"Do we think it could have been those ladies?" Aubrey asked.
"No," I said. "It doesn't make sense. I really think they just come for the entertainment value. They genuinely seemed uninterested in competing. What do you think, Skylar?"
"I've never known them to try," she said. "It would make sense that they only come for the socializing."
"They could be using it as a cover though," Aubrey pointed out. "Isabel seemed rather sure that the trophies would turn up."
"True," Skylar said.
"I could see them laughing about it either way," I said. "Stealing them to show us all, or knowing they weren't going to win and finding it funny."
"Totally makes sense," Skylar said. "I would have laughed had I not actually thought we had a chance, and trophies already at home."
"But why bring so much attention to yourself during an active crime announcement?" Aubrey asked.
"If they really don't think they are valuable, I would assume they also wouldn't take it seriously or expect Linda to call the cops," Skylar said.
I opened one of the glass doors leading into the dining area. At that point, I was walking on auto pilot as the conversation we were having had taken hold of my thoughts.
"I mean, the drama of it all is absurd to the point of hilarity," I said. "Only at a cat show does someone steal trophies and leave the valuable prizes behind."
I could not help but laugh as I finished the sentence, causing the girls to giggle. It was in fact ridiculous that someone would really stoop this low.
"That's true," Aubrey said. "Guess that means we can't really cross them off though."
"Yeah, but I'm going to mark them as not likely," I said. "Really we should focus on figuring out where everyone was between six AM and nine AM, as that's when Linda said they went missing."
"Good idea," Aubrey said. "We should start looking at this as entertainment instead of torture."
"Like the one lady said, it's better than their soap operas," I joked.
I looked around the dining room and realized we somehow managed to find the buffet line. The girls and I picked up our empty plates.
"I don't know the last time I watched one," Aubrey said. "Probably when I was living at home. My mother is obsessed. I would watch them during the summer with her when there was nothing else to do."
"I've never seen a full episode," Skylar said. "I was a game show or talk show watcher on sick days."
"I always worked with Aunt Tona over the summer while I was in school, so I never had time to watch them. Not that I have ever been much of a tv watcher, anyway."
I beamed with excitement, they had mac and cheese again. There was something about their version that made it the ultimate comfort food.
"You're not missing anything," Aubrey said, chuckling as we continued to fill our plates.
The other competitors had the same idea, most of the tables were already full. Thankfully, the more awkward tables were open, so we took a table by the buffet line walkway after filling our plates. It was interesting that none of our other tribe ladies were currently eating. While it relieved me to not have to deal with their drama again, if they had not eaten yet they would probably appear before we finished. With none of us allowed to leave, it was the buffet, or room service, for lunch.
We had just settled in when a lady came up behind me. "So you're the young woman that inherited Azure?"
I turned around to face her. "Yes. I'm Hailey. And you are?"
"Sue," she said, holding out her hand.
I shook it as Azure transmitted to me, "She leads Tribe Avoiuli, covering the Austin area."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said in my most formal tone. "This is Skylar and Shadow, and my friend Aubrey."
"Nice to meet y'all."
Sue took the open seat at our table. "Tona and I had a bit of a rivalry, you might say."
"Sounds about right," I said. "She was always a competitive person. Never liked to lose and believed it was vital to always do her best. Taught me to do the same."
I said the last as a challenge. If Sue thought she could come over here and speak ill of Aunt Tona, she was in for a rude awakening. Everything I learned about setting goals and accomplishing them came from Aunt Tona.
"That's great to hear," Sue said in a voice that implied it was anything but. "I noticed Azure was off his game this year and assumed it was because of Tona's passing."
"Off my game?! This woman. She has no idea what she's talking about," Azure transmitted. "She's just trying to start drama as usual."
I looked at my plate and took a slow breath in and out to calm my frustration.
"I know this was my first competition," I said, "but I think Azure did just fine."
"Looked as good as last year to me," Skylar said.
Aubrey gave Sue the dirtiest look that calmed my nerves and made it hard not to giggle during the conversation. I adored how protective she was.
"Scoring a second-place trophy is nothing to scoff at for your first year," Sue said. "But of course, it's all up to the judges to decide."
"What's your cat's breed?" Aubrey asked, trying to deflect the tension building at the table.
I looked back at my food. Would it be rude if I just started eating? My stomach was not okay with the teasing taking place.
"Simon is an Abyssinian," Sue said in the most pretentious voice I had heard all weekend—that was saying something.
Many competitors spoke in a tone that would make royalty cringe, any time they were speaking about cat stuff. How Aunt Tona enjoyed this, I would never know.
"Sweet," Aubrey said, pulling out her phone to take notes. "Do you mind if I take a photo of him?"
"Not at all," Sue said. "Simon, smile for the camera."
He sat up straight in a regal pose and meowed.
"That's so adorable," Aubrey said, looking at Skylar and me for confirmation.
"Totally," Skylar said, and I nodded in agreement.
We glanced at each other and Skylar's face told me she was sympathetic to the lie we were spinning. I returned her grimace and looked back at my plate.
Once again, I was faced with the truth of my new life. There was no way to tell Aubrey that Azure was actually a dragon and understood every word of our conversation. All weekend I kept having to push the feeling of guilt to the back of my mind. I felt so bad for all the regular cat owners who were here competing against dragons. The whole thing felt shameful.
"I for one have fully enjoyed my first competition," I lied. "It's been a real treat to help Azure shine."
"Don't push it," Azure transmitted.
I took an innocent drink of my coffee and smiled, ignoring Azure's statement. Sue did not need to know that my words were dripping with sarcasm.
Skylar and Aubrey gave me looks of concern, but Sue stayed oblivious and said, "That's so great to hear. Always a delight to see the next generation taking up the sport."
Now it is a sport? This lady was too much!
"Absolutely," I said. "The competition is hard, but that just serves to bring out the best in Azure. But of course, if he brings home a participation ribbon, that will be fine too. It's just important that he did his best."
Sue gave a smile as if saying, "I was smart to accept the inevitable." I smiled back, hoping she realized her words were not getting to me in the slightest.
"Though it's such a shame about the trophies," I added. "I've really enjoyed getting to know the other ladies here, and I feel so bad that they aren't going to get their prizes."
"It's appalling that someone would do this," Sue said.
"Childish is what it is," Aubrey said. "What kind of person steals trophies? And why? I hope they get charges brought against them.
She let out a sigh and picked up her water. I assumed she was attempting to stop herself from saying more, Sue was technically a suspect. But Aubrey's passion for the case was getting the better of her.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Sue said. "This morning I told
Nathan as much. If they don't prosecute, I'm going to request the show be put under new management. That door should have been locked. Thousands of dollars just lying around for anyone to steal. Have they even accounted for everything in that room yet? With the lack of organization they have, I'm guessing they didn't even have a master list. It's just appalling."
The sounds of the restaurant filled the silence left after her rant. Little did she know, they touched none of the other prizes. Her overreaction was a bit much. No way someone this mad about the incident could be the one to actually commit the crime. Unless she was a Hollywood-worthy actress. After a few minutes of no one speaking, I figured I needed to break the silence and attempt to change the tone of the conversation.
"I'm sorry we weren't able to meet sooner," I lied. "I've been talking to most of the ladies in the mornings during breakfast, but I don't recall seeing you. Have you been eating outside of the hotel?"
"Oh no," Sue said. "We've been staying here, but in the morning, we gather by the pool to eat fruit parfaits. The cats love a bit of sun to start the day."
"What about the water?" Aubrey asked
"Our cats aren't afraid of water," Sue said. "Not that you'll catch them swimming."
"That's a fun way to spend breakfast," I said before anyone else could respond. I picked up my fork and took a bite. When she did not get the visual hint I continued, "I wish you the best of luck when they get around to announcing the winners."
"Thank you," Sue said and took the cue to leave us to our lunch.
As soon as Sue was out of earshot, Skylar and Aubrey broke into laughter.
"I had a hard time deciphering where you were being sarcastic," Skylar said between laughs. "I don't think I've ever heard you so girlish and excited."
"That lady was clueless," Aubrey said. "Or has the best ability to mask her emotions I've ever seen."
"Sarcasm is a skill," I said. "And if you don't practice regularly, it'll fade."
They laughed, but I was not joking.
"You must be the World Champion then," Azure transmitted.
"Won gold all fifteen years I've entered," I transmitted. "Remind me to show you my trophies, way more valuable than these cat cups they're handing out here."
"Touche," he transmitted, and dove into his bowl of food, chuckling through the link.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sunday, May 17th, 12:30 PM
After an excellent lunch that included an endless supply of coffee and some of the best lasagna I have ever eaten, Aubrey and Skylar went to the restroom leaving me alone with Azure and Shadow. I leaned back in my chair to relax and allow my stomach time to digest.
There was a small chance I ate too much, but I basked in the suffering, and finally felt like a functional human again. While cupcakes for breakfast brought happiness, they did not keep the body fueled long term.
Azure and Shadow curled up on the floor next to my chair, their bowls empty. Pure Balance provided the hotel with an array of healthy cat food options, and our guys were taking full advantage of being able to eat to their heart's desire. Thankfully, the vendors agreed to stay and cover this unforeseen lunch. The schedule originally had us out of the hotel by eleven.
I glanced around the restaurant, pondering the various tribes present. There were no obvious suspects. It was clear we were in over our heads, as usual. Playing investigator was not my cup of joe. No matter how many mysteries I read, I would never have a knack for solving crime. I crossed my fingers, hopefully this one would end with the cops uncovering the thief.
I took a drink of coffee and let out a sigh.
Detectives were stopping by tables to speak with larger groups of women, still as apathetic as ever. Hardly taking notes or showing interest in what the ladies were telling them. To their credit, I knew if it were me, there was no way I could listen to the non-stop drama of the cat show's members. But to be a fly on the shoulder of one of them could have given us the insight needed to pick out the culprit.
Could dragons glamour into flies?
If a dragon protector were behind this, it would be a blow to the community at large. Azure gave me the impression that dragons held loyalty and honesty in high regard. I brought my thoughts back to the table and the sleeping bundles of fur below me.
As if they felt my gaze, each took the opportunity to stretch out. Cats were the cutest animals on the planet when stretching. Azure stretched his front and back paws out horizontally, showing off his true length. In cat form, his paws reached my waist if he propped himself up on me. While Shadow, smaller in frame and build, stretched his four paws out below his body, creating the perfect cat arch with his back. The sight made me swoon.
This was a perfect opportunity to speak with Shadow alone and gain an outside perspective on what it meant to be a dragon protector. Azure's opinion was clear, I was there to aid in his running of Tribe Rune. He had stifled my questions more than once.
"I'm curious," I transmitted to Shadow. "How old are you?"
"One hundred and forty-eight next month," Shadow transmitted in a tone that resembled a yawn.
"Sorry," I transmitted. "Are you trying to sleep?"
"Allowing my food to digest," Shadow transmitted. "Our digestion is slower than yours."
"Oh, right," I transmitted. "Is all of our tribe around the same age?"
"We all hatched around the same decade, so yes," Azure transmitted. "That's why we're a tribe."
"I thought you hand picked your tribe mates?"
"Semantics. There's much you don't know," Azure transmitted. He let out an enormous yawn and added, "Even after fifty years, Tona still knew less than a few beans worth of information, compared to the deep history of knowledge that exists."
"Really?"
"Do you know every bit of history for your own species?" Azure transmitted. "How does one cover thousands of years of history in a single human lifetime?"
"True, but I want to know more," I transmitted. "Seems like this type of stuff is really what the ladies should talk about at meetings. Learning the lore surrounding their companions opposed the drama surrounding their neighbors."
"It is always a great comfort to hear the lead protector speak with such interest," Shadow transmitted. "However, I doubt the other ladies in the tribe would share your enthusiasm. What do you want to know?"
"You're probably right about that," I transmitted. "Presently, I am wondering if there is a reason behind the variation in cat breeds, like does it correspond with your scale colors? What causes the different scale colors?"
"Random chance decides our scale coloring," Shadow transmitted. "There are no set genetics when it comes to scale tones."
"As for the cat breed," Azure transmitted. "That's a personal choice of each dragon. We have to live with the form we choose for years, so it better be one we like."
"Oh right, since y'all take on the personality traits of the breed as well," I transmitted. "That's fascinating."
"Our tribe specifically made sure none of us were the same breed," Azure transmitted.
"I never looked into Azure's breed, just took Tona's word for it. But after being here, I've noticed all the dragon's cat glamours have slight differences from the actual breed. Like Azure seems to be fluffier than most Bombay's. Is that on purpose?"
"Yes," Shadow transmitted. "Since we can look as we please, we all take liberty to appear how we most enjoy. While cat experts will notice it, our breed paperwork is legitimate so they can't question it."
"I see. Must be why dragons always win the shows. How long do you stay in one breed? I know cats don't live crazy long, but at some point you have to change breeds, no?"
"We can take a new breed as we see fit," Shadow transmitted. "Though we do take the obligations of the protector in having to explain a new cat to people into consideration."
"What does that mean, though? Do you come back as kittens and then grow? When will you change Azure?"
"So many questions," Azure transmitted his laughter. "If for som
e reason we needed to show ourselves as a kitten we would, but usually if we pick a new breed we present ourselves as an adult. I don't think I will pick any other breed for as long as I am a house cat. I enjoy being black and void-like."
"It fits your cheery demeanor perfectly," I transmitted. "What about strangers? Wouldn't they notice?"
"Most humans are too self-obsessed to notice a cat," Shadow transmitted.
"Besides," Azure transmitted, "we always live with our protector, and they know the truth. Haven't you noticed that every protector is a single woman?"
"Every protector? Like for all the tribes?"
I looked around the room as if I was going to prove him wrong. This was not the first time I gave it enough thought to question the situation. It was not like it applied to me anyway. I was as single as they come.
"Yes," Azure transmitted. "It's a requirement for being a protector."
"But that means . . . Why, though?"
I pushed the scraps of food around on my plate, deep in thought.
To say I was speechless would be an understatement, not that I wanted different. I was living my best life: best friends, financially secure, and a well-thought-out lifestyle. Not once had I wanted kids or family-oriented goals, but being told I could never have those things made the rebel in me antsy.
In all honesty, I never experienced the notion to settle down with someone in a marriage-type situation. I was happy for my friends that went that route, but I knew through many years of self-discovery and accepting who I was, it was not my path.
"Yes," Azure transmitted. "You will never find a human mate."
"A human mate." I laughed and glanced around to make sure no one else saw me laughing at cats. That would be the highlight of my weekend, crazy cat lady. "What if I fall in love though?"
"Really? You aspire to fall in romantic love? Maybe you should be asking yourself that question," Azure transmitted. "You were chosen because you have no urge for marriage, romantic love, or any of that romanticized tea. Are you not filled with love through your family and friends?"
Purrfect Roast: A Dragon Cozy Mystery Page 6