The day wore on without much incident in the Amsel household, the Detective made no further visits much to the relief of Cecilia. She couldn't afford any more mistakes. Stealing the ruby without orders had been a bad idea. But desperation made a mouse do stupid things, she had to protect her sister, whatever the cost.

Cecilia mulled over her plans through the entirety of dinner, remaining quite. All the while Rebekka chattered on to Papa about meeting the famed Detective. At the mentioning of Basil's name, Cecilia rubbed a gentle hand over her injured arm. She didn't like the thought of his snooping around, though of course she silently commended him for spot on detective work.

The Amsel family had always been for dumb luck. For years they dodged many things that could have killed either one of them. Rebekka's birth had been a complicated one. She had almost come out feet first. But somehow the midwife had managed to turn her around and both Mama and Rebekka had survived. In his youth, Papa had fallen off a train and only suffered a couple broken bones.

Sadly, it seemed such fortune had a price. Mama was struck with fever and passed two years ago. And not long after, Papa began to feel his age and was growing weaker by the day. A year after Mama's death, Papa had gone completely blind.

These sad circumstances left Cecilia in charge of the family. Which in turn made things even more difficult, women were not seen as heads of the family, and at times were given very little respect. It made it hard to keep the shop afloat.

Clearing the table, Cecilia glanced at her sister who had taken a spot by the fire, quietly reading to Papa from the newspaper. The old mouse listened happily, taking in the day's news. After washing the dishes, Cecilia made a pot of tea, and soon joined her sister on the floor. And so the family sat, warm and content, enjoy their cups of hot tea.

The old mantle clock ticked away the minutes the family spent before the fire, the solemn toll of Big Ben struck the hour. At nine o'clock on the dot, Cecilia was tucking Rebekka in bed. The young girl looked up into her sister's eyes "Cici?"

Tucking the blankets under her body, Cecilia paused and gave the child her full attention. "Yes?"

Rebekka sat up fully, pulling the covers out from under her. Her innocent eyes seemed to be filling to fearful tears. "Are you sending me away?"

Cecilia froze; she was at a complete loss for words. Taking her sister into her arms, she hugged her. "Why do you ask such a thing?"

The girl's body shuddered with sobs. "I-I saw the letters from Aunt Aliza, w-why are you sending me away?"

Pulling from the embrace Cecilia cupped her sister's chin. "To keep you safe."

She didn't understand she was too young to understand. Biting her lip, Cecilia pulled her in for yet another hug. "Do you remember the night I brought that stranger into the house?"

Bekka nodded slowly. "He was really hurt and we nursed him back to health, do you remember that?"

Another nod and she finished the story. "And then he tried to hurt you because you said a certain word…"

A shudder went through the child's body, Cecilia held her tightly, tears coursing through her black fur. "I'm never going to let that happen to you ever again… That's why I'm sending to Aunt Aliza, to Germany, where you'll be safe… Do you understand?"

Rebekka shook her head slowly, sighing Cecilia put her at arm's length, brushing away her sister's tears. "You will someday."

Standing up, Cecilia took the oil lamp the night stand. "Good night Bekka."

"Are you going out tonight?" Cecilia glanced around at her. "I'll be back in a couple of hours." Rebekka lay back into her pillow; it was long until the girl succumbed to sleep.

Cecilia descended the stairs as quietly as possible. Going into the Shop, she set the lamp down on the counter. For a moment, she stood, her breathing becoming labored in an attempt to stifle her sobs. Her sister must hate, so much. Sending her away was an act of betrayal. But it was the only way to keep out of that sewer rat's clutches. Ratigan had hurt her once, and she swore that she would never again allow that to happen.

Regaining her composure, Cecilia opened one of the counter drawers. Inside sat a revolver, the only gun that this family owned. If Papa had known about it, he would be ashamed, he never liked guns, though her never explained why. There were many sins that Cecilia had committed that would easily tear out her father's heart, if he ever found out.

Placing the revolver on the countertop, Cecilia pulled out a pile of men's clothing which was composed of a black shirt, a pair of work pants, black suspenders, and a patched up cap. Shedding her work uniform, Cecilia darned the worn out clothes. Rolling up the sleeves of her shirt, she removed the now soiled bandage.

From the elbow up, her arm was adorned in white fur, now of course it was stained a rusty red color. Cecilia had done a decent job on stitching her arm up, it wasn't perfect but it was good enough to allow the damage to heal without putting her at a disadvantage. After wrapping a strip of black clothe around the healing wound, Cecilia forced her braided hair into a bun, sticking in pins to hold it in place.

Grabbing the cap, Cecilia shoved it onto her head. Turning to the lamp, she lowered the wick, throwing the entire shop into complete darkness. Taking the revolver from the counter, Cecilia made for the door, snatching her father's old black trench coat from the coat rack as she went.

Closing and locking the door behind her, Cecilia made for the closest rose bush. Gripping the thorns, she hoisted herself up and began to climb. At long last, she reached the top of the bushes, and looked around. Somehow London had managed to achieve colder temperatures.

Shivering slightly, Cecilia cupped her hands around her mouth and released an almost bone chilling call, which sounded almost like the cawing of a Raven. Rubbing her arms for warmth, she waited. Minutes later the calm silence was interrupted by the buffeting of wings. Looking up into a pair of beady black eyes, Cecilia smile, extending her hand, allowing the large black to rest his beak in her palm "Raaf, my sweet."

The bird made a sound of pleasure as the mouse dug her finger through the black plumage to rub his head. "What a good boy you are. Are you ready to fly for me tonight?"

Raaf looked down at her, and then turned his back. Granting Cecilia permission to mount him, using his tail as a means of boarding, she took her place just above the wings. Gripping at Raaf's feather, Cecilia ordered him forward. "Fly!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Raaf spread his wings and took to the skies. All the while, Cecilia laughed and hooted on his back. She loved to fly; it was one of the many things that Mama had passed down to her.

Giggling, the mouse buried her face in the feathered plumage of her companion. She had raised Raaf from a hatchling; his egg had been a gift from her mother many years ago. When raven hatched, he followed Cecilia around like a lost puppy, completely and hopelessly imprinted on her. With Mama's help, the young mouse learned to train and fly him. And in time she came off as a natural.

Smiling dreamily at the thought of happier times, Cecilia looked down over London; they were getting closer to the water front. Applying a bit pressure to Raaf's side with her right foot, she guided the bird down. Down and down they went, as they neared the docks, Raaf began to slow his decent.

In a flurry of feathers, the raven landed gracefully on the dock just above the notorious "Rat Trap." Extending his wing, Raaf watched as his rider slid off onto the ground. Lowering his head he nudged his mistress's shoulder, taking the hint, Cecilia extended her hand. The bird rested his head in her palm. Smiling, she gave him a kiss on the beak "My sweet angel."

She cooed, giving her avian companion a last hug, and then she shooed him away. "Go on, away with you!"

With a flutter of black wings, Raaf disappeared into the night sky, leaving Cecilia alone on the waterfront. Shivering, she shoved her hands into the deep recesses of her coat pockets. Walking toward the edge of the pier, the mouse looked around for the steps which lead to the pub.

Taking the stairs, she made her way to the 'Rat Trap.' Opening the door, Cecilia was met with the musty smell of mold, tobacco smoke, and unwashed mice. Wrinkling her nose in disgust, she slumped over to the bar and grabbed a stool. Taking a seat she looked around the bar, in an attempt to spot the Mary Ann the bar maid.

Said mouse spotted Cecilia almost instantly, and came over to greet her. "Lia ma dear, it's been a while darling, what can I get yah?"

"Just get me a pint of Rodent's Delight, thanks." Mary Ann left the thief to her own devices as she went to retrieve her drink. Looking around, Cecilia watched the entertainment at the main part of the 'Trap.' On stage was Ms. Kitty, a pretty white mouse with baby blue eyes. Her body hypnotized the men, leaving them drooling and calling out for more.

Smirking at the easily bent mind of the male population, Cecilia turned her attention back to the bar, finding her drink sitting in front of her. Grabbing the mug, she took a heavy swig of the cheap alcohol. It rushed down her throat, leaving behind a burning sensation. "I thought you hated booze?"

The question was directed by a nasally Australian accent. Rolling her eyes, Cecilia didn't bother to look up. "Go hop with the wallabies you flat footed rat."

The stool next to her squeaked with the weight of its new occupant, "You wound me Cici. I thought we was friends, after all the times I watched out for ya. I figured you'd be nicer."

Taking another swig of Delight, Cecilia looked up, meeting a smirking pair of hazy brown eyes; before her sat one of few of Ratigan's right hand rodents. His name was Hugo King, a kangaroo rat "Another pint Mary!"

A mug was slammed down onto the bar. Smiling, Hugo snatched it and downed half its contents. "Boss isn't happy with you Cici."

Glaring at him, she snapped. "I figured as much."

"Are you asking to get your head torn off?" Hugo seemed to be fighting to urge to shake some sense into her.

Cecilia took another drink. "You're over exaggerating."

"The Hell I am, I'm surprised he didn't call the cat on you!" This caused the thief shudder, to be eaten alive, that wasn't the way to go.

"He wouldn't dare a life for a life! I saved his, and the least he can do is let me keep mine." Her voice held an edge of fear, what she said was a form of reassurance for herself. Ratigan was twisted in every way. He didn't know the meaning of the phrase 'life debt.'

The two mice stared at each other for a long moment. "Why'd you do it Cici?"

Looking to the stage, Cecilia thought for a moment. "You know exactly why, I need to get her out of here."

The Australian raised an eyebrow. "Do ya really think she'll be safe?"

Turning back to the bar, she gritted her teeth, he watched her. "You can trust me Shelia, I swear on me mother's grave."

"It's the best I can do. He almost killed her once, and I'm not letting it happen again."

Hugo gave Cecilia a sympathetic smile. "You've been pushin his buttons, that's the third theft you did without orders. He isn't too happy."

Taking one last gulp of Delight, Cecilia got up. "I can handle him."

Joining her, Hugo led her around the bar. "Come on then, he wants to see you."

Nodding, Cecilia followed the Kangaroo rat around the bar. She never understood why Ratigan insisted on using the old trap door, it was her understanding that his nemesis knew exactly where it was. She supposed it was just his sense of over confidence and pride, almost as if he were daring Basil to make a trip down into the depths.

Descending through the door, the two made their way to the water pipe. Hugo grabbed a lantern from close buy and lit it. He went into the pipe first, and Cecilia followed closely behind. The trek was a long one, and the water was absolutely freezing. It felt as if liquid ice again her fur.

Unbeknownst to the two criminals, someone had been watching them as they sat at the bar. A pair of emerald green eyes stared out from under the brim of blue bonnet. He had heard everything, saw everything.

Basil had been watching the Amsel household for a few hours that very evening. It seemed like a good time for observation, all of the Bandit's heists happened at night. And low and behold, Ms. Amsel had led him on a merry 'goose chase'… So to speak.

For those who wonder why Basil was wearing a bonnet, well that can be explained through his experimenting on new disguises. He had paraded as wide range of male mice, but he had never dared to darn the costume of that of a female mouse. Tonight he thought it best to try it. One thing's for sure, riding Toby in a dress, well it explained why you don't see fine ladies riding dogs instead of taking a cab.

Basil took a sip of wine from his glass, he held back shudder of disgust; it tasted awful. So Ratigan had survived the fall, it would be a lie to say that the great detective wasn't surprised to hear this news. But he was curious as to how the young Amsel had been the one to save the Napoleon of Crime. Of all the mice in Mousedom, a young German mouse had been Ratigan's savior, and from what he heard in the recent conversation, Ratigan was hardly showing any signs of appreciation. How like him that was.

Getting up from his seat, Basil made his way to the biggest mouse in the pub. He needed a distraction, and this was the way to do it. Grabbing a mug of beer, he threw it in the direction of the burly mouse. It broke across his head, and before the thug could look to see who dared to hit him, Basil was out of sight.

Within five minutes, a fight broke out, giving the detective enough time to go through the trap door. Going into the pipe, Basil navigated his way through the water way. For moment, he recalled the night where he went through this same pipe. Of course, tonight he was alone. Dawson was like a brother to Basil, and he loved him as such. But the Doctor was not one for disguises. So he stayed home this evening.

Reaching the end of the pipe, Basil lifted up the grate of the storm drain. Just as before, there sat Ratigan's lair. A large barrel with the letter 'R' painted at the front. So much for subtlety, the detective thought.

Skirting around the alley, Basil looked around for any signs of the rat himself, so far nothing. Suddenly a voice echoed through the shadows, a voice that sounded all too familiar. "My sweet Cecilia, you hurt me so with your disrespect of my authority."

Ratigan! Basil edged closer. "You make it sound like you own me Ratigan."

That was Ms. Amsel. "Oh but my lovely, I do own you. I've given you so much in life; you could at least appreciate what I've done for you."

There was a long pause. "Am I supposed to appreciate the fact that you threaten the well fare of my family?"

Another pause, and then a loud 'SMACK' resounded off the walls. "Don't you, dare talk to me that way!"

Looking around the corner of the building, Basil caught sight of the conversing pair. There stood Ratigan, tall and proud, and before him was Cecilia, who looked to be cradling her cheek. She took a breath and glared up at him. "Sorry Boss."

Ratigan smiled. "Good girl, now what happened to the ruby you stole?"

"I lost it." The rat's calm and collected demeanor slowly began to melt away. Ratigan's face reddened for a moment, he lifted his hand as if ready to strike the thief before him. But somehow he managed to swallow his rage. The composed smile was back, leaning forward, he cupped Cecilia's cheek. "Are you sure Cici… you aren't, lying to me? Are you? Because you know I can't stand a liar."

She stood proud and tall in the face of the Devil, Basil couldn't help but admire her bravery. Most mice would dissolve into hysterics when faced with a criminal like Ratigan. "I'm not, lying Boss, I swear to you."

This didn't seem to convince him. "Are you sure my dear, because it seems that with every theft you commit without my order, you seem to lose the prize. Are you certain that you don't want to be honest with me?"

Cecilia brushed away his hand. "I am being honest with you Boss, why would I lie?"

Ratigan pulled back and stared down at his employee. "You are a conniving creature; I take that it comes from your mother's 'performing' background."

The comment struck a nerve, Cecilia's posture tensed. Her ears flattened in irritation. Her words came out in a hiss. "I'm not stealing from you Ratigan… sir. I wouldn't risk my family's safety for a few shiny baubles."

There was moment of silence, the mouse and the rat glared into each other's eyes. "Keep in mind that if I do find that you are double crossing me, well you know what will happen."

Basil could just make out the shudder that went through Cecilia's body. "I understand perfectly, Professor."

"Wonderful, now I will be sending you details for your next heist within a few days. You may go now."

That said Ratigan disappeared into his lair, leaving Cecilia supposedly alone in the alleyway. She stood quietly for a moment, in an attempt to regain her composure. Fists clenched, she turned and walked away from the lair, making her way towards the streets.

Basil leapt out of the sight, as she passed his hiding place. He watched as she crumbled to the ground, hands gripping at the walls. She was taking deep steadying breaths; the detective could just make out the sound her shaking voice as she made an attempt to comfort herself. "Bayu- bayushki-bayu. Ne lozhisya na krayu."

He could hear the mourning in her voice, though the Russian language came off as harsh and finally cut. Using the wall as support, Cecilia got up; she looked around for a moment. Revealing the slowly swelling eye from where Ratigan had hit her. She wiped away her tears, and called for her bird. It wasn't long till the raven appeared and Cecilia was gone in the night