Meow for the Money (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 14) (3 page)

“Oh, that’s nice.”

“Come on Rags,” Savannah coaxed.

But Rags didn’t want to be bothered. He simply looked at her while lying upside down in a hammock. When she spoke to him again, he closed his eyes and scrunched down into the canvas. “Rags,” she said more sternly, walking closer to where he lay. She reached for him, but he wriggled out of her grasp and ran up one of the seven-foot cat trees. “Darn it, Rags,” she said under her breath, when she saw him looking down at her and swishing his tail back and forth.

“Here, give him this,” June suggested, opening her hand and revealing one of the kitty treats.

Savannah winked at the woman. “You believe in bribery, huh?”

June grinned. “Certainly. How else can one get compliance from a cat?” A smug look on her face, she said, “Works for me.”

When Savannah showed Rags the treat, he began sniffing the air. Soon, he was leaning over trying to catch the scent more distinctly and that’s when Savannah placed it on a lower level of the cat tree. Completely captivated by the aroma, the lanky cat leaped down and Savannah slipped the harness on him while he enjoyed the tasty morsel.

“This has been nice,” Savannah said, as she prepared to leave.

June smiled widely. “Yes, delightful. Just delightful.”

“So I’ll pick you up at one forty-five tomorrow, if that’s okay,” Savannah said before leaving with the reluctant cat.

****

The following afternoon, fifteen members of the Hammond Cat Alliance (thirteen women and two men) along with two guests gathered at Margaret and Max Sheridan’s home. President Ida Stone called the meeting to order. “For those of you who don’t know our guests, I’d like to introduce June Balcomb and Violet Hope. Welcome, ladies.”

After calling for officers’ reports and discussing old business, Ida asked for new business and June spoke. “Is it okay to bring up my concerns now?”

The president nodded. “Certainly.”

“Well, first I want to give your organization a donation.” She motioned toward Savannah. “You see, one of my cats escaped—or was taken—and she found her way to the Iveys’ home. I offered Dr. Mike and Savannah a generous reward, but they asked if, instead, I’d donate it to your organization.” She glanced around the room. “After listening to your president and your committee chair-people and hearing about all the good you do for cats, I’m proud to give the Hammond Cat Alliance a sum of $5,000.”

There were several comments: “Wow!”

“That’s wonderful.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Balcomb.”

“What a generous gesture.”

June said, “My cats mean the world to me…” Dabbing at her eyes, she continued, “And I’m so thankful to have my precious Mazie Mae back.”

“Oh, the Himalayan,” Betty Gilbert said. “I read about her in the paper.” She glanced in Savannah’s direction. “The Iveys found her?”

Edie Minsky chimed in. “I know how frightening it can be to have a sweet kitty missing.” She looked around the room at the others. “Remember when my Sally was lost?” Smiling, she said, “Her story had a happy ending, too.”

“What a blessing,” Dora Lipton said. “I’m so glad your kitty’s okay.”

“Believe me, so am I,” June said. “…which brings me to my second topic of new business.” She motioned toward Ida Stone. “I’ll have my attorney cut a check for you—formalities, you know.” She then made eye contact with several members around the room. “I’m looking for someone who will take care of my cats when I leave this planet. I prefer that it be a woman—someone much younger than I am. For those of you who can’t guess, I’m ninety this year.”

There was a rumble of comments. “Ninety? You don’t look it.”

“That’s young.”

“Yeah, you’re spry for someone that age.”

June smiled. “Well, thank you all, but it’s true. I’m nearly ninety and I plan to check out sometime before I hit the century mark.” When several members seemed confused, she said defiantly, “I won’t stick around for people to fawn over at some ridiculous hundred-year birthday party where I’m babbling incoherently and slobbering lemon cake down my chin while paparazzi snap pictures for the social page of the newspaper.”

The room filled with chuckles. Once the laughter and comments had subsided, June continued, “I’m seriously looking for someone who loves cats as much as I do and who’s willing to follow my last will and testament instructions to the letter.”

“How many cats do you have?” Edie asked.

“Eight.”

Savannah said. “No June, remember, we counted nine yesterday, plus your outdoor cats.”

“Yes, that’s right; there are nine at the moment. There may be more or there may be fewer when my time comes.” She glanced around the room. “As Savannah says, there’s a gathering of feral cats I want included, as well.”

“It would take quite a space to accommodate that many cats,” Margaret pointed out.

“Oh yes, that’s right; but, whoever takes on this labor of love will also get my home. I do not want the cats to be displaced. She will get a salary because I expect her to care for them full-time without any interference from outside distractions. I’d also like her to learn how to groom them and trim their nails. She must do everything except the veterinary, although, I insist that she be able to administer pills, give subcutaneous fluids if needed—that sort of thing.” She looked around the room at a sea of blank stares, then said, “To be clear, I do not want to hand over this job—or should I say this privilege—to someone who runs a cattery of any sort. No, I want my kitties to be a priority from start to finish—from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.”

One of Savannah’s best friends, Iris Sledge broke the silence. “Colbi, that sounds right up your alley, hon. When you and my son get married, you would have a fun job, a place to live, and a whole bunch of kitty cats to play with.”

Colbi smiled. “Well, it’s tempting for sure. But I can’t give up my writing career.”

“Look at the job security!” Iris said.

“I guess you don’t understand, Iris. Sure, I love cats, but writing is also my passion. I have to write. There’s no way I can give it up.”

Iris winked. “Yeah, I get it. That’s how I feel about home decorating.”

“I’d love to do it,” Edie said, “if I were younger.”

Betty nodded. “Me too, but we also have dogs and horses. I don’t think that would work.”

Suddenly from across the room, a soft voice spoke up. “I’m new to this organization. My name’s Violet and this is my first time here. I’m an artist and I specialize in cats. I thought I might make some contacts among you all.” She chuckled. “I also have a house full of fur kids. I rescue black cats.”

“Bless you,” June said.

Ida reached out next. “Nice to meet you, Violet. We’d love to see your work.”

“Thanks. I left some brochures on the table over there.” She glanced down at the teacup in her hand before making eye contact with June. “I may know someone who would be interested in taking care of your cats.”

June leaned toward Violet. “Yes?”

“She’s young, loves cats, has a business head, and is between careers and relationships. She’s also sweet and kind.”

“Oh, I must meet this woman. Where is she? When can I meet her?”

Violet looked down again. “Well, she won’t be here until sometime next week, I’m afraid. Can you wait to meet her then?”

“I’ll pay for her flight, if that’s what it takes. Can you call and tell her that? Who is she, by the way, a friend?”

“She’s my daughter.”

“Where is she? How can we get her here?”

“Well…” Violet stalled. She then said, quietly, “She’s in jail right now.” When she saw the expression of disappointment on June’s face, she added, “It’s not what you think. In fact it was because of her passion for cats that she wound up there.” She hesitated. “I’m afraid she can be a bit of an activist and she got involved where maybe she shouldn’t have in order to save a litter of kittens and the mother cat.” Violet tilted her head and continued, “Actually, she did save most of the kittens, and that’s the important thing, especially from her perspective.”

June looked shocked for a moment, then she relaxed a little and shrugged. “Well, some of our most powerful and virtuous leaders have been imprisoned for doing the honorable thing.” She said quietly, “I’d like to hear the story. Will you tell me the story?”

Violet glanced around the room and saw that all sixteen of those present sat waiting for her to speak. “We have hoarders in our neighborhood. They have cats everywhere. Some are running loose, but others are kept in cages in deplorable conditions. Some of us have tried to help these people and educate them. We’ve even resorted to reporting them, but nothing seems to come of it. One day my daughter heard what sounded like a cat in distress. She went over there to see what was going on and to find out if she could help. Well, they already hate us and most everyone else in the neighborhood. They resent our interference. So when Mrs. Gillingham finally opened the front door and saw Nola standing there on her porch, she slammed the door in my daughter’s face. Nola shouted through the door, letting her know that one of her cats was in trouble, but the woman didn’t respond. So Nola followed the sound into the backyard.” Violet took a deep breath. “She found a mother cat trying to give birth. When she realized there was a problem, she snatched the cat and rushed her to the nearest vet.”

“Oh!” Savannah said. “I remember that. She came to our clinic. My husband Michael was involved in that case.”

Violet’s eyes lit up. “Oh yes, he was wonderful. He saved the little cat and all but one of the kittens.” Her eyes grew dark. “But the woman had her arrested for trespassing and burglary. Dr. Mike spoke up on Nola’s behalf, but despite all the wrong those people are doing on behalf of cats, my daughter is the one who has to do jail time.” She shook her head, then looked up at June. “So you see, she definitely has a heart for cats. She told me when I saw her a few days ago that she’d do it again in a minute if it meant saving a cat and her litter.”

Wiping a tear from her eye, Dora asked, “Where are the cats now?”

Violet smiled. “They were adopted. Dr. Mike went out on a limb for them and they’re all in good homes. On another high note, I’ve seen authorities over at the Gillinghams’ place. I think they’ll be closed down soon.”

Several people responded, “Hear! Hear!”

“That’s good news.”

“The sooner the better. Those poor kitties.”

“And a good project for the Hammond Cat Alliance to get involved in, don’t you think, people?” Ida said.

Her question was followed by a rumble of affirmative statements.

“I’ll head up that committee,” Betty Gilbert offered.

In the meantime, June shook her head slowly. “Damn uneducated people! What’s wrong with them?” She looked at Violet. “Yes! Your daughter sounds like the kind of young woman I’m looking for.” She stood. Using her cane, she walked over to Violet and handed her a card. “Who’s her attorney, anyone I know?”

“Um, it’s Dorothy Matson.”

“Oh yes, I know of her firm. I’d like to speak with her about the case…and maybe visit your daughter. What’s her name?”

“Nola Katherine Hope. I call her Nola, but she also goes by
Kat
.”

“Of course she does,” June said, smiling. “If I feel a connection with your daughter—Kat—I will see about bailing her out. Have Dotty Matson call me as soon as possible, will you? Time is of the essence.”

****

Late the next afternoon, Savannah left Lily with Michael, loaded Rags into her SUV, and drove to June Balcomb’s home to deliver Hammond Cat Alliance membership materials. Megan greeted her at the door and ushered her into the cat room just as June arose from the daybed to a sitting position. Four cats jumped down off the small bed and skittered out of sight among the various cubbyholes and climbing apparatus.

“I was just resting my eyes,” June said. “Come in and sit with me. Have you brought me the membership form?”

“Yes, I’m sorry we weren’t prepared at the meeting yesterday. We kind of got off track with…”

“…my unusual request?” She smiled. “I don’t imagine you’ve had something like that happen before, am I right?”

Savannah nodded.

“Didn’t you bring Ragsdale?” she asked, looking for him around Savannah’s ankles.

“Yes, he rode along with me. I wasn’t sure if it was convenient to…” she started.

“Of course it’s convenient. I told you to bring him. I always love seeing him.” June examined the watch pin on her cardigan sweater. “It’s almost afternoon treat time. I want him to be included.”

“They get treats twice a day?” Savannah asked.

June nodded. “Like clockwork. Three meals, two treats, and an hour or two of outdoor time on warm days, except for Rambler and Bentley, the two with Maine coon heritage. They like to go out even when it’s frosty.”

“Outside?”

“Yes. Oh, didn’t I show you their out-of-doors playground? Come, come,” she invited, struggling a little to stand. Using her cane to walk, June led Savannah through the large cat room into an even larger screened enclosure complete with a small pond, kitty grass, huge cat trees, live trees in large pots, and spacious cement tubes for hiding and playing in.

“This is amazing,” Savannah said, looking around. “No wonder Rags loves spending time here.”

“Yes, now go get him, will you?”

When Savannah returned to the room with Rags on a leash, she was taken aback upon seeing an anorexic-looking woman with pale skin and stringy blond hair frantically shouting to June, “Carlo’s gone! We can’t find him anywhere!”

June frowned. “Good God, Jody, how did that happen? Weren’t you watching him? What were you doing?”

“Yes, I was watching him,” the woman spat. “He was napping on the futon in the playroom and I stepped outside the door to chat with Megan. When I went back in,” she said, becoming more hysterical as she spoke, “he was gone. We’ve looked everywhere.”

“The pool?” June said, frantically.

“Yes, and the koi pond. Clarence and Phillip are checking the gardens and garages. Megan and I looked in all the closets. There’s no sign of him, except…”

“Except what?” June insisted.

She held out a small stuffed bear. “We found his teddy outside. Aunt J, how would he get outside without me seeing him? What if he’s been taken?” she screeched. “Someone could have climbed in through that window and…”