Free The City Heroes by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren Page A

and rubbed his paws gleefully together. “You are right,” he admitted, “Something brought me here.”
    â€œThatcher reacted, “You came here to hunt, didn’t you?”
    Blaize chuckled. He leaned on the drum and crossed his paw over his body and explained, “The person that feeds you rescued me from the canal on the other side of town.”
    Thatcher adjusted and snarled, “Then why should you disturb me?”
    â€œWell, I am sorry. I intend to hunt down the rats here as payment for the help your master rendered.”
    Thatcher paused and observed the cat discreetly. “Though my master has trouble with rats, and you can help us cut them down to size, you cannot live here, because this is my territory. Besides, your presence might reduce my ration!”
    Blaize laughed out loud. “I don’t want to live here. Once my job is done, and he acknowledges my presence, I will be gone.”
    Thatcher pondered over his words. He glanced at Blaize again. He disclosed, “I like people who keep their promises. I hope you will keep yours.”
    â€œI will.”
    â€œWhat did you say your name was?”
    â€œBlaize,” the cat replied shortly.
    â€œBlaize? That sounds nice. You can call me Thatcher. Together we will kill the rats. My master will appreciate that. And if he allows you to stay, your meals for the next week will be on me. Do you agree?”
    The cat did not give it a thought; he nodded in agreement and smiled. Thatcher winked and said, “Now that we have a deal, let’s get down to work!”

CHAPTER 4
The Agreement



As the night retired to its holy interior, the day began in earnest and Blaize wished his expectations had not been cut short. He’d had a good night; his speed and cunning had served his cause and his claws had done their work. He’d placed the rats on the threshold of the house then curled up in a corner, expecting Drood to present himself in the morning.
    Early in the morning the boy opened his eyes to the light of the world. Without wasting time, he jumped out of bed, got dressed and made for the kennel to greet his pet, Thatcher. But just as he reached the threshold, he saw the dead rats. How they got there, he wondered? Then he raised his head and glanced about, and found the cat he’d rescued yesterday asleep in the corner. Drood smiled at the creature and said, “I guess you did this. Thank you!”
    But there was no response from his new friend. The boy moved to the back yard and returned with a broom and shovel to clear the mess. Without wasting time, he gathered the rats into a dustbin, and then he dug a hole and buried the dead creatures. Relieved, Drood raised his head and wiped his face with the back of his hand. Now, Thatcher and the cat had moved nearer, but Drood turned a blind eye, for he was keen to return the shovel and broom to their place.
    The boy returned to see the cat and the dog rolling happily on the floor as if they had been friends forever. Drood fed them both a befitting meal then disappeared into the house. Thatcher reminded Blaize of their agreement, but before the cat could snatch either a morsel of food or a breath from the wings of the morning, his meal was in the belly of the greedy dog.

CHAPTER 5
The Kidnappers

    It was a lazy morning, and Drood reached the factory without knowing that Thatcher and Blaize were following him. The dog was eager to know where his master worked, and when he found out, it was surely the best day of his life. Not to cause any disturbance, the creatures took cover near a building opposite the factory. As soon as they settled down, Thatcher turned to Blaize and said, “My master will be surprised to see us here.”
    â€œI think so, and I doubt if he will be happy,” Blaize returned.
    â€œDon’t be so pessimistic, Blaize. My master is hardly offended. Do you know his name?” Thatcher threw out a question as they exchanged