Spy Cat (17 page)

“We can’t control what bad people do,” Mr. Kendrill said, “but we can choose how we react. You were brave, Benjie. You didn’t panic; you used your head.”

“So did Alex and Rocky,” the sheriff said. “If they hadn’t called as soon as they found that address, we might not have caught the men. Another five minutes and they might have ditched the van and gotten away.”

“Now that I’m an official deputy,” Benjie said, “I’ll let you know when I see any flying green panthers.”

“You do that,” said Sheriff Alvored.

“Maybe I’ll even see a flying green possum, and it can be Pearly’s friend.”

“Pearly’s going to be released tomorrow,” Mary said. “Gramma’s driving her to the wildlife center, and they’ll take her into the woods.”

“I’m glad you didn’t try to keep her,” Alex said.

“So am I,” Mary said.

“Are you going to keep Rufus?” Rocky asked.

“No,” Mrs. Sunburg said. “We do foster care. When Rufus heals, we’ll find a good home for him.”

Rocky turned to his parents. “Could I adopt Rufus?” he asked. “He has only three legs, but he’s a great dog.”

Rocky’s mom and stepdad looked at each other, then spoke at the same time. “Yes,” they said.

Pete looked around the room. Everyone was relaxed and smiling. Even the sheriff and the deputy lounged comfortably on the couch. Pete’s tail swished. It was the perfect time for a cat fit.

He leaped into the air and came down beside the sheriff. He skimmed the top of the deputy’s shoes, dashed out of the room, made a U-turn in the hallway, raced back to the family room, and catapulted toward the media center.

He landed on the empty shelf where the television belonged.
“
Did you see that?
”
he hollered.
“
I’m a catapulting cat!
”

“Gracious,” Mrs. Sunburg said.

“He shot up there as if he came out of a catapult,” Sheriff Alvored said.

“
Yes!
”
Pete shouted.
“
Say that again!
”

“We were right the first time,” Deputy Flick said.

“He’s wild,” agreed the sheriff.

Lizzy looked at Pete, leaped off Benjie’s lap, and climbed the drapes.