“ This is getting too scary for yours truly” Lucky muttered to himself, backing away.

He waved a paw casually in return “Hi there, I was just passing so I’ll likely mosey on my way.

Then a thought struck him. “Say, any of you know where a dog can get a decent meal round here?”

One cat stepped forward and rested a paw on Lucky’s shoulder. Lucky flinched but bravely stood his ground. “Come my friend, fine dining awaits you. Anything your heart desires can be found beyond that door”

“Yeah, well, like I say.......I was just passing .....and....er ....you mean if I wanted a steak and stuff like that” Lucky’s mouth watered at the very thought. He managed not to drool. How embarrassing would that be when he was trying to be so cool.

“Anything, the finest of foods, the softest of beds, the ....” the cat’s sing song voice and all that fancy talk was beginning to get on Lucky’s nerves. Time to cut it short.

“Very kind of you l’m sure - don’t mind if I do” Lucky sauntered through the door looking a great deal more nonchalent than he felt, his heart thudding. He felt a shiver run down his spine and he moved closer to the wall as he made his way cautiously into the unknown.

Suddenly a door creaked open way in the distance at the end of the corridor, sending a finger of light zipping towards Lucky. He stopped and put a paw to his forehead, shielding his eyes. As he started forward again, he heard the heavy oak door close quietly behind him. He swung around, his shadow dancing by his side. The hair on his neck rose as he heard the sound of a heavy bolt slide into place. Now there was no going back...

On to Chapter II