The tea was cold by the end of her story. Early on, Eustace had grumbled at the sight of people and left to go work on the truck outside. Muriel had taken a seat next to Courage as Saoirse spoke. Katz, much to Saoirse's displeasure, sat next to her.

When she got to his part of the story and how he had drugged and dragged her around, Courage growled – he actually growled! While Katz wad amused by the dog's reaction, Saoirse felt touched by such a display of protection.

While she didn't want to tell them about her deal with the cat, she did imply that he was going to help her in exchange for something – luckily they didn't ask what…yet. The topic at hand was where Shelia and Oliver might be at.

Courage looked thoughtful, no longer glaring and growling at Katz. Muriel poured everyone more tea as she appeared to think as well. After a moment, Saoirse picked up her tea cup but did not drink. Instead, she spoke once more, "Courage…you three…you were 'rebels' right? I mean…Courage, I found her journal." There was no easy or right way to say it, to call them…whatever they were. The Resistance?

The purple haired boy seemed to color slightly. He nodded. "We were…but…we were taking a break. The new leash laws…" A moment of silence fell upon them. The viewing and ruling of humans were getting harsher, that much was clear. The Terriers were so old, of course they wanted to pause, to take a breath. Courage was young, he could…

"Maybe there is something in the journal?" Muriel suggested.

"I brought her journal. It's in my bag in the truck." Saoirse made to stand, to get it, but felt a firm hand on her wrist. She glanced down to see those mesmerizing eyes study her, communicate silently. A throaty, deep growl issued from Courage nearby. They both had forgotten Katz' existence for a moment, apparently.

Once that was re-established, Katz turned her wrist over and placed the truck keys in her palm. Then he released her, leaning back to sip his cream-laced tea once more. With this, she stepped outside to get the journal. For a moment, she half-expected Courage to follow her out. He didn't though because that meant leaving Muriel alone with the cat.

She didn't like the idea of leaving Courage with Katz regardless of Muriel or not. She wouldn't put it past Katz to taunt her friend and provoke a reaction. Journal in hand, she darted back inside. The thought of running never crossed her mind. She wanted only to find the Terriers.

When she returned, she placed the journal in Courage's hand and remained standing at his side, reading over his shoulder. She tried to focus on the scribbles than on the fact that Katz was glaring at her. "The last thing she wrote was over two years ago." Courage pointed out as he reached the end of the journal.

Saoirse frowned slightly. While it would be great for nostalgia, perhaps even answering some questions of her origins she had never thought to ask, this did nothing for her now. "Wait, I think there's something on the inside of the back cover." She pointed.

Courage turned the last page to show the back part of the journal. On the corner in shaky letters read, 'They're coming.' Saoirse tensed, the breath leaving her in a sharp exhale. Courage whined sadly, clearly concerned.

"They?" Saoirse barely managed to whisper.

"The government, clearly." Katz stated so coldly and firmly that he sounded loud in the room. He had his tea cup, empty, set aside on the arm rest, his leg crossed over the other knee. "The question becomes, do they know that Courage is their friend?"

Would they come for Courage next?

Courage started to tremble next to Saoirse. The girl, without thinking, placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. "They won't." She decided, frowning.

Katz, clearly enjoying Courage's new fear, provoked, "Why ever not? There are letters, names in address books I'm sure. Who knows, perhaps the government is watching this place right now…waiting until everyone goes to sleep before they make their move."

Courage's teeth started to chatter now, sharp and grimace worthy. Saoirse glared at the man. "They won't." She stated again firmly, searching for an answer as to why she was so certain. "Courage is a well-known writer. No one would dare kidnap him, it would raise too many questions." Her heart hurt then. It was sad, but it was true. The Terriers were old and retired…who would miss them, other than their devoted pet?

This seemed to calm Courage down. That and, mostly, Muriel's affection and reassurance. Saoirse watched and smiled slightly. She looked up at Katz and gave him a look.

"Now," Muriel said, "it's getting late. I should start cooking dinner. Saoirse, Mr. Katz, will you both be staying?"

Katz' eyes flickered to the window, then back at Muriel. "We will. I fear we may have to spend the night as well. It's getting dark – and I do not feel it safe to drive in the mud so late at night." Especially, Saoirse had to agree, when they weren't sure of their next destination.

If the government was rounding up rebels, at least the quiet ones, then where would they be taken? Perhaps Courage could try to find something with the help of his Computer. One could only hope.

Dinner was delicious and the dessert was wonderfully sweet. The tea had with Muriel's pie was delicious. It was all simply…grand. And more so, it brought back a bit of nostalgia to when she had been a child coming to visit Courage.

Somehow, Saoirse managed to ignore Katz throughout dinner. It had to do with the great food and the conversation from Muriel, as well as the latest story update from Courage. From this, Katz managed to glimpse a side of Saoirse he had yet to see – something he filed away for future use. He watched as she smiled, a hint of her teeth showing, or how she laughed at something funny Courage said, noting how she always pushed her hair behind her ear after a chuckle. He noticed that her shoulders were relaxed and her eyes were bright, full of pleasant humor and almost serenity. For an hour, at least, she managed to forget the reason they were here.

By the end of dinner, however, a yawn escaped Saoirse. As it happened often, the yawn was contagious to the others. "I'll wash up the dishes." Muriel stated, shooing Saoirse away as soon as she offered to help. "You're tired, dear, and you've been through a lot. Go ahead and go to sleep."

And just like that, the topic of beds and sleeping arrangements came to everyone's mind.

They had one guest room – which was really just the attic (Courage's workplace) with a cot – and then the couch in the living room. "Saoirse, you can have the guest room." Courage decided. He would be working, as well as researching, both on his novel and where the Terriers might be anyway. Might as well have her near him. He didn't trust the cat.

"And I am to sleep on the couch? I think not." Katz declared firmly. "I shall take the bed. Saoirse will stay in the same room as I." He didn't trust her not to run evidently.

"And share your bed? That's incredibly inappropriate." Saoirse frowned, glaring once more. Even Courage seemed to scowl.

"Share my bed, dear girl? Why, you're a mere human. You will be on the floor – as is your rightful place."

Courage growled now and Saoirse made a fist under the table. How…dare he?! She had never been talked to like that! To sleep on the floor?! She'd rather keep the bed and he the floor in that case.

Just as she made to make this announcement and start another battle of wills, Courage spoke. "This is my house. Saoirse gets the bed."

"And I am her…"

Saoirse slapped the table with her open hand so swiftly that everyone jumped – except Katz. He only moved his cold stare onto her, his tail twitching in agitation. Refusing to lose her nerve, she hissed, "Not yet. Not until we find them." The deal. The deal that she hadn't exactly explained to her friends.

A silent battle of wills in their stares. A staring contest, as it were. Who would win, the cat or the human?

"I will take the couch," Katz announced, "but if I should hear any footsteps that aren't upstairs…" the threat was clear enough. Not only that, but he would sleep with the keys.

"Then it's decided." Saoirse stated a bit coldly. "Courage?" She turned to her lavender haired friend and stood. It was time to do some research.