The Miami Broncos Chapter 5: Helix Written by Francois Guint-Riel (FGR) Graduation had come and gone in a heartbeat to me. In the blink of an eye and the toss of hat, more literally then anything, our lives as students had vanished and we were now liberated from the bonds of our voluntary prison with as diploma to prove our survival. My own mood was different, somehow, from the others. I’d been in the institution for the better part of six years, first as an undeclared major then switching to management when I’d met some great souls in their first semester; Ulrich, a nice black panther with a heart of gold; Cassa, a witty, intelligent gazelle with a knack for getting her work done before anyone was the wiser and my best mate, a downright, honest to god okapi hunk named Herman with whom I’d had the best of times. The three of them has succeeded well in their studies, kudos to them, and most importantly had even gotten work a placement in Brazil in a high-end resort to start off their careers. Hermann had almost cried when we talked the afternoon before he was to leave, but I most definitely did. Four years had meant something, even if we’d never really made any plans and just gone along with the flow. He surmounted the shock though, and I did what I could to make it easy for him to go, though as soon as he’d left, a shell of a mountain ram collapsed onto a residence bed and sobbed until I could stand to face the trials of life once more. This was a week later. I was twenty-six, unemployed, never thought about my career, and my lease at the university apartment that I called home expired the next day. It’s not that I hadn’t tried to been looking for work, I’d been on the lookout since Herman had confirmed his placement and I’d understood the sweet ride was over, but there just wasn’t all that much to go on at the moment. I’d tried my best, but it wasn’t enough to cut the skin of the beast. Putting on my old grey blazer, I hustled out of the two-story res to get a bit of fresh air and get my head back on straight. It wasn’t easy, but a while later, I was walking at a good, comfortable pace down the streets with Pet Shop Boy’s ‘Being Boring’ stuck in my head, which seemed appropriate to sing to myself at the time. There were a few nice sports bars on the block, including a few where I made pit stops on the odd occasion. Tonight was one of those, I told myself as I pushed open the door to one of my favorites, a well-known place called the Field, pretty high-end compared to the norm, were one could rest, kick back with a cold one and enjoy the games on the various screens throughout the box. I slouched on one of the bar stools, not bothering to pay much heed to my neighbors, and called up a 20 oz pilsner in a frosted glass while I grabbed a fistful of beer nuts and started scribbling stats on the football game projected on the main screen. I concluded it would end 35-42 on a fumbled ground play, grunting in self-satisfaction with a long drag of my draft as my predicted winner scored a run, bringing them two runs and a conversion short of my 42. The plays went on and the tally rose following the trends I’d put down. As it evolved, I noticed my left neighbor paying more attention to the scribbles I’d written. Right on target, the would-be losers in my statistic game made a risky running pass across field, which the receptor dropped, ending his run in the camera gallery in a unceremonious spill. Bravo, I thought, drawing a cute check mark on my napkin and finishing my beer. -Looks like you know your numbers, said my curious neighbor. That game was a toss-up. -It’s a hobby, I said with a shrug. A diploma helps, though. -I bet it does, I bet it does, nodded the black bear, turning to bet a better look at me. How about I buy you another drink, eh? -I don’t know, I’m not- -Come now, smiled the ursine, what’s your hurry? How about a nice red? -Shucks, why not. Thanks, bud. Name’s Chris, by the way. -Richard, but everyone calls me Blackbeard, figure why, replied the bear, shaking my hand. -That’s appropriate! So you’re in the numbers too? -I work at the casino downtown, it’s a professional deformation, I guess. Yourself? -Fresh out of college I’m afraid, I answered honestly, and in a mean time crunch. -Really. You know what, Chris, I might have a problem. See, my bookie left last month, and my sport pit’s lines have been utter BS since and my clientele’s hemorrhaging. Would you be able to suggest solution? -He’s five-ten and 100% pure wool, I said with a grin. -How odd, that’s what I was thinking too. What a coincidence, eh? To yours, Chris. -And yours, and your good heart. -Just a word though, before you go all giddy. The casino’s run by me, and I’m in another, kind of bigger club. I don’t know, but you might have heard of it around sometime. -The Broncos, I said with a neutral air. -You’re a quick one, Chris! So you know about us? -Ulrich Luther was one of my best friends in college, I said, before he left for Brazil just recently. -Don Ul… all right, all right, you’re something else, kid, chuckled Blackbeard. How about me and you go to the casino and I show you around? -I never say no the first time. The bear made small talk until I finished my second round and he showed me to his car, a huge monster of a sports cabriolet, but whose freshly-oiled leather seats spoke volumes as to the good fortunes of its owner. Blackbeard was friendly, even brushing over his occupation as a made man for the Broncos. The casino, The Tripoli, was one of the biggest and best, as I would’ve guessed, a massive twenty-story anthill of money and Lady Luck breath, and as soon as he’d pulled in front of the main doors, two attendants jumped to his beck and call to park it for him. The bear seemed to like the attention and waved for me to follow him inside, where the heavy scent of cigars and anxious players filled the air with a certain mystery. Blackbeard continued onto a private elevator which he started with a key from his belt, obviously the only one to reach the administrative levels where his office would be placed. There was surveillance equipment a plenty, and the elevator had a set of two cameras pointed at us, swiveling slightly at me as if to get a better picture of their visitor. On the top level, the bear led me to the doors of a huge office, closely guarded by four men, visibly not the average run-of-the-mill mall security guards. The casino owner motioned for me to get comfortable in one of the soft suede chairs in front of his, and started to talk as he offered me a cigar, lighting one himself. -Now you have to understand that I take the money that’s made here straight to the Bronco, he explained. That means that if the numbers don’t jive, the Family gets involved. You don’t take from the Family, not without some consequence. Don’t think of this as a threat though, just a fair warning, because I’ve had the occasional problem here, which was taken care of before I was able to do anything about it myself. On the other hand, you have a lot, and I mean a lot, of new friends that look out for you. Are you following me? -Yep, not a problem. -All right, now the rules, said the bear, counting them off on his fingers. Primo, your odds pass by no one, even me. That means that you and you alone are responsible for your work, and that the results are our responsibility, for wheal or woe. It’s a question of security, so the runners from the other places don’t get our lines before we do, and we profit from them as much as possible. Segundo, if you work for a Bronco, that means you are a Bronco. You and your friend Ulrich will have something new in common aside studies, if you want to look at it that way. On the other hand, it means that you have to maintain a certain decorum and honorable behavior worthy of a member of our Family. Tierce, as a corollary of that last point, your security is also of our mutual concern. Find a place near here, or somewhere safe, and we’ll keep a sharp look out for you, as you’ll keep an eye out for us. That means you carry. -Carry, you mean have a - -Yes, you have a sidearm on you at all times, said Blackbeard, underlining the last words with care as he pulled a few pistols from his desk. Take your pick, and make sure it’s always with you. -This looks good, I said as I took one of them with certain bravado. -Heckler and Koch USP Elite, .45 ACP. Good choice. Have you ever used one? -Never, I said, relieved to admit the detail. -Then you’ll be trained to, stated Blackbeard. We have private facilities outside of town, where our guys will teach you what this puppy can do, before you start your work. Also, that’ll give you a chance to do a little meet and greet to get to know who’s who and who to look out for. In the meantime, keep it, maybe under your blazer if it doesn’t show too much. There, looks great! Here’s an extra clip, in case. Where do you live? -On campus in one of he residences, but I’m losing it tomorrow. -Man, you were in a crunch! Never mind that, though, you can stay here until you find a place. -I won’t overstay my welcome, I promise. -Bah, don’t worry about it. Here, you’ll be in 431, said the bear, passing me a keycard. I got a few things to take care of, so take it easy until tomorrow. I’ll have someone pass by and get you for your training in the early morning, nine-ish. I nodded and shook the bear’s paw once more, the owner seeming quite happy about his new hire. I felt like I was going to faint as I walked out of the office to a few approving faces from the guards, talking amongst themselves as I took the elevator down to the casino level. There was one heck of a crowd, that was for sure, the slots and tables full of eager clients, spending some had-earned dollars for some excitement and thrills. I passed by the sports pit, almost laughing as I saw the odds on the boards, so ridiculous to me that I could hardly believe that the casino would have bothered to put them up, letting it go as I wandered to the poker tables. A few of the games were real nail-biters, underdogs and leaders deadlocked with varying stacks. I stayed close to one, almost over by the looks of it as one of the players, a tired-looking mole, had decided to try and all-in with whatever slim stacks remained in his possession. The dealer, a solidly-built wolf who I would’ve seen as a football hero back at the college, looked a bit concerned at the call, but kept on his work, until he dealt out the river, a jack of clubs that gave a three-of-a-kind by an ace of hearts to one of the mole’s opponents, a patched black and white tomcat, who seemed happy with the outcome of the gamble. The mole however, seemed anything but that, and as the wolf took his palette and pushed the chips to the cat, I saw the mole reach down into his pants and the shimmer of steel as he pulled out a cheap-looking handgun. -You damn son of a bitch, you were waiting to pull that one on me, yelled the loser, leveling the weapon at the dealer. Before things escalated I did the same, getting a hold of the my sidearm’s handle and whipping it out, aimed for the mole’s shoulder and pulled the trigger. A single shot rang out as the creature spun on himself from the force of the blow and released his gun, dropping harmlessly to the floor as people started to panic. The attendants at the casino where obviously trained for such an event, and I couldn’t have imagined a calmer response, each and every one of the employees reassuring the clients that all was well and that the situation was under control, waving to the subdued mole and myself as I returned my firearm to its temporary home. With some rumbling, things returned to what they’d been previous to the incident, and guards came to take the mole outside for attention. The gambling pit manager came over when things had calmed down to talk to the wolf, advising that he take the rest of the evening off to recover from his near-miss. The lupine acquiesced and let another dealer take over his table, turning his attention to me with a half-grin. -Thanks a lot, there, said the wolf. That guy had been coming all week and gambling away like a madman, and unfortunately always losing. -I guess he took it personally, I commented. Are you all right? -Bit shaken, I suppose, but that’ll pass. -Great! Want a little something, my treat? You still look like you could use a picker-upper. -I wouldn’t want to seem imposing, he replied, but I’d appreciate it, sure. -Does the wolfie have a name? -He does, smiled the canine, Gevaudan, Gevaudan Elmwood. -Gevaudan, as in the legend? -My parents had a sense of humor, laughed the wolf. Yes, they named me after the ghostly hunter of France’s provinces. Yourself? -Chris, Chris Rockface, pleasure’s mine. The two of us took a table at the lounge overlooking the pit, ordering up a pair of bloody Caesars and a plate of nachos, talking about anything that came through our heads. Gevaudan was a bundle of innocent fun, but even sitting, he had a good eight inches on me, which put him at a square six-six, and built like a professional wrestler. -I do a bit of personal training on the side, he explained. I don’t know, maybe it’s all ego, but I like looking my best. -I just do jogging and bike, I replied, cardio. Nice endurance is good to have around. -So you were in college, eh? I take it you took a bit extra on when you were there? -I did two years as undeclared before my program’s real start. I needed the rest after high school, to be frank. -That’s where I stopped, myself. People say I’m a nice puppy, but when it comes to math and sciences, I’m not worth a plugged cent! I got into cards and gambling, and before I knew it I was here. -Anyone to keep you company? -Oh, just a few outing with some of the other guys from work, nothing personal, answered Gevaudan. I’m a bit picky, maybe. -Guys, by that you mean you’re on the pink side? -Well, yes... -Hey, looks like I’m in luck, I giggled. -Really? That’s a surprise! You’d make ladies drop dead in their tracks. -I got hit on a bit back in school, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. I made my choices. -That’s nice, said the wolf, putting a lazy hand on the table over mine. -It is, I whispered, turning my palm to get a hold of his paw. Firm hold, wolf. The lupine took a sly-looking glance at me with narrowed eyes as he closed his fingers a bit around my hand, getting a hum from me in return. I reached over with my other hand to take his, and as we gripped, Gevaudan made an offer. -You know, I have a room here in the casino. If you’re not engaged in anything right now... -I think I can open my schedule, I said with a smile. Lead the way, wuffs. The canine got to his paws, motioning with a shake of his head to follow him as we walked to the elevators and hired one to get to the employee level. -My card’s in my pocket, said the wolf as we stood in front of the door. Can you get it? -Sure, I replied, reaching in his pants to get the key while getting a nice feel deeper inside. Firm hold, wolf. -You’ll see, assured the lupine, unlocking the room and shooing me in. I made him take off his shirt as we got inside, casting mine aside as well, hugging his strong, soft-furred torso as he put his own arms around me and licked my ears a bit. I returned the favor before planting a solid kiss on his black-lipped muzzle, getting a blatant physical response from him further down. Feeling the moment was right, I untied his belt and let his pants drop, his thick, inviting member all too visible through his briefs. Grunting with a smile, he pulled mine down, through was quite careful to get my underwear as well as he did, and followed them down as he crouched to pleasure me. -Oh you’re good, wolf, I said as his red tongue just brushed my privates. -Thanks baah baah brown sheep, he replied. Here, take me. -Your fur’s so damn warm... The wolf pulled off his undies and dropped prone, holding his hole open for me as I arched over him and slowly entered him, his long, beautiful coat deforming as I lay against him and jerked at him. Gevaudan gave a few high whines with a expression of bliss as I worked on him until in a burning hot embrace, I finished in him. Before he did as well, I pulled out and had him turn on his back and luxuriating on his beautiful frame, sucked him off with unimaginable anxiety until he came and my daily dose of salt and protein made it’s way down my throat. -Baah, I bleated as I lay down on the ground aside him. Nice wolfie. -Grrr, he growl with a mock snarl. You be good, Helix boy. -Helix? I like that name, it sounds cute. Plus, a helix screws around a lot... -You’re a keeper, said the wolf, passing an arm around me. What are you up to tomorrow, if I may ask? -Oh, practice with some trainers at some mansion to become a better shot, from what I understood from Blackbeard. -Weird, they waited a while before even letting me use a gun, grunted Gevaudan. They must like you, baah-baah. Can’t say I disagree with them. I stayed with the wolf for the night, playing a game of scrabble until we couldn’t stay awake without coming up with silly words and dumber-sounding definitions, accepting a few of them on the board in honor of the laughs they brought out of us. We didn’t even bother to put the board away before we hopped in bed and snored away the night, Gevaudan apparently really liking the company of a gentle soul in the darkness. The lucky puppy didn’t start work until two in the afternoon, which meant he was sleeping in, a luxury that my engagement with the casino didn’t afford me. Careful not to wake him up, I scribbled a note to him and left it on his bedside table, promising to come and find him as soon as the trainers were done with me. I showered and tried to aerate my clothes a bit before nine o’clock rolled around and a knock came at the door, revealing a tall deer with a calm, composed air to him. -Chris, I take it, said the cervidae. -Yes, actually. Some call me Helix, if you prefer. -Helix then, corrected the deer. If you’re ready, we have a car waiting downstairs to drive us to your gunnery lessons. -I’m right behind you, sir. -Call me Tracks, announced the deer. I’ll also be your trainer for this exercise. You’re wearing your sidearm in your left blazer pocket, aren’t you? -Yes, actually, I said with some surprise. -Not too obvious. Also, good work last night, that shot gets you some credit with me. You were six paces away, from what I could figure, and managed to crack a few bones with that bullet. My compliments. -Generous of you, but I was just lucky. -Luck is good to have too. Ah, here we are. Please take the passenger seat, said the deer, showing me a black sports car. Elbows inside, we’re leaving. It took a while for us to reach our destination, a mansion lost behind a tree-filled lot, well guarded from it’s looks, though clean as any place I’d even visited in my time. The deer swiped a card in the reader placed near heavy automated gates, which pulled out of the way as we drove into a roundabout in front of the building. The deer nodded to the men at the doors to signal for them to let me be as we entered the lobby of the mansion and continued on to the back of the lot, where a well-built shooting range awaited us, a few small arms waiting to be loaded and used on a low table in the shade. The exercises were simple; load, aim and shoot the clip empty, retrieve the target sheet and show it to the deer to get a few comments and recommendations before my next repetition. By the fourth clip, my grouping was within two three inches at ten meters, which was acceptable to the deer, who then passed me a strange-looking submachine gun. -This is a suppressed Steyr, said Tracks. I doubt you’ll ever need to use one in your position, but it’s protocol for you to be familiar with it. Now, load up and take aim, Helix. I took the weapon and clicked in a magazine into the unfamiliar weapon before raising it towards the target and flipping off the safety, took a few aimed shots then a few two- or three-round bursts. The sheet told a pretty wonderful story, my aimed bullets hitting spot on target and my bursts relatively stable in their grouping. -We might have you moonlight for us in other capacities, Helix, said Tracks, holding the paper. You seem to be a natural at this, eh? -Moonlight? You mean for me to do this on a more intentional basis. -That’s one way to put it, laughed the deer. Listen, I have a hit to take care of tonight, and I wouldn’t mind the company. It’s always better to have buddy the first time you’re on the job. -I really don’t know if I’d want to, I said with a hesitant aim. Using one of these in self-defense is one thing, but then to actually, you know... -It’s ten grand a pop, said Tracks, and your call. -Ten grand-man, that’s almost a semester’s tuition right there! But who are they, if I can ask? -You sure can, said the deer. You have to understand we don’t go out and take people out for the fun of it. The ones we take care of are dangerous individuals the police don’t want to because it’s too risky. We’re professionals, and very proud of our work. -I see, I replied with a nod. -Then come meet me at the donut shop down the street your casino is on, to the north. Wear something comfortable, but don’t forget your sidearm, whatever you do. In the meantime, I have a few repairs to look into today, so I’ll have you driven back. -Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. -Don’t mention it, said the cervidae, walking towards a small building aside the mansion. Before you go, though, let me ask you something. -What? -Buccaneers against the Giants tonight – what’s the line? -Bad season for the Gs, I’d say 40-52, but the second half will be fun to look at. -I hear you! Later then! A mansion guard came to meet me as I returned towards the building, offering to lead me to the parking where a colleague was waiting to take me home. I obeyed with a contemplative air, and climbed into an idling jeep in the roundabout, speeding into the bend just in time for me to buckle in. As we pulled in front of the Tripoli, the driver gave me a piece of advice. -I heard you’ve got a date with Tracks for a hit, he said. I recommend you really take the edge off before, like get a drink and a really good lay. It helps get you through, eh? Ciao! I didn’t have time to reply as he returned to the streets, giving me a chance to go inside and call a moving van to start emptying out my residence, which was to be vacant by day’s end. The heavy lifting was what I needed to get my thoughts in line, though seeing the college again gave me a bit of pain. As I drove the rental to the storage place I’d arranged around a week back though, it seemed like I’d lived in accelerated time for the last 48 hours. Another workout of box-moving later, I was sweaty and somehow happier still about how things had turned out. All I needed was a place to hang my hat, and there’d be a checkmark aside every need and want I’d had in my mind when I got into my studies. I wanted a nice, exciting job, a beautiful hunk of a guy to rub my back, and a castle to live in. Close, close... After I’d run the van back to it’s owners, I took a bus back to the casino and the daily paper, getting a pen out and shooting right to the sports columns, crunching numbers for tomorrow’s games, and a late-call for a western football meet that I’d board when I got there. Walking to meet the pit boss, I caught a glance of Gevaudan at his table, enjoying himself as he was assisting a few people in emptying their loose change from their pockets. The boss only took a single look at my numbers before he had them on the line board. Not long later, a few patrons had noticed them and were busy undercutting my late call by a few points, which made the pot climb like a rocket, higher then I’d seen in some time. The boss patted my back, nodding in approval without much of a word as he turned his attention to the rest of the casino. As I did the same, I felt a heavy paw on my shoulder, turning to see Blackbeard with an excited air to him. -Now that’s what I’m talking about, said the bear. Looks like you’re worth every penny you get, Chris! -Danke, I try to please. These are for tomorrow, I said, giving him a glance of my projections. -You’ve got one Hell of a pair to declare those lines. Apparently Gevaudan know something about that, eh? I saw you two crazy kids make your escape yesterday. -I hope it isn’t too socking... -Nah, I figured you out when we were talking at the sports bar, Blackbeard said with a smile. Your handwriting’s bubbly. -Is it? Never noticed! -You get used to looking for these things when you’re looking for someone you can trust. I don’t like too many surprises to jump into my face in addition to what I already have to deal with daily. -So you were looking for a gay sports line magician? -That first part I didn’t really care much about, laughed the bear. This stays between you and me here, but are you, you know... open to suggestions? -That all depends of the suggestion, I guess, I answered with a questioning eyebrow. -It’s just I heard that you know, you homos are the best in the world at that, said the bear, nodding down. -I could teach a long-toothed geisha a few things about her business, I replied with a grin. Why, you in ‘that mood’? -Shit, I’ve been in ‘that mood’ for a frigging long time, but I felt kind of out of place to ask anyone. You’re more quiet then a lot of people, so... -Well, I said with a stronger resolve, where would you like it? Your office? -I know it’s kinky, but... -Naah, it gives you good memories, I laughed. The bear took a look around to make sure there weren’t too many curious faces before motioning to go to the private elevators. The guards by the doors of his office gave a friendly smile as I passed by, exchanging a comment with the name ‘Tracks’ in it, though I didn’t hear the rest. I closed the doors as the bear stood waiting, looking unsure what I’d ask for him to do, which, for an ursine six inches my senior and as strong and bulky as his kind could be, was a very funny sight. I waved for him to sit back and relax in his chair and undo his pants, which he did with a giddy smile. I sighed as I knelt down in front of him and pulled his boxers down, revealing a somewhat modest pink cock, which the bear didn’t seem to take to all that much. I didn’t mention it as I dropped my own shorts, startling Blackbeard a bit. -It’s part of the fun, don’t worry, I said. Helps me focus, you see. -All right, you know what you’re doing... I slowly started the bear’s member in my mouth, sliding it slowly over me cheeks as he started to pant, obviously enjoying the experience. A few encouraging comments left his lips as I continued and wiggled his balls like dice. He warned me as he felt the end of the run coming, but I winked at him and went on until a mammoth load of bear cum filled my mouth, almost beating Hermann’s on a slow day. -Man, you were really holding back, I kidded as he threw his head back. -Oh, shit, that was fucking awesome, muttered Blackbeard. You gays got it good... -Ah, call it a habit, I laughed. -You know, while we’re on the subject of new things and all, does it hurt when you take it, you know... -In the rear? Not that much, I shrugged. Do I hear curiosity in there? -Not a word outside this office, but... -Just get down and turn around, I said as I maneuvered the bear. Relax, breath deep... -Holy crap that’s – unghhh! Blackbeard hardly said another word as I pushed myself up his black rear and started huffing and groaning as I pounded in him, his loose fur bouncing with me as I fucked the bear blind, getting some big time satisfaction from it until I finished in him and pulled out. The bear sat back down with a dazed face before commenting on my performance. -Shit, maybe I’m a pansy after all, but that was – you know, fun, I guess. Yeah, fun. -Welcome to the club, I replied. Anytime you like, eh? -I’ll call you. Who, I need to catch my breath, if it’s all the same to you. I gave a heartfelt laugh and left the bear to his own devices, picking himself up after a shot of strong gin and a good cigar. Time hadn’t stopped, and I had to take care of my adventure with Tracks later on. I returned to my room and slept off a few hours, getting up to have a quick supper before dressing in a black shirt and twill pants, feeling ready for anything, though something still nagged at my conscience about taking a life with such a casual attitude. There had to be a reason, a good one for me to pull the trigger. I took my time to get to the donut shop, reading about fifteen minutes slack on my watch before T time. As I got close to the business, I saw the deer inside just getting a large cup of coffee and sitting down to a window seat. I took the other door to enter, and got the same as him before walking up to the chipper cervidae, who caught sight of me as I approached his table. -Howdy there, I said with a cheerful nod. I take it the day was good? -Oh, busy, busy, busy, replied Tracks. I had a few spare parts to install on some of our best rifles, and that took a nice while, when you consider the fine-tuning that needs to be done after anything like that. Yourself? -Nothing extraordinary, just calling that line I gave you, which racked in a nice pot today. -I should have bought in, smirked the deer. Take your time with that cup, we’re not due to be anywhere for another two hours. -Nice, I kind of like the French vanilla here. Yourself? -Hot coco, said Tracks, showing me the drink. We didn’t have a care in the world as we sat in the shop, but as the first hour rolled off the clock, the deer motioned for us to go to the black car outside and get underway. As we got inside, he started to explain the background of our hit. -This dates back to about a year ago, said Tracks, passing me a newspaper clipping. You might remember this story from the news, but let me refresh your memory. This is our John Doe, his name isn’t important. He was a member of the police force’s special victims unit for six years before planning a vigilante job against some hardheaded suspect they had run into during the investigation of a mystery pedophile murderer. His partner knew, but he didn’t say anything until the night that he went out with his service gun to shot the guy. He did it, nailing outside his place the suburbs, but as he was cleaning up his mess, his colleagues rolled in to arrest him, tipped off by the partner. What followed was a hardcover shootout between him and his workplace buddies. Total tally, six dead, four wounded. He managed to make a getaway in one of the cruisers and dropped off the radar until now. Two days ago, he was stopped for a traffic violation, but under a new name, without any supporting info. Anyway, we know where he is, and this contract comes from high up in the department to avenge the souls of the boys in blue he took out. That got your seal of approval? -Without a second thought, I replied. -Good, smiled Tracks, because you’ll get the honor. Put this silencer on your tin, and we’ll get on the road. I screwed on the long device on my gun as the deer pulled out of the shop’s parking and started off into the downtown. Half an hour later, we were outside a low-rent slum of a building, where our target lived. Tracks and I got out of the car and broke in through the back door of the four-story multiplex, taking out a patio door to gain us access. From there, we quietly took the stairs to the second level, and proceeded to flank the door the apartment where we would find our man, arms drawn. Tracks nodded for me to breach the door, and with a good swing, I shouldered it with force, defeating the foolishly unlocked ingress and finding myself inside the stale smelling flat. My eyes shot around until I saw the face from the photograph looking back at me in horror from an adjoining room. With a single second’s worth of consideration and aiming, I sent a single projectile through his head, only a small popping and whistling sound emanating from my firearm and a stomach-churning crunch as the back of my target’s head fell apart and he dropped to the ground to attest to our intervention. I returned my pistol to the inside of my jacket and closed the door behind me as Tracks gave me a one-armed hug and grunted with a smile as he recognized how professional I had behaved. Only when we were in the car and rolled off the premises did he talk. -That was very, very good, Helix, said the deer. I couldn’t have guessed it was your first time from that hit... -Can you stop the car for a moment? -Sure, why... As the deer pulled over to the side of the deserted commercial street, I got out and heading for the closest rain sewer, released the sick feeling that had climbed into my throat since our departure and hurled my heart out, somewhat sorry I was losing that good coffee I’d drank, but as I settled down and returned to my seat, the deer was waiting with a familiar expression of recognition. -Ah, that’s more like it, he said. Don’t worry, you don’t get that the next time. -I hope not, I replied with a sigh. It doesn’t make me look very classy. -Could be worst, he shrugged. Take me for instance – I had borsch the first time I did a hit. Now if you talk about not having much class... I managed a laugh at the comment as we drove towards the mansion where I’d received my training. I must have looked a bit confused, but he waved it off with a pout. -No worries, you’re our guest for the night. Traditions, you know. -Traditions? -Yep, you’re one of the Family’s proud children now, and one heck of a competent gun. That calls for something to replace what you dropped back there, at least. -That would be very kind indeed. The welcoming committee wasn’t the same as before at the steps of the mansion, a different staff at the doors then I’d taken a mental note of present. Tracks showed me through the place to a large recreation room where some people were playing pool and ordering drinks from the well-managed bar to the side of the hall, apparently free of charge. There was a pool table just about to be freed up as a fit-looking kangaroo pocketed the last few balls of the set with practiced hands. He sent the last one in before looking up and seeing us, leaning on his cue as he slapped Track’s arm with a knowing grin. -Hey there antlers, said the ‘roo. The hit went well? -Oh, this kid can handle himself just fine, answered the deer, nudging me forwards a bit. Let me introduce to you our ace point man, Jumpy. Jumpy, this is Helix. -Apparently you knew Ulrich in school, eh? I don’t remember him talking about you, which means you either were a pain in his ass or a great pal. -I hope he considers me the second, I replied, shaking the ‘roo’s paw. We almost took all the same courses through the years along with a few others. -All right then, said the ‘roo, putting on a thinking air, what’s Ulrich’s middle name? -Thule. -Favorite color? -His own, black. -I’ll take your word for the rest. How about a little team play? Us two against the sheep? -He’ll still beat us I’m sure, replied Tracks. I’ll go get a tonic, you two go ahead. -Wuss, called Jumpy. Aw well, his loss. Want to break? -I’ll give it a shot, I said as I picked a light cue off the rack. Seven, top corner. -You’re on. I waited until the ‘roo had set the game before thundering a off-center shot to shatter the triangle, which saw the seven snake towards the pocket I’d intended, but stopped short of the target. The white was on the opposite end of the table, however, and there was only a clear resolution on two striped balls to the right side, one of which fell in with a poke from Jumpy. He sent the second in as well, but came up short when he tried his luck against a bank shot to avoid a cluster of solids. I took my time as I lined mine up, and scored a triple before just missing the fourth, once more just slowing near the pocket. Jumpy grunted with a more serious air, recognizing that the game wasn’t a shoo-in, and countered with a double banking. The turns continued until I took out the last of my balls and centered my attention of the eight, beautifully placed in line with the bottom right pocket. I breathed out as I knocked against it and saw the ball slowing to a crawl as it made it’s final approach, and in a tense moment, dropped out of sight. I rose my head to a few hands of applause from friendly faces who had taken interest in the game and a hearty handshake from the ‘roo as he conceded defeat. -It’s been a while since I last played, I admitted. -That’s a hollowed-out cue then, laughed Tracks, walking over to hand us a pair of margaritas. Ah, here comes Badger! -Good evening, Tracks, said a middle-aged badger, giving the deer an accolade before turning to me. You must be Chris, though I believe most call you Helix now? -Yes sir. Without wanting to seem out of place, are you the Don of the Family? -Ah, yes I am, he said, waving a finger at me. You’re sharp, eh? Any friend of my godson is mine as well. Come now, tell me more about yourself... I took a seat at the bar with the Don and talked about life and times in the most convivial fashion. He seemed a kind sort, and glad to gave me onboard calling Blackbeard on his cell to personally give him his congratulations on having hired me on, -Just one thing though, I said with a somewhat embarrassed expression, maybe we could keep my hire out of Ulrich’s attention. -Not a problem, said the Badger, I think I understand why. It’s a bit awkward having him as Don-heir? -Something along those lines, I replied. I hope it doesn’t come across wrong- -No, no, I know where you come from, Helix. Anyway, do you have place yet? You’re near the casino somewhere? -Actually I just didn’t have the money to afford to look at the time, I answered. I did a hit for the rent, no pun intended. -Clever economics, laughed the Don. Well, I’ll have the check sent down right now, and you’ll have the chance. Our hospitality at the casino extend to you, but- -I won’t overstay it, I promise. I don’t like to think I’m freeloading, even if nothing is said. -A man of honor as well! You’re a diamond in the rough, ram. Anyway, enjoy yourself! I have to get some sleep. I started early and at my age, you don’t do twenty-hour days... I waved to the man as he walked back to the upper levels of the mansion then returned to the table to cream Tracks and Jumpy for a second time, getting a sharp wedgie from the ‘roo on my last shot as soon as he’d made sure that no one was paying attention while I aimed. Eleven rolled around by the time that Jumpy offered for drive me to the casino as he himself having a few errands to run that required the cover of dark for reasons of discretion. I could hardly refuse his generous offer, and Tracks took my coordinates as I left, promising to keep me up to date if there were any outstanding contracts I could be useful for. The establishment was closing as I walked in, and I caught a glance of Gevaudan handing in his chip drawer at the teller’s. I moseyed over and grabbed his sides as he was leaving the wicket, getting a sharp yelp from him as he turned around. -Chris, you nutcase, he said as he grabbed me and pulled me in against him. You’re a danger to the general public. -I ought to be locked away somewhere, I replied. But there aren’t that many places I can think of. -Unfortunately my imagination eroded during the day, declared the wolf, and I can only really think of one place on the staff floor... -I’ll cooperate, officer. Gevaudan almost laughed out as I offered my wrists to be cuffed, mimicking putting a pair of irons on me and pulling on an invisible chain like a jailbird, myself playing along and following him with my hands out as if he was exerting a force on them. We discoed in the canine’s room for as long as we could hold out, hitting the sack with tired bodies and aching sides from laughing. The wolf was warm to be against, and I slept like a ton of bricks until I felt him wiggle, trying to free his arm from me. -Boo, I said as I kissed the wolf. Howdy doody? -I smell like a wool sweater, he said as he sniffed me. -Well, surprise, where do you think those come from, the sky? -I’ll keep mine on for a while, he chuckled, pulling me back down against him. Gevaudan couldn’t have spoken more prophetic words. I found a place after a week’s searching, a nice flat on the third story of a commercial block in a reasonably peaceful neighborhood, well within my means, and as soon as I’m offered him the idea of moving in, he pounced on it, and out combined worldly possessions soon filled it’s walls. I was the cook, of course, but he was so good as to take over household chores and the little things. Our shifts at the casino were perfectly coordinated, both of us checking in early afternoon, though the wolf stayed on until the late hours while I only had to drop off my lines, which as time passed, proved to be the craze in the sport jock community. Blackbeard was besides himself at the results and took very good care of me, not insisting on my presence at the casino if I didn’t feel like it, and insisting on me using the restaurant at my leisure, though I couldn’t bring myself to abuse the privilege more then necessary. As a return, I gave the bear the occasional surprise in his office, each time as good for him as he’d like, not that I minded. He was a great ride, weather he liked to hear that of not. On other professional details, I started a rather lucrative routine with the Family, going for a hit every two weeks of so, each time a rather distasteful piece of work that I had to FedEx to Hell, getting more and more proficient at my work. I tried to keep it away from Gevaudan as much as possible, the wolf not that comfortable with it as I had become. Five months down the line, the strangest and most life-changing letter I would receive in my life landed on my doorstep. As I was going through the mail, throwing the wolf’s at him as he finished his coffee, a lazy paw catching them on the fly, I found myself looking at a very familiar name on the return line of one of them, addressed to me. The letter was in Cassa’s hand, unmistakably the rounded letters that I remembered from the notes I borrowed from her on the odd occasion me and Hermann had been to busy to come to a course. I quickly opened the communiqué and read the page-long letter: Dear Chris, I’m sorry that I didn’t write to you since we came here to Brazil, but things were really insane here, and I couldn’t seem to find where you’d squared yourself away. Everyone here’s great! Ulrich’s a local hero now, after a little action with the local police, though I’ll let the pictures with this letter tell that one, and the okapi’s in it with a jaguar here, incidentally the nephew of the owner of the resort. Sorry to be the one to tell you, but I hope you’re as happy for him as I am. I’m fine too, I like the work here, though I’ll be coming back home a little sooner then I would like, though the reason isn’t really in my hands. My dad contracted Hepatitis B, and I have to come back to be there for him with mom. I’m a bit afraid for him and everything, but I hope everything will turn all right. My mom’s really busy these days, so I was just wondering if you could put me up, just for a while, so I can stay out of her hair but still be able to visit the hospital, which I don’t think is too far from your place. There’s a phone number in the envelope with my number, if you could tell me if that’s possible, because otherwise I have to try and find a roof before taking my flight back. Anyway, I hope everything’s good in your neck of the woods, and I’ll hopefully talk to you soon. Your friend, Cassa Wells I looked at the pictures of the black panther and read the notes on the back of the Polaroid before sharing the news with Gevaudan, who seemed to melt for the gazelle’s plight, insisting that I call her an invite her to share our place. Taking the card and picking up the phone, I dialed the lengthy number to try and get Cassa on the phone. Two rings later, I heard the gazelle’s soft voice on the other end, answering with polite demeanor. -Hello, this is Cassa Wells, who’s calling? -Baah, I bleated. -Chris? -Baahh, I bleated again. -Chris! -I guess bleating a third time wouldn’t help, I said. How are you, Cassa? -Fine! Just fine, thanks. So you got my letter? -Yes, I did. Glad to hear you’re all having a good time down South, but I’m really sorry about your father. -Yeah, me too... -Listen, I have a flat now, with a roommate, but you’re very welcome to move in, there’s plenty of room. -Thanks! I knew I could count on you, Chris. You’re an angel, ram-beau. -Ah, don’t mention it. Just get back home, eh? When will you be coming? -I have a ticket for a flight in two days, said Cassa, I’ll be there around eight AM. Sorry it’s short notice, but I thought that the letter would hit your door a little sooner. -We’ll put the welcome mat out, I said, feeling the wolf’s arms wrapping around me. We’ll pick you up at the airport! -See you soon, Chris and... -Gevaudan, said the wolf over the phone. -Gevaudan? That’s a nice name. Bye! -Godspeed, Cassa, come back safely! The gazelle blew a goodbye kiss over the phone before hanging up, the signal for my wolf to pounce and throw me over, insisting on giving me an unsolicited back massage as well as a few other non-medical treatments. After our fun was over with and I’d regained my sense of balance, we did our best to clean the place up a bit more then usual to make our new roomy feel welcome, and cleared out what had started as my home office but which had started to evolve into more of a storage room then anything else. Before checking in with my daily numbers and Gevaudan took his table, we passed by a furniture store to buy a nice, soft pillow-topped futon bed for the gazelle, as well as a desk and chair, which was the least we could give her, and not outside our budget. By the time that the two-day wait had passed, Cassa had a nice apartment waiting for her, and two eager souls to do what they could to make her life as pleasant as possible. I let Gevaudan go on ahead to work, dropping him off with my game sheets before continuing on to the airport, a half-hour ahead of the morning flight. Parking our little blue sedan, an indulgence the pair of us had decided to satisfy two months ago, I briskly hurried inside, the autumn day no warmer then any other and without any idea as to the status of the gazelle’s flight, I was somewhat worried that I might miss her. Not that I didn’t miss her in another way, for she was, in a way, the one girl I’d felt closest to at the college, though... well, that wouldn’t have amounted to much, to use a euphemism. I dropped onto a bench in the guest area, gazing at the boards as her flight’s number appeared, a few minutes ahead of time, as it would be, justifying my paranoia to some extent. A watched pot may not boil, but my attention to the board seemed to make the minutes burn away like dry timber, and no sooner then I’d come around from my trance I heard a voice announce the arrival of Cassa’s flight at a door further down the hall. I bounced over to find a flat wall to lean against as passengers proceeded to file through the doors, meeting other loved ones and friends who had been waiting for them to make their appearance. The gazelle was one of the last to walk out of the corridor with a searching glance, locking onto me with her irresistible smile and giggly expression that I’d only seen a few times on her during very happy occasions and her usual eggshell white jacket. -Hey Chris, she said, putting down her rolling luggage and giving me a tight hug. Thanks so much for everything. I’m sorry I’m putting you through this... -Don’t think that way, I said, hugging her back, tapping my horns against hers, an inside joke between us. Your place is ready, if you want to settle in a bit. -My place? No it’s your place, I’m just bunking- -Hush, hush, I said, putting a finger on the gazelle’s lips, you’ll see. Gevaudan and me both like it, but it’s your tastes that count. Let’s get your other bags, and I have a car outside. -A car? Wow, you’re doing just fine, Bo Beep! I laughed at the familiar title and put an arm around Cassa as we made out way to the luggage carousel, picking up three more suitcases before heading for the car and our ride back to the flat. Cassa gave a whistle as we walked into our home, impressed by the effort in decoration we’d put into it. I showed her around as much as I could before bringing her to her room, which exerted a sharp cry from her as she put her bags down and looked it over, testing the bed without so much as a peep. -You guys didn’t need to do this, said the gazelle. I could’ve taken a sofa and that would’ve been plenty. I’m already putting you out of your place. -Friends don’t let friends sleep on sofas, I corrected. That’s why we’re friends, right? -I’m speechless, sighed Cassa, turning to me as I put down her bags. I don’t know what it’s worth to you but what the heck, you deserve it... -What? The gazelle hopped forwards and closing her eyes, planted a sweet, soft kiss on my lips. I felt like a velvet mace had smacked me upside the head, but I felt my pulse beat like a base drum, and almost instinctively craned my neck out to stay in the position with Cassa as she let a hand slip behind my neck. -Oh, the ungulate said with a smile as she escaped my mouth and leaned back, I didn’t think you felt that way about a girl, Chris. -I might be having second thoughts, I said with a grin. There couldn’t be a greater provoking element then a beautiful gazelle like yourself, so if I’m every to doubt, now would be the time. -Doubts aren’t good to have, replied Cassa, leaving my neck and stepping back. It’s better to make quite sure where certain things stand. I couldn’t get a word out of my mouth as the gazelle let her jacket slip off her shoulders then pulled her shirt over her horns. She motioned for me to do the same, and moments later, I was holding Cassa in our underwear, every detail of her silky, warm fur no longer alien to me, nor did I feel detached from it as I did when I saw girly pictures before. Her scalding hot breath on my shoulder felt like a desert wind, but her touch was cool and as her hands gripped me, I could hardly believe my heart was still in my chest. She stole a few more kisses from me with a lingering air to her, and then pulling back, took off her bra, letting her breasts press against me as she used her brassiere like a rope and pulled me with it closer to her. I gave a low moan as I dared my hands and held them, kneading them so slowly that I could see the intensity in Cassa’s eyes increase to a critical point, when she crouched and pulled off her panties, her hot, inviting fruit and wet fur all too obvious as she took my arm and led me to the bed, falling on it with a confident smile. I wasn’t thinking anymore, my brain was too short on neurons to spare any for that, and throwing off my briefs, I lay over the gazelle, exploring every confine of her as she did the same. Cares and worries flew away as she raised her legs to the sides and I leaned over her hungry body and for the first time in my life, cross my heart, I made love to a woman. And what love I made too. Thank God that Gevaudan wasn’t anywhere near, for Cassa let a stream of hinnies and cries as she let herself get intoxicated with ecstasy as I held her fast and executed myself, moving with varying ferocity depending on the level of her voice. I wasn’t that quiet either, and shouted out in release as I flooded her. -Don’t get out, just - just lay on me, Chris, said the gazelle, pulling me down on her. Just move a bit more, if you can. -Oh Cassa, you’re incredible. My God, I never felt like that, never. -You’re so big, ah, moaned the gazelle. Tell me you’re straight! Tell me you’ll do it again... -I – I think I just might be, though it’s a big adjustment to get used to. -Isn’t it worth it, though? Cassa was the first to whisk away to hop back in decent attire, eager to put her things in their place before going out to the hospital to visit her father. I did my part to help, leaving all but the more personal items for her to take care of. The gazelle took it to heart and rat-tailed me with a pair of undies, giving a hoot as it made contact. I replied by catching them and passing them over her horns, with she kept in place for a while after in good humor. She seemed less tense then on the phone, the stain of her worries somewhat erased from her. It returned in force however as I offered to give her a ride to the general hospital, accepting it with a smile. I held her hand close as we rode to the ascepticized building, and dropping her family name at the reception, the nurse gave the room number, exchanging a look of compassion to us the likes that only those in the medical profession seem to master though the years. The door to the room was already open, and as we peeked inside, we saw the gazelle buck and his wife, sitting at his bedside. They looked over as Cassa stepped in, their faces changing to complete happiness in an instant. -Honey, there are, said her mother. You came pretty quickly, wasn’t your flight this morning? -It was, nodded Cassa, but Chris took me in so quick that I didn’t have much to worry about. I’ll be staying with him, so you don’t have to worry about me, mom. -Really? Well, you’re a real gentleman, Chris, said Cassa’s father. Brothers and sisters in arms from college stay together through thick and thin, eh? -Least I hope, I said with a shrug. I’m sorry for your condition, if there’s anything I can do, please tell me. -I’m lucky, the doctors caught it before my liver failed, said the gazelle. They say I’ll need a transplant though, which doesn’t really give me a warm feeling, because they say that they’d prefer a live partial one… -You mean from a live donor, I commented. -There just isn’t that many AB blood type people out there, sighed Cassa’s mother. They say it’s a bit harder to get a hold of. -Well, I said, getting a mixed feeling of fear and caring obligation, I’m AB. -You’re not saying, started Cassa, turning on a dime, that you’ll… Are you serious? -I am, yes, I said, pulling out my wallet and passing my donor card to the gazelle. I signed it three years back, and I’ve been giving blood steady. All and all, I’m primed for a harvest. -And sheep have very good success in transplants, said a doctor who had poked in to check on the buck. Son, if you’re sure about this, then please, a nurse will come by with some paperwork for you to fill. There’s not a critical hurry, but we don’t know how long your friend’s condition will remain stable. -I’ll call my employer, I replied. -It’s a two-night stay here, said the doctor. I think it would be possible to do this today, if you could free yourself. I have an open operation slot at three, and this is quite routine, being my specialty, you see. I nodded as I took the bedside phone and called Blackbeard and gave him my lines for the next three days, getting applause and comments on courage back from him as he promised to send me some whisky to help my recovery as soon as possible. He also said he’d tell Gevaudan before he took off for the night, which would probably mean I’d see the wolf first thing tomorrow asking me if I could still breathe. No sooner then a nurse had swung by and given me a waiver to sign and a few more documents to fill, I was shown to a room and changed into wonderful cheeky hospital robes and set up for my time there. As it was, I looked around as I was wheeled back into the gazelle’s room and parked in with him, the nurse joking that we might as well get along and that it would help the chances of success by odd superstition. Cassa the four of us got along great, joking and killing the time before nurses came and transferred the pair of us poor patients onto stretchers and wheeled us off to the OR. I had my appendix out when I was sixteen, but this time, the stuff they pumped into me must have been A1 proprietor’s reserve, because I didn’t even get to three before passing out. I was gliding thirty feet above the streets of Miami for a while, sweeping over the campus like a thrush... The next thing I remembered after that was staring at the ceiling of the hospital room, feeling a nice, comfortable dull pain from my gut as my eyes came into focus. -Ow, I muttered. -Hey, look who’s coming around, called Cassa, leaning over my face and placing a sloppy one on my forehead. How’s Bo Beep? -He’ll recover, I hope, I said with a giggle, which didn’t hurt, a good sign in my books. And your father? How is he? -The operation went perfectly, said the gazelle. The doctors were actually surprised how big your liver was, and they said that it shouldn’t make a difference to you at all if you’re not into heavy drinking. You’re not, are you? -Not my bag, I replied. Is he over there? Is he awake? -Yes, I heard from the other side of the room, getting me to turn my head to see the buck raise a hand and wave lazily. I was awake before you, nah, nah. -I’m a cheap anesthetic, I giggled. -And a very nice ram, added Cassa, leaning over again, but this time giving me a sloppy kiss right on the lips, her parents’ questioning air notwithstanding. -Baah, I bleated. I might lose a little while, if no one minds… I heard Cassa and her mother talk a bit about me as I dozed off, the older gazelle happy for her daughter as she explained how we felt for each other. I wasn’t going to protest, mostly because I didn’t have the energy right then and there, and blacked out until I was woken up by a familiar masculine voice. -Helix, Helix, Earth to Helix… -Gevaudan, ‘that you wolfy? -You’d better believe it, chuckled the wolf, running a paw over my head. The doctors say you’re in decent shape to come home today, if you’d like. -Hmm, I grunted, looking under the sheets to the bandage I sported on my partly shaven side. Might as well, I guess. -Does it hurt? -Not anything worth complaining about, I replied. -Then I get to play doctor, whispered the canine. -Did you meet Cassa’s father over there? -I did, said the wolf, looking over to the buck, asleep, a nice soul and very proud of his daughter too. He thinks it’s very kind that we took her in, but asked if she could stay with us. You know, stay independent as she starts her career. I said yes, but if you have any objection… -You know me well enough to answer that, I replied, grabbing the wolf’s rear from behind him. -Oh I do, I do, laughed Gevaudan. I’ll get the doc to sign your release. -Aw, and here I was, medicated and happy… -That happy? -Well, as happy as I can be without my wolfie… -Grrr, growled the wolf, waving a paw as he left to go on business. I turned to see Cassa’s father wake up with a yawn, blinking hard with a groan before turning to look at me. -How are you, sir, I asked with a polite tone. Are you feeling better? -I am, he smiled. These meds that I’m getting to clean up the rest of my infection aren’t that terrible to handle, thank Lord. Actually, thank you, most of all. I couldn’t have prayed for such a generous heart to offer to help me. -I’m just glad that everyone’s fine, I replied. I couldn’t live with the thought that anyone would suffer if there were something I could have done to help it. -And you like Cassa, said the buck with a grin. I can tell, you little devil. I know Ulrich had something for her too, but maybe it didn’t turn out to be what I thought. -Familiarity isn’t always destined to become more, I commented. -You had someone before, then? -Actually, I don’t know if it’s such a good thing to talk about... -Oh come now, we have plenty of time. -All right, I said with a sigh. Until very recently, I wasn’t completely heterosexual. -You mean you had certain... tendencies? -I had a wonderful friend named Hermann. Maybe you met him sometime, I’m not sure. -I did, acquiesced the buck. He seemed like a very nice fellow. -Then he left for Brazil, I said with a sigh. It’s never easy to say farewell, but then as students, we lived in a bit of an artificial world, always with people that we otherwise wouldn’t have met, and interacting in a more liberated way, perhaps. -I can understand. You see, whispered the gazelle, before I met Cassa’s mother, an onyx and me, well... got along. -I’ll keep it under my hat, I assured. -Things never seem to change that much from one generation to another. I felt like a walking disaster as I ambled out of the hospital, though I was somewhat glad that I could do so under my own power, which Cassa’s father still couldn’t vaunt to be able to himself just yet. As talkative as he was, his stitches were a more fragile then mine and the doctors had insisted that even if he felt like he could take on the world once more, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to take it easy to help the recovery. His wide wheeled him out of the building and helped him into their car, giving the buck a chance to wave to me as he closed the door. The young gazelle and Gevaudan offered a hand as we took our own, but I was steady on my hooves and didn’t need it, although I voiced my thankfulness to both for the offer. We returned to the apartment where I made a round of pasta for everyone as if to prove to them that I was just fine and that I could fend without them, and that no concern about my recovery was justified. As we finished, a buzz came at the door, and using the intercom, I heard Track’s voice answer, asking to come up if it was all right. I released the main doors on the spot, and listened as he climbed up the stairs, Gevaudan opening our door for the visiting made man. -Well you seem quite vigorous for a donor, said the deer with a certain humor. How do you feel? -All right, though I might be off duty for a while if there’s nothing pressing. -Not at the moment, not really, muttered the deer. Just meaning to tell you while I was passing through, we got a letter from Ulrich. -How’s the cat? -Actually he got a follow-up job in Tijuana, another resort startup with the big boys from Rockwell-Sheppard. It looks like he’s moving at the end of his work term and maybe a little sooner if he can. He was wondering how everyone was, keeping up with the Joneses kind of thing. I heard on the grapevine that the three of you are doing just fine together? -Yep, replied Cassa, giving us both a one-armed hug, three nuts in a birdcage. -You’ll survive, laughed the deer, taking me aside. By the way, Helix me lad, when you’re in shape, give me a call and we’ll test if you’re still able to handle your liquor, eh? Anyway, I’ll find something to tell him to feel good about. -Right, I chuckled and gave Tracks a slap on the back, handing him a mug of coffee before he went on his way. -All that’s left is for me to find work, said Cassa, returning us to this plane of existence. -I’ll have a word with my superiors, I offered. Maybe I could convince them to extend an offer to you for a good position. -You nice little sheep you, mothered the gazelle, pinching my cheeks and giving me a peck on the nose, I’ll have to keep you around for a while! -You don’t have a choice, I said, hugging her and Gevaudan against me. We’re stuck together now, eh? -Cassa I was just meaning to tell you, started the wolf, Chris snores. If you hear this rumble in the night, feel free to walk in and give him a jab. -Hey...