" Oh Tanya thank goodness. It was getting late." Mamma Mousekewitz visibly relaxed when Waul sat her daughter down in front of her door. She punctuated her comment by giving Waul the eye and tapping her foot in irritation.
" My fault entirely Mrs. Mousekewitz. I do hope you'll forgive me as I'll try my hardest to make sure it doesn't happen again. I must remind you though she is perfectly safe with me."
He wrapped his cape around him after taking his hat off looking every bit the chastened gentlemen though his eyes were amused.
" Bah! I want my daughter home before dark even you are not invulnerable besides she needs to help us with the store it will be open soon..."
" Mamma what's this? " Tanya came out holding a long white box with a ribbon. Even Waul's ears pricked up curiously.
" Mr. West has seen fit to invite to a party and dropped off a dress." It was clear from her mother's tone that she wasn't happy at this development.
Waul looked amused " Dear me, have I got...competition..for your time my lovely Diva? "
Tanya blushed " No of course not but..he IS the mayor...and he's been very...kind...in his attentions and I...I...I don't want to go!" Tanya suddenly dropped the box and ran into the house covering her face with her hands.
Waul looked startled he quickly peeked in the door almost knocking over Mamma Mousekewitz. She gave his chin a healthy shove causing him to knock his head against the top of the door and bite his tongue.
" Ouch! What in blue blazes..."
" Scat cat! I needs speak with my daughter." Mamma said waving him away.
" I want to make sure she's alright Madam." Waul said stiffly rubbing his head feeling a small knot come up. Heavens above she certainly was stronger then she looked. He wondered if all Russian mice were so hardy and strong.
" Than wait here if you must!" the door was slammed in his face much to his chagrin. He glanced around annoyed. Suddenly he spotted a window and slid over to it cocking an ear to hear better.
" My daughter tell him no! "
" Oh momma what if he takes away our home? What if he just keeps other mice from buying from daddy? What if he's...what if he's right about me? "
Mamma took Tanya in her arms " My darling...you know there is no one in this town you want to give your heart too but that doesn't mean there is no one out there! You needn't grant your favors to anyone here if you don't wish too my sweet babushka. You are young and you are lovely and destined for more then this."
" Your mother is right Tanya my love." Poppa Mousekewitz stepped up the stairs to look at his daughter. " You are lovely you will have your pick wherever you go and as soon as business picks up we will make trips into bigger towns and you will see the theaters and you will sing. Once the world hears you why " He spread his arms " everyone will love you! You will never be alone."
" You'll always have me my Diva...in fact I can take you now to see the theaters and operas! "
Poppa sighed while momma glared at the window where Waul was peeking in with his monocle.
" I could be your patron and sponsor you as well!"
Tanya wiped her tears and smiled sadly " What if one day I don't want to sing except to my children...what if I sing on stage until it's too late for me to ever love someone?"
" Wha...Why that's just...just preposterous! Tanya precious if I were a mouse I would court you every day and I certainly wouldn't bring weeds! " He glared briefly at the sad bouquet on her little table.
" I would bring you roses of every color...now...if .. a...bachelor feline like myself would court you imagine the gentlemen of the city and how they would adore you! You can love someone and sing as well you know...why he would simply...well sit up front every night and wait for you."
Tanya dried another tear " Really? "
" I swear it."
" He has a point Tanya love." Poppa said cupping her face and kissing her. Mamma threw her arms around them both and Waul felt something in his own heart twist. He shook it off.
" Well...now that I've satisfied my curiosity..."
" It killed ze cat you know!" Mamma said stiffly waving a wooden spoon at him.
" Yes well since I'm still alive I must be on my way home. Do have my list? "
Mamma shoved it out the window at him. " Begone you nosy thing. You men...always think you know what's best for young women..." She trailed off into muttering Russian but Waul merely chuckled and tipped his hat at her.
She liked him he could tell. He sighed and turned to head home keeping his eyes open for rattlesnakes and coyotes the only two things he feared right now.
He was about 30 minutes from his home when his fur began to stand up and he slowed down. He suddenly wished he had brought his silver tipped cane that twisted into a rapier and gave him more fighting room then his knife. He stopped and wrinkled his nose briefly.
" I can smell you whoever you are and it's passing rude to come into another's territory without an invitation."
A deep voice that sent uncomfortable vibrations through his body caused him to turn to a boulder on the side of the road.
" Cat R. Waul."
A lynx stepped out and tipped up a black cowboy hat pinning him with a cold yellow gaze moonlight shining from his teeth.
Waul stiffened " You have me at a disadvantage my good sir...you seem to know me...but I'm certain I have yet to make your acquaintance."
A purring growl came from the large feline as it walked slowly up to Waul. " So you haven't..."
Waul's tail began to twitch but he kept his chin up disdainfully . His top hat only came up to the big feline's chin.
" Name's Clay McGregor of the McGregor gang. I don't suppose you remember the three cats that were here in Green River when you showed up? "
Waul crossed his arms " I certainly do. Starving dolts who didn't realize how easy it would be to get plenty to eat and drink."
Clay growled and some of the other cats immediately backed up. Waul allowed one ear to twitch.
" Well it's been a pleasure but if you'll excuse me I must be on my way." He began walking away.
" Don't walk away from me Waul!" Clay snarled he went to pull out his six shooters and froze. As fast as lightening The British feline had whirled around with a pistol loaded and cocked aimed straight at Clay's heart.
Rather then be concerned Clay looked amused. Waul's ears twitched as he heard several guns cocked around him. When he spoke he sounded bored enough to fall asleep.
" I might die in the middle of this road my good man but I promise you my bullet will take out your heart and you'll be just as dead."
Clay made a motion and the guns were slowly put away. Waul merely aimed for the sky.
Clay walked up to Waul and looked him up and down again. " Well well so your not such a uppity talking pussy after all. Got a little grit in you I see."
" My dear sir I might point out your speech is as educated as mine and I am NOT a pussy." The last word came out in a hiss.
Clay chuckled " Yes well on the reservations we learn to speak and write and do sums. Just so we don't give away our towns and lands with a paw print thanks to smooth talking outsiders like yourself."
Waul sighed stifling a yawn " Yes, Yes, very good. If you'll excuse me." He turned and walked away keeping the gun in his hand.
" Green River is mine Waul and I aim to get it back. You can join me...or you can die with the rest of the town."
" Good NIGHT sir!" Waul snapped walking faster.
" You think on that partner...and I'll be seeing you soon." Clay motioned the other cats to head out. He smirked at the red caped feline walking away. A strong one. Definitely a born leader if he had been on Clay's side int he first place but ah let him chew it over and wonder how the town would be taken.
Waul would come once the curiosity got the best of him. If not...perhaps the plight of a certain mouse would bring him running. Clay had nothing but time.