admit I liked the name. It had a lot of style, like the lady who had tagged me with it.

"Long time, no see," she purred.

"Yeah," I said. "It's been a while. You're looking good, doll."

Like most cats in town, she was a thaumagene, bred to perfection. Ginjer was an ordinary house cat, but

admit I liked the name. It had a lot of style, like the lady who had tagged me with it.

"Long time, no see," she purred.

"Yeah," I said. "It's been a while. You're looking good, doll."

Like most cats in town, she was a thaumagene, bred to perfection. Ginjer was an ordinary house cat, but

"So, Catseye, how've you been?" she said.

"I've been okay, doll. Yourself?"

"I've got no complaints. Put on a little weight, though."

"On you, it looks good."

"Flatterer," she purred. "So. Is this purely a social call or have you got something on your mind?"

Before I could reply, I heard a low-pitched growl behind me, the unmistakable warning of a tom getting

ready to get serious. I slowly turned around.

"Hello, Blaize," I said. It couldn't have been anybody else. That telltale marking on his face was like a

name tag. We stood looking each other over. He saw I wasn't scaring easy and was trying to decide if

fur was going to fly.

"Take it easy, lover," Snowball said. "It isn't what you think. Gomez is an old friend."

Blaize had his ears back, but he softened his aggressive posture slightly. Only slightly, though. "Catseye

Gomez, eh?" he said warily. "I've heard of you."

"I've heard of you, too, Blaize."

"They say you're pretty tough."

"They say you're no slouch yourself, kid. And now that we're done complimenting each other, what do

you say you bristle down and take it easy? I'm not here to poach on your turf. I came to visit an old

friend and ask a favor. Matter of fact, I was hoping I could count on you to help."

Blaize cocked his head. "Help? Help with what?"

"Catching a murderer. You interested?"