A New Friend
As Ratigan left the theater after rehearsal opening night, he noticed a bat hiding in an alley.
"What's wrong?" Ratigan asked kindly.
"I'm going to jail," the bat answered. "Got a detective on my case. I'm scared. I've never been arrested before."
"What have you done?"
"Accidentally burned down a house. It was a windy day, and I was trying to light a cigarette while I was flying. Dropped the match."
Ratigan thought a moment. "I believe I can help you."
The bat hugged him. "Oh thank you! Get me out of this mess, and I'll never smoke again!"
He shrugged. "None of my business if you smoke or not. By the way, I didn't get your name."
"Fabian."
"Did anyone ever tell you that you've got a bad case of the fidgets, Fabian?"
"Everyone in my family."
Ratigan escorted the bat to the police station.
"May we help you?" a constable asked suspiciously.
"This poor bat has accidentally destroyed someone's home," Ratigan began. "It was completely unintentional. He would like to pay for the damage he caused."
The constable frowned. "Aren't you that rat who played Lord Catpulet in tonight's production of Romouso and Julirat?"
"I am, sir."
"And this bat is a friend of yours?"
Ratigan nodded. "Please, sir, I'll pay for the harm he's done. He didn't mean it. Just please don't send him to jail. He wants to do the right thing, and he's really quite an amiable little fellow."
"You needn't have so many words about it. When a respected member of the community says something was an accident and offers to make it good, it's obvious to me that no one involved had any criminal intentions. That being, I'd wager no crime was committed, and in that case, no arrest is necessary."
He could scarcely believe what the constable had called him. The words "respected member of the community" continued to pound in his head. Managing to thank the constable and promising again to pay for the damage, Ratigan stepped outside.
"You see? It's all settled!" He smiled. "You are free to continue on your way, my fidgety little friend."
"Thanks. I'm not much at making good speeches, but if you ever need a favor, maybe I can help." With that, the bat crawled into an old barrel.
Ratigan winced. "Must you hide in there like a criminal, Fabian?"
"I live here," the bat explained.
"If I may ask, why don't you find a house or a nice flat?"
"Those cost money. You want a snack?" Fabian held out a piece of rotten fruit. "This is the best I've got, and I want you to have it."
"Why don't you stay with me until you can find your own place?"
"I couldn't. You've done enough for me already."
"I insist."
Ratigan made a large breakfast the next morning. Fabian was so excited that he stuttered in a frenzy rather than forming coherent words.
"Good morning, Fidget!" teased Ratigan. "I believe I may have to start calling you that."
"I don't mind," the bat replied.
"Can you tell me what you like to do? It may help me find a job for you."
"I think most of all, I like to fly!"
The rat thought a moment. "Have you considered teaching younger bats to fly? You could give lessons. The pay should be enough for you to have a good home and proper food at least."
Fidget considered the idea. "I like it!"
Although he was eventually able to afford his own home, Fidget continued to visit Ratigan frequently. The two became close friends.