The day was a cloudy and rainy one in Missouri. Jenni stood still on top of Marabel Hotel, staring down at the city below. Her cloak swishing with the wind. She took in the sights and sounds of what ever rode on the wind. Her tail swished back and forth. She took in a deep breath and looked at her watch...12:00. Noon. Lunch time. Jenni took a final look at the city and headed off the roof. She made her way into the lobby, empty. You don't see many people on days like this.

Suzie was sitting on the desk giggling with Jeremy about something. She glanced at Jenni and smiled warmly, "Oh hey girl. What's going on?" "Hmm, you tell me." Jenni said. "Oh, Jeremy here told me he thinks aliens built the pyramids." Suzie giggled. "Hey, it could be true." Jeremy said, "It couldn't have been people. The Egyptians didn't have any machines or tools or animals or anything to build the pyramids with." Suzie groaned, "Jen, what do you think?" "According to my resources, the pyramids were built by Egyptians to store the dead bodies of their pharaohs."

"Wasn't King Tut found in the pyramid of Giza?" Jeremy asked. "No sweetheart, King Tut was found in the Valley of Kings not too long ago." Suzie explained, "Only reason I know that is because my mama's brother was one of the men who removed it from its grave." "That's interesting." Jenni said,

"Was he affected by the curse?"

"Curse?"

"The Curse of King Tut's tomb."

"Don't know that one."

"6 people died within a decade after the tomb of King Tut was opened. These people were involved with removing the tomb of the pharaoh."

"Nope. My uncle's still breathing. He is as strong as an ox."

"Well, at least he is well."

"What you guys talking about?" Nico asked, coming down the stairs with Serafine. "Pyramids and Curses." Suzie chuckled. "Another one of your books of myth, Jen?" Serafine asked. "No, we were discussing if aliens built the pyramids." Jenni explained. The siblings chuckled. "Well, not the craziest thing I heard." Serafine shrugged. "A mighty fine possibility." Nico added. "So, where ya'll off to?" Suzie asked. "Just grabbing some lunch." Nico replied, "Nothing much to do on days like today." "Especially, with Peekon runnin' things." Serafine scoffed.

"I know you guys miss Asa, but times are changing, and we need to change too. Plus, he was overdue for a vacation." "He was arrested and you, and the girls broke him out. Now he's on the lamb. I don't think that counts as a vacation." Jeremy said. "Well, call it what you want. Being on the run is a hell of a lot better than working for Mr. Stuck up." Serafine scoffed. "Well..." Suzie began fanning herself, "I don't know about that." Jeremy frowned and looked at the floor. "Seriously Suzie?" Wes laughed, coming from outside, "Baby, that boy is 11 kinds of problems." "He's just rough around the edges. Plus, he's professional. Sweet was not." Jenni explained. "Easy for you to say Jen." Wes said, "You're the one whose dating him."

"We're not dating." Jenni said, "I'm his fiancé." "That's right." Clyde grumbled, "I forgot you two were engaged. That's why he's been treating you better than any of us." Suzie glanced at her friend, "He hasn't fired you guys yet, that's pretty nice of him. He also hasn't been entirely harsh to Jeremy and I." "He hasn't been harsh to me either." Fish stated. "Anyway," Jen stated, "Are there any new messages that came today, Jeremy?" "Actually," Jeremy began, "There was one letter addressed to you that arrived an hour ago." Jeremy reached behind the desk and pulled out a white envelope. As soon as Jen touched the envelope, a strange gust of wind blew over her. Her fur stood up, her ear twitched, her tail flicked to the ground.

She took out the letter and read:

"Dear Jenni Graves,

It's been a while since we've last spoke. Rather unfortunately, I've hit some rather perturbing issues here. I'd like to discuss what with you in further detail in person. I've been made aware that you currently work at Marigold in St. Louis, Missouri. Expect me there at 9:30 sharp. November 5th. I hope this letter reaches you before then.

Sincerely, Myles Howler

"What does it say?" Suzie asked. Jenni looked up from the paper with a look of concern. "I've got to make a call. I'll be right back." Jenni hurried up the stairs rather quickly. She ran into her room and dialed a number on her phone.

"Little Daisy Cafe. Sierra here."

"Sierra, it's Jen. Alert Marley and the rest of the crew. It's an emergency."

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"Hopefully, it's just an inconvenience but I need to speak with everyone from Lackadaisy and Marigold."

"That serious, huh?"

"I got a letter from an old acquaintance."

"Can I ask who?"

"I'll tell you tonight. Tell Mitzi I'm bring the Marigold gang to Lackadaisy. It's safer to talk there."

"Ok Jen, I'll tell her. What time?"

"9:00pm."

"Got it."

Jen hung up and dialed another number. "Hello?" a male voice said on the other end.

"Marcus? It's Jen."

"Oh hey Jen, everything alright? You sound flustered."

"We have an emergency. I got a letter from one of my old bosses."

"Oh really? Who?"

"Howler."

"Howler?" Marcus's voice grew to a whisper, "Myles Howler?"

"Yes, he's coming here tomorrow night."

"What does he want?"

"I don't know. He said he has run into some troubling affairs. I don't know what in particular."

"This is serious Jen. You got to tell Heller."

"I will. But I need you to come down to Lackadaisy at 9:00 tonight."

"I might be late. I have to do inventory tonight."

"That's fine. Just hurry. And call Leslie. Please."

Jen hung up and hurried to the manager's office. The secretary was absent, so she knocked on the door. "It's unlocked." called a dark and silky voice. Jen opened the door to see a handsome, well-dressed tuxedo cat in a soft silky cream-colored chair. "Hey, sorry to barge in like this." Jenni said. "You're not bothering me. Is everything alright?" Heller asked. Jenni sat in a seat opposite of him,

"Not exactly. One of my former employers is coming here tomorrow. He's one of 3 I decided not to kill."

"Are they dangerous?"

"Just as us."

"What's their name?"

"Howler, Myles Howler."

Mordecai's eyes widened, "Myles Howler?"

"You know him?"

"Atlas and Asa were associates of his. He bought liquor from both of us. I never met him, but Atlas warned me he was dangerous."

"I know things are still a little disconcerted with Lackadaisy, but I do believe this situation warrants both their and our attention."

"Why? Because some of your friends used to work with him too?"

"Both yes and no. If Lackadaisy is to become our ally once again, it's imperative we work together and share information."

"Well, you are right Jen...Oh fine. If it's only for a day or two, I don't see any harm in working with Lackadaisy. It's mainly Howler I'm worried about. With Atlas dead and Asa on the run, you and I are the only ones who are strong enough to take care of this situation. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention."

"So, 9:00 tonight at Lackadaisy?"

"Yes, just be sure to clear it with Mitzi."

"I'll take care of that...thanks."