Elizabeth Marigold

“I know I’m new here, but I don’t think delivering a business license is part of our duties,” Ronnie said as he looked down at the sealed envelope in his hands.

“Well, you’d usually be right,” Texas said from behind her desk. “But this is an odd case. Someone all the way from London is moving in. I want you to deliver their license to them and try to get a feel for them. Mind you, this ain’t an interrogation. Just strike up a conversation with them. I don’t expect them to me much trouble, but who knows?”

“If you say so, boss,” Ronnie said as he read the address on the envelope. “I’ll be back once I’m done with this.”

<Line break>

Ronnie whistled as he looked over the building. It was built more like a warehouse than a home. It was a simple large, box-shaped building with a flat roof. The foundation was solid concrete. The wooden walls were painted a steely gray. There weren't any windows. Above the door was a bronze plaque. Written on it was ‘Home Sweet Home,’ in flowery text.

He knocked on the door and waited. It was silent for a moment. Then a series of loud metallic clangs could be heard from behind the door. He frowned but waited nonetheless. After a few moments, the door opened revealing a woman about shoulder height to him.

She was a mouse with large disk-shaped ears. Her light blond hair was pulled into a messy bun. Her features would be soft and gentle if they weren’t distorted into an annoyed glare. A pair of thick circular spectacles sat on her nose. Her dress looked like it cost quite a pretty penny. It was a soft baby blue with pristine white lacing. It was impossible to get an accurate visual of her proportions through her thick dress,

The petite mouse pressed her glasses further up on her face with a finger. “And to what end do I owe this interruption? I was right in the middle of some very important work,” she scoffed with a haughty tone.

“I’m Ronnie, from the Sheriff’s department. I figured it would be a decent idea to greet you in person,” he replied with a tip of his hat. “The pleasure’s all mine Miss…”

“It’s Elizabeth Marigold.”

“Well, Elizabeth, I’m here to deliver your business license personally.”

Ronnie handed over the envelope. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as he looked down at it. That disappeared when she looked up at him. “Now, if that’s all, you’re free to leave.”

“Now, no need to be so hasty there. I hope you don’t mind me being a little inquisitive, but what kind of store are you opening here? I can’t tell from the outside.”

There was a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Oh, I’m sure you’ve never seen anything like the equipment I will be selling. I suppose I can let you have a sneak peek.”

She opened the door fully and gestured for him to come inside. Ronnie stepped into the building and looked around. The interior was filled with dozens upon dozens of odd machinery. He had seen something similar when he worked in the city from time to time, but this was something else. They looked to be much more complex and powerful than the machinery from the city.

“I can tell your brain can barely comprehend what it’s seeing, but I’ll do my best to explain what my business is. Out here, there’s barely any infrastructure. I’m the only person in hundreds of miles who knows what a wrench is, I bet. I've already received some orders from people wanting to expand their business.”

“That’s good,” Ronnie said. “I can see why moving here makes a lot of business sense.”

“Not just that,” Elizabeth continued. “As much as it pains me to admit this, my home is not as enlightened as this backwater dump when it comes to the modern women. I couldn’t think of a worse crime against humanity than a mind like mine being wasted as a housewife. Out here, I’m free to pursue my passion.”

“Well, I’m impressed. Everything looks to be in order… I think.”

“Of course it is. Now, if you excuse me, I have just the spot for this. Don’t touch anything,” she said as she left him alone.

Ronnie looked around one last time as he moved to leave.

“Gah!”

Ronnie’s foot caught on a discarded toolbox. He stumbled towards the machinery. He fell backward, unable to see what he was falling into.