Squig stood on the platform looking down the tracks. The three o'clock train from Denver was due any minute. For once,He had taken all kinds of pains with his appearance, his badge and his boots were shined to a high gloss. His shirt and jeans were clean and crisply ironed. But maybe more importantly, instead of his old familiar Oriole baseball cap, he now sported a genuine cowboy hat. Yes, he had tried hard and felt now, at least he looked the part of a real western Sheriff. Although Dweezil would probably have something to say about that.
As he waited for the train that would bring his family to Katz City he tried in vain to ignore Harlan who had insisted on coming along. Harlan, too, had gussied himself up; but the effect of white boots, white, pants, white shirt and white cowboy hat complete with white feather against his puce colored fur was a bit much. Squig was trying to decide whether he looked like the weakest link on some kind of angelic chain, or like he was planning on applying for a job down at Lovely Larry's used car lot, when Harlan opened his mouth and started up again.
"So let me get this straight, boss." He chirped happily, counting off Squig's family members and their various relationships. "Dweeze is your best friend and Yvette is his mother. Now Annie is his adopted daughter and even though she's no relation to you, she calls you, Uncle. Did I get that right?"
Squig nodded yes.
"And the other cat who's coming with the group is Pixie,"
"Her name is Trixie, not Pixie" Squig harrumphed.
"Oh yes, Trixie is that hot looking babe whose picture sits on your desk and who calls you everyday. Boy am I looking forward to meeting her." He winked broadly and poked Squig in the ribs. "Do you think she's bringing any sisters with her who might want to meet little old me." The last bit was said with eyes open wide and purr embedded in his voice.
"That way," he continued elbowing Squig in the ribs, again, you and me could go on double dates."
"No, " Squig sighed for the forty fifth time, "she is not bringing any sisters, cousins, friends or acquaintances. She is coming by herself to help Dweezil set up his restaurant.
"But she might know some girls, " Harlan insisted.
"Harlan, " Squig said through gritted teeth, "You tell me how she's going to know anybody when she's never been here. "
"But she might meet some girls, make some friends, and then she could introduce me and we could go on double dates."
"Why, Harlan, I didn't know you were interested in the lovely Miss Tailer," Squig said in all innocence, with a smile. "Once Trixie's met her, maybe she could set you up. You two go way back, so it wouldn't be too hard."
"Very funny, boss, you're just hilarious." The rest of whatever else he had planned to say was cut off by the shrill whistle as the train pulled into the station. Finally, they were there.
TO BE CONTINUED
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