The Newest Member (continued)

"Where did I put my nuts?" I cry as the parade of daily dogs rolls by "Where could they possibly be?" Growler trots up to my tree, a concerned look on his face "You lose your marbles, Joey?" "NUTS! They're nuts, not marbles" I yell after him as he is tugged toward the fenced-in area by his alien. I continue my act throughout the morning, but not once do Eli or Trixie show their snouts. At 1:37 (quitting time) I call code one last time, and a young-looking guy pulls up by my tree "I found your nuts under the third knot to the left" he says in a quick, unfamiliar crisp accent. Looking him up and down, I ask "Marbles rounded up?" thinking he wouldn't, couldn't know what that meant, but of course, a quick " yes sir, locked in the basement" was the immediate reply. I sigh, reach for the lever, and let the dude in through the visitor hatch.

The bouncer at the entrance of Sqiddle & Marbles Inc. looks me up and down like I'm just a lowly peasant, like maybe he doesn't know that I am the next co-owner of the entire company. He finally lets me in, and I trot down the hallways, almost familiar, with the common blue shag carpet and yellow walls. I've worked in so many of these kinds of establishments that I'm nearly shocked that the interviewer for hiring wanted a second interview, usually they just sweep me right into their open position. Oh! Also since I am destined to get the highest ranking position in the job force, you should know my name, I'm Even at your service.

I was looking forward to going back to my pad early, but I guess since Mr. Snooty Pants walked in, I have to keep the post open for a few more minutes, so I settle down and begin my routine. Not 5 minutes pass, when Lily runs up, out of breath "Joey! I found your nuts under the third knot on to the left!" I'm about to spit out a reply, when their human runs into the clearing, I turn a concerned face to Lily, and she simply nods. Lily, for the first time in her long career, has broken code.