The North Tower
I listened to my own words, having to fight the mad desire to laugh at how stupid it sounded. Detective Luton, in the study, with the Sword of Justice. To my own credit, I didn't say that out loud; to their credit, they didn't laugh at the stupid words...
Jumping Mouse, Part 3
It took four days for it all to happen. During that time, Madame Roma (who had us call her Katarina when we were in private) took some time, twice a day, to send our message to Wally. Lillian had graciously allowed her to keep the rose quartz pendant...
House Rules
Art, in the modern digital studio, is made in layers. With music, it can be individual tracks and riffs, shadings and nuances, even sampling of other audio media. Graphic work can begin on paper and be scanned in, or begun on a tablet and continued...
Maxwell 2
# Maxwell 2 **Saturday, July 23, 2001** The great golden bear sat in one of the large, high-backed booths at the back of the local draft house. It was one of the reasons that he liked the place - they had furniture and space to accommodate the Ursine...
Grayson 1
# Grayson 1 **Saturday, May 7, 2011** Dear Diary: I've always had mixed feelings when a semester ends. On the one paw, no more papers to grade, no more timetable to hold me so strictly to the demands of a clock, no more (yaaaawn) faculty meetings....
Grayson 2
# Grayson 2 **Sunday, August 7, 2011** In the names of all the gods, what have I done? In one sense, I've done nothing. Nothing "bad" or "harmful" to anyone. I hadn't realized just how much I needed someone to hear me, to really hear me, and even to...
Jumping Mouse, Part 2
I gave myself a little extra sleep the next morning, to make up for last night's work, as well to give time zones a chance to catch up with one another. I was at my favorite table at the Has Bean Café, pad and pen at the ready, placing a call to...
Collar 15 -- Answers
A great number of my parishioners came up to me after the service to congratulate me on my decision. All held the opinion that Fletcher looked to be a fine pup, that I'd be a good sire for him, and when would they get a chance to see him "for real"...
Collar 16 -- The End of Summer
A routine can be comforting, as long as one doesn't let it suck out the joy of spontaneity, surprise, and the occasional dedication of some time for just plain goofing-off. Fletcher had already helped me immensely by encouraging our checking in with...
Collar 18 -- Pax Vo Biscum
Arthur Titus Corley was arrested on multiple charges that Saturday afternoon, based upon Fletcher swearing out a complaint against him. As a minor, the wolf needed some sort of help or corroboration from "a parent or guardian." Just in case my own word...
Reawaking
Eoin McCraken had not pedaled his bike harder or faster in all his life. He was plenty winded, and the biting air of the cold, clear New Year's Day morning attacked his lungs with ice spears. He was beyond caring; he only knew that he had to get back...
Of Dumplings and Dumps
The Dobie security guard was right about the Flaming Grill Buffet. It was surprising that the place could afford the space for seven islands of food, much less the kitchens and the spacious dining area, located as it was in the heart of downtown....