The Cats that Watched the Woods (The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery Book 5)

by Karen Anne Golden

  “Okay, sounds like a plan. Let’s feed them,” she said wearily. “If Barbie doesn’t turn up by tomorrow, I’ll take them to Dr. Sonny for a check-up.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt.”

  Following Jake through the back office, Katherine noticed her computer monitor was on. It should have been in sleep mode. She hadn’t used the computer in hours.

  “Oh, no,” she said under her breath, fearing some awful news the cats had surfed up.

  Jake had already gone to the kitchen and was busy feeding the noisy cats—all seven of them.

  “Be there in a second,” she called to him in the next room. She hurried over to read the screen. She hoped there was an easy explanation, such as the kittens had learned to walk across the keyboard. If it was Barbie-related, she didn’t want Jake to see it. She wasn’t in the mood to talk about her cats’ special talents, although she suspected he probably already knew.

  On the screen, was the first page of an Indiana spirit-hunting website. It showed a Photoshopped rendition—clearly not an actual photo—of a handsome man dressed in a Vietnam-era military uniform, walking out of a foggy lake.

  “Peace Lake,” Katherine muttered; the hair on the back of her neck rose. This is too much of a coincidence to be one of the cats walking across the keyboard. Why would they surf to this page? Does this have anything to do with Barbie? She questioned.

  Jake called from the kitchen, “Hey, you two, get back here and eat.”

  Scout and Abra darted into the office. When they caught Katherine’s attention, they began to sniff the air like they smelled something unpleasant that she wasn’t aware of. Then, they started swaying back-and-forth in unison. Scout’s pupils became mere slits, while Abra’s were dilated and staring wide-open. Scout arched her back and hissed. Abra shrieked; foam was forming on the side of her jaw. They began hopping up and down like frightened Halloween cats.

  Jake ran in and saw the two agitated felines. “Katz, what’s wrong with them? Did they get into any poison or something?” He rushed over to them. Scout emitted a threatening growl.

  Katherine shook her head and said loudly, “Cadabra, no. Stop it!”

  Scout fell on her side and was breathing rapidly. Abra began furiously washing Scout’s face. “Raw,” she cried.

  Jake was shocked and backed away from the cats. “What’s wrong with them?”

  “They’re shocked by something they see in the future,” she said in a matter-of-fact voice.

  Jake walked over to Katherine and put his hands on her shoulders. “Why on earth would you say such a thing? We don’t know that.”

  “Scout and Abra will be fine in a few minutes. I’ve seen them do this before. They only do the dance when something terrible is about to happen, or may have already happened. I have a strong suspicion that Barbie’s in a great deal of danger.”

  “Whoa, your cats are psychic?” Jake asked skeptically. “This is over-the-top, Katz. When did this happen before?”

  Katherine hesitated, then said, “When I found Vivian Marston’s body. Scout did the swaying back and forth in front of Chief London. The afternoon you were shot, Scout and Abra did the same thing by Patricia Marston’s body.”

  “Strange,” Jake remarked. “When you called Scout ‘Cadabra,’ that was like launching a word bomb. She stopped immediately.”

  “‘Cadabra’ was Scout’s stage name. She doesn’t like to be called that.”

  Scout got up and hurried over to Jake. She rubbed her face on his knee and reached up to be held. Jake picked her up, “You really hurt my feelings when you growled at me. It’s time to calm down now. Your heart is racing a mile a minute.” Jake began pacing the floor with Scout in his arms. “It’s okay, baby doll. Just calm down.”

  Katherine returned her attention to the computer screen. “Jake, I have something to tell you.”

  “What is it? You’re fifty shades of pale.”

  “I’m not going to Savannah with you.”

  Jake set Scout down. “Why not? We’ve got our flights and hotel lined up. My mom and dad are coming over to take care of the cats.”

  “I meant to tell you earlier but —”

  Jake broke in, “Katz, are you worried about leaving the cats? They’re in good hands.”

  Katherine shook her head. She exited out of the website without having to explain it to Jake. She’d already divulged enough about the cats.

  Jake continued. “Is it because Barbie’s missing? The police will find out what happened. You don’t need to sit at home waiting for a phone call. The chief can call you in Savannah.”

  “It’s got nothing to do with Barbie.”

  “Katz, I was really looking forward to this trip with you. Everyone in the history department is attending. Professor Watson is taking Leslie.” Jake moved a chair over to Katherine’s. He sat down dejectedly. “My paper is about prohibition in Erie and your great Uncle. I wanted you to be there when I presented it.”

  “I’m so sorry. I decided not to go before Barbie went missing. I talked it over with my grief counselor and she agreed I need some alone time.”

  Jake got up and pulled Katherine out of her chair and into an embrace. “Is everything okay with us?” He kissed her on the forehead.

  Katherine hugged him back. “Yes, everything is fine.”

  “What are you going to do while I’m away?”

  “Remember that cabin near Peace Lake—the one with the stocked pond? I’ve rented it for four days. I’ll be leaving the same day you fly out.”

  “Are you taking the cats with you?”

  At the mention of cats, seven inquisitive felines circled the couple, yowling loudly.

  Scout cried a loud “waugh” to Katherine, which sounded like “you better take us.”

  Katherine said to the cats, “Alone time doesn’t include you. Elsa will take good care of you.”

  “Naugh,” Scout protested.

  “Elsa? Who’s Elsa? I thought my parents were the official cat sitters.”

  “Elsa is the caregiver next door. She’ll be taking care of the cats and staying at the pink mansion while I’m away.”

  “Katz, wouldn’t you rather have my parents—whom you know—take care of them, instead of someone you hardly know?”

  “Elsa has a side business—pet sitting in the Erie area. She’s licensed in the State of Indiana—bonded and insured. I did an Internet search. Her references check out just fine.”

  “What’s Elsa’s last name?” Jake inquired.

  “Adams. She’s Barbie Sanders’ cousin. Elsa’s mom is Barbie’s mom’s sister. So they’re related on the maternal side. Barbie’s mom was Sam Sanders’ third wife; she lives in Kentucky now.”

  “Interesting,” Jake said.

  Katherine replied optimistically, “I figure when Barbie comes back, she’ll be pleasantly surprised to see her cousin taking care of all the cats. I think it’s too much to ask your parents to care for seven feisty felines, especially since I’m not going with you. Now I’ve got to figure out how to tell your mom.”

  “I’ll tell her. She’ll have a million questions, but I can handle it.”

  “So, let me wipe that frown off your face.” Katherine took Jake’s face in her hands and kissed him on the lips.

  Chapter Five

  Katherine stood in the atrium and said good-bye to the cats for the tenth time. She was apprehensive about leaving them with a total stranger, but felt confident that Elsa would take good care of them. She couldn’t help but worry a little. What if Elsa disarms the security system and a nutcase gets in? What if there’s a home invasion and someone steals one of the cats like when Iris was catnapped?

  “Katz, they’ll be fine,” Elsa assured. Not only was she a pro at handling cats and dogs, but also their worried owners. “I’ve got my list of instructions. I’ll come here in the morning. When I’m finished pampering your cats, I’ll be next door taking care of Mrs. Harper. When Tara relieves me at five, I’ll return and stay overnight. I’ve got the
phone numbers of whom to contact in case I need help, but I’m a great predictor of things. Everything will be okay.” She picked up Abby and held the purring Abyssinian in her arms. It was a rare sight to see Abby on the floor because she preferred high places.

  Katherine wished Elsa hadn’t said the part about being a great predictor of things, and hoped that didn’t jinx her four-day trip to the cabin.

  Katherine reached down for her last bag when her cell rang. Glancing at the incoming call screen, she answered, “Hi, Jake! Wow, your flight must have gotten in early.”

  “Twenty minutes. I’m waiting in the taxi stand for a ride to the hotel. If you think Indiana is hot right now, you should be here in Savannah. It’s as hot as Hades. What’s the cabin like?”

  “I haven’t gotten there yet. I’m still at the pink mansion.”

  “Katz, it’s getting late. Plus, I just watched the weather channel while I was picking up my luggage. Indiana is supposed to have some powerful storms rolling through. You better get going.”

  “Actually, I’m leaving now. I don’t like the prospect of storms, but I think I can get to the cabin by seven or so. Elsa gave me a shortcut because she has a client who lives out there.”

  Jake advised, “I love ya, but you’ve got an awful sense of direction. I don’t want Elsa’s directions to get you lost out in the middle of nowhere, especially in this heat. Katz, just use the GPS.”

  “Oh, I have an awful sense of direction,” Katherine repeated. “Maybe I should take my compass.” She became serious and said, “I’m glad you got there okay. I love you. See ya Sunday.”

  “Ditto,” Jake said ending the call.

  Elsa advised, “Katz, one thing I should mention. The cell reception out in that neck of the woods is terrible.”

  “Not to worry. I don’t plan on calling anyone.” Katherine reached down for her duffle bag and noticed that Abra had crawled on top of it. “Raw,” the Siamese cried with sad eyes.

  “It’s okay, sweet girl. You’ve got to move now. Mommy will see you Sunday.”

  Scout ran to the front door and collapsed against it. She began shrieking a loud string of sharp protests. Elsa moved to pick up the Siamese, but Scout bared her fangs and hissed.

  Undaunted by the display, Elsa reached down for Scout. “What’s upsetting my little cupcake?”

  Scout reared on her hind legs and scratched the pet sitter.

  “Scout, stop that,” Katherine scolded; then to Elsa, “I’m so sorry. Come with me to the kitchen. I’ve got a first aid kit in one of the cabinets.”

  Elsa said, “I’ll take care of it in a minute.” She reached down for Scout again, but the angry Siamese dove for Katherine and dug her claws in Katherine’s jeans.

  “Ouch! That’ hurts. Quit it! Scout, let go.”

  Abra collapsed on Katherine’s shoe and wouldn’t budge. “Raw,” she screeched.

  Katherine hesitated for a moment, then reached for the door handle. Scout lunged for the door, stood up on her hind legs and grasped the door handle with both paws. Abra hopped back on the duffle bag and lodged her claws in the canvas.

  Elsa tried to grab Scout, but Scout cried an angry, deep throaty growl.

  Katherine sighed, “Elsa, there’s been a change of plans. I’m taking Scout and Abra with me. I can’t leave them when they're clearly in a delirious state.”

  “Ma-waugh,” Scout agreed.

  “Shouldn’t we call the vet?” Elsa asked, concerned.

  “No, this is something my two sealy girls do,” Katherine explained. “Just help me get them in their carrier and load them in the car. I’ve got to gather a few extra things. Then I really need to get going before it gets dark.”

  “Okay, I can do that. Lilac, Abby, Iris and the little ones will be just fine. Don’t worry.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

  * * *

  Once on the road, Katherine spoke to the cats, which were sitting inside their carrier atop the folded back seat. “That was the best performance I’ve ever seen. You two deserve the Academy Award.”

  Scout and Abra answered by thumping their tails inside the carrier. Thumpity thump thump.

  The feminine GPS voice droned, “Turn left on Highway 41 and follow the highlighted route.”

  “Waugh,” Scout protested. Something about the GPS lady’s voice irritated the sensitive Siamese. Finally, Scout stopped objecting, and the two sisters settled down. When Katherine looked in her rearview mirror to check on them, Abra had her paw draped over Scout’s back. Katherine was thankful they had finally gone to sleep.

  On the front passenger seat was the map Elsa had drawn, as well as the computer printout directions to the cabin from the owner, Leonard Townsend. Townsend’s email instructed Katherine to drive to his house first, which was less than a mile from the cabin, and pick up the key. He explained that he didn’t have a telephone or cell phone, and that he drove to Peace Lake’s library to use one of their computers. He advised that if she needed an answer to email, she’d have to wait twenty-four hours.

  Initially, this lack of communication worried Katherine, but then she thought maybe he was frugal. Although she had been apprehensive, she felt more at ease when she remembered the five-star reviews from satisfied vacationers. Also, she had packed her own five-star protection—her Glock.

  * * *

  It was a quarter to seven when the rain started. At first it was a light, steady rain, then it turned into a torrential downpour. The windshield wipers could barely keep up. Katherine leaned forward in her seat and clutched the steering wheel. “I’ve got to find someplace to pull off,” she said, squinting.

  “Waugh,” Scout cried, waking up. The pounding rain on the Subaru’s roof woke up Abra, as well.

  “It’s okay. We’ll be there in a minute. Go back to sleep,” she said in a calm voice. Katherine saw a sign for Ox Bow Trails and quickly pulled into the parking lot. She parked, then yanked her cell out of her bag. Elsa answered right away.

  “Wow, I guess I was wrong about the cell reception. What do you think of the cabin?” the pet sitter asked.

  “Elsa, I’m not there yet. I’m so lost. I’ve been following the GPS directions. I think I’ve gone too far.”

  “What was the last thing you passed?”

  “I’m in the Ox Bow Trails parking lot. The place is desolate. Not a person or vehicle in sight.”

  “Okay, you’ve gone way too far. Turn around and go back about fifteen miles. When you see a sign for Port Logan, turn left. Do you still have my directions?”

  “Yes, I do,” she said guiltily, embarrassed about not following them in the first place.

  “Once you get to Port Logan, follow my instructions. Okay?”

  “The rain is so hard. I think I’ll sit here a minute until it lets up. Thanks, Elsa.”

  “You betcha.”

  Katherine disconnected the call and re-read Elsa’s directions. She committed them to memory. When the rain let up, she pulled back onto the highway and drove the fifteen miles. The cats became quiet again, which was a relief, because Katherine swore she was a nervous wreck, and kicked herself for wanting to have this little adventure in the first place. She just wanted a few days to chill out about the wedding—AKA Cora’s show—and the fact that Jake was insisting they have a prenuptial. On the latter issue, Katherine knew there were good legal reasons for it—Scott Wilson had said so. She reasoned, Jake wants the prenup so he can show me he’s not marrying me for my money.

  Turning onto Port Logan road, Katherine drove five miles to a fork in the road. She veered right. She left a paved road for a dirt one. It had a lot of potholes, which woke up the cats. “Raw,” Abra protested.

  “I think we’re about there,” Katherine consoled.

  The narrow dirt road meandered through a wooded area, then turned into a private lane that led to Leonard Townsend’s house. The house was a gingerbread-trimmed farmhouse, which had seen better days. Katherine parked in front and wondered where Mr. Townsend�
��s car was, and why the place seemed so desolate. No porch light. No lights inside the house.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” she said to the Siamese. “Gotta get the key.” Katherine climbed out of the SUV and was relieved it had stopped raining. She could hear distant thunder. Perhaps the storm wasn’t over yet.

  Both cats were standing tall in the carrier, very curious about their surroundings.

  Katherine walked up to the front porch. When she knocked on the battered screen door, a manila envelope fell on the threshold. She picked it up. The word “key” was written in bold, black letters. She opened it and pulled out a handwritten note with a map to the cabin. Leonard apologized for not being there, and wrote that he had to leave to tend a sick friend. He said he’d be back in the morning. Katherine extracted the key and got back in the car.

  She worried, How many people have keys to the cabin? What if there’s an ax murderer lurking or a zombie in the barn?

  “Should we go home?” Katherine asked the Siamese.

  Scout nudged the metal gate; Abra cried a sweet “raw.”

  “Okay, I take that as a no. We’ll have our back-to-nature adventure.” She turned the key in the ignition and pulled out. The road to the cabin was just as bumpy, but not quite as hilly. It had gotten dark early because of the rain, so Katherine turned on her headlights. Driving around a sharp curve, she could see the faint outline of a cabin. A flash of lightning further illuminated it.

  “I love it!” Katherine exclaimed. It looked better than the Internet picture; it appeared brand-new. She parked in back, got out, and explained to the cats, “I’m going to leave you out here for a moment. I’ve got to go in and cat-proof. Let me unload your litterbox first.” She grabbed a large litter pan, bag of cat litter, and two water bowls.

  Unlocking the cabin door, she found the light switch and turned it on. She also found the porch light and flipped on that one, as well.

  “It smells wonderful in here. Like a pine forest,” she said out loud. Looking around, she could see new construction. The walls were natural wood paneling, the floors a rustic-looking oak. The kitchenette had new appliances; a flat screen TV sat on the fireplace mantel. Upstairs were two bedrooms and a small bathroom; the downstairs had two bedrooms and a luxury bathroom, complete with soaking tub. Katherine picked a room for the Siamese and placed their litter pan in there. The screened-in porch seemed dry, and when she brought in the cats, she put them out there while she unloaded the rest of the car.