Cedric Eder: A Short Story

The brown wood fence surrounding the backyard was not locked when Cedric held the gate handle, trying to open it. It’s widely known that Brett’s had never locked his gate, the place was always opened and welcomed everyone. The backyard just past the gate was empty when he, the guard, and the dog walked on the winding cobblestone leading the building. Recyclable trash and wood crafting littering the green lawns at the backyard was the evidence that the place was used as workshop space. The 1200 square foot red brick building in front of him was a two-story structure contained a collective of crafting tools, computer, electrical components and the ornamental metal sign on the hanging bracket said Scavenger gallery and studio. The first story

The fact that Sofia wore the company infamous glove didn't back him from offering his hand. But the gloves might no longer be a problem since she took off her gloves, ignoring the guards’ warning to keep her gloves on, and shook his hand warmly, “Sofia Fabray.”
The panther growls when their hand’s touching. He glanced at the anxious animal, “Your panther, he’s a leopard right?”
“I guess it’s not your first encounter with panther,” said Sofia, withdrawing her hand from him and patting the panther’s head.
“David Concoran is the master of a Panther too, only it comes from jaguar species, heavier and larger than him. Leopard was faster, a stealthy hunter, an excellent tree climber. Anyway, regardless species, they all hate me, perhaps they can sense that I tend to be alarmed and suspicious when I’m around their master.”
“Oh really? Alarmed and suspicious,” said Sofia, chuckled, her blue eyes widened. She moved one step closer to Cedric, so close that if she moved one step closer he’d feel her warm breath against his neck. C’mon, move one step closer, Cedric thought.
“So you know Dave. I’ll ask him about you the next time I meet him.”
“You won’t like what you hear.”
“It makes me want to hear his side of the story