Montgomery The Alley Cat
Steve and the kittens were all dressed in their nightclothes, the girls had on pillowy night gowns and shorts, Jane had pink and Maxine had on purple. Dustin and Him had on matching two piece pajamas in different colors, Steve was in blue and Dustin's in green. They were all in a very deep slumber when Martin came in and stuffed them all in two bags, Steve in one and the kittens in the other. He snuck down the stairs as quietly as possible and then packed them into the back of his motorcycle, he made it down to the river where he planned to leave them.
Not too far away in a barn, there were two dogs, A bloodhound named Mike and a Beagle named Mike. There was a rumbling sound that broke Mike out of his sleep, he was a light sleeper by heart due to his breed, it started to get annoying after the third puff from the engine and he decided to wake up Lucas.
“Lucas. Hey Lucas.” He nudged the boy’s shoulder, but no dice. He rolled his eyes and lifted his ear to shout into it, “Lucas!” that made the boy wake up, slightly.
“Hey, I’m right here, jesus.” He rolled his eyes and was about to go back to sleep. Mike shoved him and shushed him when he was about to speak again, “Shh, listen. Wheels approaching.”
Lucas glared at him with an empty stare, “Dude, we’ve bit 6 tires. Chased 4 motor cars, a bicycle and a scooter! Go to bed!”
“Oh shut up!” Mike growled back. He lifted one of his dog ears up to listen without a muffle, “Hmm, Two-Cylinder, Chain Drive, and one squeaky wheel on the front!” He finished with a proud smile that Lucas responded with a dry and sarcastic clap.
“Whatever dude, you’re just jealous. Now you go for the tires and I’ll go write for the seat of the problem.” He ordered to which Lucas retaliated, “Why do you always grab the tender part for yourself?”
He walked past Mike, but not without the boy pulling on his ear, Cause I outrank you by breed, that’s why! Now stop blabbering and sound the horn.” Mike let go of his ear and waited by the gate opening, Lucas rubbed his ear and grabbed the horn to blow a short and sweet tune.
Mike snarled at him, “No! That’s mess call!” he whisper-shouted. Lucas chuckled to himself before he retorted, “I made a real mess of it huh?” He laughed to himself.
Mike rolled his eyes, “You can be replaced you know!” Lucas mocked him with a hand and peered into the darkness, “Okay, let’s charge!” He had fake enthusiasm and was about to walk, but the fake part didn’t reach Mike because he grabbed Lucas by his tail and dragged him back.
“Hey! I’m the leader! I saw when we go!” He waited a few beats and nodded, “ Let’s go dude! Charge!” He bellowed.
Mike ran and jumped on the person driving causing him to swerve while Lucas tried to swerve the motorcycle. “Nice doggy! Nice Doggy!” Martin yelped as he was blinded by the hat and felt the cycle swerve.
They had the man out of the seat, “Step on the gas, Mike!” Lucas yelled. Mike glared at him from in front, “I got her wide open, just steer!” He yelled back, “This sure beats running, huh Mike?” They both laughed as Martin tried his best to regain control of the wheel, they flew throughout the field, going into the barn, the hen house, and more.
Eventually they stopped near the bridge and ran out back to their house, laughing and mocking Martins screams. Said man looked and saw that the passenger seat where the kittens were was gone. “Hmm, oh well, less work is just more money for me.” He hummed happily and rode his motorcycle back to the manor.
A waterthyme tickled Steve’s face, making him slowly blink awake as he took in his surroundings. River..Bridge..Dark. Steve whimpered. He wasn’t with madame anymore and he didn’t recognize this place. He could only imagine if his kittens were to-
Steve jolted himself up, but was stopped by the bag caught around his hands, legs, and tail. He scrambled to free himself and ended up with only a few scratches, Steve dusted himself off and noticed that he didn’t have any shoes which worried him, if his kittens were out here too, then they probably didn’t have shoes either which is dangerous.
“Oh! Oh where am I? I am not home at all.”
As a hybrid, their feet are more sensitive to the ground, an advantage for outside cats that hunt or simply live in the streets, it keeps them safe. However, for house cats like Steve and the kittens, they rarely make contact with the ground on bare feet, always having on some sort of slippers on, so at the moment, his kittens could be feeling extremely uncomfortable and overwhelmed.
“Children! Where are you?”
Steve wandered and looked around as he thought, he was more used to this sensation because of his parents. Guardians. Owners. They had him specially created, ordered, and delivered using their DNA and special connections. They wanted a cat hybrid to be the perfect accessory to their house, however, they didn’t account for the fact that Steve would come in as a young kit and would need to be taken care of.
At first they didn’t mind seeing as cats aged quicker, but humans age slower, they would be able to fill him with manners and knowledge to be the perfect cat.
There was one flaw in their plans.
Steve was, as they called it, defective.
There was nothing wrong with him physically, he just came with different parts and a difficulty to read. Unfortunately, those problems were all it took for the Harrington couple to be distraught and take out their shortcomings on the thing that caused it. Him.
They would beat him, starve him, and keep him outside all day. Steve was only a young kit, just learning to walk right when they did all this and the overwhelming feeling caused him to wail for comfort, but none came. They would keep him out there for days on end and he didn’t know any better so he stayed, waiting for the next day to come and go like usual.
Then Miss Joyce came. Steve smiled as he pushed away some reeds.
Joyce was his saving grace. His owners had left him outside again, claiming he was too dirty to be present for the meeting they were about to host and he continued to be in pain, only soft sobs and whimpers since i all began 3 years ago, it hurt gain each time since he kept going back inside for long periods of time.
Joyce had been sent to the Harrington house with Jim and Martin to investigate reported sounds and collect the money they were owed when she heard it, the sound of crying. She completely ignored John and Maria’s welcome and went straight for the sound, she could hear Martin apologizing, but she didn’t care, there was a child in trouble and she’d be damned if she let it continue.
She walked to the side of the house to get to the back, stepping over long grass and stones until she reached the sound. That’s when she met Steve, it was like love at first sight in a motherly way that only amplified itself when she hugged him close to her chest and rubbed his back. Steve could only sob harder at the relief of not having to touch the ground, his body trying to heal itself slowly bit by bit.
Joyce saw the irritated swelling on the bottom of his feet and simply sighed deeply and shook her head. She walked out with Steve on her hip and his head in her neck, she raised her nose up at John and Maria, clients that she had held respect for not long ago.
“Jim and Martin will be handling your payments, consider it the last time you are to affiliate yourself with us, I will not endorse and support horrible beings who cannot take the time to properly care for a young child and insist on raising their pay while unable to pay it back. Steven will belong to me now, Jim will take the papers, documents and items that belong to him, should you refuse, your owed amount will triple with each refusal.” She opened her eyes in slits to look down on them, “You disgust me.”
From that day, she raised Steve as if he was her own biological child, introducing him to all and easing him into walking outside properly wearing shoes and helping him give birth when he had gone into heat and ran off. She was never upset with him, only happy that he was okay and that they would have more kittens in the manor.
Steve couldn’t have been happier to have been taken in by Joyce, he can’t imagine what his life would’ve been like with those horrible people still being a constant in it.
Steve shook his head, it was all in the past now and he had to find his little kittens to know they were okay, “Children where are you? Answer me! Dustin! Maxine! Jane! Where are you?”
He stops when he hears a small familiar sniffle and turns to see a small bundle with a purple bow move into sight, “Here I am mama.” Jane sniffles again as she huddles ino herself.
Steve lets out a sigh of relief, “Jane, darling, are you alright?” He does a small jog to hold her close, upon feeling her arms, he can tell that she’s soaking wet, even her hair is curly, he coos and holds her close to keep her warm.
Jane burrowed her head into his chest to warm her nose, “Uh, guess I had a nightmare and fell out of bed.” she whispered. Steve stroked her hair to comfort her, knowing her nightmare had lessened with age, “Now, Jane darling, don’t be frightened.” He spoke softly, keeping an ear out for his other two children.
Dustin, laying on the ground next to the river, opened his eyes and quickly righted himself to look around, he curled his tail in and folded his ears. He didn’t know where he was. So he did the only thing he knew to do when he was in trouble.
“Mama! Mama!”
Jane's small head perked up to the sound, her ears twitching, “Mama! That’s Dustin!”
Steve nodded and called back out to him, “Over here darling! Dustin, here we are! And don’t worry, everything is going to be alright!”
Dustin sniffed to himself and walked with a little difficulty with the sensations zinging up and down his spine, “I’m coming, mama. Geez, I’m cold and w-wet.”
He was talking to himself as he crossed the river that he didn’t notice the rather large frog sitting on a lily pad until it croaked. He shifted, straining to see, “Mama?” He took a step towards it, but the frog came into view and croaked louder, scaring him, “Mama!” He ran towards where he thought he heard his mother's voice and shivers and the slightly wet clothes, but snuggled into him for warmth and out of fear.
Steve has one hand over his mouth and the other on Dustin's head to calm him, “Oh darling. That was only a little frog, my love.” He coos as he leads them back to the spot under the bridge, but Dustin looks up with a fearful expression, “But it had a mouth like a hippopotamus!” He shouted, but heard another croak and delved further into Steve’s arms. Steve shoppk his head as Jane giggled from behind him, Dustin poked his head out to look at her, “Oh, what’s so funny?” He sneered as she giggled back at him.
Steve shot them both a look, “Now now, darlings. Darlings, now you just stay here, and I’ll go look for Maxine.” He pats them both on the head and walks away to search for his other daughter. “Maxine! Maxine, where are you?” He yelled out.
Dustin and Jane looked at one another and shrugged as they began calling out her name as well to help their mama,
Jane called out first, “Maxine!” she looked at Dustin so he would call too, “Maxiinnee!” they both yelled out and from behind them on the other side of the bridge in the bag, a tuft of red hair pokes out with an angry green eyed girl to follow, “Hey! What’s all the yellin’ about?” She grumbled and rubbed her eyes, Dustin glared at her, “Why didn’t you answer?” He asked.
Jane rolled her eyes and called out to Steve, “Mama! She’s been here the whole time!” Her voice carried to Steve who sighed in relief that all of his kittens were together and okay as he ran back to them.
He picked up Maxine for them to all move together against the wall, “Oh, thank goodness. Oh, are you alright?” He asked as he finger weaved her hair to get out the tangles. Max let out a big yawn, “I was having a funny dream. Martin was in it! And we were all riding and bouncing along-”
She was cut off by an extra loud croak that shocked them all, Steve pulled them all closer to him, but Maxine was perplexed, “Frogs? Uh-oh, it wasn’t a dream, Martin did this to us!” She looked back up to her mother with fierce eyes, but Steve just tsked and shook his head.
“Martin? Oh darling, but that - - why that’s ridiculous.” He smoothed his hand over her hair, while he said one thing, he was thinking another.
Dusting snorted in laughter, “Yeah, maybe you hit your head, Maxine.” He taunted and she swiped at him, but they were stopped by a loud crack of thunder. Jane whimpered and tucked herself into Steve, “Mama, I’m afraid! I wanna go home” She whined out when another louder rang out and even frightened Steve, especially when it began to rain.
“Oh dear, Oh dear, lets all get under the bridge, on top of the bags, all of us!” He struggled to make his voice seem confident as he ushered them under the bridge to keep from getting any more wet than they already were.
He had them all cuddled up close to him and the bags they were in were laid on top to keep them warm, his bag was under to keep their feet protected. It was quiet and silent for a moment until Maxine spoke, “What’s gonna happen to us?” She asked, knowing that they were all thinking it.
Steve looked down at his daughter on his right and brushed some hair behind her ear, “Well darlings, I - -I just don’t know. It does look hopeless, doesn’t it?” Steve didn’t have anything else to say, he didn’t know what would help their situation.
Dustin, who was on his left, spoke next, “I wish we were home with madame right now.” He sounded so sad which broke Steve’s heart to hear that kind of tone from his usually happy boy.
But he took his words in and thought about it as he huddled them all closer to share their warms as the rain pattered on, “Oh. Poor madame, she will be so worried when she finds us gone.” His voice trailed off as he noticed all the kittens had fallen asleep and chose to do the same.
But he didn’t notice that Maxine was completely dry and as they slept, their clothes were drying and softening at an inhumane rate.
Back in the manor, Joye was awoken by a rather large clash of thunder and wind mixed with her nightmare, lighting her room up in a quick flash. She had fallen asleep long before, but she remembered that all the kittens were put to bed which eased her worries.
“Steve? Kittens? Oh my gracious! I had the most horrible dream about them. Thank goodness it was only a dream. Oh, dear, what a terrible night.” She spoke aloud to an empty room.
Joyce looked around and noticed the curtains on the kittens bed had been enclosed to shield away the storm, so she slipped out of bed to grab a candle and go to them, “Now now, my darlings. Don’t be frightened. The storm will soon pass.” She coos in a soothing voice and gently pulls back the curtain, but gasps when she sees that there is noting and no one there.
“Oh! Oh, no! They’re gone!” She wails and runs out of the room frantically searching up and down the corridor and stairs, “Steven? Kittens! Where are you?”
In the walls, Will was still curled in his bed when he heard the madame shouting, “They’re gone! They’re gone!”
Will’s eyes widen, “Steve, kittens, gone? Why, that’s terrible! But where? Why? Good heavens!” He became just as hysterical as Joyce, looking out the window as people ran past to escape the rain, “Anything could happen to them on a night like this, Get - get washed down a storm drain! Or struck by lightning!”
He shook his head and swung on his jacket, “Oh they’ll need help, I’ve just got to find them!” He declares and runs out of the house's back door to search.
It rains for the rest of the night, ending sometime that morning to leave behind a dewy soft and humid feeling in the air.
Steve’s ears twitch as he hears a humming noise followed by singing, he blinks his eyes open to the sun and slowly lays each child down to where he was so they can use his warmth to not wake up.
It was still early in the morning, but the ground was slightly dry as he stepped out to see a very handsome cat walking along the crumbling stone wall with ease and confidence, Steve was happy to know that the singing and humming was coming from him and him alone. He stood out into the sun to feel the warm rays on his back as he watched the alley cat go by, taking note of his song.
“I'm like a chee-chee-chee-chee-rony like they make at home
Or a healthy fish with a big backbone
Abraham De Lacy
Giuseppe Casey
William Montgomery
Montgomery the Alley Cat”
Billy was unbothered as he felt the warm sun through his curls, hands behind his head, a fresh new leather jacket, courtesy of last night's haul. He was set and satisfied for the day. He even had a clean shirt and jeans, but he would never give up his boots, he’d claw someone dead if they touched them.
“I've got that wanderlust
Gotta walk the scene
Gotta kick up highway dust
Feel the grass that's green
Gotta strut them city streets
Showin' off my eclat, yeah”
Billy peeked his eyes open and almost dropped his stalk of hay from his mouth when he saw a pretty doe eyed brunette under him, watching him closely. Billy knew on sight that the guy didn’t belong on the streets if his clothes were anything to go by, not to mention his grooming if you looked over the patches of dirt and grass in some places.
Billy chose to make eye contact and smile big and charming at the brunette and- there it is, a blush that traveled below the collar, right on cue.
Billy jumped into the large tree, relishing the gasp that came from the man's lips as the length of the jump would scare any housecat or alley cat alike.
“Tellin' my friends of the social elite
Or some cute cat I happen to meet
That I'm
Abraham De Lacy
Giuseppe Casey
William Montgomery
Montgomery the Alley Cat”
Billy finishes up the verse with his trademark line and is blessed to hear the most deeply french accented voice to ever soothe his ears.
“Why monsieur, your name seems to cover all of Europe.” Steve spoke loud enough to be heard from in the tree where Billy was walking around from branch to branch.
The blonde paused and smiled down at him, “Well of course, I’m the only cat of my kind~” He flirted back with a small purr that pleased Steve and rounded the tree again.
“I'm king of the highway
Prince of the boulevard
Duke of the avant-garde
The world is my backyard
So if you're goin' my way”
Neither cat noticed that the three kittens had woken up and heard the talking and singing between the two, they were enamoured since they had never seen their mother flirt with anyone. Ever!
“That's the road you wanna seek
Calcutta to Rome or home, sweet home
In Paris, magnifique, you all!”
Max was excited for a totally different reason,”Oh, boy! An alley cat!” She whispered and was ready to pounce, but Jane stopped her, “Shh! Listen” She pointed at their mother and the cat so they waited and watched the interaction.
“I only got myself
And this big old world
But I sip that cup of life
With my fingers curled”
Billy showed his hand out palm up and slowly pulled them into a fist one by one and tensed it, noticing the jump Steve gave at the action and smiled, yeah, he picked a good one. He shook a branch beside him just to see the flowers fall out and around the brunette, he looked like an angel of spring. It was about time to end this song, he wanted to talk to whoever this cat is quickly.
“I don't worry what road to take
I don't have to think of that
Whatever I take is the road I make
It's the road of life make no mistake
For me, yeah,
Abraham De Lacy
Giuseppe Casey
William Montgomery
Montgomery the Alley Cat
Billy swung down from the tree holding one of the flowers as he walked up to the brown hair boy and tucks it into his hair expertly, taking his hand to kiss it on the back of his palm. He ste[s forward and brackets him into a stone wall to look him in the eye.
“That's right
And I'm very proud of that
Yeah”
He steps back as the guy immediately bursts into smiles and a soft laugh,” Very good! You are a great talent!” He compliments the blonde who bows with a smirk.
“Why thank you, pretty boy, and what might your name be?” He asked with a smile that was returned happily, “My name is Stefano, but you can call me Steve.” Steve answered and slipped under the cat's arms, swishing his large fluffy tail across his face.
Billy had to take a deep breath to not moan, the pheromones coming off of his tail alone was enough to get a man drunk. Billy followed it like a bloodhound, not wanting Steve out of his sight.
“Steve. Beautiful. Love it. And those eyes..ooh. Why your eyes are like a fresh cup of coffee next to an ocean of sapphires. Sparkling so bright to make the morning radiant...and light.” He trailed off as he stared deeper into Steve’s eyes, the brunette doing the same with shy interest.
Jane sighed happily as she laid on her bag, her head propped up by her chin in her palms, “How romantic~” She whispered. Dustin stuck his tongue out, not liking that his mother was giving so much attention to this other guy, being the only boy in a house full of females other than Will and Martin did that to you. “Sissy stuff.” He huffed at her.
He laughed from behind his hand “Oh, c'est tres jolie, monsieur. Very poetic. But it is not quite Shakespeare.” He teased as he and Billy walked around one another slowly.
Billy huffed out a laugh at that, “Of course not. That’s pure Montgomery, baby. Right off the cuff. Got a million of ‘em that I wouldn’t mind telling you all night long~” He purred as he stepped closer, holding both of Steve’s small and dainty hands in his own slightly larger ones.
Steve giggled and played with Billy’s hands a bit, a common trait for submissive cats, “Oh, no more, please. I am really in a great deal of trouble.” He spoke looking at Billy form under his thick lashes.
Billy grinned like a shark back at him, jackpot, troubled fellow meets strong alley cat and they live happily ever after, easy peasy. “Trouble? Helping beautiful ba- I mean beauties like you is my specialty. Now what’s the hang up, my princess?” He spoke charming with only a small slip up that went unnoticed by Steve.
“Well, it is most important that I get back to Paris, so if you would be just so kind and show me the way?” Steve asked softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear to look up into Billy’s blue eyes.
Billy on the other hand was singing wedding bells in his head. While this area may be his territory, his home base was in Paris, so if this neat little kitten no longer had anywhere to go when he got to Paris, Billy would be set for life. This was single-handedly the best day of his life and he didn’t even set anything up this time!
He coughed and brought himself back to reality which was Steve biting his plush bottom lip in front of him, “Show you the way? Perish the thought! We shall fly back to Paris on a magic carpet, side by side.” He lays the charm on extra thick.
Neither noticed that Jane had run up to them, her sibling following close behind,
“With the stars as our guide, just we two~” He purred, but Jane chose that moment to speak.
“Ooh, that would be wonderful!” she squealed. Billy’s dream slowly came crashing down, piece by piece, “Three?” He spoke as he looked at the tiny brunette girl.
That’s when Maxine and Dustin run up to catch up with them, Dustin going to Steve and glaring at Billy, but Max placed herself beside Steve to stare at Billy with awe.
None of them could hear the sound of breaking glass in Billy’s head as his honeymoon getaway was..well..getting away.
“Four?Five?” Yep. It was getting farther and farther away.
Steve clapped in realization and put a hand on either of her eldest children's heads, “Oh yes, monsieur. These are my children.” He beamed at Billy.
Billy gave a hesitant smile, “Oh, how sweet.”
The other kittens took that as their introduction and began to ask them both questions, Dustin was first, “Do you really have a magic carpet?” He didn’t like sharing his mama, but he was curious. Jane barged into the conversation, “And are we really gonna ride on it?”
Steve shook his head, “Now now, Jane.” He gave her a small look, but it went over her head as she spun around to her mother, “ Do I have sparkling sapphire beach eyes that dazzle too?”
She had asked innocently, but it had Billy coughing into a fist, “Ooh, did I say that?” He winced.
Steve looked up at him with a small smile as he brushed his fingers through Jane’s hair, “Yes. Right off your cuff.” He teased. Dustin finished the sentence off, “And you said we’re gonna ride on your magic carpet!”
Billy felt his head spin, what is happening right now? “Well, now, uh - - what I meant, you see - -” Billy had never stuttered like this a day in his life, what the hell is going on?
Steve saw him fold up under the pressure of the questions and demands, “ No poetry to cover this situation, monsieur Montgomery?” He teased with a laugh.
Billy tried to bargain, “ What I had in mind was a kind of sports model, baby. You know, one of those -” He was cut off again at one of his floundering moments, but this time, by Steve. Although she looked the most excited, the little red headed hadn’t said a word.
“Perhaps a magic carpet built for two?” He pondered, but Billy’s hesitation said it all, “I wouldn’t take up much room.” Piped up Jane from in between the two of them.
Shook his head with a smile at his daughter's attempts to bargain, he spoke to Billy “ I understand completely, monsieur Montgomery. Well, come along, darlings.”
He walks away with a sad Jane and a bittersweet Dustin, she pauses to wait for Maxine.
Max had stopped in front of Billy to speak where her mama and siblings couldn’t hear her, “I’m a tough alley cat too!” She spoke slightly loud with a hiss, puffing up her tail.
Billy could only chuckle and push back some of his hair, “Hey there! You’re comin’ on!” He squatted down to meet her height, “I bet you’re a real tiger in your neighborhood.” He smiled, it felt nice being able to talk with a little kid like this and for it to not be about finding a home or begging him to save them.
Max beamed so bright she outshone the sun, “Yeah! That’s cause I practice all the time!” She was bouncing in place because she was so excited.
Steve looked at the scene with a soft smile, it almost looked like Max was proud of something being approved by a father of some sort. A father..
Steve shook his head, this was no time for his daydreaming nonsense, he had to get himself and the kittens back to madame as soon as possible, knowing the woman would be distraught without them.
“Now now, come along, Maxine, dear!” Steve called out to his eldest daughter.
Maxine turned and nodded, “Yes, mama.” She was happy for once, not an ounce of anger in her except for the fact that she had to leave.
Billy saw the look on her face and spoke before he could stop himself, “See you around, tiger!” It made it all worth it when he saw the look on her face as she turned her head and smiled with a big thumbs up. She nodded and walked away hissing every few steps until she got to her mother.
Billy leaned against the tree and huffs as he watches them walk away, “ Now that’s quite a family. And come to think of it, Montgomery, you’re not a cat, you’re a rat! Right? Right?” Billy had a short pep talk with himself before he ran after the small family, stopping them at the top of the hill on the trail.
“Hey! Hold up there!” His run slowed to a jog as he came closer.
Steve wouldn't say it, but he was glad to see Billy again so soon, “Yes, monsieur Montgomery?” Billy winked at him and got into a small crouch, beckoning the kids closer, “Now look kids, if I said magic carpet..then magic carpet it’s gonna be. And it’s gonna stop for passengers right...” Billy stood up and backed up a few steps before unsheathing a claw and drawing an ‘X’ on the ground.”Here.” He spoke firmly and confidently.
Dustin spoke first, “Oh boy! We’re gonna fly after all!” He spoke animatedly to his sisters who were just as excited, all for different reasons.
Steve rose a neatly trimmed brow, “Another flight into the fantasy monsieur Montgomery?” He was only slightly cautious as to not have his children's little hearts get broken again.
Billy knew a little trust had been broken, but refused to show it, “no no no, baby. Now you just hide over there and leave the rest to G. William Montgomery.” He winked and climbed a tree with the ease of a jungle cat.
Maxine pulled on Steve’s hand, “Quick mom, get in here.” She spoke soft and pulled while Dustin pushed.
Steve was confused, “But, children-”
Maxine cut him off, “Hurry up, mama!” She spoke louder, Dustin following up with a small, “Hurry” as they settled into the bushes.
Billy waited for the delivery truck to arrive at the spot, “One magic carpet, coming up.” He took a deep breath and jumped when he thought was right and landed on the hood of the truck, puffing up his tail and hissing aggressively, causing the driver to swerve severely. It took only a moment, but it stopped right on the spot. The driver doesn’t see where the cat ran off to, but had to re-crank his engine so it gave the cats all the time they needed. Billy surprised the family by popping up beside them, reaching a hand out for Steve to grab. “All right, step lively, All aboard to Paris!” He grins proudly as he helps Steve load the kittens up.
Steve sends Jane up last and looks at Billy with worry, grabbing his hands “Why Mister Montgomery, you could have lost your life!” He whispers as Billy helps him onto the truck, he sits near the edge to lean down to Billy who has his head propped up in one hand, the other tracing patterns up and down Steve’s clothed thigh. “So I’ve got a few to spare. Was nothin’” He drawled.
Steve shook his head with a smile, “How can we ever thank you?” Steve asked, his hands clasped in front of him, but Billy shook his head, “ My pleasure entirely, doll.”
Billy feels the truck rumble and steps back as Steve and the kittens get settled, “Aloha. Auf weidersehen. Bon soir. Saranora. And all those goodbye things, baby.” He trailed off near the end, but didn’t move, wanting to see them off all the way.
Neither saw the bump in the road as Jane leaned closer to be seen by him, “Saranora Miste- oh!” The truck hits a bump that sends Jane flying off the truck and onto the trail. “Mama!”
The entire scene made Steve’s heart fall to his stomach, “Jane! Jane!” He shouted out. He would jump out of this truck if he didn’t know that the impact would shatter his hands and feet in an instant.
Billy was already running for her, scooping her up in his arms to run to the truck, jumping in with her body curled in close so she wouldn’t get hurt.
Jane opened her eyes and was hugged by her family, Steve looked at her stomach and arms, “Oh Jane, are you alright?” He kissed the top of her head. Jane smiled back, “Yes mama.”
Steve leaves her to her siblings and goes to Billy who is still laying down in the same position as before, but his eyes are closed, Steve kneels down beside him and gets close to his face. Bill feels the shift in air and opens his eyes to see mismatched ones, he smiled, “Haven’t we met before?” He mocks Steve’s accent near the end, causing a giggle to rise out of Steve.
He helps Billy up to lean him against the truck wall, “Oh and I’m so very glad we did .” He teased and sat beside him to lean against his shoulder.
Billy froze and relaxed, smiling at the warmth that came from Steve. It was then that Jane crawled up to them with a small smile, “What is it, darling?” Steve spoke softly and brushed a hand over her curly hair.
Jane took a deep breath and looked up at Billy, “Thank you Mister Montgomery, for saving my life!” She spoke in a loud whisper.
Billy smiled and tugged on her bow, “No trouble at all little princess. When we get to Paris, I’ll show you the time of your life.” He winked and winced as he pulled his arm back. Jane didn’t notice and quickly crawled back into the corner with her siblings.
Steve looked at the spot that hurt on his arm and rubbed it softly, “Oh, I’m so sorry, but, well, we just couldn’t. You see, my mistress will be so worried about us.” Steve spoke softly, worrying a lip between his teeth as he subconsciously rubbed against Billy’s wounded arm, even as it was looped around his shoulders.
Billy squinted and tilted his head,”Well, humans don’t really worry too much about their pets, pretty boy.” He spoke calmly so it didn’t sound biased, pulling Steve’s lip from between his teeth.
But it was futile, Steve had already lifted his head to look him in the eyes, “Oh no! You don’t understand. She loves us, very much. Poor Madame. In that big mansion. All alone. In all our days. In tender ways, her love was shown. And so, you see, we can’t leave her alone. She’d always say we’re the greatest treasure she could own. Because with us she never felt alone.” Steve finished with a few tears going down his face.
Billy didn’t know what to say, of all the cats he’s known, alley and house alike. He’s never heard any of them talk about their master or mistress like that. He just smiled and rubbed Steve’s face of tears. “All right baby, don’t you worry, we’ll get you back to her in no time, okay?” He whispered and pressed a kiss to both of Steve’s eyes. He got a smile back and they stayed in their corner, watching the kids and talking, never once unlocking their hands from one another.
Will had come up empty handed and he was getting worried. He came into the stables where Nancy was, she let out a sigh of relief upon seeing him, “Oh Will, I’ve never been so worried about you. Did you have any luck at all?” She spoke as Will came between her to get some warmth.
Will just sighed dejectedly, “No sign of them, Nancy, and I’ve searched all night.” Will cuddled into Nancy’s hoof. The horse leaned down and pressed her head into his arm, “I know, poor Madame didn’t sleep a wink either.” She lamented. Will nodded with another sigh, “It’s a sad day for us all.” He whispered and they both hung their heads.
The lock on the door starts to jingle and Will hide by diving into a large haystack in the corner. It was Martin.
He looked absolutely elated as he came to Nancy. “Nancy dear, my pretty steed, can you keep a secret? Hmmm?” He waved a newspaper around, both Will and Nancy were confused.
Then Martin spoke, “ Of course you can. I’ve got news straight from the horse's mouth, if you’ll pardon the expression, of course.” Nancy gave an irritated huff, but Martin wasn’t paying her any mind.
“Look Nancy, I’ve made the headlines, ‘Mysterious Catnapper Abducts Family of Cats’ Aren’t you proud of me?” He smiled and turned just in time to miss the bite of Nancy’s mouth on his ass. She was furious.
Will was watching the scene with big eyes, “So he’s the catnapper!” He whispered to himself as Martin kept talking.
“The police said it was a professional, masterful job. The work of a genius. Not bad eh, Nancy, old girl?” He spoke and slapped Nancy on the rump with the newspaper and she whinnied loudly, trying to bite him.
“Oh they won’t find a clue to implicate me. Not a single clue. Why I’ll, I’ll eat my hat if they - - My hat! My umbrella! Oh gracious! I’ve got to get those things back tonight!” In the middle of his realization, he dropped the newspaper and Will climbed out from the haystack, angrily spitting out hay.
“ Why that-” he spits, “sneaky, crooked-” spits again “No good butler!” he shouted and leaned against Nancy as they thought of a way to find Steve and the kittens again.
After a few moments, Nancy whinnied, getting his attention. “Will, I have an idea.”