The Cats that Walked the Haunted Beach

by Karen Anne Golden

“True,” Katherine said. “Oh, there they are.”

  Stevie drove up in his work vehicle. He waved, got out and walked over to the passenger door. He helped Kate get out of the van.

  Jake climbed out of the Jeep. Katherine had already gotten out and walked toward the couple.

  “Hello, you two. I’m so glad you made it, Kate. How are you feeling?”

  “A little sore, but that’s to be expected.”

  Jake said conspiratorially, “Katz and I will go in first. We’ll walk right over to Jimbo. You two follow.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Stevie said, taking Kate’s hand.

  Jimbo sat with his back to the diner’s front door and didn’t see the group walk in. He was talking animatedly about something to the other men at the liars’ table, when Buster, sitting across the table, looked up with a shocked expression.

  Everyone in the diner stopped talking and focused their attention on the table in the center of the room.

  “What’s a-matter-with-you? It’s a funny story I’m tellin’,” Jimbo said.

  “Look behind ya,” Clarence advised.

  Jimbo turned in his seat. “Oh, hello, Professor Jake and Mrs. Professor.” His face reddened.

  Jake and Katherine didn’t answer, but stood waiting for Stevie and Kate to walk in.

  Stevie directed Kate to the liars’ table. “Howdy, Jimbo. I want you to meet my friend, Kate Allen.”

  “Oh, my,” Jimbo said with his mouth agape. He did a double-take, looking from Kate to Katherine.

  “Sorry we missed you at the Rensselaer barbecue joint,” Stevie continued. “It was downright unfriendly of you to not come over and say howdy,” Stevie said firmly.

  “Oh, my, my,” Jimbo said with a stammer. “Pleased to meet you, Kate. You look just like Professor Jake’s wife. Are you two related?”

  Kate shook her head. “No,” she answered.

  Stevie’s face clouded. “I think you owe us an apology for the lie you spread about us.”

  “What lie was that?” Jimbo asked, playing dumb.

  “Better honor up and apologize,” Buster advised.

  Ruby observed the situation and rushed over, menus in hand. “Hey Jake, why don’t you bring your party over to a booth. Got one with your name on it.”

  Jake didn’t answer. Katherine tugged his sleeve and led him to the booth. They sat down side-by-side.

  Jimbo fumbled for the right words, “I meant no harm. I’m sorry.”

  Stevie said, “Say it louder. Tell everyone in the diner what you said about me and Katherine Cokenberger, and how it isn’t true.”

  Jimbo said in a loud voice, “Folks, I need glasses. What I said about Jake’s wife being with Stevie Sanders was said in error. I was mistaken.”

  “And?” Stevie asked. “Something else you want to say.”

  “It won’t happen again.”

  “Apology accepted.” Stevie directed Kate to the booth with Jake and Katz.

  The diner buzzed with everyone talking at the same time about what had just happened.

  Ruby bustled over to the booth and took their orders, then went to the kitchen.

  After they finished eating, Katherine asked Kate, “What are your plans? Are you going to continue staying at the cabin?”

  Kate nodded. “Yes, I am. I got a surprise call from Misty’s attorney. Misty wants me to manage the place until she gets out—”

  Jake interrupted, “Will that be any time soon?”

  “Her attorney is confident he can get her off.”

  “How?” Katherine asked. “She conspired to murder her husband.”

  “Misty claims she told Josh about Arlo’s bad heart, but, Josh came up with the idea of murdering him.”

  “Josh is not exactly around to give his side of the story,” Jake said sarcastically. “What was his motive?”

  “He wanted to marry Misty, but was afraid she’d lose her money and the cabins in a divorce,” Kate explained.

  Stevie offered, “Plain and simple. Arlo had to die,” then he said to Katherine, “That day Josh ran over your bike, he asked me to get him potassium chloride, the injectable kind. I told him to take a hike. I guess he found a dealer who’d sell it to him.”

  Jake noted, “That’s one of the drugs used in lethal injections.”

  “What does it do?” Katherine asked.

  “It stops the heart,” Kate shuddered.

  Katherine asked, “Will Arlo testify against Misty? After all, he heard Josh and Misty discussing his murder when he was almost comatose from the injection.”

  “Arlo recanted his statement to the sheriff. He said that Misty was very upset by his near-death. He didn’t think she wanted to kill him, but wanted to run away with Josh. When that didn’t pan out, she became desperate,” Kate said, shaking her head. “It’s a mess.”

  “How did you find this out?” Jake asked.

  “I have a friend who works for the newspaper. He read the statement.”

  “If Misty didn’t conspire with Josh to kill Arlo, how will investigators corroborate what she’s saying?” Katherine asked.

  “Cell phone records match the date and time Misty said she told Josh to not go through with the murder,” Kate began. “The night I tried to return Arlo’s wallet, Misty was acting very strange. She had a black eye. She was hostile to me, which she has never been before. I went back to my cabin and was attacked.”

  “By Arlo,” Jake said.

  “My mistake. It wasn’t Arlo. Misty told her attorney that Josh attacked me.”

  “Josh?” Katherine asked, surprised.

  “It goes to show. I shouldn’t have been so quick to accuse Arlo when I didn’t even see his face.”

  “Because of the ski mask,” Jake added. “What about the Old Spice scent?”

  “Oh, geez, I was hoping that everyone would forget I said that. I’m so embarrassed that I accused a man because of his scent.”

  “But, you did smell it?”

  “Yes, I did, but smelling it, and then accusing someone of assault because of their cologne, are two different things.”

  “Did Misty tell her attorney why Josh assaulted you?” Katherine asked.

  “She said that Josh overheard the conversation between Misty and me at the office. He followed me to get the wallet because he didn’t want me returning it to Arlo when he was going to murder him.”

  Katherine interjected, “But Josh assaulted you outside your cabin. You said you were looking for your keys when he attacked you, which means you were trying to get inside your cabin—”

  “And not go to Cabin Six to return the wallet,” Jake finished.

  Stevie said, “Josh wasn’t very smart. He was a habitual criminal and kept getting busted for the same type of crime.”

  “Arlo stated that when Josh jabbed him in the neck with the needle, he passed out immediately. He said when he came to, Misty and Josh were standing over him. Misty was crying, but Josh showed no remorse.”

  “I guess that shows that Misty did care about her husband,” Katherine said.

  Jake said, “We’ll just have to wait and see how things turn out.”

  “Which brings me to my news,” Kate said. “I’ve taken an accountant job in Michigan City. I start in September.”

  “Congratulations,” Jake said.

  “That’s great news,” Katherine said, not really meaning it. She looked at Stevie for his reaction.

  He looked back with sad eyes. He motioned for Ruby to come over. “We need our checks, please.”

  Ruby tore off two orders from her pad. “You folks come back now, ya hear?”

  “Thanks, Ruby,” Stevie said, then to Kate, “We better get going. I don’t want to hit the rush hour traffic in Merrillville driving you back.”

  Kate grabbed her purse and said, “Katz, thanks for everything. Jake, you too.”

  “You’re welcome,” Katherine said.

  “Listen, when Arlo’s and Misty’s cases go to trial, I’m sure you’ll be called to testify
, especially you, Katz. If you need a place to stay, you’re welcome to stay in one of the cabins.”

  Jake and Katherine answered simultaneously, “No.”

  Kate was taken aback. “Why?”

  Katherine said, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I never want to see the Seagull ghost again. Twice was enough.”

  “Understood,” Kate said.

  Stevie headed to the cashier and paid. Kate followed him. They left without looking back at the booth.

  Katherine reached for Jake’s hand and intertwined her fingers with his. “It doesn’t look like Kate and Stevie will hook up.”

  “You never can predict matters of the heart,” Jake said, then added, “I don’t think they will, either.”

  Ruby brought over a large wedge of coconut cream pie and set it down on the table. “It’s on the house,” she smiled, refreshing their coffee cups. “Bon appetit,” she said, moving to the next table.

  Jake called after her, “Thanks.”

  Katherine dove in. She closed her eyes and blissfully looked up at the ceiling. “The best ever.”

  “Better than the first time you had it here?”

  Katherine beamed at Jake with deep affection. “No, not as good. I’ll never forget that day. It was pouring down rain and we were at the library. You came to my rescue and offered to drive me home. Somehow we ended up at the diner instead.”

  “It was love at first sight,” Jake said.

  “Was it really?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said, taking a bite. “This may be the second-best piece of pie ever.”

  Ruby returned carrying a small bag. “This is a little treat for the cats.”

  “That’s so thoughtful,” Katherine cooed.

  “It’s ham bits. My cat loves it,” she said, moving away.

  “Speaking of cats,” Jake said, “I’m going to check out our new home security app.”

  “Fun. Let’s see how our cats play when the mice are away.”

  Jake put down his fork and picked up his cell phone. He punched in the security code and scrolled through several screens. Cameras were stationed in various places at the pink mansion, but he was looking for the one in Katherine’s office.

  “Bull’s eye,” he said. “But no cats in your office.”

  “There’re probably on the sun porch.”

  Jake scrolled to a different camera location. “Nope, not there.”

  “I bet I know where they are.”

  “Where?”

  “Check your office in the attic. Scout, Houdini-cat extraordinaire, probably unlocked the door — again — and opened it for her co-conspirators to get up there.”

  Jake pulled up the screen, and chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You’re right. Lilac and Abby are on the perch over the turret windows. Iris, Dewey and Crowie are on the windowsill.”

  “Where’s Scout and Abra?”

  Jake lowered his voice. He didn’t want the other diners to hear him. He put his phone down on the table and rotated it to Katherine. “Scout has her paw on the mouse.”

  “She’s surfing the web,” Katherine whispered. “Take a screenshot.”

  Jake picked up his phone, took the pic, then moved his fingers to enlarge it.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I want to see what’s on the monitor.”

  “Can you tell in the picture?”

  Jake laughed loudly.

  Everyone in the diner turned in their seats and looked their way.

  “Shhh,” Katherine whispered. “Everyone is staring at us.”

  “Ruby,” Jake called. “Bring us a take-out box. We need to leave.”

  “Right-o,” Ruby said, standing at the next booth.

  Katherine said, “Show me the picture.”

  Jake grinned ear-to-ear, and handed his phone to Katherine.

  Katherine studied the screen on the monitor. “Oh, my goodness. It’s a fish.”

  “I think Scout is sending us a message.”

  “That she wants to fish in the lake again?”

  Jake shook his head. “I don’t think Scout and Abra liked the lake, especially the ghost.”

  “Then the message could only mean one thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s time to go home and feed them,” she giggled.

  Jake laughed and put his arm around Katherine. “I love you, Sweet Pea,” he proclaimed in a loud stage actor’s voice, so the patrons at the diner would hear him.

  “I love you, too!” Katherine answered.

  Jake wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big kiss.

  Ruby came to their booth and cleared her throat. “Am I interrupting anything?” She laughed, then handed them the take-out box.

  Jake said, “I’ll settle up later. Right now, Katz and I need to make our grand exit.”

  Ruby chuckled and walked over to the liars’ table. “Just thought you boys would want to know. Professor Jake and Katz are leaving.”

  Jake got out of the booth; Katherine did the same.

  Jake swept her off her feet, and carried her out of the restaurant. She buried her face in his neck.

  Inside, people clapped and cheered.

  Outside, Katherine said, “You can put me down.”

  “Yes, my lady, but first, how about another kiss?”

  Dear Reader . . .

  Well, did you enjoy it? I hope so. I had fun writing it.

  Thank you so much for reading my book.

  I love it when my readers write to me. I try to answer all emails within twenty-four hours.

  Email me at: karenannegolden@gmail.com

  For all of you, who have written reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads, thank you so much. I very much appreciate it.

  I love to post pictures of my cats on my Facebook pages, and would enjoy learning about your pets as well. Follow me @ https://www.facebook.com/karenannegolden

  If you are new to the series, the following pages describe my other books. If you love mysteries with cats, don’t miss these action-packed page turners.

  Thanks again.

  Karen

  The Cats that Surfed the Web

  Book One in The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery series

  If you haven’t read the first book, The Cats that Surfed the Web, you can download the Kindle or paperback version on Amazon.

  With over five-hundred Amazon positive reviews, “The Cats that Surfed the Web,” is an action-packed, exhilarating read. When Katherine “Katz” Kendall, a career woman with cats, discovers she’s the sole heir of a huge inheritance, she can’t believe her good luck. She’s okay with the conditions in the will: Move from New York City to the small town of Erie, Indiana, live in her great aunt’s pink Victorian mansion, and take care of an Abyssinian cat. With her three Siamese cats and best friend Colleen riding shotgun, Katz leaves Manhattan to find a former housekeeper dead in the basement. There are people in the town who are furious that they didn’t get the money. But who would be greedy enough to get rid of the rightful heir to take the money and run?

  Four adventurous felines help Katz solve the crimes by mysteriously “searching” the Internet for clues. If you love cats, especially cozy cat mysteries, you’ll enjoy this series.

  The Cats that Chased the Storm

  Book Two in The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery series

  It’s early May in Erie, Indiana, and the weather has turned most foul. We find Katherine “Katz” Kendall, heiress to the Colfax fortune, living in a pink mansion, caring for her three Siamese and Abby the Abyssinian. Severe thunderstorms frighten the cats, but Scout is better than any weather app. A different storm is brewing, however, with a discovery that connects great-uncle William Colfax to the notorious gangster John Dillinger. Why is the Erie Historical Society so eager to get William’s personal papers? Is the new man in Katherine’s life a fortune hunter? Will Abra mysteriously reappear, and is Abby a magnet for danger?

  A fast-paced whodunit, the
second book in “The Cats that” series involves four extraordinary felines that help Katz unravel the mysteries in her life.

  The Cats that Told a Fortune

  Book Three in The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery series

  In the land of corn mazes and covered bridge festivals, a serial killer is on the loose. Autumn in Erie, Indiana means cool days of intrigue and subterfuge. Katherine “Katz” Kendall settles into her late great aunt’s Victorian mansion with her five cats. A Halloween party at the mansion turns out to be more than Katz planned for. Meanwhile, she’s teaching her first computer training class, and a serial killer is murdering young women. Along the way, Katz and her cats uncover important clues to the identity of the killer, and find out about Erie’s local crime family . . . the hard way.

  The Cats that Played the Market

  Book Four in The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery series

  A blizzard blows into Indiana, bringing gifts, gala events, and a ghastly murder to heiress Katherine "Katz" Kendall. It's Katherine's birthday, and she gets more than she bargains for when someone evil from her past comes back to haunt her. After all hell breaks loose at the Erie Museum's opening, Katherine and her five cats unwittingly stumble upon clues that help solve a mystery. But has Scout lost her special abilities? Or will Katz find that another one of her amazing felines is a super-sleuth?

  With the cats providing clues, it's up to Katherine and her friends to piece together the murderous puzzle . . . before the town goes bust!

  The Cats that Watched the Woods

  Book Five in The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery series

  What have the extraordinary cats of millionaire Katherine “Katz” Kendall surfed up now? “Idyllic vacation cabin by a pond stocked with catfish.” It’s July in Erie, Indiana, and steamy weather fuels the tension between Katz and her fiancé, Jake. Katz rents the cabin for a private getaway, though Siamese cats, Scout and Abra, demand to go along. How does a peaceful, serene setting go south in such a hurry? Is the terrifying man in the woods real, or is he the legendary ghost of Peace Lake? It’s up to Katz and her cats to piece together the mysterious puzzle. The fifth book in the popular “The Cats that . . . Cozy Mystery” series is a suspenseful, thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.