Morgan looked at the tabby thieves in confusion. "Growltiger's first mate? O'course I know 'im. Bloody 'orrible temper, a real daemon wiv the lash." Mungojerrie massaged his temples, Morgan's accent and rambling ways getting on his nerves. "Do you know where he is?" the cat demanded. "O'course. He lives near the river, by the Bell Inn, doesn't he. I wouldn't want ter risk me skin against 'im though. Bloody 'orrible temper." "Yes, you've said that," Rumpleteazer cut in. "If we had to see him though. Any advice for us?" "Brin' alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. It's the only way ter get 'im close ter resemblin' a good mood." "Thank you for your help," Mungojerrie said, bowing low. Rumpleteazer did a strange little four leg curtsy as the thieves retreated rapidly form the pirate cat.
Erik and Jemima were waiting for the pair outside. "What's going on?" the tortoiseshell queen demanded. "Nothing," Mungojerrie replied. Erik moved to block his exit. "What is it Mungo?" he asked. "Something private," Rumpleteazer insisted. Jemima joined her partner in backing the cats into a corner. "Just tell us," she smiled, but the grin did not reach her wide eyes. "We've been looking into Growltiger's old crew" Mungojerrie exclaimed in exasperation. Rumpleteazer elbowed him in the ribs while Erik and Jemima gasped. "Tell me you're joking," Erik growled. "Macavity's going after foreign cats like Growltiger, and the only other link is Griddlebone." "You're not going to talk to Griddlebone," Jemima gasped again. "Don't be stupid," Rumpleteazer sighed. "I thought all Growltiger's crew were killed by Gilbert and Genghis's hoard?" Erik pointed out. "The first mate and bosun weren't aboard," Mungojerrie explained. "Tumblebrutus died soon after in a bar fight…" "What!" Eric yowled. "Tumblebrutus? As in one of the twins? The acrobat? Electra's Tomfriend?" "Same cat, different life," Rumpleteazer explained. "Cassandra was a pharaoh's cat in a previous life, Quaxo was the Pied Piper's assistant. Tumblebrutus was a pirate." Eric frowned. "Wow. Talk about a change of lifestyle." Jemima shook her head, giggling. "What you did in your previous life has no affect in how you live your life now. Only a mystical cat can even tell you who you were. Weren't you taught this?" she asked. "Taught by who?" Erik retorted. "My Bombay father who left before I was born? The mother who could barely look after me and died just after Rust and Syrie were born? Macavity? Other Fighters?" "Sorry," Jemima said, realising how inconsiderate the comment had been. She nuzzled against Erik by way of apology.
"So if … Tumblebrutus … died soon after," Erik continued, struggling with the idea that his friend had been a pirate bosun in a previous life. "Who is there let to talk to?" "Grumbuskin, the first mate," Rumpleteazer replied. "He wasn't on board when the Siamese brothers stormed the ship, so wasn't killed." Jemima eagerly bounced up and down. "Where is he now?" she asked. "Living near the Bell in Hampton, apparently," Rumpleteazer replied. "Now we must be going," her mate insisted. "Not on your own," Erik coolly responded. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer froze in perfect synchronisation. "Not a chance," they said together, turning on their friend. "We're going to grab a bottle of brandy and go see him. What part of that plan could involve you?" Mungojerrie asked. "I want in," Erik insisted. "Why?" Mungojerrie demanded. "You're not the only one with an axe to grind against Macavity," Erik yelled, drawing reproachful looks from passing cats. "Keep your voice down idiot," Rumpleteazer hissed. "I'm coming with you," Erik insisted. "I'll follow you if I have to." Mungojerrie looked to Rumpleteazer. "What do you think," he asked. Rumpleteazer cocked her head, thinking hard. "Fine then," she hissed. "On your own head be it."
"I'm coming to," Jemima piped up. "No," Erik flatly replied. "Who gave you a say?" Jemima demanded. "If you're going, so am I." "Absolutely not," Erik responded. "Since when do I have to do what you want me to?" Jemima asked. Erik looked at her. "Please don't come. It could be dangerous." "Yet you're going. I'm not a china cat Erik, you can't keep me wrapped up in cotton wool!" Jemima declared. "Why don't you want me around? Afraid I'll get in the way?" she demanded. Erik looked hurt. "I just want to protect you," he muttered. "Maybe I don't need your protection," she exclaimed. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer looked at each other, sidling away while the cats were arguing. Something told them they were intruding on an important moment.
"Do you know what it would do to me if you got hurt?" Erik asked Jemima. She scowled at him, not answering. "You are the most important thing in my life," Erik said. "My world would come crumbling down if you were killed. I can't let you be put in that sort of danger." "I can look after myself," she said softly. "I'm used to looking after who I love, doing anything to keep them safe," Erik explained. "I grew up having to look over my shoulder all the time, making sure that Rusty and Syrie weren't going to be murdered while I wasn't looking." There were a pair of tears running down his face. "I'm sorry if I was too strong. Of course you must make up your mind. But I only objected because I care for you." Jemima smiled at him, wiping away his tears. "Why do you think want to come? I couldn't bear being here while you were out there in danger, not knowing what was happening." She took his paw in hers. "We go together. Either live forever side by side, or go to the Heaviside Lair together." Erik smiled at her. "I love you," he said. "Always."
The four friends trotted towards the entrance to the yard. It was Plato on guard, with Exotica by his side. "Where are you going?" he asked of the friends. "Double date?" Jemima offered hopefully. Plato laughed, not believing his friend for a moment. "Ok, really where?" he asked. Mungojerrie decided that honesty would probably serve them best. "We're going to see a drunken pirate who used to be Growltiger's first mate, in the hope that he could tell us why Macavity is targeting foreign breeds." Plato and Exotica goggled at their friends. "You're kidding," Exotica breathed. Rumpleteazer shook her head. "Are you mad?" Plato hissed. "Grumbuskin was Growltiger's cruel right paw," Exotica muttered. Plato whispered something in his mate's ear. She nodded to him. "Where is he?" the grey protector asked. "Morgan says that he lives near the Bell Inn in Hampton," Mungojerrie replied. "Alright," Plato considered. "Wait here." With that he bounded down from his post, returning soon afterwards. "I got George to cover my shift. Let's go," he said, trotting out of the gate. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer looked at their friends as Exotica, Jemima and Erik followed the protector. "I hope they know what they're getting themselves into," Rumpleteazer muttered to her mate as they followed.