The Bodyguard

“Name?”

“Jessica Maverick.”

“Prior occupation?”

“Security Chief at Kitty’s Palace, Kat Vegas.”

“Occupation requested?”

“Bodyguard.”

“Anyone in particular.”

“How should I know I just moved here. I’ll take anyone.”

The officer behind the Enforcer Main Registry desk gave the she-kat a bemused look. He handed her back her gun and registry papers. “These papers allow you to hire yourself out as personal services. They also give you the right to use your fire arm in case of emergencies and immediate danger.” He smiled sarcastically, “Just don’t get trigger happy, ok?”

Jessica half smiled back, “I haven’t fired this thing since I got it, what makes you think I’ll start now?”

He was about to reply when Commander Feral entered the room followed by three very upset kats. One was a female Enforcer, the other was a blonde she-kat in a business suit and the last was a male Enforcer in a uniform similar to Feral’s, only not as important looking.

“Uncle,” the female Enforcer said, “don’t you think you’re being just a little bit unfair.”

He kept walking towards his office, located on the opposite side of the floor. Without turning around he said, “Felina, those vigilanties have caused enough damage to the city as it is. I won’t tolerate any more of their antics.”

“Commander Feral,” said the blonde she-kat, “you know as well as I the SWAT kats weren’t the ones responsible for the explosion. Dr. Viper was!”

“Ms. Briggs,” said the other male Enforcer, “I don’t see how a Deputy Mayor has any place at an Enforcer precinct.”

“Shut up, Steele!” the Ferals shouted simultaneously.

His eyes widened and his mouth hung open. He looked around the room to find something that would draw attention away from himself. He spotted Jessica leaning against the registry desk. She had been watching this little scene very carefully. Steele turned to her and said, “Who are you?” The others turned around to see whom Steele was addressing.

“Who are you?” she shot back.

He pointed to a brass name plate on his chest, “Lieutenant Steele.” He wrinkled his nose at her. “I don’t remember anyone letting you in.”

“The door was open,” she shrugged nonchalantly and stood up straight, “I didn’t think I needed and engraved invitation to renew my officer license.”

Feral stepped in front of Steele, “I am Commander Feral. What business do you have here?”

“I came over from Kat Vegas lookin’ for a job as a bodyguard.”

“What made you leave,” Steele asked with a mocking smile, “hookers and gambling addicts boring you?”

She stared him down, “That’s my business short-round.” Even though she was barely two inches taller than him she said it anyway. He gawked at her.

Before he had a chance to retaliate Felina stepped forward and shook Jessica’s paw.  “I’m Lieutenant Felina Feral,” she said with a smile. Pointing to each of the kats in turn she introduced them. “This is my Uncle Commander Feral, Deputy Mayor Calico Briggs and Lt. Steele.”

“Jessica Maverick, top guard in Vegas and I’m pretty lucky at the tables.” She shook their paws in turn, except Steele’s. He was too busy healing his wounded pride to even look at her. “I came to Mega Kat City lookin’ for work as a bodyguard.” She turned to Felina, “Any suggestions, Lieutenant?”

Felina and Callie exchanged a glance and a smile. “Sure,” Felina said, “why not Ms. Briggs? She’s the trouble shooter for the city and gets her fair share of trouble herself.”

“Even though the SWAT Kats are there to bale me out most of the time, I wouldn’t mind a little extra security,” Callie said with a smile.

“Actually I don’t think that’s such a bad idea,” Feral said. Everyone looked at him, a little confused by his statement. “I’ve been looking over your file Ms…”

“Just Maverick, please.”

He nodded and picked up her diagnostic on the registry desk. “And I’m impressed,” he said glancing at her file, “your record is by the book and there are no deficiency reports or records of misconduct. I am, however, curious as to why you left.” His eye brow raised as he put the papers down.

“I’ve got nothing to hide commander,” she said. Suddenly her voice became very stern, “But why I decided to leave is my own business.”

Feral growled out, “I’m keeping my eye on you. With a name like Maverick I should have guards posted at your doorstep.” He turned on his heel and slammed the door to his office behind him.

“Whoo,” Jessica’s voice reached a higher octave, “is he always that charming or only on days when he’s lookin’ to hang someone?”

Felina smiled. “Dear old Uncle Feral. You gotta love ’em.”

Jessica whispered to Felina and Callie. “Ya know, there was a guy like that in my squad back at the Kareoke Kat Klub,” her paws were animated as she spoke, “stuffed shirt type, always barking orders. One night Lulu the cigar girl gave him the key to her room. Never had a problem with him since. Turned out to be very sociable.” Callie started to laugh.

Felina thought for a moment and said, “You have that girl’s number?”

“Felina!” Callie raised her eye brows.

“I’m just kidding!” She laughed at Callie’s shocked expression.

Jessica, however, took the joke to the next level. “555-2231. Tell her Mave sent him,” she whispered to Felina.

Callie gave Jessica’s arm a little tap. “Your terrible.” She smiled.

“I know,” she sighed and said in a deep voice, “but it’s so good to be so bad. Meow!” They burst out into reels of laughter. Clueless as ever, Steele walked to his office, shrugging all the way.

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