The Heist

"So. Who's got the suits?"

Reggie looked around at his gang. They'd come up with a plan. They needed to reach higher, they'd all decided. There was too much poison on the ground - everyone was out to get them - and they were getting slim pickings from their usual haunts right now and so, they were looking up. This was about survival in the dark underworld they inhabited.

Robbie stepped forward with the costumes.

"They weren't easy to get, Boss. There's not much call for dressing up in fur anymore so I've really had to scramble to get them."

Reggie gave Robbie a raised eyebrow at his fashion comment and took one and held it out in front of him. His first impression? It was going to be warm. His second? That this was going to be the heist of the century. If they could only pull it off.

"Robbie, you've done well. Right, everyone try them on and then we'll get training."

Reggie watched as his gang transformed themselves from the dark killers and opportunists that they were known as to the wider world, into something that would draw the eye but not repel it. They'd be able to hide in plain sight.

"Good! Good!" Reggie was pleased with the result and rubbed his hands together. "Right. Let's get training!"

*

It took weeks for Reggie's pack to reach the heights of athleticism required for the job. Some of the technique for grabbing was harder because of their limited hand span but they were hungry and determined and so, like all vermin intent on stealing the prize, they kept on and on, until they got it right. Balancing beams wouldn't normally be an issue but the fur was cumbersome and they weren't used to the adaptation needed for the tail. Leaping, twisting, dangling - this was all new to them but they had to get it right.

And then the day came.

Reggie looked at his gang and said, proudly, "Right, Rat Pack. I think we're ready."

He couldn't see if they were pleased as the furry jowls disguised their angular features.

"Squirrels? Ready?"

His gang cheered.

"Let's go get us some nuts!"

***

365 words

Whimsy from me based on a severe dislike of squirrels, except little red ones. They're cute with their little tufty ears but grey, black, russetty grey squirrels are, in my opinion, rats with more fluff. The only time I tolerate them is when they sit on their hind legs and do that nibbly thing with their paws.

If I see them on my feeders, it enrages me. I've written a poem about it too:

I know it's completely irrational but I can't help it.

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