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“Thank you, Butterbean,” Oscar said. “I think we’re set. We’ll just wait for Madison now.” The animals all turned to look at the door.

“I’ve got ideas,” Butterbean said after a few minutes of silence. She’d been working on some new techniques that she was itching to try out. She especially wanted to try out her new move of “accidentally” locking herself in the bathroom. She thought that would be particularly distracting.

“Is this the bathroom thing?” Oscar said. (Butterbean talked in her sleep sometimes.)

“Yep!” Butterbean nodded. “How did you know?”

“I think we should keep that as a last resort,” Oscar said. He had a feeling that might be too big a distraction.

Walt looked from Butterbean to Oscar and then back again.

“What’s the bathroom thing?” Walt said finally. Then she made a face. “Actually? Never mind. I don’t need to know.”

Oscar nodded.“Wise choice.” He cleared his throat. “Now, while we wait… does everyone know what to do?”

“Yep,” Butterbean said, thumping her tail. “Take Madison for a walk, and then I start the show!”

“Right.” Oscar hoped Butterbean was clear on what “starting the show” was supposed to mean, but he had to have faith. He was ready to improvise if there were any problems. “Marco? Polo?”

“Emergency runners,” Polo said. “In case of disaster.”

“You can count on us,” Marco said, doing some stretches. “Like I said, I’ve been—”

“Working out. Yes, that’s great,” Oscar said.

“We could go down now if you want, though,” Polo said. “Just saying. Or if you need more performers…” She trailed off hopefully.

“Noted.” Oscar turned to Walt. “Walt?”

Walt shot him a disgusted glance.“Do you have to ask?”

“No. Of course, you know what to do,” Oscar said. “I just wanted to make sure that—”

The door opened, and Madison hurried inside.“I’m home!” she called, dumping her book bag on the floor. “Any news?”

“SHE’S HERE!” Butterbean screamed, jumping up. (And promptly falling over again. She’d been sitting for so long her feet had fallen asleep.)

“Oh no, are you okay?” Madison bent down to rub Butterbean’s ears. (That was another reason Butterbean had positioned herself by the door. Better chance of ear rubs.)

Mrs. Food hurried in from her office.“Madison, you’re home!”

Madison looked up.“So have I been exonerated yet?”

Mrs. Food answered with a weak smile.“Not exactly. But I’m working on the situation. You’ll see.”

“I know,” Madison said gloomily. “I just hate this.”

“I know,” Mrs. Food said, patting her on the shoulder.

Oscar hopped from his perch to the side of his cage.“Walt! Mrs. Food’s out of the office! You’re up.”

Walt nodded discreetly and disappeared down the hall into the office.

Butterbean looked up at Oscar.“Operation Dazzle?”

Oscar nodded.“Starts now.”

Butterbean thought she must’ve set a record for taking the fastest walk in the history of dog walks. She practically dragged Madison inside after she’d finished doing her business. She was very proud of herself. She hadn’t stopped to smell a single bush.

Madison unclipped the leash as they came inside, shaking her head.“I don’t know what’s wrong with her. It’s like she was running a race.”

“Good job, Bean,” Oscar said approvingly. So far the plan was going smoothly.

“Are we all set?” Butterbean asked as she trotted inside. “I’m ready for my big part.”

Walt stalked down the hallway and sat down, licking her paw.“Done.”

Oscar fluffed his feathers anxiously.“Good, good.” Walt had some impressive computer skills. “So that means things should start happening…”

“Any minute now,” Walt said. “Marco? Wheels are in motion. Let them know.”

Marco leaped onto the water bottle.“WHOOOHOOO, emergency run!”

“No need. We’re ready too.” The white cat popped her head out from behind the couch.

“What?” Marco dropped back down to the floor. “No emergency run?”

Polo gasped.“But you’re supposed to be in the storage area!”

The white cat rolled her eyes.“I will be. I’m just waiting for the fireworks. Once those start, I’ll head down and start the show.”

Oscar’s eyes widened in horror. “Fireworks? No one said anything about fireworks.” He whipped around to look at Walt. “Did you know she was getting FIREWORKS?”

The doorbell rang. The white cat rolled her eyes.“No, silly, not that kind of fireworks.” She nodded toward the door. “These fireworks.”

“I wonder who…” Mrs. Food muttered to herself.

She opened the door. It was Mrs. Hates Dogs on Six.

“Oh. I see. That kind of fireworks,” Oscar said in relief. Although from what he could tell, it was more like an ice storm than fireworks.

The white cat cackled loudly.“We’ll be ready in five.” She disappeared again behind the couch.

“Here we go,” Walt said, watching the scene at the door. “I just hope it works.”

“Harriet.” Mrs. Food’s voice was frosty. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Very funny,” Mrs. Hates Dogs on Six said. “As if you don’t know.”

“Who’s at the…” Madison came into the living room. “Oh.”

Mrs. Hates Dogs on Six sniffed.“Oh, is she still here?”

“Um. Hi.” Madison turned bright red. She gave a short, awkward wave.