Anne, I am really loving this story!! I had read a few pages of a Cat Who book almost every evening before going to sleep, and was so sad when I had read them all! Your story is great and so satisfying. Thank you for doing this! Can't wait to read more!

The project proposal had been approved by the K fund and the weeks turned into a month and soon Zoe Lambreth's time at the art gallery was over. She had not really put much time in at the gallery and had not made an effort to make friends. Qwill suspected she was not liked. She spend most of her time working with her collegues on the proposal and now that it was approved by the K fund, the real work would begin. As expected he encountered resentment from the locals and from some of his friends for bringing in outsiders. Fran was aghast. She had not been consulted and took it as a personal insult. She made no bones about not liking Zoe Lambreth, and snubbed her whenever possible. Amanda declared that Qwill was no longer welcome in her design store, she the oldest interior designer in Pickax, and not even consulted. She gave him a piece of her mind about it one night in early February.

Amanda stopped by his table at the McInntosh Inn, where he and Zoe were dining. She ignored Zoe and told Qwill, well, I knew you were to good to be true. Moving up here and pretending to be a locatl. Orange cap and flannel shirts, Amanda snorted. You have shown your true colors MR. Qwilleran, and we won't forget it for a long time. My design studio was not good enough for you little college idea. She snorted as she left. Well, Zoe exclaimed. Are you sure she is really the mayor? Qwill, was left in a bad mood, and the fact the Svorn's were late for dinner just added fuel to the fire. About that time, Roger walked through the Inn and spyed Qwill in the dining room. He rushed over and said, can I speak to you outside Qwill. Well why not Qwill bellowed, my dinner has already been interrupted. Roger rushed out to the lobby, Qwill, I did not want to say this to you in front of Ms. Lambreth, but Maurgerite Svorn has just been hit by a car, and killed. Whattttt, Qwill moaned, Oh no! Where?

I said there was something wrong with that Zoe! Something is up! Now we need Koko's death howl. How is Qwill going to make amends with Amanda and also Fran Brodie?

Qwill picked up Fran at her condo that night. She was looking fetching in a chocolate brown chanel type suit with an aqua silk blouse and aqua suede ultra high heels. He helped her with her coat and they walked out to the car. Fran,you are looking very cosmopolitan this evening he said. She shot him a nasty look and grimmaced. Whewww he let out his breath, this may take some smooth and fast talking. They drove to Onoosh's and sat down. Onoosh came from the kitchen and greeted them. When finally left to their own devices, Qwill began, Fran I know you are miffed at me for bringing in outsiders for the project at the college. I really felt you were so busy, and this project would be to juvinile for you. I think of you as such a professional , so above anything on the college level.........he trailed off, grasping for words. Oh hush Qwill, you know you were just trying to impress Zoe Lambreth and keep her in town so you coul wine and dine her..........don't give me that "above the college level stuff:......get real.......well Fran, I have to be honest with you, there may be some truth to what you have said, he said, looking his most forlorn and sad........and at that Fran burst out laughing, oh Qwill, don't give me that puppy dog face......You are perfectly within your rights to date Zoe and keep her in town, but did you have to infringe on my interior design world to do it??? She laughed again.....Fran, I humbley apologize and I am but a mere servent at your mercy............she laughed so hard, she almost fell from her chair, Qwill, I have missed you! Yes Fran, and I , you. At that they picked up their menus and began to discuss the food.

Later that evening, Qwill invited Fran in for a late night drink in his condo and presented her with the gloves. She was delighted and in a more amiable mood. He had missed Fran as a dinner companion and they had talked easily all night. The only incident that might have spoiled the evening came when Yumyum realized Fran was in the apartment and Nowwwwwwwwwwww nowwwwwwwww howled until Qwill picked her up and stroked her and reassured her. Yumyum had never liked Fran, even causing her to break her foot many years prior. A siamese cat does not forget a dislike. Now he thought, to make amends with Amanda will prove a bit trickier. He decided he would find a way to have her appointed chairman of the advisory committee to the new department of interior design. As mayor, it would befitting her station. And he would make sure the meetings were held where there was a quantity of scotch available. Brilliant he thought to himself. He was a bit concerned that Zoe nor Sven had not called or made any contact with him. He wondered when Zoe in particular would return. Sven was a quiet almost secretive man, not dining out, not discussing plans. He seemed to work well with only Zoe and his wife.

It does not seem like susan, or any of the regulars are commenting in this room anymore. I guess I will stop writing.

Everyone gets busy with their lives.

Agreed! I have been feeling guilty for not commenting, but sometimes I feel that we interrupt your thought process by comments. So we have been waiting with bated breath for your next installment! I guess I should have realized that writers need a little feedback now and then. You have a very interesting story angle, so if you can give the time, go for it!