Olivia goes West

Chapter 26

Chula and Fidget both hobbled into the saloon at sunset, neither of them overly thrilled about having to deal with Nellie Brie, and possibly Basil. But, they were deputies now, it was time to live up to the title. Fidget had a revolver at his hip in case things got nasty.

"So this Basil guy, pretty tough cookie is he?" Chula asked as they sat down at the bar.

"You've got no idea," Fidget sighed, "The guy's some kinda super genius. He finds his way out of anything. I think he's the only guy I know smarter than the boss."

"Hehe, I bet that's because your boss is too stubborn to just shoot him."

"You're probably right," Fidget gave a short chuckle.

"Heya boys, what can I getcha today?" Tony Toponi asked, coming over to them after pouring someone else a drink.

"Has the Rodent's Delight come in yet?" Fidget asked.

"I ordered a couple cases from England yesterday, but it'll be a few weeks," Tony answered.

"Ah phooey, just gimme a whiskey," Fidget grumbled.

"I'll take one too." said Chula.

"Alright, be right with ya's," Tony said as he went over to the cabinets. He couldn't help but overhear the name 'Basil' mentioned, but the saloon was loud. Tanya was doing another musical number. He hoped they were just talking about old times.

"Ya know, I wonder what ol' Rats would say if we just plugged Basil ourselves," Chula said, "Shoot him right between the eyes, and then bring Ratigan the body, hehe."

"Are you kiddin'? The boss would kill us fer doing that. Something about him wanting to be one who finally kills Basil."

"Ah, same reason I can't just bite the heads off those two kids," Chula said, "Things would get done a lot faster around here if we did things my way."

"I agree, all this scheming always just ends up leading to defeat in the end."

"Hm, what if we just, ya know, captured Basil and brought him alive?" Chula asked, "Think the bosses would be proud of us for doing that?"

"They didn't tell us to do that, but hey you might be onto something there," said Fidget, pondering over it in his head, "We wouldn't be killing him, and he'd be out of our hair for the election. Now that you mention it I bet Ratigan would be thrilled if we did that! Then we'd get treated a lot better."

"Well then let's do it, hehehe! I've got the web, all we need's is the right moment."

"Here's your drinks," Tony said, sliding the glasses down the bar. Chula and Fidget caught them. "So, whatcha up to tonight?"

"A little business," Chula answered, "None of your concern though. Deputy stuff."

"Yeah, so leave us alone will ya?" Fidget spat as he drank his whiskey.

That was the answer Tony was afraid to hear. But, there wasn't much he could do to warn the others. Tanya and Miss Kitty were both busy performing, and Bridget wasn't going to come around until closing time.

The sun had already set and twilight had fallen upon Green River as Tiger staggered back to the edge of town. He walked over to the back of the saloon and sighed, panting and leaning against the wall.

"Right, we're back," said Basil, "Let's try to make our entrance as nonchalant as possible, and we'll get back to your room."

Nellie nodded and began to climb Tiger's clothes down to the ground, followed by Basil and Vartan. "I'll see you guys later?" Tiger asked.