Fetching Fluffy

Ruth MacPherson was Delmont Security’s richest client. Almost every weekend she brought her private security team on some type of getaway. Most times somewhere hot, other times somewhere not-so-hot. This weekend’s getaway was none other than Tahiti. Too hot to wear a uniform all day, but worth it to work for Ruth.

Ruth MacPherson’s worth was rumored to be at least $2.4 billion! An heiress to the international FleurViolette hotel chain. The MacPhersons were well-known and easily one of the richest families in the world. Our lovely Ruth was the last living MacPherson and had the nation constantly wondering what would happen with her estate when she passed. Her most valued asset was her dog, Fluffy.

If you saw Ruth, you saw Fluffy, her white Pomeranian. He went everywhere with her! She carried him around in a little leather puppy-bag with his fuzzy head popped out. He never went without his signature front-ponytail and blue hair-tie holding the style together. His sweater matched the blue hair-tie and carried a little black book in its side pocket; the little black book always goes with Fluffy; it was engraved in our brains.

Fluffy had a nice life, to say the least; carted around with nutritionists, stylists, a personal masseuse… yet with all these people tending to him, the only person he ever liked was Ruth.

“She’s coming!” yelled Dave, our head guard. The team lined up, forming a path for Ms. MacPherson to get into her car.

She walked out sternly, Fluffy in tow. As Dave opened her door, he reached out to pet Fluffy. “Fluffy doesn’t like to be touched” announced Ruth stubbornly, as she stroked Fluffy, who showed Dave his angry smile.

“I don’t know who’s worse, Fluffy or Ruth” laughed Dave. The team couldn’t agree more. Ruth was the farthest thing from warm and she instilled this in Fluffy. Some of the guys had tried, with no success, to be friendly with Fluffy.

I didn’t give a shit about Fluffy, or Ruth. It was just a job to me. I never have to deal with either of them. At the end of the day, I get paid to do my job. In this case, the end of the weekend.

This weekend alone would make me $5000, which would put a nice dent in the $12K I owed Ralph, my “bookie”. A while back a few guys from Rathens, a neighboring town to my hometown, Boulderyard, set up a drag-race. They were local so only a few people knew about it. I’d seen the guys ride multiple times and there was no way any of them could win against Travis Spanella. The race was set-up almost jokingly.

And there I was, thinking I could make a few bucks off this guy. I fronted $19,000 from Ralph and bet it. Come race day, Spanella doesn’t even show up, no idea why. Nobody knew what’d happened or where he’d gone. Rumors floated around. One of my favorites: he ran off to train wild dogs in the bush. I ended up losing money, owing interest. It was my fault for taking the loan, Spanella’s fault for not showing up! Either way, I’d love to run into that guy and give him a piece of my mind.

So far, I’d given Ralph $7000. My biggest fear was that I’d end up having to sell my Grandfather’s watch, which would hurt almost as much as what Ralph might do. It was the only valuable I owned and after one more night on Ms. MacPherson’s vacation, I could receive at least part of its value.

I woke up, covered in sweat, to Dave banging on my door, “Jay! Get up! Change of plans. MacPherson’s dead.” What the hell?!

Dave explained that Ruth MacPherson had died in her sleep, peacefully, and her body was in transit to Metta Falls Funeral Services. I was given the honor of escorting Fluffy, who had to make it for the will-reading.

“You still leave today, Jay, just a small road-trip when you land,” he said, “bring the dog to Metta Falls Estate Firm for the execution of the will and give him to his new owners. I’ll get you the address and send Fluffy’s luggage over.”

About 30 minutes later, four Louis Vuitton luggage carriers arrived at my door, accompanied by Dave. “The dog’s waiting in the car” he explained, “We both know he isn’t exactly friendly. Just get him to Metta Falls safe and soundly and you get paid… kind of like a dog fetching the paper for a treat” he laughed.

As I approached the car, I could see Fluffy sitting on his little silk pillow, ponytail, blue sweater, little black book and all. The Fluffy, real and up-close! I automatically reached over to scratch his fuzzy scruff and he snapped, showing his sharp little teeth. “What the hell!!” I yelled, pulling back. He looked more inviting up-close than he actually was.

“Jay!! Don’t bother with him!! Remember: just get him there and you never have to see him again! Get him there for the reading and get paid!”

After a tense, 40-minute taxi-ride, Fluffy and I reached the airport. The ride could’ve been better; reaching for that little black book wasn’t the best idea; Fluffy made that clear. It felt like he was protecting his diary.

The airport check-in was worse than the car-ride. After handing over Fluffy’s flight-pass, I was informed that I would be flying coach, while Fluffy would be upgraded to first-class. We were on the flight to Boulderyard, then on the road to Metta Falls.

Had it not been for the single dog treat being carried on a pillow to the first-class section, I probably would have been okay. Fluffy’s status was starting to piss me off. I had to see what else was going on behind that curtain. Needless to say, it was shocking.

Yes, Fluffy was being treated like royalty, but even more shocking, Fluffy had a friend! There he was, cuddled up on the lap of the man seated next to him. “Fluffy! What the hell!” It sounded pathetic, but it just slipped out.

“Is this your dog?” the man asked.

“Yeah, I’m with him… well, he’s with me… Yes he’s mine.”

“What a lovely dog! Such great company. My name’s Russell.” He was running his fingers through Fluffy’s fur.

“Jay” I replied, “and trust me, Fluffy’s no angel…” I was cut off by a flight attendant sending me back to coach. I sat down and wondered who the hell Fluffy was in his past life.

The rest of the flight seemed to, well, fly by. When we landed and I saw Fluffy again, he was still with Russell. “Thanks for keeping him company,” I said as I shook his hand, “let’s go, Fluffy!”

After exiting the airport, I flagged down a cab to take us to the hotel. We had one night until Fluffy had to be at the reading. One night to survive, alone, with this evil fur-ball. Just as I finished loading the cab with Fluffy’s luggage, he made the decision to take off! For a such a small dog, he was pretty fast. I apologized to the cabdriver and took off after Fluffy.

“Fluffy!” I yelled, “Fluffy! Come here, boy!” I called, over and over. I looked back and forth and caught a glimpse of a big cotton ball hanging out of someone’s bag. It was Russell! And he was about to hop into his own cab. “Fluffy, come here!” I demanded! He may as well have flipped me off. Russell was startled to see Fluffy in his bag. He gave it a shake and Fluffy jumped out, running towards me. Russell gave a friendly wave and drove off.

“Fluffy! What the hell!” I scolded as we hopped in the cab.

We had just pulled up to the hotel when I realized Fluffy wasn’t wearing his sweater, which meant he didn’t have his little black book. The little black book always goes with Fluffy. What could I do now? The sweater was gone and Fluffy was naked.

Our cab pulled up to the massive hotel. It was surrounded by a field with a big park in the back. Only one night I repeated while opening the cab door. Before I had the chance to step out, Fluffy bolted. He was out of sight before I could say his name. “GREAT!!” I yelled, hoping Fluffy would hear me and feel bad. No luck.

I spent longer than I’d like to admit searching for Fluffy. There were tons of paths around the hotel and he could have been down any of them! I called his name, cried his name, and still nothing.

Suddenly, I heard a yelp that sounded like it was coming from other side of the hotel. Fluffy! I turned around and started running. As I got closer, I could see Fluffy struggling to get higher on a play-structure. Drooling below him were two larger, meaner dogs and they were about to make Fluffy their chew toy.

“Fluffy! I’m coming boy!” I called out. Both dogs turned around and fixed their eyes on me. “Oh, shit!!” I yelled and started running.

Just when I thought I was chopped liver, I heard a high-pitched sound, even higher than Fluffy’s yelp. I turned around to see a huge man running on a path from the bush towards the dogs. He was using some type of majestic-looking whistle. I watched in awe as the dogs cowered and let the man approach.

“What the hell was that?!” I called out, making my way to him. “Thanks man, I thought those beasts were going to tear me apart!”

“No problem,” the man replied as the dogs bolted off, “they live on the farm just past those bushes. They get out sometimes. Harmless unless you’re a little fluff ball” he joked as Fluffy pranced over. He was about 6’4, looked to be 250 lbs of pure muscle. I was sure the dogs would have run even without his whistle. “I train and domesticate rough boys like them” he laughed, reaching in for a handshake. “Travis” he said.

“Jay” I responded.

Fluffy was dancing around Travis’ gorilla-sized feet, trying to get his attention. “Leave him alone, Fluffy!”

“It’s okay,” Travis said, kneeling down to Fluffy, “I spend most of my time on the farm, training and playing with dogs.”

“Well, this dog’s a bit of a pain” I said, half joking, half serious. Travis was scratching Fluffy’s belly; a side of Fluffy I’d literally never seen. It was insulting watching Fluffy warm up to everyone but me.

“Oh, he’s alright” Travis laughed. “You from around here?”

“Nope, just here for the night. We’re from Boulderyard. I’m bringing this little guy to his new owner tomorrow.”

“Small world!” he replied with a big smile, “My hometown is Rathens! I hung around Boulderyard growing up. Used to race cars there with my buddies.”

Wait a second… “What’s your last name?”

“Spanella” he smiled.

My jaw almost dropped. Are you kidding me? Travis Spanella ran off to train wild dogs in the bush?!… well, past the bush on a farm. The ridiculous rumors were true. And now I had my chance to give him a piece of my mind! “Travis Spanella” I started. I felt my voice trembling. There was no way I was giving this giant any kind of shit. There was no way he would take any of my shit.

“Yep, Travis Spanella” he said slowly.

“I’ve heard of you… you were supposed to be in some race not long ago?”

He laughed. “Sure was. Heard some asshole was trying to make money off me. If anyone’s making money off my driving it’ll be me. How’d so many people find out about that?! It was a joke with friends. Too funny that you know about that” he laughed. “Anyways, I’ve got to get back to the farm. Nice meeting you, Jay, and you be a good boy, Fluffy!”

He was right: some asshole was trying to make money off him. Unfortunately, that asshole was me. It was official; I’d made my own bed.

Fluffy’s status earned us the King Suite. We were, after all, staying at FleurViolette, the hotel chain that now had no owner. I spent most of the night watching TV while Fluffy sat quietly on the bed. His little beady eyes looked right at me and I swore I could see tears. Poor Fluffy! I never considered how much he was probably missing Ruth. Even though he was a crusty little dog, he sure had love for Ms. MacPherson. Aside from today, Ms. MacPherson was the only person I’d ever witnessed Fluffy show affection.

“Come here, buddy” I said as Fluffy whimpered. “Let’s get you some food.” I called down for some beef-stew. I figured it wasn’t included in his regular diet, but the little guy looked like he could use a treat. He curled up next to me and sighed. Poor guy.

The beef-stew was a hit and earned me points with Fluffy. He spent the night tucked under my blanket, snoring. He had a full belly and seemed happy with me. For the first time since meeting Fluffy, I felt sad knowing Fluffy was leaving in the morning.

I did my best to shake the thought and laid down to sleep.

I woke up to a loud knock. “Room service!” We both made our way to the door, Fluffy running with a bark.

I opened the door to a young woman and Fluffy bolted out, managing to make it inside a closing elevator.

“I’m here to serve you breakfast” the lady announced with a smile.

I had no time for breakfast. We had less than an hour before the reading and Fluffy still needed a good brush and fresh ponytail.

I flew down the hall to the elevator, which took 2 long minutes getting to me. My adrenaline kept going. We were going on less than 40 minutes until the reading.

I ran outside and immediately started calling Fluffy’s name. My first thought was to go to the hotel-park. When I arrived and saw he wasn’t there, I realized it would be stupid for him to go back to where he was almost eaten alive.

I continued looking down a few paths from the park with no luck. My mind wandered, trying to think of something Fluffy would be drawn to. My thoughts lead to Travis Spanella and his dog farm, just past the bush. That was where I headed.

With just over half-an-hour left until Ms. MacPherson’s will-execution and Fluffy’s adoption, I had to move fast. The ride to the reading would take at least 20 minutes. If I wanted to get paid, I had to have Fluffy there on time.

The farm was easy enough to find, literally on the other side of the long bush line separating it from the hotel-park. This was my last hope in finding Fluffy in time. Travis was already outside when I walked up. “Jay! How’s it going? What’re you doing here?” he asked confusedly.

“Listen Travis, Fluffy took off and I was thinking he might’ve come here. Can I go see if he’s back there?”

“Yeah, sure. All the dogs are caged up. Let’s take a look.”

We went around the fence and I was surprised to see a huge, open space with tons of dog-training equipment and toys. “Damn, you guys really mean business here.”

“We try! We treat our dogs like our kids. If Fluffy’s here, he likely busted through the same gate the boys escaped from yesterday. All the pups are caged up, so let’s see if Fluffy’s hiding somewhere.” He pulled out the same shiny whistle from the day before. The high-pitched sound rang in my ears and I could hear some howls coming from the cages in the yard. From the bottom of one kennel, I could see a little beige ball of fluff zooming toward us. I squinted for a better look; it was a dirty Fluffy!

“There he is!” Travis said excitedly. At first, I thought Fluffy was running to Travis, but he came to me instead.

“I’m happy to see you too, boy!” I said as he licked me. It was the truth. A truth that sank in heavily when I remembered I was about to hand Fluffy off to his new parents. It felt heavier when I realized we had less than 10 minutes until the reading.

Travis must have noticed the look on my face. He asked if everything was okay.

“Yeah, thanks for helping me. I’m bringing him to his new owners. I’m actually working right now, definitely not going to make it on time, so probably won’t get paid” I explained. Oh well, at least I still had my Grandfather’s watch to sell.

“I think I can help” Travis smirked.

Before I knew it, we were in front of Metta Falls Estate Firm. Travis drove faster than Fluffy could run away. I didn’t see anything we drove past. I could barely even keep my eyes open without spinning. “Thanks, Travis!” I called out, wobbling into the building with Fluffy.

There was a large table with three occupants. At the head of the table was a man who looked to be in worse condition than Ruth MacPherson. “Hello!” he smiled weakly. He must have been the executor. “Take a seat” he motioned. “Not you,” he said as I pulled out a chair, “Mr. MacPherson”. Fluffy jumped up onto his golden pillow.

I recognized the other people in the room: Ruth MacPherson’s estranged stepdaughter and stepson, along with his wife. None of them had been in Ruth’s life. I recognized them from escorting Ruth to their father’s funeral. Each one felt they were, in some way, entitled to Ruth’s fortune. I kept my laughter to myself, imagining the disappointment these three leeches would probably be facing. Ruth hated everybody; I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted her entire fortune burned to the ground. I couldn’t help but wonder, though, who Fluffy would be going to.

“These are the testaments and wishes of Ms. Ruth Jeannette MacPherson for her estate, assets, and fortune as reads:

Debts to be in order.

Fluffy must choose owner, who will receive $15,000 for the care and handling of Fluffy.”

He peered over his glasses at the three “family members”. They looked at one another and, almost in unison, began calling for Fluffy, begging him to come! It was a nice way to turn a brother and sister against each other.

Fluffy sat still. He had zero interest in any of his pursuers. He whipped his head around at me as I leaned up against the wall waiting for my $5K job payment. Those little beady eyes. Was I even an option? He stood up facing me then gave a little bark in my direction. The old man looked at me suspiciously, then back to Fluffy. “Mr. MacPherson?” he encouraged.

Fluffy jumped off his pillow and ran to my feet, jumping up for me to hold him.

“I guess Mr. MacPherson has made his choice” the old man said, “And who are you, sir?” he asked.

“My name’s Jay Morris, I’ve been working with Fluffy for a few days now.”

“Well, Jay, you have just earned $15,000 for taking on the ownership of Fluffy. Do you have any objections?”

The step-kids were upset, all having missed out on a nice chunk of money. They looked at me angrily, eagerly waiting for my answer.

“None” I replied. They were at a loss for words, but what could they say? These were Ruth’s wishes.

“As for Ruth’s estate and fortune,” the old man started back up “everything goes to Fluffy.”

The siblings were in shock. They must have thought Ruth wouldn’t have anybody else to leave her estate to.

I was quite happy. Not only had I made $5K for getting Fluffy to the reading and another $15K for being loved by Fluffy, but I also inherited Fluffy, who inherited everything MacPherson… which meant that Fluffy and I now owned the entire MacPherson estate!

“There is, however, an important note of information included,” the old man interrupted. “Ms. MacPherson had no accounts, only an accountant. The only person with access to Ms. MacPherson’s fortune was Ms. MacPherson herself, with combinations for her safes. These combinations are kept securely with Fluffy in a little black book.” Everyone in the room looked at Fluffy, then up to me when they realized Fluffy had no book. “And, Jay, where is this book?”

I wondered if the tears rolling down my face were real or in my head. There was no way in hell I’d ever be seeing that book again. “It’s gone” I admitted with shame. “Fluffy ran away and came back without his sweater.” What else could I say? That was exactly what happened.

“Well… that is quite a shame” the executor said empathetically. This was the happiest I’d seen the trio since walking in.

Fluffy didn’t care; he was perched proudly on my lap, little pink tongue flopping. I could’ve curled up in a ball and died. That’s what was in that damn book?! Of course it was, because again, I’ve made my own bed. I did make $20K thanks to this weekend, so I couldn’t really complain. I even got to keep my Grandfather’s watch!

“Everything will be transferred to Fluffy, to whom you will be Power of Attorney” the executor announced.

There I was, sitting in this huge mansion with my new buddy. It was a little creepy because all Ruth’s belongings were still in the house. All expensive stuff like paintings and jewelry, clothes, furniture; small traces of Ruth all throughout. Fluffy and I planned to eventually go through everything and sell what we could to make up for that little multi-billion-dollar loss.

Everyone knew Ruth had passed, and nobody contested the will because the combinations were long gone. Ruth had never let anyone close enough to be a friend, sadly. From here on out, it was just Fluffy and me.

We started a nightly routine, takeout and TV. Fluffy liked to be wherever I was.

Fluffy and I were doing our regular thing when out of nowhere, we heard a phone ring and it wasn’t mine. I got up and did my best to follow the ringing, Fluffy following me. It turned out Ruth had a home-phone, but who would be calling her?

“Hello?” I answered curiously.

“Hi! Jay, is that you? It’s Russell, from the Boulderyard flight last week.”

I remembered Russell, but why was he calling Ruth’s phone? “Hey Russell, yes it’s Jay! How’d you get this number?”

“I thought I recognized your voice! Fluffy left his sweater in my briefcase. His book is labelled Fluffy MacPherson with this phone number. I’d like to get it back to him!”

I felt the same tear as the day I realized I lost all access to Fluffy’s billion-dollar inheritance. “Russellllll! Thank youuuu!!! That’s amazing!! Fluffy is going to be so happy!”

That meant Fluffy and I could really live in style!

Now, onto the next chapter.