This was a fan fiction I wrote in Graduate School, maybe around 2012 or so. Every few years I like to go back and reread it, and do some edits. Maybe not the most productive use of my time, but oh well. Good writing practice. And this time I can apply what I learned from the editing process of my upcoming novel Zinna’s Wish, another fan fiction essentially but based on a public domain property. (I can write original fiction too, honest.)
Anyway, Olivia Goes West is a sequel to Basil’s American Tail. (I guess I have false memories of posting that story on this blog, perhaps I will have to do that some time, but I did post Abigail and the Rats of NIMH.) It’s a crossover between The Great Mouse Detective and An American Tail. You can read that first if you like, but I think this story stands on its own. It takes place after the events in The Great Mouse Detective all four An American Tail movies and the TV series Fievel’s American Tails (the latter of which, the TV series, was quite bad, but I only included a couple canonical elements, broad strokes as they call it). Anyway, do enjoy please. This is the first five chapters, I’m still going through it little by little.
I don’t know if this represents my best writing, but by fan fiction standards it’s not bad I would say. It’s good enough that I don’t cringe at it over a decade later. I will post five chapters at a time here.
As all of my writings that have been made public, it has a page on TV Tropes.
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Olivia Goes West
Chapter 1
Green River, Utah 1890
“Wake up Olivia, we’re finally here,” said Hiram Flaversham, stirring his young daughter awake as she leaned against him, the two of them riding beneath a wagon with their belongings in a smaller mouse-sized replica.
It had been a long journey to the land of opportunity, where the streets were paved with cheese. Here he would find his fortune in the toy business, and make a better life for his daughter, far away from any danger. Even with Ratigan dead (though no body was recovered, chillingly enough), after having suffered such an ordeal, Hiram could never have peace of mind living in London again. He didn’t feel safe. Perhaps it was the nagging thought that maybe, somehow, Ratigan was alive; though he would never admit to that fear, even to himself. He had to believe Ratigan was dead, for the sake of his daughter. How else could he calm her fears when she woke up at night screaming, having dreams that her father had been taken from her again? He had to stay strong for them both.
Hiram didn’t want to live in a city again, with its crime and danger from cats. Luckily enough, once they’d arrived at Castle Garden in New York and became American citizens, three young mice outside, looking to be no older than sixteen or so, offered them passage to an old mining town in the West, said to be a place where mice were safe from cats and crime thanks to Sheriff Wylie Burp, and a vacant shop where Hiram could live and restart his toy business. The kids said they worked for a real estate agent, wanting to sell properties out west to anyone fresh off the boats. Hiram took them up on the offer, paying them most of his money in exchange for a wagon ride to Green River. Though having barely a penny to his name now, Hiram was optimistic. They were leaving Ratigan behind once and for all and starting anew. What had happened in London would now just be a bad memory. He only wished his wife were alive to see them through the journey.
Olivia yawned and stretched her body. She’d grown a lot in the past year, but she hadn’t updated her fashion. She wore her coat and a skirt down to her knees, with a hat and a red bow tucked behind her right ear.
“Oh, we’re finally here? I can’t wait to see it!” she said, pressing her nose to the glass as the desert scenery passed them by.
Soon they came up to an old prison where a hound dog in a cowboy hat rested lazily on a chair. Then as they traveled down the dusty main street came an array of shops and homes, a schoolhouse, and a saloon, all of which had mouse equivalents located underneath them.
“It looks like such a lovely little town,” Olivia said happily. She’d never lived anywhere but a city.
“Aye, we’ll be happy and safe here.”
“We’re comin’ to our stop folks,” said the driver, one of the three lads who’d given them the shop, who wore glasses and a flat cap, “I have it on good authority dat the wagon‘ll be here for a while, but ya better unload your stuff fast because when it‘s gone, it‘s gone.”
The other two mice on either side looked to be little more than vagabonds; an overweight mouse with black hair and a scrawny looking mouse with a pointy nose.
The human driver stopped the wagon, the horses kicking up dust as they stopped in front of an inn. Beneath that were mouse-sized shops hidden under the sidewalks. One read “Mousekewitz Fine Violins” on the front, the other was vacant.
“There it is Olivia, our new home,” Hiram said with a warm smile, opening the door and unrolling a rope ladder to the ground, “Grab some bags. It’ll take us a while to unpack all the toys, and we need to do it before the humans notice.”
The bulk of their belongings were up on top of the wagon, with the human luggage. It could take hours to get it all down, and Hiram hoped he had that much time. Olivia put a bag around her shoulder and began the climb downward.
“It’s hot out here, daddy,” she remarked as she stepped out into the sun, fanning herself with the boat tickets to America she still kept in her pocket. It had been hot in the carriage too, but direct sunlight just made it worse.
“I know, we’ll be missin’ the fog of London, but we’ll soon grow to love it here.”
“Alright boys, let’s help with the luggage,” said the driver.
“We better get paid extra for all that work,” the fat one grunted.
“Eh you’re just lazy, Roc. It’s pitiful, really,” said the other.
Olivia hopped down to the ground followed shortly by her father as the three of them bickered up above. Curious, Olivia walked forward into the dusty street, getting a full view of the sleepy little town they were about to call home. Hiram didn’t take notice, carrying a large bag of tools with him and heading for the vacant shop with the keys jingling in his pocket.
“As nice as the town looks, I was expectin’ something a wee bit more lively…” Olivia said, putting her hands on her hips, “I hope we’re not bein’ ripped off. How‘re we gonna get good business here?”
Olivia had thought all along that the offer had been too good to be true. A trip across the country and a new home for just 80 pounds, not even exchanged for American dollars yet. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but it seemed a bit fishy nonetheless. Basil had taught her to be very mindful of things like that. Not to let any detail escape her. If she was going to achieve her dream of being a detective when she grew up she knew she’d need to start now.
Her train of thought was broken by the sound of galloping footsteps. She turned around, and to her horror, an enormous orange cat had come around a corner from inside an alley, bounding toward her at top speed. Olivia let out a shriek, but she was frozen in terror, standing in the middle of the street.
“Olivia!” her father shouted, dropping his bags at the porch and running for her.
But the cat wasn’t slowing down for anything, and Olivia was right in its path. Hiram finally reached Olivia and wrapped his arms around her, sheltering her as the cat got closer, and she buried her face in his chest.
“Huh? Uh oh!” the cat gave a frightened look when he saw the father and daughter in his path, and he skidded to a stop, kicking up dust and sending the little mouse boy on his back flying through the air with a scream, hitting the ground and sliding toward Olivia’s feet.
When the dust cleared, Olivia coughed and sneezed, before opening her eyes, first looking up at the towering cat, and then at the dust-covered young mouse on the ground.
“You alright Fie?” the cat asked.
The little mouse coughed and sat up, taking off his neckerchief and wiping his eyes, “I’m alright Tiger, just some scrapes.”
“What? Y’mean yer…friends with that cat?” Olivia asked in astonishment.
Hiram looked up at Tiger. The cat hadn’t made a move to eat them yet at least.
“Uh, heh heh, it’s a long story,” Tiger said, “I’m sorry for scarin’ you. I don’t eat mice, I’m a vegetarian. You must be new in town.”
“And he’s my bestest friend. Well, besides Tony of course,” the mouse stood up, dusting himself off. He looked up at the wagon, and then over toward the vacant shop, “Are you guys moving in over there?”
“Aye, that we are laddie.” said Hiram, still trying to grasp the concept of a friendly cat.
“Then you’re our new next door neighbors! I’m Fievel, Fievel Mousekewitz.”
“Fievel? I’ve never heard a name like that before. What nationality is that?” Olivia asked.
“It’s Russian and Jewish. My family came from Russia before we went to America. What’s your name?”
“Olivia Flaversham,” she said, holding her hand out.
Fievel shook her hand. When she pulled away she found he’d gotten dust all over her hand, which she wiped on her coat.
“Let me tell my Papa you’re here, maybe we can help you get moved in,” Fievel offered.
“That would be very kind of you,” Hiram said.
The two of them watched as Fievel darted for the front door of the violin shop, waiting along with Tiger, who was panting from the run.
“So, a vegetarian cat?” Olivia asked, “What were you doin’ runnin’ down the street like that eh?”
“Oh uh, well you see Fievel’s been trying to help me lose weight, so I’ll look good for my girlfriend. I was gonna try to make it over the train tracks with one jump, but I needed a running start.”
“He rides on your back?” Olivia giggled, remembering what it was like to ride on Toby the dog back in London.
There was a commotion from inside the house just then; apparently Fievel’s mother was none to happy to see him tracking dirt through the house while looking for his father. The door opened, and Fievel and his father were both angrily shooed outside while his mother took a broom and tried to clean up the mess.
“Sorry that took so long,” Fievel said bashfully, “Um, this is my Papa.”
The two of them walked over to the wagon as the three city mice made their way down a rope ladder from the roof carrying bags. Fievel glanced at them. He could have sworn the three looked vaguely familiar to him.
“So you’re our new neighbors! Pleased to meet you, I’m Bernard Mousekewitz.” the heavy-set old mouse said, shaking hands with Hiram.
“I’m Hiram Flaversham, and this is my daughter Olivia.”
“She looks like she’s around my son’s age.”
Olivia gave a shy smile, looking from Bernard to Fievel.
“Yes, your son is an interesting lad,” Hiram observed.
“Ah vell you know, boys vill be boys ah? Maybe Fievel would like to be a gentleman and show Olivia around town vhile ve get your things unpacked.”
“You can count on me!” Fievel said proudly, straightening his hat, “I’ll keep her in safe hands.”
“Oh will ye now?” Olivia giggled, staring at his poofy blue hat. She found it to be rather silly-looking on him, but at the same time cute.
“We’ve got Tiger as a body guard, and I’m a sheriff-in-training. Wylie Burp says I’m gonna be a great sheriff one day, and I’m gonna keep this town clean. No ornery varmint‘s gonna get past me.”
“I don’t doubt she’ll be safe with you,” Hiram chuckled, though still feeling a bit odd about leaving his daughter with a cat.
“Run along Fievel, but be back by sundown, and play safe. Don‘t leave ze town limits,” his father ordered.
Tiger got down on the ground and Fievel climbed his long orange fur.
“I will Papa. Come on up, Olivia, there’s plenty of room.”
“Yer not gonna try an’ jump over the train tracks with me are ye?”
“Not if you don‘t want us to. Even though it’s real fun,” Fievel gave a smile.
Olivia climbed onto Tiger’s back, sitting behind Fievel. She gave a slightly startled squeak and held onto Fievel as the big cat began to quickly trot back down the street on all fours, before giggling apologetically and loosening her grip.
“Not a very big town. Is there anythin’ to do for fun here?” Olivia asked.
“Yeah, there is, though you kinda have to use your imagination,” Fievel admitted.
“At least boring is safe. My father and I moved here from London so we could be safe.”
“Is that where your accent is from?” Fievel asked, “I noticed you talk kinda, well, different I guess.”
“It’s Scottish. My father’s from Scotland an’ I talk like he does,” Olivia replied with a small blush, “I can’t help it; I know I probably sound funny to ye.”
“Aw hehe, not at all,” Fievel giggled. Truth be told, he liked her accent. He’d never heard a girl his age with a Scottish accent.
“You don’t talk like your father.”
“No, I guess I’ve been in America for a long enough time,” Fievel said, “I met a friend named Tony when I first came to America, who helped give me pointers on speaking English with an American accent. Although if you meet him you’ll notice he has what’s called a Brooklyn accent.”
“Anyway yer supposed at be showin’ me around town, Mr. Sheriff.”
“Oh yeah! Um, what do you wanna see first?”
“Actually it’s really hot out here an’ I could use somethin’ to drink, where do ye get yer water here?”
“Oh! I’ll take you, it’s right down the street. Let’s go to the water tower, Tiger.”
“Maybe there we can rest a while,” Tiger huffed, stopping to wipe his forehead.
“Think of how skinny you’re gonna be after walking me and Olivia around all the time.”
“Right, I’ll think about that. I’ve just got to concentrate on Miss Kitty,” Tiger said, picking up speed as the tall wooden water tower came into view, held up by scaffolding and mounted onto a wooden platform.
As they arrived, Olivia wondered how they were supposed to get water from someplace up so high. But her questions were answered when she spotted a leak in the tank, where water droplets fell and formed a puddle in the dirt. There was even some grass growing around the puddle, the first greenery she’d seen since they’d crossed the Rocky Mountains. When Tiger came to a stop, she jumped off and walked over to the stream of water. She looked down, and smiled at her reflection. Then, she blinked, looking towards the train tracks as a train pulled in.
"Do any other mice come here, Fievel? Do you get any travelers staying in town?" she was watching the train with interest. She could see the small box under it, holding new arrivals.
Fievel climbed down to the ground, and Tiger climbed onto the platform and curled up in the shade.
“Every now and then, though not as much as before. My family came in with a big group from New York. Before that it was pretty deserted. There’s still not a lot of humans here.”
She was enjoying the company of the mouse boy, and quite content to learn all she could about Green River from him. She sat down on the wooden platform, and patted the spot next to her, inviting him to sit. "Is there anyone I should watch out for in the town? Any ... nasty characters?"
Fievel sat down next to her.
“Things have been pretty peaceful around here since Cat R. Waul was run out of town. I‘d just watch out for strangers. And only trust Tiger or Miss Kitty when it comes to cats, because there’s this mean cat named Sweet William that still hangs around town with his gang. But don’t worry, me and Wylie know how to keep him in line.”
“Sweet William? Hehe, that’s not a very scary name.”
“He’s not a very scary cat, even though he wants to be,” Fievel said, holding his hands out and catching a water drop in them, slurping it up.
Olivia watched him, and did the same, giggling when it splashed into her face a bit. The drink was refreshing though, and much needed.
“Who was Cat R. Waul?” she asked.
“He was an evil old cat that tried to turn every mouse in this town into a mouseburger. He tricked all of us into moving here from New York and told us all the cats in this town were nice, but it was all part of his plan.”
“Oh my, an’ how did ye ever put a stop to ‘im?”
“Well, luckily I was eavesdropping on him and I found out about the plan. I got Wylie Burp to train Tiger so we could all three show Cat R. Waul who’s boss. We ran his gang out of town in a big slingshot fight. If it wasn‘t for me there wouldn‘t be any mice in this town.”
“You did all that?” Olivia wondered if he was just trying to impress her.
“Yep,” Fievel gave a satisfied grin, folding his arms behind his head as he leaned against a wooden post, “I’m kind of a hero, I guess.”
“Tiger, is he tellin’ the truth?”
Tiger yawned and stretched, “Hm? About Waul? Oh yeah, that happened. Ask anyone in town.”
“Wow,” Olivia breathed, “I guess I really am in good hands then.”
“Just stick with me, Olivia,” Fievel said, borrowing a line from his old friend Tony.
The loud train whistle blew again as Olivia stared back into her own reflection, watching it ripple every time a droplet splashed down from above.
“Fievel, is this right here the ‘Green River’ the town’s named after?” she asked with a smirk.
They were in the middle of the desert after all, and she’d been wondering why it was named for a river.
“Nah. The real Green River is outside of town. But we aren’t supposed to go out that far.”
“That’s a shame, I’d really love to go see the river.”
“Hmm…” Fievel stroked his chin, looking over at Tiger, “Tiger, would you keep it a secret?”
“Keep what a secret?” Olivia asked.
Tiger thought it over, “Sure thing Fie, I won’t tell your folks, and I’ll make sure nothing happens. Even though I hate water.”
“What are you talkin’ about?” Olivia tilted her head.
“We’re not supposed to go down by the river, but as long as you don’t tell your Papa, I have something to show you down there. We’ll have a lot of fun.”
“Really? Okay, I’ll keep it a secret,” Olivia said quietly, looking around to make sure they weren’t being spied on.
“It’ll be a surprise,” Fievel giggled, getting up and walking over to Tiger.
Tiger groaned, “Wait a minute, we’re walking all the way there right now?”
“Come on, you can rest for a long time when we get there.”
Tiger stretched and then got down low, “Alright, hop on. Next stop, the Green River.”
Olivia excitedly climbed up first, eager to see what kind of surprise this strange boy with the silly hat and the funny name had in store.
Chapter 2
The train station at Green River wasn’t very busy. It was merely a short pit stop along the route from New York to San Francisco. The train only stopped for ten minutes before moving on, passengers were told not to leave the train unless disembarking there, or they’d be left behind. The town was nearly abandoned; the gold mines which kept it alive and thriving dried up over a decade ago. And the railroads, which used to refuel here, now got most of their coal and water from the next town over, Helper. Neither human nor mouse had much of a reason to disembark here, at this lonely, decaying desert outpost. Nellie Brie’s reason; her latest, and hopefully last, undercover report for the Daily Nibbler.
The legendary New York reporter stepped off the train, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying an umbrella to protect her from the desert sun, was followed by her appointed assistant, Vartan Mookian, a teenage paperboy who Reed Daley found sketching pictures on the job, and naturally, made him Nellie’s assistant just to give her someone to baby-sit, someone who hardly spoke English at that. From what Nellie could gather he was a refugee from the Ottoman Empire. Armenian mice were being severely mistreated and oppressed by Turkish cats there, Nellie knew from occasional news reports. But he was still the first Armenian refugee she’d ever met. He was living in the streets before landing his job as a paperboy. Nellie really felt for him, but he wouldn’t tell her much about what had happened to him before he made it to America.
Reed’s constantly trying to get under her fur increased a lot since she turned down his marriage proposal after their brush with death at the hands of Madame Mousey, because she was still in love with Basil. She couldn’t work with him very much longer. Nor did she want to. For the past several months she’d pulled her money together, and now, with Ratigan out of the picture, she was finally ready to move to London and try her luck at landing a reporting job there. She would finally be reunited with Basil, after four long years of waiting.
“Come along, Vartan. The saloon should be right around here somewhere,” she said, carrying a suitcase.
Vartan carried two other suitcases. He wore loose black pants with a red sash, black vest and white undershirt. His black hair blew in the hot desert wind.
“We are finding Cet R. Vaul, che?” he asked in his Armenian accent.
“In due time. And not so loud. Remember, we’re only here doing a report on Green River’s New Yorker migrants. Not a word to anyone to the contrary.”
Vartan tilted his head, straining to understand her English. She looked back at him and sighed. Of course, that was only their cover story; even Reed thought that was all they were doing. But Nellie had been digging up dirt on Cat R. Waul for a long time, ever since the Warren case. And Vartan had given her a juicy tip; apparently Waul had commissioned three orphans Vartan knew from the streets to swindle an immigrant family into moving out west for some unknown purpose. Was Waul up to his old tricks again? There was only one way to find out.
“Don’t say anything about Waul to anyone. It’s a secret,” Nellie repeated in simpler terms.
Vartan nodded, “I understand.”
“Good. Now just follow my lead.”
The two of them hopped down from the waiting platform and walked in the shade of the wooden sidewalks, fighting against the dusty breeze until they found themselves in front of the saloon. Tossing their suitcases onto the sidewalk, they climbed up to retrieve them and then and walked beneath the two large swinging doors. The building had been abandoned by humans. Since Waul’s last departure from Green River, Miss Kitty took ownership of the saloon, turning it into a bar where all species; dogs, cats and mice, were welcome. Any cat caught harming a mouse would be swiftly dealt with, though to keep things safe the mouse portion of the barroom was inside the walls. The second floor of the saloon had rooms that were used as an inn for travelers. Nellie and Vartan would be staying within the walls of Miss Kitty’s room; she was an old friend of Nellie’s. They passed through a mouse hole.
“Miss B? Is dat you?”
Nellie turned her head toward the bar, seeing an old familiar face as the bartender.
“Why, Mr. Toponi! Fancy meeting you out here.”
“Yeah! I moved out here wit’ Bridget about two years back, we’ve got a kid now and everything. It ain’t easy makin’ a living in dis run-down ol’ dustbowl, but we’re managing. What brings you way out here anyways?”
“Oh, I’m doing a report on the community of New York migrants in this town, as a matter of fact. It might be interesting to some New Yorkers to see what their old neighbors have been up to.”
Nellie glanced toward Vartan, to make sure he wasn’t giving her away. The boy remained tight-lipped. She smiled.
“Well if you need someone to interview, I’m your guy,” Tony offered, “Ya know Filly’s around here too, and Tiger. You’ll probably run into ‘em at some point, if they don’t run into you first. Literally.”
“Filly…oh you mean Fievel Mousekewitz?” Nellie gave a fond smile, remembering that day she and Basil had reunited the boy with his family, and their adventures roughly a year later, solving the Night Monster case. She missed that boy dearly when he moved away. She’d need to say hi while she was here, “Yes I’ll have to track them both down. And I’ll let you know when I’d like to interview you.”
“Great! Say, can I get you a drink? On the house?”
“I couldn’t do that Tony, not when I know you have mouths to feed at home. Let me get to my room first and get settled, then I’ll buy a martini or something.”
“Sure thing Ms. B. And hey, who’s the kid?”
“Him? He’s my new assistant and artist for the newspaper,” Nellie said, “His name’s Vartan. He doesn‘t speak English very well.”
Vartan gave Tony a nod.
“Heh, Reed’s still givin’ ya flak eh?” Tony chuckled, “At least this kid is older than Filly.”
“He’s not so bad to work with, and neither was Fievel. Reed though, I’ve about had it with,” she rubbed her temples, before picking up her suit case again, “Anyway, I’ll be down again soon, Mr. Toponi.”
“Catch ya later Ms. B.”
Nellie moved through the tables to a flight of stairs that would take them up to the second floor. Being mouse-sized it took them a while to make it all the way up, and when they did they were terribly exhausted. Nellie opened the door, and the two of them dropped their luggage in the living room. It was a two bedroom setup, as Nellie had asked for.
“You go ahead and get situated Vartan, I’ll go let Miss Kitty know we’re here.”
“Ayo, Nellie. I will wait,” Vartan knelt down and opened his suitcase up, taking out his paper pad and some pencils.
‘I suppose ’ayo’ means yes,’ she thought, before exiting the back door which led into Miss Kitty’s room, beneath her vanity, where she sat powdering her cheeks and getting ready for the evening.
“Ahem, Miss Kitty?” Nellie called out.
Miss Kitty turned around and looked under her seat, where Nellie stood, “Hey Nellie! Ya made it. Long time no see. So how’s the accommodations working for ya?”
“Just fine. I’m not sure how long this report will take, but I’ll pay you the difference, don’t worry.”
“Alright. I haven’t seen Waul around yet, but when he gets here I’ll let you know what I overhear.”
“Excellent,” Nellie said, stretching a bit, “I just wanted to let you know I was here. Tony should have a martini waiting for me downstairs to help me wind down after this trip.”
“Let me know if you two need anything,” Miss Kitty said with a smile, as Nellie walked back through the mousehole.
________________________________________________________
“It’s so hot out here Fievel…if’n I weren’t wearin’ me nice clothes I’d be tempted to go for a swim,” Olivia sighed, taking her hat off and wiping her brow as a gorge came into view.
At the bottom of the gorge was a wide, slow-moving river with a greenish tinge to it. There were bushes growing on either side, bordered by red rocky slopes that grew into the steep, pretty mesas which were everywhere in this desert. The moist air around the river filled her lungs. It was beautiful.
“Here we are Olivia,” Fievel said, as Tiger came to a stop, panting.
“It’s amazing,” Olivia remarked, climbing down Tiger’s fur, Fievel following after her.
“I need a drink,” Tiger said, walking through the bushes toward shore.
“Okay Tiger, I’m gonna go show Olivia the surprise.”
Olivia smiled, “Where is it?”
“Right this way,” Fievel said, navigating through the leaves and branches, holding them aside for Olivia to pass beneath them, “I know I left it around here somewhere.”
Olivia scanned the shore, and blinked, seeing something between the bushes, “Fievel, what is that?”
Fievel turned, and grinned, “It’s the surprise!”
Pulling a branch back, he revealed a raft, tied together with sticks and twine, complete with two oars carved from twigs. It was tied to a bush to keep it from floating away.
“You built a raft? All by yourself?”
“Well, Tiger helped a little,” Fievel said, walking up to it, sloshing through water up to his ankles and hopping on, “Come on Olivia!”
Olivia bit her lip and looked down at her shoes. Her father would have a fit if she ruined her shoes.
“Can I try an’ jump to it?”
“Oh, sure,” Fievel took a paddle and pushed the raft closer to shore. Bracing herself, Olivia squatted and then jumped, rocking the raft as she landed, almost losing her balance before Fievel reached out to hold her up.
“There you go,” Fievel said, “Here, grab a paddle. This will be a lot easier with two mice paddling.”
Olivia excitedly grabbed the other paddle as Fievel untied the raft and then pushed against the shore with his oar, sending them adrift.
“Is this dangerous? I’ve never been on a raft before.”
“Not as long as we stay on this section of the river, where the water is calm. Up ahead there’s rapids, we need to stay away from that section.”
The two of them paddled out to the middle of the river, the raft bobbing along the waves. Olivia couldn’t suppress the grin on her face. She hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Maybe her father was right, maybe moving here would make her forget all about the terror she endured in London. Maybe the nightmares would stop.
“I think we’re far enough, lets relax.”
Olivia took the oar out of the water and laid it on the raft, as Fievel did the same. Sitting at the edge, Fievel laid back and dipped his bare feet into the water, sighing.
“This is the best way to spend a hot day,” Fievel said.
Unable to resist, Olivia unbuckled her shoes, and removed her socks, sitting beside Fievel and resting her feet in the river water.
“Oh! It’s cold,” she said with a giggle, overwhelmed for a moment until she got used to it.
“Tiger’s the only one who knows about this raft. I could get in big trouble if anyone else knew. Papa doesn‘t want me near the river.”
“I promise not to tell a soul,” Olivia said, laying back and staring up at the clouds as the raft rocked in the waves.
Fievel gazed at her with a smile, propping his head up by folding his arms behind his head.
“Am I yer only friend your age in this town?” Olivia asked him.
“I guess you are. There aren’t very many kids here. There’s a schoolhouse, but a lot of the kids in my grade moved away. Like I used to hang out with this kid named Jack, from Australia, but his family moved to Helper, the next town over. There’s even talk that our school might close down and if that happens, I’m going to have to go to Helper’s schoolhouse. You too, probably.”
“That’s no good,” Olivia said, her worries that this was a dying town that her father wouldn’t be able to profit in returning, “I want to go to school right here close to home.”
“We’ll see what happens.”
“Who are your friends then?” Olivia asked.
“Mostly I hang out with Tiger, Wylie Burp who’s the old sheriff, sometimes Tony when he’s not busy because he’s a grown-up, and my sister Tanya.”
“Ya have a sister? What’s she like?” Olivia asked.
“She’s a teenager. We mostly get along but she doesn’t really like to play pretend and stuff anymore.”
“I’d still like to meet her.”
“She might like you. I also have a four-year-old little sister, Yasha. But she’s still too young to ride Tiger.”
“How cute! Well you got me now Fievel.”
“Yep, we’re gonna have a blast. We can play cops and robbers together, or go exploring.”
“We’ll never be bored,” Olivia said happily, “Fievel, can we come back here tomorrow?”
“If we can get away with it, sure.”
“Good, because I like this.”
The two of them sat, staring up at the clouds, for hours longer, relaxed by the waves, keeping one another company. Soon the sky took on an orange tinge as the sun started to make its descent, turning the cliffs and mesas bright purple. Olivia marveled at the sight.
“I guess we better get back before it gets dark,” Fievel said, grabbing a paddle, “The hawks come out after dark.”
“The hawks? Do they eat mice?” Olivia asked, sitting up and grabbing her paddle as well, beginning to row.
“Yeah, they’ll swoop you right up and take you high in the air before they eat you.”
“How do ye know that?”
“Because, it happened to me once.”
Olivia turned and looked at him in shock, “What? You’re lying.”
“Am not.” Fievel protested.
“Then why are you alive?”
“The hawk dropped me, when some Native mice shot him.”
“If I ask Tiger, will he say it happened?”
“Tiger didn’t see me until he drank the water I landed in, and almost swallowed me.”
“So I guess I have to take yer word for it. How many times have ye almost died anyway?”
“Um…” Fievel thought for a long while, as they rowed, “Around ten, I think?”
“Ten?!”
“Maybe more.”
Olivia rolled her eyes and rowed harder, as they came up closer to the raft. She figured it would take a lot of explaining. But they’d have time for that. Fievel tied the raft up again, and before long they found Tiger, sleeping in the bushes.
“Wake up Tiger, we gotta get home quick.” Fievel said, nudging him.
Tiger yawned, “Ugh, okay okay, I’m getting up. I’m going to have to run back aren’t I?”
“It’ll be good for you.” Fievel giggled, climbing up, as Olivia followed.
“My father will trust ye all the more if you get me home on time Mr. Tiger.”
Tiger got up on all fours, and began to bound through the bushes and back into the wide open desert, Olivia giving a delighted giggle as he took off, racing back toward town. She stayed close to Fievel, looking over his shoulder as she held on to Tiger’s fur. Just as the sun was dipping behind the tall, distant mesas, Tiger had reached the main street again, and came to a stop in front of their houses, kicking up a cloud of dust. Fievel and Olivia hopped off. The stage coach was gone, Olivia assumed they must have moved everything in now and her father would be inside waiting for her.
“Bye Tiger, see you tomorrow!” Fievel said.
“See ya Fie! You too Olivia.”
“Good bye Mr. Tiger, and thank you.” Olivia said, giving him a curtsey.
Tiger tiredly lumbered off after that sprint, though admittedly his shirt wasn’t feeling as tight as it used to.
“I guess you and your papa have some unpacking to do,” Fievel said.
“We might. I’ll see ye in the morning though,” Olivia said, “We can go on more adventures.”
Fievel smiled, “I’d really like that.”
The two of them stared at each other for a few moments, smiling sheepishly, in a kind of awkward silence, neither of them knowing what to say, nor wanting to part ways.
“There you are Fievel,” came a voice from Fievel’s front door. It was his mother. “Come in, dinner vas ready ten minutes ago!”
“Uh oh, I’ve gotta go. Um, good bye Olivia.”
“Oh, hehe, bye,” Olivia said shyly, giving him another warm smile as he headed inside.
She watched the door for a few moments, before letting out a happy giggle and walking back toward her door. She was all smiles, had been for most of the day. It was going to be so nice living here. The lights weren’t on inside; strange, but maybe her father was too busy to notice it was starting to get dark out, she reasoned. She walked up to the porch, and knocked on the door.
“Daddy, I’m back! I had the most wonderful time with me new friend.”
After a few moments of silence, Olivia’s smile began to fade. She knocked again.
“Daddy?”
She reached for the door knob and turned it, opening the door. It was unlocked. Boxes were all over the place; unopened, as if they’d just been moved in and left there. Shelves, desks and cabinets were bare, dusty and empty. Hadn’t her father done anything yet?
“Daddy, I’m home! Where are you?”
She felt a lump in her throat. No, this wasn’t happening again. It couldn’t. Ratigan was dead and they were far, far away now. She bolted to the kitchen, then to the bedrooms. No one was home. Was he at the Mousekewitz’s? If he were, Fievel’s mother would have invited her in. She checked every room, again and again, as if he would suddenly be in one of them when he wasn’t the last time she looked.
“Daddy! Daddy where are you!?”
Finally after several minutes of searching, she stopped in the living room again. Feeling a mixture of terrible sorrow and fear, she fell to her knees, shuddering as tears rolled down her cheeks, calling for her daddy between sobs and hearing no response.
Chapter 3
Fievel begrudgingly took his shift cleaning dishes in the kitchen after dinner, and Tanya watched over Yasha, now four years old and talking, while Mama relaxed with a book and Papa practiced his violin. It was a typical night in the Mousekewitz household, until there was a soft knock on the door.
“Hm? Someone’s at the door.” Tanya remarked, turning her head.
Yasha clapped her hands and ran for the door, “I get it!”
“No Yasha, you’ll just dart out the door again,” Tanya rolled her eyes, getting up and walking to the door.
When she opened it, Olivia stood before her on the porch, tears rolling down her cheeks, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
“Huh? What’s wrong?” Tanya asked with concern, “Are you the girl from next door?”
“M-my…my daddy’s…missing,” she answered shakily.
Tanya gasped and looked to her Papa, who stopped playing.
“He’s gone? Did he say vhere he vas going?” Papa asked.
“A-after ye called Fievel in fer dinner…I-I went home, but no one was there…nothing was unpacked…”
“Why is she sad?” Yasha asked.
“Maybe you should go play in your room, little one,” Mama said before picking Yasha up and taking her to her room, who protested loudly to this.
“Mr. Mousekewitz…have ye seen my daddy?” Olivia sniffled.
“After ve got his boxes and things inside he said he vas going to ze store for food, I vanted to help more but he insisted I’d done enough already. So I came home, and I haven’t seen him since.”
Olivia bit her lip, rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, holding back sobs. She wasn‘t able to hold it for long, and she began crying again. Tanya, feeling terrible for her, gave her a hug. As Fievel washed dishes in the kitchen, his ears perked up to the sound of Olivia‘s crying. He peeked around the corner.
“Olivia?”
She looked toward Fievel, wiping her tears, feeling embarrassed for crying in front of him.
“Her father is missing,” Tanya explained.
“Really?”
“I don’t know vhere else he vould have gone,” Papa said, “Here, I’ll go out and see if I can find him anyvhere. I’ll ask around. In ze meantime, you can stay here Olivia.”
“Th-thank you. Mr. Mousekewitz…” Olivia stammered, “I-I hope he just got lost or somethin‘.”
“I’m sure he just got lost…” Tanya said, trying to comfort her but fearing the worst.
“I’ll keep you company until then,” Fievel said, walking up to her.
“Thank you,” Olivia gave a small smile.
As Mama got back from Yasha’s room, Fievel took Olivia’s hand and led her to a soft chair to sit in. Papa opened the door.
“I’ll be back soon. I’ll do all I can.” Papa said.
Olivia nodded a bit, sniffling, “Okay…”
With that, Papa closed the door, hoping that he’d at least find a clue. However, when mice just disappeared like that without a trace, the outlook was usually pretty grim. He didn’t want to believe Hiram had been lost to a hawk or a rattlesnake, maybe a cat. But, it was something he’d seen happen time and again, both in the old country and in America, and the most likely explanation.
_________________________________________________________
“To me a-weigh, you Santy, my dear Annie
Oh, you New York girls, can’t you dance the polka?”
The Irish singer did a jig on the stage as he sang along with a piano in the smoky saloon, filled with the usual customers, mostly male mice unwinding from a hard day’s work, gamblers, drifters, and the town drunk, who rarely left. There were poker games going on at the tables. But of course with Miss Kitty as owner of the bar, backed by Tiger and Wylie Burp, it rarely if ever got too rowdy. Nellie Brie and Vartan were seated at the barstools as they spoke to Tony Toponi, who was busy cleaning a glass with a wash rag while answering Nellie’s questions for her interview. Vartan kept busy sketching a picture of Tony pouring a drink at the bar.
“A giant mouse trap? You don’t say. And none of you had realized you’d helped build a killing device meant for yourselves?”
“Neva crossed our minds,” Tony explained, “I was kickin’ myself for it later, believe me. Tanya figured it out first. She warned us to run, and we got away and hid before Waul cut the ribbon. If they didn’t have guns and slingshots I’d have taken those cats on though. They weren’t so tough.”
As they were speaking, Nellie heard a rhythmic wooden tap on the ground behind her. She turned, and noticed a bat walking toward the bar. He certainly looked like he’d been through a lot; he had holes in his ears, and a peg leg. He took a stool beside Nellie.
“Hey bartender, you carry Rodent’s Delight here?” he asked in a raspy voice.
“Ya mean dat British stuff? I might have a bottle of it somewheres, but it ain’t gonna be cheap. It’s imported.”
“Hm? Ah alright, just get me a regular old beer then,” the bat grumbled.
Nellie raised an eyebrow. An interesting character she’d have to make note of. While waiting for Tony to serve the bat she glanced over at Vartan’s drawing.
“Oh very good, Vartan. Um, how do you say that in your language…‘shad lav‘? You could make a fortune selling artwork you know.”
Vartan looked over at her, “Yes, shad lav, means ‘very good’. You like it? Maybe to be used in article?”
“Maybe. Just keep drawing while we’re here and I can use the best of them.”
“And here’s da beer sir,” Tony said, sliding a shot glass down the bar. The bat stopped it with his wing, “Say, I’ve neva actually seen a bat before, except in pictures. You ain’t from around here are ya?”
“Nope. I’m from London, heh heh.”
Nellie turned around, “London? You don’t say.”
“Yeah toots. I’ve been all around. Bet you small town folks would be pretty impressed. I came here for uh, work, yeah that’s it.”
Nellie stroked her chin. A bat, from London. She thought back to Basil’s letters about his battle with Ratigan. Didn’t he say something about a one-legged bat? No, it had to be a coincidence. That bat supposedly died.
The bat took a swig of beer and hummed along to the song being sung on stage. As he did, the doors to the mousehole swung open, and Bernard Mousekewitz made his way through.
“Mr. M!” Tony called out, “We was just talkin’ about how your kids saved the town. Ms. Brie is here.”
“Nellie Brie? I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
“Why hello Mr. Mousekewitz, I‘m just here doing an article on New Yorkers in Green River,” Nellie said, “You’re looking rather distraught, anything the matter?”
“Tony, I came here to ask you something, zis is ze last place in town I’ve checked. I‘ve looked everyvhere I can think of.”
“Well you neva was much of a drinkin’ man, so I was surprised seein‘ ya here. Whatcha need?”
“Today a Scottish mouse moved into town, his name vas Hiram Flaversham. He moved next door to us, and I helped him bring his boxes in. But after he said he vas going to ze store for a few things, he vanished! His little daughter is at my house now, vorried sick. She vas vith Fievel all day, by ze time zey got back at sundown he vas gone.”
The bat cleared his throat and whistled to the music, looking away.
“Well I ain’t seen no one like dat come into da bar today, it’s mostly just da usual customers. We got dis bat from London, probably as close as yer gonna get.”
Bernard sat at a stool, resting his cheeks on his fists, “I don’t know vhat to do. He vas a single father, ze little girl has no mother and novhere to go. I’m afraid a predator ate her father.”
“Uh, heh heh, yep, those rattlesnakes sure can be a killer,” the bat grunted uneasily, “Say uh, bartender. Here’s what I owe. It’s um, been fun.”
He quickly gulped the rest of his drink down, taking a breath afterwards, before sliding some coins onto the bar.
“Sure thing. See ya around.”
The bat hiccupped, stumbling away drunkenly, “Y-yeah, uh, see ya…”
Nellie narrowed her eyes as the bat hastily made his leave. Whether or not he had any connection to Basil’s bat, he was still suspicious. But her attention turned back to Papa Mousekewitz, who had a terrible problem on his hands. And if the missing mouse was who she thought it might be, this could be her first lead.
“So you say they moved in just today?” she asked.
Bernard nodded.
“Were they escorted by three teenagers?”
“Yes, zey vhere. But vhat’s zat got to do vith anything?”
“This is important. Vartan, show him the sketch you did of those orphans.”
Vartan flipped through his sketchbook for a bit, before coming across a portrait the three street mice who’d driven the stagecoach the Flaversham’s had arrived in.
“Zat’s zem,” Bernard replied, “You zink maybe zey did zis?”
“I can’t say anything more for sure. I’d like it if this stayed strictly between us. Not a word to anyone. Just know that I’m on it, I’ll have my eyes open for Hiram. If he does turn up, you’ll tell me won’t you? I’m staying at the inn upstairs.”
“Yes, I vill,” he replied, “Thank you for ze help Ms. Brie…I guess I should go home now. I’ll have to break ze news to his daughter.”
“Tough break, Mr. M,” Tony said with sincerity, always having a soft spot for young orphans, since he himself was one, “Say, if the guy neva turns up, I’ll talk things ova with Bridget, maybe the little girl can stay wit’ us. I know ya got yer hands full already with three kids.”
“Ve’ll talk about zat later, I still don’t know vhat to do yet,” he said as he got up with a sad sigh, “I’ll see vhat my vife and Olivia think.”
“See ya around then,” Tony said, “And good luck.”
Nellie watched Bernard exit, “Tony, I think I’ll finish up our interview another time.”
“Yeah? Well I told ya most everything anyways. Wylie, Tiger and Filly took care of Waul.”
“If Waul ever does return, soon, just let me know.”
Tony raised an eyebrow, “Say, you got some kinda inside info, don’tcha? Has to do wit’ that missing guy?”
“Not a word about it to anyone, Tony,” Nellie whispered, before turning to Vartan, “I’m going back upstairs Vartan.”
“Ayo,” he answered, not looking up from his sketch, “I will be there shortly.”
Tony leaned over the bar and took a peek at the drawing of himself, “Saaay dat’s a good likeness. Think you made da biceps on me a little too thin there, needs more muscle.”
Nellie took her notebook and headed toward the stairs. Now, who would want to kidnap Mr. Flaversham? And perhaps more importantly…was that bat Fidget? Nellie was going to go straight to her typewriter. She thought it would be a good idea to write to Basil.
________________________________________________________________
The news made Olivia sob again, burying her face in her arms with her knees folded up. Fievel really didn’t know how to make her feel any better, though he knew what she was going through. He’d lost his family once or twice.
“I don’t know vhat else to tell you, Olivia. Maybe your father vill turn up again, who’s to say? Vhat is zat saying ze pigeon taught you Fievel?”
“Never say never?”
“Exactly,” Papa said, patting Olivia’s back gently as she cried.
“Where is she going to go, Papa?” Tanya asked.
“I think, for tonight, she can stay here. She needs ze company.”
“She can have my bed,” Fievel volunteered, “I’ll sleep on the ground.”
Olivia looked up, sniffling, “N-no Fievel, I-I couldn’t…”
“It’s okay. I like the ground,” Fievel lied, just wanting her to feel better.
His parents exchanged glances, Papa shrugged, “Eh, I suppose there’s no harm.”
Mama folded her arms skeptically and looked to Fievel, “Leave ze door open.”
Fievel didn’t know what they were worried about, “If you say so, I guess.”
Olivia wiped her eyes, trying to pull herself together. She hated crying in front of Fievel. Tanya took her hand, “Come on Olivia, let’s get you to bed. I’ll put you in one of my night gowns.”
As Tanya helped get Olivia ready for bed, Fievel went through the closet to grab some extra blankets and a pillow, and set his spot up on the floor. It wasn’t going to be very comfortable, but he’d slept in worse places. Tanya led her into Fievel’s room as he set things up. His room was mostly plain, except for one wall, across from the bed, which was dominated by the enormous golden sheriff’s badge Wylie Burp had given him the day they defeated Waul.
“You two get some rest. I’m sure you need it,” Tanya said, “If you want to talk about anything Olivia, I’ll be in the room next door.”
“You’re so kind, Tanya,” she said, lifting the covers and laying down, “I’d like to get to know you better too, when I’m not with Fievel.”
“That’d be just fine,” Tanya said, “Good night, I‘ll see you in the morning.”
She left, leaving Fievel and Olivia alone. Olivia sighed, looking across the room at the star-shaped badge.
“That’s a pretty badge, and big too,” she whispered.
“Uh huh, Wylie Burp gave it to me. I know I’m gonna have one of my very own with my name on it that I can wear one day.”
She smiled. It reminded her of the magnifying glass Basil had given her. She’d been determined to become a detective since Basil helped find her father. In a way she wasn’t so different from Fievel.
“Fievel…are ye gonna help me tomorrow?”
“What are we doing tomorrow?” he asked.
“We’re gonna do what Basil of Baker Street would do. We’re gonna search for clues, an’ find out just what happened to my daddy. Basil’s not here…so I gotta do it myself. I gotta use what he taught me.”
“Huh? Basil of Baker Street? Hey, I met him once.”
Olivia peeked over the edge of the bed, “What? Ye did??”
“He helped me find my family when he came to New York. When I first came to America, I got swept overboard on the boat and lost my family. Luckily I was helped. Him and Nellie Brie helped me, and so did Tony and Bridget and Tiger.”
“Oh my…that’s such a coincidence. Basil helped me find my daddy when Ratigan kidnapped him. But Ratigan fell off of Big Ben. There’s no way he coulda followed us here and kidnapped my daddy again.”
“Basil only helped me because Nellie made him,” Fievel chuckled, “She’s his girlfriend.”
Olivia was surprised at this revelation, “What? Basil has a girlfriend? He never said anything about that!”
“Nellie still lives in New York, I guess they don’t see each other much.”
“That’s odd…I wonder why. It must be sad for ‘em.”
“Grown ups are strange, I guess. But, tomorrow we’re gonna find out where your papa is. You’ll have Sheriff Fievel on the case.”
“And I’ll be Detective Flaversham of Main Street,” she said with a yawn, curling up under the sheets, “I know my daddy’s alive. He has to be. He’s…he’s all I’ve got, Fievel.”
“My family won’t let you down while you’re here.”
“You’ve such a wonderful family. I always wanted a mother, and sisters. But my daddy took good care of me.”
Fievel wondered about her mother, but didn‘t want to upset Olivia more by asking about her just yet.
“Don’t worry. We’ll find him. Never say never.”
Olivia yawned again, “Good night, Fievel. And thank you.”
With that, the two of them soon fell asleep, Olivia staring out the window at the stars before dozing off. She felt lucky to have met such a caring family at a time like this. She just wished Basil were here.
Chapter 4
In the morning, Olivia awoke to the smells of breakfast at the Mousekewitz household. She was confused as she sat up, rubbing her eyes.
“Daddy?”
But her heart grew heavy as the memories flooded back to her. Her daddy was still gone. She slid out of bed, stepping over Fievel, who was snuggled into his pillow against the floor. Poor boy, she couldn’t go on hogging his bed every night. Maybe after today she wouldn’t need to. Maybe she and Fievel would find her daddy. She was going to try her best.
“Good morning Olivia,” Tanya said as she passed by, “Breakfast is almost ready, you should get dressed.”
“Did me daddy come back last night?”
Tanya looked down, and shook her head, “We haven’t heard anything.”
Olivia’s ears went down and she sighed. Tanya gave her a hug.
“My other set of clothes is next door, in my suit case,” Olivia said, with her cheek against Tanya’s chest in the hug.
“Well you could just run over there real quick.”
“I don’t wanna go there alone,” Olivia said, looking up at Tanya. If her gather was kidnapped she was afraid she might be kidnapped too.
Tanya gave a look of pity, “I’ll go with you.”
Olivia gave a nod, “Okay, as long as someone comes with.”
Fievel yawned, beginning to stir.
“So the sleeping beauty finally awakes,” Tanya remarked, “I’m taking Olivia back to her place for a little bit so she can get dressed.”
“Oh…good morning Olivia,” Fievel yawned.
“Good morning,” Olivia answered, though not seeing anything good about it. She suddenly felt shy and embarrassed. Fievel was seeing her in a sleeping gown, “I-I’m going to go get dressed.”
She headed for the door, making her way outside and to her home next door quickly to avoid being seen in the oversized nightgown she was wearing, and Tanya followed close behind. Coming back to the door gave her a chill, but she opened it, keeping her eyes open for something, anything, that might give her a clue about what exactly had happened to her father. She entered, looking at the boxes still piled in the middle of the room. The floor was dusty, but most everything looked like it was still in place. She’d have a closer look after breakfast, she wanted to get dressed quickly.
“Wait up, Olivia,” Tanya said, entering moments later. She gazed at the boxes, and how empty everything felt, wishing she could give Olivia answers about her father’s whereabouts.
Olivia moved toward her suit case and opened it, finding a fresh shirt with a plaid skirt to go with.
“I’m going to the other room then,” she said, taking her clothes with her, “Don’t touch anything. I want to look for clues with Fievel.”
Tanya nodded, “Okay, I won’t touch a thing.”
With that Olivia went into one of the bedrooms and changed into her clothes, carrying Tanya’s nightgown out with her when she came out.
“Alright, suppose I’ll be havin’ breakfast then?”
“Mama made some extra especially for you,” Tanya said, “Come on. It’s a cheese omelet.”
“Oh really? She shouldn’t have gone through so much trouble.”
They exited, and headed back to the Mousekewitz home. Fievel, Yasha and Papa were already at the table, Fievel wearing a clean red sweatshirt and blue pants. There was an empty chair next to him.
“It smells fantastic,” Olivia remarked, walking up to Fievel.
“My Mama is the best cook ever,” Fievel said with a smile, pulling the chair out for her.
Olivia smiled and took a seat. Maybe a nice meal would get her mind off things, at least for a little bit.
“I think today we should look for Wylie Burp. He might be able to help us. Maybe he knows something.”
“You told me about him, I think that’s a great idea,” Olivia said, “Right after I look for clues.”
Mama came in with the food. The cheese omelet smelled delicious. It made Olivia think of Basil’s cheese crumpets. The family passed the food around and made small talk; Papa had another buyer from someone in Arizona so today he was going to work on another violin and mail it to the customer; Tanya was taking summer singing lessons at the school house today. Olivia had never really stayed with a big family before, something about it made her both happy and sad at the same time. She had to find her father; even though she could never have as big a family as this one, he was the best she had, and the only thing she had.
“Thank ye so much for the food Mrs. Mousekewitz, Fievel was right,” Olivia chimed in.
“Vell aren’t you polite? You’re very velcome dear.”
“I hope it’s not too much trouble havin’ me here, I know ye probably don’t have much money.”
“It’s no trouble at all Olivia,” Papa said, “It is not in us to let someone starve alone in ze streets. You are velcome here. No matter vhat happens ve’ll find some vay to take care of you.”
“Yeah don’t worry,” Fievel said with a smile, “And besides, you won’t stay with us long, we’re gonna find your papa together.”
Olivia smiled and wiped her eyes with a napkin. She had to stay optimistic. She wished it came as easily to her as it seemed to come to Fievel.
“I’m sure by the end of the day I’ll be sleepin’ in me own room again,” she remarked.
The rest of the meal went by peacefully, and as soon as Fievel and Olivia were done, Fievel asked to be excused and they were out the door.
“Alright Olivia, where did you want to look first?” Fievel asked.
“At my house of course. It’s elementary, dear Fievel,” Olivia said, taking a magnifying glass from her pocket and leading Fievel to her house. “We must examine every nook an’ cranny.”
Fievel watched as Olivia walked hunched over with the magnifying glass to her eye. Olivia searched the dusty ground outside the home. There were paw prints from her trip here earlier when she got dressed, those of Tanya and herself.
“I dunno Olivia, the wind probably blew away anything from yesterday.”
“I wish I weren’t so upset last night, I should’ve searched then,” she sighed.
But then, she did notice a set of foot prints, coming straight from the porch and going out into the street. Or rather, one foot, with a circular hole beside it, like a peg. She let out a squeak and jumped back, fumbling her magnifying glass but catching it before it hit the ground.
“Huh? What is it?” Fievel asked, crouching down at the prints.
“Whoever made these tracks had only one leg. And…and they’re familiar.”
“One leg? And the other is a stick? Was he a pirate?”
“No, silly. But…but back in England, I was kidnapped by a bat what had only one leg. An’ he kidnapped my daddy too.”
“I’m sure lotsa mice only have one leg. It could happen in a cat attack.”
“You could be right Fievel, we don’t know fer sure if’n it was a bat or a mouse. We need more clues. Now what could this one-legged person be doin’ walking away from me house?”
“Let’s check your house and see. Didn’t you lock the door?”
“I don’t have the key, my daddy had it. It wasn’t locked last night, that‘s when these tracks musta been made. Let’s have a look and see if something‘s missing, then we’ll follow the tracks.”
Olivia led Fievel over to the porch, and then she walked inside. The boxes still filled the room.
“There’s dust on the ground, but that coulda been from the other two times I came in ‘ere.”
Olivia continued to search, but the more she did, the more she realized things were a bit out of place. Boxes had been scooted and moved over. But then, she uncovered the evidence she’d been searching for. A box labeled ‘Tools’ was partially opened.
“Fievel, look!” she whispered.
Taking her magnifying glass, she deduced the tell-tale signs from a splintered groove on the edge that it had been pried open with a crow bar. When she opened the lid, it was empty.
“Someone stole me daddy’s tools! Now I know me daddy wasn’t eaten. He was kidnapped, an’ they came back for his tools last night so they could make ‘im build something evil again!”
“Are you sure? What if it was just a robber who noticed the door was unlocked?” Fievel asked.
“If it were, why would they take tools and not something more valuable? I’ve seen this before, Fievel. I think, if’n it ain’t Ratigan himself it must be someone from his gang, who followed us here and came to try the same scheme in America, where Basil canno’ help us.”
“Either way, we better go tell Wylie Burp. He’ll help us.”
“Let’s follow the tracks outside first.”
Olivia walked back outside with her magnifying glass to the ground, following the tracks as they went across the street. However, they seemed to disappear suddenly when they reached the wooden sidewalk.
“I don’t see tracks anymore,” Fievel remarked.
“If it were a crippled mouse he couldn’t ‘ave just jumped up to the sidewalk. He musta flown, because he must be a bat.”
Fievel took his hat off and scratched his head, “You sure are smart, Olivia.”
“Simple deductive reasoning, my friend,” she said, mimicking Basil, “We cannot give in to conformation bias, but I think we can presume with some certainty that this is a winged rodent we’re dealin’ with. But, we lost the trail. Let’s go see Wylie Burp.”
“Alright, I’ll show you where he usually is. It’s in front of the Sheriff’s office.”
“Has it got a jail? I think me and daddy rode by it on our way in. I remember seeing a dog sleeping there, and a jail.”
“That’s the place,” Fievel said, walking down the street as Olivia walked alongside him.
The two of them made their way down the street, shielded beneath the wooden sidewalk. When they reached the jailhouse, Wylie was in his usual spot, sitting by the door. He watched from beneath a wide cowboy hat as Fievel climbed up to the sidewalk, and pulled Olivia up with him.
“Well there, pilgrim. Who do ya got there, a new friend?” Wylie asked.
“Hi Wylie. This is Olivia. She’s new in town,” Fievel explained.
“Pleased to meet ye Mr. Wylie.” she said with a curtsey.
“We’ve got big problems,” Fievel said.
“Big? How big, son?”
“My daddy’s missin’ and I think he was kidnapped,” Olivia explained.
“Kidnapped hm? You don’t say,” Wylie said, taking notice, “You got proof?”
“Well, my daddy went missing last night, and I slept at Fievel’s house. In the mornin’ when I went back, things were missing, like me daddy’s tools. Somethin’ just like this happened back in London when we lived there. And when we found footprints, they were of someone wit’ a peg leg, just like the bat that kidnapped ‘im last time.”
“So you think you’ve been followed?”
“Last time me daddy was kidnapped by a terrible rat named Ratigan, who tried to use my daddy to build a robotic Queen Moustoria and take over England. But Ratigan died, he fell offa Big Ben.”
“Hm, quite a story there kid. So you’ve done a little detective work. Think it’s the same ones behind it?”
“I think at least one of them is. The bat. I don’t know how Ratigan coulda lived.”
“Hmm, I ain’t seen any suspicious characters around town myself, but then again, suspicious characters tend to make it a point to avoid me. I’ll see what I can find.”
He stood up and stretched, as Olivia smiled up at him.
“Fievel’s told me how great of a sheriff you are. I hope you’re able to find my daddy.”
“I’ll do what I can. You stay with Fievel here, and don’t go anywhere by yourselves. If worse comes to worse, Fievel’s a good kid to have on your side. Stick with him. And don’t be fooled; heroes come in all sizes.”
“Aw shucks Wylie,” Fievel giggled.
“Why don’t you two go have fun, I’m gonna head to the saloon, and talk to Miss Kitty. Hardly no one walks into this town without her knowing about it. Try and keep her mind off of her missing dad, Fievel.”
“I’ll try,” he said, glancing over at Olivia, “What would you like to do?”
“Let’s go find Tiger, I’d feel safer with him around, before we did anything else.”
“Okay, let’s see what he’s up to. Bye Wylie! We’ll be back to see what happened.”
“Alright son, take care now,” Wylie said, walking down toward the saloon.
Neither party realized that their encounter was being observed from above, on the roof, two figures glaring down at them.
Chapter 5
After finding Tiger, Fievel and Olivia decided the only way to help get her mind off of her missing father would be another relaxing trip on his raft. They were still technically heeding Wylie’s advice, they weren’t by themselves with Tiger watching over them. But Olivia didn’t want to end up kidnapped too; she wasn’t going anywhere without at least Fievel there with her.
On the way over they had stopped by Fievel’s home and made sandwiches for themselves (grilled cheese, one of Fievel’s favorites), so they could have themselves a picnic on the raft.
“Have ye ever had a cheese crumpet before, Fievel?” Olivia asked as they ate, “They’re the most tastiest thing in the whole world.”
Fievel thought for a moment, “Oh! Basil gave me one when I climbed through his window.”
“Ye climbed through his window?”
“I was looking for my Papa in New York, and I heard Basil’s violin so I thought it was him,” Fievel gave an embarrassed grin, “That’s how I first met Basil.”
“I’m sure glad you did find your family. Was the crumpet good?”
“It was the first thing I’d eaten all day. It was delicious.”
“Maybe one day I’ll try to make some,” Olivia offered.
“Do you know how?”
“No, but I can try.”
“Why don’t you try tonight? It could be a surprise for the whole family.”
“Oh, that would be a wonderful way to say thank you,” Olivia smiled, “I’ll try it.”
Fievel finished his sandwich up hungrily, “I’ll help you too. Once we go home.”
“Let’s stay for a little while longer,” Olivia laid back with her bare feet in the water, relaxing and breathing deep.
“Okay Olivia,” Fievel paddled gently to keep them from drifting too far, before joining her in the relaxation.
They sat for several minutes, Olivia lost in thought as she gazed at the clouds. When a thought crossed her mind, she broke the silence.
“Fievel, how long do ye think that…” Olivia stopped herself, “Oh nevamind.”
“Hm? What were you going to ask?”
“I shouldn’t be thinkin’ things like that. Especially when we’re tryin’ to relax and all.”
“You were gonna ask how long my family will let you stay, huh?” Fievel asked.
“I was, but it’s okay. We’ll find my daddy soon.”
“They’d never kick you out. I know them. You’ll be just like a new sister until we find your daddy.”
“That’s good, I know I wouldn’t be safe anywhere else. I think the only reason I didn’t get kidnapped is because I’ve been with you.”
“Those bad guys know not to mess with me,” Fievel said, putting on a tough face.
“I mean, if’n they kidnapped me now, you and your family would notice. They must want everyone to think my daddy died. They woulda taken me too if I were home. Now…now they’re just waitin’. Waitin‘ fer the right time.”
“You don’t know that though,” Fievel said, hoping to comfort her.
“Fievel, you hafta trust me. Even if it ain’t true, I have a feelin’ yer gonna be the only one who will believe me if it is.”
“I’m with you to the end Olivia. I just don’t want you to worry too much.”
“Thank you Fievel,” Olivia said, “You’re a good assistant. You’re like my Dawson.”
“Who?”
“Oh, hehe, Basil didn’t know Dawson yet when he met you. Dawson is his assistant and partner, he helped me as much as Basil did.”
“Hm. I like being a sheriff though.”
“Well yer a detective’s assistant now,” Olivia insisted.
“Aw fine, I’m a sheriff and a detective’s assistant.”
“Okay,” Olivia answered with a smile, “I’ll let you get away with that, dear Mousekewitz.”
“Well um, jolly good, ol‘ chap?” Fievel responded in a fake British accent, making Olivia giggle loudly, “Hehe, well I think we should check back in with Wylie before we go home, what do you say?
“Good idea actually, I wonder if he found any clues, or if someone found the bat.”
Fievel grabbed an oar, “Well, let’s get a move on then.”
The two of them paddled to shore, where Tiger was relaxing.
“Ready to go?” he asked.
“We’re gonna stop off at the sheriff’s station first if that’s okay,” Fievel explained.
“Alright. I’ll get you there, as fast as I can anyway,” Tiger stooped down so that they could climb on his back.
“Thank ye so much for helpin’ us, and believing me,” Olivia said as she climbed onto Tiger’s back with Fievel.
“Aw shucks. I have to believe your dad’s out there. And any friend of Fievel’s is a friend of mine.”
Olivia gave him a small hug on the back as they sat on the collar of his shirt, grabbing tufts of fur for support as he bounded back toward town. But when they arrived, they found Wylie’s usual seat empty.
“Wylie, where are you?” Fievel called out.
“Heya Wylie, you in there?” Tiger called, walking up to the sidewalk and peeking through the barred window, where the human sheriff sat watching over prison cells.
“Where’s that darned dog gone off to this time?” Tiger overheard the human Sheriff mutter, “Old dog couldn’t have gotten far.”
“What do you see in there Tiger?” Olivia asked from the ground.
“The Sheriff for the humans says Wylie is missing.”
Olivia’s eyes widened, “Oh no…it couldn’t be…”
“You saw him this morning, didn’t you?” Tiger asked.
“Yes, we did, an’ he said he was gonna find Miss Kitty and ask her about Fidg- I mean the bat.”
“Well why don’t we ask if she’s seen him? Hopefully he’s still there having a drink or something,” Tiger suggested.
“Yeah, hopefully,” Olivia realized something was off immediately. But, she remembered Fievel‘s advice. Best not to jump to conclusions, just yet.
The two young mice climbed onto Tiger’s back once more, as he made his way down the street toward the saloon. It was a bit of a walk, and seemed much larger to a mouse. When Tiger reached the building he entered through the swinging doors. The cat portion of the saloon was much like a larger version of the mouse one just inside the walls. There weren’t many customers, only a few drifters and such sitting at the bar. Miss Kitty was seated by the piano player at the table, counting her profits.
“How’s my darlingbabybuggybumperboo, hmm?” Tiger chuckled, having a seat.
“Heya Tiger. Whatcha been up to all day?” she asked, stacking dollar bills atop one another.
“Oh just looking after Fievel and his friend.”
“Yeah? Well how’s Wylie been doin’?”
“Ye mean ya didn’t see ‘im today?”
Miss Kitty looked up, “Tiger, what’s with the accent?”
“Oh! Huh huh, I almost forgot. They’re in here with me,” Tiger grabbed Fievel and Olivia from the fur atop his head and placed them on the table.
“Well ain’t you a cutie?” Miss Kitty smiled, looking at Olivia.
“P-please Miss Kitty ma’am, it’s important. Wylie Burp’s missin’, just like me daddy.”
“What? He’s missing?” she asked in shock, “When did this happen?”
“Just today ma’am,” Olivia answered, “And my daddy, well he’s been gone since last night.”
“You poor thing. Fievel here’s been takin’ care of ya, kid?”
Olivia nodded, “We were hopin’ we could find him today but…but now Wylie’s gone too…”
“Look, he hasn’t been gone that long,” Miss Kitty assured her, “Maybe he’ll still turn up.”
“I hope yer right but…this is just like something that happened to me in London.”
“London?” Miss Kitty tapped her chin, “Wait just a minute. You moved here just yesterday right?”
Olivia blinked, and then slowly nodded.
“Hmm…you two should talk to Nellie Brie. I don’t know how much she’d want me to tell you, but I think she might know something. And if anyone deserves to know, it’s you.”
“Nellie Brie is here?!” Fievel asked with a bright smile.
“Sure is kid, she’s stayin’ upstairs. Why don’t I take you guys there?”
“Okay, she’ll help us for sure!”
Olivia raised an eyebrow at Fievel. He seemed a little too happy to hear that Nellie was in town, and she didn’t really understand why but it bothered her.
They climbed into Miss Kitty’s paw and she carried them up to her dressing room, followed by Tiger. When she got inside, she placed them on the ground.
“The door to her apartment is under the desk. Just knock. I think she’s in.”
Fievel nodded, and he and Olivia walked up to the door. Standing on his tip-toes, Fievel knocked, hoping to be heard. The door opened a crack, and a teenage male mouse peered through.
“Allo. Who is zis?”
Olivia gave a confused look, “Um, are ye a friend of Nellie Brie’s? We’re here to ask her an important question.”
He opened the door further, and turned back, speaking in his Armenian accent, “Nellie! Two children are here to see you! They are vanting to esk question.”
Fievel giggled a bit.
“Hey, don’t be laughin’ at other people’s accents,” Olivia scolded in a whisper, “It ain’t nice.”
“S-sorry.” Fievel rubbed his neck sheepishly.
Nellie walked into the room. “Why, if it isn’t Fievel! Come in, I’ve been wanting to talk to you two.”
“M-me too?” Olivia asked.
They walked in, and Vartan closed the door behind them.
“Yes you too, Olivia,” Nellie answered, “I already know why you’re probably here.”
“Do ye know where me daddy is?” she asked, running up to her.
“Now now, Olivia…I’m sorry, but I don’t know exactly where he is. I only have a hunch about what may have happened.”
“How do you already know who Olivia is?” Fievel asked.
“I was at the bar last night when your father came in searching for Mr. Flaversham,” Nellie explained, “But before that, I had a tip that something was going to happen.”
“What kinda tip?” Olivia asked, “Did Basil tell ye? Is he here? I know you two are a couple.”
“Now how in the world did you know that, young lady?” Nellie asked, “Basil never made that public, I don’t even think he told that Dawson fellow. Wait…do you know Basil?”
“Of course! He saved me when me daddy got kidnapped by Ratigan. I thought you‘d know that.”
“But I thought the last name of the little girl he saved was Flangerhanger, not Flaversham.”
Olivia slapped her forehead, “Basil always gets me name wrong!”
Fievel covered his mouth in a snicker. He remembered how many different variations on “Mousekewitz” Basil had come up with.
“If you’re that same little girl he wrote to me about in his letters, why, this adds a whole new dimension to the case,” Nellie said, pacing back and forth, “All I knew, was that Cat R. Waul hired three orphans to swindle you and your father into coming out west. The orphans would take your father’s money, while later you were to be kidnapped. Why and for what purpose, I don’t know. That was all the orphans themselves had said when they bragged about this to Vartan. He’s the one who let you in, standing over there.”
Olivia turned toward him, blinking back tears, “So ye say those boys who drove us here, they was in on it and took me daddy away…”
Vartan nodded, “They did. And it was Cet R. Vaul who pay them to do it. I‘ve known them since I come to America. We lived in same orphanage, until I got job and have been living with Nellie.”
“Cat R. Waul’s up to his old tricks again, I should have known,” Fievel balled his hands into fists, “He’s not gonna get away with it.”
“Now don’t think about doing anything rash, Fievel. Thanks to you and Olivia I think I’ve gotten most of the facts. Now I just need to do some more investigating. And Olivia, if you’re here from London, and an acquaintance to Basil…then that bat I saw at the bar last night…”
“Ye saw a bat?” Olivia clutched the bottom of Nellie’s dress, “Did he have a peg leg?”
“He did. I didn’t think it was possible at first, but I think he might be Fidget. He did say he was from London. And he was exactly as Basil had described in his letters to me. I think he must be working for Cat R. Waul now that Ratigan is dead. And this whole scheme must be something he helped come up with.”
Olivia felt her blood run cold. So it really was Fidget. Olivia was reliving her nightmare.
“What are we gonna do, Nellie?” she asked worriedly.
Nellie stroked the fur on Olivia’s head softly, “The only reason you weren’t kidnapped is because you stayed with Fievel. And I think as long as you stay with Fievel, you’ll be relatively safe. And if the two of you stay with someone else like Tiger, you’ll be even safer.”
“Maybe we could stay with you, Nellie.” Fievel suggested.
“I’m afraid not. I’m here undercover. We can’t let anyone see us together or else Waul will know I‘m onto him. When Waul decides to show himself, I’ll be ready. For now, I‘m just here doing a report on New York migrants to this town, that‘s what everyone else has to think.”
Olivia looked up at her, “But you’ll help save me daddy and bring him home?”
“I’ll do everything I can. Once I know everything I’ll expose Waul for the fraud he is. I’ll also be relaying information to Basil.”
“I wish Basil would come here and help. He always knows just what to do.”
“I like that about him, really I do,” Nellie said with a light smile, “But I wouldn’t want to trouble him to come all the way out here for something we can probably handle ourselves. Besides…once all of this is done, I plan on going to him.”
“You’re gonna go to London?” Fievel asked.
“I’m going to move to London. This is my last article for the Daily Nibbler.”
“Oh…well I’ll miss you,” Fievel said.
“Now now, you’ve gotten through the last two years just fine without me,” Nellie said, taking Fievel’s hat off and patting his head, before putting it on again, “But I’ll miss you too. In fact I missed you when you moved away, it’s nice seeing you again. Just like old times.”
“Hehe, yeah, like the time we solved the mystery of the night monster, and you taught me that it was okay to be scared sometimes.”
Olivia folded her arms and looked away with a frown, suddenly wishing she had known Fievel as long as Nellie had. She tapped her foot impatiently.
“It quite certainly is okay to be scared, but it shouldn’t stop you from doing what’s right,” Nellie answered, “Now then, I know a lot has been happening and it’s frightened you a great deal, but I think the best thing that you two could do is stick together and just try not to give Waul or whoever else is behind this any more reason to go after you. You’re not alone in this. Trust me.”
“I wanted me daddy back by tonight.” Olivia said sadly.
“I’m sorry Olivia, I truly am,” Nellie said, “It’s not going to happen tonight. But it will happen soon. You have my word. Now, it must be getting close to dinner time. You should run along to Fievel’s house. Do you have a way of getting out of here without being seen?”
“Tiger could help us.” Fievel replied.
“Good, no one must know we met. Remember that. Take care you two. When I know something, I‘ll find some way to tell you. I may send Vartan perhaps, or relay information through Tony.”
“Okay,” Olivia gave a small smile, “Good bye, Ms. Brie.”
The two of them opened the door and walked back into Miss Kitty’s dressing room, where Tiger and Miss Kitty had been talking. Nellie watched as they left.
“Looks like I’m going to have to re-write my letter to Basil now before I have you send it, Vartan. I’ll be a few more minutes.”
Vartan nodded, “Do you think Basil will coming here now?”
“It’s up to him, he really doesn’t have to. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I could use his help.”
She turned and went back to her room, to her typewriter. She hoped Basil didn’t mind getting daily letters from her, but it seemed like every day she uncovered some new twist to this mystery. And interestingly enough, each twist pointed closer toward him.
