Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18 Knock, knock, knock, Michael heard on his window. It was now dark out, and Merle and Pearl were returning from their evening with the Tennessee squirrels. "How did it go?" Michael asked as he slid open his window for his friends to enter.

"Just lovely," Pearl responded. "It's nice to get to know some local squirrels." "That Larry is a kook," Merle said. "Loads of fun!" Now that everyone was safe inside for the evening, Michael let his dad know he could arm the alarm. Boop, boop, they heard from the kitchen. Michael filled the squirrels in on Dr. Howard's visit. "So, my dad's boss thought Bob and Mary were you guys!" he laughed. "I don't think we'll need to worry about the university sending you back now." "Phew! That's a relief!" Merle exclaimed. He and Pearl settled into their huge modified hamster house that Michael's mom had put together for them. "Now all we have to worry about is that cat!" "It was very nice of you guys to help Mr. Nemesis," Michael said. "It was the right thing to do." "You're right," Merle said. "I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us... literally." The friends had a good laugh as they settled in for sleep, Michael in his bed and Merle and Pearl in their cozy sawdust. It had been a very busy day for all of them, so it wasn't long before they all drifted off.

And that's when the alarm went off!