by Patricia Fry
"Sure. Keep me posted, will you?" Rochelle said.
****
"So what happened today, hon?" Michael asked as the two of them cleaned up the kitchen after dinner.
She laughed. "The kids really took over the dinnertime conversation tonight, didn't they?"
"Yes, each time we'd get on a topic, they'd hijack the conversation." He chuckled. "Now I know all about the kittens at Maggie's and Max's and the cupcake lunch…" He looked sternly at her. "You won't be making that a regular occasion, will you? The kids need their veggies, fruits, proteins, and grains."
"No," she said, laughing. "It was one of those unusual and interesting days. Sometimes it does a soul good to eat cupcakes."
"So what were you trying to tell me earlier?" he asked. "Lily started to say something about a mean man making you mad. What was that about?"
Savannah glanced into the living room where Gladys was entertaining the children, then clenched her jaw. "Well, Damon brought a man here this morning who claims Rags belongs to him, and he said that he can prove it. He actually wanted me to hand Rags over to him right then and there."
"What?" Michael said. "Why in the world did Damon…?"
"Oh, Damon didn't have a clue. He thought the guy wanted to buy a book. I think he was bamboozled by this guy, too. He felt awful. He called me later to apologize again."
"Well, what proof does this guy think he has?" Michael asked.
"I don't know. I didn't want to go there, so I told him to have his lawyer get in touch with my lawyer."
"You got lawyers involved in a cat-custody battle?" Michael exclaimed.
"Sure I did," she said. "Better that than allowing him to berate me. I just wanted him out of our house."
"I don't blame you, hon. So did you talk to Sondra? Are you using her?"
"Yeah," she said. "I called her to make sure she would back me up or work with me on this. She said it was a rather unique case, but when I told her I have all kinds of proof that Rags is my cat—a real paper trail with actual people who can validate facts and dates and things, she agreed. She thought it could be interesting. I cautioned her that this is a special cat who is beloved by many, and who actually brings money into our household. I let her know this isn't the first time someone has threatened to take him or has actually taken him. She was surprised and soon realized why I wanted to fight with everything we have. It appears that she's on board."
"Good. So what's his proof or defense?" he asked.
"He says he adopted Rags when he was a kitten. He calls him Puff and said his real name is Thomas."
Michael chuckled. "Puff?"
Savannah nodded, then continued, "He said someone took the cat from his home and he found out who it was and confronted her, and she told him she'd left his cat at a shelter. The shelter evidently released him to a pet store and someone adopted him from there. He's sure it was me." She said more forcefully, "He even said his cat's mother's name is Angel and that she's a Ragdoll."
Michael ran his hand through his hair, then said, "Hon, he probably read your book. All that stuff's in your book."
"Yeah, he did say he'd read part of it." She grabbed his arm. "But Michael, Rochelle called because she had a vision about this very encounter. She said what the man is telling me is absolutely true."
"How can that be?" he asked. "Savannah, when you traced Rags's history, did you come across anything to substantiate his claim? Was there a period in Rags's kittenhood when he could have been with that man?"
"Not that I'm aware of," she said. She shook her head. "No, there were no lapses between Rags being adopted, then returned, then adopted again and returned again. There was no mention by anyone that Rags ever belonged to this man or that he ran away, got lost, got found and all that." She shook her head. "I just don't know why Rochelle believes he's telling the truth."
Michael took a deep breath. "Well, that's okay. No need to stress over the details. Like you said, let the attorneys work it out."
"Yeah, I have an appointment with Sondra tomorrow while the kids are at school. I'll take her a copy of my book along with the supporting information I have. Hopefully she'll determine it's enough to make a strong defense for us."
He frowned. "Even if this guy's story pans out, why would any court—if it went that far—take a cat out of the only home he's ever known and give him to a stranger? I can't see that happening. I think you did the right thing, hon, by involving Sondra."
"Thank you," she said, letting out a sigh. "That makes me feel better. I hope Sondra is as hopeful as you are."
"So this won't interrupt our trip, will it?" Michael asked "You won't be too distracted to go camping?"
"I was thinking about that, and I decided it won't. I definitely will be ready to get away with my family. The problem, if there is one after I talk to Sondra tomorrow, will be here when I return. Are we still leaving on Sunday?"
"Yes." He smiled. "I'm surprised at how relaxed you are and how willing you are to take the trip, in light of…" Michael paused. He looked at her suspiciously. "Hey, wait. You're planning to take him with us, aren't you?" When he saw the look of satisfaction on her face, he said, "Oh, no, Savannah. You're not…"
"I certainly am. I'm not letting him out of my sight until that man goes away. In fact, I think I'll be able to relax much more easily if we're away from here. I can stay in touch with Sondra by phone and text. And with Rags right there with me, I'll be worry-free."
"Maybe you will," Michael mumbled.
Savannah kissed him, then took his hand and led him into the living room.
Chapter Five
Late Sunday morning the Iveys were on the road headed for Nevada to meet Michael's twin brother, Keith, and his family. They'd picked up Michael's eleven-year-old son, Adam, from his home on the way.
"Why did you bring Rags?" Adam asked from the backseat.
"That's a good question," Michael said.
"I thought so," Adam replied. "That's why I asked it." When no one responded, he said, "Isn't anyone going to tell me? Do you have a book-signing party in Nevada, Savannah?"
"No." She winced. "In fact, I purposely didn't tell Rob about this trip so he wouldn't schedule anything for me."
"Don't you like your book-signing parties? When I've been with you, it looks like you're having fun," Adam said.
"Yes, they're fun," Savannah said. "Just a little stressful."
"Why?" Adam asked.
"How long have you known Rags?" Michael asked.
Adam made a face. "Huh?"
"Rags makes life stressful," Michael explained.
"So why did you bring him?" the boy asked again.
Michael glanced at his son in the rearview mirror. "Do you think we should have left him home?"
"No, I like having him around and Lexie too, but it's usual to take a dog camping, not a cat."
"He likes to hike," Savannah said.
"Is that why you brought him," Adam asked, "so we can take him hiking?"
"Not really," Savannah said.
Adam was quiet for a few moments, then he said, "Wouldn't Aunt Maggie or Grammy take care of him? Is that why you brought him?"
"Yeah," Michael said, "they do like it when we take Rags with us."
"But that's not the whole reason we brought him," Savannah said.
"Did he hide in the car again like he does sometimes?" Adam asked. "Was he…what do you call it…a store away?"
Savannah laughed. "A stowaway? Not this time."
"I give up," Adam said.
"On what?" Michael asked.
"On why you brought Rags camping," he insisted.
"Okay," Michael said.
A little while later, Adam said, "But I still want to know."
"Know what?" Michael asked, grinning at his son in the mirror.
"Daaad," Adam complained when he realized his father was teasing him.
"Why did we bring him?" Savannah said. "No special reason. He's a pretty good camper…"
"Except
when he finds trouble," Michael said under his breath.
"It's kind of fun to share outdoor adventures with a cat," Savannah continued. "We like having him around."
"Is there a mouse in your pocket?" Michael muttered. When Savannah didn't respond, he asked, "Who's this we you're talking about?"
Ignoring Michael's comments, she added, "He gets lonely when he's cooped up in the house all by himself."
"He has Glori and Buffy," Adam reminded her.
Michael nodded. "That's what I told her."
"We voted and decided to bring Rags," Savannah explained.
Adam petted Rags. "Did everyone vote yes—Teddy, Lily, and Dad?"
"My vote, as it turns out, didn't count," Michael complained. "Savannah bribed the kids. She even let Rags vote, can you imagine that?" More energetically, he said, "I'm pretty sure Savannah counted Buffy's and Glori's votes as well. The kitty-girls probably like it when he's gone."
Adam laughed. "Well, I like it when he comes with us. I would have voted yes."
"Everyone's against dear old Dad," Michael grumbled.
"Oh, Michael," Savannah said, "stop acting like a victim."
"I am a victim. That's what I am, a victim."
Savannah rolled her eyes for Adam's benefit, and he laughed. She asked, "Is anyone getting hungry?"
"I eat!" Teddy cried.
"Can I have a hot dog?" Lily asked.
"Sure, I'm hungry," Adam said. "Yeah, a hot dog sounds good. Can we get a hot dog?"
"No," Savannah said. "Grammy and I made cucumber-tomato sandwiches with avocado and sprouts on wheat bread. Sound good?"
"Yum," Lily said. I like matoes and cado."
"Tomatoes and avocado," Adam corrected.
"I said that," Lily insisted. "Do we have Goldfish?"
"We do," Savannah said. She addressed Michael. "There's a place up ahead. Let's stop and see if they have a picnic area." As they got closer, she pointed. "Yes, there are some tables out under those trees. Want to stop here?"
"Okay," Michael said. He parked the car and whined, "No hot dogs?"
"No." Savannah looked back at Adam, who sat between the two younger kids' car seats with Rags on his lap. "Want to snap his leash onto his harness?"
"Okay," Adam said, reaching for the leash behind the seat. "Excuse me, Lexie," he said, petting the dog as he felt around for Rags's leash. "Oh, here it is." When Rags jumped into the cargo space with Lexie, Adam snapped the leash on him. "Got it," he called. He waited until Savannah helped Lily out of her car seat, then he climbed out of the car with Rags.
"Adam," Savannah said, "would you take Lily over to that table right there?" She handed him a cloth. "You two can put this on the table. Dad and I'll bring the cooler. Oh wait," she said before the children walked away. "Leave Rags here and take Lexie with you. She may want to stop and…you know."
"Yeah, I know," Adam grumbled. He exchanged leashes with Savannah and urged, "Come on, Lexie. Come on Lily."
With Rags on his leash, Savannah lifted a corner of the tarp they'd stretched across the top of the utility trailer and she retrieved a tote bag. Just as she pulled the cover back farther to reveal a small cooler, Rags began tugging against the leash and knocked her off balance.
"Need help? Michael asked, returning from leaving Teddy with Adam and Lily.
Savannah nodded toward the trailer. "Pull the cooler out of there, would you? I think Rags is eager to take care of business." She followed the cat to a nearby area of soft dirt and he began digging.
Michael glanced down at the cat. "Sure seems like he has business on his mind. Want me to take that bag, too?" he asked.
She quickly checked on the children, then said, "I can grab it when Rags is finished."
Michael chuckled. "From the looks of it, he's going to set up housekeeping there. Can't he find a suitable spot? How many holes is he going to dig?"
"Oh, leave him alone," she carped playfully. "He's just amusing himself." She frowned. "I hope he doesn't have a bladder issue."
Michael asked, "Do you think he does?"
She waved her hand. "Probably not. He does this sometimes. You know Rags; he'll do anything to make life a little more difficult."
"Yeah, I know," he complained, walking the short distance to where the children waited with Lexie. "Still digging?" he asked when he passed Savannah and Rags again on his way back to the car.
"He's creating dirt art," she quipped. She coughed and blinked, adding, "And dust." Watching Michael, she asked, "What did we forget?"
"Teddy and Adam want to fly their gliders while we're waiting for lunch to be served." He stopped and spoke to the cat. "Come on, buddy. Want some lunch?" He squinted down at where Rags was digging. "Where'd that come from?"
"What?" Savannah asked, taking her eyes off the children for a moment. She glanced at them again, then looked down at where Michael pointed. "What is that?"
"It looks like a dog collar," he said. "A fancy little collar."
Savannah gazed at the children again, then moved closer to Rags. "What are you doing, Ragsie? I thought you were going potty. You were digging up treasures?" She laughed. "You silly cat."
Michael looked at the children, then leaned down and picked up the item. "Yes, a collar for a small dog, I'd say. A female, since it's all pink and foo-foo."
When Rags kept pawing at the ground, Savannah said, "Michael, you don't suppose there's a dog buried here, do you? I mean, he's still digging."
"I doubt it. Wouldn't this be around her neck if she were buried here? Naw, some dog that came here to play with her humans probably lost it." He chuckled. "Or she didn't like it and she buried it out here when her people weren't looking."
"But Michael, he's still digging. I think there's something more here."
"Or he's finally ready to go potty," he said. He looked at the youngsters again and said, "Hey, let's go get the kids started with their lunch, then I'll get the shovel out of the trailer and we'll find out if there's something else buried here."
"You want to dig up a dead dog?" she asked.
"Not really, but I am curious about why he's continuing to dig. There just might be a reason." He looked at her. "You know there's very often a reason Rags does the things he does."
"I know," she said. She snickered. "But I didn't think you saw it that way."
When she looked back down at the ground, Michael said, "Go on now. The kids are hungry."
Savannah picked up Rags and they joined the children at the picnic table. After everyone had eaten a sandwich, a few Goldfish, and some fruit, she opened a container of homemade cookies. Michael grabbed two cookies and said, "Yum, this will give me energy for my project."
"What are you going to do, Dad?" Adam asked. "What project?"
"I want to do a little digging." He grinned. "You know, get some exercise."
Adam frowned. "You're digging for exercise? I never heard of that before. Is it okay for you to dig here?"
Michael glanced around. "I hope so, 'cause Rags was sure digging." He picked up the dog collar. "He dug this up."
Adam looked confused. "So, what else do you want to dig up—a dog?"
"I hope not," Michael said. "I don't want to find anything."
"Then why are you going to dig?" the boy asked.
Michael winked. "I'll let you know in a few minutes."
"Can I come with you?" Adam asked.
"Me too?" Lily said.
Savannah glanced at Michael, then said, "I want you kids to get a little exercise, okay? Lily, why don't you and Teddy take a run with me and Rags and Lexie?" She looked at Adam. "You can run with us if you want, or you can help your dad."
Adam thought for a moment and said, "I'll go with Dad. Can I, Dad?"
"Sure," Michael said, "come on."
While Savannah cleaned off the picnic table, Lily became interested in the dog collar. She picked it up and examined it. "Where's the doggie?" she asked. "How did the dog take this off?"
"I don't know," Savannah said. "
I guess we could make up a story about that dog collar. Want to?" When Lily looked up at her mother, Savannah prompted, "Maybe the little dog was running around here with her family when that pretty collar fell off and she lost it and couldn't find it again." She asked, "What kind of a dog do you think it was?"
"Little," Lily said, continuing to examine the collar.
"Like a Chihuahua or maybe a Pomeranian or a small terrier?"
"What's that little dog in my Pokey Puppy book, Mommy?" Lily asked. "I think it was like the Pokey Puppy."
"Oh," Savannah said, "maybe a beagle."
"Yeah, a beagle," Lily said.
"What was her name?" Savannah asked.
"Huh?" Lily said.
"If we're going to make up a story about a little beagle who lost her collar, we should give her a name."
"Oh, Betsy," Lily said. "Rosemary has a Betsy doll. I like that name, okay, Mommy?"
Savannah smiled. "Sure. So, what happened when Betsy Beagle came back home without her collar?" she prompted.
"Her mommy was mad," Lily said dramatically.
"Do you think so?" Savannah asked. "Maybe it was an accident. She didn't mean to lose her collar. Maybe the clasp broke, or the collar was too big and it fell off. That wouldn't be Betsy
Beagle's fault."
Lily stared down at the collar and shook her head. She thought for a moment before saying, "Her mommy was sad when she lost her collar 'cause it was pretty. Betsy doesn't look all pretty with no collar. And now there's no hook for her leash."
"Right," Savannah said. She smiled. "You're a good storyteller. What do you think happened next?" When Lily hesitated, she said, "Did she have another collar at home she could wear, or did she go without a collar?"
Lily was quick to say, "Her mommy took her shopping and she bought a new collar—a prettier one that isn't all dirty."
"That's a good ending to the story," Savannah said. "Good job. Ready to go for a walk?" She released the end of Rags's leash from under a bench leg. "Teddy, want to park your truck under the table there and take a walk with us?"
"With Rags?" he asked.
Savannah nodded.
"With Lexie?" he questioned.
"Yes," Savannah said, "and with Mommy and Lily." She took his hand and called to the dog, "Come on, Lexie, let's go for a walk."