked not sure if he had slept through any. Time in isolation takes its toll on the mind.
"Thursday." She said.
"N-no, what is the date? Is it the twentieth? The twenty-fifth?"
"The thirteenth. Damn, you are out of it." Looking down at Cecily, "OK, change of plans, you're going to take care of him instead. Don't let him do anything stupid and dump all the booze you find, he's had enough. I'll be back in a few hours." Kneeling down to her height, "You got all your stuff?" Cecily shook her head, "Your CD player?... batteries?... sketchbook?... camera?... hammer for knockin him in the head if he gets out of line?" the last one made Cecily chuckle. "OK then. PCF Heartken, I'll be back at the end of this mission, follow Sisy's order or you will not like it when I get back."
"B-but... Lilly... I... " he gave up his attempts to talk as she hopped back into the car and took off down the dirt road in reverse. Dumbfounded, he looked down at the mouse who was standing there in the same shocked silence. "Um... Cecily?" She shook her head in confirmation. Dropping to the ground in a seated position, "My God, I am such a fuck up. What do I do now; Susan is going to kill me... If Lilly doesn't do it first." Looking back up at the mouse, "Hey there, Squeaky, why don't you come over here and have a seat. We really can't do much until the fire dies down. Don't want to burn down Oregon, do we?"
Cecily cautiously moved toward the disheveled otter. He was about two feet taller than her when standing and it looked like all he was wearing was a set of overalls and a straw hat. Clutched in his teeth was a piece of grass. The picture reminded her of the Tom Sawyer stories she read. As she got closer she could smell the alcohol on him. She sat on the ground about three feet from him, still clutching her backpack like a new security blanket.
Leaning back on his hands, Hank looked over the little mouse. "So... um... ah... Shit... What the fuck am I supposed to be doing here?"
In a soft voice Cecily said, "Growing a pair and manning up." then she looked away shyly.
Slack jawed, Hank looked at her stunned for a moment, then laughed, "My God, how long did she have you practice that one?" With a smile on his face for the first time in months, "Ok, Cecily. I have a set... I think I still have a set, so let's work on that manning up part." reaching out with one hand, "Come a little closer. I won't bite."
"You stink... bad" she said barely above a whisper.
Lifting his arm and giving himself the man sniff test, he cringed at his own scent, "Shit... well I really have no excuse for that, Susan warned me you guys were coming. So... Um... want to go for a swim? I can douse the fire. It's not going anywhere, hasn't for at least three months." He looked at the mouse as she mumbled something too low to hear. "Repeat all after, over."
Cecily looked up at him, "I don't have a swim suit."
"Well, neither do I." he said with a smile. Seeing the sudden look of panic in her eyes as they darted from side to side, "Woah, Ok, no skinny dipping." He looked down at the dirt, "How about a story?" He stood and walked closer to her. With a squeal of terror she pulled something from her pack and pointed it at him. Instantly pain shot through his body from his crotch outward, and he collapsed to the ground. He could hear her paw steps running away and the sudden slam of the cabin door. "Mother fucker, what just happened?" Opening his eyes slowly he saw the taser cartridge on the ground in front of him.