THE LANDLADY by Jay Jay.

Pigs.

Raewyn had been sleeping in the small spare bedroom since the argument. 

No-one had taken this room. 

Partly because it was only big enough for a single bed. Which someone had thrown in here as a crash-pad for visitors. 

Partly because it was agreed that a study was probably needed in the house, away from the living room and away from the distractions of one's own bedroom.

Mostly because the room felt so damn creepy, claustrophobic, and dark, that no-one could stomach being in there for too long.

Raewyn had spent two nights there, two nights too long. She had to get back to her own room, no matter how upset she felt.

Anyway, it was as much HER room as Zane's. Why wasn't HE the one moving out?

But, she had to admit, she just didn't like confrontation.

She came back to bed that night, as usual, as if nothing had happened. Zane said nothing, just cuddled her close. He'd missed her, he was glad she was back. He was scared she might ask him questions that he didn't want to answer, but she seemed content to let it go.

For now.

Audrey was happy to see the status-quo restored. She also hated confrontation. She was sure she would have to take sides with Raewyn in a fight, and didn't feel that she had the energy for that right now.

She had other worries.

Two of her cats were missing. 

The Ninga Ginger was the first to disappear.

Probably just wandered off into the garden, and found something interesting. Cats can stray away for a few days, they come back.

But it had been over a week, and he was a friendly, dependable big cat that liked his food and home comforts too much to go away for long.

Now Pixy, her little tortieshell puss, had gone as well. 

Pixy never strayed far from the house.

Maybe they had gone on the road, got run over, like Ash suggested, but Audrey did not think so.

Thus, she decided to join Darren and Sissy on their evening walk-the-dogs routine, to see if she could spot the cats.

She was not sure if she could look Sissy in the eye. She suspected Sissy and Zane had gotten up to something and Audrey felt she should do some digging, on one hand, but she should leave well enough alone, on the other.

Darren, completely oblivious to any tension going on between the two young women, was in his happy zone.

"Don't worry, the dogs will flush out the cats for you. They won't be far away. Bud, Bud! Where's the cat? Find the cat! Sic-em!"

Buddy looked at Darren, tongue lolling out his mouth, cocked his head whilst he processed the command, pranced ahead with the little yappy dogs chasing him delightedly. Buddy was friends with the cats. Find the cat was a game he played with Darren sometimes. He was always puzzled why the cats were not as enthusiastic about the game as he was.

"How was this glorious day for you and you?" Darren asked.

Audrey glanced at Sissy. "Well, worried about my cats, I guess. University's O.K. Got a huge assignment due."

"Sissy? How about you? Still working at the supermarket?"

"Yeah," Sissy lied. "Been put on a different shift, so been home a bit lately."

"Ah," Darren said. "Well, I had a great time at work today. I think I saw my future wife come in."

Sissy and Audrey exchanged glances.