j. a. buxton

Throughout the long nights, lights shining from every window confused the nocturnal creatures that had made the abandoned mansion their home for years. Dozens of workers went from attic to basement to clear out the resident animals and insects while trying not to hurt any of them.

A large red fox did give a couple men pause when it stuck its head out of the pantry located just off the large kitchen. As it watched the men raking the debris from the floor, the fox showed no desire to leave, instead just sitting there with its tongue hanging out. "Phone Walker and get him down here. I ain't risking my life on no rabid animal," shouted one of the men, his voice an octave higher than normal.

Within minutes, Walker came into the kitchen and knelt on the floor in front of the curious fox. The two workers backed out of the room, both hoping the animal would not attack and kill the man, leaving them without a job or paycheck.

Finally, Walker was alone with the fox. "Okay," he said when the animal cocked its head to one side and stared attentively at him, "you can stay, Zorro. The mansion is going to be a place for lost and forgotten souls, and you fit the bill." Standing up, he smiled at his first tenant, finding the name for his new home at that moment. "Welcome to Maison du Renard Rouge."

With this simple statement, he officially put into action a long-held desire, to open his home and heart to the ignored, forgotten, or just plain abandoned. He still did not know how long it would be before the first human guest would arrive. Leaving the fox in complete charge of the pantry, however, he was more than pleased at the auspicious beginning.

* * *

This book is about the many lonely people to come under the tender care of Walker and his well trained employees. Some had families who no longer wanted them; others were the last surviving member waiting without hope for the final release of death; a few needed to escape from those who abused them. Each had a story to tell, and Walker and his staff were there to listen.