Just Another Day

"Cook?" Shanku peaked around at one more bed.

"Oy, pup. What's wrong?" Templeton responded sleepily.

"Nobody's up and they're grumpy and smell sour," Shanku said flatly.

"Ne'ermind them. They just drank too much last night," Templeton said.

"Seriously?" Shanku asked with an ear laid back in irritation.

"Aye," Templeton said and rolled over. "They'll be fine. Go to sleep."

"But it's already midmorning!" Shanku yelped. "There's cookin' and cleanin' to do! Cap'n'll have a duck fit if it's not done!"

This is not what I had in mind fer th' pup to try ta please the cap'n, Templeton thought tiredly. He sat up with his back to her. "Tell ya what. Go find out who won't do their chores and do it for them."

"Eh?" Shanku asked with her hands on her hips. "Do their work?"

"Just charge 'em for it," Templeton said as he stretched. "Sleep for them, cash for you. I'm off to start lunch."

Shanku giggled as he climbed the steps up to the pantry. She looked around the room slyly. She'd never had any money before.