Conversations with Critters Presents Chapter 19 of The Case of the Jumping Gene
Walk with the animals. Talk with the animals. And the highly anticipated release of Chapter 19 of The Case of the Jumping Gene...
Today Critters, we are racing down the homestretch with Chapter 19 of The Case of the Jumping Gene! That’s right, Critters! We’ve only got one more chapter to go go go after this. We are that close. To. The. End.
Previously! And, furthermore, brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency, our incredible heroes herded the elusive criminal animal, Busby Bubbs, into a full out apprehension on the Alpaca Farm. He was surrounded and taken to the slammer!
Now! Book ‘em, Jojo! Furthermore. We’ve got a Critter carpentry project that puts DIY on an entirely new level of creature comforts. Cue the Catio.
Please! Welcome our Core Community Critters Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo in excellent no place like home critter commentary and conversation.
Jasper: Hello, Friends. We’ve still got a few surprises in store…
Chris: So please, before we get too too comfortable…
Jojo: Let’s read all about it…
THE CASE OF THE JUMPING GENE
BOOK 3 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
RECHARGE
Meanwhile, back at the slammer, the flash from the mugshot camera narrowed the pupils of Busby Bubbs to a pinpoint. He turned to the side for the second photo and blinked hard. His toebeans, so recently printed, contained residual ink and felt wholly unnatural to him, having evaded detection throughout his lifelong criminal animal career.
Jojo led Busby Bubbs to his cell, with Clementine and Petal providing backup, and then and only then did he remove the cuffs and, in one seamless maneuver, shut the door and lock it for good.
They headed back to the desk sergeant in time to hear a squawk come over the radio.
“Dine and dash,” blared the voice, followed by a blast of static. “Truck stop. Highway 97. All suspects apprehended. Bringing them in.”
“This joint is jumping today,” noted the desk sergeant.
“If my instincts serve me correctly,” bark bark barked Jojo in response, “I’d be willing to wager that the suspects in question for this one said dine and dash are none other than the Experimental Experimenter and staff from the Bio Lab Pacific Northwest by Northwest.”
“Thank you for the intel and assessment of this apprehension, Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo,” replied the desk sergeant. “We’ve had nothing but trouble from the Bio Lab for a significant period of time.”
“You’re welcome. And you’ll find that Busby Bubbs is behind it. He’s behind the Bio Lab and this dine and dash is right out of his playbook,” asserted Jojo with his tried and true Terrier temperament.
“We’ve been after Busby Bubbs for years. We owe you a great deal of gratitude, Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo and Officers Clementine and Petal. If it weren’t for the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency, he’d no doubt still be on the lam. Please, when you see Jasper Kitten and your detective colleagues, give them the praise of the Mt. Bachelor wilderness local law enforcement,” exclaimed the desk sergeant.
“We will do so,” they saluted.
“It certainly is no coincidence that once the Bubbs went down, the whole shebang followed,” apprised Jojo. “The Bio Lab was part of a greater Critter Criminal Conglomerate run by Busby Bubbs. He never wanted to get his toebeans dirty. But now. We’ve. Got. His. Prints.”
They heard car doors shut and toebeans shuffled indoors.
“Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo and Officers Clementine and Petal, on behalf of local law enforcement here in the Mt. Bachelor wilderness, you are cordially invited to witness the arrival of the Experimental Experimenter and three staff members entering the Slammer System. Would you like the honors?” asked the desk sergeant.
“Absolutely,” they agreed.
“Book ‘em, Jojo,” barked the desk sergeant.
Jojo locked eyes with the small group of apprehended domestic feline suspects as the patrol officers brought them in.
“Looks like they didn’t have time to groom themselves during that dine and dash,” noted Clementine.
“Fur sure, Clementine,” agreed Jojo in observation of the crumbs of kibble clinging to the white lab coats.
“Looks like they’re all Orange under their white lab coats, too,” perceived Petal.
“Excellent eye, Petal,” barked Jojo.
“Ret. Sgt. Det. Jojo?” asked Petal.
“Yes, Petal?”
“Do you suppose they may have started their Orange jumping gene experiment on themselves?” she queried.
“It’s possible, Petal, but what we do know is that through the tireless detective efforts of Jasper Kitten and each and every one of us in the agency, the slammer is where it ends.”
“Roger,” saluted Petal with Clementine.
“I’m very proud of both of you for your commitment to cracking the case,” commended Jojo as they continued to salute him. “At ease.”
After the toebean prints and the mugshots had been taken and after Jojo had turned the key in the lock with final finality, the slam of the barred door still echoed as they walked away. Accompanied by Clementine and Petal, Jojo saluted the desk sergeant one last time, pocketed his cuffs, and exited the slammer.
Clementine fired off a text to Chris who felt his phone ping in his pocket.
“Jojo booked ‘em. Slammer confirmed: Bubbs, Exp. Experimenter + 3 staff. Full stop.”
He fired back a paws up emoji.
Sir Skipper pawed at the ground. Jojo, Clementine and Petal hopped onto the sled and mushed back to the Alpaca Farm where word had spread in rapid quick succession among one and all that Busby Bubbs and his accomplices were done for.
Chris, who had measured twice and cut once in the Critter construction of the Catio, looked up from the saw held in his paw and gave out a growl, loud and proud, upon sight of Sir Skipper in the lead, bounding through the gate.
“Why, it sure does look like mission accomplished,” he cried.
“Correct. Chris,” mewed Jasper Kitten and strode over to the arriving team as they came to a stop at the front of the farmhouse.
He reached out a white gloved paw to Jojo, Clementine and Petal, welcoming them back as they hopped down onto the snow.
“You made record time from booking Busby Bubbs into the slammer,” commended Jasper Kitten. “Furthermore, the apprehension of the Experimental Experimenter and staff puts a wrap on this criminal animal enterprise.”
“Thank you, Jasper Kitten,” bark bark barked Jojo. “However. We did make one stop on the way back thanks to Sir Skipper.”
He pulled a tarp away from a small rectangular object.
“Yes, I see, thank you, Jojo and thank you, Sir Skipper,” he mewed and swatted the air by the new car battery. “Critters, it looks like we’ll be able to make the drive back to our Condo in the Wooded Valley.”
“Gosh, Jasper Kitten, are you saying…,” Star held her cinnamon brown paws wide.
“Do you mean…,” saluted Clementine and Petal.
“Yes. Exactly. As soon as we finish constructing the Catio and see that the Ginormous Group is settled into the farm life furever, then Critters,” he paused and looked toward the horizon. “Then. We’re going home. Please. Proceed.”
With a tap tap of his toebeans, Chris kept up the pace of his carpentry.
“Framing complete,” he announced and pounced over to complete the screen installation.
He gave the paws up signal to Fiona and Charlotte and they studiously observed over his shoulder.
“Now,” he tutored them, going slowly slowly for their edification, “if the wind rattles the screen and it comes loose, you can easily repair it in a jiffy by pressing your toebeans here and here. Give it a try.”
Fiona reached out and pressed her paws as demonstrated by Chris with his incredible finesse and screen skill set.
“Nicely done, Fiona,” he praised her with a loud and proud growl. “Charlotte, give it a toebean try for yourself.”
She followed in Fiona’s footsteps and pressed her toebeans at the edges of the secure screen, her long black coat sleek in contrast against the snow.
“What is it, Charlotte?” asked Fiona. “You have a grave look of vexation and consternation.”
“What about the snow?” she replied. “Will it blow through the screen or accumulate and put pressure on it to the point of collapse?”
“Good question,” said Chris. “Rest assured, I’ve added reinforcement to the framing and an outdoor protective buffer from the ground up and the roof down. This Catio is built to withstand snowy conditions. Your comfort is guaranteed.”
“Thank you, Chris. You have allayed my fears. Would it be A-okay to call you on your phone if we have questions about the structure and maintenance of the Catio?” she asked.
“Absolutely, Charlotte. Reach out with a toebean anytime, anytime,” he offered.
She gave a deep deep sigh of relief and stepped back from the screen.
“Of course, the most important aspect of a completed Catio,” commented Jasper Kitten upon entering the room, “is to serve up a round of Ginger Ale and relax on the Couch with all of your friends.”
Clementine and Petal carried in an Extra Large Couch and coffee table and proceeded to position the Catio appropriate furniture with expert guidance from Chris. They followed up with a tray of glasses and a pitcher of Ginger Ale and set them down on the coffee table.
“And the snacks?” asked Chris.
“Gosh, right here, Chris,” barked Star with her can do Chihuahua attitude. “Looks like Sassafras got ahold of the kibble scone recipe and baked up a storm. These are hot out of the oven.”
Star set the kibble scones, still warm to the touch of her cinnamon brown paw, next to the Ginger Ale. Chris tap tapped a toebean on one of the treats, deemed it suitable to his discriminating palette, and popped it in his mouth without further hesitation.
“Gosh, Chris, they’re still quite warm,” cautioned Star.
“Why, I’d say they’re good to go, Star,” he mumbled and swallowed not once but twice, clearing his throat for a forthcoming growl, loud and proud.
“Thank you for the culinary confirmation, Chris,” praised Star.
“Of course. Of course,” he swallowed.
“Correct. Chris. And now the Catio is complete,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “Please. Proceed.”
“Friends, please join us in the Catio for refreshments!” he cried.
The Ginormous Group ambled on in and Chris gave them a guided tour of the Catio, starting with the structure of the screens and moving on to the interior design with the Extra Large Couch and the special snacks for their enjoyment arrayed on the tray.
“Critters,” announced Jasper Kitten, “please make yourselves comfortable on the Couch. This is an excellent way to practice domestication. And we have kibble scones fresh out of the farmhouse oven, a courtesy and compliment from Sassafrass and the alpaca herd.”
Several of the cats, however, continued to mill about, staring past the screens, uneasy and unsettled on their toebeans.
“Fiona, what is up with that?” queried Jasper Kitten, his Orange stripe brow furrowed as he focused on the barns in the distance.
“Jasper Kitten, after a lifetime in the lab, many of my companions feel, well, shall we say, a little uncomfortable with creature comforts of leisure,” she informed him.
“I see, thank you, Fiona,” he mewed. “It is as I suspected. If my instincts serve me correctly, the Working Barncat Program may in fact be more suitable to their natures going forward.”
“Yes,” she replied.
“In that case, I will invite the barncats into the Catio for a networking and recruitment opportunity,” responded Jasper Kitten.
He stepped outside into the snowy field and swatted the air with a white gloved paw, catching the attention of the barncats who veered away from their chore of restoring order at the textile barn.
“At your service, Jasper Kitten,” they meowed in unison. “Our. Chores. Can. Wait.”
“Please, join us in the Catio. Several of the Ginormous Group cats are in a transitional existential situation, from the laboratory to domestication, and would benefit greatly from the opportunity to avail themselves of your presence and expertise if you would be so kind as to briefly brief them on the workings of the Working Barncat Program,” he invited them.
The barncats bounded into the Catio at Jasper Kitten’s request and began to mingle one on one and in small groups, careful to maneuver around the setting without damage to any of its domestic features, the furniture, the glassware. Nods in the affirmative, greetings and courtesies were exchanged. A contingent formed around the barncats and agreements and plans were made for entry level positions and a fast fast track to success.
“Gosh, Jasper Kitten, it sure does look good for the farm’s workforce,” commented Star.
“Yes, Star, your point is well taken,” mewed Jasper Kitten. “Sassafras will be able to expand operations and keep the farm in good working order long into the future.”
“Did I hear someone Orange say my name?” asked Sassafrass, standing at the threshold of the Catio.
“Indeed you did,” replied Jasper Kitten, plying his way over to her.
“And may I please offer a toast?” she asked.
“Of course, Sassafras,” agreed Jasper Kitten. “Chris, would you kindly fill the glasses with Ginger Ale?”
“On it, Jasper Kitten,” replied Chris, reaching a toebean for the pitcher.
“Critters! May I have your attention once again, please! A toast! A toast!” cried Jasper Kitten. “Please, Sassafras, we’re all ears.”
Glasses were clasped and grasped and raised high as she began to speak.
“Thank you very much. On behalf of the Alpaca Farm, I must first and foremost commend the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency on a job well done. They have cracked this case wide open and even though they have an incredible world renown, we couldn’t feel more at home with them right here on the Alpaca Farm in the heart of the Mt. Bachelor wilderness.”
The Critter Detectives bowed their heads as the clink of glasses filled the Catio.
“Furthermore, we have a place here for each and every one you from the Ginormous Group of cats, a place of your own choosing whether it be in the farmhouse, the Working Barncat Program, or a life of leisure here in the Catio. Everyone is welcome.”
“Thank you, Sassafras!” they called and drained their glasses of Ginger Ale.
“Welcome home, my friends. Furever,” she said and trotted back to the farmhouse.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Poetry with Pets
The slammer slams shut
Symbols of bars and of screens
Catio opens
By Jasper Kitten, Chris and Jojo
Critters! Catch up on all of the mystery and adventure with The Case of the Jumping Gene! Book Number 3! Brought to you by the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency!
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 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 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 Misplaced Priority Envelope
I had to go back and read Chapters 17-19 to catch up to our heroes in this case, Heidi. :)
Very happy for the return of kibble scones and ginger ale🤗💞