A Breach in the Clock Department

Prologue:

[August 28th - 8:02 pm]

It was an average sunny day in paradise. Heaven was at its normal 73°, and the angels were at peace.

All except for one. Tony, a terrier, was a rising guardian, and was becoming Annabelle’s right paw dog. The only problem was that he was always advising her. Never was it: “Go take a day off Anthony.” or “You’ve done quite enough, Anthony”, it especially made him annoyed to be called by his real name. Today was one of the worst for him. He’d been busy for what seemed like hours, but time is meaningless if you’re dead.

Tony was rushing through the golden lands of heaven that afternoon. “I’m coming Annabelle, I’m coming.” He rushed past the beaches. Scurried through the Great Hall and raced up the stairs that led to Annabelle’s private room. He burst into the doorway, out of breath. “I…I,” he said between pants, “I’m here. What is it?”

Annabelle the Heavenly Whippet stood her ground, still looking out over Heaven. “Ah, I see you’ve arrived Tony.”

“Yeah. I’d be here sooner if it wasn’t for the fact my wings sorta, you know, got torn on the last mission you sent me on.”

“Is it done?”

“What? My wings? Done for, if you mean that,”

“No. The renovations. I realize we’ve been working on them for years, and I’d love to have the satisfaction of seeing Heaven finished.”

“What do you mean, Annabelle? The rivers are flowing, the grass is growing, the buildings are built, the fillings are filled, what else is there!?”

Annabelle made a head turn, letting Tony see the unpleasant look in her eyes. “Sorry. But what is it? Is it anything I can do?”

Annabelle paused to take a breath. “You recall the…incident a bit over 70 years ago.”

“I’m afraid I don’t Miss Annabelle.” Tony said with worry. “Could you maybe, perhaps, remind me?”

The whippet sighed. “Concerning Mr. Barkin. Charles B. Barkin.”

Oh him. Tony thought. It had been some time since Charlie had left, but his attitude left everybody wondering how pure he was. “Ah, yes. He did the, uh, thing! Yeah, and there was another, thing and…”

“You have absolutely no idea of what I’m talking about, do you, Anthony?”

“No, Annabelle. Sorry, Annabelle.”

“In the Spring of 1939, Charles had died, and being the dog he was, despite his habit of cheating, scamming, infidelity, robbery,” Annabelle stopped to control herself. “Charles arrived in Heaven. But when I…sadly told him that he was dead. Yet he wasn’t too pleased with that fact. And so he stole back his life watch and revived himself. But since his watch was with him, he was immortal. Only the destruction of his watch brought him back to life as a corpse.”

“That’s a great story and all, but what does that have to do with the renovation?”

“I want to be sure nothing like that ever, ever, happens again. I want the watches, clocks, and time keepers locked away where no one will ever find them.”

“Then I’m afraid it hasn’t been done yet.”

“It isn’t like there’s any hurry for the project to be finished, but I digress. Belladonna has been very quiet recently. We can never tell just what she is planning.” Annabelle spoke as the sun set on Heaven and plunged the lands into darkness. “And on an unrelated note, have the lights been installed?”

Tony clapped, and light filled Heaven once more.
“Good job Anthony, good job. You are dismissed.”

Chapter 1:

[August 28th - 8:39 pm.]

Night had fallen on the streets of New Orleans, and the brisk air of Summer was beginning to disappear. Soon Autumn would arrive and the air would start to cool. With the cooling mixing with the worst part of hurricane season arriving, the last portion of Summer had to be appreciated. And through what better means than a good night out?

Mickey knew there were few places still around for a dog to get good eats. In fact, it had been that way for many decades. But the small, white Lhasa Apsa was able to find himself in the newest café in the south: the Tout Le Monde. Performances, food, a view of the ocean, the place was nigh on perfection.

Mickey was relaxing at a table in the back, enjoying the rich French culture, as his waiter walked over to him. “Sir, what may I get you tonight?”

“Yes, I think I’ll just settle for your…” Mickey began. “He looked over the menu one last time. “…Don’t take this as odd, but I’ll have your Vore Lover’s Special.”

“Just to remind you sir, you have your choice of prey.”

“Rats, if you don’t mind, good sir.”

“Very well then. Your meal will be out in just a moment.”

As the waiter walked off, Mickey sighed. “Man, this place is great. Now then if only there was…”

But Mickey was interrupted as a young lady poodle ambled over to him. “Excuse me, but do you mind if I rest my little legs here?” she spoke in a French accent.

Oh boy, I’m in heaven. Mickey thought. “No, miss. You can sit here.”

The poodle sat next to the Lhasa, almost hovering above him. “So, what brings a dog like you to a place like this?” she spoke.

“You know, the urge of going places, seeing new faces. Adventure and danger, such like that.” After the mishap some months ago, Mickey knew better than to reveal his true reasons for being in Louisiana.

“Well aren’t you the thrill seeker? What’s your name, little doggie?”

“Mickalavich. But just call me Mickey.”

“Mickalavich, is that Russian?”

“Tibetan, actually.”

“Ooh, Tibet is quite a distance from here. I’m Inconnu. But you can just call me Unknown, because that’s what it translates to.”

“Your parents were quite clever.” Mickey chuckled.

“As were yours, Mickey.” Inconnu said, getting ever closer to Mickey.

But almost right on cue, the waiter returned with a cage in hand. Inconnu scooted her seat further away. “Here is your meal sir.” the waiter calmly said as he put the cage on the table; inside was four young rats.

“So you’re a Vore lover, too? You love the feel of the prey sliding down your throat?”

“The fact that you used too in your sentence makes the fact just that much better.” Mickey responded as he pulled out a rat. Raising it above his maw, he dropped it into his mouth and swallowed, letting the rat slide gently down his throat. He picked out another one and held by its tail. “Would you like one, Unknown?”

Inconnu took the rat invitation in paw. “Would I ever.” She gulped down the rat just as quickly as Mickey, and whined in delight.

“Beautiful and feisty, I like that in a woman.” The two reached into the cage and each grabbed a rat.

“To us, Mickalavich?” Inconnu said, prompting a rat toast.

“To us, Inconnu.” The dogs clinked their rats and swallowed in rhythm. Not a moment sooner had the two dined than had the waiter, once again, returned.

“Good news, sir. For being our first customer to try our Vore Lover’s Special, your meal has been paid for, courtesy of the manager.”

“Well then,” Mickey said delightfully, “My thanks to the manager. And compliments to the one who caught those delicious little rats.”

“Sure, sir.” the waiter monotonously added as he walked off.

Inconnu turned to Mickey. “Well aren’t you the luckiest dog in the café?”

“You mean for the free meal, or for meeting you?”

“Oh Mickey, you’re such the charmer. But,” Inconnu whispered sadly. “I have to go. Pups to raise, bills to pay, and so forth. Perhaps I’ll see you again sometime Mickey?”

“Perhaps. Virtually nothing that could get me to leave this beautiful town.” Mickey watched the poodle gracefully walk out of the Tout Le Monde and wink back as she strolled out on the streets. Mickey looked up at the golden laced clock over the exit.

“8:50 already?” Mickey knew the streets of New Orleans were a dangerous place, and it only gets riskier as the night rolls on. “Guess I should be going,” he muttered to himself. “You never know what some thugs have hidden in their sleeves.”

Mickey got out of his chair and began to follow suit out of the café. The skies had grown darker. There were no clouds but it seemed as if lightning was exploding amidst the sky. But Mickey was focused on finding his way back to his new home. Now then…I go left, then down two blocks, he thought. But his train of thought was interrupted by being stuck on the head with a hard object.

“Yawrlp!” Mickey cried out as he lost consciousness.

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[August 28th - 8:40 pm]

Tony was relaxing on the beach in Heaven. It was a strange sight for anyone to see him not working. But Tony was making the most of the night. “It’s about time.” he spoke to himself. “I swear Annabelle is so demanding.” Tony laid back on the golden sands. He looked up at the night sky, and began to just drift away.

For about fives seconds, that is.

A blood curdling scream rings