Jenni woke up at 11:00am. She headed down to the front lobby to get some coffee but once again had missed the breakfast bar. "Damn it." Jenni whispered. "Sorry Ms. Graves." Jeremy said, picking at a sandwich, "They close breakfast, at 10:00am." "Thank you Jeremy." Jenni said, "I'll just go to the coffee shop down the street for something." "Perhaps a coffee and muffin at The Roasted Bean will be most satisfactory with an old friend." A familiar voice said. Jenni smirked and turned around.

A tall black jaguar was sitting on a golden chair reading a newspaper. He was wearing a white shirt, black jeans and shoes, a red tie, and a beige fedora. He looked up from his paper and grinned and the young black-footed cat. "Hello Ms. Graves." "Marcus, I thought that was you." Jenni said. The jaguar stood up, took Jenni's hand, and kissed it, "My dear it's been far too long." "Oh, stop being such a charmer." Jenni said, rubbing her friend's arm. The two made their way to the coffee shop and took a seat outside.

"So, how long have you been in Mississippi?" Marcus asked.

"A couple weeks now." Jenni replied.

"And how are you enjoying the most romantic city in the States?"

"You know me, I'm not easily enamored by sights and sounds. However, it is sophisticated."

"Ah Jen, always with the fancy words."

A waitress came by the table and asked, "Can I get you two anything?" "Two cappuccinos and blueberry muffins please, my dear." Marcus said. The waitress smiled and walked away.

"So, How's Gracie doing?" Jenni asked.

"He's doing better. His Achilles Heel is healing nicely. He's been bugging me non-stop for at least a few months. Marcus this, Marcus that, Marcus get me this, Marcus get me that. It's almost unbearable."

"Well, at least you saved him before it was too late. What happened to him exactly?"

"Some idiots from Marigold kidnapped him. Took out three of his guards. He got into a fight with them and they slashed his Achilles Heel."

"Poor guy. What did he do to deserve that?"

"He told the guy who interrogated him he was trying to sell Marigold out to the feds."

"Damn. Thank the universe he's ok. How'd you find him?"

"Always look in the most discrete places first. The Lagering Caves. Should've seen him, Jen. That guy really messed him up."

"Did he give you a name of the guy who interrogated him?"

"No. He gave me a description. Black and white fur, green eyes, well dressed, spectacles, very ominous aura."

Jenni's eyes narrowed. She knew just the guy who fit that description. "Well at least he's safe now." "Yes, and I appreciate you coming down here to help." Marcus said. "And I appreciate the call. I've been looking for Mr. Sweet ever since Moore." Jenni replied. "Rest assure, your secret is safe with me." Marcus touched Jenni's hand, "We're in this together." "Thanks Marcus." Jenni sighed.

"So, I heard you were seeing someone from Marigold." Marcus chuckled.

"Mios Dios. Did Marley call you?" Jenni asked.

"No, Bella did. She said you were hanging around...Heller."

"Marcus, I'm not seeing him. He's my mentor. I'm his protégé. No romance involved. I want to make that very clear."

"Relax Graves, I'm not going to make fun of you for it. I will tell you to be cautious. I've heard stories around that diablo."

"He's not the easiest person to talk to. But he's a hell of a lot better than the other males I had to work with."

"How so?"

"He hasn't made any sexual advances towards me. He's intelligent. He's actually focused on his job. He's not a slob."

"He's an asexual sociopath. Of course, he's not going to make advances towards you. No offense."

"None taken. I'm an asexual sociopath too."

"No you are not! You are a kind, caring, and helpful person.

"Who just so happens to kill people for a living."

"Bad people."

"Still murder. Even though I am doing it for a good cause."

"Avenging the death of your father."

"Preventing history from repeating itself."

"What does that...oh. I understand now. I am sorry. If it makes you feel better my father was murdered...but my mother was actually the culprit."

The waitress returned and Marcus gave her a 100-dollar bill. "Well, thanks for the coffee Marcus." Jen said, "I'll call you later." "Take care Jenni." Marcus said. The took shook hands.