Today Critters, before we take flight for our Furever Friday conversation, we have a special announcement. Cuz. CwC will taking a brief Springtime break after today.

Please note our Spring Break: Tuesday June 2 through Friday June 12.

Our next conversation takes place on Tuesday June 16! Save the date!

And now! Please join our Core Community Critters coming to you live from the Couch! Let’s give a warm welcome to Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent sheltered from the rain critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello, Friends! Welcome to Furever Friday again! We’ve got an incredible Feathered Friend to creature feature for you right here, right now!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters! It rained the other day. This involved water which, as I have made abundantly if not poignantly clear time after time, is a non-starter for me. The end.

Chris: Welcome, Everyone! Before we go any further I would like to digress from the weather and share my most recent Wordle success from this week which I must display immediately and at once, so please make yourselves comfy on the Couch. Cuz. Here it is:

Jojo: Incredible Chris.

Chris: Yes. It is. Thank you, Jojo. Thank you very much.

Jojo: You’re welcome. Furthermore, would now be a good time to say how much I luvluvluv our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers and beyond that, I can’t wait to share our super and duper communion with the Rufous Hummingbird?

Jasper: Now is perfect, Jojo.

Chris: Ditto and thank you for the excellent conversation opener, Jojo.

Jojo: Great, that’s great. And by the way, Chris. What an incredible Wordle solve.

Chris: Thank you, Jojo. It did take me four moves, however.

Jojo: What are you suggesting Chris?

Chris: I am suggesting that the expenditure of my energy was rather exhausting, Jojo. It took me four moves on the Couch to solve this Wordle puzzle and continue my winning streak and then I needed a nap. Full stop.

Jojo: Thank you for the clarification on the Couch, Chris. I can see how that worked on a lot of levels for you.

Chris: Correct. It was a synchronicity of Wordle and real life. The end.

Jojo: Fur sure.

Jasper: Critters, let us proceed to share our recent Field Note on the Rufous Hummingbird now that it has stopped raining and the water has, shall we say, evaporated. The end.

Chris: Well said, Jasper.

Jasper: Thank you, Chris. First and foremost, our pollinator garden is attracting a lot of Rufous Hummingbirds. Furthermore and for the record, they are also very good singers.

Jojo: Let’s share a photo of our resident Rufous Hummingbird for the edification and enjoyment of our Dear Gentle Readers and our Dear Gentle Critters:

Jasper: And let’s also share a recording of these incredible singers:

Singing and Sounds of the Rufous Hummingbird

Chris: Critters. First and foremost, the migratory pattern of the Rufous Hummingbird is one of the longest journeys of any bird in the whole wide world relative to their size and, as I must note from the Couch, covers a range of up to 4,000 miles from breeding grounds in Alaska, Northwest Canada and parts of the Pacific Northwest, even Montana and Northern California to wintering grounds in Mexico. The end. And additionally, if you are as exhausted as I am even considering that kind of distance, please join me for my next nap. Full stop.

Jasper: Specifically and furthermore, the Rufous is an aggressive territorial hummingbird and will chase off other hummingbirds from food sources both wild, such as plants with nectar, and domestic, such as feeders. Beware. The. End.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to say that they also migrate in a clockwise circuit of North America?

Jasper: Yes, Jojo. Please. Proceed.

Chris: What.

Jojo: Thank you, Chris and Jasper. After gathering a great deal of data, the pattern became clear. The Rufous travels and here I quote from All About Birds, “…up the Pacific Coast in late winter and spring, reaching Washington and British Columbia by May. As early as July they may start south again, traveling down the chain of the Rocky Mountains.”

Chris: Is that the end?

Jojo: Yes.

Chris: But then they start all over again?

Jasper: Correct. Chris.

Chris: Thank you for the clarification. But. Who does that? Who. And besides that, I’ve heard that they beat their wings super fast at 52–62 wingbeats per second. It’s exhausting, I tell you. The end already again.

Jojo: Due to their high expenditure of energy, they need to eat a lot.

Chris: I like that in a Critter. I find that fact, in fact, highly relatable. Cuz Critters. You gotta eat.

Jasper: Correct. Chris. Please. Proceed.

Chris: Thank you, Jasper. Now I see how the end can be a new beginning.

Jojo: Friends, thank you very much for joining us and sharing our observations and explorations of the life cycle of the Rufous Hummingbird. We are truly and deeply grateful and please remember that I luvluvluv you. Furever.

Jasper: As a Friendly Critter Courtesy Reminder, we will be on a brief break and will return to meet and greet you on June 16.

Chris: So please stay safe and have fun out there. The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Singing in the rain

Perched on the wire fencing

Under the porch eaves

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! Now Complete!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we thank you with all of our luvluvluv for reading The Case of the Deep Deep End! That’s. A. Wrap. The End!

And now! It’s Crittertime! Cuz. We are pleased to present the Haiku Compilation of each chapter, 1-20, brought to you by the incredible J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

CHAPTER 1

Investigation

A new mystery unfolds

And so it begins

CHAPTER 2

Take it all in stride

Animal ambassador

Tripod special needs

CHAPTER 3

A cry for HELP! HELP!

Unexpected reunion

Crossing in the mail

CHAPTER 4

Return to Apt. F

Under careful protection

Portable hammock

CHAPTER 5

Bright shiny object

Unfolding the evidence

After the laundry

CHAPTER 6

Stash the cold hard cash

A hidden brick in the wall

Combination lock

CHAPTER 7

A gathering storm

For lack of a Catio

Stray further from home

CHAPTER 8

A bolt of lightning

Flash of detective insight

Dark and stormy night

CHAPTER 9

Multi-beam sonar

Time to search the deep deep end

Critters cross the bar

CHAPTER 10

Blips on the radar

How expensive are sunk costs?

Submersible dive

CHAPTER 11

A crack in the sand

With a Flash and with a Dash

A crack in the case

CHAPTER 12

Stay clear of the rocks

A return to safe harbor

If and only if

CHAPTER 13

Titan of finance

Interpretation of dreams

Who is behind this

CHAPTER 14

Soon to be revealed

The message in the bottle

About to get schooled

CHAPTER 15

Understand clearly

Proper lighting conditions

A deep deep study

CHAPTER 16

Cracks begin to show

Ingress egress, in and out

Grudges from the past

CHAPTER 17

Metadata mined

Reappear in the record

Family tree roots

CHAPTER 18

Up up upside down

Meanwhile back at the padlock

The Doubloons are safe

CHAPTER 19

Take it to the bank

Be generous with your friends

Walk home together

CHAPTER 20

From start to finish

The Case of the Deep Deep End

A mystery solved

THE END AND A NEW BEGINNING!

THE CASE OF THE GRAPHIC DETAIL

COMING SOON! STAY TUNED CRITTERS! WE’LL BE RIGHT BACK! LATE SUMMER OR EARLY FALL 2026! THE ADVENTURE BEGINS! THE MYSTERY UNFOLDS!

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! Now Complete!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we proceed with a creature feature who has been, shall we say in the vernacular, shelved at CwC and is now ready to move to the center of our Critter stage.

After our four-part Herptile Series, our rare spontaneous River Otter encounter, and 50,000 nuts presented by the incredible Acorn Woodpecker, we are finally finally pleased to present the Wild Australian Common Brushtail Possum of world renown.

Please, join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent camouflaged critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello and welcome welcome, Friends! We’ve been waiting a good long while to share this incredible encounter due to extenuating circumstances which have taken a certain precedence in their command of our attention. But! Now! We are ready to pull this conversation off the shelf on this momentous occasion of our Furever Friday Post! Hooray! Hooray!

Jasper: Welcome, Critters! We are shifting our location from the 45th Parallel North to Australia, down under and in order to bring you this fascinating factual and actual possum predicament. The end.

Chris: Greetings, Critters. And Jasper, that was an incredible conversation opener. The end.

Jasper: Thank you, Chris. Thank you very much. And I agree with you. The end.

Chris: You’re welcome. Furthermore. A possum predicament is right. It’s puzzling. It is. The end already.

Jojo: Thank you, Jasper and Chris. But. Before we go any further, I’d like to say how much I luvluvluv our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers and I’ve never been happier or more proud to be here with you furever. The end.

Jasper: And now, for our open ended conversation about the incredible Australian Common Brushtail Possum of Hobart Airport Giftshop internet fame.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to talk about marsupials in general as well as the Australian Common Brushtail Possum specifically?

Jasper: Fur sure, Jojo. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: Excellent. The Australian Common Brushtail Possum, known in the Latin Binomial as Trichosurus vulpecula, is a pouched mammal, a marsupial, known to occupy a variety of habitats.

Chris: What. Question mark.

Jasper: Such as, Jojo?

Jojo: Thank you very much for the question, Jasper and Chris.

Jasper: You’re welcome.

Chris: Of course.

Jojo: Such as hollowed out logs across a broad range from forests and woodlands throughout mainland Australia and islands such as and here I quote from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, “Tasmania and offshore islands such as Barrow Island in Western Australia and Kangaroo Island in South Australia.” End quote.

Chris: This is truly informative, but I must ask the existential question that we have all been waiting for.

Jasper: Of course, Chris. We’re all ears.

Chris: How did the possum get in and out of the gift shop?

Jojo: I believe it was an act of free will. Furthermore, the possum departed safely from the airport.

Chris: That is a relief. Did they take any snacks with them? Cuz. Typically, gift shops at airports, as I understand it, naturally carry snacks. And if not, if no snacks were taken upon the possum’s departure, why not?

Jasper: Thank you for the well thought out multifaceted question, Chris.

Chris: Of course. You’re welcome.

Jasper: I do not believe any snacks were taken on the part of the possum upon departure.

Jojo: To answer the second part of your question, if not why not, question mark question mark, the answer is as follows: It remains a mystery.

Chris: I see. I’m comfortable on the Couch with the uncertainty. Thank you, Jojo.

Jojo: Let’s share the video of the hidden possum for the edification and enjoyment of our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers:

Chris: Now that the subject of snacks has been broached, I would like to continue with this line of inquiry about certain aspects of the lifecycle of the Australian Common Brushtail Possum. Specifically. Given that they do not eat gift shop snacks, what do they eat?

Jasper: Chris, at the expense of sounding redundant, you ask about species specific eating every week. Full stop.

Chris: I like my routine. The end.

Jojo: They are omninvores, but mostly eat leaves, shoots, flowers, seeds and fruits.

Chris: When do they sleep?

Jojo: They are nocturnal.

Chris: Unless they are jet lagged at the airport?

Jasper: Correct. Chris.

Chris: Who does that? Who.

Jojo: The behavior remains a mystery, Chris.

Chris: This story is highly relatable in certain species specific ways and is making me hungry first and foremost and then sleepy secondarily. The end.

Jasper: Does it make you want to go to the airport, Chris?

Chris: Thank you for the question, Jasper.

Jasper: Of course.

Chris: The answer is in the negative. I will stay home on the Couch and everyone is invited to join me.

Jasper: So Critters, thank you for being here with us. We’ll see you next time for our Detective Tuesday Special Edition Haiku Wrap Party in celebration of the conclusion of The Case of the Deep Deep End.

Jojo: Please, stay safe and have fun out there and remember, I luvluvluv you. The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Among the plush toys

Adapted to urban life

Cleverly disguised

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! Now Complete!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we present to you the final and concluding chapter of The Case of the Deep Deep End! We thank you with all of our luvluvluv for reading with us. Cuz. You have made this a better story, week after week, than it would have been otherwise and had we been left to our own, shall we say, devices.

Previously! Our incredible Detectives took their Clients to the community focused bank! Furthermore, that’s a small local bank, but with a vault big enough to cache and stash the treasure and then some! And then! The J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency walked the ferrets, Fogarty and Nutmeg, home to Apt. F. Furever.

Now! We can all sit back and read and relax on the Couch! Enjoy the refreshing snacks and beverages in the Catio! And! Stay tuned for the next mail delivery at the condominium residence of the world renowned Orange striped sleuth and his entire agency!

Please! Join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent conclusion critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: Dear Gentle Critters. Thank you for reading our story over 20 chapters. We are truly humbled.

Chris: Dear Gentle Readers. You deserve a little R & R on the Couch. We are truly grateful.

Jojo: Friends. The time has come for The End. Go!

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 20

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE MAIL SLOT

“It does seem a little empty in the Catio without the hammocks,” blinked Star and took a sip of her Ginger Ale. “Even though our Staycation went astray from the get go.”

Chris topped off her glass and set the pitcher back down on the coffee table. He passed her the tray of Kibble Scones and she munched and crunched in contemplation of the conclusion of their case, reclined with the other Critters on the Couch.

Jasper Kitten, seated next to her, popped the latches open on his Attache Case in his lap and cleaned out a few grains of sand from the Coast with a rapid deep deep sweep of his white gloved paw. He proceeded to clean and polish Star’s backup pair of reading glasses, the magnifying glass, and his headlamp with a soft cloth and then he paused.

“Gosh, what is it, Jasper Kitten?” barked Star, a Kibble Scone clasped and grasped in her cinnamon brown paw.

“It is time,” he replied with a nod in the affirmative while they all waited in pensive silence. “Yes. Exactly. For the first time in a long time, I will be returning my Attache Case to the utility closet.”

He closed the lid, latched it, and reset the security code.

“Why, that’s a relief,” growled Chris, low and slow.

“Phew, as Fogarty and Nutmeg say,” barked Jojo.

“Whew,” barked Star.

The Orange striped sleuth hopped off the Couch and padded over to the utility closet in the hall and with a decisive maneuver placed the Attache Case on the shelf and closed the door with a satisfied soft click.

“Music to my ears,” he mewed and padded back to the Couch. “Case. Closed. Critters.”

Meanwhile, a truck idled outside of the Condo and the Canine Unit, alerted to the all too familiar motor of the postal service, rushed the front door mail slot.

A single slip of pink paper landed at their toebeans. Star scooped it up.

“Gosh and oh my goodness, this is an official notification. Postal Form CDT-999ABC-XYZ-1.2(b).” Star adjusted her progressive glasses and read the fine print out loud. “Please be advised. Notice is hereby given as follows to the Postal Recipient at the Condominium Residence of the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Your mail is currently in excess of the cubic density capacity of the Postal Service Delivery Trucks Standard Issue and will now be held at the Local Post Office. Pick up is available during regularly scheduled Business Hours.”

A single and sole tattered and stained envelope in a ziploc bag dropped through the slot. Star scooped it up and held it in her cinnamon brown paw with the postal notice.

“Gosh, this ziploc bag also has an official notice!”

“What is it, Star,” queried Jasper Kitten from the Catio.

“It’s an official notice for Letters that are Damaged Goods but still Readable. Postal Form DMG-1-555-08.4(c). Please be advised. This letter was damaged during the mail delivery process. We strive to provide superlative service to our Residential Customers, but at times the system and machinery may cause physical and structural defects which are cosmetic in nature only. The Postal System is confident that your article of mail meets our stringent standards for delivery and readability.”

“Why, if they want us to pick up our mail, what’s the point of delivering this one letter?” growled Chris before he munched and crunched another Kibble Scone.

“I believe the purpose is official in nature,” surmised Jasper Kitten and hopped off the Couch. “The Postal Service wanted to serve this Form DMG-1-555-08.4(c) at least as much if not more than deliver this tattered letter to us.”

“It’s too late in the day for us to retrieve the bulk of our mail, Jasper Kitten,” advised Jojo. “We’ll have to fetch it first thing in the morning.”

“And we’ll need to make a few trips, Jasper Kitten,” apprised Star. “Our car cannot contain so many canvas postal bags simultaneously and at once. Unless we trade it in for a minivan, as I have suggested in the past, which would also be suitable for our six Detectives and our ever increasing caseload.”

“Yes, I see, your point is well taken and well worth considering, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten. He reached out for the ziploc bag and Star passed it to his white gloved paw. “This letter is torn open and tattered, but readable as stated in the official notice.”

They padded back to the Catio and hopped onto the Couch. Jasper Kitten removed his magnifying glass from his pocket and made a close examination of the damage, the tears to both the envelope and the enclosed but exposed letter, the smudges of ink from the industrial postal processing machinery, and the stamp itself, cancelled but shorn off at the edges.

As he concentrated and continued his observational study of the ziploc bag and its contents, Chris tap tapped the motor vehicle app on his phone and pulled up a listing of King Cab Trucks for sale. Star leaned in and watched the scroll.

“This type of vehicle might really be better than a minivan, Star,” tapped Chris on the truck specs.

“You’ve got a good point, Chris,” she agreed. “And it will still fit in the garage, although that holds true for a minivan, too.”

“Yes, they both will fit in the garage, although with less room for all of us to maneuver when we hop in and out of the vehicle.”

“The King Cab Truck is well worth our consideration, Chris. It will accommodate all six Detectives of our agency at the same time that the truck bed will hold all of our high volume canvas postal bags. On the other paw, a minivan, although comfortable for passengers, may not be able to hold all of the mail plus the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency.” She spread her cinnamon brown paws wide.

“Fur sure, Star. Here, check out the specs on the glove compartment. Plenty of room for all of your maps.”

“I like that, Chris. I like it very much. But what about storage for all of your first aid and roadtrip supplies in the trunk?” she queried. “Trucks, to my knowledge, lack trunks.”

“The truck bed has a storage container that is road tough.”

“And the spare tire?” she queried. “Where does that go?”

“Here, under the bed,” he tap tapped the chassis diagram.

Jasper Kitten glanced at the scroll of truck specs and gave a nod in the affirmative then returned to the ziploc bag in question.

“I see no significant structural issues with readability of the letter in spite of the apparent issues and am, therefore, in agreement with the nature of the official postal notice,” he observed. “Also, no sign of urgent or emergent markings prompt my immediate concern.”

“Why, in my humble opinion of the matter, that letter could still fall apart in your white gloved paws when you remove it from what’s left of the envelope,” growled Chris, low and slow.

“Be careful, Jasper Kitten,” agreed Jojo.

“Very careful,” saluted Clementine and Petal.

“Correct. Critters. Please. Proceed,” he mewed and finessed the letter open.

The page unfolded almost on its own when Jasper Kitten lifted it into the open air of the Catio. His eyes narrowed. The stripes on his brow narrowed. And then he began to read the artistic albeit nearly microscopic script that flowed across the page.

“Do you need further magnification, Jasper Kitten? It looks like it was written by a mouse,” growled Chris between Kibble Scones.

“Perhaps that will be necessary for a deeper reading, but for the moment I am A-okay. Thank you, Chris.”

“Fur sure.”

Jasper Kitten read to them on the Couch, “Dear Detectives. Please forgive me for the intrusion on your valuable time and I do realize that my chances of gaining your attention, even for a nanosecond much less to hear my plight and cry for help, are slim and next to nil, zero, zip, zilch and nada, world renowned as you are and rightfully so. The competition to have you take on my case must be fierce, but Jasper Kitten, I’m desperate. I need your help. I have nowhere else to turn and no one else to ask. There is no other way for me to say it even though it is a long shot. I am hoping against hope. All odds are against me. But. There is one thing that I must share with you in advance…”

A gasp, individual and collective, escaped from the Critter Detectives huddled together on the Couch.

“Gosh and oh oh oh my goodness,” barked Star, the light flashing in her eyes.

“Why, is that…,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

“Do you mean…,” howled Jojo.

“Could it be already…,” saluted Clementine.

“Are you saying fur sure that…,” saluted Petal.

“Yes. Exactly. Critters. This is a new case which, as they say in polite society, goes into…,” Jasper Kitten shot a glance across the Couch at Chris, at Star, at Jojo and at Clementine and Petal. “Graphic. Detail.”

THE END

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

From start to finish

The Case of the Deep Deep End

A mystery solved

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we return to our regularly scheduled programming after last week’s super and we do mean duper surprise visit from the southbound pair of River Otters . Fortunately and furthermore, naturally and therefore, we are never at a loss with incredible life journeys and we now share a creature feature of both power and finesse.

Please, welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent caching critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello and welcome welcome, Friends! We are so very happy to be here with you for our Furever Friday Post. We have an amazing amount of absolutely wild bird behaviors to share with you, so let’s go!

Jasper: Welcome, Critters. I’m coming to you from the Garage instead of the Box Spring, simply for a change of scenery, and I hope you can hear me. The end.

Chris: Greetings, Everyone. I’m here on the Couch and you are completely and totally invited to join me, especially if you are ready for a nap after we talk about this special bird. The end.

Jojo: Thank you for these important opening messages, Jasper and Chris, and I want to start by saying how much I luvluvluv all of you, our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers, and thank you very much for being here with us as we embark bark bark on our discussion of the one, the only Acorn Woodpecker, Melanerpes formicivorus, a descendant from dinosaurs. Furever.

Chris: Critters, I would like to cut right to the chase.

Jasper: Fur sure, Chris. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: I’m all ears.

Chris: What do Acorn Woodpeckers eat? What.

Jasper: First and foremost, what they eat is self evident in their name. The end.

Jojo: Most incredible of all is not only what they eat, but how they store their food supply.

Chris: I’m. Listening. Very. Carefully.

Jojo: Their caching behavior is truly incredible. They drill holes in trees, especially oak and pine, and stash their acorns in each hold, creating what is known in the vernacular as a granary.

Chris: Is that similar to my kibble hitting the bowl?

Jasper: Correct. Chris.

Jojo: But Critters, there’s more. Acorn Woodpeckers will continue to monitor and guard their stash. When the acorns dry and shrink and loosen in a hole, the Woodpeckers will move them to a tighter space. They keep other Critters from eating their supply by resource guarding in this way. Their acorn count can be approx 50,000. Full stop.

Chris: Do they only eat acorns, even at the impressive number of approx 50,000? Who does that? Who.

Jojo: Rest assured, Chris. There is more to the story. The end.

Chris: Resting assured sounds good, Jojo. I’m all ears.

Jojo: Acorn Woodpeckers, individually and collectively, definitely diversify their diet. In addition to eating acorns, they also eat insects, often catching them in the air or drilling them out of a tree, and they cache and stash them in cracks and crevices, too. The end.

Chris: Well, that comes to me as a welcome relief. Thank you for that, Jojo. Thank you very much. Whew.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to say that Acorn Woodpeckers live in families of approx twelve individuals and also maintain their drilled out nest cavities in trees over the course of generations. Question mark. Question mark.

Jasper: Yes, thank you, Jojo. Are their cavity nests in trees similar to how I hollowed out the Box Spring?

Jojo: Absolutely, Jasper.

Chris: Does this mean we’re going to talk about where they sleep? I would find this shift in the conversation to be completely natural. Full stop.

Jojo: Now is purrfect, Chris. Acorn Woodpeckers, in fact, not only drill out cavity nests in trees and keep them for generations, generally, but they also continue to excavate the space which can be as deep deep as two feet, specifically.

Jasper: Furthermore, the wood shavings form a soft bed at the base of the nest. The end.

Chris: I find this nesting behavior highly relatable like sinking into the cushions on the Couch.

Jojo: Excellent. Relating is vitally important, so let’s not forget about other Critters in the environment. Cuz. When the Acorn Woodpeckers no longer use a particular nest cavity, it creates space for others to call home.

Chris: Such as?

Jojo: Such as other birds like Owls or the White-breasted Nuthatch and other mammals such as Squirrels and Raccoons.

Chris: While I’m on the Couch, let’s share a photo of an Acorn Woodpecker and a granary for the edification and enjoyment of our Dear Gentle Readers and Dear Gentle Critters. Cuz. I previously posed the question: Who does that? Who. They do, that’s who. Incredible.

Chris: Furthermore Critters, I don’t know about you, but after viewing and reviewing this granary, I am having thoughts about how to store my kibble over the longterm. The end.

Jasper: That is certainly contemplative of you, Chris.

Jojo: Longterm planning is a good thing.

Chris: Yes. When it comes to my food bowl, I require extra time on the Couch, so I can think about it.

Jojo: Chris, while you are deep deep in thought, I would now like to sum up our discussion with the facts, in fact, that Acorn Woodpeckers like open woodland habitats, especially oak and pine trees, and they have a wide western range throughout the Americas. The end.

Chris: So Critters, please stay safe and have fun out there and plant a tree or two if you are able.

Jasper: We’ll see you next time for our Detective Tuesday Post and the final Chapter 20 of The Case of the Deep Deep End. It really will be, The End of the Story.

Jojo: And. Please remember, I luvluvluv you. Furever.

Video Credit: Acorn Woodpecker, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Cache and stash acorns

Create a tree granary

Build homes for others

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we welcome you to the highly anticipated release of the next to the last chapter. Thank you for staying tuned across all of the weeks and months of our serialized story, The Case of the Deep Deep End, brought to you by the ever steady, ever ready J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Thank you furever and ever for reading. We are truly humbled and grateful for the kindness of your attention.

Previously! The thief Tompkins, Titan of Finance, went to the slammer with a serious left hook from Nutmeg! What. A. Knockout.

Now! The journey home from the World’s Smallest Harbor at Depoe Bay to the Wooded Valley is about to begin with proper transportation, the right tools for the job, and a bank vault big enough for all of the treasure.

Please! Join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent big vault critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: Dear Gentle Critters.

Chris: Dear Gentle Readers.

Jojo: Go go go!

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 19

TAKE IT TO THE BANK

“Logistics, Critters,” mewed Jasper Kitten outside the Harbormaster Cottage, huddled with his Detectives by the armored truck parked in the driveway.

One hundred buckets of Doubloons, stacked and ready for loading, signalled the departure of the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency from the World’s Smallest Harbor at Depoe Bay.

The padlock, now open, and the storage unit, now empty, sat in the background while Keeper applied a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and oiled the hinges, prepped against the corrosive marine elements of salt and wind and water.

She waved to the Detectives from across the way with a paws up signal, satisfied and relieved as they all were with the transfer of Tompkins to the State Critter Criminal Justice System as the sun rose that morning, escorted under the heavy presence of law enforcement and under heavy bandages of his snout.

“Gosh, it certainly is a relief to know that Tompkins will be undergoing a full and complete psychological evaluation for his very not nice behaviors,” barked Star.

“Why, that greedy grubber belongs in the Psych Ward. Permanently. In my humble opinion of the matter,” growled Chris as he lifted buckets of Doubloons into the armored truck.

“Correct. Chris,” agreed Jasper Kitten, his Orange stripes furrowed deep deep on his brow. “Although, we may never really be able to understand what makes Tompkins tick.”

“In my long years of experience and encounters with the criminal mind, first in the San Francisco Sheriff’s Canine Unit, Muttville Division, and now in Private Practice, I must agree with you Jasper Kitten,” added Jojo with his tried and true Terrier temperament.

“Roger that, Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo,” announced and pronounced Clementine and Petal at attention.

“And still,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “we must continue to probe the depths as to why oh why a Critter turns on their own, toward a life of crime. Perhaps this is the greatest mystery of all and I, for one, am determined. To. Solve. It.”

“Why, that could take all of our natural nine lives, Jasper Kitten,” said Chris.

“Correct. Chris. Please. Proceed.” Jasper Kitten swatted the marine air and returned to loading buckets of Doubloons, rapid and fast fast.

“Looks like we’re good to go,” commented Chris, the one hundredth and final bucket added to the stockpile. He closed and locked the armored truck doors.

“A job well done. Thank you, Critters. Now. Once we return to the Wooded Valley,” detailed Jasper Kitten, “we’ll swing by the Condo on the way to the bank. Chris, this will be a quick turnaround with an orchestrated seamless time saving toebean maneuver, primarily on your part.”

“Fur sure, Jasper Kitten,” Chris tapped a toebean on the towbar, hitching their car to the armored truck.

“I will pull up to the Condo and park,” Jasper Kitten elaborated on his plan. “I’ll need you to hop out of the armored car pronto, Chris, from your shotgun position and retrieve the laundered money from Apt. F that we stashed in the safe, the Hundred K of Benjamins and the single Doubloon.”

“Why, of course, Jasper Kitten. No problemo. Cold hard cash and one Doubloon coming right up.”

“Furthermore, Canine Unit, you are tasked with unhitching the car and I will move it into the garage. Serval Officers, you are to remain on guard of Fogarty and Nutmeg and their treasure in the armored truck. At. All. Times.”

“On it, Jasper Kitten,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

“Roger. That,” barked Star and Jojo while Clementine and Petal stood ready and steady with a salute.

“From there, we will proceed to the Bank of the Wooded Valley and their big vault.”

“Big enough for all of the buckets of Doubloons?” asked Fogarty.

“And the laundered money from Apt. F?” asked Nutmeg.

“Yes, that’s right,” replied Jasper Kitten.

“Our digital assets sure do take up a lot less space,” commented Fogarty.

“They sure do,” added Nutmeg.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg, after cracking your case wide open, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having diversified ferret assets in your portfolio,” asserted Jasper Kitten.

“Gosh, think of how much peace of mind you’ll have with a less risky financial strategy,” barked Star, her cinnamon brown paws spread wide. “You’ll be fully ferret funded across asset classes in Bitten Coins, Gold Doubloons and Benjamins.”

“We certainly have learned the value in this,” agreed Fogarty.

“We certainly have,” agreed Nutmeg.

“The big vault at the Bank of the Wooded Valley sure must be big,” considered Fogarty.

“Very big,” considered Nutmeg.

“Yes and very very safe,” Jasper Kitten assured his Clients.

“Phew,” said Fogarty.

“Whew,” said Nutmeg.

Keeper approached them, the storage unit swept clean and once again padlocked. Jasper Kitten extended his white gloved paw to her.

“Thank you, Keeper. We owe you a debt of gratitude for your invaluable assistance in cracking the case. And for securing the use of this armored truck from your local bank.”

“The pleasure of being at your service on behalf of the World’s Smallest Harbor is all mine, Jasper Kitten,” she replied and clasped and grasped his white gloved paw. “If you are ever in need again of the help of a Harbormaster, please reach out at this specific Pacific location. I give you my word and I give you my trust and this holds true for your entire agency, world renowned as you are.”

Jasper Kitten gave a nod in the affirmative along with Chris, Star and Jojo, and a salute from Clementine and Petal. They hopped into the truck, Fogarty and Nutmeg already buckled up and awaiting their return to the Wooded Valley.

With a turn of the key in the ignition, the armored truck kicked into gear and Jasper Kitten rolled out of the World’s Smallest Harbor with the most precious of cargo onboard, Fogarty and Nutmeg, and their case cracked wide open.

They cruised through the Coast Mountains and dropped down into the pastoral rolling hills of the Wooded Valley, making record time as their plan unfolded. Jasper Kitten made the quick decisive stop at the Condo. Chris hopped out from his shotgun position. Simultaneously and at once, with the speed and precision of a pit crew, Jasper Kitten and the Canine Unit unhitched the car and parked it in the garage. And all together, they hopped back into the armored truck. Chris clutched the laundered money in his toebeans and they took off for the Bank of the Wooded Valley.

“The Condo looks A-okay,” reported Chris. “But we’ll still need to check the perimeters when we get home.”

“Correct. Chris,” nodded Jasper Kitten, steering them back onto the road. He glanced over at their Clients. “And speaking of going home, Fogarty and Nutmeg, after we take you to the bank, we’re going to take you home to Apt. F. Furever.”

“Fur sure. There’s no place like home, Jasper Kitten,” agreed Fogarty.

“It sure will be nice to sleep in our own hammocks tonight,” sighed Nutmeg.

The armored truck turned the corner and stopped outside of the Bank of the Wooded Valley. Jasper Kitten set the brake and everyone hopped out in an orchestrated collective maneuver. Clementine and Petal flanked the ferrets. The Canine Unit, Star and Jojo, stood guard at the rear of the vehicle, and Jasper Kitten and Chris proceeded to unload the buckets of Doubloons onto a large, very large cart. With a collective push of their toebeans, they rolled the cart into the bank.

“Jasper Kitten, the world renowned Orange striped sleuth and the Wooded Valley’s very own,” barked the bank manager.

“Thank you very much, but of course, my entire agency deserves the credit,” he mewed. “And yes, we have a combination of assets to deposit in the big vault.”

“Naturally. Please, follow me. I’m Bank Manager Meadows. Thank you for phoning ahead, Jasper Kitten. We understand that all of you have cracked your latest case and discovered the rightful owners of the legendary Mustela treasure.”

“Yes, my Clients will be taking over the management of their assets going forward. Please, allow me to introduce Fogarty and Nutmeg.” Jasper Kitten swept a white gloved paw toward the ferrets and presented them to the bank manager.

“A pleasure to meet you. We have the big vault ready for the Deposit of Doubloons and Benjamins. Right this way.”

They entered the big vault and unloaded the treasure.

“We look forward to doing business with you fine ferrets and providing the most optimal of financial service and security of your assets,” uttered Bank Manager Meadows upon completion of the deposit.

“Thank you,” replied Fogarty and Nutmeg. “Thank you very much.”

They received their personal keys and codes to the big vault and headed out to the street.

“Typically we don’t trust the big banks, but the Bank of the Wooded Valley is small and community focused,” commented Fogarty.

“And we like the personalized service. Bank Manager Meadows was quite professional and kind. Thank you for getting us set up here, Jasper Kitten,” said Nutmeg.

“Of course and you are very welcome. Now, the armored truck belongs at the bank and will remain parked. We’ll walk to Apt. F from here,” indicated Jasper Kitten and they all set off for the mile long trek through town.

Reaching 711 Park Street, the ferrets gave a deep deep sigh of relief at the sight of their domestic domicile. They proceeded inside and climbed the stairs to Apt. F.

Jasper Kitten made a quick visual check of their mailbox in the lobby, noting that it was locked and without any evidence of tampering.

“It’s good to be home,” cried Fogarty at their door.

“It is. It is,” cried Nutmeg.

“Phew,” sighed Fogarty.

“Whew,” sighed Nutmeg.

The front door had remained shut, but out of an abundance of caution, Chris extracted his multitool from his pocket and switched out the locks while everyone else proceeded inside.

“You gotta have the right tool for the job,” he growled, loud and proud, and tossed the new set of keys and a bag of Kibble Scones to Jasper Kitten. “Cuz, Fogarty and Nutmeg gotta eat, too.”

“Correct. Chris. Please. Proceed,” replied Jasper Kitten before crossing the threshold. He set the Kibble Scones and keys down on the coffee table.

Settled on the Couch, Fogarty and Nutmeg munched and crunched on the snacks. They cleared their throats and brushed off the crumbs.

“We are going to use our money to start an Outdoor School,” announced Fogarty.

“Called, Ferret Out Adventure School,” pronounced Nutmeg.

“We like the sound of it,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“We’ll be open to everyone with free tuition and an emphasis on Critters with special needs, such as Tripods for example,” elaborated Nutmeg.

“We’ll start with classes in Having Fun and Staying Safe Out There, Kayaking, and Forestry,” continued Fogarty.

“And we have something else that we’d like to offer as a token of our thanks to the incredible Critter Detectives who solved our case,” Nutmeg’s voice cracked with emotion and tears formed behind her mask.

“We’re all ears, Nutmeg,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “Please. Proceed as you feel able.”

“Thank you, Jasper Kitten. Fogarty and I have established a Critter Case Cracking Fund on behalf of any and all future Clients of the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency,” she said.

“Your generosity is most appreciated.” Jasper Kitten bowed and then vowed, “On behalf of my entire agency, I thank you and promise to continue to be of service to all Critters in their times of greatest need.”

“It’s the least we can do to try and help others who may find themselves in a bind,” advocated Fogarty.

“Fur sure, Fogarty. The Critter Detectives are world renowned for a reason,” remarked Nutmeg. “We trust you. Implicitly. And. Explicitly.”

“Why, like I’ve said all along,” growled Chris, loud and proud, “I’m gonna sock it to ‘em. But Nutmeg, in your case, you beat me to the punch.”

Laughter broke out in Apt. F and the Detectives lingered with the ferrets for a good long while before they made their last security sweep of the perimeters and took their leave. From the street, they looked up to the second floor. Fogarty and Nutmeg watched them from behind their masks at the window and then the Detectives gave the paws up signal and began their walk home to the Condo.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Take it to the bank

Be generous with your friends

Walk home together

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are moving on from our incredible four (4) part Herptile Series to bring you fast fast breaking news from the kitchen sink! A rare sighting has occurred! Yes. It happened right around dawn.

First and foremost, this one said Hooman was simply and merely standing at the sink washing a spoon and looking out the window in the early morning light, cast as it was in the flat gray twilight tones of a cloudy Oregon dawn, when lo and behold who should appear on the lawn but a rare, very rare sighting of not one but two Incredible Critters!

Yes! A pair of River Otters! Heading south toward the creek in the early morning light!

Please, without further fanfare, welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent can you believe it critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello, Friends! I’m still standing at the kitchen window, hoping that our two twilight visitors will show up again!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters. At the very least, our Hooman has now washed every single spoon in the kitchen. The end.

Chris: Welcome welcome, Everyone. It took, shall we say, a little extra time for the kibble to hit the bowls due to the shocked, stunned, and suspended response at the sink. The end could not come soon enough.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to say how much I luvluvluv our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers? Furever.

Jasper: Yes, Jojo. Please. Proceed.

Chris: Ditto.

Jojo: Excellent. I luvluvluv all of you. Furever. And I luvluvluv River Otters, the likes of which we have never seen before in the annals of time at CwC. Until now full stop.

Jasper: Well said, Jojo. Thank you.

Jojo: You’re welcome. Furthermore, according to Occam’s Razor, the most obvious explanation is usually true. But. Not. Always.

Chris: For example, when you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras. Or when you hear toebeans tapping on the food bowl, think of how hungry I am rather than something else.

Jojo: Like what, Chris?

Chris: Thank you for the question, Jojo.

Jojo: You’re welcome.

Chris: I must confess to being mystified by my own philosophical thought process. What else could there be besides thinking of how hungry I am. And that is not even a question. There is nothing else. It is that elegant. That sublime. Wait. I can also think of how sleepy I am. The end.

Jasper: Well said and well thought out, Chris.

Chris: What.

Jojo: However, in our Hooman’s case, this incredible River Otter sighting was, at first, a case of mistaken identity. These were not, I repeat, these were not a pair of dark brown dogs let out onto the lawn, off leash for an early morning romp. The end.

Jasper: Excellent defining synopsis, Jojo. Thank you for the clarification on our Hooman’s confusion. After all, when a Hooman looks at a lawn first thing at dawn, the expectation is to see a Dog with an approximate weight of 11-31 lbs/5-14 kgs and not a River Otter. Full stop.

Jojo: Let’s share another photo of a River Otter for the edification and enjoyment of our Readers and please note these incredible Critters are naturally playful.

Chris: I like that quality in a Critter.

Jasper: Fur sure.

Chris: Furthermore, Critters, given the true nature of my comfort on the Couch, I would now like to advance our understanding of the natural lifecycle of River Otters as it pertains to their eating behaviors.

Jasper: We’re all ears, Chris.

Jojo: Ditto, Chris.

Chris: Excellent. I’m getting hungry. Therefore. What do River Otters eat?

Jasper: They especially luvluvluv to eat fish.

Chris: Thank you for the clarification.

Jasper: You’re welcome.

Chris: Yes. I find that highly relatable. Next. I’m getting sleepy. Where do River Otters find a parallel nesting experience to the Couch?

Jojo: I’ll field this question.

Jasper: Thank you, Jojo. In addition to the Couch, I would also like to add the Box Spring to the conversation.

Jojo: Of course, Jasper.

Jasper: Thank you very much. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: River Otters often burrow in previous beaver and muskrat dens.

Chris: Also relatable.

Jasper: Highly.

Jojo: When they are not in their burrows, River Otters are constantly on the move and they have a range throughout most of Canada and the U.S. from sea level to mountainous terrain with access to marshes, lakes, ponds, streams and estuaries. The end.

Chris: That does sound awfully fatiguing. Who does that? Who.

Jasper: They must be quite efficient at maintaining their oxygen saturation levels, generally and specifically.

Jojo: Critters, let’s take a deep breath in and hold it and then exhale all the way out. The end.

Chris: And let’s say a really big, and I mean huge, thank you to the two River Otters who graced us with their presence on the lawn at dawn.

Jasper: Truly incredible. So Friends, we’ll see you next time. Please, stay tuned for the final 2 chapters of The Case of the Deep Deep End.

Chris: That’s right, Jasper. Friends, we’ll see you next week for our Detective Tuesday Post, featuring Chapter 19!

Jojo: So, please stay safe and have fun out there!

Chris: And we’ll see you on the Couch.

Jasper: Or in the Box Spring. Your choice. The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Early morning dawn

Two brown critters cross the lawn

Southbound to the creek

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, thank you for staying tuned as the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency barrels down the final chapters to the natural conclusion of the case. After this, we have 2 more chapters of The Case of the Deep Deep End! But first, let’s catch up on all of the action and adventure!

Previously! Our intrepid and incredible data driven Detectives traced their Clients’ lineage all the way back to 1622 and the ownership of the shipwrecked Mustela treasure. Yes. That makes Fogarty and Nutmeg very very wealthy ferrets. They are not broke after all!

Now! Serious cracks in the case are showing, but our Orange striped sleuth, Jasper Kitten and his cast of Critters, including Chris, the Canine Unit, Star and Jojo, and the Serval Officers, Clementine and Petal, are in hot pursuit of the truth! And they are close, very close to the biggest crack of all. To. Catch. A. Thief.

Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent takedown shakedown critter commentary and conversation. Take it down! Take it away!

Jasper: Critters, which way is up? Go.

Chris: Question mark. Question mark. Go.

Jojo: And which way is down? Go.

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 18

SHAKEDOWN

Meanwhile, back at the padlock, Jojo’s wirehair stood on end next to the storage unit. Metal on metal rang out in the hush of the harbor. His warning bark bark barks, rising and sustained, drew the Detectives ever closer. Star bounded up to him first, followed fast fast by Jasper Kitten and Chris.

“He went thataway!” called Jojo.

“Star! Stay on guard with Jojo! Chris, C’mon!” cried Jasper Kitten and they pounded down the dock.

Their hot burning pursuit of their adversary came to an abrupt stop at the entrance to the harbor and the surrounding rock wall.

“Are you looking for your class pinky ring in there, Tompkins?” inquired Jasper Kitten, his voice projected calm into a crevice, steady against the crash of ocean waves on the other side of the wall. “After all, there really isn’t any other reason to be in there. Unless you’re hiding under a rock to avoid detection.”

“Why, you’ve got a real pep in your step, Pirate,” growled Chris, low and slow as he drawled his next word. “Tommy.”

“Don’t call me that, Cat,” snarled Tompkins.

“Call you what? A. Baby. Name?” responded Chris in the interrogative, tapping a toebean on the rock.

“What do you know about it, anyway? You measly Detectives need to show some respect for the Titan of Finance.”

“Fur sure, Titan. That’s why you’re hiding under a rock like Jasper Kitten said,” replied Chris. “Find any Doubloons while you’re in there?”

Water seeped and flowed into the rocks with the high tide.

“From the looks of it, Tompkins,” mewed Jasper Kitten, focusing the beam of his headlamp deep deep into the crevice, “you might consider moving to higher ground. Sooner. Rather. Than. Later.”

“Cuz. You’re about to get a royal flush outta there,” growled Chris, low and slow.

Only the ebb and flow of the waves responded as the hush of the harbor reclaimed the night. Jasper Kitten and Chris stood steady, ready and their investigative patience did not need to wait long.

“Bang! Bang!” shouted Tompkins and shot out of the rocks.

He vaulted overhead of Jasper Kitten and Chris, the arc of his movement tracked by the beam of the Jasper Kitten’s headlamp. Chris leapt up in a gravity defying maneuver as Tompkins seemed to fly across the dock. With a final and full stretch of the toebeans, Chris closed the gap and clasped and grasped Tompkins by his ankles. They fell to the ground.

“Why, you got ferreted out from under a rock, you Titan of Finance. Furthermore, as a refresher of your memory, Jasper Kitten is the world renowned Orange striped sleuth for a darn good reason,” growled Chris, loud and proud, and yanked Tompkins up up upside down from the dock. “Shakedown.”

Gold Doubloons dropped out of Tompkins’ pockets as Chris shook him by his ankles. Three coins from the left pocket. Two coins from the right pocket. Jasper Kitten scooped them into his white gloved paws and swatted the air.

Chris gave a final and forceful, very forceful shake. A slip of paper fell out of Tompkins’ pocket.

“I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten, his brow furrowed beneath the headlamp. “This contains a password to a Bitten Coin Wallet. If my instincts serve me correctly, I know exactly the names that will show up on the account.”

“Jasper Kitten, I’ll be happy to tap tap that password into my phone’s Bitten Coin app as soon as my toebeans are freed up,” asserted Chris, maintaining a tight grip on Tompkins’ ankles.

“Thank you, Chris,” replied Jasper Kitten and stood within a whisker of the ferret.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. My pleasure.” Chris tightened his toebeans.

“You’re no longer a stranger, Tompkins,” mewed Jasper Kitten and pulled the double mask off of the ferret’s face. “And. No. Danger. Either.”

“Don’t applaud, Jasper Kitten,” sneered Tomkins upside down through a thin and threatening veneer of his remaining and natural mask. “Just throw money.”

“Fur sure, ferret. This is what it means to drop the dime on you,” growled Chris with a hiss. He let go of Tompkins and watched him drop to the dock, then tackled him with a full press of his bouncer body.

“Get him up, Chris. Please. Proceed,” instructed Jasper Kitten.

“Now, I’m gonna frog march you outta here you fraud of a ferret, Tompkins Titan of Bankruptcy,” growled Chris with another hiss, “cuz it sure does seem like you’ve had enough time right side up to have the blood flow back out of your brain. Not that it matters given your overall level of, shall we say, intelligence.”

“That’s right, not to dis you Chris, instinctual as you are, but I am a Graduate of the University of Mustela, Wooded Valley Campus,” wheezed the squeezed Tompkins.

“Why, it’s a cryin’ shame that you lost that class pinky ring of yours. From. Your. Alma. Mater,” Chris increased the pressure of his toebeans.

Tompkins glared and stared, but withdrew into a neutral masked expression and lapsed into silence. He swayed upright on his toebeans, light headed. Jasper Kitten closed rank on him and together with Chris began the walk down the dock.

They approached the padlock and the Canine Unit. Star and Jojo stood at the ready.

“Cuff him, Jojo,” ordered Jasper Kitten.

“Roger that, Jasper Kitten,” replied Jojo and slapped the cuffs on Tompkins.

“Out of an abundance of caution,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “I want the Canine Unit to remain on guard here at the padlock. Tompkins has his minions out and about and we cannot risk another situation or circumstance with any more bandits or pirates. Although, with this bankrupt Titan of Finance taken out of commission, I estimate the risk to be quite minimal.”

“Copy, Jasper Kitten,” barked Star and Jojo.

“Gosh, Star,” smirked Tompkins, “isn’t the light going to flash in your eyes?”

“Mr. Tompkins Bandit Pirate Ferret, you are not a very nice person!” flared Star and clamped down on the cuffs with her cinnamon brown paws. “Tommy.”

Tompkins winced and then was set in motion, marched forward by Jasper Kitten and Chris, to the harbor cell. Keeper awaited them with the keys.

“Thank you, Keeper. We are booking the ferret suspect, Tompkins, also known as the Titan of Finance, into custody at the World’s Smallest Harbor,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten,” she replied. “This is an official meet and greet we have all been working toward. As the Harbormaster here at Depoe Bay, it is with my full and complete legal authority to take such necessary measures.”

She turned the key in the barred door. Tompkins entered the cell with a subtle but distinct push from behind and then and only then did Chris take him out of the cuffs.

“Enjoy jail, Tompkins,” growled Chris, loud and proud, and slammed the door shut. “Oh. And by the way. The accommodations do not include a hammock.”

Tompkins wrapped his toebeans around the bars and glared from behind his single mask at the departure of the Detectives.

“Keeper, I will send my Serval Officers Clementine and Petal to stand guard over the prisoner,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “There is no need to put further pressure on the harbor personnel resources until such time as the transfer can be made to the appropriate State Critter Criminal Justice System.”

“Very well, Jasper Kitten,” replied Keeper. “I have also received an urgent dispatch from Newport authorities. They have taken a substitute mail carrier into custody for tampering with a canvas postal bag upon delivery which contained highly sensitive classified specific Pacific oceanographic material.”

“I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “This certainly is a significant crack in the case, Keeper.”

“At a similar and same time, the pirate ship Your Honor and the crew were apprehended in Newport. They were caught stealing a haul of herrings from a trawler. Further charges, as they pertain to your case, could be pending once you have a chance to speak with Newport.”

“Of course, Keeper. I would be most pleased to do so first thing in the morning. Clearly, without the oversight and supervision of their boss, Tompkins, they all let their guard down collectively and at once. No. Honor. Among. Thieves. None.”

“Yes, Jasper Kitten. Their threat has been neutralized. The security level here at the harbor has returned to normal. If you are agreeable to the matter, I will resume the safe keeping of the storage unit at this time and your Canine Unit will be freed up to pursue other investigative and conclusive duties,” spoke Keeper to which Jasper Kitten gave a nod in the affirmative.

“The wheels of justice are now fully set in motion.” Jasper Kitten swatted the air with a white gloved paw. “Chris, please notify the Canine Unit to stand down at the padlock. They may transfer their watch to the cell and assist the Serval Officers.”

He proceeded to the bunkhouse and relieved Clementine and Petal of their guard duty over Fogarty and Nutmeg. They gave a rapid and simultaneous salute to the Orange striped sleuth and made their way pronto to stand watch over Tompkins. Jasper Kitten padded over to his Clients in their hammocks.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg, I am pleased to inform you that the J Kitten, Sleuth and Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency has cracked your case wide open.”

“Oh, Jasper Kitten!” they cried and buried their masks in their paws.

“You are safe. No further harm will come to you. Tompkins and all of his bandits and pirates have been apprehended,” he assured them. “We have also recovered your Bitten Coin Wallet.”

“Phew,” sighed Fogarty.

“Whew,” sighed Nutmeg.

The ferrets moved in close to each other’s masks and spoke in soft whispers.

“Jasper Kitten,” announced and pronounced Fogarty and then looked to Nutmeg.

“We would like to confront Tompkins in jail,” she continued. “If you feel it would be safe for us.”

“At this time,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “if you so choose, you may have the opportunity to confront Tompkins who now resides firmly behind bars. It is at your discretion.”

“Here at the harbor slammer?” asked Fogarty.

“Yes,” confirmed Jasper Kitten.

“Are you sure he’s locked up for good?” asked Nutmeg.

“Rest assured. Yes. If it seems too upsetting, you are under no obligation to proceed. However. If and only if you find it helpful as a means to bring a complete resolution to your feelings, we will stand by you at the cell.”

Fogarty and Nutmeg hopped out of their hammocks and walked out of the bunkhouse with Jasper Kitten.

In front of the bars, still clasped and grasped in Tompkins’ toebeans, Jasper Kitten stood resolute along with the entire J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Their Clients stepped forward.

“Hello, Tommy, it’s been a long time,” said Nutmeg.

Tompkins gripped the bars.

“Hello, Tommy, the decor certainly fits you,” said Fogarty.

“The name’s Tompkins to you,” he rebuffed them.

“Fur sure, Tompkins,” said Nutmeg.

“Fur sure,” said Fogarty.

“You ferrets are none too bright,” snickered Tompkins. “Never have been. Never will be.”

“Sure, you’ve always been a real whiz kid compared to us, Tompkins,” replied Nutmeg. “Addition. Subtraction. Always good with numbers.”

“Try doing some long division now. Cuz. You’re in the slammer. You’re going to do the time, however you divvy it up,” added Fogarty.

“Nothing has changed with you two dimwits. Not the brightest of bulbs in the box. I figured out years ago, at the time that I made my first heist courtesy of your lunch money, that one Doubloon plus the other added up to a treasure trove out there with your names on it. Who else would name their offspring after Fogarty Beach unless it meant that your family had some kinda long lost claim to the gold. That is not even a question. Some kinda insider knowledge musta been from the Mustela legend. So. Who knew? The Titan of Finance, that’s who.”

“What happened to you, Tommy? We used to be friends,” cried Nutmeg.

Tompkins looked away, shielded behind the bars.

“Stop calling me that baby name,” he seethed. “Fogarty and Nutmeg, you are and have always been completely clueless about yourselves. Sheltered. Coddled. Kayaking on the creek. Living in Apt. F. No wonder you needed this ridiculous, I mean renowned, Orange striped sleuth to take care of your problems for you.”

Jasper Kitten stood stock still. He gave a brief nod in the affirmative to his Clients.

“It was you, Tommy. You’re behind all of this. You are the hit and run driver,” cried and confronted Nutmeg. “You’re behind all of this and now. You’re. Behind. Bars.”

“So? You shoulda watched your step, Tripod. Sorry. Not. Sorry,” shrugged Tompkins.

“And it was you, too, Tommy. You tailed me,” cried and confronted Fogarty.

“Sorry not sorry, ferrets. And. Again. Quit callin’ me, Tommy.” Remorseless, he lunged at the bars.

The Critter Detectives leaned in, but Nutmeg did not shy away and, in fact, stepped forward, closer to the bars than ever before and made a fist. With one fast targeted swing of her single and sole front paw, she punched Tompkins in the snout and knocked him out.

“Nutmeg,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “you have a powerful left hook.”

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Up up upside down

Meanwhile back at the padlock

The Doubloons are safe

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, Happy May 1st! And thank you for being here with us for our Hertile series. We are putting a wrap on this creature feature series with the remarkable Common Garter Snake.

We’ve been to the Subalpine Ecozone on Marys Peak for a meet and greet with the Northern Alligator Lizard and we’ve been to the Douglas-fir Rainforest Ecozone for a meet and greet with a juvenile Coastal Giant Salamander as well as a rare pair of Coastal Tailed Frogs in the cold fast running waters of Parker’s Creek.

And now! We go to the Lowland Prairie Ecozone at approx 300 ft/91m, so please get ready and get set to get down on the ground.

Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent grasslands critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello and welcome, Friends! We are so pleased to have you with us to wrap up our incredible Herptile Field Note Series! The end!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters. We are about to embark to the lowlands with a couple of surprises in store.

Chris: Everyone, please get comfy with me on the Couch. We’re in for a, shall we say, rather wild ride.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to say my usual conversation opener with I luvluvluv you, all of you, now and furever?

Jasper: Of course, Jojo.

Chris: Yes and I’ll make room on the Couch.

Jojo: Excellent. I luvluvluv you. Furever.

Jasper: Critters, before we take a close, very close look in the grass, I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the opening photo of the alpacas with a particular focus on the lower right and kind of middle of the image.

Chris: What.

Jojo: Do you mean for us to look in the grass, Jasper?

Jasper: Thank you for the question, Jojo.

Jojo: You’re welcome.

Jasper: But. In fact, I do not. Instead, I would like to draw your attention to the apparent Pushmi-Pullyu.

Chris: Critters, I would like to suggest that you enlarge the image on your screen. And please note, this can be done from the comfort and security of the Couch.

Jojo: This is truly remarkable. We really do walk with the animals and talk with the animals.

Chris: This is so Dr. Dolittle. Who does that? Who.

Jasper: Correct. Chris. Let’s share a photo of these two alpacas creating an optical illusion of an imaginary and, shall we say, quite literary critter, the Pushmi-Pullyu:

Chris: That enlarged photo is a little blurry. I’m not completely convinced of its true imaginary nature and would now like to pivot to an actual and factual critter, all the while remaining on the Couch. The end.

Jasper: Thank you for being so open and honest, Chris. Please. Proceed.

Chris: At this time, we now return to the Lowland Prairie Ecozone Critter of the Conversation. I present to you, the Common Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis. Furthermore, although it is hard to get the image of a Pushmi-Pullyu out of my mind, cuz I really cannot be expected to unsee it, here is a photo of the Common Garter Snake for your edification and enjoyment. The end.

Jojo: That’s a very nice Common Garter Snake picture, Chris. Would now be a good time to give reptilian credit where reptilian credit is due and say how our Hooman used her iPhone 15 Pro to get that incredible image?

Jasper: Fur sure, Jojo.

Chris: The type of phone camera seems kind of overly overtly specific to my way of thinking. Again. Who does that? Who.

Jojo: Are you saying that I’m a gear head, Chris?

Chris: What.

Jojo: Thank you for the clarification. Furthermore, would now be a good time to give a few fun facts on the lifecycle of the Common Garter Snake?

Jasper: Yes.

Chris: I’m all ears. Where do they live? The end.

Jojo: The Common Garter Snake is commonly found through North America and is indigenous to the continent. They often seek shelter under things like rocks and logs and are found in a wide variety of habitats.

Chris: What about a Couch?

Jasper: Or a Boxspring?

Jojo: It’s possible. Outdoors, of course.

Jasper: Of course. Fortunately, Chris, we are Indoor Only Cats. The end.

Chris: What is their sleep cycle? The end.

Jojo: They are diurnal.

Jasper: Do you mean?

Chris: Are you saying?

Jojo: Yes. They are active during the daytime.

Chris: I’m feeling sleepy, but will press on. What do they eat? The end again.

Jojo: Primarily, they eat amphibians and earthworms and are strictly carnivorous.

Chris: Now I’m feeling hungry. The end. Again.

Jojo: Critters, on a final note, given that Chris is both sleepy and hungry, would now be a good time to say that the best defining characteristic of the Common Garter Snake is a stripe down the middle of their backs?

Jasper: Yes. I like stripes.

Chris: Ditto.

Jojo: Thank you, one and all, for being here with us throughout our Herptile Series. We are truly grateful for the kindness of your attention over the course of our Four Furever Friday Posts. We’ll see you next time. So, please stay safe and have fun out there.

Jasper: We’ll be back for our Detective Tuesday Post and Chapter 18 of The Case of the Deep Deep End. After that, we’ll only have 2 more chapters to go go go!

Chris: The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Common garter snake

Use your imagination

Shed another skin

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, thank you for staying tuned! We are pleased to present Chapter 17 of The Case of the Deep Deep End! Brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

Previously! Our intrepid Detectives cracked a coded message in the Letter to the Editor and honed and zoned in on the specific Pacific location of Fogarty Beach. A picture begins to form in Jasper Kitten’s mind that will lead the investigation deep deep into the sands of time.

Now! The cracks in the case are proving themselves to grow wider and wider, rooted in the past, but branching out into the present.

Please! Join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent read between the lines critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: We must reach back into the past.

Chris: In order to understand the present.

Jojo: And move forward with the case. Go.

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 17

DATA DRIVEN DISCOVERY

Chris pulled up the registry of worldwide ferret ancestral lineages and scrolled through his phone. He tapped a toebean on the screen and waited for the document to load.

“Phew,” sighed Fogarty.

“Whew,” sighed Nutmeg.

They swayed in their hammocks, in anticipation of the records that would verify and fill in their family tree.

Jasper Kitten clasped and grasped his white gloved paws in the close, very close quarters of the bunkhouse. He swayed a whisker’s length to the left and a whisker’s length to the right in rhythm with the hammocks.

“Still loading,” growled Chris, low and slow. “I am confident that the database is quite large and will give us the necessary answers.”

“Fogarty and Nutmeg,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “it has proven most helpful, in cracking the case, that you can trace your family lineage back three generations in the Wooded Valley. Armed with this information, Chris will be able to search even further back. Once. The. Database. Loads.”

“Thank you, Jasper Kitten,” they said.

“Yes, rest assured. I do have one question for you while Chris researches the data.”

“We’re all ears,” replied Fogarty with a nod from Nutmeg.

“Very well. For the record, you are aware of your family’s presence in the Wooded Valley going back three generations.”

“That’s right, Jasper Kitten,” they said.

“And Fogarty, do you suppose that you were in fact named after Fogarty Beach?” probed Jasper Kitten.

“Well, maybe indirectly, but nothing was ever said to me about it. It seemed like the name meant a lot to our family somehow, but they never talked about it much, except that they liked the sound of it and the sand felt nice under their toebeans.”

“The name seemed fitting somehow?” queried Jasper Kitten.

“Yes.”

“Do you know how your ancestors arrived in the Wooded Valley?” he pressed.

“Well, they got to the Wooded Valley one day in the past somehow and then they stayed there and built a burrow,” responded Fogarty. “We’ve been in the Wooded Valley as long as I can remember.”

“Eventually, they were able to move up from one generation to the next and now we live in Apt. F,” added Nutmeg.

“Yes, I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten, his Orange stripes furrowed on his brow. “My question pertains to their actual and factual mode of transportation.”

“You mean, like a hot air balloon for example?” asked Nutmeg, a puzzled expression behind her mask.

“Or a kayak? We’ve always been into watercraft at the creek. That seems important to mention, Jasper Kitten,” replied Fogarty.

“Yes, like that,” encouraged Jasper Kitten.

“Thank you for the clarification,” said Fogarty.

“You’re welcome. Take your time and thank you for your consideration,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“Nutmeg, what do you think? I know they didn’t walk or swim,” Fogarty scratched his mask. “It’s kinda fuzzy.”

“Fogarty, I seem to recall a story from when we were still quite young.”

“You’ve always had a better memory than me, Nutmeg. I have no such recollection of where our ancestors came from. I’m sorry, but we’ve always been in the Wooded Valley, either in a burrow or in our domestic domicile as we’ve said and stipulated about Apt. F.” Fogarty shrank into his blankets.

“No apology is necessary, Fogarty,” assured Jasper Kitten.

“My memory is better than yours for some things, Fogarty,” Nutmeg cried softly. “Except for the part where I forgot my own domesticity.”

“It’s not your fault that you forgot and spent time in a feral state, Nutmeg,” Fogarty cried.

“It is. It is.”

“It’s not. It’s not.”

Nutmeg patted the tears from her mask before they began to fall and peered at Jasper Kitten.

“I believe a boat was involved in our ancestors’ mode of transportation,” she mused. “Maybe it was a kayak. We certainly enjoy kayaking in our own generation.”

“We could have inherited a kayaking tradition without even fully realizing why,” suggested Fogarty. “Our parents and grandparents kept kayaks by the creek. It’s always been quite natural for us.”

“I see how you could make the watercraft correlation. If my instincts serve me correctly, the boat your ancestors arrived on was quite possibly, however, larger than a kayak.”

“How much larger?” asked Nutmeg in a hushed voice while Fogarty made a sharp inhale.

“If your ancestors arrived, say, many many more generations ago than the mere three that you can trace in your family tree, then it could have been a large, very large boat. A. Wooden. Boat.”

Chris let out a growl followed by a howl and Fogarty and Nutmeg dove under their covers. The document loaded and dense text popped up on the screen.

“Wooded Valley. Burrow of unknown origin,” mewed Jasper Kitten, reading a line that Chris tap tapped with a toebean. “In the year 1721.”

“Yup. The registry is definitive for Fogarty and Nutmeg’s genealogical descent. One ferret forebear present, following the family tree back to the early 18th century. Known as Furgus Ferret,” Chris held the phone for Star and the Serval Officers to observe. Fogarty and Nutmeg peered over the hammocks.

Jasper Kitten stared at the screen, unblinking.

“Does the registry go back to the 17th century?” queried Jasper Kitten. “Scroll down further, Chris. Please. Proceed.”

“Nope,” Chris tapped the screen. “I can dig through the data to 1700 and then the registry ends. Or begins. Depending on how we look at it.”

“Correct. Chris. However. Fogarty and Nutmeg’s lineage must go back to an earlier time.”

“What are you suggesting, Jasper Kitten? Cuz. The lineage no doubt goes back in time, but we might not have a record of it.” Chris shot a quizzical look at Jasper Kitten, a toebean poised and hovered over the screen.

“I am suggesting, Chris, that we need to search the data back to the 17th century, if at all possible, to establish the necessary ancestral timeline, the very and verified lineage for Fogarty and Nutmeg. And. Crack. This. Case. Wide. Open.”

“Do you mean a specific date in the 17th century…,” gasped Star.

“Are you saying 1622…,” cried Chris.

“Yes. Exactly. Our Clients may not be broke. Not in their Bitten Coin Wallet. Not in any other kind of wallet. But. If and only if. I. Can. Prove. It,” Jasper Kitten swatted the air, his white gloved paw a singular blur of fur.

“Copy that,” growled Chris and tapped on the screen. “I must be open and honest, Jasper Kitten. Digging for the familial ferret data from the 17th century will not be a quick fix.”

“We must have the appropriate documentation, Chris, at all costs, including the cost of time which is of the essence right now,” affirmed Jasper Kitten.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. Of. Course,” agreed Chris.

Fogarty and Nutmeg swayed in their hammocks while Jasper Kitten began to pace again, two steps to the left, two steps to the right.

“Chris?” inquired Jasper Kitten. “Is there a ship manifest for the Mustela that you have come across in the data?”

“Nope. That would have gone down with the ship.”

“Please, run a metadata check anyway. My instincts tell me that our Clients and their futures depend on what happened that fateful day in 1622. Follow the money.”

“No problemo, Jasper Kitten. I have access to databases under ancient mariners and old wooden ships, arcana and ephemera. Those might produce a lead or two, but I must caution you that it’s a long shot.”

“Correct. Chris. I am prepared for that. Please. Proceed.”

Chris tap tapped and scrolled with the full dexterity and finesse of his fast fast toebean data mining maneuvers. He carried on with his tireless exhaustive work, plying away through bygone eras, through the arcana and through the ephemera and through the metadata minutiae, way way back in time. Scroll and tap, scroll, tap tap, tap and tap. Tap.

A silence, sudden and complete, fell over the bunkhouse. Chris hovered a toebean over the screen and then tapped down, decisive, data driven, on a singular and sole date, of the year 1622.

“Got it,” he growled, loud and proud. “Full. Stop.”

“Go on, Chris,” mewed Jasper Kitten and held his breath.

“This is the manifest for none other than the Mustela. It lists the Doubloons as the only cargo onboard and it lists the crew. Furthermore, I have located a separate and authentic arcane document, stamped with the Official Maritime Seal of Historic Specific Pacific Wooden Ships. The outcome of the crew after the shipwreck is accounted for and detailed. Wait a minute,” growled Chris. “Wait. A. Minute.”

“What is it, Chris?” Jasper Kitten dared to exhale all the way out.

“I need to cross reference a certain data point from Fogarty and Nutmeg’s family tree with the ship manifest,” he tapped at the screen. “Furgus Ferret of the 18th century, where did you come from?”

“Did the crew go down with the ship?” asked Star.

“Nope, Star. In fact, they survived and were able to swim to shore.” He held up the screen. “Look. Here’s where it gets interesting.”

Jasper Kitten and Star scanned the document.

“The owner of the ship was onboard,” commented Jasper Kitten.

“That’s right,” growled Chris, low and slow.

“And the entire crew repatriated to their burrows of origin across the High Seas,” Star read out loud.

“Right again,” growled Chris.

“But the owner of the ship stayed onshore and never went back to sea,” said Star, her cinnamon brown paws spread wide. “And Furgus Ferret is his descendant.”

“Therefore, Fogarty and Nutmeg are descendants of the Mustela’s original owner,” concluded Jasper Kitten. “This documentation proves it.”

“Yup. One said Furderick Forrest Ferret, owner of the Mustela and the motherlode, adventurer on the High Seas, came ashore at Fogarty Beach in 1622 and from there eventually made his way to the Wooded Valley. Alive. But. Broke.” Chris tapped a toebean on the document.

“Good work, Chris,” praised Jasper Kitten. “Critters, we’ve got a family match for our Clients.”

The ferrets stirred in their hammocks, blinking from behind their masks.

“Are you sure?” asked Nutmeg.

“Furgus Ferret of the 18th century is in the family tree of Furderick Forrest Ferret, owner of the Mustela?” asked Fogarty.

“Fur sure,” replied Chris.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg,” confirmed Jasper Kitten. “The motherlode of Doubloons belongs to your family. The J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency has established this essential familial and financial fact of your case.”

They stared wide eyed from behind their masks, speechless.

“Chris mined the mariner metadata and found the decisive genealogical documents that trace the branches of your family tree all the way back to 1622. You descend from Furderick Forrest Ferret, owner of the Mustela and the cargo of Doubloons. The. Gold. Belongs. To. You.”

“You mean, we’re not broke?” asked Fogarty.

“In fact, you are not. Not. By. A. Long. Shot,” said Jasper Kitten and swatted the air.

Fogarty and Nutmeg blinked again behind their masks.

“Even without our Bitten Coin Wallet?” Nutmeg waved her left toebeans.

“Even without your Bitten Coin Wallet,” affirmed Jasper Kitten, “which we still plan on recovering for you when we crack your case completely wide open.”

Distant bark bark barks went off in the harbor and the ferrets gave a jolt, about to bolt.

“HELP!” cried Fogarty.

“HELP! HELP!” cried Nutmeg.

“Gosh and oh my goodness!” barked Star. “Jojo is raising his voice in alarm at the padlock! My auditory senses detect metal on metal coming from the vicinity of the storage unit with the motherlode of Doubloons!”

She dashed out the door with the full pound per pound strength of her can do Chihuahua attitude. The horizontal white stripes on the backs of Clementine and Petal’s ears rose to their highest of high auditory levels, but before they had time to salute, Jasper Kitten grabbed his headlamp and sprinted away.

“Chris, C’mon! Serval Officers Clementine and Petal. Stay here and guard our Clients. Never in the course of this investigation has there been a more critical time to serve and protect their safety!” Jasper Kitten raced out the door after Star and into the night.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Metadata mined

Reappear in the record

Family tree roots

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are gaining in altitude over our Herptile posts of the past two weeks on Marys Peak in the Oregon Coast Mountains.

Previously, we waded into the fast cold running waters of Parker Creek and discovered a Coastal Giant Salamander and a pair of Coastal Tailed Frogs.

Now, we are leaving the Douglas-fir Ecozone in the 2000ft/610m range and climbing ever higher to the Subalpine Zone above 3000ft/914ft. Here, we discover the only lizard in the cool coastal forests of Northern Oregon.

Please, join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent Northern Alligator Lizard critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello, Friends! Welcome to our Furever Friday Post and our ongoing creature feature series of Herptiles as seen in the wild!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters. Today, we shift from amphibians to reptiles. Thank you for being here with us. The end.

Chris: As long as we don’t talk about cloacas, then I must commend you for the conversation opener, Jasper Kitten. Furthermore, welcome welcome one and all. The end.

Jojo: Hello hello, Everyone! I luvluvluv you. Furever. The end.

Jasper: So far so good. I’m here on the Couch with Chris and Jojo. But. If the conversation does in fact veer away from the vernacular and into scientific topics such as the form and function of the cloaca then and only then will that be the end. I will recuse and remove myself. To. The. Boxspring.

Chris: It’s good to get this set up from the start, Jasper. Boxsprings provide positive structure and boundaries. Similar to the Couch.

Jojo: Thank you for the heads up, Jasper.

Jasper: You’re welcome.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to talk about the Northern Alligator Lizard, Elgaria coerulea?

Jasper: There’s no time like the present, Jojo.

Chris: We’re all ears.

Jojo: Excellent. Furthermore, now that we are discussing a reptile rather than an amphibian in our series on herptiles, I would like to say that lizards and snakes are closely related.

Jasper: Thank you for the clarification.

Chris: Thank you, Jojo. Ditto.

Jojo: Of course. Of course. Furthermore, the Northern Alligator Lizard is a lizard but not an alligator. The end.

Jasper: The vernacular terminology, shall we say, certainly can get rather confusing.

Chris: It certainly can. Who modified the name of a lizard with a reference to an alligator? Who does that? Who.

Jasper: Good question from the Couch, Chris.

Chris: What.

Jojo: Critters, like alligators, the Northern Alligator Lizard has scales that are reinforced by bones. The end.

Chris: Well, that’s a relief.

Jasper: It is.

Jojo: So, let’s share a photo of a Northern Alligator Lizard for the edification and enjoyment of our Readers:

Chris: Now. In honor of our group decision not and I repeat not to discuss the cloaca, I would now like to find out more about certain specific aspects of the lifecycle of the Northern Alligator Lizard.

Jasper: Fur sure, Chris. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: I’m all ears, Chris. That’s so nice of you.

Chris: Thank you. Therefore. What do they eat?

Jasper: I’d be more than happy to field this question.

Chris: I’m ready.

Jasper: They mostly eat insects.

Chris: Next question before I become extremely hungry. What is their sleep cycle throughout the year?

Jojo: They hibernate in winter.

Chris: And would that hibernation pattern be on the Couch?

Jasper: No, I don’t believe so. Jojo, what do you think?

Jojo: No, I don’t believe so either.

Chris: Next question before I become extremely sleepy. How big are they?

Jasper: They grow to 10 to 11 inches long.

Jojo: And 6 inches are accounted for by their tails.

Chris: Anything else before my next nap?

Jojo: They are skilled swimmers. Although, they spend most of their time on land.

Chris: We discussed the form and function of the cloaca last week and that was enough for me as I have pointedly pointed out. Full stop.

Jojo: Ditto.

Jasper: Ditto. Ditto.

Chris: However, in terms of their lizard lifecycle, I am willing to state for the record that the eggs of the Northern Alligator Lizard hatch inside of the cloaca. They have live births. There. I said it. The end.

Jasper: Correct. Chris. You took a real risk with saying that.

Jojo: Do you mean as opposed to laying eggs and having the baby lizards hatch outside?

Chris: Yes. The end.

Jojo: Thank you for the clarification.

Chris: You’re welcome. It did take a certain level of personal courage to bring this into the conversation. The end again.

Jasper: Critters, thank you for joining us for our third posting in our Herptile Series with our special emphasis on the Northern Alligator Lizard. We have one more special incredible Wild Wild West reptile to share with you soon, but until next time...

Chris: Please, stay safe out there or on the Couch and have fun.

Jojo: And remember. I luvluvluv you. Furever. The end.

Jasper: We’ll be back next week for our Detective Tuesday Post and Chapter 17 of The Case of the Deep Deep End!

Chris: The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Up on Marys Peak

Warming in the springtime sun

Subalpine lizard

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, thank you for staying tuned for a whole week again! We are now pleased to present the highly anticipated release of Chapter 16 of The Case of the Deep Deep End! Brought to you by the get ready and stay steady J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

Previously! It started with stolen lunch money. A triggered change in behavior. A life of crime. And a long held grudge against our Clients, the ferrets Fogarty and Nutmeg.

Now! Will the motive lead to another opportunity? Or will our incredible investigators turn the tide on the Titan of Finance?

Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent cryptic critter commentary and conversation! Take it away!

Jasper: Crack.

Chris: The.

Jojo: Code.

Jasper: Go!

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 16

NOTHINGBURGER

“Tompkins is trying to ruin us!” cried Fogarty wide eyed behind his mask.

“We’re finished, Fogarty! If Jasper Kitten can’t crack our case then we’re done for! It’s over!” proclaimed Nutmeg.

“That Tompkins is a blast from the past!”

“He’s trying to push us out of hearth and home!”

“To run us over!”

“To turn us out onto the streets!”

“And chase us off into the woods!”

“To steal our identities!”

“To steal our lives!”

“And take over everything we have and clean out our Bitten Coin Wallet!”

“And move into Apt. F!”

“And tail us ‘til we’re gone. Furever!”

“And ever!”

“And. We’re. Broke!”

“HELP!” Fogarty called out, his hammock set to sway.

“HELP! HELP!” came Nutmeg’s response with an equal wild flail to no avail.

“Ferrets. Please,” mewed Jasper Kitten, clasping the class ring and magnifying glass in his pocket. “Justice will be served. We have Tompkins on the run thanks to the quick thinking and actions of my entire agency.”

“Why, that’s right where we want him,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

The ferrets blinked simultaneously and at once, but settled as Chris raised his growl louder and ever prouder.

“We’re gonna sock it to ‘em, Fogarty and Nutmeg!” he roared. “Mark. My. Word. Cuz. Like I said, there’s no free lunch.”

Chris rocked forward with the full strength and finesse of his bouncer body and grabbed the swaying hammocks in his toebeans. He held on, steady, ready and stabilized the swings. Fogarty blinked once and Nutmeg blinked twice and from then on their cries subsided and their movements stilled.

“Thank you, Chris,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “That will be all for now.”

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. Of. Course,” he replied and released his grip from the hammocks. “Please, excuse me. I have a little, shall we say, KP Duty in the kitchenette.”

Clementine and Petal saluted, continuing to stand guard over Fogarty and Nutmeg.

“Permission to speak,” requested Clementine.

“Permission granted. At ease, Officers,” asserted Jasper Kitten.

“Typically, Petal and I perform all needed and necessary KP Duty,” said Clementine.

“Would you like us to proceed to the kitchenette at this time?” asked Petal.

“At this time, given the sensitive nature of our investigative circumstances with our Clients and all perceived and received threats against them, I would like you to remain on guard. Chris has a great deal of experience with KP Duty which precedes the advent of you joining our agency. As our resident Serval Officers, we are most appreciative of your all around abilities and flexibility. Please. Proceed,” instructed Jasper Kitten.

Clementine and Petal saluted again and remained in proper position next to the hammocks.

“I’ve got this,” called Chris, picking up a dishrag.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg. I would like to return our attention to a certain line of inquiry which involves Apt. F,” probed Jasper Kitten.

“We’re all ears, Jasper Kitten,” said Fogarty with a further nod in the affirmative from Nutmeg.

“If my instincts serve me correctly, I suspect that Tompkins, either acting alone or with the clandestine and covert help from his bandits and pirates, did in fact launder the money, both the Benjamins and the single and sole Doubloon, which we found in your residence. This laundered monetary situation happened while Nutmeg was living in a feral state in the woods and Fogarty was out trying to find her.”

“Jasper Kitten, do you mean that Tomkins broke into our home and planted all of that money, taking even further advantage of our desperate situation?” gasped Fogarty.

“Yes, although we found no signs of forced entry, he nevertheless stole inside. Furthermore, he may have taken advantage of this situational opportunity to hack into your Bitten Coin Wallet and clean you out even more if not entirely.”

“But how did he get the Doubloon which you authenticated as being from the Mustela wreck? I mean, no one has ever been able to find the sunken treasure until Flash and Dash showed you where the motherlode had been hidden for centuries, deep deep in the specific Pacific location,” fidgeted Fogarty.

“This is a most critical point, Fogarty. I can’t be completely sure yet, but it is not out of the realm of possibility that this particular coin strayed and washed away from the treasure trove itself in the turbulence of the shipwreck when the Mustela went down in 1622. I believe that this single and sole Doubloon eventually landed ashore. At. Fogarty. Beach.”

“Jasper Kitten, do you suspect that the pirate, I mean Tompkins, found it there?” asked Star, her cinnamon brown paws spread wide.

“Yes, Star. In fact, I do.”

“But how?”

“Part luck. Part perseverance. In. The. Sands. Of. Time.”

“And. All. Pirate,” she concluded.

“Yes. One. Hundred. Percent,” agreed Jasper Kitten, but his gaze drifted off into the distance. “The sands of time. The sands of time. Of course. Of course. It’s coded language! How could I have missed it?”

Jasper Kitten swatted the air and popped his Attache Case open in one singular seamless maneuver. He extracted the copy of Burrowed Homes & Gardens again, but this time turned to the dogeared Letters to the Editor. He read the letter signed Anonymous out loud.

“To the Editor of Burrowed Homes & Gardens. Thank you for your recent feature length article on Big Cold Beaches and The Sands of Time on the Oregon Coast. We found it most informative and helped guide us to new vistas and horizons and long walks, feeling the sand beneath our feet, especially at the lovely hidden Fogarty Beach. A real gem. Before, we always went to the same place and found the same scenery. Now we see more. So. Much. More. Signed, Anonymous.”

“Gosh, Jasper Kitten, that sounds so generic,” barked Star, the light flashing in her eyes.

“Yes, Star, I see. But it is quite the opposite. Quite. Coded.”

“Why, are you saying…,” growled Chris, loud and proud from the kitchenette.

“Do you mean…,” blinked Star, adjusting her progressive glasses.

“Exactly,” replied Jasper Kitten. “Fogarty Beach is not a hidden place. It is on the map. We’ve seen it with our own eyes. Plain as day on paper. Plain as day where the land meets the sea.”

“We’ve seen the map,” saluted Clementine.

“And we’ve seen the territory,” saluted Petal.

“Correct. Critters. So what is so hidden about it?” questioned and queried Jasper Kitten.

“Why, we could substitute Doubloon for the quote unquote gem in the Letter to the Editor,” said Chris with a tap tap of a toebean on the kitchenette counter.

“Correct. Chris. That is one of the cracks in the coded language,” agreed Jasper Kitten.

“So, now we know that the Doubloon from Apt. F may not be the only Doubloon out there. There are more that could have gone astray and were washed away from the original wreck of the Mustela even though they’ve never come to light,” commented Star. “On. Fogarty. Beach. Or. Anywhere. Else.”

“Indeed,” nodded Jasper Kitten in the affirmative. “I suspect that Tompkins may have more coins, but we’ll have to force his paw to find out.”

“Gosh, it certainly is tricky with historical artifacts as to whether or not they surface after several centuries,” concluded Star. “Certainly finding a single Doubloon would drive the hunt to even more illicit behavior by bandits and pirates.”

“It certainly would, Star. They always want more.”

“And more,” barked Star.

“Of that we can be sure,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “Perhaps Tompkins has more Doubloons in his possession, but did not find them in time to launder them. Whether it was a single and sole coin that washed up on Fogarty Beach or whether more coins were found, the amount is far far below that of the motherlode. And he will not give up until he has the vast wealth of the motherlode in his singular possession.”

“He has made that evidently, abundantly and preponderantly clear,” cried Chris, drying a set of spoons.

“So, he could have a cache and a stash,” surmised Star.

“He could indeed, Star,” apprised Jasper Kitten. “I suspect that at the time of ingress and egress of Apt.F, during the money laundering operation, that Tompkins had in fact found one and only one Doubloon on Fogarty Beach.”

“You mean, how he got into our Apt. F?” asked Fogarty.

“And how he got out of our Apt. F?” asked Nutmeg.

“Yes. Exactly. In. And. Out. But since then, with all of the observed and duly noted Ferret Parties along the coast, I find it no stretch of the imagination that these revelers have been actual search parties for more Doubloons. Especially. The. Motherlode. Have they found more than the Apt. F coin? Perhaps, Critters. Perhaps.”

“Why, we’ve got the motherlode,” growled Chris, downing a Kibble Scone. “I bet it must really gall that greedy, shall we say, Titan of Finance. We already know that ferret Tomkins carries a big ol’ grudge against our Clients, Fogarty and Nutmeg.”

“Correct. Chris,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “That behavioral characteristic is an established fact in the case. A motive. A crack.”

“Mr. Tompkins Bandit Pirate is not a very nice person!” barked Star.

“Tompkins may have stolen Fogarty and Nutmeg’s lunch money back in the day, but I’m gonna feed that moneygrubbing ferret a big nothingburger.” Chris threw down the wet dishrag and stormed out of the kitchenette.

Jasper Kitten began to pace in the small, very small space around the bunk beds and hammocks.

“Fogarty Beach,” he mewed. “Fogarty Beach.”

“Jasper Kitten, the beach is my namesake,” affirmed Fogarty. “And you have said from early on that I am both your client and a clue.”

“Yes,” replied Jasper Kitten and the Orange stripes narrowed on his brow to a thin, very thin line.

“But what does it mean, Jasper Kitten?” he queried.

Jasper Kitten stood stock still. Thoughts formulated in his mind, a rapid cognition swirling in the abstract at first and then taking shape, branching out into clear mental images of forests and family trees.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg. How far back, may I ask, can you trace your familial ferret ancestry?”

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Cracks begin to show

Ingress egress, in and out

Grudges from the past

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are back on track with our next creature feature from our Herptile explorations on Marys Peak. As you may recall, last Furever Friday we had the honor of making the acquaintance of the Coastal Giant Salamander, in the Douglas Fir Rainforest Ecozone.

And now! Found upstream from our individual Coastal Giant Salamander, we present to you a pair of the incredible Coastal Tailed Frog, Ascaphus truei. Please, keep this important Field Note in mind: These frogs are much less abundant than the Coastal Giant Salamanders. This serves to deepen our gratitude for finding them in the fast moving cold water of Parker Creek.

So, let’s join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent what kind of a tail is that really critter conversation.

Heidi: Hello and welcome back to our Herptile Field Notes! Welcome welcome, Friends! We’ve got an incredible conversation about to unfold. Live. And. Wild. Take it away!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters! It’s great, so great to be back with you with more of our Herptile Field Notes. The end.

Chris: Thank you, Everyone, for stepping out of your comfort zone with me here on the Couch to step into the cold fast fast moving waters of Parker Creek. Again. The end.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to open the conversation by telling our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers how much I luvluvluv them? The end. Furever.

Jasper: Yes, Jojo. Please. Proceed.

Chris: Ditto, Jojo. Furthermore, we’re all ears.

Jasper: Correct. Chris.

Jojo: Excellent. Critters, I luvluvluv you.

Jasper: Thank you very much for such a compelling conversation opener, Jojo.

Jojo: Of course. You’re welcome.

Chris: You’ve really helped to set the tone for our unfolding discussion of the Coastal Tailed Frog. An. Amphibian.

Jojo: Of course, Chris. Of course. Naturally.

Jasper: This is the second week in a row where we’ve talked about water as a habitat in the environment.

Chris: Yes. However. We are safe here on the Couch, Jasper. Trust me.

Jasper: I feel emotionally flooded. It’s too much. I need to recuse and excuse myself and chill out in the safety of the Boxspring. I will communicate further from there. The end.

Chris: Take your time, Jasper. No rush.

Jojo: Friends, while Jasper relocates from the Couch to the Boxspring, let’s share a photo of the remarkable toebean morphological characteristics of the Coastal Tailed Frog for the edification and enjoyment of our Readers:

Jasper: I’m A-okay in the Boxspring. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: Excellent. For the purposes of individual species identification, the hindfeet of herptiles are key to proper identification. Unique morphological characteristics are specific to this part of a critter’s anatomical makeup. The end.

Jasper: Impressive.

Chris: Incredible.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to talk about another part of the Coastal Tailed Frog’s anatomy?

Jasper: I’m all ears.

Chris: Ditto.

Jojo: In that case, I now turn our attention to the cloaca.

Chris: What.

Jojo: Please, allow me to provide a little context and clarification, Chris.

Chris: I don’t feel ready.

Jasper: I’m staying in the Boxspring.

Jojo: In that case, I will quote from the dictionary. The cloaca is a chamber into which the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive canals empty in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fishes. The end.

Chris: So, it really is the end.

Jojo: Correct. Chris. First and foremost, the tail of the Coastal Tailed Frog is distinct from all other frog species and furthermore, the tail is found only in males. In fact, the tail is not an actual nor a factual tail in terms of, shall we say, one’s anatomy.

Jasper: I can see where this is going. I’m still in the Boxspring.

Chris: Who does that? Who?

Jojo: Therefore, the tail is what is known in the rather delicate vernacular as an extension of the cloaca, a reproductive organ. Unlike all other frogs, the Coastal Tailed Frog has internal fertilization which improves breeding success in the fast fast moving waters of the cold cold creek. Full stop. The end.

Jasper: Thank you, Jojo.

Jojo: You’re welcome.

Chris: And with that said, Critters, we’ll see you next time on the Couch. Jasper, how bout you?

Jasper: Fur. Sure.

Jojo: And remember, Critters. I luvluvluv you. Furever.

Jasper: So please, stay safe and have fun out there and we’ll see you for our Detective Tuesday Post and the highly anticipated release of Chapter 16 of The Case of the Deep Deep End!

Jojo: The.

Chris: End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Morphological

Uniqueness among all frogs

Characteristics

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are back under proper indoor lighting conditions and magnification. Cuz. It’s time for the highly anticipated creature feature release of Chapter 15 of The Case of the Deep Deep End! Yes! Our ever steady and at the ready J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency is about to go even deeper into cracking the case wide open open open!

Previously! A shattered bottle of rum sent a message to our intrepid Detectives on the dock of the World’s Smallest Harbor at Depoe Bay. But! Will the pirate get away with it as he makes his escape? Cut. To. The. Chase.

Now! Get out your pocket magnifying glasses! A critical clue was left behind in the crevice of a rock and we’re all about to get schooled! Do we move forward or do we take a deep deep dive into the past?

Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent behavioral analysis critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: Whodunit?

Chris: Who.

Jojo: Go.

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 15

CLASS ACT

In the bunkhouse, Jasper Kitten pulled his pocket magnifying glass out and inspected the class pinky ring under proper indoor lighting conditions. The Critter Detectives conferred and concurred about the clue while Fogarty and Nutmeg began to stir in their hammocks.

Outside, they heard Keeper confiscate the pirate’s submersible and take it into custody, a grinding of gears and the whirr of the wench played in the background as she hauled it out of the water and put it into dry dock. Jojo barked a salute to her, continuing to stand guard over the Doubloons, safe and secure behind the padlocked storage unit.

“Chris and Star, you have discovered a critical clue at this juncture in the investigation,” confirmed Jasper Kitten. He turned the ring in his white gloved paw as it caught the light. “The scintillation and brilliance of the gemstone is definitive for a crown cut ruby.”

“Gosh, it sure does reflect and shine under the proper indoor lighting conditions,” agreed Star.

“Yes, I see, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten, focused on the ring’s reflections. “Furthermore, my dream of walking the plank has in fact come true.” He extracted the copy of Burrowed Homes & Gardens from his Attache Case and then retracted his claws. In a seamless maneuver, he turned to the dogeared article, Titan of Finance.

“Critters, observe the photograph in the center of the page,” instructed Jasper Kitten. “Furthermore, please pay close, very close attention to the subtle but distinct details. And. The. Caption.”

They huddled together and studied the article. Murmurs passed between them, a gasp and an aha, first from Clementine and Petal and then to Star and a low and slow growl emitted from Chris punctuated the final realization.

“Why, that’s a…,” said Chris.

“Gosh, it’s definitive for…,” said Star.

“Roger that and that…,” saluted Clementine and Petal.

“Yes. Exactly,” mewed Jasper Kitten, holding the ring next to the photograph. “The Titan of Finance is wearing a class pinky ring on his right toebean. This ring is an exact and specific match for the ring that Star found in the harbor rock crevice as the pirate made his escape. Observe.”

“Oh my goodness, Jasper Kitten. You’re right about that. The photo caption reads, University of Mustela Alum Cashes In Big Time.”

“Why, that means…,” growled Chris.

“Yes. Exactly again,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

Fogarty and Nutmeg stretched and sat up, blinking at the Detectives, quizzical and questioning as they rocked in their hammocks.

“Ferrets, we have a significant and complex clue to discuss with you,” advised Jasper Kitten.

“We’re all ears, Jasper Kitten,” they cried, wide awake.

“I must begin with a question as it pertains to your case in a central and critical way,” he went on.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten,” agreed Fogarty.

“This lead sounds most promising. What would you like to know?” added Nutmeg.

“What is the name of your alma mater?” Jasper Kitten’s question hung in the air as the ferrets watched him from behind their masks and then turned to one another.

“We both went to UMA,” said Fogarty.

“The University of Mustela,” said Nutmeg.

“Wooded Valley Campus,” said Fogarty. “We were Forestry Ferret Majors.”

“Thank you for the clarification of this most crucial matter. I would now like to ask and identify whether or not you have ever worn a class pinky ring in recent times or, in fact, at any time in the past.”

“We did,” answered Fogarty, a wary quiver in his response.

“But it’s definitely in the past, Jasper Kitten,” affirmed Nutmeg. “You see, I wore my class ring on my right pinky toebean, but after the hit and run, well, what with being a Tripod and a Southpaw and reverting to the wild and living feral in the woods and…,” her voice trailed off and she made a furtive glance at Fogarty.

“Thank you, Nutmeg, there’s no need to further explain. I realize this is a rather delicate detective matter which may stir up painful memories. Thank you for your candid response for such a sensitive investigative line of inquiry,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“So much was lost to me that day, including my ring,” she glanced again at Fogarty.

“But not your family, Nutmeg. I am always here for you. It’s not your fault,” he affirmed, holding his gaze steady at Nutmeg.

“It’s not?”

“It’s not. It’s not.”

“Thank you, Fogarty,” she whispered. “Thank you.”

“Jasper Kitten, I stopped wearing my class ring after Nutmeg’s hit and run and then her disappearance into the woods. There were too many memories. Too many reminders,” offered and proffered Fogarty. “Too. Many. Associations.”

“Would you both kindly look at this and identify if you recognize it?” Jasper Kitten produced the pirate’s class ring.

“That’s like our rings!” they cried.

“It’s even from the same year!” exclaimed Fogarty. “The same ruby with a crown cut!”

“Jasper Kitten, do you mean to imply that the pirate is an alum of ours?” Nutmeg clapped her paw to her mouth.

“A classmate?” Fogarty blanched behind his mask.

“I believe so.”

“HELP!” cried Fogarty and leapt out of his hammock.

“HELP! HELP!” cried Nutmeg and followed suit.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg, I must reassure you,” mewed Jasper Kitten, “that we are hot on the trail of who did this to you, not just some of it but all of it.”

“We trust you implicitly, Jasper Kitten,” replied Fogarty.

“And explicitly, too,” said Nutmeg.

The ferrets visibly relaxed, hopping back into their hammocks.

“Serval Officers, please continue to serve and protect our Clients at this critical time,” instructed Jasper Kitten.

“Roger,” they saluted and stood by the hammocks.

Jasper Kitten gave a nod in the affirmative and pressed on with his line of inquiry.

“Nutmeg, when we took you to Apt. F and you sat on the Couch, struggling as you were to feel domesticated again, I noticed that you looked out the window toward the park.”

“Yes, Jasper Kitten. At that time, I longed to be outdoors. It took a great deal of concentration for me to remain seated on the Couch. It felt, as I am sure you will appreciate, so very domesticated to be seated on a cushion.”

“Yes, I see, thank you Nutmeg for your candor about your comfort level on the Couch. During this domestication process in Apt. F, I then detected a shift in your attention. You set your sights on the portraits on the wall and lingered a moment or two longer on a school graduation photograph.”

“Yes, Jasper Kitten, your powers of detection are correct,” she replied.

“Was there anyone in the general group that you specifically focused on?” he pressed.

“Well, the picture was from so long ago and I was still quite feral when I was on the Couch. However. I did feel a lot of nostalgia for one of my friends,” she mused, misty eyed.

“I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “And who might that be?”

“His name was Tompkins. Tommy.”

“Nutmeg, where in the group photo was Tompkins or Tommy standing?” queried Jasper Kitten.

“In the front row with me. To. My. Left,” she extended her Southpaw toebeans.

“Thank you for the clarification. We now have a crucial clue as to his appearance when this Critter in question was younger. We will continue to compare and contrast this with the photo in the magazine article of the Titan of Finance. The trajectory of aging over time may come into play in a most significant way, particularly if he tries to mask his appearance again.”

Jasper Kitten presented the Burrowed Homes & Gardens article to Fogarty and Nutmeg.

“Ferrets, please observe this photograph of The Titan of Finance himself. Do you recognize this Critter?”

They shook their heads in the negative, but Nutmeg paused and hesitated.

“Jasper Kitten, he looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t be sure,” said Nutmeg. “I need you to know that something changed with Tommy. He was my friend, but,” she took a deep breath and then continued, “but he betrayed me and started bullying me. It was a very upsetting behavioral change. He turned into a different kind of Critter and I’ve never understood why.”

“I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“Part of what happened was his flat out refusal to be called Tommy anymore,” commented Fogarty. “We had no time or flexibility or even forgiveness to adjust to his use of an adult name.”

“Yes, that’s a good point,” agreed Nutmeg. “He took it as an insult and resented me for being so immature if I forgot to call him Tompkins and used Tommy instead. Said I was calling him a name. A. Baby. Name.”

“I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten again, his concentration unwavering. “A red flag fur sure in terms of his intolerant behavioral changes. And. His. Internal. Immaturity.”

“I’ve tried to block it from my memory, but when I was still feeling quite feral, I remembered all of it in such a raw way. You see, Jasper Kitten, I didn’t have my domesticated buffers anymore to hide from the trauma.”

“Thank you for your candor, Nutmeg. You are very brave indeed to share this with me. I understand how a domesticated defensive mechanism can serve to protect us over time from painful interactions and experiences. From. A. Bully,” he nodded in the affirmative.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. I trust you, as Fogarty and I have said, implicitly and explicitly.”

“Please, forgive me if I have touched on old wounds, but your openness and honesty will help me and the entire J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency get to the root of your case and crack it wide open.”

“I am A-okay, Jasper Kitten. Thank you. So very very much. ”

“Jasper Kitten, I was also bullied by Tommy,” acknowledged Fogarty. “In fact, he began bullying everybody and exerted a great deal of control over others.”

“How did it start in your situation?” queried Jasper Kitten.

“He stole our lunch money,” said Fogarty.

“And lied about it,” added Nutmeg.

“I see. This is a most serious transgression, especially in an academic environment with very little time for anything else but studying.”

“Why, I woulda socked it to ‘em,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

“Correct. Chris. But we must investigate this disconcerting behavior further with our Clients,” commented Jasper Kitten. “If my instincts serve me correctly, this personality change is the key motivator to understand what drives Tompkins and his criminal behavior. As a bandit. As a pirate.”

“Sure thing, Jasper Kitten,” growled Chris, lower and slower. “Fur. Sure.”

“Was there a trigger that caused Tompkins to change from a friend to a foe? What do you suspect caused this bullying behaviour?” Jasper Kitten directed his attention back to the ferrets.

“We heard he got dumped,” replied Fogarty.

“Jilted,” emphasized Nutmeg.

“By a high maintenance ferret who was about to flunk out of school.”

“Tompkins couldn’t keep up with the high cost of living, so to speak.”

“And it was around the same time that he changed his major,” relayed Nutmeg.

“From Ferret Forestry?” probed Jasper Kitten.

“Yes,” she confirmed. “From Ferret Forestry to International Ferret Finance.”

“There was one other thing about Tompkins,” recalled Fogarty.

“We’re all ears, Fogarty. Please. Proceed.”

“He sabotaged our tandem kayak.”

“And what exactly was the nature of this sabotage?”

“He drilled a hole in the bottom and we almost capsized and sank.”

Jasper Kitten resisted swatting the air and reached into his pocket instead, the class ring clasped and grasped in his white gloved paw.

“Gosh, it sure sounds like Tompkins has a capacity for carrying a grudge against Fogarty and Nutmeg which is quite considerable and could be long lasting over the years,” barked Star.

“Your point is well taken as always, Star,” Jasper Kitten furrowed his brow. “This triggering jilted situation, the kayak sabotage and the most egregious stealing of Nutmeg and Fogarty’s lunch money could indeed have been the beginnings of a deep deep unfulfilled desire, an insatiable increase in personal finances at any and all costs which lead him down a perilous path. To. A. Life. Of. Crime.”

“Cuz. There’s no free lunch,” growled Chris. “Even though you gotta eat.”

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Understand clearly

Proper lighting conditions

A deep deep study

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we have an incredible field trip to share with you. First and foremost, as our one said Hooman ventures forth into the wild to continue training for the Oregon Naturalist program, we will be creature featuring a series on Herptiles, known in the vernacular as amphibians and reptiles, starting right here and right now. Furthermore, we’ll include an incredible frog and lizard species and, yes, a snake species, so please stay tuned for the big reveal: guess who we found under a rock!

Part One! We met our first critter teacher, a juvenile Coastal Giant Salamander, on Marys Peak which is the highest peak in the Oregon Coast Mountains. The summit tops off at 4101 feet/1250 meters. In the Douglas Fir Ecozone at approx 2200 ft/671 meters, this incredible critter graced us with their teaching presence in a rushing, highly oxygenated cold creek.

So, let’s take a deep deep breath, hold it and let it all the way out. Ready. Please, welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent field trip critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello Friends! We’ve got an incredible lineup to share with you over the next few Fridays! It’s all about a cast of critters who have much to teach us in the Field. So, without further fanfare, please welcome welcome our first and foremost creature feature and wild teacher, the Coastal Giant Salamander!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters. For clarification purposes only, I would like to state for the record that I, Jasper Kitten, and my companions, Chris and Jojo, one and all, remained firmly seated on the Couch while our one said Hooman went out into the Field. Full stop.

Chris: Thank you for the clarification and conversation opener, Jasper. The end.

Jasper: You’re welcome.

Jojo: Hello Everybody! Would now be a good time to say how much I luvluvluv our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers?

Jasper: Now is purrfect, Jojo. Please. Proceed.

Jojo: Excellent. Critters, I luvluvluv you and location location location is of paramount importance for our conversation. Furthermore, field etiquette and respect for the wild cannot be overstated. The end.

Jasper: Critters, let’s leave no trace as we report from Marys Peak which is really big. To review, it is the biggest peak in the Oregon Coast Range at a whopping 4101ft/1250m. And it still has snow on top.

Chris: Critters, at this high point of the conversation, please take a deep deep breath and then let it all the way out. Cuz. We’re going up up up.

Jasper: From the floor to the summit, there are three Ecozones. The Lowlands, the Douglas Fir Rainforest, and the Subalpine Summit.

Chris: For the record and as a friendly reminder, I am truly relieved to be on the Couch as we recap the Field Trip. Yeah. I feel good about my oxygen saturation.

Jasper: Thank you for sharing, Chris.

Chris: You’re welcome.

Jojo: Furthermore Friends, our Critter of incredible wild interest, the Coastal Giant Salamander, is found in the Douglas Fir Rainforest Ecozone. Full stop.

Jasper: They are the largest salamander in the Pacific Northwest and can grow up to 14 inches or 35.5 centimeters. The end. Furthermore, their range is along the western coast of North America from British Columbia to Northwestern California.

Jojo: Critters, in a lifecycle nutshell, the Coastal Giant Salamander can transform or metamorphose into a terrestrial form from which there is no going back to the water. They live in burrows in the rainforest near cold clear streams. But. However. Some of them remain in streams their whole lives. The stream form is referred to as neotene. The end.

Jojo: It does seem incredible to me that they can live in the water and breathe through gills or live on the land and breathe through lungs.

Jasper: Incredible oxygenation fur sure, Jojo. Please, observe the following Field Note creature feature of a land form Coastal Giant Salamander. Full stop. No going back.

Chris: I would now like to discuss a couple of basics. What do the eat?

Jojo: According to the Field Notes, they are opportunistic feeders.

Chris: I find that highly relatable. The end.

Jasper: Specifically, if they live in the water they eat aquatic insects, frog larvae, and small fish. If they live on land, they eat bugs and slugs and snails and small mammals, even lizards and snakes.

Chris: That certainly is specific, Jasper. The end.

Jasper: It certainly is, Chris. The end again.

Chris: Where do they sleep?

Jasper: During the winter, they have an amphibian kind of hibernation called brumation.

Chris: Is that similar to sleeping in the boxspring?

Jasper: Correct. Chris. Otherwise, they are mostly nocturnal, which I find highly relatable, but they can be active during the day which I also find highly relatable. Full stop. The end.

Chris: That does sound like your own sleeping and waking patterns, Jasper.

Jasper: Correct. Chris.

Jojo: Jasper Kitten, how do you feel about learning from this juvenile Coastal Giant Salamander who was kind enough to show his toebeans to us in the opening photo. Question mark. Question mark.

Jasper: Thank you for the question about the juvenile aspect of the salamander’s lifecycle. As an adult myself, I feel good about it. All lifecycles are a teaching moment. The end.

Jojo: Let’s share a video intermission for the edification and enjoyment of our Dear Gentle Critters and Dear Gentle Readers at Parker Creek where we were schooled by our Coastal Giant Salamander:

Jojo: Critters, at this point in the conversation, I would like to broach the topic of salamanders in a more mythic and legendary way.

Chris: I’m all ears.

Jasper: Please. Proceed.

Jojo: Thank you. Salamanders, according to legend, have mythic powers and can exist in the midst of fire.

Jasper: That is beyond wild.

Chris: Who does that? Who.

Jojo: They hold a prominent place in medieval bestiaries, a collection of descriptions of animals real or imaginary. The end.

Chris: I like the sound of it, Jojo. Bestiary.

Jasper: Ditto. Plus. I like the part about real or imaginary. Full stop.

Chris: It’s like being in beast mode. On. The. Couch.

Jasper: Yes, like that, Chris.

Jojo: And on that legendary note, Critters, we thank you for joining us today for the first part of our Herptile Field Notes. We’ll be back next Furever Friday with a special frog critter, the Coastal Tailed Frog.

Chris: So I’ll see you on the Couch, my friends. Thank you very much for being here with us to learn about the Coastal Giant Salamander. We could all use some sleep now. Please, stay safe and have fun out there.

Jasper: And we’ll see you soon for our Detective Tuesday Post. Please, stay tuned for Chapter 15 of The Case of the Deep Deep End!

Jojo: The End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Herpetology

The legend lives in fire

A wild teacher

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, welcome to our latest creature feature, brought to you by the ever steady and at the ready J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency! The wait is over! It’s time for the highly anticipated release of Chapter 14 of The Case of the Deep Deep End!

Previously! And as you may recall, Jasper Kitten dreamed a dream in which he walked the plank on the pirate ship! His realization upon waking could very well crack the case wide open. But! Before he can get any further, an urgent emergent situation has come to his attention! And must be dealt with immediately and at once!

Now! Meanwhile back on the dock at the World’s Smallest Harbor in Depoe Bay, a confrontation is about to take place!

Please! Join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent clatter and shatter critter commentary and conversation! Take it away!

Jasper: I heard something shatter!

Chris: I heard something clatter!

Jojo: Go! Go! Go!

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 14

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

The periscope popped out of the water and turned to the right and then to left and settled its sights in a direct line of focus at the Critter Detectives on the dock. A laugh broke out in a blast of static, broadcast over the submersible’s PA system.

“Well well well, Jasper Kitten, the world renowned Orange striped sleuth and his entire tag team of lackeys, misfits, and mongrels to give credit where credit is due in that specific Pacific order. Aargh,” mocked the voice.

“What are you suggesting? Pirate,” responded Jasper Kitten, his mew level, neutral.

The periscope retreated under the water. The submersible rose above the surface and the hatch flew open.

“Suggesting, Jasper Kitten? Incoming,” mocked the voice again. “Duck. Detectives.”

Pieces of orange plastic clattered onto the dock and scattered about their toebeans. Jasper Kitten reached down and picked up a few remnants of the Garfield Phone.

“You can keep these plastic pieces of eight,” blasted the voice.

Before Jasper Kitten could reply, a bottle crashed and smashed onto the dock.

“And here’s an empty bottle o’ rum for you and your entire agency.” The hatch slammed shut and the submersible sank below the water.

Surrounded by shards of glass, the Critters moved carefully, very carefully away from the dockside.

“Watch your step,” growled Chris, loud and proud. “Easy. Easy. Watch. Those. Toebeans.”

Star gripped the dock with her cinnamon brown paws, poised with all of her pound per pound Senior Chihuahua strength to plunge into a deep deep dive.

“Gosh and oh my goodness, that pirate is not a very nice person!” she cried, the light flashing in her eyes.

“Star, it is by far too risky!” warned Jasper Kitten. “I caution you to step back carefully, very carefully.”

“That was not very nice,” she barked and leaned down to pick up a rolled up piece of paper. “We got the message in the bottle, Mr. Pirate. Figuratively. And. Literally.”

“Turn back from the water, Star. Immediately and at once,” requested Jasper Kitten. “They won’t get far now.”

“Of course. Of course, Jasper Kitten” she said, adjusting her progressives, and made her way around the sharp sharp slivers and sharp sharp splinters, to huddle with the Detectives at the padlock, on guard of the Doubloons.

Clasped and grasped in her cinnamon brown paws, Star passed the piece of paper to Jasper Kitten.

“Thank you, Star,” he mewed. In the wan harbor lights, he unfurled the page and read the scrawl out loud.

“Give me the money. Or else.”

“Why, that sure is a real inventive variation on a threatening theme,” growled Chris, low and slow.

“Correct. Chris,” replied Jasper Kitten.

Keeper bounded up to them, her thick salt and pepper coat wet yet repellent.

“Detectives, I’ve taken emergency urgency measures at the harbor entrance and activated the security barrier, a heavy duty system of gates and nets. There is no way in and, even more so, there is no way out.”

“Thank you, Keeper,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “We now have containment of the pirate submersible.”

“This is only the second time in my long years of duty at the World’s Smallest Harbor that I have needed to mobilize the system. Previously, it was for a gale force storm,” she relayed.

“Again, our thanks to you, Keeper. At this critical point in cracking the case, and on behalf of my entire agency, we could not and would not be able to succeed without your quick thinking and actions.”

“At your service. I will standby for any further assistance and instructions in regards to the investigation from you.”

The trap was set. Jasper Kitten looked toward the Sunchaser with a paws up signal, his Orange stripes narrowed in his furrowed brow.

“Gosh, Jasper Kitten, do you surmise that the pirate is utilizing the periscope to steal a glance at our research vessel?” queried Star.

“Yes, I see and agree, Star,” apprised Jasper Kitten.

“Or,” she further elaborated, “our own submersible?”

“I suspect, if my instincts serve me correctly, that the surreptitious advantage of hiding underwater is not as productive as they think it is. Not. Quite.” Jasper Kitten swatted the air and then rattled the padlock with his white gloved paw.

“Jasper Kitten,” barked Jojo, “are you making the moves to draw them out of the water? The sound of a rattling padlock may be simply irresistible to their thieving ways.”

“Absolutely, Jojo. Absolutely.” Jasper Kitten rattled the padlock against the storage unit door, metal on metal. “This is the only barrier between them and their booty. So. Come. And. Get. It.”

“Why, the reverb is sure to be detected underwater,” added Chris with a tapping tin and din of his toebean on the storage unit.

“Correct. Chris.”

The periscope popped out of the water and scoped out the padlock.

“As if on cue,” mewed Jasper Kitten, an imperceptible smile hidden by his stripes. “And let’s not forget,” he further asserted, “the greatest of barriers between the pirates and the booty is more than mere metal. It is in fact our very own J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency.”

“Copy,” cried the Critters as they huddled closer together. Ready. Steady.

“Brace for action,” Jasper Kitten mewed, his white gloved paw on full display, in full view of the periscope. He swatted.

The hatch flew open, water pouring off of it as the submersible breached the surface.

“Aargh.”

“Aargh back at you, you articulate Pirate,” mewed Jasper Kitten, flexing his retractable claws.

“Why, you’d better watch those seaworthy toebeans of yours, Pirate,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

“No tip toeing around your broken bottle of rum,” bark bark barked Jojo, the shards of glass littered on the dock.

“Gosh, Mr. Pirate, you are not a very nice person. We’ll go toe-to-toe with you. Right here. Right now,” said Star with her can do Chihuahua attitude.

“Fur sure, Detectives,” chuckled the double masked ferret, effortlessly hopping out of the hatch onto the dock. “Fur. Sure.”

The pirate stood alone, knives drawn, one in each paw. He slashed and stabbed at the air.

“Looks like you’re outnumbered this time, Pirate,” mewed Jasper Kitten, his claws out. “Too bad these solo submersibles can’t carry a crew.”

“I’m good on my own, Jasper Kitty Kitty. My knives. Your retractable kitten claws. Should I be worried? Aargh.” He cut through the air again, one slice of the knife after the other.

“Your anxiety level is none of our concern. You are outnumbered and as we’ve already advised, watch those toebeans. There’s quite a bit of broken glass of your own doing,” cautioned Jasper Kitten. “Or your own undoing, however you want to look at it.”

“Kinda ironic,” Chris leaned forward and gave a nod to the glass. “From the signs of your bloody pawprints, looks like you already stepped in it.”

The pirate blanched, a shot of fear in his eyes, fleeting but unmistakable to the Detectives’ skilled powers of observation. He looked down.

“Gosh, you seem a little squeamish, Mr. Pirate,” Star pointed out with a cinnamon brown paw. “It’s a crying shame you’re holding us at knife point or I’d offer to fetch our first aid kit and come to your, shall we say, assistance.”

“Yeah, it’s a cryin’ shame,” growled Chris. “Brings a tear to my eye.”

“Looks like a swig from another bottle would do you some good,” barked Jojo. “But then I’d have to arrest you for driving a submersible under the influence.”

Still on guard, blocking the padlock, Jojo dangled his handcuffs in front of the pirate.

“Tsk tsk, Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo,” the pirate sneered. “Tsk to your tried and true Terrier temperament. Now show me the money behind that wirehair of yours. Although, I must commend you, that crazy coat of yours is quite the decoy.”

“Say whatever you want to protect yourself, Pirate. The only monetary action on your part is that your delay tactics are buying you some time before we put you out of business. Permanently. Pirate.” Jasper Kitten took a step forward and stopped within an Orange striped hair’s breadth of the glass shards.

Glass crunched under the pirate’s toebeans and he pivoted in pain, slashing at the air with his knives in a wild desperate attempt to steady himself. He stumbled, for the sharp sharp remnants of his bottle of rum left no room to maneuver, and he fell backwards off the dock.

Star, in a rapid swift response, passed her progressives to Jasper Kitten.

“Hold my glasses,” she barked before her deep deep dive into the inky dark harbor waters.

“Yes, I see, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten as he clasped and grasped her progressives and watched her take the plunge.

She dog paddled in the night and turned in a circle until she spied the shift in the water, a small wake, a trail toward the rocks. Her full pound per pound strength propelled her and Star swam faster and faster. She surged ahead and gained on her goal, on the pirate plying through the harbor and about to escape.

Her cinnamon brown paws, propulsive, drove her ever forward, relentless, and she narrowed the gap a mere fraction at a time. The rocks jutted out and she focused on capturing the ferret who fled from her can do Chihuahua clutches. But her attitude, her full intent and her singular attention, were dashed on the very rocks for which she aimed. The pirate hauled out first and burrowed into a crevice and then into the narrow clefts and crannies and disappeared.

Chris tore down the docks and traversed the harbor. He descended onto the crags and caught up with Star as she clambered out of the water.

“Too late,” she cried, her labored breath choked with frustration. “He got away.”

“We’ll catch that conniving thief, Star. You’ve got ‘em on the run. The. Way. We. Like. ‘Em.”

“Thank you, Chris,” she shook herself off. “Thank you very much.”

She squinted in the low light.

“My apologies, Star, but I took off running so fast that I didn’t think to bring your glasses with me. They are still clasped and grasped in Jasper Kitten’s white gloved paws.”

“No worries, Chris. Here, take a look at this,” she replied and pried a small item from a crevice in the rock.

“It’s a ring, Star,” growled Chris, loud and proud, turning it over in his toebeans. “Looks suspicious to me, like it slipped off one of the pirate’s pinky toebeans as he fled the scene.”

“Gosh, you’re right, Chris. It does look an awful lot like a pinky ring.”

“Why, come to think of it, Star, what kind of a connivin’ pirate wears a pinky ring?”

“Good question, Chris. Without my glasses, I really can’t be sure, but the ring seems to bear some kind of insignia on it. I can feel it under my cinnamon brown paw,” barked Star and their eyes locked.

“Star, this ring is more than a pinky ring. It’s. A. Class. Pinky. Ring,” growled Chris, feeling the insignia under the tap tap of his toebean.

“You mean classy or classic?” she asked, her paws spread wide.

“Nope.” He tapped the ring again.

“What kind of class, Chris?” queried Star.

“The kinda class that means this pirate went to school. Which. I realize. Defies all expectations. And. Is kinda hard to believe.”

“It certainly is counterintuitive, Chris. You mean a public or a private school? Or, even a prep school?”

“That’s right, Star, but I’m not one hundred percent sure which until Jasper Kitten examines and analyzes this under magnification. C’mon, we gotta go go go!”

“And under proper illuminating conditions too,” barked Star and the light, even in the midst of the Pacific night, flashed in her eyes.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Soon to be revealed

The message in the bottle

About to get schooled

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, the party is on! And on!

First and foremost, we would like to offer you our most heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of Happy 15th Birthday wishes for our beluvluvluved Senior Adopted Jojo! Our special Furbaby, adopted at 13 1/2, has reached a milestone of near dizzying healthy heights much to his delight. Senior Adoption Furever.

Now! To add to the party mix, the Birthday Critter Trifecta Celebrations roll on with Chris turning 9 and Jasper Kitten turning 4! That’s right, Critters! Jasper Kitten is truly an adult! Who knew. Who.

Please, join us now to help celebrate with our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent existential trip around the sun critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Welcome, Friends! And Happy Birthday to all Spring Critters! Whether you’re a Spring Chicken yourself or gracing us with your presence now and throughout the year, thank you very much for being here at CwC!

Jasper: Hello and welcome, Critters. Party on. The end.

Chris: Greetings, Everyone. Party. Party. The end.

Jojo: Dear Gentle Critters and Dear Gentle Readers, thank you very very and I do mean very much for all of your good wishes for my 15th. A true milestone marked by the gift of your luvluvluv. And now, for my conversation opener today, Happy Birthday to Chris and Jasper!

Jasper: Thank you, Jojo. That’s an excellent conversation opener. The end.

Chris: Ditto, Jojo. Now that I’m 9, it’s time for a nap on the Couch. The end.

Jojo: It really is incredible that we all found our Furever Home right here together.

Jasper: Three Critters.

Chris: Three Birthdays.

Jojo: Three parties.

Jasper: Please, Critters, if at all possible. Do the math and it all adds up to one big Animal Party! And we do mean huge. So let’s settle onto and into the Couch.

Chris: Go.

Jojo: Go.

Jasper: Go. The end.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to ask what you mean by do the math?

Jasper: Of course, Jojo. Please. Proceed with your line of questioning. I’m all ears.

Jojo: Excellent. Thank you very much, Jasper.

Jasper: Of course. Of course. You’re welcome.

Jojo: So my question is, specifically, can I use a calculator or does you mean that I have to count on my toebeans? Question mark. Question mark. The end.

Jasper: Thank you for the specificity of your question. A calculator is completely acceptable.

Jojo: That’s good to know, Jasper. I really appreciate your answer. It really gets to the point.

Jasper: Yes.

Chris: Well, that’s a relief. I’m almost into the double digits for my nine lives, so the math starts to get a little complicated. I need a nap even thinking about it. Nine lives. Nine years old. Yeah, it’s a lot. It can get complicated. The end again.

Jojo: So, to keep the conversation going before you fall asleep, Chris, I’d like to know if the two of you have an offering for our Friends? For example, last week and in celebration of my milestone 15th birthday, I offered a big bouquet of cherry blossoms. Cuz. To give is better than to receive.

Jasper: Fur sure.

Chris: Ditto.

Jojo: So, what are you going to give to our Friends?

Jasper: That’s a good question.

Chris: Thank you for the question, Jojo.

Jojo: You’re welcome.

Jasper: I’m good with offering the cherry blossoms again.

Chris: Ditto. Ditto.

Jojo: It seems kind of repetitive. Wouldn’t you like to offer something new and creative?

Jasper: Possibly.

Chris: I’ll need to sleep on it.

Jojo: Gosh, we’re really getting to the part where we creature feature a photo for the edification and enjoyment of our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers.

Jasper: In that case, please.

Chris: Proceed.

Jasper: Thank you, Jojo. The bouquet of cherry blossoms works for me as a gift for our Critters.

Chris: Yeah. I feel good about it, too. Openly and honestly, I can never get enough of it. The end.

Jasper: Of giving more than receiving? Is that what you mean, Chris?

Chris: Yes. Of giving more than receiving. The end.

Jasper: Thank you for the clarification. I also prefer to give more than to receive. Ditto. The end. Again.

Chris: Yes. However. I do have one exception to this.

Jasper: I’m all ears. Please. Proceed.

Chris: With the exception of when I am hungry. The end.

Jasper: Of course, Chris. Of. Course.

Jojo: This is so nice of you, Chris and Jasper. The bouquet of cherry blossoms really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Jasper: Yes.

Chris: And furthermore, I’ll see all of you on the Couch.

Jojo: So Critters, thank you very much for being here with us to celebrate our Birthdays. Please, stay safe and have fun out there and we’ll see you next time for our Detective Tuesday Post with our highly anticipated release of Chapter 14 from the high seas and adventure in The Case of the Deep Deep End!

Jasper: Party on, Critters. The end.

Chris: Ditto. Party. The end.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Trio of birthdays

The gift that keeps on giving

Cherry blossoms bloom

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are back on deck courtesy of the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Cuz. It’s Crittertime for the much anticipated release of The Case of the Deep Deep End, Chapter 13!

Previously! Piloted through treacherous waters by their new found friends, the harbor seals Flash and Dash, the evasive maneuvers against the pirates prove successful. The motherlode of gold, the Doubloons from the legendary and long lost Mustela, must be guarded at all costs!

Now! And meanwhile, back at the World’s Smallest Harbor at Depoe Bay, our intrepid investigators take shifts at the padlocked storage unit to safe guard the treasure. A catnap is in order for Jasper Kitten, but what will be the interpretation of his dreams? And will that be, shall we say, interrupted?

Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent money shot critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: Is there a difference between waking and sleeping?

Chris: What.

Jojo: The question begs to be answered. Go. Go. Go.

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 13

MONEY SHOT

At midnight, the Canine Unit relieved the Serval Officers of their guard duty as scheduled. A hush blanketed the harbor and the surf lapped at the rocky shore in the distance.

Clementine and Petal entered the bunkhouse to find the ferrets fast asleep in their hammocks. Chris stood watch over them in their slumber while Jasper Kitten sat on his bunk bed nearby, absorbed in reading the copy of Burrowed Homes & Gardens, delivered to the harbor upon the first arrival of the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency.

“Reporting for duty,” they saluted.

“At ease, Officers. Please. Inform us of the events at the storage unit as you guarded the Doubloons,” mewed Jasper Kitten, looking up from the magazine.

“All was quiet at the storage unit,” reported Clementine.

“We had no significant and no insignificant findings or events,” detailed Petal.

Jasper Kitten gave a nod in the affirmative, dogeared the article titled, Titan of Finance, and replaced the magazine in his Attache Case.

“Clementine and Petal, thank you for your service. Please, bunk down for the rest of the night. Chris has set out a plate of Kibble Scones in the kitchenette for a bedtime snack,” instructed Jasper Kitten.

“Cuz,” added Chris.

“We gotta eat,” chimed Clementine and Petal.

“Correct. Please. Proceed,” Jasper Kitten gave a paws up signal.

Clementine and Petal padded into the kitchenette to munch and crunch their Kibble Scones.

“Jasper Kitten, you need to get some rest, too. I’ve already had a refreshing catnap,” Chris gave a nod to the bed where the Orange striped sleuth sat transfixed. “I can handle guard duty. Get some shut eye.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Chris. But there’s something in this article that puzzles me in terms of our investigation,” Jasper Kitten furrowed his brow. “I can’t quite put my toebean on just how it pertains to the case. Not. Exactly.”

“Better to sleep on it, then. I always find a nap to be quite restorative and yield new insights upon waking,” yawned Chris. “This has been quite a long day.”

“Yes, it has been quite long. And quite productive. More work remains to crack the case wide open. After my catnap, I’d like to go over the article with you line by line. Furthermore, I suspect that a message has been encoded in one of the Letters to the Editor.”

“The letter signed, Anonymous ?”

“Correct. Chris.”

“That certainly figures into a pattern of anonymity of both bandits and pirates, substitute mail carriers, Nutmeg’s hit and run driver and whoever the H was tailing Fogarty, and all of them running havoc throughout the case, Jasper Kitten.”

“It. Does. Fur. Sure. Plus. We also have to contend with the Apt. F threat on that envelope.”

“Why, I’m gonna sock it to ‘em,” growled Chris, so low and so slow that Fogarty and Nutmeg continued to sleep in their hammocks completely unperturbed and undisturbed in close, very close proximity.

Jasper Kitten stretched out on the bed and settled his Orange stripes into the blankets. He drifted off to sleep and fell into a deep deep dream state, a whisker twitching to the right and a whisker twitching to the left and his white gloved paws running, running in place.

In his dream, he walked the plank on Your Honor, high above the waves that surged below, ready to swallow him whole. The pirates laughed and taunted him from the deck, knives out.

He stepped forward undaunted and reached the end, gripping the rough hewn edge that splintered into his toebeans. In his white gloved paws, he clasped and grasped the dogeared copy of Burrowed Homes & Gardens. The salt air stung his olfactory senses and he dared not breathe.

But. Before he became airborne, before he gave himself up to the sea, a cannon fired and rocked the ship. He swayed over the ocean, ready to tip forward furever and ever in freefall. He looked up through the haze and the smoke and Doubloons poured gold down upon him, shattering and clattering on the wood of the plank like bullets shooting fast and hot at his feet. He danced before his plunge. He hopped to it. And then.

Jasper Kitten’s eyes flew open. Wide and focused. The latches of his Attache Case stared back at him and he mewed with alarm.

“That’s it!” he swatted the air. “That. Is. It.”

He popped the Attache Case open open open and yanked the magazine out with a swift and rapid extraction utilizing his retractable claws. Jasper Kitten rifled through the pages and stopped at the dogeared article. He pressed his white gloved paw against a photograph of a ferret lounging in a hammock aboard a yacht.

“Titan of Finance. Titan. Of. Finance. I’ve got you. I’ve got you now,” he swatted the air.

“Jasper Kitten! Jasper Kitten!” barked Star, bursting into the bunkhouse. “The Canine Unit has an urgent emergent situation at the storage unit!”

“Has there been a breach in security of the Doubloons?” he asked, hopping off the bunk bed.

“Negative! At least, not yet!” The light flashed in Star’s eyes. “Jasper Kitten! There’s a submersible in the water!”

“I see, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten with all sense of purpose and urgency. He turned to Chris. “Wake the Serval Officers and have them do double duty, guarding our Clients. We need the full power of your bouncer abilities, Chris. Now!”

“On it, Jasper Kitten,” Chris hopped to it with equal immediacy. “What about my finesse in addition to my power?”

“We may need your finesse later if the urgent emergent situation requires it. Go!”

Clementine and Petal awoke and stood guard in a seamless transition, the horizontal white stripes on the backs of their ears rising to the highest of high auditory alerts.

“Whatever happens, maintain vigilance over the ferrets and do not leave their sides,” instructed Jasper Kitten, heading for the door with Star and Chris.

“Roger that!” They stood at attention and silence settled again in the room.

Fogarty and Nutmeg shifted and sighed but slept on, their masks pressed into their pillows.

A light switched on in the Harbormaster cottage and the door flung open. Keeper stepped out to meet and greet the Detectives as they stormed by.

“We have an urgent emergent situation in the vicinity of the storeroom,” Jasper Kitten shot over his shoulder as they hurried past her, pounding toward the dock.

They caught up with Jojo who stood stock still, his attention focused not on the storage unit, the padlock still secure, but on the dark depths of the water.

“Is it a submersible?” cried Jasper Kitten.

“Affirmative,” he relayed as Jasper Kitten, Star and Chris sprinted up to him with Keeper close behind. “I saw it pop up by the Sunchaser and then it went underwater again.”

“This is most vexing and concerning,” Jasper Kitten scanned the depths. “Jojo, how long would you estimate that it was above water?”

“A minute, maybe less.”

“It had a periscope, Jasper Kitten,” barked Star.

“Did it see you?” he pressed.

“Negative,” responded Jojo. “It was pointed toward the Sunchaser and never made the rotation in our direction. We remained undetected in spite of their element of surprise.”

Jasper Kitten paced in front of the storage unit, his brow furrowed, his Orange stripes on the verge of standing on end.

“Keeper,” he mewed, “how many submersibles are there at Depoe Bay?”

“Only the one which is outfitted on the Sunchaser, Jasper Kitten. I see no evidence of tampering with it right now,” she replied.

“Thank you, Keeper. I suspect that the waters here at the harbor have been breached in a covert op.”

“This is most egregious, Jasper Kitten. I will put out an immediate alert up and down the coast and I’m going to shut down the harbor entrance. Please. Excuse me,” she hurried away.

“Why, that was none too bright of them, even under cover of darkness, to surface like that. You’d think the periscope would have been sufficient for their observations,” growled Chris, loud and proud.

“Correct. Chris,” agreed Jasper Kitten.

“These bandits by land or pirates by sea or whoever they really are under those masks sure are less than sophisticated when it comes to remaining incognito. What’s the point of being in a submersible if you can’t go undetected?” queried Star.

“Yes, Star, you and Chris have both made important points in regards to our adversaries, to their logic and to their tactical patterns. It seems quite clear that truly being anonymous is not their main goal. It’s. All. About. The. Money.” Jasper Kitten stepped closer to the water, deep deep in thought. “Again, Critters, we are no strangers to their dangers.”

“Their less than covert modus operandi gives us a strategic investigative advantage, Jasper Kitten,” barked Jojo.

“It does, Jojo. They could very well be their own worst enemies.”

The harbor waters, still and dark, shimmered in their depths and the movement, subtle yet distinct, captured Jasper Kitten’s full and undivided attention.

“Gosh and oh my goodness, what is that, Jasper Kitten?” asked Star, taking her place next to his side.

“Look, Critters. At. The. Water.”

Star gave a quick intake of breath, then looked to Chris and Jojo who also stepped forward.

“Is that what I think it is?” whispered Star.

“Are you saying…,” growled Chris.

“Could it be so obviously…,” cried Jojo.

“Exactly. The suspicious submersible is at our feet,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“Or, at least, right below our toebeans,” Chris growled, low and slow.

“Correct. Chris.”

“Jasper Kitten, would now be a good time to deploy our own submersible and confront them head on?” barked Jojo.

“Thank you for the crucial question, Jojo. However. The expenditure of our own energy will not be necessary. They are right where we need them to be. Right here. Right now. In. The. World’s. Smallest. Harbor.”

“We’re closing in on ‘em and I’m gonna sock it to ‘em. Why, if they think this is a navigable harbor, I’ve got some fast breaking news. They’ve. Set. Their. Own. Trap.” Chris slapped his toebeans together. “Up. Up. Up. Periscope.”

“Correct. Chris.” Jasper Kitten continued to stare down and waited carefully, very carefully for the parting of the waters.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Titan of finance

Interpretation of dreams

Who is behind this

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are celebrating big time for the little dog who came into our lives when he was 13 1/2 years old. Our beloved Jojo turns 15 this week! Hooray! Hooray!

Senior Adoption Furever and Ever! Happy 15th Milestone Birthday, Jojo! Thank you Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Thank you very much!

How much do we luvluvluv our especially special Senior Furbaby? Here we pause at a loss for words. Yes, it’s true. We are in fact at a loss for words first and foremost in the incredible annals of time at CwC. We are truly humbled. Cuz. We luvluvluv our Cuppa Puppa Jojo beyond measure. Furever. Is. Now.

Please, join our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent momentous occasion critter conversation. Take it away!

Heidi: Hello and welcome Friends to our most up to date and incredible Furever Friday Post in the annals of time thus far, right here, right now, at CwC! We are so very happy to celebrate Jojo’s 15th with you. Party! Animals!

Jasper: Greetings, Critters! Our luvluvluv for Jojo is boundless. Full stop.

Chris: Great conversation opener, Jasper. Full stop, too.

Jojo: Thank you, Jasper and Chris. Of course. Of course.

Chris: You’re very welcome, Jojo. Furthermore and without further ado, please join us, one and all, in a very big shoutout for Jojo! Happy 15th Birthday, Furbaby!

Jasper: Speech! Speech!

Jojo: Critters, I am truly humbled to be here. I luvluvluv each and every one of you. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and luvluvluved. Furever. I really went through a lot to get here and had no idea, none at all, that I would live this long and feel this good. Thank you to all of our Dear Gentle Critters and our Dear Gentle Readers for my Senior Adopted Furever Home. This is not the end. Now. Let’s get started.

Jasper: Ready.

Chris: Ready.

Jojo: Party!

Jasper: This. Is. Great.

Chris: This. Is. So. Great.

Jojo: Would now be a good time to say that Party is both a noun and verb? The end.

Jasper: I favor the verb. It is strong and it is active and it’s a lot of fun. The end.

Chris: Ditto. The end. Furthermore, I’m A-okay with Party being a noun or a verb like Couch.

Jasper: Fair enough, Chris. The end.

Jojo: Dear Gentle Critters and Dear Gentle Readers, to celebrate my 15th with you, here is a big bouquet of flowers for your edification and enjoyment which I give to you with luvluvluv furever:

Jasper: These are quite beautiful, Jojo. Thank you for sharing this gift with us.

Chris: Thank you, Jojo. I can see the blossoms from my active position on the Couch. A gift that keeps on giving. When. I’m. Awake. The end.

Jojo: Yes, it is better to give than to receive in my humble opinion and in my life experience over the past 15 years. I feel good about it. Thank you for sharing these flowers with me.

Jasper: You’re welcome. You’re the gift.

Chris: Well said, Jasper. Thank you for being our Furever Dog, Jojo.

Jasper: Happy Birthday, Jojo.

Chris: Ditto. Happy Birthday, Jojo.

Jojo: Critters, there’s only one more thing I’d like to say for the purposes of today’s conversation. Cuz. It bears repeating. I luvluvluv you. Furever.

Jasper: Well said, Jojo.

Chris: Thank you friends, for sharing these big 15th birthday wishes with us for our Senior Adopted Furever Jojo.

Jasper: And we’ll let you in on a little secret before we go. Cuz. Next week, Chris and I celebrate our 9th and 4th Birthdays, in that order, so the Animal Party is to be continued!

Chris: Please, in the meantime, stay safe and fun out there.

Jojo: And we’ll see you next Crittertime for our Detective Tuesday Post and The Case of the Deep Deep End, Chapter 14! Jasper and Chris, do we have anything else to add to the conversation?

Jasper: Party.

Chris: Party.

Jojo: Party. Without. End.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Senior adoption

Better to give than receive

Jojo is fifteen

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE

Today Critters, we are pleased to creature feature the highly and deeply anticipated release of Chapter 12 from The Case of the Deep Deep End. Brought to you by the seaworthy J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

Previously! Spoiler! Alert! Alert! With help from their new friends, Flash and Dash, our intrepid Detectives have discovered the sunken treasure of the Mustela at long last.

Now! Will they continue with the success of their evasive maneuvers on the high seas and further thwart the threat from the pirates? Will they make it back to the safety of the World’s Smallest Harbor at Depoe Bay?

Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters, Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent motherlode critter commentary and conversation. Take it away!

Jasper: And what, what may I ask, are we going to do with all of this money?

Chris: What.

Jojo: By land and by sea, that is the question. Go.

THE CASE OF THE DEEP DEEP END

BOOK 4 FROM THE J KITTEN, SLEUTH & PURVEYOR OF BRIGHT SHINY OBJECTS DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY JASPER KITTEN, CHRIS, JOJO AND STAR IN HEAVEN FUREVER AND EVER

DEDICATED IN LUVLUVLUVING MEMORY OF STAR

CHAPTER 12

MOTHERLODE

With a firm compression of his white gloved paws, Jasper Kitten secured the lid on the one hundredth bucket.

“The motherlode of Doubloons from the Mustela shipwreck is recovered and contained,” he announced and pronounced after counting each bucket. He felt the deck slant starboard and made the immediate executive decision to distribute the weight lest the Sunchaser list.

“Serval Officers, we need to shift the weight of the gold in an equal distribution across the deck. Fifty buckets portside and fifty buckets starboard will be efficient and sufficient to maintain our center of gravity and buoyancy. Please. Proceed,” he instructed.

Clementine and Petal, in a balanced division of labor, lined up the fifty-fifty bucket split and the ship returned to level.

“Gosh and oh my goodness, the motherlode must be worth millions if the weight of the gold is any indication,” commented Star.

“Yes, I see, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

Fogarty and Nutmeg peered out of the wheelhouse.

“How much are the Doubloons worth in Bitten Coins?” asked Fogarty.

“Several million, easy. Star’s estimate is no doubt spot on,” replied Jasper Kitten.

The ferrets gasped, their eyes wide behind their masks.

“But what does it all mean, Jasper Kitten? How does this add up for us and our case? It all seems so complicated, what with the exchange rate from gold to cryptocurrency, and then there’s the historical value of the Mustela motherlode, and what about figuring out how our own Bitten Coin wallet was stolen?” cried Nutmeg, covering her mask with her toebeans. “Who can rightfully stake a claim to the money?”

“And how did that laundered money get stashed in our Apt. F?” cried Fogarty.

“What. About. The. Benjamins?” cried Nutmeg.

“What!” cried Fogarty.

“Fogarty and Nutmeg, I understand and appreciate your questions and concerns at this critical stage of the investigation,” Jasper Kitten replied, his tone calm and soothing. “Please, I must ask for your further patience as we work this all out to the logical and legal conclusion. I can assure you, the J Kitten, Sleuth and Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency is on course for finding out the truth.”

“Of course, Jasper Kitten,” said Fogarty.

“Of course, thank you, Jasper Kitten,” said Nutmeg.

“But right now, we need to stay ahead of any further Stranger Danger, whether bandits, pirates, hit and run drivers, substitute mail carriers or any other form they may take in this case, and head back to our safe harbor,” asserted Jasper Kitten.

The ferrets, reassured by Jasper Kitten’s presence of mind and his readiness of action, retreated back into the wheelhouse, relaxed and ready to press on.

“Why, if those pesky pirates show up again, I’m gonna shred ‘em,” growled Chris, low and slow, and out of Fogarty and Nutmeg’s earshot. “I’m. Gonna. Sock. It. To. ‘Em.”

“We’d better get back to safe harbor as fast as possible, Jasper Kitten,” barked Jojo. “We’ve had enough of sneaker waves and rogue waves, literally and figuratively.”

“Your point is well taken, Jojo,” agreed Jasper Kitten. “Flash and Dash have offered their assistance to pilot us back through a shortcut known only to seals. I would, at this time, like to have all of us confer and concur with them. Then and only then, even with all of our time constraints and evasive maneuvers to outwit the pirates, will we pull up anchor and chart our course back to Depoe Bay.”

The Critter Detectives huddled at the stern, all ears as Flash and Dash bobbed in the water.

“We’ll take you back to Depoe Bay on a route close, very close to shore,” said Flash.

“Follow us without deviation, Jasper Kitten. The waters are treacherous, but we know the ins and outs with practiced precision. The pirates do not and will never go near such hazardous territory. It is an open secret on open waters that they do, in fact, harbor a deep deep fear of breaking up. On. The. Rocks,” said Dash.

“Smash,” said Flash.

“Thank you, Flash and Dash. Your piloting assistance and intricate nautical knowledge is life saving,” asserted Jasper Kitten.

“The tides are turning, Jasper Kitten. We can get you back in record time on the rising tide. All you need to do is give us the word,” confirmed Dash.

“Thank you,” he mewed.

With the wind at his back, Jasper Kitten took his place behind the wheel with a paws up signal to the Critters. Chris raised the anchor and the Detectives prepared to set sail. The Canine Unit stood forward at the bow and the Serval Officers took their place at attention in the wheelhouse, accompanying Fogarty and Nutmeg, flanked once again and protected. Flash and Dash swam forward of the prow and bobbed in the water, waiting for the word.

“Go,” nodded Jasper Kitten in the affirmative.

The waters parted as the harbor seals plied their way toward shore. The cove of Fogarty Beach, their first sight of landfall, came into view within minutes, the coast clear. Steady on, Flash and Dash turned southward and Jasper Kitten eased into their wake toward Depoe Bay as they hugged the coastline, darting above the treacherous rocks.

Close to the harbor entrance, Flash and Dash slowed and bobbed in the water. They raised their flippers and pointed toward the bridge.

“Jasper Kitten,” called Flash.

“The honor of serving the world renowned J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency has been entirely ours,” called Dash.

“Thank you for escorting us and keeping us safe, Flash and Dash. To you, we owe a great deal of gratitude,” he raised a white gloved paw. “Your guidance in finding the sunken treasure of the legendary Mustela shipwreck has been invaluable.”

“It was nothing,” said Flash.

“Nothing at all,” said Dash.

“My friends, it was truly something specific here in the Pacific and the motherlode is now safe from the pillaging paws of bandits and pirates,” Jasper Kitten swatted the air.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten,” they bobbed in the water.

“Please, reach out to us at any time if you need our help again,” waved Flash.

“At your service,” waved Dash.

“We were born to the sand.”

“We were born to the sea.”

“Now,” said Flash.

“And furever,” said Dash.

And with that, they swam beneath the surface and headed back to deep deep waters.

The Sunchaser plied through the harbor entrance on the inbound tide. Jasper Kitten navigated the narrow doglegged channel and caught sight of Keeper, standing at the ready dockside.

“Gosh, Jasper Kitten, it sure looks like we’ve got a logistical problem with security of the motherlode at the World’s Smallest Harbor,” barked Star, the light flashing in her eyes. “We need to consult with the Harbormaster.”

“Yes, I see, Star,” mewed Jasper Kitten, his brow furrowed in consideration of the extensive coinage situation.

“Where are we going to put all of these Doubloons? We’ve barely got room for all of us in the bunkhouse, much less one hundred buckets of sunken treasure,” she elaborated.

“Your point is well taken. I suggest that the Detectives huddle with Keeper about this security circumstance as soon as we are docked,” replied Jasper Kitten, steady at the wheel.

The Canine Unit tossed the ropes off the Sunchaser to Keeper. She secured the ties in a well practised safe harbor maneuver and stood steady as the Critters began to disembark.

“Greetings Keeper,” mewed Jasper Kitten, stepping onto the dock. “Our expedition has been successful. However. We now have to contend with a coinage circumstance.”

“Is this logistical, Jasper Kitten? Or also a security situation?” queried Keeper.

“It is both logistical and security related,” replied Jasper Kitten.

“Of course. And you need to be discreet, I take it?” she asked.

“Yes, discretion is highly advised at this critical time in the investigation,” Jasper Kitten said with a subtle nod.

“In that case, I have just the place here at the harbor. A military grade storage unit was installed many years ago, built right into the rock, during construction of our seawall. It is close to the dock and will require minimal distance to transfer your, shall we say, cargo,” she affirmed.

“Thank you, Keeper. That will be quite suitable for our needs both in terms of logistics and security. Thank you very much for your discretion.”

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. My duties as Harbormaster require it. And by the way, if I am not mistaken, congratulations are in order for finding the motherlode of the Mustela. The. Stuff. Of. Legend.”

“You are not mistaken, Keeper. And I accept the congrats on behalf of my entire agency for their unflagging efforts at sea. Furthermore, we benefitted from the expert nautical knowledge of two harbor seals who befriended us.”

“You must be speaking of Flash and Dash,” she nodded with familiarity of the matter.

“Yes. They provided invaluable guidance.”

“Flash and Dash are highly regarded Pacific pilots. I’ve known them since they first learned to swim, free and wild pups off the sands of Fogarty Beach. They have a natural behavior of showing up when needed with the utmost discretion.”

“Yes, we are most impressed with the way in which their instincts serve them correctly,” agreed Jasper Kitten.

Keeper pulled a padlock key from her pocket and tipped a toebean toward a nondescript steel door, built into the rock a short distance beyond the end of the dock. Jasper Kitten gave a subtle but distinct nod.

“Before we transfer the buckets,” cautioned Keeper, “I must assure you that I have issued a Harbormaster Highest of High Seas Alerts up and down the coast to be on the lookout for the pirates.”

“Thank you, Keeper. Have you received any tips as to their whereabouts?” queried Jasper Kitten.

“No. Not at this time, Jasper Kitten, but I will share the information with you as it becomes available, immediately and at once,” she replied.

“That will be most helpful for our investigation. We are ready to transfer the buckets. Please. Proceed.”

Keeper unlocked the storage unit and the Critters formed an assembly line along the dock, transferring the one hundred buckets filled with the Doubloons from the deck of the Sunchaser in record time.

“Officers Clementine and Petal,” barked Jojo, “you are assigned to stand guard over the motherlode of Doubloons until the Canine Unit relieves you of duty at midnight.”

“Roger, Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo,” they saluted and took their place at the padlocked steel door.

Meanwhile, back at the bunkhouse, Chris whipped up a quick kibble meal and filled the bowls, tucking a spoon into each serving. In preparation to chow down, he considered the kitchenette table for two.

“Why, we’ll have to eat in shifts,” he apprised the seating situation. “There isn’t even room to set the table.”

“Gosh, Chris, is that why this is called an efficiency kitchen in certain architectural vernaculars?” barked Star.

“You got that right, Star. Cuz. We gotta eat. Please, sit down with Jojo and chow down after I feed Fogarty and Nutmeg first and foremost. Then Jasper Kitten and I will take our turn.”

“Of course, Chris. All in due course.”

Chris set aside two bowls and spoons for Clementine and Petal upon completion of their guard duty over the Doubloons. As he was washing up at the sink, he looked out through the window and spied a boat offshore of the harbor entrance.

“Star, it looks like we got company,” he growled, low and slow.

“Looks like you’re right about that,” she barked, adjusting her sights through the farthest distance of her progressive lenses. “That ship looks an awful lot like Your Honor.”

“It. Sure. Does.” Chris dropped the dishrag.

“What is it, Chris and Star?” asked Jasper Kitten as he pivoted away from his Attache Case on his bunkbed and strode into the kitchenette.

“We’ve got company offshore, Jasper Kitten,” Chris answered with a simultaneous tap of a toebean on his phone, lit up with an urgent text message from Keeper.

Jasper Kitten peered at the screen with Star by his side.

“Keeper has received a last minute request from an alleged party boat for a berth in the harbor tonight,” relayed Chris.

“This is most suspicious,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“Request denied by Keeper, Harbormaster, Depoe Bay,” Chris read a followup text.

“A strategic and highly official protective maneuver on the part of our Harbormaster. I must speak with her at once and immediately.” Jasper Kitten opened the bunkhouse door to find Keeper about to knock.

“Jasper Kitten,” she barked. “We have received a most suspicious request for a berth in the harbor tonight. I have officially denied the request, citing unusually high maritime traffic at the World’s Smallest Harbor. The alleged party boat has been directed south to Newport.”

“Thank you, Keeper. Your quick critical thinking and response is most appreciated, pertinent and highly relevant to our case,” he asserted.

“Of course, Jasper Kitten. I felt it imperative to speak to you in person given the sensitive nature of your findings today.”

“Keeper, if I may so inquire, what was the name of the party boat associated with this last minute request?”

“Your Honor.”

Their eyes locked.

“Yes, I see,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “It is as I suspected. To. State. The. Obvious.”

“Gosh, what a distinct but less than subtle move,” barked Star, the light flashing in her eyes.

“Why, those pirates are on the prowl, sorta kinda incognito in a brazen sloppy way. When it comes to covert ops, they hardly have anything to write home about,” growled Chris. “Cuz. There. Is. No. Honor. Among. Thieves.”

“Correct. Chris,” mewed Jasper Kitten.

“Gosh, do you think they can actually write anything other than threats?” Star spread her cinnamon brown paws wide.

“Yes. If and only if they use a sharp but not necessarily a shiny object,” answered Jasper Kitten.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Poetry with Pets

Stay clear of the rocks

A return to safe harbor

If and only if

By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo

Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!

The Case of the Deep Deep End! Book Number 4! A work in progress…

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11

The Case of the Misplaced Priority Envelope! Book Number 1!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap.14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Bowled Over Bowler Hat! Book Number 2!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap.7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3!

Chap. 1🐾Chap. 2🐾Chap. 3🐾Chap. 4🐾Chap. 5🐾Chap. 6🐾Chap. 7🐾Chap. 8🐾Chap. 9🐾Chap. 10🐾Chap. 11🐾Chap. 12🐾Chap. 13🐾Chap. 14🐾Chap. 15🐾Chap. 16🐾Chap. 17🐾Chap. 18🐾Chap. 19🐾Chap. 20

BUY THE J KITTEN SLEUTH SERIES

BUY CRITTERS A COFFEE