Dreadful Uncertainty

A large, rotund object blocked the deputy’s vision before everything went dark.

THUD!

“MMMMMmmmmmmmmppphhh!!!” The screams of the vixen were muffled by what could be described as layers of fur and fat. A distinct, thick muck permeated her whole being with every attempt to breathe. A light clapping was heard as Damien approached her position.

“An impeccable showcase of agility as ever, my good man. Why, I daresay, that was your most splendid belly flop yet.” She could feel the smugness coming from the cat’s voice. “Dear me, stand up, my good man. A proper introduction is needed!”

April felt the weight upon her shift as before there was darkness, now a blinding light shone down on her. Weakly, she tried to move only to her dread that her body refused to obey her.

“Well, isn’t that a more pleasant sight.” Her eyes looked up to see the grinning visage of the cat burglar. “I have to say the 'flat' look fits you much better, mutt.”

“MMMmmmmppphhh.” The flattened figure of April Briggs screamed as best as she could.

“Now, now don’t trouble yourself. I’ll make the introductions.” He spoke, motioning his hand to someone. The ground shook as a new figure came into view.

Easily dwarfing the cat, both in stature and lingering stench, was what could be described by her as an incredibly shaggy ox. Thick, shaggy rust brown fur covered their entire body, even their eyes were obscured. Loose overalls covered their legs as a massive gut made buttoning the clothing all but impossible. Slung over their shoulder was the biggest sledgehammer she had ever seen.

“This charming fellow is my partner. Deputy, may I introduce Rusty.” Damien declared with a small flourish.

“…” The large, musk ox said nothing.

“Not the most talkative I might add. But his physique has more than come in handy.” Damien pats his friend's shoulder. “And might I add, your timing was most appreciated.”

Rusty slowly turned his head to regard the cat. “…Took too long.”

Damien sighed exaggeratedly. “Yes, yes, I know. You have this one to thank for that.” He gestured to the rug-shaped vixen. “Mangy mutt was spryer than I thought. Even had to use my job aides.”

“…Running behind.”

“I know we have a deadline to make! Just-” Damein stopped himself from ranting, taking a deep breath before exhaling slowly. “Just grab what’s left still inside. I’ll be right with you.”

The musk ox gave a soft grunt as he lumbered towards the bank. The cat bomber watched his large partner squeeze through the low frame of the building. Looking back at the flattened deputy, he shrugged his shoulders.

“You got to love his simple-mindedness, but I swear, you got to wonder.” Crouching down, he pulled another stick of dynamite.

“Well, my dear, as fun as this was, we have to cut this short.” Twirling the explosive between his fingers, he gave a smug grin. “Such a shame, I would have liked to have faced the actual law of this dirtball of a town, instead of the leftover. Hopefully, the others are having more fun with Sheriff Texas right now.”

“MMMmmmppphhh”. The eyes of April widen at those words. The smug grin turned sadistic as he leaned down.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure they are treating her with the utmost care.” Bringing the dynamite right to her face, his eyes became slit once more. “But I do declare, the question now is: What? To do? With you?”

The deputy’s whole body trembled out of fear. Not just for herself, but more so for Texas’ safety. Was this robbery planned? Did they lure Texas away with a fake telegram? What was happening to her?! A myriad of questions raged in her mind. She needed time to reform herself, time the crazed bomber wasn’t going to give her. If only she cou-

Tap, Tap, Tap…

“How’s about, ye back away slowly and give up while ye can, fella?”