Olivia goes West

Chapter 28

Basil was shocked to hear the news.

"The children escaped? You have them locked in your dressing room?!"

Tanya nodded shyly, standing in the doorway of Tony's house. She'd come straight there after leading Fievel and Olivia into her dressing room. It was now close to 4am, but Basil was wide awake while Nellie was dozing on the sofa, and Vartan had fallen asleep at the table over his sketchbook. Tony and Bridget were asleep in their bedroom.

"Get in here and tell me exactly what happened," Basil said, pulling Tanya inside by the wrist and closing the door, "We mustn't let anyone see us."

"So those brats actually managed it this time huh?" came a raspy voice from the other room, "Figures it'd happen eventually, heh heh...bet Chula got his arse handed to him again..."

"Who's that?" Tanya asked.

"Oh that's just Fidget, don't worry we've got him tied upside down."

"Okay," she replied timidly.

Nellie's eyes fluttered open, and she saw Basil with Tanya, "What's going on?"

"Tanya found Fievel and Olivia."

Nellie sat up, "She what?"

Tanya explained, "I saw them when I was walking home from work, they said they were going to head to my house but I took them to my dressing room instead. I-if you don't think that was a good idea, I could go get them. I just didn't know if it'd be safe to bring them here."

"No, it wouldn't be, you're quite right, " Basil replied, "If they found out where I'm hiding they'd be able to apprehend all of us in one fell swoop. On the other hand, I'm sure they have valuable information we could use. Although getting them out of there during business hours might be a problem. And having them anywhere in the saloon is rather hazardous."

Basil paced back and forth, mulling over his options, before stopping dead in his tracks.

"Ms. Mouseingham, I believe I have a plan. We need those children here. We need them now."

"Oh, umm...y-you do? But you just said-"

"I've changed my mind," Basil interrupted.

Nellie walked up behind Basil, "What's the plan?"

Basil flashed her a grin, "The plan is simple. Elementary, really. And I don't know why I didn't think of it right off the bat. Now then Tanya, bring the children here. And I'll explain everything."

"Is it safe?" Tanya asked, "I don't know where Waul and Ratigan are right now..."

"We need to get them while it's still dark out," Basil said, "It's too dangerous for me to be out and about at all. Why not take Vartan with you? He can handle himself in a fight quite nicely."

"Oh, that works," Tanya said with a slight smile, casting her eyes in his direction.

Basil walked up to Vartan and nudged his shoulder as he slept, causing Vartan to snort awake.

"Inch?" he asked, before looking around and seeing Tanya.

"Take her to her dressing room, and bring back the children. She has them there, but she doesn't want to go alone."

"Fievel and Olivia? They are here?"

"Yes, dear boy," Basil answered.

Vartan sleepily got to his feet and stretched, "Anything you vant Tanya, I do for you."

"Oh," Tanya giggled, "Come on, it's this way. But be quiet. Maybe you can tell me about your fight with Chula and Fidget, if you whisper."

As they left, Nellie moved back to the sofa again with a yawn.