Guardian Angels
Episode 34: "Evan's New Job"
Although there wasn't much snow fall in Hollywood the nearby mountains always got their fair share of the white stuff. A horseback ride through through woods was one of Saipia's favorite past times, but it wasn't always easy to find someone to lend her a horse. However, for the past few years, Jack had been very willing to let her ride one of his two horses on the solitary condition that he join her. That morning was particularly cold, but the horses didn't seem to mind and Saipia didn't wear a coat. Evan, to Saipia's constant amazement was simply dressed in cowboy gear with a leather jacket, thick leather gloves and a cowboy hat.
As the two rode back to the trailer, Saipia was impressed by how smooth the ride was. "Hey, Evan, who's your farrier?" she asked moving the horse in a tight circle.
"I am," the hyena said quickly.
Saipia was surprised by that and was a little relieved. "You do exceptional work, I have to say. I mean, the ride is a lot smoother than a lot of other horses I've ridden."
"Yeah, speaking of that, since when do you ride horses?" asked Evan.
"My mother used to own a small ranch up in these mountains. She had a few horses, one of which became my very own. I used to ride her through the woods everyday. However, I ended up having to find my own farrier which forced me to learn a little bit about it. But, I was always terrible at it. I was so bad, in fact, that my horse literally wouldn't let me near her with farrier tools," Saipia explained, continuing her circles.
Jack laughed a little at that. "Yeah. It's definitely something you can't really just pick up. It's taken me pretty much all my life to learn the skill." Evan busied himself with getting the trailer read and loading up his horse.
Saipia hopped down finally and gently took her horse's right front leg in her hand. Clamping it between her thighs she took a look at the hoof. "You don't use shoes?"
"Not with Ky. She doesn't like them much. Brutus, here, doesn't mind them, though, so he uses 'em. But, I got Ky from the Humane Society. Apparently, she's had some bad experiences with shoes. So, I have to give her hooves special treatment," replied the cowboy Genoid.
Saipia nodded and gave the mare back her hoof. "Alright. Anyway, I guess, I will meet you back at the station. Take your time. You wouldn't want to harm your horses."
"Right. I'll see you in an hour or so. Probably more like two. I've got to set them up with some feed before I come in," Jack replied.
* * *
Saipia arrived at the precinct to the sound of a anti-Genoid protestor was being processed. "Oh, look, there's one of them now! Late as can be. Such an useless bitch, she is. All she good for is f...." the human ranted.
Saipia stuffed a random wad of paper in his mouth. "Some times I really hate my job. No. I love my job. I just hate bastards like you. So, I'm only going to warn you once, sir. Sit there quietly, before someone comes in here and shuts you up for good."
"Look at that, threatening an unarmed man. What a worthless piss of..." Saipia stuck the wad of paper back in his mouth.
"You're an idiot. And I don't have time for you. However, if you didn't notice, I've got a star on my collar. That means, I'm the third highest ranking officer in this precinct, which means, I'm third in command. I don't see the Assistant Chief and the Chief is out giving a speech. Putting me in charge. If you don't want me to simply have you locked up for the next couple of weeks, I suggest you be a good boy," Saipia cautioned and went into her office.
"Actually, the Assistant Chief quit," James commented upon Saipia's entrance into her office. "Said he couldn't stand you anymore, actually."
"I thought he like Genoids," Saipia commented.
"Oh, he does. He just doesn't like you. But, the Chief will be looking for a new AC. I assume you're at the very top of the list. But you'll have to earn it. Even with him being pro-Genoid. He'd get a lot of hell if he just handed you a huge promotion like that," the maned wolf replied.
"Right. And if I have to face my mother head on. I should get the position," remarked the blue wolf. "So, who brought the loud mouth in?"
"Ronnie and Cruze. They had him in a ball gag, but I had them take it out. Figured if the chief saw it, he'd be pretty pissed," James said.
"Ronnie and Cruze, huh? Aren't they those two transfers from Seattle?" Saipia asked.
James nodded. "Yup. Ronald Styps and Brianna Cruze. They were transferred over here 'cause the chief up there didn't like their style that much. Figured you would actually like it. In return they got a couple of our rookies."
"I do have to say, the ball gag is a nice touch. I probably would have just knocked his ass out," Saipia remarked.
"Too many people around," James defended.
"So. Knock his head on the top of the car as he's being put into the car or something. Besides, this guy sounds like a public nuisance. I bet we wouldn't have even gotten a single call if they'd knocked him out," Sai commented.
* * *
A couple hours later, Evan arrived at the precinct to the same protester. "What the hell took you so long to get here, you worthless pile of crap!"
"Wow. I really don't have any time for you crap today," said Evan.
"What's the matter? That bitch got you whipped? You ain't nothing but a bitch's bitch!" Before anyone could react, Evan had closed the distance between him and the protester and put a heavy and heated fist into the human's jaw, breaking it in one blow. As he pulled back for another go, Ronnie, a big male white tiger, and Cruze, a tall, strong ti-liger, quickly stopped him as Saipia emerged from her office.
"What in the hell do you think you're doing, Evan?" the Commander asked.
"He was..." Evan started.
"I don't care. When a suspect is in the precinct, unless they're taking a swing at you, you do not punch them in the face!" growled the wolf.
"But, Commander..." Evan tried.
"No. Just get in my office, right now! I don't want to hear any excuses," ordered Saipia who turned her attention to the protester as soon as Evan was safely in her office. "Crap! That's a broken jaw. Well, get him to a doctor. Just not Dr. Jones."
Evan hung his head as Saipia entered her office. As silently as she could, she shut the door. "Oh my god, Evan. Thank you so much for shutting that guy up."
"What? You're not mad at me?" Evan questioned.
"Not really, no. I was about to do what you did before too much longer. Seems like I need to teach Ronnie and Cruze how to processes faster. However, Mr. Taylor, you have been on a downward spiral for a while now. And while, I really don't mind you asserting yourself this time, I, Ronnie and Bri all will have to write a report on this and we can't leave out the fact that you broke someone's jaw in the middle of the precinct. The chief is already on my ass about you and there's nothing I can do for you anymore. I'm going to need your badge and your gun," Saipia explained.
"I-I-I'm fired?" Jack asked, stunned. "B-but, how am I going to pay for my horses?"
"We'll discuss that once you hand me your badge and your gun," Saipia said and motioned for him to hand over the items. Reluctantly, he did. Saipia put them in her desk and took a seat. "Now, why don't you have a seat." Again, Evan obeyed the request. "I have never abandoned any member of my team to death or unemployment. And you have to remember that I've got several connections and I can pretty much guarantee you some sort of employment somewhere. However, Evan, you've got quite a talent as a farrier, and I would recommend you make that your work."
"That's a lot of work. I mean, I'd have to get clients and all that," Jack replied.
Saipia nodded and put on her empty reading frames. "I know that. However, I just happen to know a very high profile client that is in dire need of a good farrier. You should know her as you've used her services before. But, Evan, before I give you her card. I would also suggest that you seek some counseling. And I have a new counselor friend that would be good for you."
"I don't know. I've never been very good with counselors," Jack commented.
"Yes. I am well aware of your past encounters with shrinks. But, if you don't want to see my counselor, I'm sure Liv will have a few she can suggest to you," Saipia acknowledged and handed Jack Liv's business card.
"Liv Ashton? She's the client in need of a farrier?" he wondered.
"Yup. Trust me. For as long as I've known her, she's had severe hoof problems. A lot of farriers have tried to help her out, but none have succeeded. And trust me, if you cure her of her aliments, you'll have all sorts of work, plus she'll probably hire you on as her personal farrier. Just be gentle with her, she's old and can be a little cranky at times," she said with a smile.
"Alright. Well, thanks for the job while it lasted. It was a pleasure to know you. And I still wish we could have been something more than friends," he replied as he stood to leave.
"Yeah, I know. And if your nickname hadn't been Jack and if I hadn't had a kid by Jack Rayn, we probably would have been more than friends." Saipia smiled.
With a nod, Evan went to clean out his desk, leaving Saipia to write up a report.
* * *
Jack took a seat in one of his big leather chairs with a beer in hand as he began to remove his uniform. He pulled the business card from his pocket and turned it over in his hand. "A farrier, huh?" he muttered to himself. I suppose I could give it a shot. But, for now, I think I'll enjoy some time off."
And he did. The former officer turned on his TV and watched some old westerns. And he continued to do this for two days. By that time he was running low on money and his concern for his horses grew. "I guess, I'd better get a job so I can care for you two, huh?" he asked them while tending to Ky's hooves.
Brutus whinnied in response. "Right, right. No one ever asks why I'm so skilled, and usually except my little story as fact. But, how would my ability to understand you guys do with a Genoid?"
Silently, the horses gave their opinion. "Well, I guess it's worth a shot. I mean, if she likes my work, I'd be set for life." he remarked as he finished Ky's hoof.
"Well, if I'm going to do this, I should call and make an appointment, at least, right?" he said and pulled out his phone from his pocket. Flipping through his number list he found Liv's number and called her.
"Mr. Taylor. I have been expecting your call," greeted the melanistic zebra.
"Right. So, when's a good time to stop by?" asked the hyena.
"Well, I'm free today if you want," Liv replied.
"Umm...that's fine I guess. So, what exactly is the problem with your hooves?" he questioned.
"They've never been properly clipped or cared for. Every farrier I've hired hasn't been able to help. They just start working away and it ends up either being a really crappy job or hurting like hell," explained Liv.
Evan nodded to himself. "So, you've got sensitive hooves, huh? Have you ever worn horseshoes?"
"I'm a zebra, not a horse. And, yes, my hooves are quite sensitive," said Liv.
Evan rubbed his temple. "Are you having back pain, as well?"
"Yes, I am," she replied.
"Alright. Well, let me get my tools together and some note paper and something to write with and I'll be over there as soon as I can, but I think I can help you out," he said as he did his best to visualize what was wrong.
* * *
Dressed in full farrier garb, with a chest of a cart of tools behind, Evan knocked nervously on the door of Liv's brothel. One of the girls answered the door in nothing but her bra and panties. "What do you want?" she asked.
"I'm actually here to see Liv," he answered.
The human girl looked him up and down and smirked. "You're not her type."
"No. I'm not here for pleasure, I'm here for..." Evan started.
"Business. April, get your ass back to work. Madam isn't paying you to answer doors and let in the cold," said a voice from behind the girl. Quickly the woman re-entered the house and Kessa greeted the hyena. "Sorry about that. My name is Kessa. I am Liv's Guardian. She will be glad to see you."
"Right. I just hope I can help," Evan commented as he couldn't keep his eyes from roaming the canine's body.
With a knowing smile, the vixen lead Evan through the house. Even though Kessa walked as though she could attack someone at any moment, there was still something to her gate that Evan found attractive. And Kessa noticed his stares and found herself attracted to him, as well.
Everyone that the two passed, however, were a little perplexed by the site of a farrier hauling his tools through a brothel. However, the further they went the more the strange stares turned to smiles. "Hey, Jack," a wolf with yellow fur said with a wave.
"Hey, Jack. You tending to the boss lady's hooves, huh?" called a skunk.
"Yeah," the hyena replied, waving back.
As he turned his attention back to Kessa, her playful smile was gone. "It would seem you're very popular, Mr. Taylor."
A minx walked by and gave Kessa a playful swat on her ass. "Are we still on for later, Kessa?"
"Depends on how long he takes," the vixen replied, blushing through her fur at being caught.
The rodent looked at Jack and smiled. "Hey, Evan," she greeted and continued on her way. "I'll see you in a little bit, Kessa, and you'd better wear...well, I'd prefer you not wear anything, but at least put on something better than that."
"You were scolding?" Evan commented.
"Hush, you. At least I'll be making sweet love to her while you're cleaning hooves," Kessa said and the two continued their journey.
"Hey, if I get done before you girls are finished, you mind if I join you? I'm sure Liv has a place to store my things and somewhere to shower and change," suggested the brown hyena.
Kessa smiled back at him mischievously. She rather liked the idea of playing with him. "Feel free if Liv will let you. And speaking of Liv. She is right through these doors. I will see you later. Just don't take forever."
With a wink and a quick kiss from the fox, Evan shook his composure back and opened the door. "Ah, Jack. So nice to see you again. Where's Kessa?"
"Kessa had a previous engagement. One which I hope to participate in as soon as I take care of you," he reported.
"Ah," Liv smiled broadly. "So you like my little Guardian, do you? Well, she usually doesn't sleep around that much, but Jessika was very adamant about her birthday present."
"Yeah. She can be that way. Now, let me take a look at your hooves," said Evan.
Liv pulled a specialized bench from a corner that was designed so that farriers were a bit more comfortable caring for her hooves. Liv laid face down with her legs hanging loosely over the edge. Wordlessly, Evan knelt down and took a look at the hooves. "Well, first of all, your hooves are torn to pieces. Which is probably why they're so sensitive. And secondly, your right hoof is about an inch longer than your left."
"But, I'm left handed," Liv commented.
Evan just nodded. "How long has it been since you've had a farrier work on your hooves?"
"About a year now," Liv replied.
"Yeah. You really should get it done more often than that. I always do my horses about every other week. Sometimes more," replied the cowboy as he felt the hooves. "You're hoof if also a little soft. Horseshoes might help with the pain and give you a little more evenness."
"Well, how about we do a bit of of maintaince on them before we get to that part," Liv suggested.
Evan shrugged as he grabbed his nippers and went to work. Liv winced a lot during the process. "You know, my first horse had soft hooves like yours. Didn't want to do anything but stand around in the nice soft hay. I ended up calling her Kitten 'cause she was so timid. But, the guy who taught me a lot about being a farrier, he put horseshoes on her. Some real solid and wide ones. And within two days, she was out running around the field, happy as can be."
"You change her name?" Liv asked.
"Nah. She was still sweet as a kitten. She never would harm anything. Ended up having to sell her to pay the bills. But then Saipia hired me onto the Angels and I was able to afford two more horses," said Evan as he finished up everything by filing the hooves smooth. "There we go. Try that and tell me how it feels."
Liv cautiously stood to her feet and instantly she was impressed. "Very good, Evan. Saipia was right about your talent."
"Glad I could be of service. I still would recommend that you wear horseshoes. If you want, I could make a set tonight just for you and have them to you by tomorrow," Evan replied.
The zebra thought a moment. "What if I want them custom painted?"
"I don't know why you would, and you'd have to find your own painter, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible," said the hyena.
"Well, we can certainly try them out. And if you're suggestion works out, you, Mr. Evan, will have yourself a new job. And I am not the only equine here. Several of my girls could use your services," said Liv.
"So, I'd work exclusively for you and your girls, huh?" Evan asked.
"Is that a problem?" Liv questioned as Kessa poked her head in the door.
"No. I don't think it will be," replied Evan as he turned to look at the fox who waved eagerly towards him.
Liv smiled. "Well you better not keep her waiting. She'll show you where you can change and get cleaned up and you can keep your tools here in my office. But, Jack, if you break her heart, I'll break your legs."
"Right. I would never dream of offending you," Evan said as he stood and moved towards the door.
* * *
Dressed in her pajamas, Saipia sat down next to Gjai, her daughter and Eric to watch a movie. But just as she was about to start it, her phone rang. Picking up the device from the counter, she read the screen before answering it. "Hey, Liv. What's up?"
"You were right about Evan. I haven't felt this good since I became a Genoid," said the equine.
"I figured he could help you out," Saipia said with a smile.
"Yup. He's even going to get me to wear horseshoes," Liv replied as she stared at the tools that still remained in her office.
"That's good. It'll probably help you out," Sai commented.
"Yeah, it should. But, it also appears that he and Kessa have fallen in love," Liv announced.
"Ah. So that's the real reason you called me. I'm sure she'll make him far happier than I could ever do. I mean, I am old enough to be his grandmother," said the white wolf.
"Right. I was thinking that, too. And he seems a lot calmer than he was as a police officer. Who knows. Maybe he and Kessa will get married," Liv said.
"Hey, if Eric can settle down and have a kid, Evan can, too. I'm glad he found work so quickly," Saipia said.
Next Time:
Saipia becomes a grandmother
However, when there's an unexpected development
It will nest Eric and Layta's love for each other
And in the end, they will know for certain
If they can really spend eternity together
Episode 35: "Pride and Joy"
