The Legend of the Otterton Outfit

Over the following weeks, the otter clan became regular visitors at the Bramble Creek Fish Hatchery.

Mabel proved to be an excellent lookout.

Pip and Squeak became surprisingly skilled at entertaining the younger fish, although the hatchery caretaker eventually banned them from wearing their duck disguises.Grandpa Gus discovered that working at the hatchery came with regular lunch breaks.

He considered this the finest employment arrangement in the entire valley.

Rocco and his raccoons helped repair the damaged channels, while Boss Otter took charge of organizing the work.

He even drew up a new map.

This one was right-side up.Mostly.

And Willa?

Willa became Mrs. Brindle's favorite helper.

She learned how the hatchery raised young fish before releasing them into the river. She discovered that every pond had a purpose and that the little fish they once wanted to steal would eventually help keep Bramble Creek healthy.

One evening, as the sun dipped behind the willow trees, Willa sat beside her father on the riverbank.

"Papa?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do you still want to be famous?"

Boss considered the question.

Across the water, the raccoons were trying to teach Pip and Squeak how to play cards.

Grandpa Gus was asleep beside a basket of sandwiches.Mabel was arguing with the heron about whether a duck could legally park a canoe on the riverbank.

And the hatchery ponds glittered in the fading light.

"Yes," Boss admitted. "I suppose I do."

Willa leaned against him.

"But you don't have to be famous for stealing fish."

Boss smiled.

"No. I suppose not."

He looked toward the hatchery.

"Though I must say, the disguises were rather good."

"Papa."

"Especially the mustache."Papa!"

"All right, all right."

He pulled her close.

"Perhaps being remembered for helping isn't such a bad thing."

Willa smiled.

And somewhere in the distance, a fish leaped from the river and splashed back into the water.

Boss watched it thoughtfully.

Then his eyes widened.

"Willa."

"What?"

"I've just had an idea."

She groaned.

"Oh, no.""A new business!"

Willa slowly turned toward him.

"What kind of business?"

Boss grinned.

"Fish delivery! We help the hatchery, the hatchery pays us, and we deliver fish to the restaurants in Otterton!"

Willa considered this.

"That actually sounds like a good idea."

Boss looked offended.

"Of course it does."

He stood and brushed the mud from his coat.

"I shall call it Boss Otter's Brilliant Fish Distribution Company."What about the raccoons?"

"Partners."

"And the heron?"

"Security consultant."

"And Grandpa Gus?"

Boss glanced toward the sleeping old otter.

"Chief Sandwich Inspector."

Willa giggled.

For once, the plan might actually work.

Or at least, it might work until someone misplaced the canoe.