The Illusion of Danger

Chapter 40

After a brief stop at the tailors so that Mordecai could pay what he owed, the two men returned to the apartment and had some dinner before they started on a reply to Rose's letter.

As he moved through to the office to grab some paper and a pen, Mordecai rolled up his sleeves.
"I think we should write in the parlor. There's more room for both of us there."

"Sounds swell!"
The tabby agreed. This way he could be Mordecai's table, by sprawling across his lap.
"I already can't wait to see her reply! I hate that the post is so slow!"
He pouted a little.

Before returning to the parlor, the tuxedo gathered the supplies and a hardcover book to write on.
"It does take a while, yes. Normally, I would be gallionic, but this contains pressing matters so I am anxious for a reply as well."
He said as he sat in the center of the couch and got comfortable.

The tabby nodded, happy to see that his lover was just as excited about something as he was. Once Mordecai took his seat and was comfortable, Rocky spread himself across the man's lap.

"Sir, I demand to be used as a table, so that I may have the honor of acquiring the best seat in the house, your lap."
Rocky announced in his most regal voice.

The tuxedo raised his hands and looked down at his partner with a confused expression.
"Dearest, that's an awfully strange demand..."
He replied.
"You're not a very good table either. Your structure is far too meager and narrow..."

"No one ever said I wasn't a strange man with strange requests."
The tabby turned his head and winked at Mordecai.
"I'm sure I have enough back to support a book and piece of paper after all, yes?"

With an exhale of defeat, Mordecai set the book down on Rocky's back, then the paper on top. He did have a point that couldn't be argued.
"I suppose we'll see. Is there anything you think we should mention? I'll be asking about mother's condition and I will give a small explanation about the photograph. Perhaps we should answer some of the questions that had been directed at you?"

"I'm happy to answer any questions asked!"
The tabby purred. He was happy he got to occupy Mordecai's lap.
"Not sure what else we should mention though. Unless you want to tell them a little girl has a crush on big scary Mordecai."
He chuckled.

"I don't quite see what they'll be able to do with that information, so I think I'll be leaving that out."
Mordecai stated as he tapped the capped end of the pen on the edge of the book in thought, silently counting the number of taps.
"I can't remember what she'd asked. Would you mind retrieving my box so we can take a look?"

"I'd be more than happy to do that for you."
He pushed himself up off of the tuxedo's lap, gave him a quick peck on the cheek, then made his way to the office to retrieve the box.

When Rocky returned, he handed the box to Mordecai. Then resumed his position on the man's lap comfortably.

The tuxedo set the box down on Rocky's back and opened it. Unfortunately, everything inside was not how he knew he left it.
"You went through the contents of this box, didn't you..."

Rocky's tail bristled. He didn't want to get in trouble, but he also didn't want to lie to Mordecai.
"I really wanted to see the pictures... I didn't read anything though. I just... wanted to see you and your family..."
He couldn't make eye contact with his lover.

"Oh, I don't care if you were curious and went looking. There's nothing I really have to hide from you. I just had all of this organized and now the system is all askew."
Mordecai huffed as he pulled the letters and photographs out so that he could put everything back in order before they continued.