That morning, Debbye arrived early at the home where the “back-to-school” get-together was being held.

“Goodness, Debbye.  What brings you here so early?” asked Mrs. Nash.

“Two matters, actually,” answered the squirrel.  “The first is a private one, a gentlefur friend will be joining me later; I just wanted to tell you privately so you wouldn’t be surprised.  I don’t want anyone to know I invited him ‘cause we’re just getting acquainted and I don’t want to start any gossiping.  The second matter is simply that I wanted to help you with the setting up for today.”

“I appreciate your consideration and help,” replied Alisia.  “I’ll not say anything untoward when your friend shows up.”  With a serious look, she inquired, “So what’s he like and how long have you known him?”

Debbye replied with a wistful smile, “Physically he’s a cat, a bit taller than I am, with glasses and blue eyes.  Beyond that, he’s well read, intelligent, and seems to be of more substantial material than a lot of young male furs.  I’ve only known him a week, but we both wish to know each other better.”

The black bear chuckled, “It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in this group.”  In a more serious tone she continued, “Just how serious are you about this gentlefur?”

“I’m not certain yet,” blushed Debbye, “but I think it could become quite serious.  That’s why we’re seeing each other in venues like this, so we can better know each other without a lot of pressures.”

Her hostess nodded approvingly, “Your idea or his?”

“Both of ours, actually,” smiled Debbye.  “From the first he’s been genuinely interested in my welfare and protection.”

The lady replied with a smile, “He sounds like quite the young gentlefur for you.  I’ll be most interested in meeting him. Now,” she continued, “shall we get to work?”

Wearing a one-piece swimsuit, Debbye closed her eyes and lay back in the chaise-lounge.  That was a good swim, she thought, and it feels so nice to let the sun warm me.  Hearing a noise behind her, she opened her eyes and turned her head.

“Your young gentlefur just turned up,” her hostess announced in a whisper, “he’ll be out in a few minutes after he changes clothes.”  With quite an amused expression, she continued, “He definitely is something different.  He insisted on paying for whatever he consumed today.”

Debbye chuckled, “Doesn’t surprise me in the least.  He’s the only fur I’ve ever heard complain, politely mind you, when he was undercharged.”

“Really?” responded the amused bear.  “How interesting!  Where did you find this rarity?”

Debbye smiled, “I didn’t find him; he found me in a spot of difficulty and came to my aid.  Everything else has flowed from there.”

“Do tell?” smiled the woman.  With a chuckle she continued, “It should be interesting to see the reaction of the others.  You realize, don’t you, that you’ll break some hearts once it’s plain he’s with you?”

“Just dash some hopes,” snorted Debbye.  “I’ve led none of them on.  Any hopes they have are only in their dreams, not something I’ve encouraged.”

“I know, dear,” soothed Mrs. Nash.  “I’ve watched you; you’ve been honest but polite with them. Now,” she continued, “I’d best introduce Mr. Evans to the group and then get the cooking going on the grill.”  With an amused glance, she chuckled, “I want a ringside seat.”

After her hostess walked off, Debbye suddenly felt his presence. Looking up, she saw Lee quietly but confidently strolled into the backyard and looked around.  No sooner had he appeared than their hostess was beside him.  “People,” she announced, “this is Lee Evans, he was invited to join us today and so please make him feel welcome.”

“Hi, Lee” chorused much of the group.

“And hello to y’all, too,” responded Lee.  “It’s a pleasure to be here.  If y’all will give me a minute to set my stuff down, I’ll be glad to join in.”

Walking over to a clear spot next to Debbye, Lee bent over, with a twinkle in his eye that only she saw, and asked, “Fair lady, may I leave my ‘stuff’ here, next to you?”

“Certainly, Mr. Evans,” replied a smiling Debbye with equally veiled amusement.

Placing his items on the ground, Lee looked around.  “That looks like quite a volleyball game going on over there, care to join in?”

Debbye thought for a moment.  It’ll be interesting to see how he plays with the others.  Aloud she answered, “My name is Debbye and I’d be glad to.  If you’ll lend me a paw?”

Lee extended his paw and she pulled herself up.  On the way over she mentioned quietly, “I’ve not told anyone that I invited you; I didn’t want to start any gossip.”

“No problem,” replied Lee smilingly, “I’ll play along.”

Lee was quickly drafted by one team as a player left for lunch.  Shortly thereafter, to her chagrin, the other team drafted Debbye.  Both teams were fairly matched and, though the action was fast, points were gained slowly.  Lee and Debbye played directly opposite each other on a few occasions when rotation put them together at the net.  By the end of the first game, Lee concluded, She’s good!  I’ve seen lots of furs play poorer defense against “spikes” than what she’s put up.

Taking a drink of water between the games, Debbye considered the playing and noticed, He’s not a flashy, “big-play” player, but he almost always is where his team needs him.

The next game played much as the previous one had with much action and slow scoring.  For Debbye and Lee, now that they were familiar with each other’s style, the confrontations at the net became skillful battles with no quarter given or expected.

After the second game, a halt was called so that the players could grab a late lunch.  Lee handed Debbye some water and then took a drink from his own glass.  “You’re a challenge to play,” he chuckled.  “Next time, I want us on the same team.”

“Same to you,” replied the smiling squirrel after a long drink.  “I’d much rather play alongside you than against you.”

Their immediate thirst quenched, Lee walked with Debbye back to where they’d left their things.  As they walked, Lee offered, “Fair lady, would you care to join me for lunch?”

Debbye dimpled and answered, “I do believe I’d enjoy that.”

Their plates loaded down and chilled bottles of soft drink in their free paws; Debbye and Lee returned and sat together.  “So,” she asked between bites, “you’d mentioned having to be at a modeler’s meeting last night; was it interesting?”

Lee grinned, “An interesting speaker, but the real surprise was a couple that came for the first time, Sean and Teri Picket.  They model as a team with her doing the interiors and him doing the exteriors; they do quite impressive work.”

“That’s rare?” inquired Debbye archly.

“The teamwork is,” chuckled Lee, “but not the quality.”

“And how did this morning go?” inquired the squirrel.

Lee grimaced.  “I’ve had better days,” he admitted.  “I forced Lyman to the two point limit in all three games but still managed to lose all three.  It just wasn’t my day.”

“Could it be,” she inquired with a smile, “that your mind wasn’t totally focused on racquetball?”

With a sheepish grin, Lee replied, “Yeah, I think that’s a very good possibility.”

“Sorry about that,” giggled the squirrel.

“No problem.” grinned Lee in return.  “We both still got quite a workout.”

Their lunch finished and the remains cleaned up, they laid back on adjacent chaise-lounges to let the meal digest.  “So, what do you think of this group?” asked Debbye.

Putting down his book, Lee looked around and thought for a moment, then he answered, “Nice people, I’m enjoying myself.”

Debbye relaxed a bit.  “I’m glad because I like these people.”  Turning her head, she questioned, “Have you told anyone who invited you?”

Lee smiled, “Nope.  Even before you told me, I rather figured you’d prefer to handle matters your way.”

“Trust and confidence, you do know how to treat a lady.” answered the pleased squirrel.

“But, of course,” chuckled Lee, “haven’t I already proved that?”

“I know.” answered Debbye.  “But it’s still taking some getting used to.”

Lee just smiled and went back to his reading.  Debbye took the time to covertly look him over and liked what she saw.  Hm-m-m, from what the tank top and trunks don’t cover, he keeps himself in shape.  I can appreciate a male fur that stays in shape but doesn’t obsess about his appearance.

Reaching the end of a chapter, Lee marked his place with a bookmark and looked at his watch.  “There’s been adequate time.” He commented.  “Care to join me for a swim?”

“Perhaps a bit later, I had a good one before you showed up.”

Nodding his acceptance, Lee carefully slipped off his glasses, pulled off his tank top, and headed toward the pool.  Debbye managed to control her physical response, but her mind went ahead, Lord, he does stay fit and that tawny patch goes as far down his front as I can see.  Oh, getting to know him better looks rather pleasant.

Putting herself firmly under control, Debbye noticed that Lee didn’t make a noisy, splashy entrance into the pool, but quietly slid in and started swimming laps.  He really is a predator, she thought, even though he keeps it under control.  I think I’d feel sorry for anyone who got on his “fighting side”.

After some time spent of swimming laps, Lee exited the pool with the same quiet and grace with which he’d entered it.  Picking up his thick towel, he dried himself as thoroughly as possible and stretched out, front side down, on the chaise-lounge.  “I hope you don’t mind,” he told Debbye, “but racquetball, volleyball, and swimming have kinda worn me out.  It feels so good just to bake here in the sun.”

So saying, he carefully placed his glasses where they were unlikely to be hurt, protected them further with his towel, closed his eyes, and started to drowse.  Lee soon fell completely asleep and the only sound he made was a deep, quiet purr.

Debbye watched and listened.  After a while, the thought came to her; I find that purr rather soothing; if things get really serious between us, it won’t bother me at all.  Stop that! She told herself.  You only met him a week ago and are working to know him better.  Even if there is “something special” with him, you don’t want to jump ahead.

Debbye looked down at the book Lee had been reading.  Hm-m-m, she noticed, a paperback, inside a protective cover that completely hides the books cover.  Debbye picked up the book and opened it to the front page.  Surprise, girl! Came the thought.  A novel by Grace Livingston Hill? No wonder he’s hiding it, she thought amusedly, being found reading it would certainly get Lee some derisive laughter.  I like his simple solution for reducing the chance of a problem.

Debbye carefully placed the book back and lay back with a smile.  He said he was an inveterate reader, but I never would have expected that much range in tastes.  I wonder what other surprises this weekend will bring?

After an hour’s nap, Lee awoke to find Debbye smiling at him.  “Truly a pleasant sight to wake to,” he commented,” but I think there’s something more to that smile.  What happened?  Did I talk in my sleep?”

“Nothing so dramatic,” chuckled Debbye.  “I did check out the book you’re reading. She’s a good writer; I’ve got several of her books on my shelves.”

Lee hesitated a moment, then chuckled, “She is good.  I’ve always enjoyed good writing, whatever the genre.  My sister, Marilee, is as inveterate a reader as I am and brought her to my attention.”  Looking around, he continued embarrassed, “I trust you haven’t told anyone.  I don’t need the grief.”

“Relax,” assured Debbye.  “I’d never tell on you.  ‘Sides, I like the idea of a male fur who’s open-minded enough to read more than the usual ‘male’ genres.”

Lee blushed, “Thank you, but I read some of those, too.  Still, I’m glad you don’t object and I appreciate your discretion.”

Further discussion was halted by Mrs. Nash’s arrival.  “Mr. Evans, “ she began, “ I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but I wonder if you could share something with us during this evening’s fellowship time? If it helps,” she chuckled, “my asking you to do so would help camouflage that ‘twas Debbye who invited you.”

“I don’t mind,” replied Lee.  “I’ll be glad to share.  I’m flattered that you feel I have something to share.  As to the camouflage and such, that’s for the lady to decide.”  Turning to Debbye, he asked, “How would you have me handle this, my lady?”

Furrowing her brow, Debbye thought for a moment and then replied, “I’d prefer to keep my private life just that, private.  I won’t lie to anyone about it but I don’t wish to flaunt it either.  I think I’d feel more comfortable if you provide some camouflage.”

Nodding to Debbye, Lee turned to their hostess, “Then it’s agreed.  I’ll be pleased to share a few things that might stimulate some thought.”  Shrugging on his tank top and putting on his glasses, he continued, “To do that, I’d best prepare now.  If I might use the study I glimpsed earlier, I’ll sit down and prepare something.”

With that, Lee stood up, gathered his belongings, and followed their hostess into the house.  Less than five minutes later, Diana Reynard, one of Debbye’s closer girlfriends in the group, came over and sat down.  Without preamble, she asked, “So, are you the one who invited Mr. Evans?”

“Yes.” Debbye admitted with a blush.  “I am.  How did you know?  I know neither of us indulged in a public display of affection.”

“Sure, you didn’t do anything overly obvious,” replied her friend, “and I doubt anybody else here noticed.  But you know me. I’ve been a fur-watcher for some time.  I’m observant and you’re a good friend.  I could see an extra ‘intentness’ when you talked to him. Don’t worry,” she grinned, “I won’t spread it around.  However, I am curious; how did you meet him?”

Debbye chuckled, “Would you believe he found me having a difficult time with something and came to my assistance?  Beyond that, we’re just getting to know each other and to see what possibilities exist for something more.”

Diana nodded, “The ‘damsel in distress’ situation?  How romantic!  At least you’re being sensible about matters and not rushing ahead after that start.  I admire you for that and I want to wish you both the best.”

“Thanks,” blushed Debbye, “I appreciate that and I know Lee will too.  But, I have to tell you, it wasn’t that much distress.”

“It doesn’t matter,” chuckled her friend, “it’s the principle.”  She hugged Debbye and headed back to her seat.

Feeling relieved, Debbye went for another swim.  Exiting some time later and feeling pleasantly worn, Debbye dried off as best she could and then headed into the house to finish drying and to change into casual clothes for the remainder of the evening.  On her way back out, she passed the study’s open door and paused to watch Lee’s careful preparations.  Hm-m, she thought, quite a number of references and he certainly seems well organized with that legal pad.

That should finish things nicely, thought Lee as he organized his last thoughts.  Feeling a nearby presence, Lee looked around and saw Debbye in the doorway.  Ah, my lady, if you but knew what I wanted to do when I saw you out there.  But there’s a “time to be quiet” as well as a “time to speak up” and this was that time.  I’ll not break your trust in me.  “Fair lady,” he spoke, waving her in, “I hope you weren’t worried about me.  It took a bit of thought and a prayer to come up with something appropriate, as this trash can full of unsuccessful drafts will testify.  I was just putting a final polish on when you arrived.”

“No,” smiled the squirrel in response, “I wasn’t worried.  From just the talking we’ve done, I knew you’d put together something appropriate. I was just,” she continued, “passing by and wanted to watch you.”

“I’m flattered,” Lee answered smilingly.  “ ‘Tis always a pleasure to be graced by the presence of one such as you.”

Debbye giggled, “With lines like that, you must have some Irish ancestry.  Still, I’m flattered that you feel so. Moving on, what are you going to discuss?”

Sitting down, Lee handed her the pad.  “After several false starts, it came to me that something on the importance of good friends and good fellowship would be appropriate for the start of a school year.  Tell me what you think.”

Debbye quickly read the material then gave it a second reading.  “A clear and succinct approach,” she commented as she returned the pad.  “I think they’ll relate to what you’re saying, especially with the personal experiences.”

“I hope so,” admitted Lee.  “I tried to strike a balance between text, commentary, and example.  That’s part of the reason I didn’t take the train of thought to its full extent.”

“Oh?  What’s the ‘full extent’?”

Lee blushed, “To me, the full extent is with a friend of the opposite sex with whom the friendship catches fire, becomes love, and forms a special bond.”

Blushing in turn, Debbye quietly asked, “Would that subject happen to be on your mind for a particular reason?”

Just as quietly, Lee replied, “No offense, but for reasons you can probably guess, it most definitely is.  It’s way, way too premature to consider anything when we’re just getting to know each other.  Still, I can’t help hoping.”

Debbye gently touched Lee’s arm.  “I’m not offended at all,” came the quiet response.  “I’m flattered that you think of me that way, especially since I’ve entertained some similar thoughts about you.  But there’ve been worries, too.  Before we get any deeper, Lee, do we have a common commitment to God?”

“My lady, you have no worry on that score,” answered Lee, gently kissing her hand.  “I made that commitment 15 years ago; that concern can be dismissed.”

Debbye hugged him close.  “I know I shouldn’t anticipate anything,” she fiercely whispered, “but you can’t imagine how relieved that makes me feel.”

Kissing her forehead, Lee responded, “I think I can.  Just from what I’ve learned of you, I didn’t expect it to be a problem.”

Looking back at the pad, Lee sighed and continued, “Now, I’ve got a touch more polishing to do.  You go ahead and go on out; I’ll be along in a few minutes.”

Debbye smiled, “Ever the dedicated type; I admire that, Lee.  I’ll be waiting.” She quietly strolled out the door.

Lee looked after her and sighed.  I wonder if she realizes what she does to me, he pondered, both in that ‘conservative’ swimsuit and dressed as she is now, she affects me more than other femme furs do in an absolute minimum of coverage.  Add to that this little discussion and I’m “hulled and sinking fast.’  Ah-well, Evans, you’d best get to know her well and be sure before you take that next step.  Now, enough woolgathering, you’ve got work to finish!  With that thought, Lee forced his attention back to the work at paw and finished polishing up his thoughts.

Some ten minutes later, Lee strolled into the backyard with his notes folded and tucked into his pocket.  He hadn’t gotten far when their hostess announced, “Dinner will be served shortly.  Every fur who wants to wash up and/or change should do so now.”  Lee barely managed to get out of the crowd’s way.  Crossing over to where Debbye sat with a cluster of her friends, he asked, “May I join y’all for this meal?”

Debbye and the others looked at each other, nodded and before Debbye could say anything, Diana spoke up, “Certainly, Mr. Evans, we’d be pleased to have your company.”  Scooting over, she made room for Lee between herself and Debbye.

Sitting down carefully, Lee turned to Diana and the rest of the furs present.  “Thanks.  Please, though just call me ‘Lee”.  When I hear ‘Mr. Evans’,” he chuckled, “I keep wanting to look around for my father.”

The group responded with laughter and as they waited, they included Lee in their discussions.  In the course of these discussions, they exchanged information as to origins, employment (or lack thereof), and schooling.  Throughout, though, Lee managed to avoid revealing who had invited him and the feeling shared with the squirrel next to him.

When everyone was ready, their hostess asked one of the group’s members to say grace and then dinner was served, buffet style.  Assisting the others in the cluster, Lee made a couple of trips to the supply of beverages, delaying his dinner until the others had theirs.

When Lee finally returned with his dinner and beverage, Diana again moved over to allow him to sit between her and Debbye.  “Thank you, fair lady,” responded Lee,” good company always improves a meal.”  Debbye managed to convert the giggle this provoked into a cough.

As they ate, one of the male furs mused, “I wonder who they’ll have speaking tonight?  I haven’t seen any of the ‘regulars’ preparing anything and I believe the adults want to leave matters primarily with the group.”

Lee blushed, “Would you believe I’m speaking?  I hope y’all don’t mind.”

“Mind?” came the reply.  “Heavens, no.  It’ll be good to hear someone different.”  Looking at the others he continued, “We’ll be looking forward to it, right?”

“Right” came the chorus with a “Most definitely” from Diana and a “Certainly” from Debbye.

With dinner over and cleaned up, everyone gathered around the patio.  Waiting for everyone to get seated, their hostess spoke up, “I thought everyone would enjoy hearing form a different speaker than the ‘usual suspects’.  So I’ve asked Mr. Evans to come and share with us.”  Extending her paw, she beckoned, “Come on up, Mr. Evans.  This spot is all yours.”

Lee stood up, picked up his notes, and calmly walked to the center of the group.  “Before I get started,” he began, “I’d like to tell you a bit about myself.  I attended Texas A&M and was active in our church’s student union there.  I moved here after graduation and am active in another church here in Columbus.”

 “Now,” Lee continued, “seeing as this is a ‘Back to School’ fellowship, I’ll be sharing on an important source of support: friendship and fellowship.  I’ll be citing references, but I’ll let y’all search them out.”

Lee proceeded to speak to the group about the need for good friends and good fellowship using both citations and illustrations.  Using his friendship with Lyman as an illustration, Lee discussed the aspects of true friendship that really mattered.  Extending the concept, he further discussed how a fellowship of such friends provides a necessary counter to the turbulence of life.

Lee concluded, “The main thing I want to leave with you is that we all need friends and fellowships, but we also need to choose them carefully for they have a distinct influence on us.”

With that, Lee retreated and sat with the others.  After he’d gotten comfortably seated, Diana and a few of the others leaned over and whispered their appreciation.  Their hostess stood up.  “Thank you, Mr. Evans,” she stated, “For giving us all something to think about.”  After leading the group in a closing prayer, she announced, “Though this fellowship is officially over, anyone who wishes to stay until 9PM is welcome to do so.”

Lee turned to Debbye, Diana, and the others in their immediate group.  “I’d love to stay a bit longer and get to know y’all better.  Are there any games around that we all can play?”

Diana flagged down Alisia Nash and, shortly thereafter, Lee found himself sitting at the dining table with the others and playing a popular multi-player board game.  Between the game itself and lots of banter between the players, the next couple of hours passed speedily for all concerned.

Coming up on 9PM, the players reluctantly ended their game, carefully put up the gameboard and pieces, and cleaned up the area.  As they left the home, the others thanked Lee for coming, expressed their pleasure in his company, and extended their hopes that he’d come again.

Finally, only Lee and Debbye were left of the players group.  Picking up his travel bag, Lee turned to Debbye and offered his arm.  “Fair lady, may I escort you to your car?”

“I’d be honored, my good fur,” replied Debbye with a twinkle in her eyes, as she slid her arm through his.

Before she could pick up her bag, Lee had it in addition to his own.  Debbye made to protest but Lee spoke first, “All part of the escort service, my lady.  I insist.”

Debbye gave a small curtsy and smiled, “Then, thank you.  Shall we be off?”

They were nearly to her car when they heard running behind them.  Then the figure yelled, “Evans!  I say, Evans!  You can’t just drop in and walk off with the prettiest girl here!”

Lee turned to Debbye, “Who is that?”

Debbye sighed, “His name is Kirk Auquat; he’s asked me out several times but I’ve always said ‘no’.  He’s just not my type; he’s not that sharp and is something of a hot head.”

Lee yelled back at the young weasel, “It’s the lady’s choice, not mine.  You’ve got to respect her decision.”

”I don’t care,” retorted the weasel.  “You’re not getting her!”  With that, he swung a punch at Lee’s mid-section.  Lee’s eyes went from a warm to a glacial blue and his ears flattened as he stepped away from Debbye.  Pivoting quickly, Lee let the punch go by him and grabbed the clenched paw.  Very quickly that paw was immobilized between the weasel’s back and Lee’s other arm was around the weasel’s neck.

“Fighting at a Christian fellowship?  Now, the Russians would call that truly ‘nekulturniy’, uncultured and showing a complete lack of class and manners,” snarled Lee.  “Friend,” he whispered lowly and succinctly, “The lady chose.  I’ve not forced my company on her.  Now, I think you’d best apologize to her for making such a commotion. It might,” hissed Lee, “also be a good idea to leave her alone from now on.  She most emphatically is not interested in you.”

Lee turned Kirk to face Debbye.  “I’m s-s-sorry,” stammered Kirk.  “I didn’t mean to bother you or cause a scene.  I-I-I promise I’ll leave you alone from now on.”

“Very good,” commented Lee as he released Kirk.  “Now, I’m sure you have business elsewhere, so off with you.” 

Kirk moved off quickly while Lee stood there for a few minutes, breathing deeply while the adrenaline “surge” wore off and his body calmed down.  Finally, Lee turned to Debbye. “My apologies, my princess,” he offered.  “I had not meant to draw attention to our relationship.”

“No apologies necessary,” Debbye replied shakily.  “I’m just glad it didn’t get any more physical.”

Before Lee could answer, their hostess came up.  “I heard you had a problem out here, Mr. Evans, but you seem to have handled him well,” she complimented.  “I know several male furs in this group who would’ve done far more to him.”

Lee gave a feral grin, “But why should I end this evening on a sour note?  He doesn’t deserve that much respect.”

 “You are a rare one, indeed,” chuckled the lady bear.  “I’ll leave you two alone to say your goodbyes.”

Lee turned to Debbye, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his muzzle on her head.  “I’m sorry about this,” he murmured, “and I wouldn’t blame you a bit if it made you somewhat wary.  Do you still want to go shooting tomorrow?”

Debbye wrapped her arms around Lee’s waist, laid her head against his chest, and softly replied, “You’ve done nothing wrong and you’ve behaved with great self-control.  Of course I want to join you!”

Lee smiled, “That’s a relief.  I was half afraid you’d be scared off.”

Debbye chuckled, “You don’t get away that easily.”

“In which case, come by my apartment around 2PM tomorrow and we’ll go.”

“I’ll be there,” promised Debbye and she kissed the side of his muzzle.

Lee returned the gentle kiss to Debbye’s muzzle and softly replied, “I’ll be waiting.”

Both of them drove home in introspective states.

In high spirits, Debbye knocked on the door of Lee’s apartment and enthusiastically hugged him when he opened the door.

“Whoa!” exclaimed Lee as he hugged back.  “I’m not complaining, but what brought this on?”

With laughter in her eyes, Debbye allowed Lee to usher her inside.  “It happened after the church service this morning,” she chuckled, “Alisia Nash caught my father, told him all about yesterday, and praised you quite highly.”

Lee stared for a moment, then chuckled himself, “Oh brother!  I’d like to have seen his face; that’s not the kind of thing a father’s used to hearing about the fur his daughter is seeing.”

“Precisely!” smiled Debbye.  “It did make for a lot of questions on the ride home.”

“No problems, though?  The last thing I’d want to do is cause you problems.”

“No problems.”

“Good!  Now, while we’re waiting for Lyman, how about I give you the grand tour?”

“Please do, I’ve been somewhat curious.”

“Well,” continued Lee, waving his paw, “from here you can see the dining room, living room, and kitchen.”

Debbye looked around.  Hm-m-m, everything looks reasonably neat and clean, she thought.   Pointing to a basket atop the set of shelves separating the living room from the entrance, she said, “Let me guess, your mail?”

“Of course.”

Looking further into the living room, Debbye decided He at least kept a good color scheme, mahogany and dark woods with maroon upholstery.

Debbye looked back at Lee, “Do you keep it this clean all the time or is this especially for me?”

“All the time, I swear,” chuckled Lee, putting his paw over his heart.  “I’ve managed to keep a neat and clean home since college and I prefer it that way.’

Debbye looked at the wall above the armchair where a framed print hung.  “What’s that?” she inquired.  The print showed a twin-engined, delta–winged aircraft climbing in front of an anvil shaped cloud.


“That’s a print entitled ‘Before the Thunder’,” replied Lee.  “It’s signed by both the artist and the pilot for the flight it illustrates.  I received it for some help I was able to give the artist.”

“That’s a real aircraft?” she questioned.  “I can’t remember ever seeing one like it, even in pictures.”

Lee nodded, “You probably haven’t since it’s not been around for a while.  The aircraft is an Avro Canada CF-105 ‘Arrow’ and the only groups likely to recognize it are aircraft enthusiasts, like yours truly, and Canadians with a strong interest in their country’s history.”

“Why’s that?” puzzled Debbye.

“It’s a long story,” answered Lee, “but that aircraft represents a triumph of Canadian technology and a disaster of Canadian politics.”

“I don’t think I want to know more.  May I see the rest of your place?”

“Most certainly,” assured Lee.  Wrapping his arm around the squirrel’s waist, he guided her down the hall.  “Nothing fancy here,” he continued, “hall closet on one side and heating/air conditioning on the other.”  Turning left at the end of the hall, he went on, “Here, I’ve converted the second bedroom into a combination of den, library, and study.  As you can see, it’s got my computer set-up, my desk, and as much shelving as I could get in.  The walk-in closet serves for long-term storage and as a quiet place for my electronic piano.  Since this place was intended for two students to use, each bedroom has a full bath.”

Debbye looked around.  “My, it’s well organized,” she dryly commented.

“It has to be,” chuckled the cat.  “I’d not be able to find anything if it wasn’t. Now, come this way.” He gestured, “and I’ll show you my bedroom.”

As he guided her in, Lee whispered in Debbye’s ear, “Don’t worry, I’ve no ulterior motives, at least this time.”

Debbye blushed and chuckled, but she made no move to remove his arm from her waist.

Immediately inside the door, an opened gun safe sat with a partially filled range bag in front of it.  A chest and a dresser/mirror set took up the remainder of the wall.  A king-size bed topped by a bookcase headboard with built-in lighting was against the opposite, outside wall.  The closet and bath mirrored the other room.  As a final touch, shelves faced the head of the bed along each of the sides.

Debbye looked at Lee with a raised eyebrow, “all that bed for one fur?”

Lee blushed, “Much as I hate to ruin a good fantasy, it’s worked out that way.”

Debbye shook her head, “Tsk!  Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret and protect your reputation.”

Lee just laughed and Debbye joined him.

Lee went over to the gun safe.  “You interrupted me as I was packing up.  Have you decided if you’d care to join us for some target practice?”

Debbye hesitated, then, “Yes, I think I would.  Daddy taught me to shoot and I used to enjoy it.  Then I stopped for some reason.”

“Let me guess,” smiled Lee. “You were outshooting male furs and they convinced you that it was unladylike.”

Debbye thought for a moment.  “You know, you may be right,” she answered slowly.  “I never considered that.”

“Hah!” snorted Lee.  “I know a number of ladies, including some of my father’s friends, who’d quickly put lie to that.  Now, since you’ve not done any shooting for a while, would you like to start with something easy to shoot?”

“Yes, please.”

Lee reached into the gun safe and pulled out a .22LR semi-automatic pistol and a box of ammunition.  Sticking the box in the range bag, he handed the pistol to Debbye.  “Do you still remember the basics of gun safety?”

Debbye released the magazine, set it aside, and then worked the slide to clear the chamber; deftly catching the ejected cartridge.  “First, assume all guns are loaded until you’ve personally verified that they are unloaded,” she responded.  “Second, do not point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.  Thirdly, keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. How’d I do?” She asked proudly.

“Perfect,” smiled Lee.  “Your father taught you well.”

Debbye blushed.  Before either could say more, there came a knock on the door.  Lee yelled, “Be there in a minute”, then finished loading the range bag and shut & locked the gun safe.

“That’s probably Lyman.  So let’s go introduce you two.”

With his arm around her waist and the range bag in his free paw, Lee escorted Debbye to the door.

Setting the range bag down, Lee opened the door for his friend.  Lyman’s eyes widened a bit on seeing Debbye, but his main reaction was a broad smile and an outstretched paw.  “Hi, I’m Lyman Aquilaferi and you must be the ladyfur who’s been on Lee’s mind all week.”

Debbye took his paw and gave it a firm shake.  “Pleased to meet you.  I’m Debbye Squirrel and Lee’s told me good things about you.”  Turning to Lee, she asked archly, “What’s this about me being on your mind all week?”

Lee blushed, “well. I wouldn’t go that far…”

“But I would, pal,” interrupted Lyman with a laugh. He turned to her and pointed at Lee,  “Debbye, this past week Lee’s ability to concentrate on work has been as impaired as I’ve ever seen it.  Then at lunch I’d watch him daydreaming with this silly grin on his face.  If it’s not been you on his mind, I want to know what was.”

“Lee, is he pulling my leg?” inquired an amused Debbye.

“I’m found out,” Lee sighed looking slightly embarrassed.  “He’s telling you the truth, Debbye.  My thoughts have been wandering to you a lot this past week.”

“Really,” chuckled Debbye.  “I’m rather pleased to learn that you’ve been as afflicted as I’ve been.”

Lee blinked; then chuckled, “I think that tells me something encouraging.”

“Daft, the both of you,” declared Lyman, shaking his head.  “You’re both gonna need me along just to keep you out of trouble.”

To shared laughter, the trio headed for Lee’s car.  With the range bags loaded into the trunk, Lee & Lyman both hastened to open the front passenger door for Debbye.  Lyman beat Lee to the door, but waved for Lee to do the “honors”.  Laughing at this competition, Debbye shook her head and chuckled, “You two are crazy!  Don’t stop though, cause I’m enjoying every minute.  ”Debbye rather enjoyed the drive to the range.  As she, Lee, and Lyman joked and chatted, she thought, This is certainly a distinct pleasure, sharing a conversation with two intelligent young male furs.

Reaching the range, in an industrial area, they pulled into a moderately full parking lot, Lyman leaned forward to Lee, “You take care of your lady, I’ll get the range bags.”

“Deal,” replied Lee as he parked the car. Popping the trunk, he got out and went around the car to get Debbye’s door.

Ushering Debbye out of the car, Lee reached in and locked the doors as Lyman came from the back of the car with their range bags.  Lee took his bag and Lyman joined him in escorting Debbye to the range.

As the trio approached the front door, a white female cat came running up and hugged & kissed both Lyman and Lee rather enthusiastically.  Debbye stopped in surprise and then shock.  This seems more than just a friendly greeting, she mused, yet Lee said he didn’t date much. Green eyes and white fur start an exotic look that the sleek coat and bushy tail accentuate,. Debbye observed to herself, and her casual dress of jeans, tied-off button-front shirt, leather calf boots, and fingerless shooting gloves just complete the picture. I can’t believe they’re ‘just friends’, came the aching thought, has Lee been lying to me? Debbye frowned.

“So how are two of my favorite guys?’ enthused the cat.

“Just fine, Rava,” answered Lyman.

Pulling Debbye forward, Lee introduced them “Rava, I’d like you to meet my friend, Debbye Squirrel.” “Debbye, this is my good friend and co-worker, Rava Purr.”

A good friend? Pondered Debbye, It sounds like maybe Lee has been lying to me. Coolly she shook the exuberant cat’s paw.  “Pleased to meet you.”  She turned to Lee, “I think I’ll wait for you two in the lounge,” she announced with a decided coldness, “I don’t feel up to shooting after all.”

“What?” responded Lee in a surprised and injured tone, “What’s wrong my lady?”

“Please, Lee,” she replied.  “Let’s keep this civil. You can pick me up on the way out.”  Debbye hurried off to the lounge, leaving a perplexed Lee scratching his head.

“What the devil happened?” Lee asked Lyman.  “All of a sudden she just turned right off to me.” Lyman shrugged.

“What’s going on and who is that?” asked a puzzled Rava.

“I first met Debbye just over a week ago,” explained Lee.  “We hit it off real well and there seemed to be something special between us.” He looked toward the lounge confused, “ We’ve been dating further to explore that ‘something’.  Then, wham, she shuts down to me all of a sudden, right out of the blue.”

“Oh, no!” exclaimed Rava.  “That happened just as I came up didn’t it?” Lee nodded.  “She must’ve thought there was something between us, especially if she’s not used to strong extroverts, like myself.”

“Just peachy,” grimaced Lee,  “How do I convince her otherwise?”

After a moment, Rava replied thoughtfully, “You don’t. I was the cause. I’ll do the healing.  Let me talk to her first, Lee.  I am sorry; I just never, after all this time, expected a femme fur to be with you. Let alone one I didn’t already know. I thought she was with Lyman. He warned the last one you know.” She added with a smile.

Lee sighed, “That’s better than anything I can think of.  I fervently hope that you can explain matters.”

“Meanwhile,” interjected Lyman.  “Let’s get our ear protection and get some practice in.  Remember the advice from that old s-f novel we found?  ‘It’s not your marksmanship on good days, but rather that on stressful, tumultuous days that determines your chances of survival.’ “

“You’re right,” acquiesced Lee.  “But I need to see this through.”

“I’ll talk to her right now, and don’t worry. I won’t hurt her.” assured Rava with a wink as Lee & Lyman headed for the rangemaster’s counter and then the firing line.

In the lounge, a heartsick Debbye pretended to read a magazine.  This is as bad as any of Susan’s stories she thought morosely, I thought there was something special with Lee, and now this!

Debbye looked up as Rava entered the lounge and quietly shut the door behind her.  “Girl,” she announced, “we’ve gotta talk.”

“What’s there to talk about?” groused Debbye.

“For one thing,” answered the cat, “I’ve inadvertently done a dis-service to a really good friend.  Lee and I are co-workers on the Special Engineering Team and good friends outside work, helping each other out when we can, but that’s all there is between us. There’s no way,” laughed Rava, “that I’d ever be romantically linked with him; our personalities are just way too different.”

“But what about how you greeted him?  That seemed more than ‘just friends’ to me!”

“Honey, I’m just an enthusiastic person; I greet everyone that way.” She stopped and thought a second. “Well almost everyone.” She looked back at Debbye smiling.

“What?” responded Debbye.  Wait a minute that sounds like Sabby’s description of Zig Zag.  Ohmigod, what have I done?  Her face fell. “I’ve misjudged Lee, haven’t I?” asked Debbye apprehensively.

“You have,” sympathized the cat, “and he’s rather broken up. I’m sorry that I caused this. You ok?”

“It’s as much my fault.  I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. I’m fine now. Can we start over as friends?” she asked shyly.

“I’d like that.  After four years of working with Lee, I know anyone who affects him like this has to be worth knowing.”  Rava extended her paw, “Shake or hug, hon?” she looked a Debbye with a huge smile.

“Friends,” agreed Debbye with a firm pawshake.  “Now how do I square things with Lee?” she continued shakily.  “I really hate the thought of losing him or, worse, driving him off.”

Rava hugged Debbye close anyway. She placed her arm around Debbye’s shoulder, “Judging by the condition he was in, I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Shall I send him in here?”

“You’d better,” sighed Debbye.  “I need to know how badly I’ve destroyed my bridges.”

Rava stepped away, “I’ll send him right in.” she promised. “ Just remember, if you build ‘em back properly, they’ll be stronger than if nothing had happened.”

Lee managed to cope, barely, with handling his feelings; he’d managed the energy rather than trying to control it, and was shooting decent groups.  Lee had just emptied another magazine and pulled his target back when a claw gently tapped on his shoulder.

Looking around, he saw Rava standing there.  “There’s someone in the lounge that wants desperately to talk to you, luv,” announced his friend.

Lee nodded and place everything on the shooting bench,  “Get everything worked out?” he softly inquired.

Rava smiled and gave him a ‘thumbs up’.  “It was pretty much what we figured.  Be nice to her. I like this one. And she is more inexperienced then you are, luv.”

“I couldn’t do otherwise,” assured Lee, “no matter what happened.”  With that he headed for the door.

Lee entered the lounge, quietly shutting the door behind him.  Debbye sat downcast with her paws in her lap.  “You wanted to talk to me, my lady?” softly asked Lee.

Debbye looked up with more than a hint of moisture in her eyes.  “I’m sorry, Lee.” She apologized.  “I jumped to a hasty conclusion that hurt us both.  I know I was wrong, but other than apologizing and asking your forgiveness, in addition to Rava’s, I don’t know how to get back to where we were.”

Lee squatted in front of her, took her paws in his, looked her in the eye, and replied, “I’m not certain we can step back across this, my princess.  I think rather that we have to move on and build faith & trust in one another while recognizing that we’re both fallible.  I can understand why you reacted the way you did, an exuberance like Rava’s is kinda rare.”

Debbye briefly chuckled, “Oh, I don’t know.  From what little Sabrina’s let drop, her boss is just as exuberant.”

Lee smiled, “I’m glad you understand.”  He paused for a moment and sighed, “I guess we haven’t known each other long enough for you to really know and trust me, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt that you jumped to a conclusion and then turned on me without asking any questions.”

Debbye gave him a frightened look, Is he going to treat me just as rough?

Noticing her look, Lee continued, “However, that pain pales in comparison to what I felt when it seemed I’d lost all opportunity to explore that ‘something special’ that’s between us.  My lady, you have my forgiveness, freely given; joyously given.”

Debbye blinked and hesitatingly smiled, “You really mean that?”

Lee stood up and drew her up.  “I mean that with all my heart and soul,” he softly answered.

Debbye responded by hugging him tightly, “Thank you, Lee.  I know it’s better than my behavior deserved.”  She sniffled,  “You wouldn’t believe,” she murmured into his chest, “just how painful it was to think that I’d lost you.”

“I suspect I know something of that pain,’ whispered Lee.  “Shall we agree to talk more, jump to conclusions less, and give each other the benefit of the doubt?”

Debbye beamed at him, “I’d like that agreement very much.”

With a relieved smile and a twinkle in his eyes, Lee bent his head down, “Shall we seal this agreement with a kiss?”

“Yes,” answered Debbye as his mouth came down on her’s and he hugged her close.  Debbye’s arms went around his neck and both their tails moved to twine around the pair.

Both were so engrossed in the resulting kiss that neither saw Rava look in, smile, and turn and give Lyman a “thumbs up” and a wink.

When they finally broke the kiss, Debbye laid her head back against Lee’s chest.  “When you said ‘all my heart and soul’,” she whispered, “you weren’t kidding.  I felt all of that in your kiss.”

“I told you,” Lee gently chuckled, “and I felt the same from you.”

“So, what do we do now?” smiled Debbye.

Lee smiled back, “If you’re feeling better, perhaps you’d care for some target practice after all?”

Debbye chuckled, “Yes, I do believe I would.”  She thought a moment and continued, “Would you be offended if I asked Rava to coach me?  I’d like to get to know her as a friend.”

Lee smiled in return, “No, I wouldn’t be offended; though I suspect you’re as interested in finding out about me as you are about her.”

Debbye gave a mock pout, “Darn, you found me out!”

Lee just shook his head and laughed.  “I don’t have any problems with that, my princess, as long as the lady herself is willing.”  He extended his paw, took hers, and guided both of them out of the lounge.  As they exited, Lee waved Rava over with his paw.

Rava strolled up with a smile on her face.  “You two get matters resolved?” she asked.

Debbye just smiled as Lee answered, “Sure did.  We both owe you one. Now,” he continued,” we have another favor to ask; the lady would appreciate it if you’d coach her shooting.”

Rava turned to the squirrel, “Your idea, honey?”

Debbye nodded, “My idea.  I’d like to get to know you better.”

Rava gave her a knowing smile, “Sure, I’ll be happy to. Lee,” she requested, ”please get out whatever you brought for her.  We’ll get her some ear protection and shooting goggles and join you inside.”

Lee nodded, “Sure thing.  I’ll see you ladies on the firing line.”

“C’mon,” Rava said as she pulled Debbye to the rangemaster’s counter, “let’s get you properly outfitted.”

Shortly thereafter, Lee handed Debbye the .22LR pistol, the magazine, and a full box of ammo.  Rava led Debbye down the firing line to an available shooting station.  “This okay, hon?” she inquired.

“Sure, this one’s fine.”

“Okay, you load up and I’ll run a target downrange.”

Debbye loaded the magazine and inserted it into the pistol.  Working the slide, she cambered a round, then put the safety on and topped-off the magazine.  “Nicely done,” commented Rava, “you’ve been trained well. So, tell me hon,” she continued her full muzzled smile showing some amusement, “are you interested in knowing more about me or in what I can dish about Lee?”

“Both, actually,” replied Debbye.  “If my relationship with Lee continues like it has, it’ll make matters easier for both of us if we’re friends.  By the same token, I’d be interested in learning more about Lee; he’s the most interesting gentlefur I’ve met in ages.”

“Fair enough.  I’ll warn you, though; I don’t know any real dirt on him. And his little secrets you need to ask him about.” Rava all of a sudden took a very serious tone and stopped smiling for a second, “Now, step up here and show me the stance you shoot from.”

Debbye stepped up to the firing line and took an isosceles stance with a firm, two-handed grip on the pistol.  Rava stood right against her back as she helped her make some small adjustments that would help her comfort and accuracy, then when Debbye was ready she stepped back. Debbye proceeded to empty the pistol with aimed fire.  Rava brought the target back and looked it over.  “Not bad at all,” she commented placing her paw on Debbye’s shoulder, ”especially for someone who’s not shot in a while.  You were well trained.”

Debbye shrugged, “I suppose so, it kinda comes from being a cop’s daughter.”

Rava grinned, “That’s something we have in common; my father’s a cop too, or rather a retired cop.”  Rava paused for a moment, “I think I remember my father mentioning someone with your last name.”  Rava’s brow furrowed for a moment, then her eyes widened, “Honey,” she inquired, “are you George Squirrel’s daughter?”

Debbye replied with a chuckle, “Last time I looked, I was.” Debbye looked at Rava slightly confused.

Rava grinned, “His squad was the last one my father served on before he retired.” She faced Debbye “Does Lee know your father’s profession?”

Debbye laughed and then whispered conspiratorially, “Not yet.  I figured how he reacts will tell me something about him don’t you think?”

“That’s dirty pool,” chuckled Rava, “and I love it.  His reaction may surprise you, though he definitely isn’t like most male furs his age. Plus he knows my dad.”

“No, thankfully, he’s not,” agreed Debbye.  As she reloaded the pistol, she continued, “So tell me, Rava, how’d you get on the Team with Lee?”

 “The Team was looking for someone to help on the manufacturing engineering side of things and I have both a degree in engineering technology and an A&P license.  Add in that I paid my way through school by spending my summers working as part of a NASCAR pit crew and I was an excellent match for the position.”  Rava continued, “I still keep my paw in with a mechanics’ shop not too far from here.  I do some repair work, such as helping our two friends with their cars, but I also built and maintain a race car for one of the local teams.”

“Very impressive.”

Rava smiled, “ And very time consuming.”

Stepping back up to the firing line, Debbye waved for Rava to send to target back out.  “Same distance,” she requested.  Resuming her stance, she again emptied the pistol.

Looking over the returned target, Rava commented, “Your shootings pretty impressive, itself.  That’s an even better group than the first one.  Want me to run the next target all the way down range?”

“Please,” replied the squirrel as she again reloaded the pistol.  “How long have you known Lee and Lyman?” she asked in passing.

“Some four years, we started at almost the same time,” answered Rava.  She chuckled, “It was something of a ‘scandal’ with some of the older employees, it was the first time new-hires had ever been brought directly into the team.  Me, they could understand, at least somewhat, good manufacturing engineers are always needed.  It wasn’t until our friends first project that people understood why they’d been brought in.”

Curiosity got the better of Debbye, “What happened then?”

Rava laughed, “It was a simple problem, but previous solutions had not produced a satisfactory resolution.  Lee and Lyman got handed the job somewhat as an initiation gag. Well between their knowledge of aviation history, their ability to consider alternative approaches, and their understanding of how things are done in the shop… they came up with a solution that worked and was comparatively easy to fabricate and install.  You should have seen the looks they got when at the presentation of their recommendations. Hon, it was priceless!”

Laughing along with her, Debbye gasped, “Lord, I’d like to have seen that.”

Hearing the laughter, Lee & Lyman looked down the line of shooting stations.  Lyman dryly commented, “Well, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about them getting along.”

Lee chuckled, “Yep, just so they don’t make common cause against us.”

“As if!” snorted Lyman.  “Most likely for us rather than against us. Rava is as loyal as we are.”

“Too right,” agreed Lee. “Now, back to work.”  With that he finished reloading his .45 ACP pistol and sent his target down the range.

Getting her laughter under control, Debbye finished reloading the pistol and returned to the firing line.  Concentrating on the more distant target, she focused her aim and proceeded to empty the pistol yet again.

Retrieving the target, Rava commented, “you need to get your aim point up a little, the grouping’s fine but you’re a touch low.”

“I’ll remember that,” responded Debbye as she reloaded the pistol.  Continuing her inquiry, “So how much do you see of our friends outside of work?”

After a moment’s thought, Rava replied,” Not as much as you’d think.  I helped Lee with the modifications to his Contour, both of them trust me to handle the inspection, servicing, and maintenance of their cars, and they’ve helped me with design problems on a couple of race cars.  I don’t see much of them socially, though; neither goes out anywhere near as much as I do and they resist being dragged along. On the other paw,” Rava continued with a feral grin, “when you need help, they’re right there for you.  When my marriage collapsed after only a few months, they were the first ones there to help and my strongest supporters all the way through the messy process.”

Debbye looked up with a start, “I’m sorry to hear about that.’

“Don’t be,” replied Rava, “I wasn’t.  It didn’t take long after the wedding for the smooth talk to disappear and the abuse to start.  I walked then, didn’t wait a moment, and don’t regret it a bit.  Oh, Craig kept harassing me, trying to get me to change my mind, but I wouldn’t.  It had just gotten to the point where I was going to ask my father to step in when Craig called up.  It was kinda funny, he said ‘I was prepared for your father and his friends, but not for the big guns you called in.  I’m leaving you alone and leaving town.’  I never did find out what happened, but I have a suspicion our friends had something to do with it.  They deny talking to him, but there was something in their eyes that said they knew what happened.  I’ve never pressed them, but I’ve always remembered their help.”

Looking over at Lee and Lyman, Debbye responded, “How interesting!  It’s good to know that they’re furs you can depend on when things get rough.”

Rava chuckled, “That they are.  I won’t claim either is perfect, either of them would be the first to deny it, but they are steady, dependable friends and those are worth something. Now,” she continued, “finish reloading that pistol and let’s try it again.”

Debbye finished reloading as Rava sent another target down range.  Returning to the firing line, Debbye concentrated on adjusting her aim point and proceeded to yet again empty the pistol.

Retrieving the target, Rava examined it and smiled, “That’s the way, hon; a tight group smack in the center of the black.  Load her up and let’s see if you can do it again.”  Rava put the target aside to show Lee later.

Debbye busied herself with the reloading.  “So what, if anything, can you tell me about Lee’s ‘dark side’?” she inquired.  “I don’t mean his secrets, just some of those areas where he’s ‘not so perfect’.”

Rava smiled as she prepared the next target.  “I understand, hon; you want to know where some of those imperfections I mentioned are.  I suppose his worst ‘trait’ is his temper; he’s generally quite patient and good mannered, but when he finally ‘loses it’ he can be a sight to behold.” She shook her head at the memory, “The good side,” she chuckled, “is that he doesn’t hold grudges, he has his ‘fit’ and gets over it.”

Debbye sighed as she finished the reloading, ‘I guess he proved his patience, and maybe something more, this afternoon.  You know, he said he freely and joyously forgave me?”

Rava looked up surprised.  “Really?” she inquired.  “I think you mean more to him than you realize.  In which case, you’ll probably run in to another of his imperfections.  I know we cats have a reputation for being stubborn, but he takes it to extremes.  Once he’s made his mind up on something important, it takes a really strong argument to change his mind. He is, though,” chuckled the feline, “honest enough that when an argument convinces him he’ll go with it rather than sticking with his old position out of pride.”

Debbye moved back to the firing line.  “I expect I’ll learn to cope,” she answered.  “That is, if things go along the way they have been. Now,” she continued,” could you please send that target down range?”

“Oops, sorry Hon,”

Debbye turned her concentration to the target and her fire from this magazine chewed a ragged hole in the center of the black.

Rava smiled as she brought the target back and set it aside, “Now that is doing it again. You’ve got some real potential, hon. Care to try once more?”

“Once more is all I’ll be able to do,” replied the squirrel.  “There’s only enough ammo left for one more full magazine.”

“Then do it in style,” encouraged Rava as she sent the target out.

Debbye stepped up, concentrated, and again chewed the center out of the target.

“Hon, you’ve definitely finished up in style,” approved the cat as she retrieved the target.  Setting this target with the previous two, she continued, “I hope you’ll be back here often.”

“I imagine I will.  Despite today’s shaky start, I’ve really enjoyed myself,” replied the squirrel.  “Besides, I know you now and I won’t be blindsided again.”  Debbye shook her head, “Lee really should have warned me.”

Rava chuckled, “I said the same thing to him.  I’m afraid he’s sufficiently used to my behavior that he doesn’t realize that it is that rare.”

“Maybe,” admitted Debbye, “but I don’t think either he or I will take as much for granted after this.”

“All to the good, hon,” counseled Rava.  “Now, do you want to keep talking here or would you prefer to move to the lounge?”

Debbye looked around at the crowded range.  “I think I’d rather leave this position for someone to use.  Let’s move to the lounge.”

Stopping at Lee’s station to return the pistol, Debbye advised, “We’re moving to the lounge, just come by when you finish.”

“Right,” replied Lee.  “We shouldn’t be too much longer.  I’ve only enough ammo for another couple of magazines; I doubt Lyman has much more.  We’ll be seeing you in a little while.”  Stowing the pistol in the range bag, Lee sketched a salute to the two femmes and turned to continue his shooting.

Debbye and Rava turned in the ear and eye protection and headed for the lounge.  Stopping at a vending machine, Debbye offered, “Thirsty?  I’m buying.”

“Sure hon, thanks.  All that talking out there, left my throat a bit dry.”

Taking their cans of soft drink with them, they entered the lounge and sat down.  After a few swallows, Debbye asked, “So what’s your father doing now that he’s retired?”

“He and some of his friends have started their own security firm,” answered Rava, then she grimaced, “I swear, I see less of him now than when he was on the force!”

Debbye winced in sympathy, “Ouch!  That is bad.  My father’s had to keep some odd hours, but he’s hardly ever been that busy. Of course,’ she chuckled, “part of that may be that I’m still living at home.”

Rava chuckled, “Yah, that might help.  Wouldn’t work for me, though; I’ve been living on my own for too long to feel comfortable moving back in.”

“I can understand that,” answered the squirrel.  Impulsively she touched Rava’s arm, “Look, I know we’re just becoming friends, but if you need to talk to a friend who understands being a cop’s daughter, give me a call.  I’d be happy to offer a friendly ear.”

“Thanks luv, that means a lot,” replied Rava as she covered Debbye’s paw.  As they both dropped their paws, Rava continued, “Ya know, you’re a good match for Lee; he’s offered a friendly ear and shoulder anytime I need it.”

“Hm-m-m, even given the short time I’ve known him, that sounds completely in character for him.”

Further discussion was interrupted as Lee and Lyman entered the lounge and set their bags down.  Walking over to the two femme furs, Lee inquired, “So how did it go today?”

Before Debbye could answer, Rava handed the last three targets over, “See for yourself.  Your friend’s been well trained and got her ‘eye’ back quickly.”

Lee looked at the three targets with tight ragged holes in their centers and softly whistled, “I think,” he chuckled, “that I’d best stay on your good side if I want to stay healthy.”

Debbye blushed as Rava and Lyman laughed.

“Seriously,” continued Lee. “This is excellent.  I hope you’ll keep coming here with us.”

Debbye nodded, “I’ll accept that invitation.  I’ve enjoyed myself and,” she looked around and grinned, “the company’s been excellent.”

Lee blushed a bit then replied, “It’s a date, then.  In two weeks we’ll come back for another session here.”

Debbye nodded agreement with a smile.

Rava laughed, “At least she’ll be prepared next time.”  Turning to Lee and Lyman, “I’ll see you two at work tomorrow and,” turning to Debbye, ”I’ll look forward to seeing you in two weeks.”  With a farewell hug to everyone she headed out the door.

After Rava’s departure, Lee turned to Debbye; “You ought to keep those targets, that’s really good shooting.”

“Could you keep them?” she asked.  “I really don’t have any place at home to put them.’

“Sure, I can do that.”  Handing her a pen, he continued, “Initial and date ‘em so they don’t get mixed with others.”

After Debbye marked the targets, Lee stuck them in a side pouch of his range bag.  “I’ll put ‘em in a separate folder when we get back to my place,” Lee explained.  “Now, are you ready to go?”

When Debbye nodded, Lee offered his arm and, preceded by Lyman, they headed out to the car.

“Don’t’ we need to pay before leaving?” asked Debbye with a touch of worry.

“We took care of that before we entered the lounge,” explained Lyman.  “Lee covered your and his charges.”

Debbye looked quickly at Lee, “Can I reimburse you?”

Lee smiled and made a ‘stop’ motion with his paw.  “No way.  You’re my guest at my invitation; it’s my pleasure.”

Debbye gave a resigned smile, “Fair enough, this time.  In the future though, I’ll pay my own way.”

“That’s not necessary…” began Lee.

“Please,” interrupted the squirrel, “I don’t want to feel like I’m sponging off you.”

Lee gave her a rueful look.  “If you’re that determined, I’ll not argue further.”

“You know you’d argue the same way in her position,” chuckled Lyman.  “I think you’ve met your match, my friend.”

“You’re right about the argument,” admitted the cat with a sheepish grin,  “Beyond that, we’ll just have to see.”

Debbye blushed, but kept her own counsel.

Arriving back at the car, Lee held the door for Debbye while Lyman stowed their shooting gear in the trunk.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, Lee noticed the time and suggested, “Given the time, how about stopping for an early dinner?  We can go on back to my place afterwards and clean the guns.”

“Fine by me,” answered Lyman.

“Sure, why not?” responded Debbye.  “How about Furry’s?  It’s not that far out of the way.”

Lee looked at Lyman in the rear view mirror to get his agreement. Lyman nodded.  “Deal, then,” agreed Lee and they headed off.

As they drove, Debbye looked at her two companions.  “I’ve got a question for you two and I promise that I won’t tell anyone.  Rava stated that she thought you two knew something about why her ‘ex’ left rather in a hurry, though she says that you swear you didn’t talk to him.  What exactly did you do?”

Lee and Lyman exchanged looks in the rear view mirror and nodded to each other.  “Okay, I’ll cover that,” replied Lee.  “We never went near him but we did decide we needed to take action after seeing him badgering Rava.  We figured he’d be expecting her father and his friends to make a move.  So, knowing how he’d treated her, we went down to Security and laid the situation out for them; pointing out that anyone trying to establish that kind of control over someone with her level clearance might be up to ‘no good’.  They agreed with us and sent a team out to talk to him, one agent from DIS and the other from the FBI: I rather imagine that scared him off.”

Debbye chuckled, “Well, that explains the last remark he made to Rava. Why, though, haven’t you told her?”

“We were embarrassed,” answered Lyman.  “Both of us are used to dealing directly with problems and it feels ‘wrong’ to have to play bureaucratic games.  Besides, we did “bend” the rules a bit in how we did it.”

 “Well, you accomplished your purpose and relieved her, but how did you bend the rules?”

Lee gave a low chuckle, “It’s more of a matter of which person in Security we approached.  We were very careful to talk to someone who knew her father and was at least familiar with her.  This person was more than happy to help out.”

Debbye snickered, “That was underhanded, but in a good cause.  Don’t worry, I won’t tell her.”

Pulling into the parking lot at Furry’s, they were pleased to find it only partially full.  “Looks like we’ll get a table right away,” commented Lyman.  Catching Lee’s eye in the rear view mirror, he continued, “Remember the last time we did this?”

“All too well,” answered Lee.  At Debbye’s raised eyebrow, he continued, ”We’d stayed late at the range and when we got here the evening rush was at full strength.  It seemed to take ages just to find a parking place, then we had over a half-hour wait inside.”

“Why didn’t you two just go fix something at home?” puzzled the squirrel.

Lee and Lyman looked at each other and then grinned sheepishly [quite a trick for a pair of carnivores] at Debbye.  “We’d both been careless,” admitted Lyman, “and neither of us had anything in the fridge but milk and juice.”

Debbye rolled her eyes and replied, “Bachelors!  Sometimes I think all of you need keepers.”

Lee and Lyman both chuckled, then Lee responded quietly, “You wouldn’t be interested in applying for that position with me, would you?”

Debbye started and stared at Lee.  “You’re not serious!  Are you?” came her surprised response.

Lee chuckled, “For the position of ‘keeper’, I’m most definitely kidding.”  He pulled into a parking space, stopped the car, and turned with a blush to look Debbye in the eye.  “But I’m starting to think you may be quite qualified for another, more permanent, ‘position’ that includes those responsibilities and carries more rewards.”

Debbye blushed and asked quietly, “That ‘position’ would be…?”

Lee smiled,  “For now, ‘steady’ will suffice.”

Returning his gaze, she replied, “I’ve considered applying for that ‘position’, though it seemed a bit premature before, but not now.”

Lee’s blush lessened.  “Then we’ll table this for now,” he replied, “but let me make my feelings clear.”  With that, he leaned over to kiss Debbye only to be surprised as she leaned toward him and made it more than a simple kiss.  Without thought, each reached out to hold the other.

Lyman’s soft “Ahem” from the backseat broke the clinch and both Lee and Debbye blushed.

Debbye asked quietly, “I trust I’ve also made my feelings clear?”

Lee could only trust himself to nod and grin.

“If you two are quite through,” continued Lyman.  “I thought we were here to get some dinner.”

Lee grinned, “Fair enough.  That is why we stopped here.”

“Then why don’t I,” suggested Lyman, “ go get us a table while you two finish up matters here?”

Lee glanced at Debbye, who nodded agreement.  “Good enough, we’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Lyman climbed out, locked his door, and headed for the restaurant door.  Lee turned to Debbye. “”I’ll be right around to get your door.”  Locking his door, Lee circled the car and held the door for Debbye.  Holding her paw as she exited the car, he locked the door and then turned and took her paws in his.  “Debbye, I know I put you on the spot just then, but I felt I had to make certain you knew how I felt.  This afternoon scared me badly and I don’t ever want to take anything between us for granted.”

Debbye’s eyes widened in surprise, she paused for thought, & then responded, “That also hit me hard, Lee and I feel the same way: I don’t want to go through that again.  I didn’t feel ‘on the spot’, I was just surprised that you were that open.”

Lee smiled and hugged her to him.  “I’m a private fur and it’s difficult, but you already mean too much to me for half-measures.”

Debbye hugged him back.  “No half-measures then; your feelings are fully returned.”

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way, shall we head inside?”

Debbye sighed, “This is nice, but I suppose we should relieve Lyman.  Let’s go.”

With that, Lee stepped back and offered her his arm.  With her arm through his and holding paws they headed into the restaurant.

Lyman waved them over to a table set up for them.  Lee held Debbye’s chair, then seated himself and picked up a menu.  “I took the liberty of ordering iced tea for all of us,” announced Lyman.  “Do either of you mind?”

Lee shook his head while Debbye replied, “No problem.”

Looking over the menu, Lee quickly determined what he wanted and was ready to order when the waitress returned with their drinks.  “Will this be one check?” inquired the rabbit. “Or…”

“Separate checks, please.” Answered Debbye firmly.

Lee responded, “You’re my guest; I insist…”

“We’ve gone through this once already,” insisted the squirrel.  “I want to pay my own way; you know my feelings.”

Lee gave her a resigned grin, then shrugged and turned to the waitress.  “Separate checks then, if you would be so kind.” He requested ruefully.

“Certainly, sir.” Answered the rabbit.  “And you’ll be having…”

After their orders had been placed, the trio relaxed.  Lee tilted his glass at Debbye, “You’re not going to allow me to do much for you, are you?”

“Lee,” responded Debbye, “I’m used to paying my own way.  I understand why you want to take care of matters and I do appreciate the feelings behind that; but right now I don’t want to compromise my independence.”

“I understand fully,” responded the cat.  He chuckled, “Well, I wanted a strong lady and it seems I’ve got one.”

Lyman chuckled, “What was that old warning?  ‘Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.’ “

Lee and Debbye returned his chuckle.  Then Debbye turned to Lyman, “May I ask a personal question?”

“Sure,” shrugged Lyman, “but you’ll have to get his secrets from Lee.  He knows mine and I don’t want to get into that kind of contest.”

“Nothing like that,” chuckled Debbye.  “Lee’s told me that your father’s family is from Italy and your mother’s is from England, but what species are they?  I’ve looked at you markings and I’ve looked at your features and I can’t tell.”

Lee winced a little at Debbye’s question, but Lyman held up his paw.  “It’s a fair question, my friend.  Besides, you know I’ve heard it enough times before.”

Lee nodded his head, “I know.  It’s just that I remember some of the nonsense that’s followed rougher versions of that question.”

Debbye raised an eyebrow.  “Oh?  What happened?”

Lyman replied, “I ran into some trouble of a bunch of species purists and we had some difficulties with them.”

“Species purists?”  Asked the perplexed squirrel.

“Yeah,” responded Lee.  “They’re a narrow-minded bunch convinced that members of a given species should only be involved with and have offspring with members of that species.  Lyman’s mixed wolf and fox ancestry really annoyed them.”

“So what happened?” inquired Debbye.

Lee and Lyman both grimaced.  “Ask us when we get to my place,” responded the cat, “I don’t want to ruin dinner by discussing this now.”

Debbye shrugged.  “I can understand that.  I’ll wait until later.  So, Lyman, you’re a wolf/fox mix?  Which parent is which?”

“My father’s family is an old family of Italian wolves,” answered Lyman.  “We’re not certain how far back the family goes…”

“But I’ve seen church records dating from three-digit years,” interjected Lee.

“But,” continued Lyman, “family stories contend that we lived in the Lombardy region at least as far back as the Roman Empire.  Some stories contend that our last name came from several generations which served with honor in the legions.”

“Ah,” responded the squirrel, “from the position of ‘Aquilafer’, the honored position of carrying the eagle standard of the legion.  I can see where that could happen.”

“Yeah,” agreed Lyman.  “Anyway, my father’s family came to this country in the late 1800’s.  Dad followed in the family tradition and enlisted in the Air Force.  The first posting of his second enlistment was to a RAF base in the UK; at a welcoming dance during his first month there he met a young red fox vixen and they fell for each other.  Only then,” chuckled Lyman, “did he find out that her father was the Wing Commander in charge of the base.  My father swears that the courtship was the most circumspect behavior he’s ever exhibited.  When I had the chance to visit mom’s family, I found that their family records also go back to three-digit years.”

“Impressive,” murmured Debbye.  “I can’t see any reason to be ashamed of anything.”

“Neither can I.” Lyman admitted.  “But there are those narrow-minded chowder-heads that feel that way.”

The arrival of their orders brought further discussion to a halt as all three applied themselves to enjoying dinner.  After enjoying their dinners, they paid their bills, left fair tips, and headed out to Lee’s car.  As he helped Debbye into the car, Lee asked, “Are you going to come in for just the story or are you going to stay and join us in cleaning up?”

Debbye didn’t hesitate, “Of course I’ll help with the clean up.  I shot one of those pistols and I’m not about run out on the dirty work.”

Lee smiled, “I’d figured you for that attitude, but I do appreciate it.”

The ride back to Lee’s apartment was filled with friendly conversation on a variety of topics.  Debbye was amused, and pleased, to find both males to be well read on a wide variety of subjects.  Lee was equally pleased that his best friend and his lady got along amiably; he’d been dreading the admittedly slight, chance that the two would’ve clashed.

Arriving back at the apartment complex, they found a parking slot near Lee’s door and Lyman again volunteered to get the range bags while Lee looked after Debbye.  Once inside the apartment, Lee and Lyman set up the dining table for pistol cleaning.  Debbye required little instruction and soon all three were involved in cleaning the tools of the day’s activities.

Debbye looked over at the two males, “Okay, you two; we’re back here by ourselves, so spill the story of your encounter with those species purists.”

Lee leaned back in his chair and looked at Lyman, “Let me see, it was the winter of our sophomore year, wasn’t it?”

Lyman nodded.

“Okay,” continued Lee, “it was, as I said, the winter of our sophomore year. We had been roommates since starting at A&M and were good friends by this time and well on our way to becoming a good team.  We’d attended a dorm party, primarily as designated drivers, and among the others at this party were some rich kids from the ‘party animal’ end of the dorm.  These ‘animals’ had wasted no time in getting exceedingly drunk and losing what self-control they had.  That’s when we found out that they were species purists; they started making pointed comments about Lyman’s features and markings.  Since he grew up on a succession of air force bases, Lyman was used to this kind of nonsense and shrugged it off.  Then they started in with rude questions and comments about his ancestry and parentage; which is why I cringed a little even though you asked politely.  My friend here still managed to ‘keep his cool’, though I could tell he was starting to get angry.”

Debbye looked at Lyman, who nodded, “He’s right, it was taking more effort to restrain myself, but I didn’t ‘lose it’ at any time.”

“So what happened next?” inquired the squirrel.

Lee continued, “These louts were feeling somewhat aggravated themselves by this time.    They were trying to provoke Lyman into attacking them so they could ‘prove’ the ‘superiority’ of their ‘unmixed blood’ and it wasn’t working.  Finally, they ganged up on him.  As the language had turned uglier, I’d kept more of an ear cocked on what was going on.  When they did gang up, I stepped over and tried to diffuse the situation; my efforts were unsuccessful.”

As he spoke, the events flashed before his mind’s eye:

“Get lost, cat!’ snarled the biggest of the four canines surrounding Lyman.  “We’re going to teach this mixed - breed a lesson.  Unless you want the same, butt out!’

“Sorry, no can do,” replied Lee politely through clenched teeth.  With his ears back, his eyes cold, and his fur up, he clearly didn’t look ready to be polite.  “He’s my friend, I’m bloody well not about to desert him.”

“Be it on your head,’ snarled a wolf, swinging at Lee.  The Rottweiler, Doberman, and another wolf jumped at Lyman but the initial action had allowed him to get back-to-back with Lee.  “So much for a nice party,” snarled Lyman.  “Let’s skip the next one and let ‘em find their own way home.”

“Fine by me,” answered Lee.  “Meanwhile, let’s deal with this little problem.”

Lee’s voice trailed off for a moment as the memories surged.

“What happened then?” asked Debbye in wonder.  “Isn’t four against two poor odds for you two?”

Lee and Lyman both chuckled.  “The odds on that fight were poor,” answered Lee, “but not for us.  On one side you had four drunken furs who only knew bullying, not serious fighting, while both of us were sober and both of us had well learned how to fight in self defense.”

“Truly,’ chimed in Lyman.  “As many different schools as I attended, I had to learn to stand up for myself.  Lee’s never told me the specifics, but I gather that learning self-defense was a necessity for him, too.”

“Anyway,” chuckled the cat, “we were much better prepared for this than they were and we ‘wiped the floor with them’ in short order.  Naturally, the police were called because of the disturbance, but our assailants were the ones taken into custody, given the evidence.  Since I had kept my claws retracted,” here Lee flexed his paw to show them, “we were even commended for the restraint we’d shown.”

“I guess that explains how you handled Kirk so well last night,” commented Debbye.

“What?’ asked a surprised Lyman.  “Another fight?”

“Hardly that,” replied Lee, “merely a fur with too few brains and too many ideas.  I immobilized him quickly and persuaded him of the error of his ways.”

“I’ll bet!’ laughed Lyman.  “Did you leave with a good line like you left the fight we’ve been rehashing?”

“Nothing that good.”

Debbye cocked an eyebrow at Lee.  “Okay, what’s the punch line I’m missing?”

Lyman answered, still chuckling, “As they were carting our opponents out the door, Lee looked at them, shook his head, and commented, ‘I’d say that your efforts to maintain pure blood have produced a family tree that’s a twig.’  I’ve not forgotten the laughter on everyone else’s face and the flush on our assailant’s faces from that line.  Between being convicted of disturbing the peace and the embarrassment of losing, especially with that critique, they withdrew and went to some other college.”

Debbye shook her head, “That was truly a nasty thing to do, Lee, but it sounds like they earned it.”

Lyman chuckled, “No doubt.  Anyway, that little episode firmly cemented our friendship and our teaming.  By the end of that school year, both of us had been unofficially adopted by the other’s family and welcomed into their home.”

“These days,” commented Lee, “ we feel like the title of a used album I saw the other day, ‘Twin Sons of Different Mothers’ [Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg].  We come from different backgrounds but we’re closer than lots of sibs.”

“Do you suppose,” inquired the squirrel, “that you owe those furs for that?”

Lee and Lyman looked at each other and chorused, “Nah!”  The unexpected chorus set Debbye chuckling and her chuckle infected the two males.

While the story had been going on, all three had finished their cleaning chores.  Lyman packed up and; looking at the clock, turned to Lee.  “I’d best be getting back to my place, I’ve still got some things to take care of tonight.”  Turning to Debbye, he kissed her paw, “It’s been quite a pleasure to meet you.  You’re even more than I expected.”

Debbye blushed, “Than you expected?”

Lyman grinned, “Yeah.  I know this cat’s standards and I’ve seen his behavior this past week, so I knew something about you.”  Seeing Lee’s deepening blush, Lyman continued, “But I’d best say no more, I think I’ve embarrassed him enough for tonight.”  Clapping his paw on Lee’s shoulder, he finished, “See you in the morning.”  With that, he left Lee’s apartment, quietly shutting the door behind him.

Still blushing, Lee and Debbye stood looking at one another.  After a moment, Debbye dryly commented, “Well, that was quite an exit.”

“Sure was,” replied Lee in an equally dry tone.  Stepping over to Debbye, he gathered her to him.  “I’m sorry he embarrassed you like that, I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

Debbye pulled him into a hug.  “No, Lee,” murmured the squirrel into his chest, “it was a surprise, not an embarrassment.  “ ‘Sides I’m relieved and flattered that your best friend thinks so highly of me,” Stepping back, she continued in a normal tone, “Now, shall we finish this up?  I’m certain you’ve got matters to take care of, too, and I need to get home.”

“Fair enough.  Give me a paw carrying this stuff and we’ll be finished shortly.”

With the firearms and cleaning kits stowed in the gun safe, Lee took the trash out to the Dumpster and finished straightening up the dining room.  Looking around, Lee commented, “I think that takes care of everything, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your company and find I’m intensely looking forward to next weekend.”

Debbye stepped forward and hugged him.  “Despite the difficulties, I’ve enjoyed it too.  Next weekend can’t come fast enough.”

Lee chuckled and bent his head down, “Then let me kiss you good night and I’ll walk you to your car.”

Debbye’s arms sliding around his neck were as much an answer as her low “Yes.”  Hugging each other very close, their tails twined, the two reaffirmed their feelings, agreements, and commitments.  After they finally broke the kiss, Lee and Debbye smiled at each other and then stepped back as if by agreement.  Lee offered her his arm and, locking the door behind him, escorted Debbye to her car.  After she’d entered the car and Lee had shut the door behind her, Debbye rolled down the window and beckoned Lee close.  “Call me tomorrow night and we’ll make plans for next weekend.”

“It will be a pleasure,” grinned the cat.

“Then, good night, my prince; sweet dreams,” said the squirrel in a low voice as she kissed his muzzle.

“And the same for you, my princess,” replied Lee with a gentle return kiss to her muzzle.  “Drive safely.”

“I shall,” replied Debbye as she raised the window and backed out of the slot.  Lee watched until her car left the parking lot, then went and took care of the evening’s remaining matters, though perhaps with more of a distracted nature than usual.

Debbye, too, was feeling somewhat distracted and consequently paid extra attention to her driving.  Arriving home, she parked where her car would not block either of her parents’ cars.  Entering the house, she found her father sitting in the living room reading a professional journal.

George Squirrel looked up as his daughter entered the house, “Hello, darling.  Have a good time?”

“A most interesting time,” replied Debbye.  “I got to meet Lyman Aquilaferi, Lee’s best friend, and another of his co-workers and friends.”  Coming into the living room, Debbye sat back in another chair and turned to her father.  In a pensive voice she asked, “Dad, from your experience, what would it mean if a feline on the short end of a 4 on 2 fight kept his claws sheathed?”

Her father raised an eyebrow in surprise.  “Well, first of all it would tell me he’s self-controlled, it takes control to override the body’s natural reaction.  Secondly, it tells me that he was confident of not needing them.  I take it this young gentlefur got into an altercation?”

“Some years ago,” reassured Debbye, “his best friend, a wolf/fox mix, ran afoul of some species purists and Lee stepped in to help his friend.”

“Then I’d say Lee has good instincts and abilities,” replied her father, “I’ve dealt with species purist before and they’re a stupid bother, especially if one gets into uniform.  Coupled with what Alisia Nash told us earlier today, I’m getting a favorable impression of this gentlefur.  Is that what you wanted to know?”

Debbye blushed, “Yeah, dad; thanks.  I needed that to check my own impressions.”

“I see,” replied her father slowly, “well, just take matters slowly and be careful.”

“I will dad,” smiled the young lady.  “G’night.”

“Goodnight, darling,” he answered, “sleep well.”

Debbye headed to her room to prepare for the next day and then for bed, though thoughts of a blue-eyed male feline left her somewhat distracted.