Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 "Toto, thank goodness you're here. Quickly, come inside.' Even though he looked his usual well- groomed self, dressed in an impeccable grey suit and bowler hat, it was clear that Larry was far from relaxed as he opened the grand wooden cat flap at the side of 10 Downing Street and ushered his guests in. The kittens had made their way easily

enough from the tube at Westminster, but Toto had to agree with Silver- everyone on the way had looked a bit surly and glum. Even with her limited eyesight she was getting the impression that the whole of London was in a BAD mood. The police officers looked bored and distracted, the cab drivers were honking their horns even more than usual, and the school children they'd passed looked like they might be about to throw tantrums, and end up on the naughty step. And now the worry etched on Larry's face made it even more evident: something was up. They followed Larry, padding their way down a short hall into a small, dark, wooden lift (known in the human world

as a dumb waiter, the kind you sometimes see in restaurants to move food between floors). It could just about fit all three cats in. Larry pulled the old iron shutters closed and pushed a button. The lift descended deep into the building, and when it came to a stop they stepped out into in an

underground office. In the centre, there was an old wooden desk, covered in papers and lit by a green desk light. Facing it were two very nappable-looking leather armchairs and, to the side, a drinks trolley with five or six different types of milk in beautiful crystal decanters. What was most striking about the office, though, were the pictures on the walls. Each one was a portrait painting of a different cat. There was one who looked Victorian, another in military uniform from the First World War. There were many wearing monocles or top hats, there were some in full regimental dress, and others wore fancy suits. They all looked proud and very, VERY important.

'My predecessors, explained Larry, after Silver had quietly described the scene to his sister. 'But before I tell you about them, where are my manners? This might be a crisis, but there's no room for rudeness. Toto, Silver, what can I get you to drink? Let me see I've got some organic, some ordinary semi-skimmed, almond for those of you

who might be allergic to dairy (at this Silver looked very confused). No, I think we need something stronger. How about a couple of glasses of JERSEY MILK? Yes, that's the stuff.' He licked his lips as he expertly poured the creamy milk into Martini glasses. Toto sipped hers slowly- it was like nothing