Baga Shores Journal

This Whisker Wisdom Caterview features Blanco, the adorable, three-legged, longhaired white cat you’ll meet in Convincing Emily.

People can’t remember a time when he wasn’t a regular at the Baga Shores Veterinary Clinic. Even though he’s interested (or downright nosy) about the human lives, he keeps his own feline life private.

Except for Alika, whose age is anyone’s guess, Blanco is the oldest cat in the Baga Shores Romance series. He might also be the oldest in town. But how would anyone know?

We agreed to meet in the pavilion behind the clinic. I see he’s already waiting on a bench. Let’s see what he has to tell us.

Me: It’s been a while, Blanco. Thank you for meeting me and agreeing to speak in human English. I know you’re selective about who you talk to. I hope you’ve been well.

Blanco: My life is “purrrfect.”

Me: Clever.

Blanco gives a little throaty chirp: How’s that for standard cat humor? I’m having a great life. It’s a mutual relationship. The day I was hit by a car, I thought that was it for me. But Dr. Davis saved my life. She retired to follow a lifelong dream. Now Dr. Emily Carter, continues the tradition. My job is to help calm down animals who don’t understand what’s happening. In return, I get top-notch meals and wander around anywhere I want around the clinic. I go outside occasionally, but nowadays, I prefer staying inside.

Me:  If the memories aren’t too painful, take us back to when you arrived here. How long ago was that, anyway?

B:  In cat or human years?

Me: Let’s stick with human.

B: About twelve or thirteen human years.

Me: Seriously? That’s a long time for a cat to l—.  Oh, geez. That didn’t come out the way I intended.

B rolls his beautiful teal blue eyes and continues: Not to worry. You’re right. It’s a fact. There’s a chart inside. When I was brought in here, Dr. Davis thought I was about a year old. That means I’m pushing 68.

Me: My gosh, Blanco. You look wonderful.

B gives a head nod: Thank you. You asked about my arrival. I don’t remember a whole lot about that day. I know now it started on the road to the beach.

Me: The Causeway, right?

B: I believe that’s what you call it. Anyway, the first thing I remember was being in something I was told was a box. It was dark inside it. I bounced around a lot. Then, the bouncing stopped. There was shuffling. I was dumped out. It was raining. I was wet. Then there was pain. And I don’t remember much until I woke up here.

Me: I know a little more. May I share it?

B: Go ahead.

Me: The human who brought you in saw the whole thing. Somebody dumped you out of that box onto the road, and within a minute after that, a car hit you. The human wrapped you up in a towel and brought you here. Dr. Heather Davis took you into surgery, but the damage was bad, and she had to amputate your back leg to save your life.

B: She was a miracle worker. You know she’s a fox shifter.

Me: Uh, Blanco, I wrote that story, remember?

B: Ah, of course. Anyway, she has a magical way of understanding animals. I guess because she is one. After I got better, she decided to keep me around. I’m glad she did. I bonded with her adopted son, Liam, as much as anybody. Poor kid was having a rough time. He doesn’t make friends easily. He could talk to me better than to humans. Not really easy for shifters to make human friends, you know.

Me:  Did you actually speak to Liam?

B: Not in words like we are right now. I mostly listened—a lot. Shifters have a horrible adjustment. They often don’t know what world they belong in. He was a coyote pup when he shifted to human. When I met him, he was a teenager. Shifter and teenage human? And being adopted? Add all that up and you’ll get why it was a rough time around here. Dr. Davis was a fantastic mom to him, and with her patience, he came around. You should see him!

Me: Blanco, I wrote—

B: You wrote his story. I keep forgetting.

Me: The new vet’s been here about three years now. How’s she working out?

B: It took a while. Emily Carter is a stubborn Ordinary human. At first, I had doubts if she’d fit in around here. I thought she was too logical and too skeptical to live in a town that’s half full of magicals. But eventually she did. And she and Liam are a perfect couple.

Me: I agree. A veterinarian and a bookseller. Sounds reasonable. Until you factor in the shifter bit. But I’ve always wondered about how you’ve done so well here. Besides selective conversations with humans, you’re not magical. But you still fit in.

B: I’m not magical? Are you kidding? I am a cat! All cats are magical. So, I’m not like Alika—and do I ever have stories about him, even some you don’t know! And I’m not like any other cats around here, either. But who saw the fae enter the room before she materialized in front of Emily? Cats see things you know.

Me: Oh, I do know. That reminds me. That fae in human form is Mila, the vet tech. Is she still here?

B: Absolutely. She’s amazing. You know how old she is, don’t you?

Me: Actually, I don’t.

B: If you think I’m getting up there in years, you should interview her. She’s had some crazy stuff happen in her life. Thank goodness for her. She became Emily’s confidante and mentor in everything magical here.

Me: Ummm. Maybe I should catch up with her. She might have a story to tell.

B: You definitely should. I’ve met almost every Magical in the county. None of them will take their pets anywhere else. Most times, I’ve found it pays to be quiet and listen. You learn a lot more that way. Everybody has a story.

Blanco shifted his hips around and gave a big yawn.

B: It’s about my nap time. I could go on forever, but I’m tired.

Me: I understand entirely. If you don’t mind, I’d like to schedule another time to visit. This was great.

B: That’s a deal. But promise me you won’t tell anyone we actually talked.

Me: I understand. I wouldn’t want to blow your cover! You have my promise.

Blanco is right! Everybody has a story.

While chatting with Blanco, I realized you might not have downloaded CONVINCING EMILY. Or you did download Emily’s story and haven’t had time to read it.

Time to remedy this!

Jump into your eReader and look at CONVINCING EMILY today! It’s a quick read, but the story will stay with you forever! You’ll be hooked and ready to read the entire Baga Shores sweet romance series!

Everyone is invited to hop over to my CANDACE COLT READER’S SALON on Facebook and continue our conversation…human conversation, that is!

PS: Please promise you won’t tell anyone that Blanco talks, ok?

🐾 Meet the other Cats of Baga Shores

Meet Tau, one of the newest members of the Baga Shores Romance feline family. After Rhea’s familiar, Alika, the contrarian, eloquent, who-knows-how-old black cat, left, the Tanner household felt a void that even Brett Austin’s loveable golden retriever, Rex, couldn’t fill.

In the series, Rex is Brett’s loyal sidekick, running mate, and confidante. Robbie’s son Sam loves Rex, for sure. But he missed Alika fiercely.

Enter Tau the tabby kitten whose debut was in CHARMING SABRINA. But we know little about him other than that he’s young. Maybe six months old. And he butts into people’s business.

This Caterview will help us learn more about him.

I’m expecting him to show up any minute. He’s famous for appearing in odd places at strange times. He’s also very private, so coaxing answers from him might be difficult. I might be the only human who knows he can speak at all.

Today, I’m waiting for him in Baga Shores beloved and venerable witch Mimi Tanner’s garden behind her multi-story Pepto-Bismol pink beach home.

Wait. Listen again. Did you hear that? I swear it was a cat’s soft meow coming from a spot between the Cuban oregano and the rosemary.

There, I heard it again.

ME:  Tau, is that you?

TAU:   I’ve been here all the while. Just listening.

ME: Well, come on out and meet our friends. Shall we sit on the bench near the shady side of the house?

Tau tentatively emerges from his hiding place, joins me on the bench, then jumps into my lap. His marmalade orange-striped fur begs petting, and I comply.

M: Thank you for agreeing to this.

TAU: (purring loudly) It wasn’t easy for me. I prefer to observe. Watching is so much fun. You humans get yourselves into the biggest messes.

M:  Truth there, little one. In Sabrina’s story, I recall Colton James finding you in the beach grass over a mile from your home. Can you explain that?

TAU:  I knew before he did that he was heading straight for trouble. Somebody had to distract him from disaster. So, I tracked him down. Believe me, I’m not crazy about laying in gritty sand. And those grass blades drive me crazy. But I did it for him.

M:   I have to say, your ‘poor lost kitty’ act worked. He scooped you up in a heartbeat. But I know you could have found your way home easily. You know this town inside and out. And later you showed up on Sabrina’s doorstep. What was the reason behind that?

TAU:   Where Colton, and ordinary human remember, isn’t always aware of what’s or who’s around him, Sabrina is often too savvy for her own good! She’s had so much bad luck in the past that she didn’t think she deserved happiness. She was falling for Colton but wouldn’t admit it. And she still doesn’t like opening up to people. But that night I knew she needed a good listener. Cats are good for that, you know.

M:   You have a gift for knowing what’s in a person’s heart. It’s already made you a valuable member of the Tanner household with all their quirks and personalities. A very good fit. But, how did you happen to end up in that family, anyway?

TAU:  I believe you’ve spoken with Alika. Didn’t he explain ‘assignments‘?

M: Not really. He danced around the idea. I’m still unclear about who makes the assignments and how a cat is matched with a human.

TAU: Ah, ha. I won’t explain that, either. It’s not a human concern. But what I will tell you is that we are matched based on what you call our gift and what the human needs. Alika is a rock star in our world. There was no other feline who could tackle the assignment as Rhea’s familiar.

M: I suppose I’ll have to live with that. But you’re a young cat. I don’t think you’re even a year old. Isn’t that unusual for an assignment? Yet you the way you talk sounds like an adult. And where did you come from?

TAU: Interesting story. I was left on the doorstep of the Baga Shores Veterinary Clinic. Nobody knew anything about me other than that I wore this collar with the blue stone. It’s a lapis lazuli, actually. After a couple of weeks, Dr. Emily gave me a clean bill of health. She called Mimi who brought her grandson Sam to meet me. Love at first sight, of course. Just as planned.

M: I love your lapis lazuli stone. It’s appropriate for you since it’s the stone of wisdom and truth. But back to your voice. It seems odd that you sound so old for a young cat.

TAU: (I notice he slightly shakes his head and rolls his eyes.) Odd to you, maybe. One secret: when we are up for an assignment, our age is deliberately adjusted. It was deemed important that the new Tanner cat be a kitten. By, the way, this isn’t my first rodeo, lady.

M: Wait. What?

TAU: Like I said, I’m this age because it works best for my human. Sam is a young child who doesn’t speak. Doesn’t it make sense for him to be matched with a non-verbal, young cat? So far, this assignment hasn’t required me to speak. I get the job done silently. But that could change.

M: I need a minute to process this.

TAU: (Turns cocks his head to meet my gaze.) You surprise me. Of all people, writer lady, you should understand this.

M: (I manage is a slow headshake. Finally, I find words.) You’re a lot more complex than I first thought, Tau.

TAU: Well hello to that surprise! Look. Mystery is a requirement in this assignment. Being Sam’s familiar is only part of this job. Everybody in this town needs someone like me. For now, it’s on me to know everyone’s business. Do you honestly think that dog will be of any help?

M: You mean Brett’s dog Rex? He’s a sweetheart.

TAU: Yeah. Whatever. Everybody loves the Goldens. Loveable floppy dogs. Pffft!  While they are fetching balls on the beach, I’m helping humans save themselves from themselves.

M: I’m certainly glad you straightened that all out for us.

TAU: Now, now. Let us cats be the snarky ones, okay? Surely you should know that Sam’s life will be challenging. And complicated. He’s nonverbal. He’s a brilliant artist. And as if that wasn’t enough for a kid to carry around, he’s a freaking Draiocht wizard. What a combination. His family is supportive and loves him dearly. Mimi, his great-grandmother, is a respected witch and wants him to flourish. After his parents’ nasty divorce, his mother, Andie, is finally getting her life together. Even though she’s also a witch, she still has a hard time getting a grip on the boy’s magical gift. And as for his grandmother, everyone knows Rhea has a heart of gold. But the flighty spirit of an old hippie. Good thing she has Alika with her.

M: You certainly will have your hands—I mean, paws, full. At first, Alika wasn’t excited to be with Rhea, but now they are inseparable. How about you? So far meeting your expectations?

TAU:   I’m okay with it. Except when that dog’s around, I’m the center of attention in Sam’s world. Aside from that, I’m pleased.

M:  Good to hear that! I’ll check back to see your progress with Sam. I’m sure there will be more stories ahead.

TAU: You can bet on it.

***

There hasn’t been one Caterview that went in a predictable direction. As usual, the cats are right. As the author, I should have known about all their past. But Tau arrived in Baga Shores with very little fanfare and no history. You heard more about him today than anyone else has, including me! These felines are something else!

 🐾 Meet the Cats of Baga Shores

My feline characters share one thing in common. It doesn’t matter a “lick” to them that my stories are sweet paranormal romances where magical and Ordinary humans find their HEA.

Not one bit. No. No. Each story is all about them. In this caterview, I’m with a cat-acter who brings a unique twist to my tales. Alika is a feline with a story that’s as intriguing as mysterious. Fortunately, I snagged this interview before his latest adventure—accompanying Rhea into space.

Readers of BEWITCHING ANDIE and RHEA’S CONUNDRUM have already met the handsome, ebony-colored male with an enigmatic background. And a distinctly Scottish accent. His grand entrance occurred in BEWITCHING ANDIE where he appeared from the ether in a swirl of light and sparkles.

The fanfare of his and Rhea’s dramatic arrival was lost on Rhea’s daughter, Andie Tanner. Andie had enough on her plate as a single mother raising her emerging wizard son without dealing with her flighty mother, an unconventional witch in her own right.

Alika, with his unique abilities, built a bridge between mother and daughter right before he and Rhea departed again. (Read more about his adventures in Beyond Baga Shores.) Let’s see what he says about all this, shall we? I should warn you he’s a selective mind reader, so guard your thoughts carefully.

Enjoy this Whisker Wisdom Caterview with Alika!

ME: Alika, tell us about yourself and how you met Rhea Tanner.

ALIKA (sitting back on his tall and stately haunches, he slightly nods): Indeed, I shall. I have been a part of your mother’s life for ages, for as you know, a day feels like a year with the dear woman. Before I was assigned to her…

ME: Excuse the interruption but explain the concept of your assignment.

A: Ah. Yes. Your readers are mortal Ordinaries. Many magicals are assigned to what you call a familiar. You might remember Wishes was assigned to his family and followed them for generations. Before my pairing with Rhea almost forty years ago, they assigned me to a young woman in my hometown of St. Petersburg.

ME (after the cat’s long pause): That’s St. Petersburg Russia, right?

A nods.

ME: Are you comfortable telling us more?

A: If you’ll indulge me in a moment of reflection first. (After a pause, he continued.) I don’t share my story often. With Rhea, I violated the emotional attachment rule. It only leads to pain when the assignment ends. It was extremely difficult in Russia, and being a gifted human as she, became dangerous. Sadly, she was imprisoned and later executed.

ME: I’m so sorry. I knew you were Russian but didn’t know the rest. It must have been horrible for both of you.

A: It was, and I refused a new assignment for a long time after that. But Rhea’s story was compelling. She’d had several familiars before me who had found her too challenging. Indeed, she is a very unusual assignment, but life with her is never dull.

ME: Exactly what is the role of a familiar?

A: You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying, guide on the side. As a counselor or confidante of sorts, I hold no power over my assigned humans. They have free will to use their gifts as they wish. As you mentioned, I am Russian. But I also speak many languages. And I can read minds quite well. I converse with magicals like Rhea and sympathetic Ordinary humans like yourself. And with that gift, I can point out pitfalls with their plans. Often, I get them out of what you might term complicated situations.

ME: Rhea comes from a family of witches, right?

A: Yes. She is a witch, but a highly unconventional one. No potions or eye of newt for her. Her power is transporting to other times through meditation. I must accompany her.

ME: She’s a time traveler too?

A: Did you not write this story? (He shakes his head.) These excursions are never deliberate or planned. And they don’t happen every time she meditates.

ME: What’s been the most unusual?

A: So many. So many. Before this jaunt into space, I would have said Egypt topped the list. It still stands out. Her unconventional appearance and free-form dancing bewitched the pharaoh king. And as a feline, I lived a grand life. Remember, those wise humans considered cats gods. But then came the pharaoh’s death, which I will always hold true resulted from his son poisoning him. Because of her particular status in his court, Rhea was to be sealed in his tomb to spend eternity with him in the afterlife. I, of course, was spared.

ME: How’d you get her out of that one?

A: A group of my feline comrades created a caterwauling distraction. The humans thought the cat gods were angry and fell prostrate before us, begging our forgiveness. While they noisily pleaded for their lives, I caught up with Rhea. We found a crevice within the tomb where she could drop into her meditation session. Both of us prayed this time she could direct the session. Then, suddenly…vooom. We were back.

ME: Oooo! Exciting. That sounds like Raiders of the Lost Ark stuff. Speaking of movies, I’m told you are fond of sci-fi and horror films. Is that true?

A: Absolutely true. One of my favorite films is the original 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. Though I appreciate Keanu Reeves’ performances, particularly his superb portrayal of John Wick, I do not believe his 2008 movie version was nearly as good. But I am what you might call a black-and-white movie snob. If you’d like, I can elaborate on all the cinematic iterations of Dracula.

ME: Uhhh. Alika, that might have to wait until another time.

A (nods in deference): I understand. Human time constrains all forms of whisker wisdom.

ME (casting a wide eye roll): Most certainly. But, having you as a guest for this Caterview has been a pleasure. As we conclude, do you have anything you’d like to add?

A (ponders a moment): I wish to compliment your portrayal of Rhea in your stories. She’s a complicated person; her past behavior has caused her to do a great deal of soul-searching. She’d never win awards for exemplary parenting skills, but I think her children have grown up to be fine humans despite Rhea’s, shall we say, eccentricities?

ME: Alika, thank you for that. She’s certainly flawed, but aren’t we all? I appreciate how you’ve been her constant companion all these years and helped her and Andie become closer. And we’re all excited to see how you and Rhea manage your next adventures. Promise you’ll check in when you can.

A (clearly smiling): Madam, it will be my pleasure.

***

You might wonder why I didn’t ask Alika who makes those assignments. Rest assured, I’ve tried asking. But he and all the cats in my stories seem bound by some code of silence. They dodge the question every time.

If you haven’t met Alika yet, start with BEWITCHING ANDIE. He and Rhea begin their space adventure in RHEA’S CONDUNDRUM. All my Baga Shores Romance and Beyond Baga Shores books, and my Nocturne Falls Universe books are available on Amazon. Also, search your library’s catalog. Many have access to the e-book versions. If they don’t, please ask them to get it for you!

🐾 Meet the other Cats of Baga Shores

Meet Scarlett, the adorably friendly, nosy, gossipy klepto-kitty! 

This WHISKER WISDOM CATERVIEW is with Scarlett, an adorable klepto cat who first appears at the end of SUMMONING CALLIE. But it’s not the last you’ll see of her.

When Scarlett first appeared, we knew little about her. It wasn’t until the next story that we even knew her name. We have to trust that Wishes, the time traveler cat you met earlier in Summoning Callie chose the right replacement.

I have to say, Wishes’s return to North Carolina surprised me as much as the decision bewildered his humans. 

His reasons made sense. Still when he announced that this exhausting commute between the 21^st and 18^th centuries would be his last and he brought the hand-picked tortoiseshell kitten to replace him…well, everyone was shocked.

He had more faith than the family that he’d made the right choice. Callie thought maybe the adorable little kitten wasn’t magical at all until she spoke for the first time.

So far, Scarlett is the most social of the cats in my stories. The little cuddle magnet is downright nosy. Arranging this Caterview was easy. Keeping her on track? Not so much.

The little tortie jumped into my lap and settled into a comfy position. Her purr button was going a mile a minute as we began.

ME: Scarlett, I think we should establish some ground rules. You’re known as the gossip empress, so could you agree not to share things that might embarrass your humans?

SCARLETT (casting a slant-eyed stare up at me): Even if I change their names?

ME: Nope. Not even that.

S: This might be a short discussion, then.

ME: I think we’ll be fine. You came into the Riley family after Wishes had been with every generation for centuries. What was the hardest thing for you as a newcomer?

S: Oh, my. Figuring out who was who. Wishes wanted me to be Callie’s familiar, but he didn’t stick around long enough to draw an organization chart. I’d just started to bond with Callie and Reid when they went on their honeymoon. They left me with Callie’s cousin a real space qu—

ME: Scarlett! You’re getting into gossip mode.

S: (with an undeniable squinty frown) It’s not gossip when it’s eye-witness truth! Okay, she means well. Bless her heart. She’s certainly intelligent. But the commonsense fairy passed her by. She had this ridiculous idea that when she said “love,” all the power would go off—nonsensical coincidences. But if I hadn’t been there as the matchmaker, she and that hunky electrician would have never got together.

ME: You have to admit; those coincidences were remarkable. Anyway, the magical dolls for sale at the Enchanted Studio played a part, too. You left that out.

S: Those ugly dolls? They are the craziest part of this family–and that’s saying a lot. Callie and her mother make and sell those funky clay-faced match-making dolls to gullible lonely hearts. The worst part? They talk. And the first time I heard one speak to me, I thought I was going crazy.

ME: Ah hum. You, the talking cat, were surprised that a doll speaks?

S: Helllloowww! I’m a cat. Of course I can talk. But clay-headed, beady-eyed, buck-toothed dolls? Give me strength.

ME: Excuse me all to pieces. Anyway. Back to your role in the Baga Shores Romance series. As I understand it, you and Wishes were key in getting Callie and Reid to realize they were destined to be together. True?

S: I’ll admit there was some magic involved. Wishes did most of the work, but yes. I was kind of the back up after he left.

ME: I guess all fated couples need that extra boost. You’ve got quite a reputation in town, besides the gossip queen.

S: Gossip empress, if you don’t mind.

ME: Ok, empress. But you’re also known for something else. Apparently, you’re a bit of a klepto-kitty.

S: (another squinty frown) I have a few flaws. Like you’re perfect?

ME: I’m far from perfect, Scarlett. But how on earth do you accumulate the things you do? I’ve heard about your stash of seashells, refrigerator magnets, restaurant menus, sports jerseys, a hairstylist’s special scissors, work gloves…

S: Okay. Okay. They get the idea. I prefer the title of eclectic collector. And I see you rolling your eyes! Look, it’s stressful living up to Wishes’ expectations. He had centuries on me. I need an outlet.

ME: Hunting vermin might be more helpful. Then humans wouldn’t worry about finding the owners of those collectibles. Remember when you took a little kid’s stuffed animal and how long it took to find the child who lost it?

S: (shudders) I found it in the park. For Pete’s sake, I didn’t steal it from a child! I’m a lot of things, but not a thief. And you’ve undoubtedly been nosing around yourself! Who told you all this?

ME: I have my sources. But back to the hair stylist’s scissors. I hear you took those off her work tray. Those aren’t cheap.

S: Exaggerations. She wasn’t using them at that particular moment. Anyway, I tried catching a mouse once. Killing living things is out, and I don’t like fur in my mouth. (He licks his shoulder.)

ME: Um, about that fur in the mouth thing?

S: (freezes his stare off into the distance) This is grooming. Minimal fur reaches the mouth.

ME: Seriously? I’m supposed to believe none of that hair makes its way to your stomach, then into a squishy mess for owners to step in at 3 AM?

S: (spits out a wad of cat hair that barely missed my leg) That’s just gross. Witness. I am grooming. Anyway, we need to wrap this up. I’m feeling nature’s call if you know what I mean.

ME: I have just one more question. Callie’s gift is helping the dead who come forward to settle old issues. Wishes went back with her to the 1700s to save a young boy from the gallows. Just as Callie did, Wishes saw the boy’s ghost. Can you see the dead, too?

S: Seriously? (Huffing a kitty laugh) What cat cannot see the unseen? Short answer? Yes.

ME: Anybody around us now?

S: Would you really like the answer?

ME: Ah. Now that you ask, no.

S: Thought so! See you around Baga Shores! (jumps off my lap and trots off)

ME: We can’t wait!

***

🐾 Meet the other Cats of Baga Shores

WHISKER WISDOM CATERVIEW WITH ALOYSIUS, A ONE-IN-THREE-THOUSAND FELINE!

This Whisker Wisdom Caterview with Aloysius, or “Wishes,” is special, not because he has an extra chromosome. He’s much more than that!

Tortoiseshell males occur only one in 3000.

And like most tortoiseshell males, he’s sterile.

Wishes, until now, patiently lounging on a chair beside me in my office, let out a chittering cackle, and sat upright with a stiff spine.

Wishes: Wait just a minute! Isn’t that a little too much information? My ability to reproduce is not the subject of this interview. May I remind you that my being here is a favor to you? So, shall we begin?

Me: That was an unfortunate slip. I apologize. But you jumped in before I could finish. What makes you stand out is your ability to traverse time and your ability to talk. We all appreciate that you’ve come forward again. How was your journey?

W shrugged: No more, no less complicated than the dozen times I’ve done it before.

Me: And Jacob Riley. How’s he doing?

W: He’s well, considering his age. He often talks about when I brought his ninth great-granddaughter, Calandria, back to meet him. He’s forever grateful for helping that poor boy escape the gallows.

Me: A nod to you, reader. The cat is referring to the young boy from the 1700s who appeared in Calandria’s–Callie’s– story. Wishes, I don’t want to spoil the story’s ending, but everyone, including me, wonders why you abruptly left the 21^st century. You had a pretty good life in Baga Shores. Can you share?

W: I have a good life wherever or whenever I live. I will make sure to.

Me: You’re dodging my question. Leaving Callie like that disrupted the centuries-old heritage. You’re always assigned to a gifted Riley. And stay with that person until the gift passes to their firstborn. You were Callie’s father’s familiar until the gift passed to her. That’s how it worked through all the generations before. Always forward. Never back.

W chewed at something caught between his splayed back toes. With the foot still sticking in the air, he glanced up at me: Oh, I’m sorry. Was there a question in there?

Me: I think you know there was.

W: Indeed, I’ve faithfully upheld my duty. For centuries, I’ll add. But when I brought Callie and her man back to save that boy and saw old Jacob again, I knew he needed me more than Callie did. Aside from her, he was the smartest of the Rileys. And I’ve known them all, back to old Britain. Only someone like Jacob could convince that stubborn woman to travel back in time to save a life. The idea of writing her a letter was sheer brilliance.

I doubt the universe minds if I bent time a little so we could relive his last years together. I can be with him and serve all the firstborn Rileys at the same time.

Me: I put nothing past you. But when Jacob Riley passes, which I guess will be the second time, what then? You’ve completed your obligations through all the generations up to Callie. This is all so confusing.

W canted his head as he considered an answer: Valid on all counts. I’ve been with so many Riley generations that I’ve lost track. But dear Jacob always had a special place in my heart. I will keep going as if nothing had changed. Only I know that I’ve been with each firstborn Riley through history. They won’t suspect a thing. I might catch up with Callie again at some point. Time means nothing to me.

Me: So you’re confirming there are parallel time periods? Are we side-by-side with past generations?

W cast an unbelieving eye roll: You’re the author who wrote our story, and you still say you don’t know the answers?

Me: I make stuff up, Wishes. I made up the whole idea of time traveling. And I invented you, remember?

W squinted his eyelids to a slit and stared hard at me. After a moment, he spoke: You invented me? Seriously? I’ve been around a lot longer than you. When will you realize you are a sideline observer of our stories and simply writing what happened?

Me: But, Wishes…

The little ‘tortie’ interrupted with another throaty chitter that I interpreted as him being disgusted.

A moment later, he was gone.

Into thin air.

Again.

**

I can’t say this interview went precisely as planned.

Wishes left me with more questions than answers, especially the bit about me being a scribe of events and not the inventor of them. I need time to process that.

But, in his classic style, he comes and goes when he wants, back and forth through three hundred and twenty years.

He didn’t give me time to update him on Callie and Reid. Reid, who is working on healing from a traumatic military deployment, accepted a promising job opportunity. A gifted potter and magical, Callie’s studio is thriving. And she is doing a much better job managing the selfish dead who continually hound her for help.

In the meantime, Wishes got me thinking.

Is magical time-traveling an author’s invention or an actual phenomenon?

Could a cat live for centuries?

Are writers simply observers recording events? If that’s true, I can’t wait to see who shows up next, wanting their story told!

What do you think?

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