Chapter 38

Almost

You’ve got to come with us,” Tramp said to Suzette as they reached the kitchen door.

The kitchen was dark but for a sliver of light under the door from the light in the alley. Suzette placed the key in the door, turned it until it clicked, then opened the door with her mouth. Tramp was stunned. It was obvious she had done this a hundred times. How often? Why?

The pain of Pauly’s talons in his head stopped him from reaching for possible answers.

Then Tramp heard, Clomp, clomp, clomp. “Back! Go back down! Quick!” Suzette whispered, pushing the door shut and pulling the key out.

The kitchen door glowed from the light outside, telling Tramp to just hurry, open it and run. Pauly dug his talons in and said, “Out the kitchen door. Get us out of here.”

Instead, Tramp backed to the still open basement door and slunk down the stairs. Pauly struggled to go back upstairs, but his talons were tangled in Tramp’s fur. He wasn’t going anywhere by himself.

The basement door closed quietly.

“How many times have I told you Suzette?” came Rodney’s harsh voice. “Don’t you come down here at night, no matter how hungry or thirsty you are. Now all you’ll get is the rope.” Rodney sounded like he was smiling.

Suzette’s whine was meant to make Rodney feel bad. Tramp heard the real words. “Just you wait, buster.”

What did Rodney mean “the rope?”

But Tramp had to trust Suzette. She knew Rodney better than anyone. And Tramp didn’t think she would side with the man.

Suzette’s next whine said, “Stay down there. I won’t be long.”

Relief washed through Tramp. She was on his side.