บท 116: Chapter 116: Wakey Wakey

It took Charlotte a few minutes to rouse Iosif from his faint, minutes I spent stroking Sass's fur and feeling rather proud of myself. The silver Persian seemed to agree with my assessment of results, purring heavily in my arms, amber eyes half lidded as he gazed with his detached arrogance at the pale man lying on the ground.

A sharp slap from the werewoman finally jerked the retired mobster out of his slumber and into the real world.

"Wakey wakey," I said, smiling sweetly at him, showing teeth so he'd know I meant him harm. "Time for rest is over, sunshine. Up and at 'em and all those morning clichés involving bacon."

Iosif staggered to his feet, Charlotte's hand supporting him, still pale and grim, a sheen of sweat on his face. But he seemed at least partially cooperative as he nodded and swallowed visibly.

"How can I help?"

"That's more like it." I nuzzled the top of Sass's head while he continued to purr. "Charlotte?"