The aroma of fried wonton and squid filled Lok’s nostrils as he made his usual downtown rounds.
He stopped by each shop and received a token of each proprietor’s appreciation then rested a moment while waiting to start his patrol.
Each restaurant closed its shutters and one by one doors were locked as the marketing district went to sleep.
All was still for only minutes before nighttime marauders made their move.
In an instant, Lok was after them!
Just the sight of him made them scatter and disappear.
One grateful stray cat proved cheaper and more efficient than any exterminator.
(100 words)
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple | Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is optional.
Sillyfrog's Blog 
It took me a minute to adjust to the idea that Lok was a cat. Even the most feral animal can serve a worthwile purpose
Oh, so glad it misled you as I’d planned! You never know if it will work. 😁
Shall i send you an email Susan?
I’d rather you didn’t. But appreciate your comments!
Thank you Susan. Appreciated
Let’s hope Lok doesn’t get lazy. A fun take on the prompt.
🙂 He’s a natural for that job.
Brilliant set up and reveal, caught me with the twist!
Ah-ha! I love those gotchas! Thanks Iain.
Nice twist, Susan
Much appreciated. Your input is valued. 😉
You had me there. I thought it was a protection racket, which I suppose it was, in its way.
LOL… a great take. Yes, it was!
I liked this i hope if i were there
Thank you. 🙂
Most welcome Susan. Kindly read my last blog, i need your ponit of view on. because i am really disappointed since yesterday
I certainly will. It won’t be immediately but soon. 🙂
Thanks
When my parents first opened a restaurant in Hawaii, they got a cat for just this purpose, or so my dad told me – one of those stories he’d tell over and over. Ever since then, my parents and now me have always been partial to cats. I love dogs, don’t get me wrong, but cats are as practical as they are adorable to have around, you know? Love it. So true.
I love cats and dogs. I just use different parts of my heart! I understand you perfectly. Thanks. 🙂
You painted a great visual of the prompt location with this one. I love how Lok does his duty even if nobody can see him. Well done, Susan.
Animals are quite adept at learning routines. He likely hung around because they fed him and accidently found a delightful night life. Thanks! lol
For sure. Cats and indeed many creatures have learned to adapt to the ways of humans. To use them to get food and water. To subsist on the things they find a long way. It’s amazing really.
lol, by the end I was thinking a watch dog and human marauders, but this is better.
Close. LOL
You got me. The twist brought a chuckle. Well done.
Thank you… it was a pleasure making you chuckle. 😀
i thought he was one overweight cop. oh well, i was led astray again. 🙂
Ha… thanks!
Ha, I was thinking “protection money” and then security guard, the cat was a surprise 🙂
So happy that it played with your perception. My plan worked!
Seems like a dream job for a perky cat. I like how you managed to turn this from a night watchman into a cat.
Thank you. It does seem like a great arrangement!
A brilliant misdirect Susan! Nice one.
Much appreciated! 😀
Dear Susan,
Terrific misdirect. Going back and reading it a second time, knowing Lok was a cat put a whole new spin on the story. Loved it both times.
Shalom and hearty meow,
Rochelle
😁 Thanks! It worked out well.
Yes, I thought it was a protection racket too! What a clever misdirect. Love it.
Clever stuff, it was about a cat! Had me fooled for a bit there!
Ha! So glad it worked! Thanks.
Great twist. I loved that Lok was a cat!!
🥰 Cats don’t get enough good press. Thanks.
This is great! Love the twist, and the cat being the hero of the story.
Thanks! Cats are good. 🥰
That they are! Meow! 😺
Excellent take on the prompt! Nice to have a cat as the hero!
Such a fine story this is. I saw a documentary a few years back, “Kedi,” about the community cats of Istanbul, Turkey. Lok reminds me of one of the cats.
Many thanks!
You’re welcome.
That was one perfect twist. Didn’t see it coming.
😁 Thank you!
Hahaha ! Go kitty go! The ideal hunter
Brilliant misdirection 🙂
Thanks so much! Glad it worked. Writers are hard to fool. 😁
I’m a week late reading. So glad I didn’t miss it. Great story. Easy to follow, with surprise ending. Love it.