Chapter Two: Night of the Human Mouse
There he is. The world's greatest criminal mind is standing right there. I'm in a bad spot. I stayed still. I couldn't move from where I was. My heart was pounding so fast, it went all the way into my throat. I watched as the Napoleon of Crime quickly closed the trapdoor and made his way around the other side of bar table. I prayed that I wouldn't get caught. That would be the last thing I want. I heard a few thugs mumbling to themselves and Fidget's peg leg thumping loudly on the wooden floor.
"Mary Ann. Oy! Mary Ann!" I heard Fidget's voice. A sound of a door, squeaking lightly, opened. Footsteps began to move.
"Whut can I git you, mate?" Mary Ann's voice said quietly.
"I'll have the Rodent's Delight. Boss, what do you want?" Fidget said. Another voice came that made a chill ran down my spine.
"I'll have the usual." This is unbelievable! Here I am in my favorite Disney movie a year later, and the antagonist is still alive! Although I'm already frightened, it was cool to hear his Vincent Price voice. It sounded threatening, yet suave and calm. It's like a trap. It sounds safe, but then it catches you, and you're in a tight place. How was I ever gonna get out of this one? I could run. But, he would catch me, and it'll be the end for me. Well, I thanked myself for not doing that because I wouldn't be here telling the story. In fact, I wouldn't have written this story and I wouldn't have so many reviews from others, which I'm thankful who did review my story. All I could do was to sit and be quiet. I had to wait.
Mary Ann found me under the bar table behind the beer bottles. Her face was in shock, but I put a finger to my lips, making a sign to hush her. I looked at one of the bottles that said "Rodent's Delight" and I handed it to her. She quickly got back up, and poured the beer into a mug. Whew. That was close. For a second there, I thought I was—
"Mary Ann, why did it take you so long to get a bottle?" I heard Ratigan speak. Mary Ann froze. So did I. How could've he noticed that so fast?
"I-I was just looking fer it. I thought I lost it. It was misplaced." Mary Ann covered for me. Then, I heard a chair scoot back and footsteps. I was shaking. Mary Ann just stared as the shadow of the nefarious rodent peered over the bar table. I didn't move. I stood perfectly still. I covered my mouth to descend the sound of my breathing. The shadow kept peering over, looking both ways, then steps back. As soon the shadow was out of sight, I let out a silent sigh of relief.
"Hmm. Next time, put it where you can remember." The professor concluded.
"Yessir." Was all Mary Ann said. She quickly fixed up drinks and served them out. From the many times she fixed the drinks, I say she was serving ten to fifteen thugs, plus Ratigan.
"That'll be all, Mary Ann. You may go." Ratigan said. She put the bottles back under the bar table and whispered softly at me.
"I'll pretend to go to yer room to give you a drink while you crawl back. But, do it quietly, and whatever ya do, don't get caught!" She went back up and took a glass from the cabinet and poured water in it. While she was doing that, I crawled slowly and quietly back to my room. I was so relieved that the door wasn't noisy at all, and it was close enough from the bar. Neither Ratigan nor his thugs saw me. But, it wasn't over yet.
When Mary Ann came into my room and closed quietly, but quickly, she spun around. She gave me a look of a mixture of anger and worry.
"Whut were yer doin' out there!" she whisper shouted. "You could've got caught right under his nose!"
"I wanted to get something to drink, but he showed up, and I didn't have enough time to get back in time!"
Mary Ann heaved a big sigh. "I'm just glad you weren't seen. I dunno whut would've happened."
"Me, too. I'm so sorry, Mary Ann." I apologized.
"Don't go sayin' sorry. It wasn't yer fault." She ruffled my hair. "Yer safe now."
Just then, a knock came from the door. We both jumped. Before she said anything, I quickly jumped into my bed and pulled the covers over me and made sure nothing was showing. I heard the door opening. My heart began to pound in my throat again when I heard the cold voice.
"What are you doing in here, Mary Ann?" My eyes widen. He couldn't have seen me! He wasn't looking in my direction at all! How in the world did he do that!
"Oh, sir," Mary Ann spoke. "I was just giving her a glass of water, that's all. She asked earlier before you came along." There was a slight pause. Did he actually believe her?
"Is she…new?" Ratigan finally spoke.
"Yessir. She'll start working first thing in the mornin'." She said. Another slight pause. I still couldn't tell what was going on.
"What does she do?" the professor asked.
"She said she performs. A gewd singer, I suppose." She answered. The room became silent. I kept hoping that he wouldn't come over and pull the sheets away to see my face. What's happening? Did he leave already? I wanted to check, but I'd never move the sheets.
"Tomorrow, I'm expecting a letter from a dear friend of mine. Have her deliver it to me first thing it arrives." The professor said.
"But sir, she'll be performing…" Mary Ann began to speak, but she was soon interrupted.
"Then, I'll come and watch then. That way, I'll get the letter from her."
"But I…"
"No buts, Mary Ann. Have her do this, or she'll become a snack, along with you." Mary Ann didn't say anything for a moment.
"Do I make myself clear?" Ratigan said in a cold voice.
"Yessir." Mary Ann said quietly. Her voice sounded like it was dying out.
"Good girl. Now, say good night to your little friend and go to bed. Tell her first thing in the morning."
"Yessir."
"Oh, and by the way, I'd better not see her snooping around either."
"Yessir." The door made a little creak, as it were about to close.
"Gewd night, Miss Kiara." Mary Ann's voice trailed off.
"Kiara? That's her name? Hmm. Sounds pretty." Ratigan spoke as the door shut. That night, I lay wide awake. I didn't go to sleep at all.
Morning came, and I didn't even realize it. I was awake the whole time, sitting in bed. My thoughts were in horror. I couldn't imagine what he'll do to me. Will this be the end for real? No. No! I can't let this happen! I have to find Basil! I must find him! I could ask Mary Ann where Baker Street is! Then finally, Ratigan won't be able to get a hold of me! But, if I go, and if Ratigan found out I didn't come, he'll feed Mary Ann to his fat cat! I can't let that happen either! After all she's done for me, I can't betray her! What am I to do? A knock came from the door. I gasped. Is it him?
"Hello?" it was a female voice. It wasn't Mary Ann, though.
"Come in." I said quietly. A white female mouse came in. She had a red bow in her hair with a blue shawl covering her purple dress. I remember her! She was the performer on stage in the movie! The pub girl had the soft Melissa Manchester voice. It was sweet and intense at the same time.
"So, it was true. You're the Human Mouse." The girl said. Oh yeah, that's right. I'm posing as a freak.
"That's right." I answered.
"Were you able to sleep last night? Mary Ann told me everything about it."
"No. I'm afraid not."
"You poor thing. You must be scared. Here, I brought you some breakfast." She was carrying a tray that had eggs, bacon, and juice. I'm not a big fan on eggs though, but I sure love bacon, that's for sure. Who ever knew they could fix stuff like that?
"Thank you, Miss…"
"Kitty. Miss Kitty. And you are?"
"Kiara. Just Kiara."
Miss Kitty watched as I ate breakfast, and began talking about the plans for today. She was a really wonderful person to hang out with. When you had problems, she would listen and help you solve them. And, of course, she had an amazing singing voice. A really great range in vocals. She sounded so professional.
"So, the letter will arrive around at two o' clock sharp." Kitty began to discuss the plan. "The professor won't expect it until after you perform. When the time comes, quickly hand the letter to him, and leave. It's as simple as that." It did sound simple, but I wasn't too sure. But, I had to trust her.
"Alright. I'll give it a try."
"Great! So, what are you singing?"
"Uhh…" I started. I don't know any song in the 1800s. Plus, they wouldn't know the modern songs I listen to. Kitty saw the look on my face.
"Well, I'll let you think about it. We better get to work, or else Johnson will have our hide." Well, that didn't help. I still don't know any songs! But, I had to get to work. I started the day by moving stuff from the stage. Then, I did laundry, mopped the floor, dusted and polished the tables and chairs, and finally, took care of the garbage. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it. Other girls helped me out. I was able to meet Mr. Johnson. He was Mary Ann's husband. He was the same silent bartender in the movie, with his clean-cut red hair and cigar. He was alright, I guess. A little attitude problem, but he's nice.
As I was dusting the tables, I spotted the piano. I went over and played for a little bit. I played piano when I was little, but I quit because my mom was becoming very ill. Luckily, and thank goodness, the sickness went away. After that, I never played again. I thought of Mom while playing. She loved playing the piano. She would sing along to whatever she was playing. Sometimes I would watch her play. I miss her. Not only her, but my dad and my little sister. I miss them all. I started to play "Let Me Be Good to You" melody. I hummed along, just like Mom. I didn't even notice that Kitty saw me.
"You know that song?" she asked.
I turned to her. "Somewhat." I lied. I had to keep my knowledge of the movie a secret.
"I sang that about a year ago. Would you like to learn it? You can sing at the show tonight." Oh, how would I love to sing it! It's an awesome song!
"Sure!" I exclaimed happily. Kitty smiled. She asked the pianist, who later I learned his name was Ryan, to come over to play. I pretend to make a few mistakes, but not too many. After a moment, I was able to sing the whole song.
"Wonderful!" Mary Ann clapped when I was done.
"You were right, dear." Johnson spoke to his wife. "She really does have talent." I smiled big. I never felt this way before. But, I knew that I was safe, and that I could trust these people, er, mice. Heh heh. Then, an idea popped into my head.
"Hey," I said to everyone. "If you follow my lead, I think I have a plan." The mice quickly gathered up to hear.
The big night came. Everything was set. I had it according to plan. I dressed up in a girl tuxedo with gloves and a top hat. But, instead of pants, I had short bloomers on with fish nets and black high heels, just to be a bit sexy for the show, as they would say. Boy, if Dad ever caught me dressed like this, he would go nuts! And when I say "nuts", I meant it in a bad way. I peeked through the curtains. There were a bunch of drunks as usual. I even saw Mary Ann smacked the crap out of a guy who was hitting on her. Now, that's what I call a smart virgin. Go, Mary Ann! Then, I saw…him. My stomach began to hurt. My confidence sank. What if I mess up? What if he ends up kidnapping me? I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"You'll be fine. You'll do great." Kitty built up my confidence back. I smiled to show her thanks. The other girls helped fixed my hair, put on my make-up, and gave me words of advice and encouragement. I was ready. I felt good inside. I was neither frightened nor worried. I felt…prepared. I know my plan will work. Ratigan will get his letter from me. Ryan began to play. The show was starting. Miss Kitty stepped out as the curtains opened. The curtains closed again and she began.
Dearest friends, dear gentlemen
Listen to my song
Life down here's been hard for you
Life has made you strong
Let me lift the mood
With my attitude
She sounded perfect. Right then, I told the crew to shine the light on me. That way, the audience will see me dancing behind the curtains. It'll be a mystery to them. I danced while Kitty kept singing.
Hey fellas
The time is right
Get ready
Tonight's the night
Boys, what you're hopin' 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
I wasn't able to see what was going on during this part, but Mary Ann told me later. She said that Ratigan wasn't impressed. Perfect! Because I'm dressed in a tuxedo, he thinks my shadow is a man! He's clueless! He was also writing something down. I guess he was writing down criticism. I also heard a few groans from unimpressed thugs.
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 quickly went back behind the curtains and I stepped up. This was it! I'm about to go on! I heard a thug saying,
"I'm outta here! I don't wanna see a mouse dressed up as a man!"
"Hold it, buster!" I shouted. The curtains opened and I sang my heart out!
Hey fellas
I'll take off all my blues
Hey fellas
There's nothin' I won't do
Just for you
Oh, man! The look on their faces! They were in shock! After staring for a moment, they started to cheer. Mary Ann, Johnson, Kitty, and the whole crew were rooting for me. A drunk mouse was about to get on stage, but I shoved him off with my foot. Well, Kitty did it, so why couldn't I? I heard Kitty laughing at what I did and Mary Ann shouting,
"That's it, gurl!" I was having so much fun. I danced my part and smiled. But, I focused on the plan. If you didn't notice, I was watching Ratigan the whole time. When he first saw me, his glowing yellow eyes widen. My eyes never left him when I was up there, nor did his left mine. The chorus was about to go on.
So dream on
And drink your beer
Get cozy
Your baby's here
Hey boys, I'm talkin' to you
I threw my top hat at Ratigan. He caught it. I went up to him, being all showy. I got up on the table, grabbed his cravat, so his face was close to mine to distract him. I sang as I carefully slipped the letter into his vest pocket.
Your baby's gonna come through
Let me be good to you
I took the hat from his hands and put it back on my head. I quickly went back on the stage. Ratigan was still staring at me. I winked at another mouse who was staring at me as well and he fainted. I chuckled. I stroke a pose and said "Yeah!" with a sexy smile to finish the song. The crowd roared with cheers as the curtains closed. It was done. My plan worked. And now, I won't have to see that horrible rat again. Well, that's how it was suppose to end.