Corinna

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

“Yah have the Museum shindig tah cover tonight dont-ch?” Paul Thortin asked from his desk. The raccoon was busy making balls of paper, which he then accurately tossed across the room into the mouse’s waste basket, a good fifteen feet away.

Georgia Rodgers lifted her head from her typewriter, having been staring at its paper or the last half hour as though an article would magically appear. Her thoughts though were on a dark event from two months ago. One she had told no one about. “As if you didn’t know” she shot back, pulling herself away from dark thoughts. “I am the Social Reporter here after all.” She ran her left paw through her hair, leaning back to release some of the days stress. “Two hours dollin up, just to listen to a bunch of rich people talk about how rich they are and how much richer their gonna be. I’d go crazy, if I wasn’t there already. But it’s a social event, its on the calendar and my loyal readers would go nuts if I didn’t report on it.”

It wasn’t that she really had a bad accent, as it was faked. But two years searching for a job after college had taught her that letting people know just how educated you were was a big mistake. You had to let them think you needed careful training. Not that she hadn’t needed training, there was a great deal of difference between college courses and real life. Two days after she started acting a bit vapid she had a job. Writing the Social column yes, but it was a job.

“Taty’d go more nuts, if they know Lady Sandra Shine was only twenty six, and glamorous as all get out” her boss noted from behind her.

Bending her head back so that she could see the bear standing behind her Georgia grinned. “I wish” she admitted. “I’m just an mousie old maid no one wants to be around. Except Paul, and he sure ain’t my type.” Lifting her head she spun her chair around, facing her employer directly.

Terry Dapper grinned, laying an envelope on her lap before backing away an extra step. Georgia was murder with the fingers when she wanted to tickle someone. Usually him, though come to think of it she hadn’t attacked anyone in months now. “What’s wrong with Paul” he asked seriously. “He has a good job, isn’t fat, is semi-intelligent and unmarried.”

“Currently” the mouse corrected. “Since he’s been here, what. Three marriages?”

“Four” the raccoon corrected.

“Four” Georgia agreed, dropping her very fake, and very poor accent. “For all his looks and brains, he just isn’t stable. Not a long term commitment person. I need someone who’s going be around for the long haul. Not just a year at best. And he’s a mean drunk, for all his attempts to change.”

Paul stood carefully, pulling his shirt back into place. “I stand tah correct yah. Milly lasted nineteen months. Afore she walked out.”

“Milly is a Clydesdale” Terry reminded his sportswriter. “She could tough it out longer than most. Pound him into the ground when he got too drunk, rather than have to take it like the rest.” Turning his attention to Georgia he shrugged. “So waddayah want? A Valentino? Voice ahn all?”

Ignoring her employer for the moment, Georgia carefully opened the high class envelope. It held her invitation to the nights event, along with one extra invitation. “As if anyone is dumb enough to go to one of these things unless they have too” she laughed. “Turn in both, I remember” she continued, sliding the invitations back into her envelope. “Boss, you’ve asked enough. He has to be intelligent, nice to be with, even when he’s drunk. Have a good job and good looks. And not some gangster either. Example. Dillanger’s sweet, but he’s short news. I’m not going to find anyone I want here at the Times. Not unmarried that is, and I’m not taking another woman’s man. Nope, no home breaking for this little mouse. Bakelite purses across my fragile face hurt.” She returned the invitations to their envelope. “I think that I better take my raincoat, Watson is forecasting storms late tonight. He might even be right this time.”

Laughter answered her rather blunt statement. Then, as normal, everyone returned to their own tasks. Though the mouse occasionally glanced at the envelope, and thought dark thoughts. Very dark thoughts.

Later that evening Georgia Rodgers slipped on her best blue outfit. A pale blue blouse and dark blue skirt that had cost her two weeks pay, and she could never have afforded at the time had not her boss agreed that sending her to a social even in her street clothing was a bad idea. Basically the clothing belonged to The Times, so Georgia only wore of for social events she was attending for her employer. Still, after over a year it was beginning to show its age, fashions did change after all. Not that men noticed, a suit and tie were a suit and tie. Not for the first time the young mouse wished that she could afford at least one new outfit. But a Social Reporter was not that high on the feeding chain after all. So she had carefully checked her hems for stray threads, caring for the few that she had found, then gathered up her best clutch purse and stepped out to a waiting taxi.

Her taxi dropped her off at 200 East Parkway, the Brooklyn Museum of Arts. Normally closed at this time, it was filled with light and high society. Everyone here for the grand opening of their newest Greek Exhibition. As she stepped away from the taxi a police office walked over too her. “Slumming again Miss Rodgers” the officer asked.

Georgia laughed, reaching out to touch the officers chest with two fingers. “Wha ya’ll know me Officer Greene” she answered in her hack Southern Belle accent. “Wha ah just couldn’t miss tha event of tha hour, I just couldn’t.” A giggle escaped her lips, forcing her to cover those lips least she break out in laughter. Greene was a favorite of hers, and if he hadn’t been Jewish, would have been on her list of desirable males. But the mink, though handsome and delightful, was only interested in a Jewish wife. He wouldn’t even let Georgia use his first name, too familiar he had explained. Her loss Georgia admitted, because he was going to be an excellent catch. “You know how it is Mr. Greene.” She waved one paw towards the building, shrugging. “I write the social column, so I have to hob-nob with my betters. I would much rather be home in bed, reading a good book.”

Officer Greene favored her with a smile. After all, they had known each other for some three years now. Meeting off and on at such events. “Those who hold the worlds gold” he quoted from somewhere, “Can never understand the world.” He looked around, seeing no one coming towards them. “Alone again?”

His question irritated Georgia, though not enough to be angry. It had been so long since her last date, everyone seemed to think that she was always alone. She was, but when she could she liked to try and fool people. “I’m running early. But as I have both tickets, so we will be just fine sir. Absolutely fine.” Faking a drunken hick-up she couldn’t help it as another giggle escaped her.

Greene smiled at the light hearted reporter, stepping aside. “Well then. Best I not keep you. On your way, on your way.”

At the doors she offered her two tickets, having tacked them together with a touch of glue so that they appeared as one. Busy with much more important people the doorman simply tore off his half, then waved her inside through a side entrance meant tonight for ‘the little people.’ It was a trick that Paul had taught her. In this way social directors assumed that the Times had sent two people, so they continued to send two tickets. It was a simple, childish trick. But one never knew when something might come up that two tickets would be fought over. Silently she slipped her two halves back into her clutch purse, taking out her pad and mechanical pencil at the same time. It was time to start earning her pay.

“Of course the Japanese are buying scrap metal at an enormous profit for my company. Why, we have been unable to...”

“MARGARET! Where have you been. Why look at you...”

“As I told the Senator. I helped you get into that office, and if you don’t help me get this contract. By God I will see too it that you don’t...”

“I’m just not certain about what is going on over in Europe. Can’t those people learn how to get along?”

“Why Miss. Rodgers. Such a delight to see you attending our little soiree.”

Georgia turned at the well known voice. A middle aged and very well dressed rabbit stood just two arms lengths from her. “Mr. Lakeland. Such a delight to see you again” she answered. “And is Carmen with you tonight?”

“Why yes she is, and I fear that she has had a rather bad infection of writers block. You had best avoid her, as she will simply bend your ears about it.” Philip Lakeland warned her.

Georgia managed to keep her expression somewhat neutral, but Carmen Lakeland’s dabbling into murder mysteries was well known. She had as yet not become published, and after reading one of her manuscripts (a favor that the mouse really wished that she hadn’t given) it was obvious that she never would. “Thank you for the warning Mr. Lakeland, I shall endeavor to avoid that minefield as best I may.”

“Ah well, I must endure her ranting at all hours. I see no reason that my friends should not be warned. And what do you think of our little get together? Be truthful, I in the least am not shocked by your bluntness.”

‘Not as long as you hope to get into my pants again’ Georgia thought, but she dared not voice that. One drink too many at a social at the Lakeland mansion had found her in quite a difficult position, and for some reason the rabbit was now enamored of her. Though it had been fun, discovering the next morning who her bedmate had been had shocked her. Especially as his wife was just down the hall, nursing a hangover to beat the band. She took a short breath, looking at her notes as though to refresh her memory.

“The Vincent’s are selling even more scrap to the Japanese. Mrs. Vanderbilt just returned from six months in Paris, Larrabee wants to get the next fighter contract with the army.” She closed her pad. “Among the usual chat that I cannot possibly use in any of my columns. Oh, Miss Reinhardt has just decided that she simply can not marry young Mr. Masters. He doesn’t understand her at all. No, I won’t be using that either. So exactly what are you doing to improve your bank balance?”

Philip laughed. “Lately, I have been carefully picking and choosing my stock portfolio. After that horrible crash, well I still have quite a ways to go before the family fortune returns to what it was. Though I would turn it all over to my managers for six months, were you to join me. Say, in Hawaii?”

Georgia cringed inside. Someone had to have heard that. “You know that will never happen Mr. Lakeland. First of all, you are quite happily married. You would never leave your lovely wife. Second, I am from way to far down both the social and income scale, a simple reporter who’s life depends upon keeping her job. One that I would loose instantly if I should allow that event to occur. I like you Mr. Lakeland, and I like your wife too. Then I honestly like a lot of the people here. Still let us not forget that you are near twice my age? No sir, I am sorry. It will never happen.”

‘There’ she thought as she spotted certain eyes appraising her. ‘Let the gossiping fools eat that for their pudding. At least no ones knows it already happened. Except the servants.’ Nor did she believe one word about his stock portfolio.

Laughing, the Rabbit bowed to her. “You have wounded me unto the heart. Well, do not let me delay your work any further. Perhaps we will run across each other. Later this evening.”

Georgia watched Lakeland leave, releasing a sigh of relief. Philip had been more than aggressive this time. Was something happening between him and his wife? She hoped not, of all the high society people she was on speaking terms with Philip and Carmen were actually almost friends.

“The nerve of that buck” and elderly woman’s voice whispered, almost causing Georgia to jump. “And with his lovely wife not twenty feet away, waiting to chat with you.”

She turned slowly, gathering her wits about her. “Mrs. Vincent. How are you” she said in answer to the elderly, but still somewhat attractive feline.

“Better than you” the woman admitted. “Why, had you been of equal social standing, I would have expected you to slap him.”

Looking up into the taller woman’s eyes Georgia shrugged. “I am not, and as I do like his wife, I fear that it is something that I simply must bear. He is after all a young buck still, and as such ruled by his body. Though what he see’s in a low class mouse such as myself I have no idea.”

Mrs. Vincent smiled. “Young lady” she continued to whisper. “You have quite often proven to me a Mistress of Discretion. Such as deciding not to mention Miss Reinhardt’s rather foolish announcement. It will blow past, as do all such things. The poor boy simply brought her a wrong gift. Do not be fooled into thinking that we are all vapor-headed my dear. We do pay attention to what you write, and were you not acceptable. Events such as this would be closed to you.”

“Thank you Mrs. Vincent. I think” Georgia replied. “I’m not yet certain that I have been praised, or burnt at the stake.”

The cats eyes sparkled behind her mask of apparent indifference. “Young lady” she continued. “Had you been burned at the stake. Rest assured that you would be quite aware of it. Now, have you seen my husband of late?”

“By the punch bowl, wit the usual suspects” Georgia answered. “Slipping bourbon into it, after Mr. Winehouse poured in Cognac. And I think that I scented good Napoleon Brandy from his flask. Such a waste of such a wonderful drink.”

“Thank you child. Now I simply must find my dear husband. Please enjoy the party.”

It wasn’t until the feline had departed that Georgia realized there was no one within hearing distance. Such was the respect for Mrs. Vincent. Shaking her head in disbelief the reporter decided to visit the museum’s newest exhibit.

It was, she soon discovered, rather interesting. Though one might say there was nothing but shattered pots, partial statues standing beside a few restored ones within. There was a great deal on information available. As she already had a copy of the guest list, carefully checked against who actually attended, Georgia decided to see if she could write a story about the exhibit. Maybe, if it was good enough, it would open a door to something new in her profession. After all, the social pages were one step above the weekly horoscope. Or the advice column. A shudder rand down her tail. Anything but the Advice column. Please.

She was taking notes when she found herself standing before a perfect statue of a feline. Reading its title she was amused. Eternal Beauty it said. Reading further her amusement faded. ‘The original, created some time around 350 BC, was reportable modeled after a merchants daughter. Little is known of the original, which has vanished since its original discovery some one hundred and eighty years ago. This reproduction is attributed to the artist Kartan.’ Looking up from the label Georgia found her breath taken away. Kartan, she discovered, was a Master. If indeed he had created this stunning beauty. Though not always attracted to women, the mouse found her heart aching for this beauty. For the statue was completely lifelike. Being a nude, even more so than one normally expected. So much so that a thin brass leaf had been attached to a certain area. She looked into that face and found herself aching to touch it, to place her lips against those stone lips. Were the statue of a real woman, the mouse knew that she could find in this world no more desirable person.

“My my, you are a wonder” she whispered. “To pull at ones heart so strongly.”

“She is” Officer Greene agreed from behind the reporter, causing her to squeak in surprise. “Many have much the same reaction.”

“Geeze Louise Greene” Georgia gasped as she spun around in shock. “You just scared a years growth out of me. Why are you in here?”

“You are young enough to afford the loss” he shot back. “Your in here early, arn’t you little reporter? I do not recall the Grand Opening as yet.”

Georgia stuck her tongue out. “Wanted to see things before the upper class wandered through” She pointed towards a broken statue further back into the darkness. “That’s Athena, right?”

Turning his head slightly the mink looked to where the mouse was pointing. “Yes. Perhaps the oldest Pagan Goddess in our world. She’s been traced directly back to certain cave paintings I have been told.”

“Your making that up” Georgia gasped, more than a little impressed.

“No, and sometimes I wish that I were. You see, I have always had a rather strong interest in all religious beliefs. I feel that it helps me understand my own belief. There are several similarities that thread through every religion. It does make one wonder. Are all our beliefs descended from some mother belief?”

Walking over to the shadowed limestone sand cat statue Georgia reached out to touch the remaining arm. “You’d make a lousy Rabbi” she decided, feeling a tingling run from the ancient stone into her fingers. “Messing around with the Gentile beliefs.”

“On the contrary Miss Rodgers” the mink corrected as he joined her. “It is the best Rabbi’s who understand that there are more paths than their own, yet still firmly retain their belief within their own religion.”

“So how come your not a Rabbi” the mouse asked, genuinely interested.

“It isn’t my calling. And you really are not supposed to touch the displays.”

His comment woke Georgia up to the fact that she had placed her paw over the statues remaining paw. Yet even so, it took a force of will to remove it. “I need to study about her” she decided.

“But you’re a Christian.”

Turning around to face her companion the mouse nodded yes. “Raised Catholic, but I haven’t been to Mass, or Confession in seven years. Like you, it doesn’t fit anymore. Maybe I’m becoming Lutheran or something. Yes Mr. Greene, I am a Christian. But there’s something about that statue.” She looked at the statue again, then turned away. Was it glowing she wondered? Officer Greene obviously saw nothing. “Back to the party?”

“A good idea. I am required to be here until the Grand Opening. Then its back out into the night. And it smells like rain.”

“Glad I brought my raincoat” Georgia mentioned as she walked past the officer, making her way back to the party. The party, and so much mindless chattering.

Behind her the mink watched her go, then walked over to Eternal Beauty. The Museum staff had glued that leaf over the felines private area this morning. So as not to shock visitors. He had heard that the detail was terribly lifelike. Tipping his hat to the woman in stone, he returned to his rounds.

“Ladies and Gentlemen” a ram announced a short time later. “We will now open the new Vincent Wing of Greek History. If you will come this way please.”

Georgia watched as the crowed shifted, slowly flowing towards the waiting doorway. She had enough now for her little column, and enough to write another story if she needed it. This on the new wing of the Museum. Terry was going to be delighted with her.

“Georgia my dear” a well known rabbits voice announced. Looking up the reporter groaned inside. She just wasn’t up to Carmen Lakeland’s prattling about her stories tonight.

“Hello Carmen. How are you?” she asked.

“Why quite well, and I hear that you refused my dear husbands advances yet again. Rather sharply this time.” Carmen Lakeland settled down beside the mouse, waving air across her face with one paw as she did so. Even sitting she was still half a head taller than Georgia. Her voice abruptly dropped to a level that could not carry beyond the mouses ears. “One day you simply must agree. If nothing more, that to let his interest return to me my dear.”

“What” Georgia asked, stunned.

“Why, he prattles on about you ceaselessly my dear. And I really do not mind. As long as you continue helping me with my stories.”

“Carmen” Georgia whispered. “I have no interest in your husband. Certainly not that way.”

“But.. That night. Princess told me all about it.”

Princess, Georgia knew. Was Carmen’s personal maid. All she could do was gasp in shock. “You know? All this time? Oh God Carmen. I’m so sorry. I was drunk, I didn’t even know until the morning who it was.” She started gathering her things, having made an abrupt decision. “I can’t make it up to you, so I’m going to leave. I’ll get a job somewhere else. Maybe Chicago. Or San Francisco. Terry will give me a letter of recommendation. I’m so sorry.” She started to rise, only to find herself pulled back down by her tail.

“Do you not dare my favorite reporter” Carmen hissed, glaceing around to see who could hear. They were alone though, as everyone had gone in to see the new artifacts. “You were truly drunk?”

“I was” Georgia admitted, trying to ignore the feelings caused by Carmen’s paw holding her tail. She’d fought those feelings all her life, but right now, right here. “I passed out in the party room. I don’t remember going to any bedroom. Certainly not with Charles. Will you please let go. I said I’d leave and I mean it.”

“Oh. Sorry” Carmen gasped, having the decency of blushing when she realized what she had done. “Charles has had others before. But he has never gone on about them afterwards like he has you. And you are my friend.”

Georgia shook her head no. “We need to talk, just you and I. It was a horrible mistake and I’ve hated myself for it every day since. Not here, not now. Later?”

“I will then send you an invitation to my party in two weeks” Carmen agreed. “And I am not angry. Truly.”

“Two.”

“Two? Then you do have someone” the rabbit asked.

‘No’ Georgia admitted in her thoughts. ‘But I’ll ask someone. Anyone.’ To the rabbit though she just smiled. “Your husband was an drunken accident of my own making, but I am not a Nun. And I will be able to look at your newest manuscript at the same time.”

“Splendid. Then I best be with my husband before he strikes again. I do love him Georgia. I honestly do. We all have our failings and I did agree for better or for worse. As you were unable to discern whom you were with, due to drink, I will never hold this against you. Philip does have good taste though. Were I one to enjoy a woman, you would be my choice. Or one very much like you.”

Then the rabbit stood with the grace of a lifetime of training, walking away to leave the mouse shaking under her fur. Georgia watched in silence as the upper class rabbit walked off, wondering how she had become friends with the Lakeland’s in the first place. Why Carmen so easily accepted her husbands dalliances. ‘Spending an evening pounding basic grammar rules into her head again would be punishment enough’ the mouse decided, before returning to her notes.

She was still shaking by the time the viewing was closing down. ‘Darn Princess’ the mouse thought. ‘Couldn’t that vixen keep her mouth shut?’ And that damned birthday party last month. She had been invited specifically. ‘Why hadn’t Carmen said something then? Why let this farce play out?’ She stood, one last walk through that wing. One last touch of the Goddess’s statue. She shivered, wondering what was drawing her to that craved bit of limestone. Her thoughts turned back to Carmen.

The rabbit was her only friend in High Society, and she’d been exceptionally lucky to get her. Now she’d probably lost her. She would probably end up being living evidence in a nasty divorce. At least it had been the wrong time of the month for any long term accidents. No, she was nothing but a joke to those rich people. Best to finish her job here, then move away quickly, and quietly. She would though miss the fun loving rabbit, and her pitiful attempts to write a book.

Walking towards the new wing and a much quieter part of the museum Georgia could hear the storm outside. Most of the partygoers had either left, or drifted off into clumps in other areas. Clumps that excluded one lower class reporter. As for the other reporters who had been invited, they had all departed after the minimal obligatory time limit and grabbing a guest list. Georgia though tended to stay until the last few attendees walked out. One never knew what would happen she always claimed. The real truth was, these social events were as close to a date as she would ever get, considering her lack of choices and her late hours at the Times. However the evening was passing and the storm was getting worse. Taxis were probably going to be rare to non-existent soon, so she needed to get home. She was scribbling randomly in her notebook when a large female form settled into step beside her. Turning she found the form belonged to the feline Mrs. Vincent.

“It is somewhat late” the older woman announced, though she seemed wide awake and ready for more herself. “Even for you.”

“I am just leaving Mrs. Vincent” the mouse answered. “One last walk through the new wing, then home to my bed.”

“Oh do sit down dear” the feline ordered as they came to an ornately carved marble bench. “I wish to have words with you about your dalliance.”

Georgia sat, stunned by the felines tone. As Mrs. Vincent settled beside her she waited for whatever was going to be said, frightened now. For she had finally stepped out of bounds. Since the older woman knew what had happened those months ago, her welcome at any social event was now less than zero. “I am leaving” she explained in a husky voice. “I decided after Carmen talked with me. Chicago, Dallas, Denver. Maybe even Hawaii. I’m leaving. By the weeks end. My word on that.”

“Why. Because he raped you?” Mrs Vincent turned her eyes onto the mouse. “How many drinks did you have that night?”

“You really know” Georgia admitted. “Two. Only two that I can remember. But they were probably very strong.”

“No, they were not. The second was a Mickey. And no, Charles Lakeland did not drug you. It was his twin brother Louis. You remember Louis, the want to be Governor? And it was Louis you woke with my dear, not Charles. Charles would cut his own throat before harming any woman. Though he has had his little encounters, they have always been consensual. Only when his wife is unable to accommodate him. He dotes upon dear Carmen, even though her illness causes him some discomfort. Though I honestly think that he truly loves you. I knew these things because Carmen told me, and I asked my butler to inquire of the Lakeside staff. I wondered why you kept coming around, after being raped I mean.”

“I didn’t know it was rape” the mouse admitted. “I woke up wrapped around a sleeping rabbit buck that looked exactly like my friend. I was so torn up that I made my way out of the house barely dressed. I finished dressing in the bushes by the main gate, then grabbed a taxi home. It was a seven block hike before I found that taxi and went home. You may not believe me Mrs. Vincent, but I cried for two days after that. I like Carmen, and I like her husband. I really do. I thought that I had shattered their marriage. Violated their trust.”

“Dear Georgia” the feline sighed. “Have you any idea why we have chosen to accept you? A simply little Society reporter? Have you?”

“I never thought” the mouse admitted. “I mean, I have always been nice to everyone. I thought that it was just people being nice to me.”

Mrs. Vincent laid a paw on Georgia’s shoulder. “Some, like the Lakeland’s, yes. Most though because you are discrete. We all know that those ears of yours are very sensitive, and you listen. Yet so many things you have heard have never seen print. Never even reached the rumor mill. At least not from your direction. Yes, you are polite. More importantly you are trustworthy. Have you ever stopped to think about how many people we are in contact can actually be trusted? I will tell you. Probably our spouses, and you.”

Shivering under that touch Georgia took a deep breath. “I will still leave Mrs. Vincent. I thought it was consensual. I could accept that, and be mad at myself for being so weak. So stupid. But that it was rape, I can’t be around him and he is at there home every time I am. I can’t, and I can’t charge him. I would find myself run out of town on a rail.”

A squeeze on her shoulder caused the mouse to turn and look the older feline in the face. “I understand my dear. You are quite correct. In the least your life will be ruined. At worst, should he think you a danger to him, you would find yourself institutionalized. Nor can anyone guarantee that this will not happen again. Like his brother, Louis is apparently entranced by you. Being rich does not make one a nice person. It does though buy public opinion, and the law. I will though propose to you a choice. My husband and I own the Hawaiian Star Bulletin. It has need for a reporter, and not the social column. A reporter who knows when to keep her muzzle shut, and when to scream to the rafters.”

“Your offering me a job?” Georgia asked, stunned. “What’s in it for you?”

“More than you can possible believe. Come my child, I have someone for you to meet.” Mrs. Vincent stood, offering her paw to the young reporter. As Georgia stood the older woman smiled. “Did you know that my family is originally from Greece? Yes, we have been merchants for several thousands of years. Let me show you something.”

Following the older feline back into the museums newest wing Georgia was strangely unsurprised to find them stopping in front of the Goddess statue. She watched in silence as Mrs. Vincent bowed to the idol, then looked directly into those stone eyes. “Pallas Athene. Daughter of Cronus. Sister of Zeus and Hera. I believe the one we have searched for has arrived” she told the statue. “She has met every qualification he placed upon her.”

To Georgia’s astonishment the sand cats statue glowed, as she watched the eyes seemed to look at her for a moment.

“Not.. Not possible” Georgia gasped, just before she passed out and fell to the floor. That she never struck that floor would have surprised her, but as she was unconscious at the time that fact was of no matter to her.

Eventually the mouse’s eyes fluttered open, allowing her to see that Mrs. Vincent was still there, but no one else. “I imagined it” she whispered. “I was drugged again. Wasn’t I?”

“Perhaps” the elder feline agreed. “Now stand up child, I have a story to tell you. One that may be myth, or real. It will be up to yourself to decide.”

As Georgia stood she noticed that the double doors to this wing were now closed. “Are we locked in?” she asked, carefully brushing dirt off her best clothing.

Mrs. Vincent waved her right paw dismissively. “Only for the moment. I requested privacy. I fear that the museum director believes that we are having an... encounter. I have decided to allow him his fantasy. For now. Will you listen to what I have to say?”

“After what I think I just saw, I guess I had better. This is off the record, right?”

Mrs. Vincent sat on a broken stone column, waving with her paw to one like it not far from her. When the mouse had settled the feline began to speak.

“Very much off the record my child. It was the year we know as 357 B.C., the place was what is now Sofia. In my families homeland of Greece. A young woman had caught the eyes of a certain, rather lusty Sorcerer. One who was then as above the law as you, or I are above the common ant. For he was the Kings brother, and quite loyal to him. At the time.“

She paused, as though searching her mind for something. “I cannot remember the names right now, other than her’s was Corinna. Perhaps later. For now then let us call him Bob, for Bob is a common enough name. Bob wanted this young woman with all he was. Not as a wife, for he already had at least three wives and needed no others. But for his plaything. Being a proud woman, as well as one with no interest in men, she refused him. Three times she refused him. Finally angered beyond reason he cursed her. ‘Let no one feel the warmth of your lips for a thousand years. Then only if she is a witch, pure of heart and has no desire for power. At her kiss you will know her if she is true’ he said. Then he left.

This is written down, for her father heard his words. When he rushed into the common chamber where his daughter was, he found not his daughter. But a stone statue clothed in his daughters clothing. A statue that was of his daughter.”

Mrs. Vincent paused again, looking down at her paws. “In his grief he went to the King, but the King would hear nothing evil against his loyal beloved brother. Especially from a common merchant, no matter how rich. Thus he banished the merchant and his family from Sofia. Gathering their things, and the statue that had once been his daughter, the merchant and his family traveled to Tirane. There they became even more prosperous. And in his later years the merchant heard news of how the loyal brother had murdered the King, his family and all his favorites. Taking to himself the throne and all things Royal.”

Standing, the feline walked over to another statue. The Eternal Beauty. Reaching out she ran one paw softly along the statues cold left arm. “And here Corinna has stood, for over two thousand years. Waiting the kiss of a woman who can love her, is a witch, of pure heart and no desire for power. My dear Miss Roberts. Have you any idea how rare such a person is?”

“I am not a witch” the mouse corrected. “It is true that I prefer women, given the choice. But I like men as well. And I do wish to be a great reporter. To speak the truth to the public. Isn’t that power, of a sort?”

“Not as Bob meant it. Do you wish to rule others?”

Georgia shook her head no so violently that her hair slapped her own face. “I just want to know the truth, and share that truth. One day I’ll have children. I think that ruling them until they grow up is enough for any woman. At least for this woman it is. And I am still not a witch.”

Mrs. Vincent smiled softly. “Witch is a term used for wise ones. It is not the word Bob used, but the definition is the same. You, as I, are college educated. In the old ways this makes us both witches, as women were very rarely educated in Bob’s time. An educated woman was considered dangerous to mens power, and later the new religion that grew out of Rome. Thus the term was changed to indicate evil. Yet which is more evil. The old woman who knows how to heal a wound, or the young Priest who burns her at the stake for not bowing to his God?”

“I’m not going to argue religion with you or anyone else” Geirgia answered. “I take what I believe on faith, as all should. I am not well educated in that subject, other than what my parents and Priest taught me as I grew up. Corinna though, have you kissed her yet” the mouse asked.

“At the age of fourteen. As every female member of my line has kissed her. All have failed. As I asked, have you any idea how rare you are? I have no interest in women, and like all my line, desire power of a sort. In my case, that power found behind the throne of my husbands own power. She has been kissed by thousands, yet not one has woken in her heart that key to be free. I believe that you will be the one to awaken her.”

“Why” the reporter asked. “What is so special about me? Why drag me into all this.”

Stepping away from the statue Mrs. Vincent indicated it with a paw. “Research. Investigation. I have spent most of my life hunting a cure for my ancestors curse. A woman to be heart of her heart. When you ran away from he whom you thought your best friends husband, then refused to talk about it in any way. That told me you had a pure heart. Tonight, your decision to leave. That was nothing more than further proof. Mrs. Roberts. And your great desire to feel those stone lips.” She shrugged. “I was in the darkness, I am not a fool. I saw your neck stretch, your lips purse. Had not the police officer interrupted you, you would have kissed her. It is my firm belief that you would never hurt anyone simply because you could. No matter what it cost you.”

Standing, he mouse brushed at the back of her skirt before replying. “Yes. I would have. Eventually. She draws me” the mouse admitted. “Who’s your spy” she asked bluntly.

“Paul Thortin of course” the feline admitted. “He has this opinion of himself that he would make an excellent private eye.” She giggled then. “Paul Thortin, Private Eye. Complete with bubble headed bleach blond secretary and the obligatory true blond bombshell of a client.” The feline giggled again. “It is an amusing image.”

“The real blond would chew him up and spit him out” Georgia agreed. “So, if I kiss the fair maiden and she awakens, I get a job in Hawaii. What about Lakewood?”

“Louis Lakewood has never left New York State in his life. I do not think that he would break this habit, just to chase down a bit of tail he has already had.”

“Blunt. To the point” Georgia agreed. “And if the fairy princess does not awaken?”

“The position is still yours. Miss. Roberts. We truly do need someone on the Bulletin that we both know, and trust. You are our selection, wither you kiss the stone girl or not. Now, are you the adventurous young reporter I think you are. Or a mouse.”

Georgia laughed at that. “I happen to be both Mrs. Vincent. Very well. I will kiss the stone woman. But not for reward. You see, as you suspected. I have wanted to kiss those lips almost since I first laid eyes upon her. But you must promise me one thing.”

“And what would that be” the Socialite asked.

“If I turn to stone, you will never separate us” the mouse answered. “She is beyond beautiful. To be part of such beauty, I would gladly become stone myself.” Stepping past the surprised feline Georgia stepped over the short railing, making her way to the impossible beauty of that standing stone. Placing her paws on each of the statues arms she looked into those lifeless eyes and whispered. Her heart ached for the beauty before her, in a way it had never ached before. ‘If I were to spend eternity with you, it would never be enough’ she found herself saying in that soft whisper. Then closing her eyes she leaned forward, placing her lips upon those cold stone ones.

At first it was exactly as she had expected. Cold stone pressed against her lips. Then something happened. Either the stone was thin, thus warming quickly, or something. Because that stone slowly yielded, warmed. Georgia could hear the sound of stone cracking, but try as she might she could not open her eyes. Could not move. Something entered her mind, studied it, could not be forced away. ‘Then I am turning to stone myself’ she thought, a sharp shudder of fear running through her body. A coldness flowed through her and try as she might, she could not move a muscle. Then paws grasped her sides, pulling her forward. Almost immediately the mouse’s eyes opened, to find brown ones staring at her. Deep, dark brown eyes. Eyes with no ending it seemed, as she felt herself falling into them. At the same time that presence in her mind faded, though not completely.

‘Was it this way for her’ she thought, not trying to remove her lips from the other. For they were full, rich, filled with desire. Yet the other pulled her tighter, and she felt the touch of breath on her cheek as stone breathed. A final crash and they swayed, stumbling to catch their balance. Pulling back Georgia was shocked to find herself not only still flesh and blood, but she who had been stone was now flesh and blood as well. “Your real” she gasped.

“As you are” a honey soft voice answered. “So long. Over twenty-two centuries.” The feline pulled back, her paws moving to take the mouses into them. “You are beautiful” the cat said, her accent strange to Georgia’s ears.

“Nothing compared to yourself” the reporter countered. “But how do you know my language?”

“The curse” the feline explained. ‘You will know her if she is true.’ I know you now, as well as you know yourself. But I remember nothing of my life before. Other than my name, and why I was cursed.”

“I think we better sit down” Georgia decided. She herself felt very faint. Such things did not happen in the real world. They could not happen.

“I would be delighted” the feline agreed. “For I have been standing some little time myself.”

Both feline and mouse giggled. Both wondering what the future might bring them.