Taking a moment to let his words sink in, I realized that I didn’t have much of a choice. Standing up, I walked over to the table where Koschei was sitting. Stoping in front of him, I requested permission to join their organization. Koschei looked up at me from his seat, “So, I see that you have gotten off of your high horse and have decided to mingle with us riff-raff.”

Trying to think of a way to apologize without coming across as rude pompous ass, I replied, “To start off with sir, I’d like to apologize for taking your food. Without paying for it. I was hungry and desperate. I’d be honored if you’d allow me to join your organization and though I don’t much about the art of thievery, I’m willing to learn.”

Koschei frowned. “First off, lower your voice when speaking about our trade. Secondly, I care less about you taking the food and more about you getting caught. To top it off, you wasted what you took.  Don’t let me catch you, getting caught again. Now, we will teach you everything that you need to know and who knows, possibly within time, you will rise in through the ranks. For now, though you will start out as an/enforcer. Kneel and kiss my ring”

Getting down on one knee, I kissed the ringed paw, that was held out to me.

***

And that my dear friends was how I got started in the cat Mafia. Koschei was right, within a couple of years I worked my way up through the ranks. I had left my old life behind me and I was better cat for it.

The End