10 Hunting

CHAPTER TEN Hunting Ted, Nancy and Willow were stomping to Twinklenuts Library. Crusty McTavish had invited the animals of Grimwood to camp out there until the badgers had caught the mysterious Bigfoot. 'Wiggy's not as tough as Monty and the Jeremys,' said Ted. He couldn't keep the worry out of his voice. 'I don't think he really wants to go Bigfoot hunting.' 'No, he doesn't,' said Nancy. 'But it's a loyalty thing. He's cool.' It was quite exciting walking into Twinklenuts Library after dark. Candles flickered, bathing the large room in a golden glow. Willow hopped up the wooden spiral staircase to join her 543 brothers and sisters, who were settling down on the balcony for a story. Ted looked around. It was absolutely packed… but not everyone in Grimwood seemed to be here. 'Where are all the squirrels?' he murmured to himself. 'And where's Sharon? And Pamela? And Felipe the annoying bumblebee?'

'Some creatures simply can't be tamed,' said Ingrid, who was nestled in a large leather armchair. 'You think that crazy eagle will ever come down from her tower? Nope.' Sir Charles Fotheringay, meanwhile, was squeezed next to Ingrid, reading a book called Quack's Entertainment! A History of Ducks in Showbiz. Ted and Nancy found themselves a squishy bean bag to nestle in. 'I know you wanted to help them tonight, sis,' said Ted. Nancy grunted. 'Yeah, maybe,' she said. Ted curled up against her. 'I'm glad you didn't, though.' He grinned, and gave her a squeeze. 'Have you been having any more weird memories?' he asked softly. 'Just the same stuff over again,' said Nancy. 'And each time, things get clearer and stronger. Apart from that stupid tune.' 'The whistling?' asked Ted.

'Yeah,' grunted Nancy. 'It's doin' my nut in. I wish I could remember how it ends.' Crusty McTavish wheeled himself over to the foxes. 'Ah, I was hoping I'd see you two,' he said. He leant into the old roller-skate he used to get around and pulled out a folded-up bit of paper. 'It's not the done thing to rip pages out of books,' he whispered, 'but this felt important. It's a record of every fox that has lived in the area over the last five years.' 'Oooh!' said Ted. Crusty gave Nancy the bit of paper. 'No idea if it'll help,' he said. 'But I thought you might like to see who used to live in your den. See who might have left those pawprints you mentioned.' Nancy nodded and clutched the paper. She hoped Ted didn't notice that her paw was shaking. 'Cheers, Crusty,' she said. They looked at the list.

FOXES Location: Den near Crystal Lake Name: Pete 'Stinky' Watson (lives alone) Location: Den in wasteland, past Swamp of Despair Name: Rex and Jess. Son (3) and daughter (newborn cub) 'Hmm,' said Ted after a while. 'That's deffo our den. But those foxes can't be Mum and Dad, can they?' Nancy shook her head, disappointed. 'Nah,' she said. 'Doesn't make sense, the son being older than the daughter. Oh well. Whatever.' And she sank into the bean bag with a flump. Ted settled in next to her. 'Nance,' he said after a while. 'It's OK, you know? I… I think you need to stop worrying about Mum and Dad.' Nancy didn't say anything, but Ted could hear her breathing slowing down.

'I know they loved us,' said Ted. 'I know that because of how much you love me. They must have shown you how to do that. I feel so lucky that we had them, even if it was just for a bit. And look around us! We've got a huge new family now.' Nancy didn't speak. But she curled her tail around Ted and squeezed very hard. WAAAAAAAH! Pass the hankies, I'm having an absolute snot-fest down here. Meanwhile, in Grimwood, the badgers had gathered outside Titus's caravan for a final meeting before setting off on their Bigfoot-hunting expedition. As a noble and brave mayor, Titus

had refused to leave Grimwood– which meant Frank had stayed behind too. 'Now, are you sure you don't need any more custard creams?' pleaded Titus. 'Honestly, bro, you've given us more than enough,' said Monty, who was still wearing his wraparound sunglasses even though it was dark. 'Make sure your walkie-talkie is working,' said Frank. One of the Jeremys pressed a red button on a small black device. There was a crackle and a hiss. Then they heard a voice. 'SQUAAAAWK! This is Special Agent Pamela, do you copy? Over and out.' 'Um,' said Jeremy. 'Sure?' 'SQUAAAAWK! You are meant to say "Roger", you fool! Over and out.' 'Who's Roger?' whimpered Jeremy. Frank rolled his eyes. 'Just keep in touch with Pamela, OK? She'll be watching from the Magic Tower. As soon as you've caught the Bigfoot, call her, understood?'