My Arrival in Scritch City

I drove. I've actually got a knack for driving lately. I kind of like it. The feel of the leather-clad steering wheel in my old paws is beginning to feel rather natural to me. I took the long road into the eastern side of Scritch City. I just wanted to have another look at it. I remember how that one southbound road always slopes upwards a little. Man, but I've missed this place. It's my place... at least it ought to be.

Taking that right, I found my way back to the Railroad Club. The parking lot was packed, but I was signaled where to go by one of those dragon robots. I've seen them all over the city just roaming around here and there. Very fancy. Vixxie told me they were scary, but I told her not to worry.

"But what about what happened to---"

"You're gonna be fine," I stopped her. "Things are different now. Just relax and open the door. You look beautiful, by the way." I smiled. So did she. I admit to having a few inappropriate thoughts right there, but I suppose there is a time and a place for everything.

We got out and proceeded to the main entrance. There was no line. In fact, there was a large sign on the wall, signifying that the club was closed for the evening. "It's open for us though," I explained to my wife. She only nodded as a reply.

See how I'm writing all this down? It's like I'm making it all happen. Just keep reading.

The door was guarded by a dragon robot. It bowed and opened the door for us. We went in. As soon as we were inside, we were approached by Jason and Miss Silky. He was on my side, and she was on Vixxie's. Jason offered me his hand, and I took it. I had a feeling this was going to happen. It wasn't as if the guy liked me, but we respected each other.

We had a little stare for a bit. It wasn't very long, but I think a few bits of information got exchanged in all that silence. I smirked and said, "We gotta have conversations like this more often." He only nodded and offered to lead me to a table near the stage.

Miss Silky was threatening to kidnap my wife from me. She had put the charm on her, and Vixxie was blushing madly. She tried to dart away from her, but I turned to stop her.

"She's just being friendly," I told her.

"But the stories you told me."

"She's just being friendly," I repeated for emphasis. "Just be friendly back. We're safe here right now. Go have a chat with her at the bar. The men need to be alone with one another."

"Okay," she nodded submissively. Miss Silky was only being nice to her, and she knew that Jason and I needed to get alone.

The room was mostly empty of patrons. The old shark security had been replaced with a single dragon robot, which I believe was old Dex herself. Dakota was hanging out near the bar... just watching stuff. She looked bored. Jennifer and her boy Will were there a few tables away. Near them was Musty who gave me a friendly, little wave. Lastly, there was Katie the rabbit running the bar as usual and Buddy Tippet, the jazz player with my own name attached, up on stage with a muted trumpet. Real smooth.

"Do we get a menu or something?" I asked jokingly.

Jason replied, "Dinner is being prepared. I figured we'd all dine before things get underway."

"Do you have a format in mind?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing. I don't have even the slightest clue what this... thing you've encountered is."

"It's in contact with Quentin," I said. "That's all you need to know."

"Are you positive? Are you sure it is not being deceptive?"

I chuckled. "Sometimes a mystery is more compelling that the cold-hard truth, isn't it, Jason?"

"Indeed."

I then tapped the table and said, "We're going to need a nice private room. We're going to need computers all linked up to the internet. We'll get a chat going and allow ES to join in. From there, we'll figure out what we're going to do with Scritch City... or at the very least what you have to stop doing to keep it."

Oh, he didn't like that. He really didn't like that. I tried not to smile, but I think one cracked anyhow. I tried to break the tension by asking something that was on my mind, "Where's Calix?"

"He has chosen not to interfere, but he will come if Quentin calls him."

"Sounds good." I paused. "Jason, I want to apologize for things I said to you in the comment section of my blog."

"What things?" he asked.

"When I called you a looser. I take it back. You're not a looser. You're Jason, and you have done nothing truly wrong. I'm still against you, understand, but I do respect you for who you are. And frankly, I probably needed a few bullets in this old face anyhow. Woke me right up. Just wish it hadn't happened when it did. It really fucked up what was turning out to be great day."

"I'd really wish you wouldn't do that," he said with a look of frustration.

"Do what?"

"Show weakness."

"Interesting," I said with a chuckle. "I always found it more difficult to show weakness then to keep it hidden. Are you saying I'm the stronger between the two of us?"

"You can say or write things any way you wish, Surly. You're God." He paused. "At least, your one of them."

"Trust me, it's been news to me too," I returned with a chuckle. "How about the setup? Can you manage it?"

"Not immediately, but yes. Would you like your old room?"

"As long as Musty joins me for the night."

He returned, "Granted. Welcome back, Mister Tippet. I hope we can settle things once and for all."

"Anything... as long as you get your grubby little fox paws out of Zed." No answer. He just glared.

Dinner was served. We all ate, and it was good. I soon returned back to my old room. I set up my laptop where it once sat for so many days... at least while I wasn't being mistreated by dragons. I wrote all the things you've just read, and now I have to entertain a certain ferret. Not sure where Vixxie is, but I'm sure she's doing alright.

But before I go, why don't you check out one of my books. How about "Railroad Towers?" Here's some information:

12.99 - Paperback Edition

5.99 - Kindle Edition

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