Nikolai woke with a start as Marat kicked his cot then said “Wake up Niko, the boss has a job for you and doesn’t like to wait”.  Marat then walked out of the room and shut the door to give Nikolai some privacy.  Quickly getting dressed in the new clothes he was provided the day before, his anticipation of what critical job he would be asked to complete had his mind racing.  Would he be asked to escort a prominent family member some place?  Would he have to smuggle some drugs?  Would he assist in breaking someone from jail?  Would he get a gun?

Stepping out into the hallway and then coming up to the doorway for Vlad’s office, he went to knock.  Just as his hand reached up, Marat opened the door, motioned to a chair in front of a large desk and said “About time.  Sit there and I’ll let Vlad know you’re here.”  Nikolai took the seat as instructed and Marat left the room.  Nikolai’s right leg was bouncing with nervous energy when Vlad walk into the office and took his seat in an over-sized chair on the opposite side of the desk.

“Nikolai, I have a job for you.”

“Whatever you need, I’m your man Vlad.”

“Well, that’s good to hear, because this one needs special attention.  Normally, I would just” With his index finger straight and thumb pointed up, he made the sign of a gun being fired.  This made Nikolai’s heart race as he could envision doing a shake down of some business owner or someone that hadn’t paid back a loan.  Vlad continued “but that is not an option this time.  You see, it involves my wife and a promise I made her.  Do you know how important it is for me to keep my wife happy Niko?”

Nikolai shook his head in understanding and wondered if he was going to have to rough up someone that had caught the woman's eye or maybe a pool boy that had been a little too fresh at the wrong time.

“Niko, I need you to sell some puppies”

“PUPPIES?” Shocked by the request, he allowed the volume of his voice to express the shock he was feeling.

A look of anger crossed Vlad’s face and the boss simply glared at Nikolai for a few seconds before he continued “Yes, fucking puppies dumbass.  My wife’s dog had five puppies about seven weeks ago.  They are pissing and shitting all over the house and chewed up a pair of my favorite Italian leather shoes last night.  I’d drown those little fuckers, but my wife made me promise that no harm would come to them.  So, your job will be to take these dogs out on the corner and get them sold.  Think you can make that happen dipshit?”

Swallowing hard and knowing that he had to prove himself, he replied “Can I just give them away?  Or make them disappear?”

“No, you can’t give them away.  My wife is very detail oriented and part of the promise was that I had to sell each puppy for $10/each.  That way she knew that the puppies would be going to a good home as no one would pay $10 if they truly didn’t want a dog.  And NO, you can’t make them disappear.  I made her a promise and that bitch knows when I’m lying.  Don’t know how she knows, but she knows!”

As if on que, Marat walked into the room, carrying a box that contained five puppies that he set on the desk.  Standing up and looking into the box, the puppies started yipping and yapping as they saw Nikolai as a way to escape their confines.  He asked “What type of dog is this, anyways?” as he continued to stare at the black and white short haired puppies.

“Boston Terriers.  Get your ass out there and get these sold.  Don’t come back until you’ve sold every one of them and NO FUNNY business as I’m going to have Marat watch you”

With a deep exhale, he picked up the box of puppies and left the office.  Setting the box down on a counter, he went back to the store room and pulled out a marker and tore a section of cardboard off another box.  On this cardboard he wrote “PUPPIES FOR SALE  SHIPPED IN FROM BOSTON  $10 each.”

Armed with a sign, a box of adorable puppies, and a thug named Marat, Nikolai headed out onto the street.

Once on the corner of a busy intersection, he screamed at the top of his lungs “PUPPIES FOR SALE, COME AND GET THEM WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  FRESH FROM BOSTON AND ONLY $10 EA”

Ellie had gotten wind of a job of momentous importance going on down town.  It was a job full of excitement and intrigue and...  Fuzz.  Yes fuzz, and she didn't mean the unwelcome kind!  She had been eager to check it out just as quickly as she could manage, so as soon as her tasks for the morning were completed, she would wander out toward the other side of town.  She wanted to get some exploring done today anyway, so she figured she'd start there.  What better place to start?  She had been meaning to get over and check on a dear friend of hers here soon anyway, but now it seemed her presence was needed.  

Nikolai needed her help!

And so it was that Super Ferret herself trotted down the streets from her HQ to the other end of town to see just what was going down.  It took near no time at all to arrive at the place that she was fairly certain that the hasty announcement that she had heard from the fairly hurried errand boy had detailed.  Either way she was sure she could find where she was going even without his direction.  But either way, she would head on over.  Perking up her ears as she could hear the quarry long before she could hear it.  There!  She recognized that scent...  Making a beeline for the proper area, Ellie would reach Nikolai with his box and she chittered eagerly and excitedly in greeting to him, twirling up his leg to nuzzle against his shoulder and neck clearly happy to see him.  But she didn't pause long at the one she so missed...  Oh no...  After greeting him, however, she would run back down and right up to the box.  She moved quickly up the side to perch upon the side of it.  At the sight of the little ferret the pups inside absolutely began to go insane!  They began to bark and whine and jump at her.  Ellie drew back for a moment in distaste, but soon realized they simply wanted to play!  

Excitement coursed through her.  They didn't look quite like Rubix, but they were like his kin...  So they must be awesome as well.  One last look up at her friend and her tail twitched as she suddenly dove into the box with the five little fluffballs.  Oh goodness!  They barked and yapped and pounced and played like there was no tomorrow!  Well six could play this game!  The tiny ferret would twine in between and around the pups, simply playing right along with them!  Ellie would help him sell these pups yet!  She showed how playful they were and how gentle they were with ferrets!  One couldn't doubt that was an admirable trait in puppies.  She chittered joyously causing the pups to pause and tilt their heads.  This other 'Puppy' didn't bark and whine like them, but they had already decided she was fun.  Now when customers began to show up, Nikolai very well may have to explain to them that the ferret was not for sale for $10.  But they would cross that bridge when they came to it.  For now she was enjoying the heck out of these puppies!  

Just when he felt the edges of despair closing in at having to complete this mundane task, a friend appeared out of nowhere.  Ellie arrived, running at full speed, as if on a mission.  Always caught off guard with how nimbly she moved, with one fluid motion, she was up on his shoulders and giving her normal "cold nose" greeting.  This little ferret always seemed to bring out a smile at the darkest of times.  Now selling puppies shouldn't be a dark time, but knowing that failure may result in your death was making this a very stressful event.

As quickly as she had scaled his 6'2" frame, at the sound of the puppies within the box, she had sprang to the ground and he watched her cautiously move toward the box.  Caught up in the fascination of watching his friend, he forgot all about his task.  Peering over the edge, he thought he actually saw Ellie's eye's widen in shock as the puppies began to bark and scratch at the sides upon seeing her.  Thinking to himself Well, there goes my help...She's disgusted by these little pooping machines!.  Then to his amazement, she jumped in the box and the playtime began.

Hearing all the commotion coming from the box, a crowd had begun to form.  Seizing his chance, he turned to face them and said "Welcome, welcome.  Come one, come all.  Feast your eyes on the very rare puppies that have been imported from a far away land.  No, not China or Japan.  These puppies were specially bred for a queen, who's name will be kept hidden for her own protection, but think not my friends, these are truly special puppies.  Imported for their fondness of tea, they only arrived recently from Boston. These fine examples can be had for a measly $10.  Bargains do not come like this often my friends.  Now, who would like a puppy?"

With that, the excitement could be felt in the crowd and many, well, two, pushed forward to get their first opportunity to purchase one of these poop machines.  A large man stepped up and stuck his hand into the box.  Excited for his first sale, Nikolai was already imagining how proud his boss would be from his efforts.  Then, much to his chagrin, the man pulled out a ferret covered in puppy drool.  Laughing, Nikolai said "Sorry sir, that is my friend and she's not for sale.  She's just taking a puppy bath."

The large man looks at Nikolai and says "I want this for my Lulu.  I'll give you $100."  Shocked at the audacity of the large man, he just shook his head and walked over and took the wet, sticky ferret from the man and replied "While your offer is amazing, she's priceless my friend."  Then he reached down into the box and pulled out a feisty little female puppy and handed it to the large man.  The puppy began to wiggle and the man brought the puppy up to his chest so it would not fall.  Instantly, the puppy was standing in his hands and licking his neck feverishly.  A smile filled the man's face as he handed $10 to Nikolai.

Well, one down and four more to go.  In the distance, he could see Marat looking at him, over the news paper he was holding and simply nodded in approval.

It wasn't everyday that I found myself in the "windy city". Though after spending much of my time on the east coast I found myself wanted to travel and adventure even more. I had recently opened up a small business selling flowers and arrangements in New York and coming to Chicago I could grab some of their native flowers to bring back with me. 

I spent some time walking around Lincoln Park in Chicago looking around at the beautiful scenery, it was a lot to take in. The city was great but the park was meant for me. I walked around for hours and even found some blue violets which were the state flower. I was in heaven and glad to be somewhere that wasn't home for once. The life in the big apple wasn't made for everyone and this was a retreat I would gladly take again.

After the sun started to set I decided it would be a good idea to make my way through the loop and into the business district for a bite to eat before my departure. I couldn't help but stop and look across the street where I saw a group had gathered. Someone was selling something and he was making quite the commotion.  Curiosity had struck a cord and I found myself walking across to see what was so exciting.

Once I made my way over I saw my own heart melt before my eyes. Four baby terriers and .... a FERRET! Excitement shot through every bone in my body as I picked up the ferret out of the box and held it close to me. Pulling back to look at the ferret I smiled and brought it back in for another squeeze. I set the ferret back in the box and knelt down to pet the puppies. Animals were a definite weakness of mine and I couldn't help but be excited to be in their presence. 

Spending some time with all of the animals while they were playing in the box I couldn't help but feel a bond between the ferret and myself. The terrier continued to beg for attention but I couldn't help it my sights were on the cute smelly ferret. I turned my attention to Nikolai and smiled up at him.

My name is Faith, it is nice to meet you today Mr. Nikolai. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind me asking?

I looked around as people were starting to look at me as I gained the salesman attention. Clearing my throat I was quick to question him.

Are you a licensed breeder of these animals and are they purebred? You may think $10 is a good price, but do these animals come with paperwork?

Trying to make a scene I was starting to rile up the crowd of people looking at the puppies. A lot of the men were now starting to question Nikolai. I had to make a diversion so I could get that ferret free from the crazy salesman. Who knows if she was trapped by him or in danger, I had to act fast.

Oh yes!  Now this was how she liked to be helpful!  Instantly she had created quite a ruckus within the box!  Wrestling, whining, chasing...  Heck she was fairly certain that they almost knocked the box over with their enthusiasm.  Next time she'd have to show Nikolai how to fashion a pen so that they could really be seen.  But the curiosity had been sparked!  On came the crowd to see the beautiful little puppies.  Ellie could hear them outside the box and a thrill shot through her tiny body.  But she would continue to play for all she was worth.  She wasn't sure how to tell the pups to sit up and mind their manners, so it would have to be the next best thing.  And puppies knew how to play.  So play they would!  They were just in the midst of the biggest ferret pile ever when she felt a hand reach into the box.  The pups weren't concerned, but Ellie was thrilled!  Yes!  One of them was about to be chosen!  One would be purchased and Nikolai would be one step closer to being free of his task and able to go about his business!  But wait...  Why did she feel a hand round her middle...  Why were the puppies getting further away why- danget…  With her fur all matted and a mess and certainly unpresentable, she was being lifted for inspection.  She didn't know this man.  She gave him a disdainful look, didn't he know the right hand ferret when he saw her?  Right...  Not everyone played a part in this crime life...  And they were likely not dealing only with mobsters.  Ah well, she had to play nice, Nikolai wanted to sell a puppy, but she shot him a clearly pleading glance.

Like a hero he stepped right in, gently plucking her from the man's grasp, she didn't hesitate but crawled right up his arm to his shoulder and began grooming herself and preparing for the next bout of play.  She warmed at the word friend.  She didn't know all the human words, but the word friend resonated with her.  Pressing the top of her head gently against his neck in tender agreement, she finished her quick groom.  She had more work to do, those puppies had enough rest!  And one of the little ones was leaving with the nice man.  Good!  Nikolai held one of those green papers that the two leggers seemed to hold in such high regard.  Very good!  This operation was going off without a hitch!  

Well after a brief respite, the little ferret nuzzled her friend once more in her gratitude before diving headfirst back into the box and pile of fluffy puppies.  Playtime was back on and the remaining puppies accepted it gleefully!  Tumbling and growling in their playful pursuits, Ellie rolled with them for a couple of minutes.  But before she was all wet and slimy again she was suddenly leaving the box once more!  This was better than any rollercoaster the humans spoke of!  But this time it wasn't the careful hands of a large man but the enthusiastic animal loving arms of a young woman.  At first Ellie tensed all over, her tail  puffing out a tad.  She didn't know this smell.  It wasn't Lydia...  But she supposed there were other women in this world so it wouldn't have to be Lydia...  In an instant, she was pulled in for a tight hug.  Not entirely unwelcomed...  It took a couple more heartbeats as she debated on whether she was going to try and escape or not.  She was drawn back for a good look, and in turn looked at the woman before her.  Kind face, bright smile...  But confirmed.  Ellie wasn't even certain she had seen this one before.  

On the other hand, she liked snuggles...  So Ellie figured they could be friends.  So it was that when she was drawn back in for another hug, it was reciprocated as the ferret nuzzled in.  She was a loving little ferret after all.  But all too soon she was being put back into the box.  Well that was fine by her too!  Playtime again it seemed, as this time the puppies started it.  One snagged her tail in between it's sharp little puppy teeth.  She let out a little squeak, but jumped back into the fray.  She kept an ear out for the conversation and any words she might know.  But found she didn't really know any that were said so she'd just play.  That was more fun anyway.

Seeing this sophisticated woman walking over with a handful of blue violets, the state flower, he knew in his heart that he had another sale for sure.  Putting on his biggest grin, Nikolai watched as she held is puppy drowl covered friend Ellie, and then put her down to play with the puppies.  Full of excitement as she turned in his direction, he was already counting the cash in hand when she started to speak. 

"Well, Hello there Faith.  I can you see you have quite the eye for a great deal and sophisticated taste.  Which one of these lovelies would you like to take home today?"

And he felt his heart sink.  The aggressive nature of her questions completely caught him off guard.  And he could feel the tension in the crowd as all other talk halted and they awaited his response.  Swallowing and regaining his composure, he looked down at his friend frolicking with the other puppies and felt his confidence come back.

"Well, Faith, YOU ask some absolutely brilliant questions.  First, I am not the breeder and have simply been tasked with the sale of these beautiful puppies.  The owner of these fine examples of puppies from Boston is somewhat on the shy side and asked for my assistance in placing them in fine homes, such as yours."

"Secondly, as someone as educated and experienced as you knows, a papered specialty breed of any type of domesticated pet is highly valued and comes at a premium.  Fortunately, for a lucky few individuals, the well respected breeder has decided to offer these puppies at, well, a HUGE discount with their only concern being that they go to a loving home.  And from the look in your eyes, I'm absolutely sure you would qualify as a loving and caring person."

Turning his attention away from Faith in an attempt to diffuse her aggressive questioning, Nikolai picked up one of the four remaining puppies and handed it to a young lad that was instantly covered in puppy licks as the two bonded.

I could see from Nikolai reaction to my questions he wasn't very happy with me. Some of the people had turned there attention else where and some even left. He was trying to brush me off by focusing on another potential customer. 

Two could play at that game so I walked over closer to Nikolai and again asked another question. 

"Do these puppies even have any of there much needed vaccinations?", I asked sternly. 

The young lads mother had her son hand  the puppy back over to Nikolai and gave him a look of disgust as she walked away unhappy. As the crowd slowly started to diminish I felt like I might finally have the upper hand on poor Nikolai. He glared at me and I was lucky I was a lady or it might of even turned into a fight. This was not my intentions at all as I had divised a plan from the second I saw him and the puppies, it was just a matter of me getting what I wanted.

"Now that your customers have moved on with their business how about you and I make a deal?", I asked with a smile.

Holding a puppy in his hands, he watched as all of the customers, except for one, walked away.  He was sure that it would have been a sell out, completing the task in record time, and finally impressing his new boss.  But Noooo, Little Miss Fancy Britches had to ruin it he thought as he slowly turned on the woman.  Glaring at her, he tried to calm himself before speaking.  The woman was very attractive and he was checking out the curves when he came to her face.  Not only did she have a smirk of a grin, but there was a twinkle in her eye along with a confidence that she was in complete control.  If this was a man, he would kick her ass....well his ass.

Filled with tension, he ran the question she asked through his mind and slowly calmed himself.  Responding and taking the bait, he said "Mam, what type of deal are you wanting to make?  See that man over there?"  Pointing to the large protector that had been assigned to watch his progress with the sale, he then looked back at the woman and continued, "I have to get these puppies sold...It's life or death Mam."

The whole situation was fairly lost on the tiny ferret.  She was in heaven and the clouds were made of puppy fur!  Sure there were the sharp little milk teeth and blunt little claws to contend with, but the puppies were of good nature.  They just wanted to play and to have fun!  And it seemed that the little ferret was of a like mind.  She just wanted to enjoy her time here and help Nikolai with whatever task it was that he was doing.  The pups were slowly disappearing one by one.  Well alright just the one...  This other pup who had gone into the arms of a small boy had been returned to the tiny box pack.  Confusion shot through the little critter as she watched him be welcomed back into the fold by his brothers and sisters.  Throwing caution to the wind, Ellie dove into the fray to welcome the pup back as well.  And so it was that the sides of the box protested as the ferret whipped the puppies into a frenzy once again.  

The situation in the box was quite the funny and ironic contrast to the scene going on above it.  As the lovely young woman conversed with her Nikolai, Ellie would keep these balls of fluff busy.  It had been many moments since any hands had dipped into the box to investigate it's crazy moving contents.  This concerned the little ferret quite a bit.  The pups were starting to show some wear, but only a little.  It seemed they were due to take a little break as indicated from one of the smaller of the batch who very unceremoniously flopped onto her tummy.  The others followed suit, piling onto the smaller one to all lay there panting for a few moments.  Ellie took this moment to scrambled up to perch daintily upon the edge of the box looking between the two people.  The lovely one looked quite at ease...  And the flowers were so pretty...  Ellie just wanted to smell them.  So it was that she found herself up on her paws, moving over to the other side of the box and leaning over to sniff daintily at the flowers.  Yup.  They smelled as wonderful as they were pretty.  

Nikolai's voice rumbled forth.  She hadn't known the man long, but she found that she liked his voice, trusted his voice...  She knew his voice.  Now Ellie didn't understand the idea of buying, selling, trading...  She didn't know what the green stuff was, or what purpose it possessed.  She just knew that her two legged friends got very happy when they saw it...  Ellie did not know why, it didn't smell nice, nor was it tasty.  

In any case, she had no notion of the happenings here or what was trying to transpire.  But Nikolai's tense mannerisms made Ellie uneasy, while her natural curiosities drew her toward the woman she did not yet know.  Oh what's a ferret to do?!  Looking up, she chittered in some concern to her older friend before quickly checking upon the pups.  Yup...  Napping.  The lot of them...  Pitiful.  But oh so cute.  But she tried hard to draw her attention back so that the right hand ferret could try and gauge what was going on here.