Halloween in Cherry Hills

by Paige Sleuth

  “Then he’ll be that much easier to find.” Imogene handed Tracy’s cell back to her. “I want you to call everyone you know who has some free time this evening. We’re going to organize a search party.”

  Tracy took the phone. “All right. But I don’t reckon Midnight escaped on his own.”

  “Even if he was taken, there’s a chance he got away,” Imogene said. “Since he’s never been outside, he could be across the street and not know his own way home.”

  Willow pulled her own cell phone out of her purse on the floor. “I’ll call some of the other teachers. They’ll be happy to help.”

  “I’ll join you guys tonight, after I get off work,” Kat said. She pointed to Tracy’s phone. “Email me that photo, and I’ll get some fliers made that we can post around town.”

  Tracy didn’t appear to hear her, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. When she swiveled toward Imogene, Kat could see the raw fear etched across her face. “Imogene, play it straight with me now. Do you reckon he’s gone forever?”

  Imogene looked her in the eye. “I promise you, we are going to do our very best to find him.”

  Kat leaned against the wall, her stomach tightening. She hadn’t missed how Imogene’s promise had failed to guarantee Midnight’s safe return home.

  CHAPTER THREE

  It took Kat longer than she expected to create the fliers for Midnight. Someone more skilled probably could have accomplished the task in five minutes, but, although Kat was quite comfortable with computers, she wasn’t the best graphic designer. It didn’t help that Matty insisted on ‘assisting’ by sitting on the computer keyboard and batting at Kat’s hand whenever she moved the mouse.

  By the time she finally had a decent one-page layout, it was only twenty minutes before her waitressing shift at Jessie’s Diner was due to start. She hoped getting the fliers printed wouldn’t take long. Not only would the copy shop be closed by the time she got off work, but she hated to wait any longer than necessary to start circulating the fliers. Every passing second was one more second in which Midnight’s situation could worsen.

  Fortunately, there wasn’t a line at the register when she arrived at the shop. She walked up to the lone girl manning the counter.

  “Hi,” Kat greeted. “I have some fliers I need printed out in bulk.”

  The girl smiled from behind her computer. Her name tag identified her as Lindsay. “Sure. Do you have one with you?”

  Kat held up the memory stick she’d brought. “The file is saved on here.”

  Lindsay brushed a long, honey-blond lock of hair away from her face before taking hold of the memory stick. She popped it into one of the computer’s USB ports and clicked around for a minute before her hand stopped moving.

  “What is this?” Lindsay asked.

  “Fliers for a missing cat. Somebody broke into his owner’s house and took him.”

  Lindsay’s blue eyes widened. “Somebody stole Ms. Montgomery’s cat?”

  “You know Tracy Montgomery?”

  “She teaches at my school.”

  Kat processed that. Could one of Tracy’s students have taken Midnight? Tracy had said she’d told everyone about going to Tennessee. And even if she hadn’t made an announcement to her students, the presence of a substitute teacher would have clued them in. One of them could have decided to get into some mischief while she was away. Perhaps they had filched Midnight as revenge for a bad grade or grueling assignment.

  “Do you think somebody at Cherry Hills High might have taken Midnight?” Kat asked Lindsay.

  Lindsay frowned as she fingered the mouse. “I guess it’s possible, but why?”

  “To punish her maybe. Do any of your classmates dislike her?”

  Lindsay shook her head. “She tends to assign too much homework, but Ms. Montgomery is likable enough. She seems to really care about us.”

  The door chimed. A tall, lanky teenage boy walked in.

  He eyed Lindsay, a grimace distorting his aquiline nose and thin lips. “You’re not off yet?”

  “I told you, we close at six,” she replied.

  He looked at the clock. “Can’t you close up a few minutes early?”

  “I’m with a customer, Luke.” Lindsay turned toward Kat. “How many copies of these fliers did you want?”

  “Fifty to start,” Kat said.

  Lindsay clicked a few times before the printer behind her started humming. After a second, it began spitting out pages.

  The boy shoved his hands in his pockets and slouched against the wall. “I can’t wait until you get your own car.”

  “Me neither.” Lindsay started to roll her eyes but stopped herself, flushing when she caught Kat watching her. “This is my big brother, Luke,” she said, gesturing toward the boy.

  Kat smiled. “Hi.”

  He bobbed his head. “Yo.”

  “Luke, take a look at this.” Lindsay picked up one of the pages collecting in the printer tray, holding it out to her brother.

  Luke pushed away from the wall and loped over to the counter in two long strides.

  Lindsay set the page on the counter. “This is Ms. Montgomery’s cat. Do you know anything about him being missing?”

  “No way.” Luke jerked backward, clearly startled by his sister’s accusation.

  His defensiveness surprised Kat, prompting her to study him more closely. He towered over her five-foot-six-inch frame, but he was slender to the point of almost looking emaciated. He stayed slouched forward, his hands jammed into his jeans pockets. The way his eyes skirted around the store certainly made him look guilty of something.

  Kat coughed, and Luke practically jumped out of his skin. He started speaking before Kat could.

  “I’ve gotta split,” he said, ostensibly to Lindsay although his eyes were fixed on the door. “Be back in a few.”

  Kat was tempted to chase after him as he raced out of the store, but he moved with a surprising speed. She watched him climb into a blue Honda parked outside and take off down the street.

  “I wonder what the big rush is,” Kat mumbled to herself.

  She hadn’t realized Lindsay had heard her until she said, “Who knows? He’s been acting weird ever since his senior year started.”

  “Weird how?” Kat asked.

  “Like, moody.”

  Kat waited for her to elaborate, but after another moment she realized Lindsay would need some encouragement. “What do you think he’s so moody about?”

  “I’m guessing he’s worried about what he’s going to do after graduation,” Lindsay said. “All his friends are talking about applying to college, something Luke has never been all that interested in. But now that he’s almost done with high school, the pressure seems to be getting to him. I think he’s starting to regret not taking school more seriously.”

  Kat nodded. “That makes sense.”

  Lindsay moved closer to the copier. “But anyway, that’s not your problem.”

  “It is if he took Midnight,” Kat replied, wondering if the stress of an unknown future might have spurred Luke to act out.

  Lindsay grabbed some of the fliers. “He wouldn’t have taken Midnight. I don’t even know why I accused him. He’s more the type to toilet-paper Ms. Montgomery’s house if he had a problem with her.”

  Kat considered that. Tracy had claimed the house was exactly as she’d left it, which meant if Luke had gone over intending to trash the place something had made him abandon his plans. Could that something be Midnight? Maybe Luke’s presence or actions had frightened the cat, causing him to bolt outside. Except if he had left of his own volition, wouldn’t he have returned home by now?

  Maybe not, Kat conceded, if someone had snatched him before he could find his way back to the house.

  She shivered. If that were the case, Midnight could be anywhere.

  “Here are your fliers,” Lindsay said, pushing the stack across the counter.

  Kat took one off the top and handed it to Lindsay. “You can keep this one. If you h
ear something or get any ideas as to who might have taken Midnight, Tracy’s number is listed there.”

  Lindsay took it. “I’ll post this on the front door. Maybe one of our customers will have seen him.”

  “That would be great.”

  Kat settled the bill then grabbed the stack of fliers. She looked around as she exited the shop but didn’t see the blue Honda anywhere. And as much as she wanted to stay and wait for Luke’s return appearance, she was scheduled to be at work in five minutes.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Jessie’s Diner smelled delicious when Kat walked in. Her mouth immediately started watering, making her fully aware that she hadn’t had time to eat since lunch.

  “Whatever’s on special, I’m going to be craving it my whole shift,” Kat told Jessie Polanski as she stepped behind the counter.

  “That would be the ravioli with pumpkin sauce,” Jessie said, punching something into the cash register. “A fresh pot of sauce is simmering as we speak.”

  “If it tastes anything like it smells, it’s going to be sold out before we close for the night.”

  “Based on how the pumpkin pancakes flew off the grill this morning, people can’t get enough pumpkin this time of year. I’ll save you a helping.”

  Kat grinned. “I knew I worked for you for a reason.”

  “You mean the fact that you haven’t found a job in computers yet?”

  “Something like that.” Kat stuffed her purse under the counter and held up a few of the fliers she’d had printed out. “Do you mind if I tape these in the windows?”

  “What are they?” Jessie asked.

  “Lost cat fliers. Do you know Tracy Montgomery?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Using her free hand, Kat grabbed an apron from a shelf under the counter and slipped it over her head. “Somebody broke into her house while she was out of town and took her cat Midnight.”

  Jessie grimaced. “That’s awful.”

  “I know.” The knot that had been present in Kat’s stomach ever since she’d received Imogene’s call grew larger. “She’s especially worried with Halloween coming up.”

  “Ugh.” Jessie pivoted around and rummaged through a basket next to the register. When she faced Kat again, she had a roll of tape in her hand. “Here. Post those wherever you want.”

  Kat took the tape and headed toward the front of the restaurant. She had finished affixing fliers to most of the windows when a man, woman, and teenage girl approached.

  Kat held the door open for them. “Good evening. Welcome to Jessie’s.”

  The woman, a middle-aged brunette, smiled at Kat as she stepped inside. “Thank you.”

  The man grinned wide enough to expose his molars. “We heard you’ve got pumpkin pancakes on special.”

  “We did,” Kat said, smiling back at him, “for breakfast.”

  “I’ll whip you up a plate, Trevor,” Jessie called from behind the counter. “Complete with maple butter and slivered pecans.”

  “Thanks, Jess.” The man flopped into the closest booth. “You certainly know the way to a man’s heart.”

  The woman plucked a menu from behind the napkin dispenser as she slid next to him. “They have good salads here. You should try one.”

  Trevor made a face. “Salads are for rabbits.”

  The girl followed at a distance, not saying anything as she slumped into the seat across from the two adults.

  Kat stepped up to the table. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “A vanilla milkshake for me,” Trevor said. “And you might as well tell Jessie to start cooking me those pancakes. I’m starving.”

  “Trevor, do you really think that’s the healthiest thing you can order?” the woman asked. “You heard what your doctor said during your last checkup. You’re supposed to be watching your cholesterol.”

  Trevor tapped her on the nose. “It’s the holidays, m’dear Monica. Cholesterol concerns go out the window this time of year, not to appear again until New Year’s.”

  Monica pursed her lips. “It’s not the holidays yet. Thanksgiving is another month away.”

  “I’m talking about Halloween, my favorite holiday of the year.”

  Monica groaned. “Halloween is not a proper holiday.”

  “It is so. Just ask Beth.”

  The girl rolled her eyes, not saying anything.

  “C’mon, don’t be like that,” Trevor said, a pleading note creeping into his voice. “You love Halloween as much as I do.”

  “I hate Halloween.” Beth slunk toward the window lining one end of the booth seat, as if she wished it would swallow her up.

  Trevor reached out and patted Beth’s shoulder. “You say that now because things have been so difficult recently. But you’ll regain your love of Halloween. I guarantee it.”

  “And Mom’s right,” Beth went on, ignoring his speech. “Halloween isn’t a real holiday. If it was, we’d get the day off from school.”

  “You do have the day off,” Trevor replied. “Tomorrow’s Saturday.”

  Beth tilted her chin up. “Then they would have given us today off.”

  Kat cleared her throat, feeling like an intruder eavesdropping on a private family matter. “So, one vanilla milkshake. What other beverages should I bring?”

  Nobody appeared to hear her. Instead, Monica now had her attention focused on the window.

  “Hey, Beth,” she said, pointing to one of the fliers Kat had taped to the glass minutes ago, “isn’t Tracy Montgomery your math teacher?”

  Beth’s gaze flitted toward the flier before drifting away. “Yeah.”

  “And she’s missing her cat?” Monica clucked her tongue. “How awful.”

  “He’s probably just hiding under a bed,” Trevor said. “That’s how cats are.”

  Monica squinted at him. “How do you know how cats are? You’re allergic.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m not savvy on their ways.” He winked at Kat. “You don’t have to have a cat to know they can’t resist a good nook or cranny. I’ve seen it on YouTube. They’re always getting themselves into the most bizarre places.”

  “That’s true,” Kat conceded. “But in this case Midnight really is missing. Tracy was out of town when somebody broke in and took him.”

  Monica lifted one hand to her heart. “Somebody broke into her house?”

  Kat nodded. “She has a keyless entry system, where you punch in a number to unlock the door. Somebody must have figured out her code.”

  “We have one of those too,” Monica said, raising her eyebrows. She looked at Trevor. “I’ve been telling you we need to change the entry code every couple of months.”

  “It’s on my to-do list,” he replied.

  “You keep adding to that list, but nothing ever seems to get done,” Monica said, but she sounded more amused than annoyed.

  Trevor wagged his index finger back and forth. “Not true. I took Beth shopping for Halloween supplies just this afternoon.”

  “I told you you didn’t have to.” A shadow crossed over Beth’s face. “And you didn’t have to show up after school like that either. I know my way home, you know. I’m not a baby.”

  “Well, if I didn’t take you Halloween shopping, those kids would be awfully disappointed tomorrow,” Trevor said.

  “Who cares about them?” Beth retorted. “Besides, I’ll be in Wenatchee tomorrow.”

  “Wenatchee?” Monica glanced at Trevor.

  He shrugged. “I guess we’re taking a trip to see Nana.”

  “Not we, me.” Beth folded her arms over her chest. “Luke’s driving me.”

  Monica whipped toward her. “Luke?”

  Beth glared at her. “Don’t start. I love him.”

  Kat raised her eyebrows, wondering if Beth’s Luke was the same Luke she’d met at the copy shop. Kat had to admit that, visually at least, they made a good pair. Beth was on the tall and slim side too, although, like Luke, her posture could use some work.

  But Monica evident
ly didn’t believe the couple was as well matched as Kat did. Although she refrained from saying anything, Kat could tell from the way her lips had puckered that she didn’t approve of her daughter’s beau.

  Trevor snapped his fingers. “We’ll take you to see Nana. We miss her too.”

  Beth’s eyes were hard as she looked at him. “You’re the ones who put her in the home.”

  The light in Trevor’s eyes went out. “She’s sick, honey. With her mind deteriorating the way it is, she can’t be trusted to live by herself any longer.”

  Beth didn’t respond. Instead, she kept her gaze trained out the window, a scowl on her face.

  Monica sighed. “Poor Mom. I don’t think she understands why we had to move her out of her apartment.”

  Trevor rubbed her shoulder. “Ah, she’ll get used to it. This is a transitional period for her.” He looked at Beth. “For all of us.”

  Beth wheeled around to glower at him. If her eyes were lasers, Trevor would have twin holes seared straight through his chest.

  Kat jerked her thumb behind her. “Why don’t I get you all waters to start.” She was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation and felt she should give the family some privacy.

  Monica looked up, her eyes widening a fraction as if she were startled to note that Kat was still present. “Water would be wonderful. Thank you.”

  Trevor patted his stomach. “Bring me an order of those pancakes too.”

  Monica frowned, her gaze landing on Trevor’s belly. “Actually, don’t put in any orders yet. Please give us a moment to decide first.”

  Kat nodded, backing away as Trevor’s shoulders sagged. She had a sneaking suspicion that by the time she returned with their waters, Trevor would have opted to order a salad instead.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “You really can’t do anything to help find Midnight?” Kat asked, glancing at Andrew.

  He looked pointedly around them. “I’m out here looking for him, aren’t I?”

  The night was cool. Kat had on a heavy orange sweater, not so much in honor of Halloween but to minimize the risk of a car hitting her on this residential street. The moon and houses provided some light, but Kat wasn’t taking any chances.