‘Boss, I’ve got something for you.’

‘Something else, H3x?’ answered Lady Rose. ‘The puppet trick was probably enough for one day.’

H3x grinned. It was always good to keep on the right side of the boss. Before replying, she checked the mirrors and the surroundings of her stationary SUV. Other than a couple of ambling CyMS in the distance, she saw no danger.

‘Actually, it’s kind of connected to the puppets. One of them was unusually lucid and I noticed a bottle of Kabalan sticking out of his backpack.’

‘Kabalan!’ exclaimed Lady Rose. ‘You’re sure?’

The leader of the Red Dragons was a whiskey connoisseur and the top shelf Taiwanese brand was one of her favorites.

‘I’m sure,’ replied H3x. ‘Unfortunately, that one was half empty but this guy knows where there’s another bottle. He wasn’t all that clear but it sounded like his roommate had it. They were planning to leave the apartment when some CyMS broke in. Unopened, that’s worth about a thousand, right, boss? You want me to go after it?’

‘Definitely. I don’t care about the money – it’s all about the taste. Do you think you can find it?’

‘The guy didn’t stay lucid for all that long but it sounded like his roommate is over at Atlantic Heights, wandering around. They’re both soccer players – got the same backpack for the San Lazaro Quakes. It’s red and yellow, quite distinctive.’

‘That’ll help. I’ll send reinforcements.’

‘Ok, cool.’

‘One more thing, H3x. Forget a thousand dollars. You bring that bottle back – I’ll give you five.’

-----

‘This is B.S.,’ said Rhino, walking along the street, fiddling with the safety on his pistol.

‘Five thou if we find it,’ said H3x. Happy to split it – even with you, Rhino.’

‘Now we’re talking.’

‘It’s still B.S.,’ said Gudu morosely.

‘We work for Lady Rose,’ said Little Jenny. ‘It’s no different than any other job.’

‘Oh really?’ said Gudu. ‘What if we run into a mob of CyMS? You want to get killed over a bottle of whiskey? You just do whatever Rose tells you.’

‘That’s my job,’ replied Jenny with a glare. ‘Yours too.’

-----

Still nothing! With a low growl, Howl the wolf raked his claws across the trash can he’d just turned over.

I didn’t find anything either. Athena the bald eagle landed close by.

Back to the zoo? suggested Jane the cat.

Walter the chimpanzee didn’t reply. He knew Bob the bear would be angry if they returned without food. Jugger would just be disappointed.

Just then, a man lurched out a nearby alley. Walter could tell right away that it was one of the strange humans. Jane leaped out of the way but the human made a grab for Howl.

The wolf bared his teeth and looked ready to attack. Walter didn’t want to see another bloody fight so he grabbed a big jar from the trash can and swung it at the human’s head. He seemed to judge it well because the man was knocked out but not badly injured.

Maybe something here! Howl was already nosing the backpack but needed Walter’s help with the zip. Once it was open, Walter pulled out several items – none of them food. There was some colored liquid but Walter had tried bottles like this before – it always tasted disgusting! He put the bottle to one side and continued searching but there was nothing at all to eat.

I’m so hungry! groaned Howl. Then the wolf suddenly spun around. He’d heard something.

-----

‘Paws Up!’ Rhino chuckled at his own joke as he advanced towards the animals, pistol at the ready.

H3x, Gudu and Little Jenny were right behind him. H3x couldn’t take her eyes off the bottle of whiskey. The last thing she’d expected was that the animals would inadvertently help them out.

-----

Not worth fighting over this. Howl jutted his snout along the alley.

I quite agree, added Jane.

Walter was wondering where Athena had disappeared to.

-----

‘No elephant or bear to help you this time,’ added Rhino gleefully as he continued forward. ‘This is going to be as easy as-’

Though she’d already spied the cat, the chimp and the wolf, H3x didn’t see the bald eagle until it dived out of nowhere, talons clawing at Rhino. He saw it off by swinging the pistol but overbalanced and fell backwards. As he hit the ground, the gun accidentally discharged. Little Jenny took evasive action which sent Gudu and H3X flying; and in a moment they were all on the ground.

‘You moron!’ yelled Gudu, aiming a kick at Rhino, which fortunately missed.

‘Anyone hit?’ asked Jenny.

Nobody had been. But by the time they recovered themselves, the speedy animals were already halfway along the alley.

‘Sorry, guys,’ said Rhino, dusting himself off as they all stood. ‘That damned bird can now consider itself an endangered species!’

‘At least we’ve got this,’ said H3x, picking up the bottle of Kabalan and catching a last glimpse of the departing animals. ‘Lucky for us they don’t like whiskey.’

-----

An hour later, H3x and the others watched as Lady Rose slowly opened the bottle, poured herself an inch of the Kabalan and savored every drop.

‘Ah. That is pure perfection. Here.’

Lady Rose was so happy that she actually gave five thousand dollars to each of them. As they left, she asked Jenny to stay for a drink.

Outside the office, Rhino eyed his wad of bills. ‘Not bad for an afternoon’s work.’

Gudu sneered. ‘After that trick with the gun, we should get your share.’

Rhino departed with a wink. ‘Dream on, sweetheart.’

Next Story: 63. The Purge Script - Part 2 (8th Street Camp)