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....
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...
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...
Precipitate
"In 500 meters," chirped the allegedly female voice, "your destination will be on the right." I could only hope so. It felt as if the clouds had blotted out the sun entirely, and the increased rain had done the rest. I wasn't sure that I'd be able to...
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...
Perceived
Thursday morning saw me getting a bagel and schmear from a local shop, just in case the cap'n actually meant it. I chose cinnamon raisin, on the off-chance that he might have a sweet tooth. If he didn't want it, I'd eat it. Until he mentioned it, I...
Warrior's Spirit
_I was afraid to go to her, not because I did not return her love, but because it would make saying goodbye all the more difficult..._ "I AM SPARTASTICUS!" I shouted against the icy blasts of unceasing, howling wind._"I am the Khranoth cheetah...
Coffee Break (Tenuki)
Benedict Spenser, crimson dragon, literature professor, all-too-merry prankster, was enjoying the comparative quiet of The Extra Credit café in the later morning hours of Boxing Day, occasionally chortling to himself at what he'd done to his Saluki...
Relative Beginnings
_Friday Evening_ I pulled into the driveway of my country estate (as I jokingly refer to it) with plenty of evening sun waiting for us. Emmanuel, who was used to his own delivery-van-sized vehicle, was happy that I drove a large and comfortable...