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....
Clean-Up on Aisle 1
"Why am I always the one who has to haul out the trash?" "Because you're the only one big enough to handle the kind of trash we get in this place." "You need a better lock on the door." Manny grinned softly at the large black bear. A full two...
What the Maid Saw
I made my own way out of the formal living room, past another uniform in the hallway. I nodded at the large Shep, a fellow older than Parsons, one who also had a far greater sense of decorum (if that's the phrase I was looking for). He nodded in...
Lattes and Legends
The coffeehouse — or, as its clientele often referred it, the coffee-home — opened a little later and closed a lot earlier on Sundays. There was some talk of closing it entirely on “the day of rest,” but there was no better place to rest than here, and...
Identity Theft, Part 2
I can only assume that my face made a response that matched the horror-filled disbelief that filled my mind. My hesitation gave Hunter time to raise a placating forepaw and offer an explanation. “We’re asking you to do what our deep-cover agents do....
Chapter 2: Maneki Neko
Quote: Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own skin? Maybe there's a reason... I've been accused of being the sort of guy who "doesn't get out much." That's probably more true than even I'd like to admit, but I counter the argument with good...
The Firm Law
I'd like to have lingered over the tea; instant or not, it was warm, as was the kitchen, and the company was good. I learned that other required services to the McMansion were provided by independent contractors. No big snows for the past few weeks or...
Natural Habitat Interviews 3: Sheila
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,...
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...
Natural Habitat Interviews 4: Caedmon
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,...
Translation
I almost called out sick on Friday, but I didn't know the medical definition for the kind of sickness I had. Is there such a thing as a hangover caused by dreams, whether from sleep or when awake? Either way, I couldn't make a reasonable case for...
Watercourse Way
As the three of us moved toward the front door, I took long, lingering looks at the bunkhouse, wondering, dreaming, thinking of what it might have been like, perhaps even wondering what it might be like now. The main house seemed palatial by...