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The High Road and The Low A Clan of The Cats Story by Dave Lerner Part II Ben talked to the long-haired God-damn hippie freak in his study. Actually, the freak’s hair was fairly short, he worked to save animal so maybe he wasn’t damned, and he didn’t dress like a hippie, he wore a suit. His philosophy was that the best way to fight big business was to gain public sympathy, and you did that by being part of the public. He looked like someone Ben would’ve been glad to hire to manage the accounting department. The kid worked for the FFAA, the Fairness For Animals Association, the largest most powerful anti-vivisection group Ben could stomach. He wasn’t trying to close Leatherman’s Coats Belts and Purses, Kaplinger’s Furs, or The Burger Barnanza, for God’s sake. Just stop some savages from hurting dogs. The kid was organized and business-like, a major plus. He said him they could start with petitions, get the community support, maybe try to speak to the mayor. Ben had already spoken to the mayor, for all the good that did. The kid saw Ben wanted results, and now. He said, "Mr. Monroe. Look, sir, the double F double a is on the level. However, if you’d like, I just might be able to get in touch with a more...active group. Like those guys who trashed that lab up in Boston." Ben told the long-haired God-damn hippie freak to get the hell out of his house. Sebastian stared at the elf. "YOu ask MUch, cat. aND This time YOu havE NO FavOR oWED." "Do this for me, and I will owe you the favor. Larger than the one you owed me." The folder Ben found on the front door step looked like the other one. Except this one said that this information was true. Well, one call to the Chief of Police would soon prove it. Probably nobody else in Haven could get this done, but Ben had the desire, the power, and the credentials to pull it off. After police gathered evidence they raided Anatech Labs. They found several million dollars worth of marijuana plants. All the scientists, technicians, and staff tested positive for a variety of drugs, though they protested their innocence. The facility was closed. About one-fourth of the animals were so mutilated they had to be destroyed. For the rest, the town had an Adoption Festival, and thanks to Ben calling in favors, twisting arms, making promises, etc., they were able to give the surviving monkeys to Primate Preserve and all the other animals to homes in the area. In fact, many of the animals in the Animal Shelter got adopted, and the Festival itself had a cash surplus, which went to the Shelter. Ben’s whole family was proud of him. Even that crazy Chelsea gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. That night, as he slept, Sebastian watched him. The marijuana plants...trivial for elves. The positive tests...just have a gremlin mess with the machines. The evidence gathered...a light touch of mind control. Mind control that could, in very rare cases, drive a person to permanent madness. Drug charges that will ruin careers, maybe put innocent men and women in prison. Lines of medical research tainted by association. Sebastian watch Ben sleep. "Well, you traveled your high road, and I traveled my low road. I guess we’re both still traveling. Sleep well, big man. We each have a long road ahead of us."
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