The Miami Broncos

Chapter 14: Jesse

Written by Francois Guint-Riel (FGR)

It wasn't quite morning yet as I left my soft, warm bed, a bed that I appreciated every night when I got into it, after the long harsh years that I'd lived on the streets. It hadn't been easy making a living since my father had left me like a pariah in the streets of Miami, though he had gotten his just desserts for the crime, finding his end in a fiery blaze that left him and the rest of the biker gang that he had led dead and charred. His executioner, by the oddest of coincidences, had been the one who had shown me the greatest kindness, who had offered me a job at a café, where I worked full time to pay for the apartment that he had also found for me, at a very reasonable rate, being an asset of his mob Family. My lifestyle, being a cross gender German Sheppard, hadn't really been an issue at my workplace. If anything, my coworkers were innocently curious how it had come to be, and our clients never saw through my front. Well, did and didn't, because I switched my getup now and then, one day a young spry little pup and the next a sweet bitch in tight shorts, just because I liked to show off how darn good an actor I really was. On my time off, I visited the mansion where the Family resided as well as a few clubs here and there that my act was more then welcome at. I didn't mind playing it for the crowds at the discos, because I knew that it was a moment of release, of happiness, that maybe some of them really needed to get over the difficult times that our persuasion could encounter in everyday life.

Still, there was something to the role that I felt less and less attached to, mostly because of the fact that I had used it as a means of moneymaking when I was in the streets, by offering my mortal shell to the amusement of those who would offer me food or a roof to stay under for a while. It wasn't really like I had been given a choice, because since the day that my father had thrown me out sixteen, I wasn't able to go to school anymore, and I didn't have a penny to scratch myself with in my pockets. I pretended to be a bit older so that the Johns didn't really put up a fuss, but the truth was that I was sure that they didn't mind the though of bedding a teen transvestite, even if everything about it was illegal and fundamentally immoral. I gave a heavy sigh as I put on my blue jeans and white tee, deciding on being Jesse the guy for the day, trying to return my focus on the work and put aside the memories for a while. Deep down, I knew that it was a part of my life I'd always have to deal with, five years of misery that would make a bit of a lump in the carpet. Still, I knew there was someone out there that cared enough to overlook it, and maybe share some love with this messed-up puppy to boot. Hey, a dog's got to dream...

I took off as the sun broke, knowing full well that there would be the usual cleaning and setting routine to be looked after before my shift officially started, and I knew that the restaurant's manager and owner Finger appreciated for me to give a hand, paying me for the overtime generously. As I had guessed, the sable was already in the place as I used my key to let myself in, and the moment I stepped in and locked the front door back up, he came over to give me a hug.
-Hey there Jesse, said the ungulate, how did you sleep?
-Deep, I replied. Yesterday was busy until close, I tell you!
-I saw the numbers, nodded Finger. Nice job, very nice. You know what? Since Gina took off, it's been a bit rough with only one assistant manager here. How about it? It's another three bucks an hour, though you have to handle some of the paperwork when shifts get tossed around.
-Well, I'd like to, if you really think you can trust me with the position.
-Trust you? Come on, Finger trusts you, you silly little puppy. Here, I'll mark it starting today. Don't mind putting the tables, please?
-Right on it, I nodded, grabbing utensils and servings from the counter and scurrying around to set the tables. Any news from above, you know, Broncos?
-They're mighty happy with the cafe, be sure of that. Oh, that's what I meant to tell you! A guy from the Family, a mountain sheep, called for some reservations with two friends today for breakfast. Funny, I didn't think that they'd come here for their eggs, eh?
-Whatever keeps them full and happy, I shrugged as I took care of the last little details. Ready to open?
-Unlock those doors, grinned Finger. Hey, here, have a coffee and bagel before anyone shows up, I already had one too.
I strode over to the door and turned the deadbolt before swinging it open and kicking down the doorstopper, the hot Miami air already flowing in with the sun rising over the skyline. It was a nice sight early in the day, and I took five to admire it before spinning around and heading back in, commenting on it to Finger, who seconded the observation. One at a time, tables started coming in, as well as the rest of the morning staff, two cooks and another server, Clarice, a Collie just out of her teens and a great soul to have around. She didn't hog tables and nor did I, hence we did our best to split it down the middle as the customers came and went. Around nine, the group from the Family showed up, a tall ram with an even taller wolf and a very fine-looking gazelle, giving his name to me as I asked to confirm my suspicions.
-You had reservations, I believe?
-Yes, under the name Helix, said the ram. Is that window seat for us?
-It is indeed, I nodded, showing them to the table. Can I get you anything to start off while you look at the menu?
-Tea for me, said the gazelle. Gervaudan?
-Strong coffee, requested the canine. You too, Helix?
-Yep, please.
I jotted down the order before sliding over to the counter and getting the drinks prepared, careful to make them near perfectly. After all, it wasn't every day that someone from higher up came to the café, so putting on a good show would be worth it for everyone involved. As soon as I was done, I returned to the table and gave them their mugs, asking if they had selected anything yet.
-I don't mean to rush you, I qualified. Take you time, of course.
-The service here is great, grinned the ram. What's your name, bro?
-Jesse, I announced. You're from the mansion, aren't you? You know, Ulrich's?
-Sure are, nodded the wolf. Helix's more into that then the rest of us, though.
-I'm sure I saw you there some time, frowned the ovine, maybe with Tracks?
-Well, I sort of hang with him and Jumpy, I replied.
-Hey, when do you get off, asked the gazelle. We're off to work at the Tripoli later, if you'd like to tag along.
-Sure! I'm off at four, I stated.
-That's right about when we go, smiled the wolf. I start at four and end at midnight on Saturdays.
-Night shift, eh? I'll go get you another good tea then.
I kidded with the three as I tended to the rest of my tables, though the invitation to the casino was just wonderful, taking my mind off things while I worked. They eventually finished their four-egg omelettes, the specialty of the house, and vanished after handing me a good tip and sharing a round of handshakes. Finger found it sort of unusual for the invitation to have been given so freely, but then again, he hadn't really been into the inner circle of the Family, and he hadn't a clue how I'd gotten my position, only that one day he got a call that he had a replacement for one of the servers that had left the café. He didn't need to know everything about me, to be honest, just as I didn't really know everything about him either. No one knew why exactly he was called Finger, for starters, and the list just went on...

I took off a few minutes earlier with Finger's blessing and a firm handshake, like I always gave him before I left. Though my salary was all right, it didn't leave me the manoeuvring room to afford car payments, so I was still a slave to public transport, which wasn't too bad when I considered how the same bus that stopped in front of the cafe had a stop right in front of the casino, maybe a few minutes later. Riding it all the way to my destination put me right at the rendezvous time, and sure enough as I got out of the vehicle, I saw the ram standing in the atrium, recognizing me the moment I stepped inside.
-Hello again, I greeted as I held out my hand, getting a firm shake from the ovine. So you already dropped your odds for the day?
-First thing I do when I get in, nodded Helix. How about you come take a tour? There's always a good crowd of people to look at in here, and the bar's pretty reasonable for the quality of the drinks.
-I couldn't say no, I replied. Ah, that's Gevaudan over there?
-Yep, the old wolfie's winning, as usual, grinned the sheep. Say, I don't mean to insinuate anything by it, but you're very, what's the word... hard to tell?
-Serves me right, I chuckled with a smile. I'm a transvestite, a transsexual transvestite to be precise, but I dress on one side or the other depending how I feel. My name doesn't really help, you know, 'Jesse'. Jesse could be a guy or a girl, and then you see me and then you can't really put your finger on it either.
-I'll be, shrugged the ram. I have to admit, I borrow Cassa's undies once in a while when I play with Gevaudan, but that's just casual stuff, I couldn't fool anyone.
-Really? I bet you could, I corrected, save for the horns. Without those, well, you could pass off with a bit of work. Take it as a compliment, by the way.
-I do, laughed Helix.
-You steal my panties, called the gazelle as she appeared from behind the ram. Helix, really! You know you just have to ask and I'd lend them to you...
-Cassa, you're impossible.
The ram shrugged and pulled up a chair for the gazelle, ordering a margarita for her as if it was a habit they'd broken into. We kept at the easy conversation until a bear came over to the table, apparently intent on talking to Helix, who turned to face him as soon as he announced himself.
-Helix, I see that your lines are as popular as ever!
-Well, that's why you keep me around, right Blackbeard? How are things from above?
-We're on a miracle mile here, nodded the ursine. The profits have never been this high, not in years, and the hotel's almost always booked to capacity. I bought a new place too, downtown.
-Whereabouts, I asked innocently. I'm Jesse, by the way, from The Gardener cafe.
-Oh, Finger's cafe! I'm almost forgotten about that place.
-So you knew, or know Finger?
-He's one of my brothers from the Family, years ago. You known Don Ulrich?
-I've heard of him, I replied.
-He was the guy that killed his parent's assassin. Just for that, the previous Don, Don Badger, set him up for the long haul with a business he could relax in. Yeah, so I got this place, but there's something off with it that I didn't think about at all.
-Like what? The roof needs to be done, asked Helix, or worst?
-Well, sort of weird more then anything, grunted the bear. You know that place that the Viking Dogs had some years back, before it got wiped out?
-I remember that, nodded the ram.
-Imagine that it's right in my backyard, said Blackbeard, and there's the most bizarre stuff that goes on over there at night! We're talking like the sounds of bikes and glowing lights, that sort of thing! There was even this one time, I heard this bike rolling down from I guess where the gates would have been, turn at the end of the lot and then just do a crazy power drive back out.
-Oh my God, I gasped, knowing full well what the bear was describing.
-Wow, you've lost some colors there, puppy, said Helix. Something wrong?
-I know who did that like of stunt at the compound, I stated. He did it every time he took his bike out, with his lights off. That was... my father.
-Shit, startled the ursine, hopping sideways a few inches. Jesse, you've got to be kidding, right? Like, this couldn't be, you know, his ghost or something?
-It could be, but I wouldn't want to run into him if he did come back. He was an evil, evil soul, as far as I can remember him.
-Oh, great, sighed Blackbeard. Man, the Ghostbusters wouldn't happen to be real, right?
-Not insofar as I know, grunted Helix. Still, with all those shows on television with psychics going around and finding spooks, there ought to be real ones around here somewhere?
-Hell, I need something to take my mind off this, moaned Blackbeard. When are you guys getting off here?
-I gave my odds in, commented Helix. Cassa?
-I did the sheets yesterday, everything's done on my end. I guess we'll be waiting for Gevaudan then?
-Not even, I'll get a guy to sit in for him pro bono, shrugged the bear, picking up his cell and calling in a replacement for the wolf.
We lay back until another croupier walked up to Gevaudan's table and let him get off work paid in full. The wolf didn't say a thing, simply giving his relief a pat on the back before he walked over to us and asked Blackbeard if he knew anything about his early relief.
-Did someone file a complaint, asked the canine, or did something go wrong today?
-No, not in the least, corrected the bear. We're just all going to the Bronco mansion for some big time rest and relaxation. Any problem with that Gevaudan?
-I guess not, laughed the wolf. Would we run into the Don?
-Maybe, shrugged the bear. Anyway, let's head for my car, I'll drive.
No one dared to say a thing against the sudden and downright wonderful offer, and together we all piled into the bear's massive car and wheeled off down the road to the seaside property. I looked to my right to see Helix put his arm across my shoulders and called to Gevaudan to do the same, seeing me sandwiched between the two boyfriends, a very comfortable spot indeed. I chuckled and put my arms over theirs, singing Right Said Fred's Stand Up for the Champions until we reached the mansion's gates. The bear gave his name to the voice on the security intercom, getting the entrance unlocked and out of the way for us to continue onto the parking lot. By the time we parked the car and got out, a deer in a sharp-looking black ensemble had come out of the mansion to meet us. Helix gave a call and hugged the cervidae, getting a good head rub from the buck.
-Hey these Helix, called the deer. Wow, company! Blackbeard, Cassa, Gevaudan and... Jesse? What are you doing with these nutcases, little lady?
-They walked into the cafe, I replied. Is Jumpy here too?
-Yep, in the lounge. Hey, you all come in, and we'll shoot some pool!
We ambled down with the buck to the mansion's basement, settling down to a good beer from a she-bear barmaid there, seconded by a striped hyena who seemed too busy with mixed drinks to look into the drafts. The kangaroo jumped out of the shadows to hug Tracks, who gave him a quick kiss before challenging Cassa and me in doubles. We accepted, and though we didn't win, we sure as hell gave the two a run for their money. As we ended the game, another form came down the stairs from the atrium, giving a sudden cry, or rather yowl, as he saw our group.
-Cassa? Helix? My God, is that really you?
-Hello Ulrich, said the ram. You've moved up, kitty!
-I may have moved up, but this is crazy! You can't know how happy I am to see you. Don't mind if I get a bock and join you too?
-Do we mind? Come on, laughed Cassa, giving the panther a hug.
The cat looked simply stunned until the group each gave their piece of the puzzle about how the heck all of us had ended up in the basement of the family residence. By the time it came to Blackbeard's part, the subject of his new place came up. Ulrich looked simply taken aback by the very idea of ghosts, but seemed to want to try and help.
-I wish I could help, sighed the panther, but I've never dealt with anything like that!
-Sorry to cut in, apologized the hyena behind the bar, but it sounds like you need a psychic.
-Too true, nodded Ulrich. You wouldn't happen to be one, Stripes?
-No, no, but there where these two guys here from New Orleans the other day who were going on about readings they'd gotten from a palm reader that visits the homestead there regularly. Maybe they'd know something about a psychic for you?
-New Orleans, pondered Tracks, that's the Voodoo family, I think.
-I'll do the honors, said Jumpy as he wandered off to the first level.
-Ghosts of the past, grinned Ulrich as he hugged Cassa and Helix, now ghosts of the present! Life's full of surprises, at the very least.
-So, asked the bear, obviously in need of something positive to ease his spirits, anyone for a game against me?
-I'm in if you want, sir, I offered.
-I'm not a sir, I'm a bear, chuckled the ursine, passing me a cue. I think this is tall enough for you?
-The same one I had before, I nodded. My break?
-Good luck, puppy!
This time, there must have been a few angels pushing the balls around, because I beat Blackbeard with flying colors, three times out of five. He was about to challenge me to go to seven games when the kangaroo returned from his errand with a puzzled air to him, carrying a paper with him.
-So, what's the rub in the bayou, asked Ulrich. Did our bartend here hear right?
-Right on the money, nodded the boomer, though there's a twist to this story that's right out of a fairytale. The psychic's a gypsy that goes by the name of Madame Catherine of Lithuania, and I was able to get her number and call her up.
-Good, lauded the panther. So?
-Well, she's able to come this week, which I expected when I offered to pay her flight, but what I didn't expect was that her two roommates are coming as well.
-A gang of three, that's fine, shrugged Ulrich.
-Here's the clincher. Guess who they are?
-Can I have a clue?
-Which of your old schoolmates is missing here?
-Hermann... Hermann? You're telling me that-
-Hermann Vitter and Estrella Callao, laughed the 'roo. Yep, that's right! I spoke to the jaguar during the call, and he gives his best.
-This is insane, giggled Cassa. When will they be here?
-Day after next, replied Jumpy. I told them they could stay in those suites that you have aside at the Black Stage. I hope that it's all right?
-Hey, I'd sleep in the streets and give them my room if it meant that I'd see those two again, replied Helix. Hermann, man, that'll be a surprise! Did you tell him about us, Jumpy?
-No, I didn't. I didn't want to ruin the surprise. Tracks, I had reservations at the Rembrandt for us tonight. Do you still want to go?
-We can't break traditions, answered the deer as he followed the 'roo. Good night, guys!
-Man, I whispered to Blackbeard, you were talking about Ghostbusters?
-It looks like we're building up our own little force here, chuckled the bear. Jesse, you're pretty cute, you know that?
-Teddy, that was an awful gay thing to say, I laughed. What, are you..?
-Well, keep it between us, whispered the ursine, but the ram right there does me in my office like once a month. You know, I'm not totally that way, but...
-It feels good, I completed. Hey, keep an open mind, that's what I always say. Say, you wouldn't be up for something interesting tonight?
-I suppose, we're sort of wallflowers here, shrugged Blackbeard. Hey guys, I'm turning it in for the night! I'll drive Jesse back home.
-See you later teddy, waved Helix. I promise we'll work a full shift tomorrow!
-Right, smiled the bear. Don't say it again, or I'll hold you to it.
Blackbeard was totally lovable as we rode in his car, peeling out of the mansion to take a road leading out to the 'burbs of Miami where he had his own private little castle of a home. The bear looked a bit shy at first about having a guest like me, but it weathered off as we rolled, and by the time we hit the pavestones of his driveway, the ursine was cracking some pretty salty jokes about his work and his plans for the evening. I gave a fair riposte with my own barrage of experienced humour, making him feel like a blushing teen who was going to 'do it' for the first time.
-So I take it that you live alone, I commented as we left his vehicle. Hardened bachelor?
-Hard as rock, replied the bear. I've been around the berry bush picking here and there, but you know, it just isn't my thing I guess. I'm a moody guy, with the casino's everyday BS to deal with and everything, sometimes so bad that I can't even live with myself, so I couldn't see putting another of God's creatures through that torture either.
-Aw, you're too hard on yourself, I waved. Everyone has their ups and down, even if those downs mean you took a cheating rat to the parking and made him meet the pavement a few times.
-You must either have spied on a casino's back doors for a while or you're more into this line of work then you let on, laughed Blackbeard. Those are the days, yeah, I get those. I bet the café's quiet, though.
-Don't count on it, I cringed. Don't forget, we open late, so we get all the whacks that think we're a bar and try to get us to give up some booze for free. Heck, all we have are coffee liquors for the specialty mixes, and to get a buzz on one of those would be like committing suicide by toothpick.
-Suicide by... that's funny, laughed the bear, ushering me inside the two-story home. Make yourself at home, don't be shy.
-That's got to be the biggest television that I've seen in my life, I commented as I saw the projection screen in the living room. Sports fan?
-If it wasn't for the fact that I run the casino and I'm a cough away from the sports pit, I'd probably make a living off betting on games, replied the bear. There's nothing like coming home to a cold longneck and a leather seat to crash in front of a football match and turning off your brain.
-Click, I said, mimicking the metaphor. Hey, you come sit here too, teddy. Don't mind getting called that?
-Heck, I keep calling you puppy. Don't mind that either?
-Nah, I'm a puppy and I'm proud of it, I replied with a giggle, snuggling against the bear as he sat down. Squeeze the teddy!
-Squeeze the puppy, seconded Blackbeard, peeling off our shirts and stroking my back. This is nice, isn't it?
-Yep, I sighed. I don't know why but boy, I feel sleepy all of a sudden.
-Well, how about I show you something that'll keep you awake?
-Bad teddy, I jeered, I've seen plenty of those in my lifetime.
-No, I mean the haunting! Well, that's why I had in mind anyway. It's spooky!
-Want me to hold your hand, I said with a taunting tone, and make it all better?
-Say what you will, it shakes me up every night since I got this place. I sort of regret it, when I come to think of it.
-It must be pretty bad, then.
-Just come along, and you tell me.
I followed the ursine with high expectations as we walked out through his place to the backyard, where in the pale moonlight, anything could have been considerably creepy. I waited as he signalled for me to wait, then listened hard to try and discern what he was talking about. It was hard to pick anything out from the dull drone of the city's traffic, but I could make out some sounds that could have been bikes coming from close by.
-I think I hear them, I commented. There were lights, you said?
-Just climb up on here, commented Blackbeard as he took a foldout ladder from against the house and propped it up. Right over there, past the trees, you'll see them.
-Holy crap, I mouthed as I saw the handful of lights floating on the apparently deserted lot, a few of them at walking speed, a few more as if sporting their rides. One of them seemed to catch my eye more then the others, as if something about it stood out. Suddenly, I saw it go out, though the sound I could have sworn it was responsible for continued. Then, out of the old bike pool, the sound of a mean hole shot sounded and the sound peeled off. I jumped and almost fell off the ladder, caught in time by Blackbeard as I went into shear hysterics, calling out for the Devil to take back my father's soul and never let him walk the earth again. I could have sworn I heard a laugh as the bear comforted me and led me back inside, which simply iced my veins.
-My God, that was him, I moaned as we sat on the sofa, that was my father there. The Dog Shot, he used to call it, that revving launch.
-I'm sorry, Jesse, I shouldn't have brought you out there. I'm so sorry.
-Just hug me, I asked, grasping the bear against me. Just hold me tight, okay?
-Poor puppy, he sighed as he wrapped his arms around me. Hey, the gypsy will be here tomorrow, and he'll go away.
-Say, why don't we go to my place, eh? We'll be comfortable there too, and last I checked, there weren't any stray souls flying about.
-Amen to that, nodded Blackbeard. I'll just grab some things, and we'll drive there.
The bear zipped off to get change of work clothes before returning, giving me a chance to put my shirt back on and getting a grip on myself. From his place, the drive to my apartment was only a few minutes, mostly because the cafe was a bit on the limit of the donut, and by some Godsend, there were a few vacant visitor parking spots aside my block. Blackbeard seemed a bit apprehensive at first, certainly lacking the extreme confidence that he had sported when we were at his place. He must always have been in control of his fate, I could see it in his eyes, as if it was a strange thing to be led somewhere for a change. Still, he didn't offer any rebuttal as we took the lift up to my nook and seemed quite happy to step inside with me. He blushed hard as he saw my girly clothes and the little makeup station that I'd made myself in the washroom, but he swallowed it with a shrug, commenting that I seemed to have everything in hand.
-Sure it isn't your place, I replied, but I have everything I need here.
-I didn't even imply otherwise! If anything, you have a pretty damn good life here, Jesse.
-Yeah well, I do what I can with what I have. I sort of skim the end of the month, but hey, it beats giving it away on the street for a few bucks.
-You mean you... you prostituted yourself?
-I was on the street, I reminded the bear. Money didn't just appear in my hands when I needed a meal or clothes. Still, it's another era, and I've sort of put it aside for now. I'll deal with it sometime, I'm sure.
-Hey, I know where you come from, sighed the ursine. If anything, you made a better choice then I did.
-Have a seat, please. Why do you say that?
-Well, I didn't have the guts to make it out there, said Blackbeard. You see, I was a street kid when I was younger, and never mind how it happened. It was a tailspin, to put it mildly. Anyway, I wasn't on the pavement for a week when I saw this guy pushing dope. I introduced myself, though the openness he had wasn't something I had expected. What I didn't know was that he was a runner for the Broncos, and before I knew it, I was dealing too. It's disgusting, Jesse. It's the lowest thing you can do. I saw these perfectly good people coming sometimes for a hit, just to get over some bad patch, then we'd see them more and more often, until the intervals collapsed and they just lost everything to their habit. It took a lot to stop, but eventually I met Don Badger one time I was at the mansion for a pickup, and I told him how I felt. Then, I got a pizza place I ran for a few years, and after that the casino. I still feel so responsible sometimes, Jesse, you have no idea.
-I do too, I seconded with energy. It's not something you can just brush off.
-Look at it this way, Jesse. You sold happiness, pleasure; a kind of love that your Johns lacked and somehow your work made them feel a bit better, maybe. What I sold screwed up their lives from the ground up, irrevocably, and mine in the process. I've always been alone Jesse, not only because I'm a grumpy old teddy but because I have this weight on my conscience I don't think I'll ever shed. I wonder if those ghosts are a reminder of that, somehow.
-My father and his people are ghosts because they did things that we wouldn't even think of, Blackbeard, I corrected. Anyone in the Family looks like a Saint compared to them. I visited them sometimes when I wanted to see my father, and I saw some things that made me want to run back to the streets as quickly as I could. Even when I saw him, it was simply terror.
-He wasn't a good father then, said the ursine as he put a paw across my chest and pulled me against him.
-Well, let's put it this way. He chased my mother away when I was about three, then as soon as he found out that I was a trans he chased me out too, under threat of death. I was afraid of him like Hell's maw, but I still needed money sometimes, during the odd week when I couldn't make enough. And you know what he did when I did? He led me to his office, tied my hands with cuffs, threw me on his desk, pulled down or sometimes tore off my pants and underwear and fucked me in the ass until I couldn't even cry anymore, then turned my around and fondled me before he had me masturbate in front of a bunch of his guys, laughing about how much of a fag I was, even reaching down and fondling again. Then, he'd have a burger or something given to me with a hundred bucks and tossed me out, ass naked sometimes. And those were the better times!
- I wouldn't even have thought anyone would do that to his or her son, muttered Blackbeard. Jesse, I... I wouldn't let anyone do that to you, okay? I'd do anything if it meant saving you from ever having to even think about that.
-Thanks, teddy, I said as I held the bear. Hey, do you want to see me naked? I know you're a good guy and everything, but I felt something poke me when I mentioned being in my birthday suit.
-Only if you want to see a big bad bare bear too, grinned the ursine.
I smiled and took off my shirt, draping it over the sofa before undoing my belt and pulling off my pants and briefs. Blackbeard didn't look as I undressed for he was himself busy doing the same, as if he wanted us to be ex equo before getting a peek. I paced forwards and held him tight, feeling his warm, hard cock against mine as he stroked each other's fur.
-God you're beautiful, Jesse, said the bear as he kissed my shoulders.
-And so are you, you hunk of black love, I replied, reaching down and rubbing his balls. Oh yeah, you're good. Blackbeard...
-Yeah?
-Screw me hard, teddy, I said as I slipped his grip and lay down on the bed in the adjoining room.
-I don't want to hurt you, he complained.
-Hey, don't worry at all, I love this, I giggled, taking his dick in my hand as I opened my legs and guided him in. Oh baby, baby yeah. Oh, Blackbeard, you're a thick teddy.
-I sure am, he whispered as he made love to me. Jesse, do you want me to...
-Just go ahead, I said, pulling him down on me as he picked it up and finished in me. Sweet...
-All right, grunted Blackbeard as he pulled out. Now it's your turn, puppy.
-Are you sure?
-Let her rip, laughed the ursine, rolling on his back and pulling his knees in. Good puppy, good puppy...
I had a great time in the bear, caressing his testes as I rammed his dark ass, coming in him with a happy whine. He didn't say much after the fact, and settled with simply smiling and pulling me close as he opened the sheets and slipped inside with me, making me all too happy I'd bought a king-sized futon instead of the twin I'd first spotted out. Very, very happy... Did I say very happy?

The next day, I still managed to get to work on time, this time as lady Jesse. Blackbeard had helped me get ready to go, learning more about transvestites and cross-dressing then he'd ever thought he would in a lifetime. By the time that I was done, he couldn't understand how he could have thought I was a guy. I picked up my mannerisms as well that came with the pumped bra and the crotch pad, making the conversion just perfect. He gave me a ride to the cafe, stopping in to pay Finger a visit. The sable jumped over the counter to come give his old friend a hug, seconded by playful teases about how they were avoiding each other.
-You bastard, said Finger, don't you ever have time to come by for a coffee? I mean, how long does that take?
-And you, you old son of a bitch, don't you ever have a couple of quarters to toss in a slot machine? I mean come on! That's not even the price of biscotti!
-Because I know that I'll never see those quarters again, laughed the sable.
-And I don't come because I'm sure you're going to spike my drink, retorted the bear. I hope you don't mind I kidnapped your waitress.
-Waitress? Oh you mean Jesse, nodded Finger as he gave me a one-armed hug. Yeah, now here's a pup that can make a girl dream about him and guys beat their tube snakes to him at night. Isn't that right, miss?
-You'd better believe it, I replied. Oh, here comes more company!
-Good morning everyone, said Ulrich as he strode into the cafe. Could I have a double catnip latte, please?
-On the second, I said as I got on the drink. Extra nip?
-As much as you can dilute in it, grinned the panther as he sat at the bar. By the way, I have good news, Blackbread, the trio from the Bayou will be here tomorrow at ten. I'm giving them a little roundabout of the place before they start on your case, but we could meet back here after that, say around two in the afternoon? That'll give us time to come up with a plan, at least.
-Here's your latte, I commented as I brought him his drink.
-Wait a second, weren't you..? All right, I admit should have known.
-How so, I asked. Did I say something about it?
-No, but the way you held your cue was just like a lady, index raised. To your health, Jesse! Wow, you really packed this one, moaned the Don as he took a drag of the cup and started uncontrollably purring. You know, this stuff is like LSD and Viagra served together for cats. I think I'll be taking the day off...
-Don under the influence, I said with a smirk.
-DUI, laughed the panther. Tell me more about yourself, Jesse.
I took some time off the tables to talk up Ulrich, and Finger too busy with Blackbeard to bother with me for the time being. He offered me an upgrade to something else in terms of an occupation, but I insisted that I wasn't really qualified for any office work or anything like that, having left the educational system very early on and missing important credentials.
-Would you go back though, asked Ulrich, to go and finish up your high school certificate? There are a few good adult high schools in the city.
-I would if I could, I nodded. Maybe this year I will, because believe me, I've been thinking about it myself. It opens up a lot of possibilities, that's for sure.
-You're a walking miracle, grinned the Don, patting my shoulder.
Ulrich took off about an hour later at the same time as Blackbeard, the droning pace of the cafe returning just as quickly. I retired with the end of my shift, hurrying back to my apartment to clean up the inevitable mess that I'd made with my teddy bear, laughing to myself that this had to be the loosest Family anywhere.

Nothing much happened until I returned to work the next morning, finding Blackbeard had arrived before me to see Finger and catch up on life and times. Obviously, they hadn't talked for a while, but there was a certain familiarity that I couldn't put aside too easily, as well as a huge discomfort in Finger's tone as he spoke. I decided to let them be for a while and settled on putting away dishware instead, letting my black ears to their work instead.
-So here we are, I heard Blackbeard say. It's been a few years, eh Finger?
-Quite a few, replied the sable. I lost count for a while, you know. After 'that hit', it sort of made me wonder about continuing in this line of work or not.
-Badger was right to trust you with it though. I bet it wasn't easy to find the shooter, even if he was a contractor. You must have been a telepath to find him after the firefight. How did you see him on that roof anyway? I don't remember anyone else having spotted him. Come to think of it, they sort of followed your lead.
-Blackbeard, I don't know it I want to go back to that day, protested Finger. Honestly, it's something I've been trying to put aside for a while, and I'm not sure I really want to deal with it again.
-Well you see, I do.
-You know something, then?
-Finger, I know we're good friends here, and we've been buds for a long, long time, but I've always had a doubt. It stays between us, swear to God, but was it you? Did you fire on Kaline's car?
-Blackbeard, this is something that you don't want to ask.
-I just did. Did you?
-If you go with this to Ulrich, God help you, growled the buck. To be completely honest, yes, I did. I was a spotter, so no one could see me, giving me a clear shot on him. I just as easily opened fire on that rooftop to draw any attention away from me and cleared out of there before they found my rifle.
-But why...
-It was a hit. Fifty thousand, two targets. I knew I could get away with it too, so I took it. You'll never guess who put it out either.
-Who?
-The Viking Dogs, chuckled Finger. Yeah, they were in a hurry to get here, and they were pretty sure that getting Kaline out of the way would have given them a big edge on the city. They also knew that Ulrich didn't want the seat so there wasn't any real succession for the Don, and speculated that the whole Family would fall in anarchy.
-They didn't know much about the Family's honour then.
-Well, not enough. Anyways, you've got your answer, and you'd better remember that you promised to keep it to yourself. A man without honour is nothing. Remember that.
-Sure, sure, replied the bear, audibly leaving the cafe.
I was frozen in confusion as I gripped the latte bowl that I had been holding as the history of the killing of Don Kaline had been laid out. Obviously, Finger had forgotten that I was in the back room, or maybe he trusted me not to tell anyone either? He was a murderer, who had gunned down Ulrich's parents in cold blood! I couldn't simply stay there and do nothing, but what else would I do? Call Ulrich and tell him? I couldn't stay, that was for sure. I put down the bowl silently, then slipped out the back door, running hard for the busy streets to be seen, where I was pretty sure that no one would dare to hurt me, not without a bunch of witnesses. At least Finger didn't seem to be the kind to take out witnesses, but then again a few minutes ago, I thought he had simply been a made man with a business. I didn't know who to call, but my best guess would be that Helix might be able to get me somewhere safe for the time being, and I decided to call the casino and try to get a hold of him as soon as possible. In the relative camouflage of a telephone booth, I made the call, getting his home phone number after a bit of persuasion. I made the second call, hearing his voice answer on the other end.
-Hello?
-Helix, is that you? It's Jesse.
-Jesse! How are things?
-Bad, really bad. Finger, my boss Finger, he's the one that killed Ulrich's parents! Blackbeard know, but he made him swear to stay shut about it, so I don't think that we can ask him for help.
-Holy shit, this is bad, gasped the ram. All right, where are you?
-I'm on the corner of Sixth and Main.
-Okay, you stay there, and we'll be over to get you out of there. Tracks, the deer from the mansion, is with me right now, so we'll be able to keep you safe. Just don't move, okay?
-Sure, I'll stay here.
Helix hung up as I herd him call to someone in the background to get ready for some action. I was shaking like a leaf, but I stayed in the booth, holding the telephone directory tight to try and exhort some of my tension. I waited calmly until I saw a car pull up aside the booth and Helix's face in the window, prompting me to rush into the vehicle. I tried to give them as good a summary as I could of the conversation that I had overheard at the cafe, every detail sending chills down the duo's necks.
-Ulrich will want this taken care of, stated Tracks, but I want him to know what the situation is before we do. Do you think that Finger would run off since you left?
-No, I don't think he would, I replied. After all, he's been right under Ulrich's muzzle for years, and he didn't even twitch when the panther walked into his business.
-A real bad egg, nodded Helix. All right, we're off to the mansion!
The car sped off into the traffic to make record time to the Family's homestead, where we barely slowed down enough to avoid the automated gate, barreling into the parking. The three of us walked in the front doors, giving Tracks a chance to ask one of the guards were the Don was. As we could have guessed, the cat was in the lounge practicing his pool, which he didn't seem to mind interrupting to talk to us. The look on my face was apparently the deciding factor though, and the cat quickly asked me what was wrong.
-You look like you've just seen a ghost again, said the panther as he put down his cue and came over to greet us. Is anything wrong?
-Yes sir, I replied. I... I just found out something that I think you should be made aware of, but which is a bit hard to believe, unfortunately.
-I'll believe anything the first time I hear it, shrugged Ulrich. Shoot away?
-Finger, the owner of the cafe where I work, is responsible for the murder of your parents. I heard him confess to the whole thing when Blackbeard asked him about it. He arranged to go have Badger send him after their alleged assassin to be able to come back with an alibi, and set everything else up to support his story.
-You do realize what you're telling me, asked Ulrich, supporting himself with an arm as he slouched in the salon seat he'd taken. You're saying that the bastard who shot my parents has been right in front of me for months now, and even talked to me with a straight face yesterday?
-It was a contract, from the Viking Dogs, I insisted.
-That makes sense, nodded the Don. They moved in right after they passed, very quickly at that. How... How much?
-Fifty thousand, I replied. I'm sorry, Ulrich, I wish this wasn't the case but-
-I'd rather know that justice will finally be done then to disregard this, corrected the panther. All right, let's visit the cafe. Before we do, are you dead certain of what you heard, Jesse?
-Yes, I am, as sure as I'm standing here. Why, are you going to...
-If you're telling it like it is, then a soul is going to Hell, stated Ulrich. If you aren't then you'll have a burden to deal with for the rest of your life. This is serious, Jesse.
-I know it is, I retorted. It has to be done.
The panther gave a smile as he got up, giving me a hug as he called for four pistols to be brought from the infirmary, giving one to Tracks, one to Helix, then handing me one. I looked it over and nodded, understanding what Ulrich was thinking. It was five by the time that we left, the perfect timing to catch Finger as he left the cafe. We took Helix's car, carefully taking a long detour to reach the cafe, in time to see Finger get into his own cabriolet and start off into the traffic. If he was a heck of a hitman, Tracks was just as good a driver, sticking to the sable's vehicle through an itinerary that saw us cross almost half the city before coming up to a bar to the south of the downtown. I remembered that Finger had told me his place was to the east, near the waterfront, which didn't make sense now that we were looking at the sable's destination.
-I wouldn't be surprised if we have company pretty soon, said Tracks. This isn't one of our places, and I don't even remember anyone talking about it.
-The Dogs, I asked, innocently.
-Probably, I wouldn't be surprised, they had a lot of training clubs here and there, so activating one of them once they went down wouldn't have been too much trouble. We were thorough, but cockroaches seem to surprise you every time they come back.
We looked on from the car as three men came from the bar to meet Finger the moment that the sable got out of his ride, a sign that this was a very familiar place to him. He seemed very agitated, and even with the windows up, I could hear him as he spoke loud.
-He knows, commented Ulrich. He knows you left this morning and that he's in trouble.
-It looks like he came back to see his old friends, seconded Helix. It's only a theory, though. We need to make sure before we go in all gung-ho.
-Here's an easy test, I suggested. If one of us gets out and they draw, then they're Dogs.
-If they have half a brain, they won't fall for that, said Tracks. They'd wait until they have a good shot, and whoever said hello would be history. I wish we had come sooner, so we might have been able to nab him and get the full story out of the buck before he came here.
-I have an idea, I said. I'll go talk to him.
-What? You're crazy, pup, spat Ulrich. I know you're a good kid, but that'll land you in a six-foot trench!
-Hey, you forget how good an actor I am. When I scratch my ear, it means that they're dogs. If I rub my shoulder, then they're not.
Before any in the group could say anything, I got out of the car and started off towards Finger. The sable saw me as I got close, but simply reacted with surprise at my appearance.
-Jesse? What are you doing here? Did you come in this morning?
-Finger, you have to be careful! Ulrich got me from my apartment this morning and told me that Blackbeard had told him about you having killed his parents. I don't know why, but he let me go, and I tried to get to the cafe in a cab before you left.
-He let you go, grunted the sable. That means that he knows where I am too. Guys, this is Mannaloco's son. You get him somewhere safe, and I'll deal with this.
-His son, said one of the guys from the bar. A lot of our guys in the north say that he helped the feds take out the big boys. I say we cap him then we get you out of here.
-I'm the leader here, called Finger. I call the shots, remember? Jesse, you're with me.
-Okay, I said as I grabbed one of my ears, pretending it was itchy.
-Finger, there's a-
The voice of the Dog was cut short as Helix's car roared past us and Ulrich opened fire on the group with Tracks. I ducked out of the way, hitting the deck, but the bump on my side reminded me that I was armed too. The three from the bar were down, but by some miracle, Finger was unscathed, grabbing the keys from one of his former colleges and making for the bikes parked aside the bar. As he was turning the ignition, he called to me to hurry up and come too before the car could circle around for another turn, but he couldn't have expected my reply as I drew my pistol and emptied half the magazine. Back when I'd helped out to decimate the Viking Dogs, Jumpy and Tracks had taught me to shoot and the lessons must have stayed fresh as all but one of my projectiles hit true, the sable tossed over to the ground like a wet rag. Before I could think of anything else, two more men came from the bar with weapons drawn and I emptied whatever I had left at them, just enough to take care of one and distract the other long enough for Ulrich to finish the job. Helix and Tracks took positions behind the car to cover the bar as the cat hopped out of the car, jogging over to check out Finger. The sable could still have been alive after my shots, but the round that the panther gave him as he stood over his parents' killer took away any doubt. As soon as it was taken care of, the panther signed for everyone to get ready to leave, buckling up and speeding off as the sounds of emergency service vehicles wailed in the distance. Tracks avoided meeting them in the streets, taking a complex series of turns through the streets and alleys to make quite sure that we wouldn't be spotted. Before long, we were back on the road to the mansion with Ulrich in the back seat with me and Tracks, crying hot tears.
-I was so ashamed, so, so ashamed, said Ulrich. When Jumpy told me that the shooter had been taken out, I felt like I'd failed my father somehow, that even if I didn't embrace the heritage that he had left me I should still have found the one responsible for his death. I just feel like I redeemed this mistake somehow. Jesse, I don't know how I'll do it just yet, but I'll make damn sure I make it up to you.
-I just did what I thought was right, Ulrich, I replied. I didn't really want anyone to get hurt, but I just wanted for justice to be seen through.
-Well it sure did, grinned Tracks. Jumpy taught you how to shoot, eh?
-Yep! Not too bad?
-Hell, you're a natural, nodded Helix. Now all that's left is Blackbeard. What's the word, Ulrich?
-Blackbeard, sighed the panther, right. I can't trust him anymore, that's for sure! I can't have a bunch of so-called loyal made men in my Family plotting little empires here and there and think that I won't notice! Helix, I may just have to promote you upwards, rammy. What would you think about going to managerial status?
-I'd like it if I'd know what would happen to Blackbeard, replied the ram. I know he's crooked, but he has a good heart, deep down.
-I'll shift him to the cafe, grunted Ulrich. Then again, I can't have you there, Jesse. I could hire you at the hotel as a waiter-slash-waitress, which would sort of double your salary.
-I'd be honored, I said with an excited grin.
-Shuffle, nodded Ulrich, for the better. Tracks, just make sure that you get someone to keep an eye on Blackbeard for a few months, just to be on the safe side.
-What about the ghosts, added Tracks, are we dealing with those now since the bear's no longer in our graces?
-That's a favor for Jesse more then Blackbeard, commented Helix.
-That's my thought too, said Ulrich. Oh crap, we're late, aren't we? Their plane was due at five thirty.
-Buckle up, smirked Tracks as he opened up the engine.
The deer managed to get to the airport within a very short time period, to put it mildly, quickly enough that we didn't miss the trio from New Orleans. Ulrich led us as we entered the main building, all careful to leave our firearms in the car not to get our butts busted by the police, the cat apparently very familiar with the location. Out of nowhere, our newest friends called out to us, a tall okapi running up to pick Helix up in his arms with a mad laugh.
-Chris, said the striped beast, I'd never have thought!
-Whoa there, replied the ram, your mate's watching!
-I don't mind, shrugged the Jaguar who I surmised was Estrela. I've come to learn that Hermann's too much of a slut for me to control.
-Hey, smirked Hermann, I'm...
-Open minded, completed Ulrich. Hey there you two!
-Ulrich, startled the jaguar as he gave the Don a hug, it's been too long, panthera!
-Et tu, panthera, the leopard replied. Welcome home, everyone.
-Good afternoon milady, I said as I introduced myself to the Russian Blue queen that lingered a bit back from the group. My name is Jesse. Are you Catherine?
-I am, nodded the queen, apparently quite glad to see that someone had taken the time to talk to her as well. You were recently orphaned, were you not?
-I don't know where my mother is, but my father is now the ghost that we were referred to you about.
-A terrible evil, sighed the queen, taking me in a hug. Know that you are free of it, Jesse, and that you have a wonderful aura to you, quite an incredible one indeed. To be honest, you have a bit of the gift yourself... perhaps more then you'd suspect.
-You mean divination or something of the sort, like you?
-Yes, like Hermann and me. That means that you'd be much more susceptible to the energies that we'll be facing if we are to act to remedy this disturbing situation. Perhaps we could go somewhere to talk more comfortably?
-I have rooms for you all at my hotel, said Ulrich. Please, we have rides outside to carry us.
-May I take you luggage, I asked as I reached for Catherine's suitcase.
-I trust you enough to know you will keep it safe, smiled the queen. Please, call me Cat, it sounds less formal.
I picked up her things as we returned to the cars, packing in everybody's stuff in the trunks without too much trouble, though the lingering smell of gun smoke in the car piqued Estrela's curiosity as well as Cat's, who voiced her thoughts as we drove to the Black Stage.
-I smell smoke, said the feline, acrid smoke, and there is a sense of death to this vehicle. What happened Jesse, do you know?
-Well, seeing as Ulrich's in the other car, I suppose it's okay to say it, I grunted. You see, Ulrich's parents were murdered when he was young, and the killer was thought to have been well, taken care of. It turns out that the one who had reported having done so was actually the killer himself, though we only found this out today and Ulrich was adamant to avenge his loved ones.
-Of course, nodded the queen. Death comes to many people, but it's good to know that it was brought to a deserving soul. Tell me about your life, Jesse. Have you ever had any strange feelings, a sense of 'something beyond'?
I spent the rest of the trip recounting a few episodes of my life and times that I thought might be noteworthy, a few that she seemed to linger on longer then others. She didn't seem to draw a conclusion from my tales, but she definitely had an opinion now, albeit I didn't seem to be able to get from her for the time being. I simply gave a friendly smile and voiced that I hoped it had been interesting. She returned a grin as we got out of our ride to move the three out-of-towners into their temporary residence. Their reactions were pretty much all the same, total disbelief that it was Ulrich's and a stubborn insistence to see everything at once, though the panther managed to stem that out to a complete visit of the hotel as soon as they were comfortable and had gathered their thoughts. Hermann and Estrela took a room together, leaving the larger suite to Cat, who seemed to take it as a flattery and motioned for me to come in with her things. I hesitated to intrude, but seeing her reassuring stare I simply hopped inside with her and gently put her bags on her bed.
-This is very nice, sighed Catherine. Ulrich's quite the entrepreneur, to put it mildly.
-I don't know how he does it all, I seconded. The trip didn't put you out too much, I hope?
-Oh no, I slept most of the way, laughed the queen. It's a cat thing, and a Cat thing. Could you get the cord between my shoulders?
-Sure, I said as I untied the knot that kept the upper portion of the queen's dress in tension. You're going to change?
-Not exactly, she replied with a smirk, pulling off her garment and putting it on a coat hanger in the closet. I hope I'm not too shocking?
-No! If anything, you're an angel, Catherine. So you're commando all the time?
-Commando? Oh you mean no under...Yes, that's right. I don't like much of anything on me, to be completely honest. And yourself, you have something to your dressing habits as well that I sense is special, the sign of Gemini.
-I'm a cross-dresser, I admitted. Heck, right about everyone knows by now. Today I'm a guy; tomorrow, I'm a girl.
-You must have a very nice body to be able to do that so skillfully, smiled Cat. May I see more of it?
-You've shown me enough that I'd feel terrible to refuse, I replied as I undressed. So I'm not that upsetting either?
-Quite the opposite, said Catherine as I gave her a 360. Come sit here with me and I'll tell you what I think I know about your other side.
-All right, I shrugged as I plopped down aside the queen on the bed.
-Your mother's side had a history of second sight, started Cat, but none of them really knew what it was. It dates back a long, long time, to your roots in Germany, I'd think, probably Thulian mystics. A few of those strange coincidences that you told me about are proof that your energies are so strong that they manifest without you having to even concentrate them. If you'd like, I could help you try and get a better grasp of them. It isn't complicated, but it means that from now on, you can't deny that you have a gift, and you have to keep it in a corner of your mind when you go around, to be conscious that since you're so receptive, you can expect to see a lot.
-Sounds a bit scary, I grunted.
-Actually, I find it to be a source of comfort personally, and Hermann sort of considers it that as well. Anytime you feel that there's nothing you can do, you feel helpless, you can look with your other sight and see guides, even angels, that can aid you, protect you. Plus, you can get a good feel for people you meet, to know what their intentions are.
-I need comfort more often then I like to admit, I sighed. Sure, thanks Catherine.
-Hey, not that many people have it, smiled the cat as she took me in a tight embrace. Nice pup, you're almost as soft as me! Well, let's start. Give me your hands and close your eyes...
I held Cat's hand for over an hour as we concentrated on our abilities. At first, she was overwhelmingly more skilled then me, so much that I could feel myself blocking her to an extent. She found it strange that I was able to, mostly because it meant a lot of strength, but slowly, we evened out to a certain extent, though I was certain she wasn't going all out. Near the end, I could tell where Ulrich, Hermann and Estrela where, but I dug a bit deeper and tried to find where Blackbeard was. Catherine gave a hum as I searched, curious to see if I would be able to. After a few minutes of hard concentration, I felt a presence aside me and turned to see something that just near stopped my heart all together. Just as I could see Catherine, I could see Finger standing aside the bed looking at me. Cat didn't react, as if she couldn't see him, leaving me unfortunately alone with the spirit of the sable. Looking at Finger, I decided I might as well try to speak, though he did first.
Hello Jesse
-Finger, how can you be here? You... Ulrich, didn't he..?
He did. I'm not alive, Jesse, but I'm here.
-How?
I have a heavy burden, Jesse, a heavy burden that I must atone for before I can move on.
-Move on to Heaven?
If I can atone, I will, but otherwise, I'll go to... there. I don't want to go there, Jesse.
-What can I do?
Let me be your guide, let me help you. I'll be your eyes on this side of the world.
-Finger, I'm so sorry...
No, don't be. I did the unthinkable and I paid for it, as I deserved to. But now, please, you have to accept me as your guide though, or I'll be damned.
-I do! Please stay, Finger.
I will, I always will, until we go to Heaven together.
-Finger, where's Blackbeard?
He's at his home, and you should go see him soon. He's afraid, and very sad.
-I will. Thank you, Finger.

The sable smiled and vanished, as if he knew that he didn't have any further reason to linger around for the moment. Cat seemed to come around as he left, then looked at me with a questioning air. I explained what had happened, totally stunning her for an instant until she simply declared that it was rare anyone found a guide so quickly, and that I was lucky to have Finger with me.
-Every time you'll ask his help, you'll help him redeem himself, she said. Don't use him too much though, because he has to draw from you to stay with you. You'll get used to when you have to take it easy, but I'm surprised how well you took this already! Anyhow, if he said we should hurry, we should really get going.
-Maybe just you, Estrela and Hermann should go, just so we don't scare the poor bear even more.
-I wouldn't think anyone else would profit from being there, nodded Catherine.
We quickly got back into decent attire before going over next-door and knocking on the two lovebirds' door, getting a prompt reply from Estrela, looking like a total mess but nonetheless very happy. Catherine explained the experience that we had been given moments previous and the guys agreed with the high priority that the investigation took, getting their coats on before following us down to the hotel's lobby. As we were coming down, the hyena that had been at the mansion gave us a wave and a call, which I replied to immediately, seeing a chance to get a ride.
-Hello there Stripes, I said as I gave the hyena a handshake. So you're back from work?
-I'm off duty at last, nodded the striped dog. Are you and your friends going out?
-Well, yes and no, I sighed.
-Ouch, heavy reply warning! What's up?
-We have to go see the house where the ghosts we talked about at the mansion are residing. We're from out of town, so...
-Say no more, say no more, insisted Stripes. My lady's working tonight on stage, so I'm free to tag along and offer you a driver.
-Thanks a lot, Stripes, we'll make it up to you.
-Hey, this is exciting enough already! Better then a night with the boob tube, I'll tell you.
We formed up on Stripes as he walked to the parking lot and shooed us into his car, which was more then spacious enough for all of us to fit into. He didn't waste time on touching the brake too often as I gave him directions from the back seat, and soon enough to everyone's taste we had pulled up in front of Blackbeard's place. The lights were on in his living room and his car was in his driveway, all telling signs that he was there, though it took a while before I was able to get him to answer the door. The bear opened it slowly, his air that of total fear, as if he was afraid that we were there for him.
-Blackbeard, are you all right, I asked in a clam tone. You look petrified!
-Jesse... come in, come in. Jesse, Ulrich called me and told me about Finger. How did you know?
-I was in the back room doing dishes, I replied. I didn't mean for this to go so far, but it was justice, teddy. Simple and clean, justice.
-Poor buck, sighed the bear as he sat back down in a couch in the living room. I hope he didn't suffer, poor Finger...
-Blackbeard, I'm going to tell you something but I...
Jesse, it's all right, I'll tell him.
-How?
Just relax, and I'll come.
-Who were you talking to, asked Blackbeard, looking more confused then ever.
-Hey you old bastard, I'm not gone just yet, I said, though my voice sounded like another and my words weren't mine.
-Who the Hell?
-Blackbeard, I'm with Jesse now, I'm his psychic guide. I can talk through him, for a while anyway, but it makes him very tired when I do. I can't stick around too long, but just know that it's okay, I knew that this would happen sometime. If anything, I'm glad it did so I can be free of the burden that I carried, and I know that you didn't mean for anything to happen to me, all right? Now chin up, you've got friends to take care of, and who'll take care of you too.
-Finger! My God, gasped Blackbeard as I felt the presence leave me. Are you still there?
-No, I replied, feeling a bit disoriented as I came around. Wow! That was something! Now, my father's shade is still out there, and we shouldn't keep Lucifer waiting too long to meet him.
The bear gave a smile and nodded, as if having heard my channel Finger had brought some closure that made his new situation seem more tenable. As soon as he had put on his coat, we walked out of his residence and headed for the ruins of the Viking Dog compound. Catherine seemed more apprehensive about the location then I would have hoped, a telling sign that it was much more serious then she had understood.
-I wonder where we should start, said the queen. There's a lot of activity here, more then I've ever had to deal with. Can you here those voices?
-Yes, seconded Hermann. Good Lord, there's over a dozen, maybe even twenty entities there! One of them is quite predominant, probably your father, Jesse.
-Then as soon as he's gone, the others should be more manageable.
-I brought purified salt, commented Estrela, passing vials around. It should offer some limited protection until we get a better contact. Are we going right in?
-No! There's too much energy there, refuted Catherine. We should try and make contact with our main target as to be able to get rid of him separately from the others. Jesse, since you have a tighter lien with him, I think we should let you summon him. Your guide may be of the utmost import as well, but if you feel that you can't support the drain any longer, I'll try to cut in.
I gave a nervous smile as we sat down in a parking lot across the street from the compound, personally trying to settle my nerves and get in contact with Finger. My heart beat a bit faster as I saw the sable form aside me, looking as if he knew that we were in for one mean party. Being so closely linked to the buck's spirit, I could now see the spirits in the compound, most on their bikes, looking at us from a distance as if they were barred from leaving their last abode's footprint. One wasn't though, my father's ghost, who I saw walking his ride to the back of the alleyway in preparation for a Dog Shot. As soon as he revved, I knew that he was going to come right at us, my fears confirmed as his form shot through the physical gates, rolling at top speed until I stood up aside Finger and we concentrated to form some obstacle to halt him. My father turned on his heel to stop normal to us, looking right at me with a terrible expression of seething hatred that I couldn't even remember him baring in his living days. I took a defiant stance, waiting for him to say anything. After a few seconds as he gathered his energies, I heard his voice as clear as day.
-So you're back, you fucking slut. I know it was you who sold me out to the cops, but don't worry, I'll pay you back for it right now.
-I won't even let you get near me again, I called. You're going one place, and that is the only payback you'll be involved in.
-Oh, did you suddenly grow balls? I don't remember ever seeing those!
-What the heck, I yelped as I felt something pulling at my pants.
-That's right, like old times, laughed my father as I lost everything from the waist down and I felt something touching me.
-Finger, get him off me! Hermann, can you see him?
-I can't see anything, replied the okapi, what's going on?
-What's going on is that I'm going do my little girl again, grinned the biker.
-Never, I spat, concentrating to let Finger channel every spark of energy I had.
-I'm trying, complained the buck as my father's form seemed to glow.
-I see him, called Hermann, getting out a book from Estrela's bag. Lucifer, we offer forth this soul to you, to slate your thirst for vengeance upon God. This soul is yours, Lucifer, Master of Hell.
As the okapi ended his words, I saw with my second sight that a crack had opened under my father, who was fighting to get out of the way, though some force seemed to be holding him in place, dragging him into the ground. Just like a vacuum, he was sucked into the hole with a last scream, but as it closed, I turned to see Finger motioning that we should stop for the time being as he returned to ether. I didn't have the chance to make any decision though, for as things settled down, I simply blacked out.

I came around some time later laid out on Backbeard's bed, thankfully with my pants back up. As I gave a short whimper and got to my paws, I saw Catherine walk into the room with a gentle smile, striding over to sit on the mattress aside me.
-Hello there again, puppy, said the cat as he stroked my face. You did extremely well tonight, better then me, even.
-I'm just glad it's over, I sighed, closing my eyes as I reached over and caressed her shoulder. Hermann banished him right in time, because Finger was taking a lot from me to make him visible. Is it always this hard?
-This was exceptional, giggled Cat. No, it's much easier normally. Everyone's gone back to the hotel, except for Blackbeard, who took off to the mansion to atone to Ulrich.
-But you stayed, thank you.
-Well, my experience is that after an episode like this the best solution is to make love, to help recover the warmth that the shadow of ghosts bring with them, said the queen as she undid her dress and lay down aside me. Aside from that, I can't help but think of that black trouser snake I saw poking from that brown coat of yours a while back...
-Saw this, did you, I laughed as I whipped off my pants and threw my shirt somewhere. And I myself did see a bird-like crest on your chest that I seem to behold once more!
-This? It runs in my family, smiled Cat as she rolled on her back and traced out the white patch on her sternum. Like it?
-About as much as the cat it's on, I replied, scratching behind her ears before planting a kiss on her cheek. You nice kitten you.
-A kitten indeed, she grinned, looking for my cock with a probing hand.
-It's all right, Catherine, I'm not... it's not that I don't think you're a beautiful and alluring example of the feline persuasion, but I think of you more as a friend and mentor then a bedfellow. I trust you with life and soul, but could we just hug?
-You know, smirked Cat, I don't think I ever remember anyone saying something that sweet about me, not even Hermann and Estrela. With them, I just have to give them a 'come hither' wink and I'm seeing stars the next instant. Not to seem discriminate, but I thought that it was a general rule of thumb.
-I've had more sex in my lifetime to date then most could ever brag to, I explained. Having been a go-go for a couple of years gave a different dimension about sex, a sort of double standard if you will?
-Double standard? How so?
-Well, I'm all revved up for some recreational love pretty much all the time, but it doesn't mean much to me, it was part of the job. Now real love, you see, I'm still a novice at. To really feel total satisfaction, emotional attachment that grows with every instant, true love, I'm still... I'm still not sure I ever felt that. Once I do, I know I've found the one I was meant to be with, you know?
-Jesse, you're a special kind of Sheppard, sighed Cat, wrapping herself around me as she rubbed her head against me.
-Oh, the number of times I hear that, I chuckled as I stroked her back and held her.
As we held in quiet affection, I could hear Cat's hard purring through her heartbeat. It was a steady, regular sound, almost a trance, calming in its own way. Beyond that, I could almost make out something else, like words... 'soft, warm, chocolate brown...' I didn't know what to make of it, but it just seemed to grow as to almost be as loud as Cat's purr, and as I raised her chin with a finger and looked in her eyes, I could almost understand what she was thinking. I didn't move as she came forwards and kissed me on the lips, prying my maw open with her tongue to feel mine inside, but once I felt it, I took her by the shoulders in one hand and held the back of her head with the other as we closed our eyes and savored the embrace. Her hands searched my back and mine her sides then subtle chest, ending settled on her white patch as I pulled my head back. As if it was the most natural thing, she parted and raised her legs to the sides and I slowly penetrated the queen, holding her gently as we made love. It was pure, it was warm, and by the Gods above, I was sure I could see short visions of Cat's life until we came in almost perfect unison, collapsing together like a deck of cards. I knew that what I had talked about had just come to pass, and from her stare, she did too.
-Well then, she said with a sigh, what was that about!
-Right about exactly what I'd been thinking, I replied. So did you really want to become a poet when you were a kitten?
-I did, she smiled, and you wanted to be a gymnast!
-Catherine, I love you, I said, the words just rolling off my tongue.
-And I love you, Jesse, my fellow mystic. Isn't this something...
-Indeed. I hope that the others don't have any intention of coming here too soon.
-The others, Hermann and Estrela, sighed the queen. You know, even though we've been getting along, I haven't really felt like I'm part of their reality. They're a couple, simply, and I'm a third side of the page that doesn't really get read that much. It's been nice, but maybe it's time that I became a bit more serious about my life.
-Was there a reason why you moved in with them?
-When I was young, I mean around six, I got a reading from the caravan leader back in Lithuania, and he told me that I was going to meet another with the gift and that I would know he was the one who I was meant to be with. I though that when I met Hermann, that was exactly the case, and that perhaps Estrela was an unexpected star in the constellation, but maybe I was in too much of a hurry and came to a wrong conclusion. I don't think that I'm sounding too far fetched when I say that by now, you're pretty much turning out to be that person, Jesse.
-New Orleans is a ways away, I commented, and I don't know if Hermann could work his mojo without you.
-For what we do, he can handle himself just fine without me, shrugged Cat. I've done what I can to guide him towards that, and it seems that it worked. You however, have a lot to teach me about what I thought I knew all about!
-That's a claim I wouldn't even have imagined to make, I protested. I guess I could move, I don't really have that much here other then my job at the cafe and some bad memories.
-I wasn't thinking of that, but rather the other way around, corrected Cat. The Bayou is tapped out when it comes to energies, and so many people try to improvise themselves at the art that it just forms this haze. Things are clearer here, more open.
-With my new job at the hotel, the one that Ulrich offered me just today, I could certainly afford a better place for us.
-Do you think he'd hire me as well, asked Catherine. I don't know how I'd ask, but I'm very versatile.
-There's only one way to know, I smiled. Is that a sound?
-Sure is, giggled the queen. I think we should get ready for some company!
We hurried to get back in decent attire and opened a window to try and aerate the room a bit before we headed to the living room to see Blackbeard coming in with Ulrich. The panther looked at me and shook his head with a smile of disbelief.
-You'll really never stop surprising me, said the Don.
-I try to stay interesting, I joked. Ulrich, I don't mean to be the Devil's advocate, but...
-Things are all right, waved the panther. Blackbeard and I had a talk and I decided against pulling him from the casino. After all, no one knows a table like this teddy, and no batter ever got thrown out on one strike. We're all mortal here, and to err is normal. Catherine, you look good! Do you both need a ride back into town? I have a car waiting outside.
-We'd appreciate it, nodded the queen. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about something.
-Sure, shrugged the Don as we left the home and walked to the car with a wave to Blackbeard. Hey, it's quiet now!
-We broke the curse, I insisted. Things will return to normal by sunrise.
-Ulrich, started Cat as we buckled in, I was wondering if you might have a vacancy somewhere at your hotel or somewhere I could have worthy employ.
-You? So you're leaving New Orleans? Well, I need a few new faces in the dance cabaret, for starters. I had two people who decided to go professional with the New York City Ballet, so the door's open. It's sixty-five thousand a year, with full benefits, to put some whipping on the cake.
-I'd love it, exclaimed the psychic.
-That leaves a single vacancy in my troupe, grunted the panther. What the hell... Jesse, how would you like to share the stage with the queen?
-You mean for me to be a dancer? Sure! I can play any role at all, so I guess that's a bonus.
-You wouldn't mind going on as a girl, questioned Ulrich. I mean you're perfect, but...
-It would be wonderful, I said. RuPaul, you've got nothing on me!
-I'll get us to the hotel then, declared the Don. We'll be able to get this set out straight and I'll get you a room, puppy.
-It's fine, we'll manage, called Cat as she gave me a hug.
-You... well, congrats!
The panther talked about the shows for the rest of the way to the hotel, where we parked in a privileged spot before following him inside to the offices to fill out employment forms he personally stamped and signed on the second. Cat seemed giddy as we parted ways with the Don and took the lift to her room, and I couldn't help but voice how completely happy I felt then and there.

The next morning, we joined Estrela and Hermann at the Black Cafe, the restaurant in the hotel's lounge. Catherine decided to be totally frank with them and explained the way she felt and how she had signed on with me to the hotel's roster.
-We understand, said Estrela as he took Hermann's hand. It was a wonderful arrangement for an interim, but it just seemed like we were all in transition to something else.
-You're a couple, nodded Catherine, and a darn cute too. You're a lucky cat, Estrela, and you're a luckier okapi, Hermann. It's just that I want to look to a future that maybe even has children to pass the gift on to and it would be awkward, you know...
-We'll sure miss you, said Hermann with a heavy sigh.
-I know and so will Cherry, Gyra and Philip, grunted Cat. I'd... Jesse, I know this is sudden, but would you be open to turning this upside down again?
-So New Orleans? I'm open to anything, I said. We'll just have to tell Ulrich that-
-That he has big ears that can't seem to stay out of the way long enough, continued the Don as he walked into the restaurant. It's fine; I'll find someone else. Can I join you guys?
The Don pulled up a chair and had breakfast with us, pushing the conversation towards the Voodoo Family and the adventures that had conspired in New Orleans, helping bring me back to the ground as I reset my mind to the fact I was leaving Miami. I sort of droned out of the talk as I let the memories of my time there drift by, most of them prompting me to look at the move as a new start that would help me deal with my past a bit more easily then when walking the same streets I used to squat and walk around on in tight skirts or torn jeans. Cat held my hand as discussed, then as Ulrich retired, pushed us into a group hug with Estrela and Hermann.
-I'll get you a place in our block, insisted the okapi. I know that there are some vacancies on the upper floors, and I'll make a few phone calls.
-That'll save our backs when we move you in, smiled Estrela.
-Thanks, I said with a grin as I squeezed the jaguar's shoulder. Hey, I hope you guys will stay long enough for me to crate my stuff here, eh?
-Sure, no problem, it's from Ulrich's pockets, laughed Hermann.
The four of us made phone calls to arrange for the move as we migrated back to our rooms, Hermann to his workplace and me to a moving company to get my apartment boxed up and shipped, plus a second call to my landlord to close my rental agreement with a reasonable penalty. By three o'clock, I had taken a taxi to my flat and I was overseeing the moving men, kidding me that it was the first time that they saw a guy with so many trophy panties and ladies' garments, joking that I must have been getting laid an awful lot. I took it in stride and shook my head as the last crate was loaded into their truck, the closing door on the vehicle something of a definitive symbol of my departure. To our surprise in the evening, Ulrich had prepared a celebratory supper for us along with his closest friends, both to cheer the return of some of his closest compadres, the vengeance of his parents, the banishment of my father's spirit and the overall chaos that we had managed to quell over the last few days. Maybe it was the whole sudden business of my move or the impressive number of bottles I put away during the party, but I didn't even remember how I got back to Cat's room, nor how I'd gotten the three little pinpricks on my shoulder with looked an awful lot like the queen's claws, though the dazed smile she gave me the next morning certainly spoke volumes...

Four days of hotel life playing tourists with the three visitors from down south was the last chapter of my life in Miami, and after a round of emotional farewells and promises from Ulrich and company to come and crash at our city sometime, I was sitting in a plane with Catherine aside me holding my hand, our pulses racing with exhilaration at the thought of starting a new life. The flight was, to coin a phrase from Pink Floyd, made on the wings of a dream, but it certainly came to a reality as we landed at the city airport. Unknown to us was the fact that we had a ride waiting for us there and only found out as we were outside the building, ready to hail a cab.
-Don't bother, called someone from behind us, sounding like a lady's voice.
-Gyra, called the okapi as we turned to see who had spoken to us. Gyra, this is Jesse, from Miami.
-Glad to make your acquaintance, said the giraffe as she shook my hand. I'm Gyra Bambina, point for the Voodoo clan here in New Orleans.
-I'm sure they're the luckiest for it, I replied.
-Everyone tries to butter me up, grinned the woman, and it works great. Guys, Philip sent me to tell you that he was hoping you'd all be up for a little nine to five party at the mansion. Are you takers?
-Sure, exclaimed Cat. Is Cherry there too?
-Sure is, and busy beating the crap out of the pinball machine as usual. My car's right over there.
We packed into the cabriolet Gyra had bought just recently to replace an old thing that she's basically maxed out the odometer on, and was a vast improvement overall. I had a bit of a talk with her about life and times in the city to get a picture of my new home as well as the Voodoo, who were a great bunch across the board as I saw it. We ended up in the parking of a downtown vintage residence, quite the looker in its own right if not quite as big as the Bronco place in Miami. We just had time to get out before we saw a hare leaning on the doorframe of the side entrance to the place, looking at us with a grin.
-There's Philip, commented Gyra. He's our Don, but don't flatter him to much, he already has a big head.
-Do not, called the lagomorph from across the lot, but my hearing's great!
-Philip, this is Jesse, a new transplant from Miami, said Gyra as she pushed me forwards to introduce myself.
-Jesse, that's nice name, commented the Don. I'm Philip Gagne, Don of the Voodoo Family. So what's your reason for leaving the rolling waves of the seaside behind?
-Oh, I had too much history there, I replied.
-History? It must have been something if you have that kind of a tone when you say it.
-I take it that the story of the Viking Dogs must have reached your ears, being in the clockwork of the Family?
-All the Dons in North and Central America know all about it, nodded Philip as we walked inside with him to the bar on the first floor. Jumpy's one heck of a point, not to denigrate my own long-neck angel here.
-Well, they had an informant from inside helping them too, commented Gyra. Oh, is that where you come in?
-I was the informant, I declared, and their chapter head in Miami was my father, who is now facing the flames of Hell, I hope. He was a terrible man who must have done everything to earn his place by the Devil, and I was quite, quite willing to help after Jumpy helped me off the streets.
-Another Cherry, nodded Philip.
-That and he's a better physic then me, added Cat. I'm not kidding, and be quite Jesse, you are.
-I'll be darned, chuckled the rabbit, I keep getting the best of the best walking my way in the last few years! Hey Cherry!
-Buenos Dias, amigos, said the bat as she left the pinball machine in the corner of the room to come and greet us. How was Miami?
-We brought back a souvenir, said Estrela with a giggled as he took me by the back of the shirt. He talks too!
-I was in Miami and all I brought back was this bloody German Sheppard, I said as the jaguar pretended to pull a cord on my back. Name's Jesse, for starters.
-Cherry La Verde, said the fruit bat as she gave me a quick hug, from Mexico, if you're wondering about the accent.
-I can tell, I replied. I knew a couple of other guys back on the coast who came from down there. Oaxaca?
-No, Chiapas, right in the middle of it, she said with a smile. Good guess though! My parents were coffee farmers until the very end, but I didn't have the heart to continue. Oh well, I ended up in a good place anyway!
-I can't say anything to rebuke that, whistled Philip. Hey, everyone ready for a little vodka cooler?

I competed with Cherry on the pinball for a few rounds until I understood that there was just no way that I'd ever get a higher score then the mouse, something she didn't vaunt openly but seemed to know in advance. I gave it up just in time to be challenged by Philip to a game of darts on the board opposite to the pool table, which was presently getting its dose of wear by Estrela and Hermann, both quite practiced players from the shots they used. The hare was quite good at the game, nailing doubles and triples without too much strain, but I seemed to have some gift myself and matched him until we were down to the final doubles and I hit my double twelve with a dull thud.
-Nice, commented the Don as he conceded the game in a handshake. You're a nimble pup, Jesse.
-If I got a dollar every time I heard that, I giggled.
-On that subject, did you have a job lined up here already? I don't want to pry, but you know, I want all the best for everyone I know.
-Ah, no, not yet. I have a lot of experience in retail and restoration, plus my emerging gift. I don't know what that might get me, but I'm willing to put it forwards to any potential employer, to be honest.
-Right, nodded Philip as he took a more serious look. What can you see with your gift, Jesse?
-Spirits, energies and I have some remote vision from what I experienced. Why?
-You know, started the Don as he leaned against the bar, I wouldn't mind having an advisor who has a different set of eyes then the rest of my people. Sure, anyone can see someone when they're right there physically, but to get another kind of look at them would be worth it, really so. What would you say? I'd be glad to have you, Jesse.
-I'd be glad to help you in any way I can, I replied. I don't know just how far I can push my abilities, though it really depends on my guide more then anything. I'm still just learning what I can do, Philip.
-It's a good enough excuse to have a partner at darts, smiled the hare as he patted my back. Hey, how about another round?

We stayed around until late in the evening, eventually migrating to slouch at the bar in assorted states of consciousness and waxing philosophic until Estrela, probably unintentionally mind you, fell asleep on the counter, his head half propped up on his hand as his eyes closed and he started snoring. Philip just looked at him with a smile with Hermann, eventually getting an olive from a jar behind the bar and slowly popping it in the jaguar's right nostril. We held back a laugh as the cat made the strangest snorting sound as he woke up in a start and sneezed the protruding foodstuff across the room to land in a trash bin set against the wall.
-Field goal, called Philip. Sorry Estrela, I really had to do it.
-All I smell right now is olive oil, laughed the jaguar. All right, I think we should pack it in for the night.
-Are you good to drive, asked Catherine, or do you want me to?
-Maybe Jesse could, said Hermann. Here, have the keys, Shep.
I caught the keys the okapi tossed me and we made our goodbyes to the Don and the giraffe as we took a taxi back to the condo where we'd stay. Three people in the flat wasn't too crowded from what I figured as we walked into the apartment, and I wasn't exactly very invasive either so we'd be able to hack it until signing for another unit somewhere. Even though the pair was quite adamant, Cat insisted that Hermann and Estrela stay in the master bedroom while we stayed in her room aside it.
-I hope you don't mind company, she said with a grin.
-Come now, I retorted, I think that you know the answer to that.
-We're not alone, that's why, corrected the queen as she took out a box she'd had in her luggage, opening it to reveal a skull of her genus inside. This is my grandmother Samantha, my guide.
-Please to meet you, Samantha, I said as I felt the presence around the remains. Though that's not her real name, is it?
-Neither is Catherine mine, smiled the cat. We're gypsies, so real names are something we really keep under our hats. Just like you, you never told me your last name, Jesse!
-I'll trust you with my real name, I said, if I know you trust me with yours.
-That would give you a lot of power over me, smirked Cat, but then again if we're to live together that comes with the territory. Come to think of it, we would be able to gain much if we were to unite our guides.
-You mean have them draw equally from us?
-That's up to them, but it sure would be something! So, come now, who are you, puppy?
-Well, Jesse's just the nickname I used since I ended up on the streets. My name's actually Ivan Jericho.
-And mine is Katarina Dworslkava, said Cat as we held each other. First time I tell anyone, personally!
-I haven't used Ivan for a long, long time myself. Jesse sounds better when I'm dressed as my alter ego. Katarina's nice though, it's an old world name with charm.
-Thanks, chuckled the queen. Want to hold Samantha to get a read from her?
-No, I think I can visualize her, I replied as I relaxed. Put her aside you, and I'll try to contact Finger.
-It doesn't take much, I heard the sable say as I saw him form aside me.
-Finger, do you see Samantha?
-I do, he replied as I noticed the form of an older Russian blue queen appear besides Cat, just as clothed as her too. I've been communicating with her since you met Catherine.
-Greetings, Jesse, said the spectral feline with a thick accent. It is good to meet the closest friend of my granddaughter.
-Samantha, can Catherine see Finger?
-I will try to help her do so, but it is quite hard to do.
-If you draw from me as well, would it help?
-Very much so, yes.
The form leaned over and touched my hand, a cold feeling coming over it for an instant before Cat looked over to where Finger was and then over to Samantha with a childish grin.
-Grandmother! Is that Jesse's guide Finger?
-I am, commented the sable.
-We are all connected now, said Samantha. Our sight and senses are shared. Thank you for conveying Finger, Jesse, for I couldn't quite see him, only his energy. Quite the handsome creature!
-And yourself, grinned the sable, very much so indeed. Well! Returning to our friends, be assured that we are as tightly knit as...
-...a scarf, completed Samantha as she reached out again, this time to take Finger's hand. Come Finger, tell me more about yourself...
We lost sight of the two spirits as they vanished, though their last words were almost humorous.
-Nice, I said to Cat, our guides are hitting on each other.
-That's just fair considering that they're around when we're in the sack too, giggled Cat as she jumped on me. Meow!
-Arf, I barked as I took her against me and turned her to lie on her back, caressing her stomach. Do you think that Estrela and Hermann would really have us move out?
-Nah, laughed the queen. I figure that I just scared him with that bit about children. When that time will come, it goes without saying, but until then, hey, we don't poke our noses into what the others don't want us to.
-Tidy little commune, I said with a chuckle. I'll take a cut of the rent as soon as Philip decides to make good on his offer.

Cat and I stayed in until supper, when she and I made lasagne for everyone with a rich, creamy meat sauce I had the secret to. Hermann and Estrela had been out until they came in sniffing the air, surprised to see the table set and the plates just cooling down in its middle. Settling to the meal, we talked lightly about our lives, everyone finding out the details of my existence, for wheal or woe, though the general reaction had a strong compassionate feel. The dynamic shifted too, the guys touching and holding hands between themselves then with us, taking a certain step back from Catherine and me, understanding that we were really more interested in each other then them. Estrela even commented on it, almost apologizing for having overstepped sometimes.
-Catherine, I hope that you don't think ill of us because we were rowdy sometimes, said the jaguar. It was just this aura of free love that sort of brushed over pretty hard, and we were just getting used to the fact that we'd be together for a long time.
-Forever's a long time, seconded Hermann, hugging Estrela. For what it's worth, you're a perfect couple.
-So are you, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, I replied. Boy, I'm packed tight here!
-Dido, Hermann commented as he put down his fork. Hey, we got a DVD while we were out.

We shifted to the living room to watch the movie, Estrela and his okapi cuddling in the loveseat while I played the spoons with Cat on the Chesterfield, though everyone eventually fell asleep as the flick ended, the tempo of the production having slowed to a painful crawl that was just too boring for our brains to suffer any longer. In the wee hours of morning, Cat and me woke up to go take a shower and play 'hide the sausage' for a bit before the guys came out of their stupor, then took off to the Voodoo residence for a breakfast rendezvous with Philip. The hare took the time to outline the context of my work to me, which was simply getting a read on people in depth when they came to visit and provide insight to Philip when he came to a dead end on some issue. I felt flattered and accepted the contract he gave me, which included a seventy thousand-dollar salary to boot, giving him hug with my tail wagging madly from the emotions until I calmed down a bit.
-So, grinned the hare, any first observations, Jesse?
-Just a few questions about the twenty-once Mickey in your desks' second drawer and a pair of Gyra's panties aside it.
-Oh dear, laughed Philip, isn't this going to be fun!