Author note: It's been a long time, I know, I don't know if anyone is still reading this, but I hope there are some oldbies like me out there and this inspires them to get writing again themselves. If I can do it anyone can. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, I'm getting old and a little rusty now so please forgive me.

If I'd expected an immediate lifestyle change in the days following my acceptance of Bailey's offer, I would have been sadly mistaken. For myself and my practise at the 'yard, life continued as it had for some months. There were more subtle differences however. Bailey was seen around here on a regular basis, pacing about my den, spouting his latest theory. Yet he constantly reminded me that we could not make any sort of conclusion until Macavity had made his move. For someone who wished the detective out of the picture, the infamous feline certainly seemed reluctant to do so. The anticipation began to grate on my nerves. Bailey however, seemed unaffected and surprisingly calm.

"He's surely trying to rattle our nerves, old chap," he would say, "Best to ignore the situation for now. He'll make his move when he is ready."

Well that was perhaps easy for his nerves, but mine had already been well and truly shaken. It was not for my safety I feared as of yet, for my participation in Bailey's investigations was not even common Jellicle knowledge. Excluding myself and Bailey only the Jellicle leader and his second knew of this.

I grimaced recalling Munkustrap's initial reaction to the news. Deuteronomy however had been much more accepting, although even he had his own words of warning to add to those of Munkustrap;

"Bailey means well, what he does is truly his calling, and your calling Admetus, is medicine. I will not try to dissuade you in any way, please just be cautious. If you feel endangered in any way take a step back. The tribe cannot afford to lose you or your skills."

And with that the Jellicle leader patted my shoulder and left it there. It had been agreed between the four of us that no good was to come of disclosing my role in Bailey's investigations. This is not to say however, that the Jellicles were somehow unaware of Baileys increased presence in the 'Yard. I recalled an incident with Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer earlier in the week.

"'E's taken a bit ova fancy to yer, 'asn't 'e Doc?" Teazer giggled.

"Pardon?" My mind was at work, cleaning out a wound that her mischievous partner in crime had managed to acquire and I only had half an ear to spare for bystanders.

"Detective Bailey, Doc. 'E's always round 'ere now."

And that, no doubt, had the consequence of these two rascals getting into far less mischief, lest they be caught red handed. They appeared to have a fondness for Bailey however and sought his approval on more than one occasion as they no doubt realised that the detective had saved them from severe trouble. The time with Bustopher's vase came to mind. Bustopher was, to this day, unaware that these two had any paw in the scheme.

"Bailey is an educated feline, he has an interest in medicine which he cares to discuss with me," I replied, dismissing any further questions.

And if the kittens in the 'Yard could be said to be curious then the adults were just as bad, although perhaps not as direct in their questioning. That doesn't mean to say that there were not any exceptions to that, young Miss Demeter, for one.

I called in on her occasionally to see how she was getting along, not just as a patient but as a friend. She always sat as far out of reach as possible yet I knew I was one of a privileged few to be even let in a den with her.

On this particular visit, earlier today, the conversation took an unusual turn;

"I know something I shouldn't know, Addy," Demeter spoke softly, avoiding any eye contact by fixing her gaze upon the ground. She, unlike Miss Jenny had decided my full name had too much formality and preferred to shorten it.

My thoughts immediately leapt to the time she was imprisoned by that fiend Macavity,

"Demeter, you're safe here, you know you can...

"About you," she interrupted, speaking louder than before, though her eyes still focused on the floor, "About you, Addy."

I was intrigued,

"What is it?" I asked.

"You're working with Bailey now. Please don't be angry."

I opened my mouth to speak.

"No, Munkus didn't tell me," Demeter predicted my question before I had spoken it aloud, "As close as we are, there are some things he will never tell for fear of compromising the tribes safety. I wouldn't have said, but I want to warn you. Bailey doesn't know how far this will go, he doesn't know the half of it yet. It will be the most dangerous situation you have ever encountered, please be careful. If you have any mistrust of his abilities then please reconsider now."

Those words weighed upon my mind heavily, even though afterwards our conversation had turned to more trivial matters. The chance to consider the matter fully however, never materialised. For as I stepped out of the den shared by Demeter and Bombalurina I was immediately accosted by Bailey.

"Come along, Doctor," he said, his features alive with excitement, "The fiend has made his move!"