Kleptomania

                                    

                                          

The next day, Lyra, Lucky, Tess, and Master Mittens followed the Bad Guys to the Museum of Fine Arts. The Bad Guys were planning to steal a statue called The Golden Dolphin. The four guardians came to explore the art gallery. One of the artworks displayed was a glowing origami flower called the Mongolian Lotus. Tess' machine calculated it was the page they were looking for. 
Lucky thought the Bad Guys were cool, but Lyra warned him not to get too close. "We can't trust them," she said in private. "They might steal the page before we have a chance to retrieve it." 
"Aren't we gonna steal it?" Lucky asked her. 
"Of course not," said Lyra. "It rightfully belongs to the Book of Ages, I'm sure we can explain that to the nice museum people. 
Lucky looked at Mister Wolf talking to the Governor. He also noticed a big crowd surrounding a limousine. 
"Who is he?" Lucky asked, pointing to the Guinea pig on the red carpet.
"Professor Rupert Marmalade." Shark explained. "He's the world's most famous philanthropist." 
"There's something I don't like about that guy." Master Mittens said. 
"Guinea pigs, they're all fluff and no substance." Lucas appeared behind them. 
He and Lady Meowmalade also entered the party posing as guests, with General Buttons and Lieutenant Fluffinstuff posing as their bodyguards. 
Lady made an official introduction to Governor Diane Foxington. 
"I am Lady Meowmalade," she said in her fanciest voice. 
"Of the Belgian Meowmalades?" Diane asked. 
"Uhhhh, sure." 
As the Bad Guys put their plan into motion, Lyra tried talking to a museum official, who said the Lotus wasn't for sale. The Kitty Litter and Lucky mingled with the crowd, but noticed Mister Wolf helping an old woman. So he is a nice guy, Lucky thought to himself. 
He went to talk to Wolf, who seemed dazed and happy, and his tail was wagging like crazy. 
"She called me a good boy." 
Lieutenant Fluffinstuff watched the old woman walk away, but didn't say anything. 
Lyra sighed. "They won't listen to me," she said to Lucas. "So much for talking," said Lucas. "Maybe we should"- he was cut off by the hullabaloo on stage when they realized the Golden Dolphin was gone. 
As the Bad Guys tried to leave, Mister Wolf was distracted by the Professors' speech. The gang ended up being caught with the Golden Dolphin. They tried getting away by grappling hook, but it ended up stealing Mister Wolfs' pants. So they ran for it. 
"Please help us!" Mister Wolf asked the Kitty Litter when they got backed into a dead end closet. 
"We just got out of the criminal business." Master Mittens told him. 
The police were coming towards them. Mister Wolf directly addressed Lyra.
"Help us avoid jail, and I'll get you that paper." 
Lyra looked at them all, and at the police. She could see another choice. 
"Deal." She shook his hand. 
When the police arrived, Lyra came out with the Bad Guys behind her and addressed the crowd. 
"The Bad Guys have decided to turn themselves in. They were moved by Professor Marmalade's speech and wish to reform themselves." 
What?" hissed Snake. "Just go with it." Wolf told him. 
"And who are you?" Chief Luggings angrily asked Lyra. 
"I'm Lyra Swiftail and these are my associates. She gestured to the Kitty Litter. "We're members of a special organization that has great interest in helping folks like these." 
Governor Diane smiled. Professor Marmalade jumped to the front of the crowd. 
"That's a great idea," he shouted joyfully. "I happily volunteer my services to the rehabilitation of these poor disadvantaged citizens!" He smiled directly at the Swift-Tails. "Will you do me the honor of offering my home, my connections and my assistance?" 
"Uh sure," Lyra looked back at the caught thieves. "Sound good guys?" 
"They all flashed their least toothy smiles. "Sounds good," said Mister Wolf.