This was not what the businessman had expected to find once the news had reached his ears that the elderly couple had perished in a freak car crash, leaving everything to the pink pup. He'd expected to discover a sniveling wretch of a dog awaiting death with open arms – not this.
"And what is this?" Katz examined the hissing bundle of tri-colored fur that was standing between him and the annoying mutt. Leaning down, he grabbed the tiny creature by the nape with one hand, letting it dangle inches away from his nose.
"Don't hurt him," Courage whined, struggling to get to his feet despite numerous feline-inflicted injuries.
"Why would I harm one of my own, dear boy? And, for that matter, why is there a kitten in your house?" Katz demanded, fighting the urge to extend his claws. The little one squirmed, making a valiant effort to escape his clutches. As for the mutt, he merely whimpered in response, all the while favoring his right leg.
"If you won't talk, then I'll let my pets drain you dry," the businessman threatened, kicking the dog's skinny legs out from under his pudgy pink belly. Courage tumbled to the ground with a yelp of pain.
"Stop hurting my mommy!" the kitten yelled, catching the elder feline's complete attention.
"Your mommy? You think this mutt gave birth to you?" Katz's eyebrows rose in disbelief.
"Mommy adopted-ded me!" the kitten insisted.
"He's a dog. You're a cat. He can't possibly know how to raise a kitten," the older feline argued.
"Mommy's nice. You're just a big meanie!"
Katz snarled under his breath as he hefted the dog under his other arm and stormed up the basement steps. It seemed that his elaborately planned revenge was to be put on hold – at least until the kitten was old enough to be separated from his… mommy.
Note: Short start, but more on our new family next chapter. Precious is a rare male calico kitten.