Chapter 6: A Narrow Escape

Simon — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:17:13 -0700

The trip from the Rosebush to the
farmhouse was a bit risky but one Justin had made many times since the rats had
settled on the farm. As usual, the cat was nowhere to be found this time of the
day. In the heat of the late August afternoon, the cat preferred the coolness
of the front porch and rarely went wandering until evening. A few quick dashes
from shrub to shrub brought him to the lattice that kept larger creatures from
getting under the house, though there were more than enough breaks and gaps for
easy entry if that had been his goal. But not today, today would require
something a bit trickier. Taking a firm grip with his hands, Justin easily
climbed up the lattice and wedging himself between the wall and gutter drain.
He quickly worked up toward the roof and the Fitzgibbon's attic. There was
another way to get into the farm without taking so much effort, but that was
the hole under the kitchen floor, which wasn't big enough for a rat to get
through, so Justin needed to take the hard way. He didn't mind for he is an
excellent climber, like most rats, although it does take longer to get inside
and he always ended up coated with the powdered residue from the building's old
and peeling, flaking paint. ‘One of these days the farmer is going to have to
re-paint this place.' He said to himself. ‘Though hopefully not until after
we've left.'

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Chapter 6: A Narrow Escape