"We run a respectable business here," the Don protested.

"Hogwash," she said flatly. "We have good intel that you run the 'Outfit'. Prostitution, drugs, murders, all standard Mafia stuff. I imagine even your bird breaks several laws concerning exotic pets."

At that, the Don stiffened in outrage, but anything he might have said went unspoken as the penguin made a startlingly human coughing sound. The Don glanced at his overdressed pet and, at a nod from the bird's beak, stepped back. The penguin shuffled forward, somehow radiating dignity despite its ridiculous outfit.

Then it spoke.

"My dear intruder," it said in perfect English. "It seems you are under several misconceptions. Allow me to present myself. I am Donald Fitzgerald, known among those susceptible to flights of envy as the Don Penguini, notorious head of the alleged local 'Outfit'."

All her years in Federal training hadn't prepared her for this. All she could do was gape at the giant talking penguin.

"Welcome to the Big Yawny, Agent," the real Penguini gave an amused chuckle. "We play by its rules if we want to play at all."

In the Big Yawny, the "Outfit" is rumored to be the organization running the local underworld. According to whichever rumor mill you listen to, the "Outfit" is run by one man– er, penguin, the city's kingpin(guin) of crime. Naturally, he laughs off any such rumors. Why should he risk his successful businesses by dabbling in illegal matters? And yet, there's some nagging discrepancies in some of his shadier dealings...

In the Big Yawny, furries are real, humans transformed according to the whims of the big city.

Art © 2015 Marvin E. Fuller