So, today was the fifth day of NaNoWriMo. I’ve just topped 12.000 words, so am a bit ahead of schedule and it feels good. Today was crazy. I thought I would have a lot of writing time, but a series of interruptions, some actual paying work that came up, and an infected (is it? I don’t know, but it sure is weird) bug bite that has me feeling pretty crappy came very close to thwarting my plans.

Still, I stuck to my word, stuck it to my words, and ended with the following teaser for the night.

Now, to go check on my horses (did I mention I am owned by two adorable Minis?), tend to all the other critters, and tuck myself in for the night.

Be kind, now, and remember that it’s just first draft stuff being pounded out at super-human speed (possibly augmented by a low-grade fever). LOL Happy Happy, and Enjoy!

Zenko’s form began to shrink, to fold inward on itself. Fur sprouted over his face, neck, slender arms. With a yelp and what felt like a snap of electricity, there was suddenly a red fox sitting on the bed … and then it was gone.

“What the— Ugh!” Nash’s hand flew up to cover his mouth. “What is that horrid stench!?”

Abby, though her nose did wrinkle, responded with a chuckle. “That, my friend, is the musk of a fox. Everyone thinks they’re beautiful, but few people know how bad they smell. But good lordy, whatever you do, don’t mention it in front of Zenko! He’s very self-conscious about it!”

The smell was fading as Nash waved his hand in front of his face. “Where did he go?”

“Lacey was calling him. He went to help her.”

“Wait … what? You mean to the living world?”

Abby nodded. “He’ll bring her back to us.”

“The living world? She can see him there, too?”

“Everyone can see him there, Detective Nash. Haven’t you been paying attention?”

He racked his brain, trying to figure out what he had missed. Nope, there were no hidden clues there. “I have been, Ma’am, but I didn’t hear anything that—”

“Well, aside from the fact that I just told you Lacey isn’t the only one who can be in both worlds, we also told you he is a Kitsune.”

“And how am I supposed to know what a Kitsune can do?”

“Well, we did say they watch over families and homes … the good ones, anyway, right?”

“Yes, I guess so. But I didn’t know that meant in the physical world. I figure they were like angels or something, not that they can, well, walk among the living.”

“And who says that angels can’t walk among the living?”

Nash’s jaw dropped.

This being dead thing was getting to be just a bit too much to handle.