Chapter 4 Is He a Werecat?

An excerpt from The Violet Series Book 1: The Water Nymph’s Tale.

Darien Dashing sat in his office in the city of Xena, the capital of Eris. He was checking the reports. The southern region of Eris was doing well. Towns were growing, especially Cat Falls.

He sat back in his chair and grimaced. He hated the town of Cat Falls. He especially hated those who lived there. But what to do about them? It was clear they were starting to cut into his profits. Something that he couldn’t live with. Perhaps it was time to do something about the inhabitants of Cat Falls. Not to mention that his fiancée went off and married a resident of that same town… How could she after her mother had promise him?

But what could he do that they wouldn’t suspect him? It was so obvious. He smiled and his eyes narrowed. It was just a matter of time for him to have his revenge.

********************

Samuel and Anastasia watched their toddler son grow. They were sitting on the porch when he was running in the yard in the evening.

“I remember running around like that at his age.”

She laughed. “I wonder if he will be a werecat like his father.”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s even genetic.”

“It could very well be.”

“We may not find out until he’s older.”

“You mean about the time you found out?”

“Yeah, probably.”

“Should we tell him?”

“I’ll tell him when he’s older. At least we’ll know when it’s about to happen. He will be hot and sweaty for no other reason.”

“True enough.”

Betty, the horse, watched Antoni run around. Inwardly she smiled. The child reminded her of another child who did the same things at the same age. She looked forward to watching this newer child grow and change.

*******************

Anastasia went to work as usual. Antoni, with his blonde hair and green eyes, squirmed in her arms and asked to be put down. She set him down gently and he ran into the boarding house. He stopped and looked around. The first person he recognized was Sally. He ran over to her.

“Sally!”

She looked down. “Well, hello, Antoni! I take it your mom isn’t too far behind.”

“Nope, she’s right there.”

“Good.”

“Can I help out today?”

“Well, of course you can. Let’s see, what would you like to do?”

“Can I help Freddy?”

“Sure.”

Anastasia walked over to Sally and Antoni. She rubbed his hair. “What are you up to, my son?”

“Sally says I can help out Freddy today.”

“Oh?”

“He wants to help and I’m sure it will be good for Freddy.”

“Okay.”

Sally turned to the front desk. “Dear, find our son and let him know he will have a small assistant today.”

“Sure thing.” He quickly pressed a couple of buttons on the desk. When he was done, he looked up at his wife. “He’s on his way. Hi, Antoni, are you ready to start working today?”

“Yes!”

“That’s good. We can use all the help we can get around it. Some days it just gets too busy.”

“The colony must be getting bigger.”

“Yes it is.”

Freddy limped into the main room. “So, who’s my assistant for today?”

“I am!”

“Oh, good. I was hoping you’d want to work with me. Let’s get started.” Freddy bent down to give Antoni a hug. “Let’s start upstairs. We’ve got some leaky pipes to fix.”

“See you later, Mom!”

“See you later, sweetie.”

Antoni and Freddy went upstairs. Soon they were in a bathroom. Freddy set the tool box down on the floor and he opened up a panel. Antoni watched closely.

“I need a wrench.”

“Oh, this it?”

“Yes, thank you.” Freddy made some adjustments and soon the leaks stopped. He replaced the panel. “Okay, next room.”

Antoni tried to pick up the tool box, but he couldn’t lift it. Freddy smiled and picked it up.

“This way.”

Antoni followed Freddy into another room. This continued for a good hour. Once they were done, the pipes weren’t leaking anymore. Then they went downstairs to the kitchen.

Polly was busy cooking. She saw Freddy walk in with Antoni. She smiled. “Welcome, boys. I was wondering if you’d be coming, Antoni.”

“Hi, Polly!”

“I was surprised to see your mom by herself today.”

“I’m Freddy’s assistant today.”

“Oh, lucky Freddy.”

“He’s been very helpful. We came to help keep the kitchen clean and to make sure you have everything you need.”

“I’m keeping up without too much trouble, but the dishes are piling up.”

“Then that’s where we’ll start. Come on, Antoni, you can use the step stool.” Freddy put the step stool in front of the sink. He picked up Antoni and set him down gently. The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon washing dishes.

*************

Anastasia and Antoni got ready to leave. He yawned.

“Mom, I want to be Freddy’s assistant tomorrow.”

Anastasia smiled. “That’s fine with me.”

Freddy smiled. “I’m looking forward to it, buddy.”

Some guests were sitting in the main room. They said, “Awww. How cute!”

Anastasia took Antoni by the hand and they walked out of the boarding house.