From the May 18, 2023 writer's prompt on the JE FF Facebook page. Write a one-shot using the words "asking for a friend". No longer a one-shot. Not by a long shot.
Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to Janet Evanovich. I am not making any money from this. Mistakes are mine.
Reference to Chapter 8 of Asking for a Friend
Asking for a Friend by Debra8652
Rex's chapter
I am Rex, Chief Rodent in Charge at Rangeman Securities. I am a hamster - not a rat - don't listen to those guys. I have a two-level habitat with a wheel, slide, ladder, soup can for sleeping, food bowl, water bottle, and poo poo facilities. I share the breakroom with a turtle named Freddy. He lives in an aquarium and has a kiddy-sized swimming pool in the Rangeman backyard. The third member of our team is a Border Collie of extraordinary abilities. His name is Remington and his greatest skill is cock blocking Lester Santos. You go, Remy.
Usually, we are all in the breakroom so we get a lot of socialization and food! Tonight, Louis is closing the door to the breakroom at 2200 hrs so he can spray for bugs. I only remember seeing one bug here and Freddy ate it. Anyway, don't worry - the overnight shift will still have access to food and cold drinks in a cooler and a single serve coffeemaker. All is well. Except for the three of us who sleep in the breakroom. Freddy and I will be in the penthouse on 7th floor. Remy and his bowls and bed will get moved to the monitor room.
I haven't been in the penthouse for a while. Not since Ranger was out of town and Mom wanted some overnight company. It's night-night time for humans but I am a nocturnal dude. Even if I wasn't nocturnal, who could sleep with all the noise coming from the bedroom! Wow - it sounds like Mom and Ranger are being very aerobic. Freddy even pulled his head into his shell.
I need to check with Bobby Brown. The sunshine was too bright for me at the Rangeman Labor Day picnic so he ordered me a pair of sunglasses from Etsy. I look so cool when I wear them. I wonder if they sell ear plugs for hamsters on Etsy? Asking for a friend.
A/N Your reviews and suggestions are appreciated. I'll do my best to accommodate you. Thanks to MMBabefanmmm for suggesting that Rex needed a chapter and to Kathy for letting me know you can buy hamster accessories on Etsy.