Lauren opens the box now

"Well," Lauren began with a smirk, "I guess there's nothing wrong with a little peek before Janet gets here."

With those words, Lauren opened the box... And immediately wished she hadn't as she saw a black and white bushy tail shoot upward.

"Oh no..." Lauren squeaked pathetically as she closed her eyes, feeling a jet of foul-smelling liquid coating her front half. As Lauren screamed, the skunk climbed out of the box and scurried through an open air vent.

Outside, the crow squawked as it flew downwards to inform Vanessa what had happened. As soon as the bird was out of sight, Alexa barged into Lauren's office.

"Ms. Adkins, what hap- WHOA!" Alexa cried out, pinching her nose as she saw Lauren gag from the smell that both women were smelling. "Why does it smell like a skunk in here?"

"Because there WAS a skunk in here!" Lauren snapped, "And it freaking sprayed me! Who gave you that package?! I want a name!"

"I swear, Ms. Adkins! I have no idea who it was from! All I know is that they said it was an early birthday present!" Alexa said. That last half was a lie, of course. She liked Vanessa, and she didn't want to get her in trouble. Plus, it was actually kinda funny to see her snobbish monster of a boss be taken down a peg or twenty... Even if the smell made her question whether or not it was worth it.

"I want a name, Alexa!"

"I told you! I have no idea who it was from! I swear!"

"You had better remember, or else I'll - " Lauren growled, only to gasp in horror as she saw the time. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no! Janet's going to be here any minute and," Lauren took a voluntary sniff of herself and cringed, "I smell WORSE than a sewer! I'm going down to the locker rooms to shower and change! If she arrives while I'm still in there, just keep her busy!"

With that said, Lauren stomped towards the elevator and stepped into in, turning to Alexa as she snapped, "And make sure that NO ONE comes into the locker room!"

As the elevator doors closed, Alexa began to laugh hysterically at this whole situation.

--

Down below, the crow had told Vanessa that Lauren was on her way to the showers now, the woman smirking evilly as she gently pet the skunk before the small creature ran away. Vanessa turned to the small army of rats as she said, "Okay, boys and girls. Get ready for Phase Two."