Author's note: Hi everyone, another chapter. Next one may not be for a while, I've been running myself into the ground with University work and other responsibilities. I'm trying to make writing my chilling out activity, but it may take me a while to get things done. Believe me though I am determined to get this story finished. Thanks for reading and please review. Thanks for all reviews so far.
After my exchange with Munkustrap the only sensible option was to return to Baileys' residence and await his arrival, if he was not already present. After all who knew when he was next likely to enter the junkyard? If I rested on my laurels, I would most likely be waiting a long time.
So it was with a little trepidation and many wrong turns that I found my way back to Baker Street. I was unsettled at the prospect of encountering the detective when he was still likely to be seething after the encounter with his brother. Add to that the fact that he would not like the prospect of what I was entrusted to discuss with him. Anyone in my paws would not be relishing this errand either.
I was surprised to note that it was not Miss Jenny who answered my tentative knock at the door, although she was close on the heels of the tom who did.
"Ahh, Doctor," Bailey greeted me, "I've been expecting you."
"You have?"
"Indeed, and as so I know the purpose of your visit. Tell Munkustrap that I have no intentions of obeying his request. If that is all?" he made a move to close the door, but he hadn't counted on his housekeeper bustling forward muttering about how civilised felines did not have conversations on doorsteps.
"Mr. Bailey, invite the poor doctor in, the junkyard is a long way from here and I'm sure he would like to rest before heading back."
With a long suffering sigh Bailey stepped away from the door enough to allow me entrance but did not make any attempt verbally to compliment his action.
"Come in Dr. Admetus, would you like a drink?" Miss Jenny enquired, attempting to ignore Bailey's displeasure.
"No, thank you, and it's just Admetus."
Jenny clucked in mild disapproval at the lack of formality my name had, but made no other protest, and darted off in the direction of the kitchen soon after.
"So, you and Munkustrap are brothers?"
He nodded in return,
"One of the lesser known secrets of the Jellicle tribe." He chuckled dryly, "State your business, Doctor. Small talk is such an unnecessary waste of ones time."
"Munkustrap worries about your choice of profession."
"I do not see why, I am still living. If I did not know what I was doing I would already be in my grave."
"But as I understand it your work is becoming more perilous and you refuse to enlist anyone's' assistance," I countered.
"Is that what this is about? I work alone; assistance is nothing more than a hindrance to me. Munkustrap knows that. There are times when one tom can do what an army cannot. Furthermore..." Bailey paused for a moment, a smirk forming upon his lips, his eyes bright with a sudden realisation.
"Well, if dear old Munkus would prefer me not to pursue this matter then I may have to be considerate in the matter of his feelings."
I smiled; glad to see he had come to his senses.
"Good man," I congratulated him.
His smirk had now evolved into a strange half-manic grin, and I shrank back, unsure of what was going on in the detectives' mind.
"Doctor, I appear to be in the market for some assistance in a particular case involving Macavity."
"But didn't you just say...?"
"No, Doctor. You have misunderstood me; it is I'm afraid, impossible for me to abandon this matter. However if Munkustrap is concerned about me working alone, then that situation is one to which I am open to change. So what do you say, Doctor? Are you in or not?"
Most surprising of all to me was that I heard myself reply in the affirmative.
"Splendid, old boy," Bailey congratulated me whilst clapping me on the shoulder, "Miss Jenny, champagne all round!"
I had to sit down, the flurry of activity in my head too much to comprehend right now. What exactly had I let myself in for?
