The Architect

By Xlibris US

Collin Stevens, a successful architect and widower, has a secret life. He is a member of a highly classified government agency of watchers called Sting.
Now that his two daughters, Kelsey and Cindy, are grown; he thinks it might be time to start a new phase of his own life. Suddenly his family is pulled into danger from two rival drug cartels and an unknown enemy.
Is it due to his secret life or is there more to it? Only his long time friend, Hector, and is new love interest, Jessie, can help him protect all those he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493199181

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Marsha Brooks.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/25/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

619980

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

CHAPTER 1

Kelsey ran to her front door when the door bell rang. It was their first visitor. She was so excited to hear the cute door chime ring out in the crystal clear tones playing the William Tale Overture.

Daddy, come in, come in. When did you get back in town?

Hey, sweetheart, I got home about an hour ago. I took a quick shower then listened to my messages. I decided to come right over and see the new mansion. The dinner invite was an added incentive.

Nothing to eat in your fridge, huh?

You got it, kid-o. But you sounded so excited I really came over to see it; and you too of course.

I’m glad you came. Gavin has been marinating steaks all day. He wants to show off his new grill to you. I think he even considered asking the guy down the street to come over for dinner.

Hi sir, when did you get here? Gavin asked Collin as he shook his father in laws hand."

I just arrived; so I came to see the new digs. Collin smiled at his clean cut 6ft 8 son in law amazed that he isn’t on some all star basket ball team. Instead he is the boy genus in a lab doing research to help people with accident related paralysis get a new shot at walking.

Gavin you’ve been a member of the family for four years now I think you can stop with the sir thing and call me dad or Collin. Something we are both more comfortable with.

Sorry, I guess old habits die hard. I addressed my father as sir and my mother as ma’am until the day they died. That military up bringing you know.

I Know how that goes, my father was a three star general when he passed and it was always sir to his face then; when I turned around I would whisper ‘sir jerk’. Maybe that’s why I don’t want us to be so formal.

"That sounds good to me ‘old man’." Gavin said with a big grin on his face.

Kelsey punched him in the arm for that. Then they all laughed.

Kelsey is Collin’s first born of two daughters. She squeaks by at just a fraction over five feet tall and maybe hits one hundred pounds soaking wet. She has her mother’s blond hair and dramatic eyelashes that she flutters when she wants something.

Ok, give me the grand tour.

Fantastic; let’s start up stairs then Gavin can take you through his areas. First of all the room we are in is the front room. Then up the stairs here on the left is a large guest room and guest bath.

Wow the guest bath is bigger than my kitchen. The bedroom included a king size bed with what looks like a hand carve head and foot board. The dresser and night stand match the bed, in the corner was a huge armoire that housed a television and stereo. The décor was natural so it wasn’t too frilly or too manly.

This is the master bedroom and the master bathroom. It backs up against the wall of the guest bathroom. This is my walk in closet and this is Gavin’s closet.

"This is big enough for a spare room, just how many clothes do you have?

This is the shoe closet. Isn’t it great?

My heavens girl, how many pair of shoes do you need?

Don’t get her started on the shoe thing. Gavin laughed as he patted the top of her head.

A girl can never have enough shoes daddy. I have them all arranged in a logical order. Gavin has several pairs too. Kelsey said with a pout. So I like shoes, sue me. How many do you have? Gavin has ten pair, and I only have forty nine.

Crazy, I have a dress pair, a work pair, and a pair for running. When one pair wears out I toss them and replace them. I sure don’t need a pair to color coordinate.

Moving on, kill joy.

Up town, jetted bath, huge walk in shower, and double sinks. I suppose the toilet is one of those new ones that automatically puts the lid down once it is flushed.

You bet, and it automatically flushes when you finish too.

Oh man are you spoiled; are you sure Gavin is even allowed to use it?

Daddy, of course he can as long as he agrees to clean it.

Now we move on to the rest of the upstairs. Here in the hall way is a huge linen closet; then over to the right, a medium size bedroom and a bathroom that adjoins into this. Kelsey opens a door with a flourish.

Kelsey, does this mean I’m going to be a grandpa?

Yes, it does. The baby is due around Thanksgiving. Isn’t that perfect?

Kelsey and Gavin hugged and kissed each other. Collin could see how very much in love they were.

Hey enough of that, you’ll injure my virgin eyes.

At that they all hugged and laughed. As they ventured back down stairs Kelsey showed her dad the kitchen with a tricky chopping board top on one counter that lifts out to reveal a hidden sink. There was a suspended pan rack that with a flick of a switch lowered down to make it easy for Kelsey’s 5ft + frame to reach. Then a hidden drawer pulled out that held all the lids for the pans. The best part was an invisible knife holder. Keeping all the sharp instruments out of reach of a child as well as keeping the counter top completely clear.

Fancy gadgets who thought of all those innovations?

My brother, he has been working on things like that to make kitchens better for the last couple of years.

Well give him my name; we can use a lot of his ideas in the condos and homes we are drawing up plans for.

From there Kelsey lead them down to the family/TV room. It too was beautifully decorated with plush beige carpeting, brown and beige over stuffed recliners, and a brown couch that you could just melt into. The accent tables were of deep walnut with brown and beige marble lamps adorned by brown shades. At the other end of the room a huge TV took up the entire wall.

Now Gavin took over so Kelsey could get dinner started. He just about busted the buttons on his shirt as he led Collin into his office/library.

Wow, is that white birch wood?

Yes we had them custom made; they really turned out great I think.

Striking! Collin took in the room noting the warm reading chairs and all the classic books they both loved. Remembering the many nights he had read bedtime stories to his two little girls.

From there they, being men, quickly glanced at the laundry area containing the latest chrome colored appliances; this led into another bathroom. This one was decorated in red and blue with a lighthouse motif. On one wall they had framed photos of Kelsey and Cindy playing in the sand, building sandcastles. The one that caught his eye was the one with Kelsey and her mom asleep in the beach chairs side by side; the last summer they had with her. Next to them were the ceramic hand prints they had made that summer in shadow boxes encircled with the sea shells they had collected.

Gavin silently moved away to give Collin time to compose himself; memories of Catlin still in his heart, after all these years.

The tour continued in the dining room where, he saw one wall was a built in china hutch containing the china they received for their wedding. Collin recognized a few pieces from her grandparents as well as his. The huge oak antique table with ten chairs that use to be in his home looked like it really belonged here now. Magnificent French doors opened up on to an enormous patio with a grill big enough to cook for the neighborhood.

At the edge of the lawn was ‘Gavin’s Playhouse’ a sign Collin was sure Kelsey had painted. When he peered inside he saw all the latest tools and electrical gadgets that Gavin loved to tinker with. On the wall was a set of blueprints with what was probably his latest project.

So, boy genius what are you working on now?

I just received my patent on a great device that will make it so people with new spinal cord injuries will be able to walk. We tested it on a dog that had been run down and crippled. Within a few days of implanting it she got up and walked right to me. I was so excited I cried.

I guess that will rake in the big bucks.

It had better; I need it to pay off this house.

He was so excited he called me at work laughing and crying at the same time. Kelsey said as she looked at Gavin with obvious pride.

Well, I can honestly say this is some house. When do I move in? Collin winked and he kissed his daughter on the cheek as she came out with the steaks for Gavin to grill for dinner.

"Hum, let’s see, maybe in about thirty years when you are too old and feeble to take care of yourself. Until then make yourself useful. Kelsey said as she handed him the dinner ware for the table.

Before long they were enjoying a great meal and catching up on each other’s lives. Soon the sun started to set showing off the beautiful multicolored sky. They sat in silence as they all enjoyed it.

Beautiful! Collin whispered deep in thought.

Soon they gathered up the meal implements and returned them to the kitchen where Collin again marveled at the innovations it held. Well as a house warming/loving father/soon to be grandfather gift; I am sending over my security man to set up a great security system for you. I know it is a nice neighborhood but believe it or not that is the kind of area those scumbags are targeting for home invasions now days.

Thank you daddy; I know you’re right, we have been discussing that since we moved in.

Collin, let me show you another one of my brothers fancy gadgets. With that Gavin flipped a switch next to the light switch. Suddenly a beautiful window shutter covered the outside windows. Then with another flip the inside windows were covered. This will help seal out the cold winters or the hot summer heat. Each set of windows can be closed up like this. We figured with all these windows we needed some extra security. When the outer cover are on we can see out, but no one can see in. Yet it lets the light in."

Defiantly have your brother call me. I’ll have Sean call you tomorrow and set up a time to hook up a great system for you. I had better get going or I’m going to fall asleep right here. Thanks for the tour and the meal. Collin hugged them both good bye and headed back to his lonely condo for the night.

Then he got a grin on his face and turned around, making a detour. He just had to share the news that he was going to be a grandpa.

CHAPTER 2

Collin pulled up outside Jessie’s house but just sat there. He wondered if he was reading her signals wrong. Maybe she wasn’t flirting with him at all. Maybe he’d just been alone so long that even a smile from an attractive woman made him think there was a chance at a relationship. After all he had been single for over twenty years. He had been a single father since Kelsey was four and Cindy was just a newborn. Becoming a single parent suddenly was hard. But he took some parenting classes and thank goodness his big sister, Grace, took pity on them. She stayed with them that first year; teaching Collin how to cook, clean, change diapers, and do laundry. During those first years, he only took on local jobs; every day when he came home Grace turned the girls over to him. He fixed diner, bathed and tucked them in reading only four or five bedtime stories. OK, he admits they had him wrapped around their tiny little fingers and nothing had change even now they were grown and on their own. By the end of the first year he was comfortable with taking care of his girls. When Grace was ready to leave; she found him a terrific caregiver and housekeeper. He was sorry to see Sara go once the girls became ten and fourteen.

Since they went into high school he started taking more and more jobs out of town; but always within reach. None of the neighbors reported wild parties or guys hanging around at all hours when he was gone. He had heard all kinds of stories from fellow travelers and workers he encountered. He always felt lucky. He trusted his girls. They in turn always rewarded him with a clean orderly house when he came home. Their grades were top notch and they confided in him on things most teenage girls wouldn’t discuss with their fathers.

When Kelsey went to college he worried that Cindy would be lonely or go wild by herself; but she seemed fine. She worked hard in school and when she graduated she got a scholarship to attend the American Intercontinental Academy that teaches Architecture. Their students had the benefit of studying in London and Paris. By the time she left for school, Kelsey was graduating top of her class as an accountant and financial planner. She also got married that summer. Now four years later she was having her first child and Cindy would be graduating soon.

Collin was startled out of his reverie by a soft taping on his car window. He looked up in surprise to see Jessie’s smiling face. He turned the car off and opened the door.

Well, are you camping out here or were you ever going to make up your mind and come in? Jessie said with a twinkle in her beautiful green eyes.

Sorry, I was just thinking. I had some great news tonight and you were the first person I thought of that I wanted to share it with. Do you mind?

Mind, I take that as a compliment. Well I will if you have decided to come in that is. She smiled at him with a magical smile.

Yes defiantly; if it’s not too late.

Don’t be silly, I’m a night owl. I love to stay up reading or writing until two or three in the morning. But I hate being woke up before eleven. I am told I can be a real grouch then. Come on in. With that she hooked her arm in his and they walked side by side into her house.

When they entered into her home, Collin was surprised at all the beautiful antiques all around the house. Outside the house looked medium sized; but once inside he noticed the rooms were huge and it seemed to go on and on. The ceilings were edged with crown molding. There were oak banisters and one entire wall was made up of a gorgeous fireplace. He stood there taking it all in and felt Jessie reach around him to shut and lock the door. Suddenly she pushed Collin up against the wall and gave him such an intense kiss he thought his toes were about to curl.

Ok then; now we have that out of the way we can relax. Come in and sit down. Would you like something to drink? I have some wine, beer, or ice tea?

What? Wait a minute. With that Collin pulled Jessie back to him and kissed her with such passion they both became dizzy. Now I think ice tea if you please no sugar, but lemon if you have it. Be sure to add lots of ice. I think we both need it. Then walked past her to the couch and sat down, trying to seem composed. On the inside he felt like jelly.

Jessie went into the kitchen. Opened the freezer door and stood there fanning herself with a plate trying to cool down. She finally had to put her flushed face right inside. Muttering to herself, it was just a kiss and you started it girl. Finally she calmed down and prepared the ice tea.

Upon returning to the living room she found Collin looking over all the decorative woodwork that made up the house she had inherited from her grandfather.

This is really terrific hand work. Who did it?

My grandfather; he was a master craftsman. He built this house and most of the wood furniture that I have. I never really liked antiques but his work I love. I was lucky enough to be the only heir when my parents pasted away so now it’s all mine.

It must have been lonely with no cousins or siblings as you were growing up.

I had an older brother. James use to pick on me all the time; but I knew he loved me. He was only 5ft 9 inches but all muscle; blond hair and blue eyes. All the girls in school wanted him but he never really settle on one. He was killed in Viet Nam the day before the war ended.

I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to bring back painful memories.

That’s ok; it’s been a long time. I think he knew he wouldn’t be coming back. The night before he left he told me he left something for me in his window box seat. He told me not to look unless he didn’t come back.

I guess sometimes you just have a feeling. Did you look anyway?

I was tempted. I was sure it was a gag just to catch me peeking; but no I waited until after his funeral. The next day I found a letter for me telling me how proud he was to have me as his sister and how grateful he was to have been a member of this family.

It sounds like he was a great guy.

Yes he was special. Now what was this great news you have?

I’m going to be a grandpa.

Collin how wonderful for you; when is it due?

In time for Thanksgiving; my oldest daughter, Kelsey and her brainiack husband Gavin. Collin told Jessie all about their new house and how happy they are. He described the house and the dinner in detail."

Wow that sounds like a home from the future. I would love to see it sometime.

Really great maybe we can go over next weekend. Gavin wants to use his new grill as much as possible.

Collin why are your shoes off?

Habit I guess; my mother always had us take our shoes off inside the door. My sister and I still do it. Even my girls do it. Funny what things we do without even thinking about it. Do you mind?

No it makes me feel as if you are comfortable enough around me to do that. If you notice I am barefoot too. I hate shoes. I pull them off the minute I walk into the house. I guess it could be a problem if you had to run out of a burning house; or chase a bad guy down.

Right can’t you just see a policeman running down the road chasing a bad guy in his stocking feet?

Jessie and Collin laughed at the idea. They talked and talked. Finally Collin noticed it was nearly four am. Man I’d better let you get to bed. I’ve got to get up at nine for church. So I had better hit the road.

Church you really go to church? I think that is so nice. I don’t think I have ever had anyone use that as an excuse to leave.

No I really go every Sunday. My sister is a Nun. We were raised to go to church; even my girls go every Sunday. It’s relaxing and somehow fulfilling. It makes me feel whole and at piece. It was hard keeping my faith when Catlin died. My sister sat me down and told me not to blame God for taking her back. When my girls were older Cindy asked why she didn’t have a mommy like her friends; she wondered if it was because she didn’t like her once she was born. That just about broke my heart. I held both of them and told them all about their mommy and how she would always be with them. I told them God needed their mommy to help him take care of all the other babies waiting in heaven to be born. Then I told them they could talk to her any where any time, but most especially at church; and if they really listened with their hearts they would hear her answer.

That is so beautiful. When my brother was killed; my mom was inconsolable. She stopped eating and stayed in bed. My dad worried so much about her. She died six months after we buried James and my dad followed her two weeks later. I never felt so alone. I wish we had been a religious family, maybe it would have made it easier.

Thanks for listening tonight Jessie. Can I see you again?

You had better; remember we have a date to see Kelsey’s house. Honestly I want to see you again more than the house. They kissed goodnight at the door after he pulled his shoes back on. When he left, Jessie stood in the door way as he drove off. Then she shut and locked the door; leaning against it she noticed how quiet and empty her home seemed now that he was gone. She had only met him a few times before. He would come into the bank to get traveler’s checks when he was going on an out of town job. They went to coffee and to lunch twice. They talked about how most people use ATM cards now instead of traveler’s checks. He explained sometimes he had to make large purchases for a job site and ATM’s limit how much you can get out at a time. He was a highly sought after architect. He seemed to be gone a lot; but since he was single he didn’t care, especially now his girls were grown.

As she climbed into bed she found herself reliving the passionate kiss they had shared; and once again she felt her face flushing.

Collin found himself whistling on his way home. He had been alone so long; never dated. He had no interest in replacing Catlin; but since the girls were grown he sold the house and all of the furniture. He had decided he was ready to start a new phase in his life. He bought all new appliances and furniture to go in his new condo. Starting fresh; letting go of the past finally. Jessie and he just seemed to click. He felt drawn to her almost as if Catlin was giving him a little push.

CHAPTER 3

Collin, it’s good to see you back in town for church today. You have been gone longer than usual on this last job. I bet your Kelsey is mighty happy you’re back.

Good to be here Father Malloy. I’m glad to be back too. Did Kelsey tell you her news? I’m going to be a grandpa. I’m thinking I might just have to retire or at least slow down once the baby is here.

You don’t say? How wonderful; they are a great couple. I always get a chuckle when I remember how he passed out cold during their wedding vows; a big giant next to tiny Kelsey and bam; like a giant tree being chopped down. Both Father Malloy and Collin snickered as they remembered that day.

One good thing it made me laugh instead of cry when I gave her away.

How is Cindy doing?

She is in her last semester in Paris then hopefully she’ll come back and work with me until she can take over the firm. So far no marriage for her; at least as far as I know. She should be back just about when the baby is born.

Well tell them both we miss them her at St. Mark’s.

I will Father Malloy; now you take it easy, we’ll expect you to be around for the christening."

The next week went by quickly. Collin looked over several job offers; but couldn’t decide on any of them. He talked to both his girls and all seemed right with their worlds. He made plans with Kelsey to bring Jessie over for a barbeque on Saturday. She seemed excited at the idea of him dating someone after all these years. She told him they were going to go in Thursday for the ultra sound so maybe she would know if the baby was a boy or girl Saturday. It didn’t matter to him. He taught his girls to hunt and fish and play ball. They loved it and were better than most of the boys he knew.

Finally the weekend came around and he went to pick up Jessie early Saturday afternoon. She looked beautiful in a pastel yellow sundress and floppy hat. Her peaches and cream complexion and her green eyes just dazzled him. He helped her in the car and gave her a bouquet of tulips and carnations.

When they pulled up at Kelsey’s house he felt a twinge of concern. All the window shutters were closed. What on earth? They have the outside shutters closed up tight; maybe just to show me how they looked.

Hi there are you looking for Kelsey and Gavin? A middle aged man asked as he walked over to them from his porch with a baby in his arms; as they climbed out of the car. I’m Rick Poole and this little one is my daughter Jenny.

Glad to meet you. I’m Collin Stevens Kelsey’s father and this is my friend Jessie Randolph. We’re here to have a barbeque with them.

They aren’t there anymore. Rick said with concern.

Not here? What do you mean anymore?

I saw a big black moving truck come last night about midnight. I was out on the porch swing with Jenny. There was about twenty men packing and moving everything out. They worked fast because when Jenny and I were up again at four am they were just pulling out. It looked like Kelsey was in one black SUV and Gavin in another and there was one in front and one behind them. I couldn’t see a license plate but you could tell they were government vehicles. The widows were all tinted. I tried calling them but I got a message that said the phone had been disconnected.

Collin could feel himself spinning and he was shaking. He couldn’t think; couldn’t say anything. Jessie reached out and she and Rick helped steady him as he sat on the front steps.

No, no, no they can’t be gone. Collin said over and over as tears streamed down his face.

Rick could you get him some water please? Jessie asked as she held onto Collins hand.

Rick hurried inside and put the baby down. Then he rushed back out with some water, and a cell phone. Is there someone you want me to call for you?

Who do you call in a case like this, the police, the FBI? What is going on and how do you find out? Do you remember anything else?

"No but this is Kelsey’s cell phone I found it under

Reviews for The Architect

[sagibson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the journey of this science fantasy. There are two narrators in the story who are different in every way. They become friends and allies in the conflict for the new world.Like other reviewers, I wish the sequel were available. I found the world and struggle in the alternate world to be compelling and interesting.The most interesting feature of story to me was the beginning of learning the signing language of the raccoon people. The author was very clear and realistic in explaining the difficulty in learning communication between the human and raccoon.This book is very erudite, educated and sophisticated. I had to look up a few words in this story, which is very unusual for me. This book is probably best for very educated readers. Readers who are looking for a simple action story would likely be disappointed. The most detail in the story is the psychological relations between the different characters. There is some fighting, armed and hand-to-hand raccoon fighting, but this is just incidental to the plot.I enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone looking for a deep look at alternate raccoon society.

[heidicvlach · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's essentially a fantasy story — because of the seemingly magic portal that brings Bentley to the sentient-raccoon-inhabited version of Earth, and the prophetic nature of True dreams. But Bentley approaches the situation with an educated man's awareness of evolution, sociology and language, so I'm mentally classifying the story as science fantasy. While Bentley struggles to understand this new world he finds himself in, he makes some asides about the development of an intelligent being that I found really interesting. He sometimes describes objects in painstaking detail, but it's to understand their function for the physically different raccoons, not out of some fantasy genre compulsion to spend pages describing objects and outfits just to show off pretty prose.The raccoons are treated with the level of respect I like to see in SF/F. They're wholly real beings with a fleshed-out society, presented in a warts-and-all style where we hear about it every time a character needs to urinate (because a culture's method of disposing of body waste says a lot about their level of development, you see). This book is the beginning of Truck the raccoon's mystery/political coup storyline, introduced slowly through Bentley's culture shock and his crash course in learning the raccoons' sign language. He's not a schlocky Saviour From Another World, though, because Truck and the other raccoons have skill sets and mental aptitudes that sometimes make humans look like useless idiots.Unfortunately, this book was meant to be the first volume of a multi-book story. According to my research, Boyett's publishers pushed him to make the story more action-oriented and marketable, even rejecting this book's sequel unless he rewrote it, and Boyett refused to budge. This was in the 80's, when publishing was a much less accessible venue, so I enormously respect Boyett's decision to stand up for himself and his work's integrity. But it seems that Boyett has washed his hands of the project and we'll never see the story's completion. The Architect of Sleep ends on a clear To Be Continued note and it'll (probably) forever stay that way.I think that's important to know going in — that there will never be closure to Bentley and Truck's story. But despite that, I think the book is very much worth reading. I'm still thinking about this raccoon-run world and its details. If I had found this book when I was younger — when I was wandering the library aisles in frustration, looking for non-human characters who weren't Redwall-style children's characters — I would have considered this book a treasure.

[jakch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Boyett started the sequel but never finished it. i've read different stories over the years as to why; his most current statement is that he was not happy with the work in progress and stopped working on after about 10 years. He says roughly that he has bigger fish to fry, that he needs to find a way to make the story interesting to him again and to make some money on it

[kiparsky-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A charming little fantasy involving an alternate universe - reached through a bit of misguided spelunking - in which raccoons have evolved to occupy the position of humans in our world. A ridiculous premise, with no attempt at scientific justification, thankfully, so this is a work of unabashed fantasy. And quite a good one, told with enough intelligence and wit to carry it over Sturgeon's Boundary, and real characters with real personalities and motivations, both in Boyett's human narrator and the raccoon interlocutors, as well as a serious exposition of a well thought out back story, apparently involving a civil conflict in this alternate world, in which our hero is to play a major part. Unfortunately, there is a hitch. This is volume one of a series, and twenty years on volume two shows no signs of appearing. I don't know why this is, or whether the subsequent material has been written, but this is a great setup which breaks off just as the real meat of the story begins to show up. If you can deal with this, this is an excellent first part of what seems like a promising story - a promise likely to go unfulfilled.