Engineering, Part 2
While still at the table in the Amore Bistro, I took out my common-use cell and made contact with Ignacio Santos. He seemed reluctant to meet with me again so soon, until I told him that I might have some clue about what had happened to Shelby Greiner....
Theo's Way
“Tristan, may I talk with you?” “Of course, Theo. What’s up?” Looking around him, the gray tabby cat’s expression showed everything from simple concern to something like fear. “Would you come to my room?” I nodded, rising from my table in the dining...
New Year's Day
For Americans, the biggest food-feast day of the year is Thanksgiving, with Christmas Day being a reasonably close second. For Russians, however, it's New Year's Day. This is what Aleksandr told me as he explained his traditions and the reason for the...
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...
Annabel Lee
The day, bright, cool, clear, was not what many would call "proper" for a funeral. It was an anomaly in this rainy spring, being the third in a string of dry days with little cloud cover. The mourners could not help but comment on how beautifully the...
It Takes a Skunk, Part 2
I stepped out of my car and approached the house slowly. A few uniforms were keeping the crowd at bay, and I didn't want to look either like a reporter or a...
The Soaring Gryphon
"Hyromaq, would you please play for me?" "Of course I would, my little princess. Would you like something special?" "Would you play the windsong again?" She could hear the smile in his voice. "With pleasure." The strings came alive before her,...
Disclosure
When Oaknail had said "garage," he wasn't kidding. Just off the extended carport and its modest collection of vehicles, a small building stood, looking equally modest. From the outside, it appeared to be a large two-car garage that might be found in...
Natural Habitat Interviews 1: Lightfoot
Good evening; I'm James Lipton, and I'm privileged to bring to you five of the most interesting persons it's ever been my pleasure to interview. To begin with, I need to explain that what you're about to read concerns the discovery of a home, a house,...
Future Tense
**_Sunday Evening_** I took the carefully-boxed pie out of the van last, even though I didn't have that much else to bring in. Boyce had given me a short list of things he and Brady had wanted as a stop-gap till their next trip to the grocery. They...
On the Run
There were various aspects of her brother's life, Rosie mused, that she could take exception to. Being a skinflint wasn't one of them. After the Company visited, things had to be shifted around quite fast in order for the shipment to get through. Not...
The Second Door
Zachary Parker took in a huge breath, letting it out slowly at first, and then the rest with a wry chuckle. "What am I doing that for?" "To calm yourself, I would expect." The young Akita looked at the great crimson dragon sitting next to him....