Part Four: The Temptress

Chapter Twenty-Four

I returned to my human home, tired but satisfied. I expected to find Demeter passed out on the couch, in her usual manner, but much to my surprise, she wasn't home. I smiled at this, assuming that Demeter had spent the evening very much like I had and was still at some tom's house sleeping it off.

But the day passed and Dem didn't come home. The next morning, she still had not returned. I mewed plaintively to my humans, who could not answer me. They assumed I was hungry. I got so angry with them—idiots! I wanted to know if they had seen Dem, and they're pouring me food. Such dumb creatures.

I made my way to the junkyard, my anxious paws padding double-time on the pavement. I went straight to Jellyorum, "Have you seen Demeter?"

"You're the one who lives with her," Jellyorum joked. I looked at Jenny, who had turned away haughtily. I realized my fur was still wild and ruffled looking from the previous night's activity. This only added to her opinion of me, I'm sure. At this point, I had more important things to worry about.

"I haven't seen her since the ball," I admitted. "She hasn't been home."

Jellyorum sat up, genuinely worried, "That's not like Demi. I'll ask around, see who saw her last."

I nodded, going the opposite direction. After speaking to every cat in the yard, Jellyorum and I concluded that no one knew where Demeter had went—and no one had seen her since the Jellicle Ball.

"She left early," remembered Alonzo. "She seemed a little…distracted."

"Distracted?" My eyes zeroed in on his face. "How?"

"Well," Alonzo squinted, trying to describe her. "She kept glancing over her shoulder as she walked off. You know, she's always a bit jumpy, but that night she was a little jumpier than usual. I asked her if she wanted me to walk her home, but she said no. Now I feel bad that I didn't follow her home anyways."

I smiled at this, remembering the time Alonzo had followed me home. It was strange; since I had returned to the Jellicles, we didn't talk much. Alonzo had grown up, taking his place beside Munkustrap and Tugger as a guardian of the Tribe. Although I could tell whenever I shook my little red tail, he noticed. All the toms noticed.

"Was there anything else…suspicious that happened that night?" Munkustrap had appeared beside me during the interrogation. He was worried, too. Alonzo thought for a moment. "There was a loud ruckus on the east side of the yard, but when I got there, no one was around."

Munku and I exchanged blushing looks. We knew what the ruckus was.

"Nothing else?" Munkustrap quickly steered the subject back to the matter at hand. Alonzo shook his head. "Nothing."

Tugger approached us, his long dark legs moving quickly. I could tell by his walk that he had something important.

"I was out last night," he began without prelude. "I overheard the rumor that Macavity is holding a Jellicle queen captive."

"Where?" Munkustrap stepped forward, overcome by this sudden news. Tugger gave an apologetic shrug, "I don't know. They stopped talking when they realized I was there. But no one knows for sure."

Munku was convinced that Macavity was behind the kidnapping. I wasn't entirely certain. I had known Macavity a long time--he was a villain in many ways, but abduction and torture were too dark even for him. But since my return to the Jellicles, I had heard many horrible tales of his wicked deeds. I didn't know if all the stories were true, but they were definitely widely believed. Even if they weren't true, I'm sure poor Dem was scared senseless when she realized the Evil Macavity was her captor.

I gave Tugger a meaningful look, "We've got business to attend to."

"Where are you going?" Munku called after us.

"Searching for clues," I replied over my shoulder, never slackening my pace. Tugger's legs were as long as mine; he kept perfect pace as I trotted through the winding streets. We arrived at the Mouser's Palace—Mac's new club and the place that I had last seen him.

I burst into the door. It was eerie to walk into a club in the broad light of day—there were only a few cats at the bar and huddled around the card table; no music played, no lights flashed across the room, and no one seemed to be talking.

"Give it up, Mac," I said, forcefully pushing one of the toms out of his chair so that I stood firmly before the Hidden Paw.

He looked up, a mild look of surprise on his features, "Ah, Bombalurina, what a wonderful surprise."

This was the first time I ever remember him calling me by my name—he always called me Red. He smiled at me, speaking to the other cats around the table, "Gentlemen, this is the infamous Red Queen of Cards. She's vicious—she'll take you for all you're worth. She takes no prisoners."

"Mac, I doubt they want to know about my performance in the bedroom," I replied curtly, earning a few surprised chuckles from the others seated around the tables. Mac smiled at this. I continued, "I am here on a very important matter."

"Really? Pray tell," Macavity returned lazily to his cards. Tugger, who was standing forebodingly beside me, stiffened at Mac's obvious nonchalance. I put a cautionary paw on him to keep him calm, "We haven't the time for games, Mac. We need to talk. In private."

I gave a meaningful look at the other toms, who quickly disappeared. Only one other cat remained at the table, a crème Persian queen whom I distantly remembered from my days with Macavity.

"Griddlebone, this is Bombalurina." He reintroduced us. "Bombalurina, this is Griddlebone, my second in command."

"Ah, Bombalurina," the large cat purred, her soft Persian accent lending an odd cadence to her words. "Ife heard so mushe about you. The Scarlot Queen."

"Red Queen," I corrected tersely. I did not have time for formalities. "And we've met. You were working for Mac back when the kits were born."

I felt Tugger's body shift in shock at this. I gave him a quick warning look that said Don't even ask. This is covered by our deal.

He understood, returning his intense gaze back to Macavity.

"What's on your mind?" Macavity sat back nonchalantly, but I could see the gleam in his eyes. He was enjoying this game all too well. He was definitely guilty.

"The Jellicle queen you took," I said in a low tone. "Demeter. Where is she?"

"I have no idea."

"Liar!" Tugger stepped forward defensively, his mane ruffling up with anger. Macavity just looked on with amusement, "You picked a feisty one."

"He's not mine," I retorted, quickly pulling Tugger back. Macavity's eyes gleamed maliciously, "I know. You prefer the ones with more…power."

I felt my stomach drop, hoping he wouldn't continue that line of thought. He did, "The ones like the brave and hardy Munkustrap."

I felt my heart stop. Mac knew. How on earth did he know? At this point, that was the least of my worries. I quickly went into damage-control mode. I quickly pulled Tugger back, commanding, "Tugger, go wait outside."

He looked at me in disbelief. I shot him a look that would have withered an oak tree, "Wait. Out. Side."

He nodded and left, giving Macavity one last hateful look as he did so.

"Charming as ever," Mac replied smoothly, chuckling to himself as he carelessly shuffled the cards.

"Reminds me of you," I couldn't resist the barb. He had made me angry and now I was bent on provoking his anger as well.

I saw his eyes flare up at that, "I resent that."

"What?" I leaned forward enticingly. "The comment or the fact that I still know how to push your buttons, even after all this time?"

Macavity ignored my comment. "You're little friend is quite a firecracker. So small, but such a pretty little thing."

I felt my anger flare like the blast from a volcano, but I gritted my teeth and kept my cool, "Where is she?"

"At the warehouse," Macavity answered honestly. He gave a sardonic smile, "Not that you would be able to find her there, much less rescue her. I'm very good at hiding things."

"What do you want?" I asked, getting to the point. Every cat had a price—even Macavity.

"To be left alone in peace," he feigned the tone of a beleaguered victim. "So that I may enjoy my new queen."

I could not stop the low whine that rolled in my throat. He was making me see red. I could see the momentary flash of fear in his eyes—he remembered my temper tantrums; he knew if I got that angry, there would be no controlling me. He quickly backtracked, "I'll cut you a deal, Red. We'll play cards tonight. At the warehouse."

"Terms?"

"I win, I keep your little friend. You win, you get to take her home."

I nodded. He gave a crooked smile, "Seems oddly reminiscent, doesn't it? Except we're not playing for you this time."

"You lost that game a long time ago." I replied coldly. He sat back, studying my face intently, "Have you ever wondered what you life would be like if you had played that full house instead of folding?"

"Much happier," I replied without hesitation. My arrow hit its mark; I saw the pain in Mac's face. I turned to go, "I'll see you tonight."

I cast a distasteful look at Griddlebone, "And leave the fuzzball. It's just you and me this time."

~*~

"What the hell was that?" Tugger hissed, grabbing me roughly as I exited the club.

"Watch the hands, Tugsy," I replied, forcing a cheerfulness that I did not feel. Tugger would not be deterred, "What was that all about? Bombalurina, tell me!"

"It doesn't concern you," I said curtly, turning to leave. Tugger grabbed me with a fierceness that I did not know he possessed.

"Tell me!" He growled, shaking me roughly. "This isn't a game, Bomba!"

I stared at him a moment, both of us breathing heavily—he from screaming and me from fear. I gritted my teeth, pushing against his chest in an attempt to make him let go. He didn't. He held onto me, not speaking, not budging. Finally, I gave up.

"We're not moving until you tell me exactly what you said to Macavity," Tugger said in a serious tone. Not stern or harsh, but unrelenting.

"It has nothing to do with you," I looked up at him defiantly, my eyes blazing with anger. I hated how helpless I felt, hated how he could make me feel so helpless, hated how he treated my like a kit. In that moment, I hated him.

"It has everything to do with me," Tugger growled, shaking me again. "He is an enemy to the Jellicles; it is my job to protect them from him! How can I protect them if I don't know—"

"It's Munkustrap's job to protect us," I spat back. "Your job is to sit there and look pretty."

Tugger stopped. He dropped his paws in disbelief. I took a step back, shocked by my own words and slightly scared of what he might do next. He took a deep breath to steady himself. He looked at me, his voice very quiet and full of hurt, "Is that what you think of me? That's all I'm good for—as some stupid ornament? How could you think that, Bombalurina?"

"That's all you think about me!" I whirled around, pointing an accusing finger at him. "How does it feel, to have the tables turned?"

"I can't believe you—"

"We shouldn't even be having this conversation," I threw my paws up in disgust. "That monster has Dem locked away somewhere, and all we can do is fight about ourselves!"

Tugger was silent the rest of the way home, although I know he was dying to know what deal I have made with the ginger-striped devil.

~*~

"Where have you been?" Munku raced up to us, the desperation evident in his voice. "Did you find anything?"

"Ask Bombie," Tugger said hotly, stalking away to a safe distance. He didn't want to be around me, but he still wanted to know what was going on.

"Macavity has her," I admitted. Munku dropped his head in despair. I added, "But, it's ok. I've got a plan."

"What?" Munku looked up hopefully. I smiled, knowing the next part was going to be very hard for him to understand, "I'm afraid I can't tell you. I have to do this alone."

"Bombalurina, don't be ridiculous," he scoffed. "You can't face Macavity alone."

"Trust me," I shot a warning glance at Tugger. "I know how to handle him. Besides, that was part of the deal: I have to come alone."

"Don't you see?" Alonzo cried. He had been standing beside Munku the whole time. "He's going to lure you there, alone, so that he can take you, too! It's another trap!"

"He doesn't have the strength to take me," I replied defiantly, rising to my full height, which was taller than Munku and Alonzo. "Just because I'm a queen doesn't mean I don't know how to handle myself. May I remind you, I survived on the streets before I came back here. I can take care of myself just fine."

"Can you defend yourself against several hundred hench-rats?" Munkustrap asked calmly, folding his hands across his chest. I looked at him; he knew the answer.

"Still," I replied through clenched teeth, trying to keep my anger in check. "I am going alone."

Alonzo gave a contemptuous snort, "We'll see about that."

~*~

I took particular pride in being able to lose all three toms as they tried to follow me to Macavity's warehouse. They thought I didn't notice them—what awful detectives they would make! Once I was certain that I was no longer being followed, I entered the forbidding black building.

"Whatcha want, schweetheart?" Asked an oily black rat. I turned up my nose haughtily. "I'm here to see Macavity."

"I bet you are," he said, looking me up and down. I rose to my full height, my voice taking on a menacing tone, "Scram, vermin."

Once he realized how large I was, he quickly backpedaled out of my way. I strode confidently through the warehouse—this had once been my kingdom, my palace of dreams. Now it was a living hell—rats ran about, packing materials by the ominous orange glow of the furnace, their eyes glimmering evilly in the firelight. I hurried to the second story.

"Oi!" A familiar cat stepped in front of me. "Wot you want?"

"I'm here to see Macavity," I said slowly, trying to place this cat. He recognized me first, "Oi, the red qwain!"

"That's right, buster," I smiled down on him. "Now be a good boy and let me through."

"Are you 'ere to rescue tha jell'cle?" He asked, his eyes wide with concern. I nodded. He looked around quickly, before saying, "She's in tha basement room. Sec'nd door to tha roight. She rea'y needs 'elp."

I felt concern flood my face, "How bad is she?"

"Real bad," he admitted softly. " 'Ow do ya plan to ge'er back?"

"Win her in a game of cards, of course," I forced a sarcastic smile. The cat—Mungojerrie, I suddenly remembered his name—looked around furtively, "Look, jus so ya know, Ol' Mac cheats som'in awful at cards."

I laughed at this, "Yes, I know."

"No," Mungojerrie shook his head. "No' jus 'idden mirras now. 'e 'ides 'em up his sleeve. An' under the table."

"Which side does he play on?" I asked breathlessly.

"Tha roight."

"Thanks," I whispered. "You're a good cat."

Mungojerrie smiled brightly at this. Apparently no one had told him this before.

~*~

"You made it," Macavity's tone only held a slight bit of surprise.

"Did you think I would back down?" I asked haughtily. He shrugged, "Who knows? You've changed so much; I have no idea what you will do."

"Let's get this show on the road," I replied. Mac chuckled to himself, "Ah, typical Red. Always wanted to skip the foreplay."

I did not find that reference humorous. Macavity bowed graciously and opened the door to his card room, "After you."

I stepped in and , remembering Mungojerrie's words of warning, headed for the right side of the table. Macavity stepped forward, gently trying to guide me to the left.

"I don't think so," I purred over my shoulder at him—a move that used to drive him crazy. I went to the right side, running my paws under the table and producing two cards. "I know how you play, Mac."

He chuckled softly, "Caught me."

"Not quite," I stepped forward, my face just inches from his. I could tell the closeness was unsettling to him. I had long lost all feeling for him—good or bad. He was simply another object to me; it was as if I had blocked out all the moments that had passed between us, "Remove the cards you have hidden up your sleeve."

Mac gave another surprised chuckled, quickly casting a glance to the door, where Mungojerrie stood apprehensively. Poor kit. Mac was going to let him have it afterwards.

"Ready now?" Mac asked with a sigh. I glanced up at the mirror positioned in the corner. I quickly took it off the wall, "I won't fall for that trick twice."

He suppressed a grin and motioned for Mungojerrie to come and deal the cards. The seven fingered cat quickly shuffled the cards, flipping them out to us with precision and speed. I was impressed.

"Ladies first," Macavity replied sarcastically.

"Bitches second," I smiled back. He took the barb with amazing coolness. My first round oddly mirrored the first game I played with Macavity. Suddenly, all my old skills returned; I remembered exactly how to drive him mad. But this time, it was with a different intent in mind—not to seduce him, but to distract him enough to make him lose the game.

"I fold," I said in a breathy whisper, barely audible over the din of the machines. I leaned forward to push my cards in, stretching out my torso and giving Macavity a perfect view of my curves. He liked what he saw.

"Ah, Red," he said, his voice full of admiration. "Surely you wouldn't play dirty like that."

"What?" I looked up innocently, still leaning forward over the table. I didn't move—the longer I stayed like that, the more I drove him wild.

"Using your natural charms to distract me," Macavity clucked disapprovingly. "That's not fair at all."

"My charms were never hidden under the table or up my sleeve," I commented, smoothly returning to my seat. "So I'd say it's very fair. Unless you prefer to play cards blindfolded."

Macavity chuckled at this. He motioned to Mungojerrie, "Deal the lady some cards."

After a thoughtful pause, Mac signaled for Mungojerried to leave the room. I watched the half-grown kit go, a slight look of confusion on my face. Mac waited until Mungojerrie had closed the door before he spoke.

"I saw you with him."

"Who?"

"Munkustrap," Mac said quietly, shifting his cards around. I felt my heart leap into my throat, "Y-you saw me? When?"

Macavity gave me a meaningful look, and I felt my face lose all color. My paws went cold. I almost stopped breathing. It was one thing to know your former flame was with another tom; it was another thing entirely to see her in the throes of passion with your worst enemy. I looked down at my cards, not wanting to look Mac in the eye.

He finally spoke again, his voice surprisingly soft, "So what's he like?"

"I'm not going to discuss this with—"

"Is he better than me?" Mac insisted. I did not reply. He sat back nonchalantly, controlling the tumultuous feelings that whirled in his chest. "Well, there must be something…does he know how to touch you? Does he make your body shiver with electricity?"

"No," I admitted quietly, not daring to look into his fiery golden eyes. "You're the only one who could do that."

Macavity was taken aback by this confession. For a moment, he seemed pleased. But then his face returned to its usual expression of sorrow and hatred.

"But it wasn't enough." He said quietly.

"No," I echoed, setting my cards before me. "It wasn't enough."

Another pause. This one was not nearly as heavy or tense. Mac resumed an almost disinterested air—a sign that he was inwardly holding his breath and waiting for my response, "So, why then?"

"Look, eventually, I was going to move on," I looked up at him, a slight anger in my voice. "Even if you hadn't witnessed it, you knew I was going to find someone else sooner or later. What do you want me to do? I couldn't keep living in the past. I couldn't keep bringing up your memory, just to shoot pain through my veins. Besides, a haunting memory is a cold companion in the dark of the night."

"It's kept me company," Mac said quietly. "Ever since you left."

I looked at him in shock—surely he wasn't serious. But one look at that pitiful face and I knew he was. In the kindest of voices—for despite all he had done, Macavity still held a tiny place in my heart, as the lover of my soul and the father of my kits—I said to him, "Mac, that isn't healthy. You need to move on. It's the only way. If you don't, it will consume you."

"I'm tired of talking," Mac growled suddenly. He barked for Mungojerrie to come back in, which the kit did dutifully. I could tell by his furtive glances in my direction that Mungojerrie had heard the whole thing.

"Let's finish this," Mac said, returning to his cards with renewed interest. I just sighed and shook my head. Nothing I said had gotten through to him.

~*~

The game seemed to last forever. Even without cheating, Macavity still won. I looked down at the cards in disbelief, "How…"

"Must be Fate," he smiled wickedly. He couldn't resist the added barb, "Would you like to say goodbye to your friend?"

I nodded, blinking back tears. I could tell Mungojerrie was holding back tears of despair as well. I gently patted his leg under the table in a gesture of comfort. Mac apparently didn't notice. He stood, "Let's go visit her."

"You can't do this," I went after him, my voice filled with desperation. "She didn't do anything. She's innocent."

"She took you in," Macavity said calmly. "She kept you from returning to me."

"I wouldn't have come back even if I didn't rejoin the Jellicles," I stood still, looking at him in disbelief. "I couldn't stand for you to touch me—why on earth would I have come back?"

"I could have changed that," he said quietly. I shook my head, "This still isn't right. You can't just punish her like this."

"I'm punishing you," he said, stopping me once more. "When you left, you took away my only friend—the only cat I ever loved. So, I'm doing the same. I guess we're even," he turned to go.

"Macavity!" I hissed. "This is not fair! You still had friends when I left! I didn't kidnap Griddlebone."

"You couldn't kidnap Grid if you wanted to," Macavity said smoothly. "That cat would give Bustopher Jones a run for his money." He stepped forward proudly, his voice taunting and aloof, "Besides, what makes you think that I kidnapped that precious little queen just to upset you?"

"Because you just said you did!" I cried hysterically. I began reaching for other answers, "Because I left, because the kittens were taken away! I mean, why else would you--"

And suddenly I knew why Macavity would steal Demeter. Pretty, sweet, fragile Demeter.

"You wouldn't…"

"I assure, I would," Macavity smiled, the corners of his mouth curling up to reveal his fangs. He began to circle me, "Perhaps we could strike up a deal, Red? You for her?"

I looked toward the closed door. Somewhere behind it lay Demeter, my only friend in the world.

"You've got yourself a deal."