Thunderfunk the Superchicken - Chapter 52

Fair Warning

Cornelius J. Breadbuuter settled back in his chair, brooding. A fire crackled in the fireplace, warming his toes. A snifter of brandy was perched on the table near his elbow, its contents half emptied already. Light was cast from the fire, creating flickering shadows that danced to music only they could hear. The scene was calm and peaceful, as relaxing an evening as one could wish for, and Breadbuuter hated it.

For two weeks, Thunderfunk the Superchicken had sent a constant barrage of attacks as the evil genius tried to gain access into his home. And then they had stopped. It had been six days now, and there had been nary a peep from his adversary. In all of the years that they had fought with and against each other, this was the longest he had ever seen the giant chicken go without some sort of plan or scheme. Something was wrong and Breadbuuter was worried.

Reaching out carefully, he grabbed his brandy, raising it to his lips for a bracing sip of the drink. Instead, he splashed the entire contents all over his face when the phone’s shrill ring cut through the silence. Grabbing a kerchief, he dabbed at the spilled liquid ineffectually. It was quite likely that his smoking jacket was ruined. Wiping his face, he poured himself another drink, downing it in a single gulp. Pouring another, he splashed it in his face again when Tom appeared at his side. “What do you want?” spluttered Breadbuuter, keeping a wary eye on Tom’s puppet, which was looking a little tattered.

“The phone is for you sir,” said Tom before bowing slightly and backing out of the room. The puppet never stopped staring.

Unnerved, Breadbuuter regarded the nearly empty bottle of brandy for a moment before replacing it on the table. Why risk a third time, he figured. Taking a deep, calming breath instead, he answered the phone. “This is Breadbuuter,” he said authoritatively.

“You’ve had your chance,” came a calm voice. “Now face the device.” The line went dead.

Breadbuuter looked at the phone for a long moment, his face growing pale. With a shaking hand he took up the brandy bottle and drained it down to the last dregs. He sighed contentedly before tearing out of the room to his command centre. It was time to fight!