Men and Mice - Part 2

Disturbed, Amelia made it back to the hotel. The first person she met was David at the reception. “David, I need your help. Something terrible has happened.”

That moment, a guest came to the reception to collect his keys. “I’m sorry, Amelia. Don’t you see that I have to work right now?” David turned Amelia down. After he had dealt with the customer, he took Amelia’s hands. “What happened?”

“David, I was on a walk with Andy, when two really rude persons attacked me. They said that I look like an abomination and that I don’t belong here.”

“Amelia, this is serious. What did they look like?” David asked. Amelia described the skinhead as good as she could. “Alright. We will call the police. They have to look for these bastards.” David reached for the phone, when another guest came to the reception. David returned the phone to its cradle. “I’m really sorry, Amelia. You see for yourself what’s going on here now that Martha is on her holiday. My shift is over in about two hours. I’ll come for you and then we will call the police, ok?” He took Amelia’s hands again and gave her an encouraging smile.

“Ok, I’ll wait for you in my room. See ya.” Amelia replied. She tugged on Andy’s leash and left David and the customer behind.

Amelia’s next stop was Svetlana’s room since she had to return Andy to his owner. Just when Amelia arrived in front of the door, Svetlana returned from her shift. She invited Amelia in. When Svetlana realized that Amelia was very upset, she asked what was wrong.

“Svetlana, I was attacked by two people on the street. They said I didn’t look like the people here and thus, I don’t belong here. What’s wrong with me?” Amelia complained.

“There’s nothing wrong with you. They are just assholes. Don’t worry about them. “ Svetlana tried to calm Amelia down. “Did you do anything yet?”

“I already told David and he wanted to call the police.”

“Good. You should do that.” Svetlana replied. “Did anything else happen while you were on a walk with Andy?”

“Oh yes, there was a man who is breeding German Shepherd dogs. He asked if he could use Andy for breeding. He would even pay for it.” Amelia passed the card Mister Schnitzler gave her earlier.

Svetlana took a look on it. “Did he ask for Andy’s pedigree?”

“Yes he did. What’s a pedigree anyway?” Amelia didn’t knew what the word meant.

“It’s a table of Andy’s ancestors. There are some animals, like dogs or horses, that come from an excellent linage. These animals have superb qualities, like extraordinary strengths or stamina, or look like the perfect specimen of their breed. Breeders try to cross such lines in order to combine the best abilities in the offspring. The better the line is, the more money they pay.” Svetlana explained. “I guess Andy looks like the perfect German Shepherd dog. I have to thank Gregorios for that. Still he doesn’t have a pedigree. Mhhhh…” Svetlana thought for a moment. Then she took Gregorios' bottle from the cupboard and uncorked it.

Purple mist streamed out of it and formed into the bald figure of Gregorios. “Hello, Svetlana. What can I do for you?” the djinn asked.

“Gregorios, guess what? A dog breeder wants to cross Andy with one of his bitches. You really did a good job when creating Andy.” Svetlana thanked him.

“I’m glad to hear that. A pro is a pro!” Gregorios boasted. “What do you want now?”

“A professional dog breeder asked if he could use Andy for breeding. But Andy would need a good pedigree. Of course, he hasn’t any pedigree at all.” Svetlana explained.

“And now you are wishing for a pedigree for Andy?” Gregorios asked, with a stern face.

“Actually, yes!” Svetlana replied and smiled.

“No!” Gregorios said. “Our agreement was that I grant you any wish as long as it is necessary to get revenge on Martha. I don’t see where Martha comes into play here.”

“True. It has nothing to do with Martha at all.” Svetlana replied. “Still, we could make a lot of money. The breeder made a good offer.”

“Good for you, yes.” Gregorios replied. “But what’s in for me? I’m trapped in my bottle without a chance to spend the money.”

Svetlana thought for a moment. Then she stepped closer to Gregorios. She turned her back towards the genie and snuggled against his muscular chest. Next, she caressed Gregorios' cheek with her hand. “How about I make it worthwhile for you tonight?”

Gregorios got a dreamy look in his eyes. He put his arms around Svetlana’s belly. “You know how to be very convincing. I’ll grant you that wish.”

“Great! Make it a very good pedigree that will stand every test from the breeder. That’s my wish.” Svetlana continued to tease Gregorios.

“Your wish is granted.” Gregorios blinked and Andy’s new pedigree appeared on the table.

“Thank you!” Svetlana turned around to thank Gregorios with a kiss when she realized that Amelia was standing right behind her. “Oh, you’re still here?”

“Don’t worry, Svetlana. I’m outta here. Have fun, both of you!” Amelia had a really sarcastic tone in her voice.

“Oh, Amelia, before you go. You won’t tell Martha anything about what you heard here, understand?” Svetlana threatened Amelia.

“Or else?” Amelia tried to sound confident. She wouldn’t back down from Svetlana anymore.

“Or I’ll make Gregorios turn you back into the mouse you were.” Svetlana finished he threat.

Instantly, Amelia’s courage dropped. Being turned back into a mouse had become her worst nightmare over the last few months. Amelia turned and fled from the room.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Part 1: [link]

Part 3: [link]
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