The Cat of Christmas Future

by Kathi Daley

  “Would you have a place to stay once you got there?”

  “I have a cousin who might let me crash with him for a few days until I could get a job.”

  Cody handed the boy a voucher. “I’ll see what I can do about transportation. I’ll need a day or two, so if you’re willing to be patient, there’s a room for you at the motor inn as well.”

  “The place seems like a dump, but it’s better than here. Thanks, man, you’re okay.”

  Cody turned to the old man and pregnant woman, who were the two left. He waited, but neither spoke up, so he got the ball rolling, addressing the old man first. The poor guy was thin and pale and looked to be at least seventy.

  “What’s your name?” Cody asked.

  “Burt, and I don’t need your charity.”

  “That’s fine.” Cody paused and waited for the man to let down his guard just a bit before he continued. “I understand why you might prefer to handle things on your own. Have you lived on the island long?”

  “Long enough to know I don’t want to move to some dang blasted city.”

  “Understood. Do you have family who can help you out?”

  “Nope. It’s just me. I know you’re here to get us all out so the new owner can tear this place down, but I’ve been taking care of myself for a whole lot of years and I don’t need some do-good whippersnapper taking care of me now.’

  “I can appreciate that,” Cody responded. “Would you be interested in a job?”

  “Job?”

  “How are you with dogs?”

  “Dogs?”

  “I live with a man, Mr. Parsons. He’s about your age, but he has some medical issues and has a hard time getting around in the snow. He has a dog, Rambler. When the weather is bad I help him out by walking the dog and making sure he gets the exercise he needs. The thing is, I’ve been real busy lately and could use some help. I can’t pay you a lot, but the job includes room and board.”

  “You sure this isn’t some thinly veiled attempt at charity?”

  “Not at all. I really do need someone to walk Rambler and Mr. Parsons really could use someone to check in on him now and then. How about it?”

  Burt nodded his head. “Okay. If you’re sure this is a real job I guess I might be able to help you out.”

  And then there was one.

  Cody turned his attention to the young woman, who looked to be five or six months along. I’d been watching her since we arrived and given the look of distrust, fear, and suspicion on her face, I suspected she could be the hardest sell of all.

  “Do you like books?” I asked the girl before Cody could even get started.

  “Books?”

  “I co-own a bookstore with my best friend, Tara O’Brian. We sell books and coffee and also have a cat lounge, where customers can hang out with the cats while they read. We’re always busy at this time of year. Totally swamped, in fact. We’ve been looking for some part-time help, but so far we haven’t had much luck finding anyone who’s interested in temporary work. I don’t know you, but you seem confident and independent. I think you might be perfect, if you’re interested.”

  The girl frowned, but I could tell she was considering it.

  “Tara has an extra bedroom,” I added. “In the past she’s offered it to our temporary help. I’m sure she’d be willing to let you stay there if you wanted to.”

  “I have business on the island. I’m not sure I can make a full-time commitment.”

  “Part time would be perfect. Please consider it. We really could use the help.”

  “Can I see the place before I decide?”

  “Absolutely. In fact, if you want I can take you over there now, while Cody and Danny are getting the others settled.”

  “Okay. Just give me a minute to get my things.”

  And then there were none.

  ******

  I hoped Tara really wouldn’t mind both hiring and housing the young woman, whose name, I learned, was Willow. I didn’t know a lot about her—she’d refused to provide even a last name at this point—but she didn’t seem like a serial killer, and Tara had always had a soft spot for expectant mothers in need. I quickly texted her and explained the situation while Willow gathered her things, so Tara wasn’t totally shocked when we arrived, and explained why I’d brought her to the store.

  “I’m very happy to meet you,” Tara greeted Willow.

  Willow’s expression softened as she looked around. “Wow; this place is real nice. Are the cats here all the time?”

  “Every day we’re open,” Tara answered, as she slipped the books she was stocking onto a shelf. “You aren’t allergic, are you?”

  “No. I’m not allergic. I love cats. We always had a couple in the house when I was growing up.”

  “Fantastic,” Tara responded. “So, about the job? Cait and I need any help we can get right now, but it would be good to know a bit about you, so we can best utilize your skills. Have you ever worked in retail?”

  “I have. And I love to read. Or at least I used to, when I could afford to buy books. It’s been a while.”

  “That’s’ fine. We need all kinds of help at this time of the year. The inventory seems to fly off the shelves as soon as we can stock it and we always have a line out the door for the coffee bar when the ferry comes in.”

  “I don’t know how to make all those fancy coffee drinks,” Willow admitted.

  “We can work around that.” Tara smiled. “I could use someone to ring up purchases as I process orders. Does it seem like Coffee Cat Books might be a place you’d be interested in working?”

  “I would. It’s lovely here. Although…” Willow looked down at her clothes. “I don’t have anything nice enough to wear to work at a place like this.”

  “You look like you’re about the same size as my sister Siobhan,” I offered. “She’s pregnant as well, so I know she has some appropriate clothing. She loves to do makeovers, and I’m sure she’d be happy to lend you something until you get your first check and can buy something more to your liking.”

  Willow didn’t answer, but I could tell by the look on her face she was intrigued by our offer, but one wrong word might send her taking off. I noticed a look of longing on her face, but it also appeared she was scared and somewhat leery about everything that was happening. I guess I could understand that. I wondered what had gone on in her life to bring her to this moment in time.

  “How about if I call Siobhan to see if she has time to pop over?” I added, attempting to restart the conversation. “She works close by, so it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll like her. I promise.”

  Luckily, Siobhan was in her office and wasn’t overly busy, so she agreed to stop by the store. Willow reminded me a lot of Siobhan, at least in terms of looks. Both were blond and beautiful, and I could see the moment my sister arrived that she was going to be a huge influence on the young girl, who seemed as enchanted with my friendly, outgoing sister as everyone who met her always seemed to be.

  “Well, aren’t you simply beautiful?” Siobhan said after giving Willow an unscripted yet welcoming hug. “And those highlights.” Siobhan touched her hair. “Are they natural?”

  “Everything you see is natural,” Willow answered. “I haven’t had money for spa treatments lately.”

  “Willow is thinking about helping us at the store,” Tara interrupted. “She’ll need some clothes. Can you help her out?”

  “Absolutely,” Siobhan answered. “I have a couple of outfits I never wear that would be perfect for her. We’ll need to go grab them before Finn takes the boxes to the storage unit we rented.” Siobhan looked at Willow. “Can you come with me now?”

  Willow looked at Tara.

  “I think now would be perfect,” Tara responded. “Willow will be staying with me for the time being. Maybe you can take her by my condo and get her comfortable in the spare bedroom when you’re done.”

  “I’d be happy to.” Siobhan looped her arm through Willow’s. “Come along now; we’re
going to have the best time today.”

  It did my heart good to see a lightness in Willow’s step as she allowed herself to be dragged along by my assertive, enthusiastic sister.

  “Thanks for going along with my plan,” I said after they left.

  “I’m happy to. That poor girl. Do you know anything about her situation?”

  I shook my head. “No. Only that she was living with the others in the warehouse. I could see she wasn’t going to take a handout, but I sensed she might be willing to take a job, so I asked her before I had the opportunity to speak to you about it. She looks so young. I can’t imagine being homeless and pregnant and completely on my own.”

  “You did the right thing bringing her here. Maybe she’ll open up to us once she gets to know us a bit.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping, but we need to be careful not to push. I think she has more potential to clam up than open up at this point.”

  “I agree. We’ll take it slow. By the way, how’s Aiden?” Tara asked.

  “Finn said he’s banged up a bit but will be fine. He’s taking him over to Maggie’s this afternoon. The whole gang has gathered there for one reason or another, so he’ll have lots of caregivers to see to his every need.”

  Tara laughed. “Poor guy. I hope he’s up for all that caregiving.”

  “Aiden’s tough. He’ll get through it. I’m just happy he’s able to come home for everyone to baby.”

  “Yeah. It could have been worse.” Tara picked up a cute Santa decoration. “I meant to tell you, Alex stopped by earlier.”

  “Alex Turner?” Tara had referred to the young man who’d worked for us as Santa two years earlier. Not only was he an excellent Santa but after a whole lot of sleuthing we’d found out he was the man we’d been looking for at the time.

  “Yep. He’ll be on the island until after New Year’s. Apparently, he’s been in Europe since graduating college last spring, but he figured it was time to come home and start thinking about his career.”

  “I’m sorry I missed him. I’ll have to make a point of going out to the house to see him. Was he alone?” The last time Alex had visited the island he’d brought along a group of friends who’d gotten him into a whole lot of trouble.

  “He was, although he said he had plans to get together with Balthazar.”

  “I’m sure he’ll enjoy seeing him.”

  “Are you still planning to head over to Balthazar’s island today?” Tara asked.

  “Yes. I’m going to take Ebenezer back, and I want to ask him about jobs and housing. Two of the twelve people Cody and I met with were happy to receive a monetary donation and went on their way. Another wanted to go to San Francisco. Cody’s planning to confirm that he has a place to stay; if he does, Danny’s going to take him to Seattle and buy him an airline ticket. Willow’s safe with us for the time being, and an older gentleman will be staying with Mr. Parsons for a while. That still leaves a woman who really wants a job and is willing to relocate and a man with a wife and four children. I’m hoping I can talk Balthazar into providing all of them with jobs and places to live.”

  “Does Balthazar still own businesses on the island?”

  “No, but he does in Seattle, and these people are willing to relocate.”

  “I have to hand it to you,” Tara said. “You set out to find alternative housing for the people living in the warehouse and you did just that.”

  “Cody came up with the plan, and it did seem to go really well. I feel like it was almost too easy, though. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

  Chapter 3

  Getting to Balthazar’s island required a ferry ride to San Juan Island and then a water taxi out to his estate. As I mentioned, I’d first met him two Christmases ago, when he was the one threatening to kick people out into the snow just days before Christmas. I’d traveled to the island to try to talk him out of the evictions and ended up making a deal with him that required me to find his son, who had been kidnapped as an infant and was presently in his twenties. As it turned out, the man I was looking for was Alex Turner. It hadn’t been easy, but I’d succeeded in reuniting the pair, both of whom came out of the experience changed men.

  I felt good about the role I’d played in reuniting Balthazar and Alex, but I hoped finding solutions to our current needs would be quite a bit easier. Between the Christmas play, the upcoming holiday, our Christmas Eve dinner, and now Aiden’s car accident, I felt like I already had a lot on my mind without adding a complicated mystery.

  The ferry ride to San Juan Island was accomplished in short order. Ebenezer and I hurried to the marina to catch the water taxi I’d booked. It was a lot smaller than the ferry, so the ride over to the island on a snowy day was a bit rougher and a whole lot colder, despite the thin cover that had been pulled over the passenger area. It could have been a miserable ride, but the cat and I cuddled under a blanket that made it tolerable. Once we entered the calmer water on the backside of the chain of islands, the wind died down and the ride became almost pleasant.

  “Here we are, ma’am,” the driver said as he pulled up to the dock. “Would you like me to wait?”

  “Yes, please. I won’t be long.” I grabbed Ebenezer and started up the snowy path from the dock to the house.

  The first time I’d come to Balthazar’s island the gate between the dock and the house had been locked and I’d had to find another way in, but ever since we’d become friends Balthazar had begun leaving the gate open on the chance I might stop by.

  I climbed the steps to the front door, knocked, and waited. The wind had intensified a bit and I had a feeling the taxi ride back to San Juan Island was going to be even bumpier than it had been on the way here. I wasn’t looking forward to the icy ride back without the cat to cuddle with, but I was happy I’d had the chance to reunite Balthazar with his best friend.

  “Cait,” Balthazar greeted me, a look of surprise on his thin, weathered face. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

  “I’m here to return Ebenezer.” I smiled at the old man, who was gnarled and stooped with age, then nodded to the cat in my arms.

  Balthazar stepped aside to reveal a cat identical to the one I was holding standing behind him.

  “Ebenezer?” I said in surprise.

  “He hasn’t left the island for months,” Balthazar confirmed as he tiled his head of white hair and waved me forward. “Do come in. It’s chilly out today and I have a fire going in the study.”

  I followed Balthazar and Ebenezer down the dark, narrow hallway, wondering the entire time how it was I was holding a cat identical in every way to the one I was following. I felt like I’d landed in some sort of a time loop, or perhaps a multidimensional situation in which two beings that were exactly the same could exist at the same time. One thing was certain: a visit to Tansy, the woman who served as something of a guardian for the magical cats who often appeared on Madrona Island, was going to be the very next thing I did.

  “I’m sorry you wasted time coming out to bring home a cat who was already here, but I’m happy to see you,” Balthazar said, after indicating I should take a seat near the fire. Although Balthazar was a very wealthy man, he chose to live very frugally, closing off most of his mansion and living in only a handful of rooms on the first floor. The study was where he could be found most of the time. “Can you stay and read to me?”

  “I have a taxi waiting, so I’ll need to come back to read to you. I had another reason for coming today, however, so it wasn’t a wasted trip.” I looked at the cats again. “I know what I’m seeing, but I’m still having a hard time believing these are different cats.” I set the animal in my arms on the floor next to Ebenezer. Even sitting side by side, the cats appeared to be exactly the same. “Did Ebenezer ever sire kittens?” If the cat I’d found at St. Patrick’s was one of Ebenezer’s offspring that could account for the fact that the two were so much alike.

  “Not that I’m aware of. Ebenezer had been altered before I found him, but I don’t know w
hat he may have done prior to coming to live with me. The similarity really is remarkable. Where did you find this cat?”

  “He found me, at St. Pat’s. I really thought it was Ebenezer, come to help with the warehouse situation.”

  “There’s a warehouse situation?” Balthazar asked.

  I explained about the new man in town and his intention to kick out the squatters living in the warehouse, the temporary solution Cody and I had come up with, and our need of both jobs and housing for Isabelle and Sam. Balthazar informed me that he’d turned over the day-to-day running of the businesses and rental properties he owned to a manager, but he promised to check with him to see if there was something they could work out.

  “Tara told me Alex had been by the bookstore this morning,” I said.

  “He must have arrived early. When I last spoke to him, he indicated he probably wouldn’t be able to get away until next week. I’m so looking forward to seeing him. I can’t believe it’s only been two years since I learned my son was still alive. In many ways I feel we’ve lived a lifetime in that time.”

  I smiled. It made me proud that I’d been able to help reunite father and son. “Do you think you’ll make the trip to Madrona earlier now that you know Alex is there?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “I’m sure he’s anxious to see you. It would be fun to help him decorate the house for the holiday.”

  “I haven’t had a tree in more than twenty years.”

  “Tara told me Alex seems to have the decorating bug this year. Oh, before I forget, I want to invite both you and Alex to the Christmas Eve dinner Cody and I are having again this year.”

  “I’d enjoy that. I’ll speak to Alex and see what he has on his mind for the holiday.”

  “Great.” I glanced at my watch. “The water taxi is waiting, so I should get going.”

  “I’ve enjoyed our visit despite its brevity.”

  “I always enjoy seeing you as well.”