Trouble in Paradise
by Aislinn and Maven

Peter stomped down the hall toward his apartment. It had been, in the words of a children's book his father had once read to him, a horrible, awful, no good, very bad day, and something told him it wasn't over yet. He stopped short, staring at the paper tacked to his door.

*Attention all residents. As of the first of next month this building will
go to a strict no pets allowed policy. Thank you for your cooperation. *

The notice was signed by the new acting manager, Franklin Hernadez. This was the third change in as many weeks. Peter tore the paper off the door and crumpled it into a ball. "Oh really! Well, we'll just see about that!" He flung open his door and stomped into the small apartment, slamming the door behind him. He threw the paper down on the coffee table and sank down on the couch, rubbing his temples to ease a headache that was blossoming behind his eyes. He flopped back and closed his eyes. A moment later a soft touch on his arm begged his attention. Dragon Child sat beside him, hidden wisdom in her eyes. "Mew." She climbed onto his lap and placed her paws on his chest, stretching her head up toward him. A raspy tongue brushed his chin.
Peter smiled. "Hello darlin'. Did you have a good day?"
"Mew!" She replied. She rubbed her head under his chin, before giving him another tiny lick.
"Well, I'm sure it was better than mine!" Peter caressed the tiny kitten, reveling in her affection. Her soft purring soothed his battered temper. Finally he placed her on the floor and went in search of some dinner for the two of them. As he prepared the meal he regaled Dragon Child with his tale of woe. She sat on one of the barstools, tail curled primly around her paws , listening as he talked.
"…. And then to top it all off, I come home for a little peace and quiet, only to find that new manager is at it again. What is that guy's damage? Does he get off on pushing people around?" Peter slammed the knife he was holding down on the counter. Dragon Child jumped, eyes wide with fear. "Oh darlin'. I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you." Peter extended his hand to her in apology. She sniffed his fingers before rubbing her head along his hand.
He finished making their dinners. After the meal, Peter picked up the tiny fluff ball and cuddled her to his chest. With a sigh, he collapsed onto his couch. "What are we going to do?"

Kermit glanced out his office window and then down at his watch. 'Odd. Caine's actually on time for a change.'
Peter shuffled over to his desk without his normal exuberance. He flopped into his seat and stared vacantly at his computer screen. Kermit watched in alarm as Peter waved a hand in listless greeting to a few patrolmen, but otherwise didn't move. 'Okay, enough is enough. Better find out what's bothering the kid before Simms sics the psychiatrist on him.' He moved to his door. "Caine. My office. Now."
Peter turned slowly, blinked once, and heaved himself out of his chair.
Kermit closed the door behind his young friend. "Sit. Tell all."
Peter crossed one leg over the other, arms wrapped about his stomach. Kermit recognized the posture from when Peter was younger and trying to keep anyone from prying too deep. 'Sorry kid. Didn't work then, won't work now.'
"Know of any inexpensive apartments available?"
"I don't quite follow, Peter. What's going on?"
Peter sighed, one hand raking through his hair. Instead of responding verbally, he reached into a pocket, pulled a crumpled piece of paper and handed it over.
After reading the notice, Kermit peered at Peter over his shades. "We'll just see about that."
Peter looked up at him quizzically. "What do you mean?"
With a predatory grin, Kermit pocketed the paper. "Leave everything to me."
Peter leaned back and arched a brow. "You have that 'I'm planning something unpleasant' look."
"Oh, yeah."

Franklin Hernandez rifled through his mail. He stifled another sneeze, mentally counting down the days when the apartment building would be a pet-free zone. 'Nasty little things. Can't see how anyone can abide keeping them.'
An envelope with the apartment logo emblazoned upon it caught his attention. 'It's from the head office. I wonder if they've considered my request for a promotion.' He tore the envelope open, removing the single sheet of paper.

Mr. Franklin Hernandez;

It has come to our attention that a position as Head Manager has opened in a branch located in Marfa, Texas. Due to your many years of loyal service, we at the Main Office of High Towers Apartments feel that you are uniquely qualified to fill this position.
Your transfer is to commence immediately upon confirmation of your promotion.
Unfortunately, due to the high number of Assistant Managers currently in our employ, this Managerial position is the only slot available for your remaining in this company's employment.
We hope you consider our offer and wish you luck should you decide not to accept your new promotional status.

Sincerely,

J. Morrison
Owner

With a blanched and stunned countenance, Franklin Hernandez re-read the letter, heaved a huge sigh, and glanced around the lavish office he had just finished decorating to his taste. 'Damn.'

Peter leaned forward in his chair. "You sent him where?"
"Marfa, Texas."
"Where the hell is Marfa, Texas?"
Kermit flashed a grin. "Exactly."

Dragon Child was curled up beneath the fragrant leaves of one of the funny old man's many plants. The scent reminded her of her pet, whom she sorely missed. She'd been watching over the funny old man for a few days now, while Peter only visited her on occasion, either early in the morning or late in the evening. The long separation was not new to Dragon Child, but this did not make it easier to bear.
Her ears perked up as her pet's warm, familiar voice filled the air. "Hi, Lo Si."
"Good evening, young Peter. You seem very happy tonight."
"That I am. Where's Dragon Child?"
"I believe I last saw her laying in the Jasmine plant."
Dragon Child watched through slitted eyes as Peter approached. With a disdainful look, she turned away from his proffered hand.
"Don't be like that, princess." Peter's voice was low, tinged with apologetic regret. He gently stroked the back of her skull.
She arched her back in pleasure. Rolling over, she batted at his hand with her paws. A small nip exclaimed her displeasure for being left alone for so long.
Peter chuckled, scratching her belly. "Shall we go home?"
In response, Dragon Child began to purr, forgiving her pet for his overlong absence.

The End.