*Chapter 15: The Rat Trap*

"Stay, Toby. Stay." Basil whispered to the basset hound who watched the mice carefully. They walk on the walkway and see the sign by the door. The Rat Trap. Robyn is nervous about going inside. Basil has a cigarette in his mouth to complete his disguise.

"Uh, Basil?" Dawson called. Basil and Robyn stopped and turn back to see Dawson isn't behind them.

"Come, come, Dawson." Basil said impatiently.

"I feel utterly ridiculous." Dawson said, coming out from behind the pier. Again, he is trying to pull the shirt down.

"Don't be absurd. You look perfect." Basil said, assuring him.

"Perfect?" Dawson asked skeptically. "Perfectly foolish!" Basil shushed him as Robyn wrapped her arm around his. He gave a smirk and open the door. Robyn look inside to see a large room, filled with smoke, the patrons in the pub were gathered around the tables as they smoke, drink alcohol, and play cards.
Up on a stage were red curtains and lights to separate from the gloomy atmosphere, and it was occupied by an octopus wearing a sky blue sweater, a hat, and was tap dancing and juggling colorful balls with his tentacles. Below the stage was a pianist playing a happy-go-lucky tune. The patrons weren't interested in watching the performance, as they are busy with drinks and playing cards.

"This place is intense." Robyn said. She really hates the smell of smoke. She looks around to see some of the male mice staring at her, Basil, and Dawson with cruel eyes. "Any of them could be working for Ratigan." She whispered to herself.

"Dawson, Robyn." Basil spoke as he lit his cigarette. "Stay close, and do as I do." He said, leaning over to them. Robyn kept her arm linked in Basil's as they walk slowly in the pub. A bar keeper was washing a pint glass and notice the trio, and raised his eyebrow. Basil gestured his left finger to the bar keeper to signal for service and Robyn remain close to the detective. Dawson did exactly what Basil did and used a grouchy expression on his face.

"Basil, is there a table? I really do need to sit down." Robyn said. "Everybody is staring at us."

"Stay calm. And keep your eyes open for the bat." Basil whispered to her. Then, Robyn's arm was grabbed. She was pulled away and a tall mouse grinned at her with a cigar in his mouth.

"Well, aren't ya a pretty little lass?" He asked, smoke coming out of his mouth. Robyn coughed and try to pull away from the grasp. "What brings ya here in this rough place?"

"Let go of me!" Robyn said. Basil pushed the mouse away and held Robyn in his arms.

"She's with me you slime!" Basil said in his fake cockney accent. "Find yourself your own mistress why don't ya?!" The detective guided Robyn to the empty table where Dawson sat. "Are you alright, Robyn?" Basil asked in a whisper.

"Yes." Robyn said, fanning herself with a hand. "The breath of smoke was awful."

"I understand you don't like this place, but it's the only way to find your friends and the Flavershams." Basil told her. Robyn nodded as Basil sat next to her.
After the octopus did his performance, the only mouse who applaud for him is Dawson. His clapping was cut short when the mice booed at the octopus. The audience threw food, darts, and daggers at the octopus who took off just in time. Robyn shook her head in pity. Tough crowd this place is.

"What's the pleasure mates?" A bar maid asked as she arrived at the table. Before either of the disguised mice could order drinks, the bar maid stared at Robyn and let out a gasp. Robyn tries to hide her face with her hand. "Oh my goodness! Are you Miss Robyn Lotte?!" She asked. The patrons stopped what they are doing and turn to see Robyn.

"Uh, no. I'm not-"

"You are!" The bar maid said excitedly. "Oh, you are a beautiful singer at the last opera show!" Robyn sighed in defeat. She has been discovered. "Oh! Oh! Could you perform for the men? They would love to hear you sing!"

"Yeah!" The male mice said.

"Yeah, let us hear ya sing!"

"Don't be shy now!"

"Robyn." Basil whispered, taking her hand. "This is perfect. While you are on stage, you may find Fidget around the pub." Basil told her.

"What?" Robyn asked in a whisper. "No. I am not going to go up there and sing for these-"

"Robyn, please. Trust me." Basil said. "You distract these men with your voice while your eyes search for that bat." Robyn stared at him before sighing. She stands up and walk over to the bar maid. She will sing one song for the pub and that is all. The bar maid called the other bar maid to help her get backstage to get ready. Basil ordered three drinks while Robyn was taken.

XX

Robyn walked in the dressing and found three female white mice getting themselves ready for their performance. The thin bar maid told the mice that Robyn will be performing. After she left Robyn alone with the girls, she gave them a shy smile.

"Uh, hello. I'm Robyn Lotte. Perhaps you have heard of me." Robyn said.

"Of course we have! Such a pleasure!" A white mouse said, coming up to her and shook her hand. As did the other two white mice. "I'm Miss Kitty. Here, let us help you get ready. And you do need a better dress." They guide Robyn to the vanity. She sat on a chair as Miss Kitty started to brush Robyn's hair with a comb. The sisters are looking for a dress for Robyn to wear on stage. "What brings you here? A young lady like you never comes in a pub like this." Miss Kitty said.

"Uh, well..." Robyn has to think of something. She can't tell them about finding Ratigan. She isn't sure if they work for him too. But these ladies are too friendly. Maybe they are not working for the dangerous criminal mastermind. "I was taking a break from the Opera house." Robyn said.

"I see." Miss Kitty said. "You sure you aren't here for another reason?"

"No." Robyn said, shaking her head. Miss Kitty could tell that Robyn is lying, but she didn't want to break Robyn since she will be singing. Miss Kitty's sisters got out a aminta dress. Robyn blinked at the sight of the dress. It reminded her one of the dresses from one of the opera shows. The dress is light orange with sleeves that reach the elbows.

"This one is out of our style, but...you may have it after you are finished." Miss Kitty said. "Now let us get you out of this old thing."
Robyn could hear the audience outside getting a lot more intense. After finally the ladies got Robyn ready, they stare at her. Robyn is in the dress and wore the black boots. Her hair is smooth and has a rose attached to the side above her left ear.

"She is ready." One of the sisters said.

"You know what you are going to sing?" Miss Kitty asked.

"Well, yes, but-"

"But nothing." Miss Kitty said. "Your voice will calm down the boys out there. Now, break a leg!" Robyn couldn't help but to smile a bit. Miss Kitty reminds her of Zoe. Robyn thanked her and walk out of the dressing room to be on stage behind the curtains.

"Basil, are you sure it's a good idea for Robyn to be on stage?" Dawson asked, worried about the plan.

"Yes, my friend. It will be a perfect opportunity for her to stand up on stage and look for our peg-legged friend is around the pub." Basil said. "Robyn has sung in front of the audience before, so there will be no problems."

"I must say that I am looking forward to hear her sing at last." Dawson said. Basil smiled a bit. He couldn't wait to hear her sing again.
The pianist started to play a soft tune, and the men lean forward, expecting to see the mouse who sang for two opera shows. Their daggers and darts are placed on the tables, saved for the lousy performance that will be next after Robyn's. The red curtains open and reveal Robyn on stage. She opened her eyes to see the audience. Robyn's eyes are on Dawson and Basil who stared at her with smiles. Basil nodded at her. Robyn began to sing to the audience.

"Once a lass met a lad,
You're a gentle one, said she.
In my heart I'd be glad,
If you loved me for me."

The mice are in awestruck by her voice. Some of them took off their hats in respect, smiling at her. Robyn noticed the rest of the pub has gone peaceful now. No one booed at her. Of course, they have heard of her name and believe her voice is lovely. Robyn continued to sing to the audience, forming a small smile.

"You say your love is true,
And I hope that it will be.
I'd be sure, if I knew,
That you loved me for me.
Could I be the one you're seeking?
Will I be the one you choose?
Can you tell my heart is speaking?
My eyes will give you clues."

Basil and Dawson listened and watched Robyn in awe. Even Basil couldn't keep his eyes off of Robyn. He form a smile and rest his chin in his hand. Dawson noticed his expression. The doctor chuckled to himself. Basil is in love.

"What you see may be deceiving,
Truth lies underneath the skin.
Hope will blossom by believing,
The heart that lies within.
I'll be yours.
Together we shall always be as one.
If you love me for me.
I'll be yours!
Who can say where we'll go,
Together we shall always.
Who can promise that we'll be,
Be as one,
But I'll stay by your side."

Robyn moved her hazel eyes over to Basil who watched her. She smiled at him and place her hands over her chest as she sing a last note.

"If you love me for me.
If you love me for me."

Once the song has ended, all of the men started to stand up and clap for her. Robyn smiled and curtsied to them. Basil and Dawson applaud to her as the red curtains close in front of Robyn. Basil sat back down, feeling his heart race.

"Heavens above." He whispered. "She was so...so..."

"She is wonderful." Dawson said. "What a voice."

"Dawson, call me crazy, but...I think I'm in love with Robyn Lotte." Basil said. Dawson faced him. "We've been friends for years and now...I have feelings for her. She is beautiful, kind, shy, and graceful."

"I figured you might, Basil." Dawson said, placing his hand on Basil's shoulder. "You two could make quite a couple."

XX

"You did well, Robyn!" Miss Kitty said, giving her a hug. "That wasn't so bad."

"I guess not." Robyn said. "Now, are you sure you want to give me this dress?" She held the hems of the dress.

"Of course. It suits you." Miss Kitty replied. "You may join your friends. We must be ready for our performance." Robyn smiled at her and the sisters. She thanked them once more before leaving the dressing room.

Robyn made her way back to the pub and came over to the table where Basil and Dawson sat. Robyn let out a sigh as she sat next to Basil. The detective touched her hand to make her look at him.

"That was beautiful, Little Lotte." Basil said. Robyn blinked at the nickname. He hasn't called her that in years. Robyn blushed and smiled at him.

"It's been a long time since I hear you call me that." She told him.

"But, did you find Fidget?" Basil asked.

"Oh." Robyn realized that she hasn't seen the bat. "No, I don't think so. I'm sorry." Basil patted her hand with a gentle smile.

"It's alright." He told her. "You tried. I'm sure we will spot him."
The pianist started to play the piano, making the music sound happy, but a different tune. The curtains reveal an exhausted newt pedaling a unicycle, holding a large overweight frog sitting on him. Booing has begun. The audience threw tomatoes, knives and darts at the performers, and the red curtains close to end the show. The pianist avoided the tomato and begin to play a soothing melody. The men held up chairs and knives in case there's another lousy performer. The curtains open and reveal Miss Kitty. The white mouse began to sing to the audience. Robyn smiled a bit.

"Dearest friends, dear gentlemen,
Listen to my song."

Immediately, the men lowered their chairs and weapons. The whole pub went silent as they started to listen to the white mouse singing to them. Robyn's smile widen as the peace took over once more.

"Life down here's been hard for you.
Life has made you strong.
Let me lift the mood,
With my attitude."

The tone of the music changed to an upbeat rhythm and Miss Kitty began to dance. All of the male mice started to sway their heads at the same time to the beat. Dawson watched Miss Kitty perform and smile in admiration. Robyn shook her head at Dawson with a smirk. Basil wasn't interested in watching the white mouse and scan his eyes around the pub, looking out for Fidget.

"Hey fellas,
The time is right!
Get ready,
Tonight's the night!
Boys, what you're hoping for will come true.
Let me be good to you.
You tough guys,
You're feelin' all alone.
You rough guys,
The best o' you sailors and bums.
All o' my chums."

Basil turned to the bar and caught something suspicious. He smirked as he watched. The bar maid whispered to the bartender, discussing something. Once the discussion was done, the bartender pulled out a small green bottle from his waistcoat and poured pink liquid into three mugs of beer, making them fizzle.

"So dream on,
And drink your beer.
Get cozy,
Your baby's here.
You won't be misunderstood.
Let me be good to you."

Miss Kitty disappeared behind the curtains as the music grew louder. Robyn was wondering what was going to happen. But her question was answered when the curtains open again to reveal Miss Kitty wearing long gloves, and her sisters joined the performance in pink dresses. Miss Kitty took off her blue dress to reveal a light blue suit with a deep V-shaped neckline and her back was exposed. There are feathers at the bottom of the suit, and a frilled garter belt was wrapped around her right thigh.

"Oh my." Robyn gasped.

"Hey fellas,
I'll take off all my blues.
Hey fellas,
There's nothin' I won't do,
Just for you!"

"Here you are, boys, and lady." The bar maid said, giving them the drinks. "It's...on the house. Especially after Miss Lotte has performed." The bar maid gave Robyn a wink before leaving the table.

"Oh, I say! How very generous." Dawson said, taking his drink. Basil stared at his drink suspiciously. Robyn noticed this and look at her drink.

"What is it, Basil?" She asked.

"I think there might be something in our drinks." Basil said.

"...Poison?" Robyn asked in a whisper, eyes widen. Basil ran his finger in a mug and taste it. "What's in it?" Robyn asked.

"These drinks have been...drugged!" Basil exclaimed in terror as he looked over at Dawson who gulps down his drink. Robyn pushed her drink away and turn to Dawson.

"It has rather nice bite to it?" Dawson asked, already drunk and let out a chuckle. "Jolly good, ladies! Jolly good!" He called out to the performers.

"Shh! Dawson!" Robyn shushed him.

"Get a hold of yourself!" Basil growled under his breath. But Dawson ignored both Basil and Robyn as he stood up and clap for Miss Kitty and her sisters. Robyn muttered to herself in embarrassment. Basil then heard thumping sounds coming from behind him and the others. He looked over to see Fidget walk across the room and watch the dancing girls and grinned. Basil tapped Robyn on the shoulder and move his head back to tell her to look. Robyn saw Fidget and silently gasped.

"There he is."

"If it isn't our peg-legged friend." Basil said. "Dawson, Robyn, what luck!" Basil turned back to face his companions, but Dawson appeared to be missing. "Dawson?" Robyn look behind her and see that Dawson isn't there. Her head turn up to the stage and let out a gasp.

"Oh my god..."

"What is it, Robyn?" Basil asked. He followed her shocked gaze to see Dawson on stage with the female mice. "Dawson!" He gaped. Dawson is on stage, dancing with Miss Kitty and her sisters, still in his drugged mind. The ladies seems to enjoy having Dawson with them. Miss Kitty swung him around by holding his arm.

"Your baby's gonna come through!
Let me be good to you!"

Basil felt humiliated and made a facepalm to himself. Robyn couldn't help but to giggle to herself by covering her mouth, trying to hold back and not upset Basil. Dawson made a fool out of himself by coming up on stage like that. Dawson continues to can-can with the twins and they kissed him on the cheeks. The disguised doctor giggled and blew a kiss at them, he spun around, fell off stage, and collapse on the piano. The song ended and Miss Kitty gave out a pose and smiled.

"Yeah!"
Robyn clapped for the white mice with a content smile. Suddenly, things have gone violent when a fight began. Robyn noticed a piano was destroyed and Dawson is on the wooden floor, now out cold. Basil grabbed Robyn to pull her down behind the table for cover when things have been thrown around the pub.

"What just happened?" Robyn asked. "Things have been fine a moment ago."

"No time for that, Robyn. We must get to Dawson and face the bat!" Basil told her. The patrons were strangling each other, or hitting each other with chairs and fists. Fidget was still at the bar, drinking his beer calmly as the bartender and the bar maid rushed out to try to calm things down. Then one of the patrons held up a gun and shot one of the ceiling lights, turning part of the room dark. "Stay close, Robyn!" Basil said, grabbing her hand. They rush over to Dawson.

"Dawson." Robyn said, shaking him. "Please, doctor, snap out of it!" Basil got behind him and lift his head up, and lightly patted on Dawson's right cheek to snap him out of it.

"Dawson!" Basil said. "Dawson!" The doctor came to his senses as the drug effect wore off. He sees a brawl happening in the pub.

"What in heaven's name is going on?" He cried in confusion.

"We've spotted the peg-legged..." Basil stopped when he noticed that Fidget is nowhere to be found. "Come on, old fellow." Basil helps the doctor to his feet. "There's not a moment to lose!" The three avoid the flying chairs, rotten fruit, knives, and darts. They snuck behind the bar, wondering where Fidget went off to. Robyn's hazel eyes land on a trapdoor. She grabbed Basil's shoulder to get his attention and point at the trapdoor. The detective smiled. "Good eye, my dear friend." He said.
The brawl went on as the three mice got the trapdoor open, and neither of the patrons notice them. After Dawson and Robyn went down the trapdoor, Basil was the last one and close the door. Once it's closed, the chair landed and bounced off of the trapdoor.