20-FRIENDS TOGETHER! MICE FOREVER!

FRIENDS TOGETHER! MICE FOREVER! We scampered back to The Rodent's Gazette. Then we snuck in through the back door. We were quiet as mice. The office was quiet, too. No one was tapping on the computer. No one was squeaking on the phone. No one was using the fax machine. It was spooky. The Rodent's Gazette was slowly closing down. "This place is emptier than my auntie Slimrat's refrigerator," whispered Shif T. We crept into the editorial room. A mouse sat in the corner. It was my sister, Thea! "Pssst! Thea!" I whispered. "Geronimo!" she squeaked. "I'm so happy to see you!"

I motioned for her to keep quiet. I didn't want Grandfather William to hear us. Thea slipped under the desk. Shif T. and I followed. "I can't stand it any longer!" Thea complained. "Grandfather's ideas are so old-fashioned. He's completely behind the times. We have to DO SOMETHING!" "Shif T. Paws has a plan," I explained. Suddenly, another rodent's snout peeped under the desk. "What's shaking, Cousinkins?" a voice called. It was my cousin Trap. He thumped me on the back. Hard. I tried to remember what I had told myself on the plane. Be nice to your cousin. He's a relative, after all. I took a deep breath. "We've got a plan to get rid of Grandfather William," I told Trap. My cousin rolled his eyes. "HOLEYCHEESE!

He's worse than the warden at Ratcatraz Prison," he groaned. "He won't even let us take Saturday or Sunday off! Count me in!" Just then, another snout peeped under the desk. "Uncle Geronimo! You're back!" my nephew cried. He threw his paws around my neck. "I missed you so much, Uncle," Benjamin squeaked. "I mean, I didn't mind being Great-grandfather's assistant, but he can be a little bit pushy. I'm so glad you're back!" I grinned. It looked like Operation Rodent Freedom was on! To seal the deal, we twisted our tails together and squeaked, "Friends together! Mice forever!"