Hickory Dock Day

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The reporter’s face was solemn as she began her report. “Hello, I’m Felicia Paws reporting live from the Cat Parliament Building. Earlier today, a terrorist launched an attack here that could have killed every cat in parliament.”

She held up a picture of a surly-looking mouse. “The terrorist was just identified as this mouse, named Hickory Dock. Just before one o’clock this afternoon, he planted a bomb in the ceiling above the main floor of the Parliament Building. I have here the chief of police, Silas Tabby, who can give us more details.”

She walked a few steps to stand beside a large cat in uniform “Officer Silas, can you tell us any more about this terrorist plot? How did Hickory Dock get past security?”

Officer Silas nodded. “The suspect Hickory Dock gained access to the clock tower above parliament through old maintenance tunnels. He was able to squeeze through small cracks in doors that seemed secure. Our department will continue to work all hours to ensure that the security flaws are fixed and no one can have access to our government buildings without proper security clearance.”

“Thank you, Officer Silas,” Felicia said. “Please tell us how the deadly attack was prevented. Our sources say the terrorist planted a bomb.”

Officer Silas nodded again. “That is correct. Our specialists have concluded that the suspect did not wait to ensure the fuse was completely lit. It fizzled and went out before the bomb could ignite.”

Felicia held the microphone a little closer. “That was very fortunate. Officer Silas, how did you capture the suspect? How were you alerted to the danger?”

“The suspect was seen running from the direction of the Parliament Building in a suspicious manner. He was in a secure area and unable to show a permit when asked. He seemed agitated and then upset. Further questioning revealed the terrible plot.”

“Thank you, Officer Silas,” Felicia said. She stepped back in front of the Parliament Building. “In further news, some members of parliament are already writing a proposal to turn today into a national holiday. They are calling it Hickory Dock Day.”

Felicia held up another photo, this one of a cat with neatly groomed whiskers.   “Our national poet, Bill Shakespaw, is already busy writing a poem about the incident. He sent us the following statement:

‘I am writing a poem that I will set to a tune of my own design. Our kittens and grandkittens and great-grandkittens will be singing about Hickory Dock and the day he failed to destroy our government.’”

Felicia smiled. “We look forward to hearing this tune at some point in the weeks to come.”

Felicia walked over to several cats standing in front of the statue of Blind Justice. “Here we have Tom Lightfoot to tell us more about the proposed Hickory Dock Day. Tom, do we have bonfires and fireworks in our future?”

“I believe we do, Felicia. Let me introduce parliament member Alicia Sharp, who is here to tell us more about the proposal, as well as tell us about the incident from her perspective, after the break. Please stay tuned.”