Short Changed : Episode 1
**Short Changed** **Episode 1 : Fiona and Saxon** "Charlie!" The Whippet stopped in his tracks as he was walking through the lobby. That was not Agnes' happy voice, and he was pretty sure he knew why. He turned to face her, and...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 25
**Chapter 25 :** **The First Belle** Clairibelle entered the shop around noon, which was quite late for her. She was usually asleep by now if possible, but her sensitive ears sometimes made that difficult depending on what was going on...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 24
**Chapter 24 :** **The Consequences of Choice** A few days later and almost time for dinner. The chill that had claimed Halloween night had let up a bit, and they had decided to take the meal outside at least one more time before winter set...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 21
**Chapter 21 :** **A Dog Named Charlie** There was a quiet knock at his door, which was a bit of a surprise considering how early it was. They rarely saw clients at the Pretty Kitty before noon, and then it was usually scheduled in advance. Also a...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 20
**Chapter 20 :** **The Cost of Family** Megan had skipped the evening shift in the barn. She spent the rest of the day with Cassidy and Millie in her bedroom. They all cried a lot, but there was laughter too. Sadness over the time they'd lost, and...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 19
**Chapter 19 : ** **Stay** Cassidy had just finished showering and getting dressed, making her way to the living room to begin another day of being a lump on the couch between rounds of stuffing her face. It was about all she could manage...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 18
**Chapter 18 :** **Hunger** Penelope led Eli into the barn some time after one in the morning. She moved the way she always moved, with a practiced grace so smooth and confident that she almost seemed to float across the concrete floor. Eli on...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 17
**Chapter 17 :** **Drifting in Space** "My name is Judge Robert. C. Gregory, and I have committed a crime." The judge was sitting calmly at the desk in his home, looking directly at the camera filming him. He had no notes in front of...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 16
**Chapter 16 :** **Bare With Me** "You know, I almost hate to ask this, but..." Megan was setting up the equipment for the morning milking, talking to Clairibelle who was leaning in the doorway nearby wearing nothing but her shorts and a...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 15
**Chapter 15 :** **The Caregivers** Meals took place in one of two locations. Breakfast was informal and always indoors, pretty much wherever someone could find a space to eat it. Lunch pretty much didn't exist as an organized event. If...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 14
**Chapter 14 :** **Show and Tell** The next morning was uncomfortable, to say the least. The girls all filed into the barn in silence, tip-toeing around Annabelle like she was made of glass. She'd spent the entire night in Henry's house with...
The Secret of Hoyt's Farm : Chapter 13
**Chapter 13 :** **Honey and Vinegar** "Hold up, Eli." Eli had been walking up the dirt road that passed through the property, following along behind a groggy brigade of little girls all heading toward the big truck that was waiting to...