PAWtners in Crime (Klepto Cat Mystery Book 10)

by Patricia Fry

  “His stash?” Savannah said, laughing. “He steals most of it. But I’ve never seen him recruit an accomplice. I mean, that move of Koko’s was pretty much premeditated, wouldn’t you say? It was as if he sent her down here to grab Lily’s toy.”

  Michael shook his head in disbelief. “So Rags has elevated his operation…that’s just plain weird.”

  Savannah faced their guests. “Now, before we leave tomorrow, you really should go through Rags’s stash in case he…” she laughed “…or his partner in crime, has confiscated any of your stuff.”

  Arthur cocked his head. “Yeah, Ruthie—I thought I saw something familiar up there—a little purse I’ve seen you use sometimes. That one with daisy flowers on it.”

  Ruth sat upright and frowned. “I’ve been looking for that. I carry my lipstick in it so it’s easier to find in the bottom of my purse.” She shook her head. “Yes, Artie, maybe we’d better go take a look.”

  Michael stood. “I’ll bring the box down and we’ll see what he’s…what they’ve been taking.” When Michael returned, he placed a wooden box on the floor between them and dumped it out. Savannah pulled Lily onto her lap before she could approach the cats’ booty.

  “There it is—that is mine,” Ruth squealed, grabbing the coin purse from the pile of items.

  “Hey, that’s where the water bill went!” Savannah exclaimed. “I should have known. I called the company asking why they didn’t send us one.”

  “Hon, is that your nail file?” Michael asked.

  “No,” Savannah said, shaking her head. “Ruth is it yours?”

  After examining it, she said, “No. But that is my earring! Rags, you evil boy!” she exclaimed, fishing the earring out of the pile.

  “Look at the thieves watching,” Savannah said, chuckling.

  Arthur laughed. “Yes, they’re keeping a close eye on us.”

  “…and their loot,” Michael added.

  “I’ll keep this nail file and that little notepad…oh, and this bracelet…and see if I can find out who they belong to,” Savannah said with a sigh. She also retrieved a few of Lily’s toys from the heap.

  “The rest goes back in the box?” Michael asked.

  “Yes,” Savannah said, “only, let’s toss that old teabag and that dried-up piece of toast.” She looked at the lanky cat. “Dried-up piece of toast, Rags? Really?”

  “Hey, a set of keys!” Michael exclaimed. “Good Lord, who do you suppose those belong to?”

  “Most of our friends come here first when they’re missing something like that. No one has asked about keys.” After one more look at the items, Savannah said, “Okay, that’s it. Let him have the rest of the stuff.”

  Everyone laughed when they saw Arthur’s Siamese cat head-butt Rags in the side.

  Savannah chuckled. “Do you suppose that was a high-five, feline style?” Suddenly, she stiffened. “My phone,” she said, placing Lily on the blanket before picking it up. “Oh, hi, Craig.”

  “How is everyone?” he asked.

  “Just great.” She giggled. “We’re all on the floor playing with the baby and the cats.”

  “Sounds like you’re having a lot of fun,” he said. He paused and asked, “Is Arthur ready to go back?”

  “Well…” she hesitated, “he’s had a great time here. He helped me make a batch of jam. He’s been taking Lexie for walks every day. He got to see his cats over at Auntie’s and even worked with them for a while one day.” She laughed. “Now he’s considering running a rescue shelter of his own in his spare time in between lawyering.”

  “Lawyering?” Craig mimicked.

  “Yes, he seems to be serious about becoming an attorney. He’s been doing a lot of studying and research on our computer.”

  “Cool.” Craig paused. “I wonder if he’ll change his mind once he sees how a real-life courtroom operates—somewhat different than those he’s seen on TV.” He cleared his throat and asked, using a more upbeat tone. “Did he get to ride your horse?”

  “Yes,” Savannah said with enthusiasm, “several times. We also rode together. Bonnie brought a horse over for us and we took a trail ride.”

  “Did Ruth ride with you?”

  “No, she entertained Lily. She swears the baby took her first step that day.”

  “Really?” Craig exclaimed.

  “Yeah, but she hasn’t done it since.” Savannah took a quick breath. “Oh, Craig, the highlight of our trail ride…and maybe Arthur’s visit…was when he outran the paparazzi.”

  “What?”

  “It was a riot. He got such a kick out of it. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it. Arthur is quite a good rider, actually.”

  “Was the paparazzi on a horse?”

  “No,” she said. “…a motor scooter.”

  “Wow,” Craig said. “Good for Arthur.”

  She lowered her voice. “We lost the dude before he had a chance to focus his camera.”Savannah could hear Craig sigh. “What is it, Craig?” she asked, quietly.

  “Well, you and me—we’re being subpoenaed,” he said, sounding glum.

  “Oh. You said you thought that might happen, so I’m somewhat prepared. What about you?”

  “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  “When? Do you know?”

  “Trial starts Tuesday.”

  “I’m packed and ready to go,” she said. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

  “Is Rochelle going to talk to Arthur?”

  “Yes. He’s doing much better—we’ve helped him to see some humor in those paparazzi encounters—make a game out of it. But yeah, I think it would be a good idea that he has some sort of professional help with all that he has to endure. He’ll get even more attention from the press after he testifies next week.”

  “You got that right,” Craig said, “…legitimate press as well as the annoying photo-hounds.” He cleared his throat again. “I’m bringing Iris with me.”

  “Oh really? She wants in on the fun?”

  “I thought she might be able to help with Lily. You’re bringing her, aren’t you?” he asked.

  “Yes, I can’t bear to leave her again so soon.” She thought for a moment then said, “That’s a good idea, Craig. Ruth and I should probably both be at the courthouse a lot. What about the boys?” she asked. “Can you leave them home alone like that?”

  “Oh, they’re so grown up now,” he said. “Both of them are driving. They have quite a load of school work. Brett’s taking night classes at the college. Plus, we have good ole Mrs. Fletcher next door. She’s helped Iris with the boys since they were…well, quite young. She watches out for them and little Tommy kitty when we travel.”

  Savannah chuckled. “Craig, remember our oath to each other that we were going to have a quiet rest-of-the-summer?”

  “Yeah, I remember that pipedream.”

  “Okay then, we’ll see you in Frisco—are you two flying up?”

  “Yes,” Craig said. “We have a rental car reserved at the airport. What about you?”

  “We were planning to take two cars, but if you’re going to be up there, I might leave my car at home. Lily and I’ll be staying with Ruth and Arthur.”

  After ending the call, Savannah joined the others. Ruth had just returned from the kitchen carrying a plate of thumbprint cookies Arthur had helped make, topped with dollops of plum jam. “Tea, Savannah?”

  “Yes, sounds nice. Thank you. I’d better put the baby to bed, first,” she said, scooping Lily up in her arms. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Good night, little Lily,” Arthur said, standing and squeezing her hand. “Lily reminds me of Karen, when she was a baby. She was always happy like Lily is. She had blond curls, too. Only she wasn’t as…chubby,” he said. He was silent for a moment. “But that was then and this is now.” He looked up at Savannah. “It’s sort of like I get another chance to have a baby sister.”

  Savannah reached out and hugged Arthur with one arm. “Yes, I guess it is.” S
he started toward the nursery with Lily, Buffy trotting along behind her.

  “Wait,” Michael said. “I want to kiss her goodnight.”

  “Well, come with us and you tell her a bedtime story.”

  When Michael and Savannah returned and Ruth had served her tea, Savannah told the others what Craig had said about the pending summons. She turned to Arthur. “We’ll have a free day before we must be in court. Is it okay if I make an appointment for you to talk with our friend Rochelle?”

  “Yeah, you told me about her. She’s a hypnotist?”

  “She does hypnosis, yes. She also works with people on other levels—not everyone needs hypnosis to work through their issues,” Savannah explained.

  Arthur looked at Ruth, who said, “It is up to you, Artie. If you would like to talk to someone, it might be a good idea. She sounds like a very nice lady.”

  “Okay,” he said. “I’ll go see what she has to say. I wouldn’t mind some help getting through the stress of the trial. Can she help me with that?”

  Savannah nodded. “I’m pretty sure she can, Arthur.”

  ****

  “Home at last,” Arthur said, exiting the car quickly and heading for the house with Koko around mid-afternoon on Sunday.

  “You can carry in your luggage, can’t you?” Ruth called after him.

  “Yeah, I’ll get it in a minute,” he said.

  Ruth shook her head. “He is not used to long drives. He gets kind of edgy when we are in the car for more than a few minutes.”

  “It probably helped that we stopped several times,” Savannah said. “It makes Lily a better traveler when she can get out of her car seat now and then.”

  “She did well,” Ruth said, letting the baby take her finger in her chubby hand.

  Savannah laughed. “Easier than traveling with Rags.”

  “He does not do well in the car?”

  “He likes car rides, but Lily’s easier to manage. I don’t have to worry about her escaping or stealing things.”

  “I see what you mean,” Ruth said, laughing. “Well, come in and let me show you to your room,” she invited. Once they were inside, Ruth led Savannah through the living room and down a short hallway. “You can stay in here with the baby, if you want. This is where my sisters and I stayed when we’d visit our grandparents.”

  “It’s lovely,” Savannah said. “Are you sure I’m not putting you out?”

  “No, it will be a pleasure having you both,” she said, affectionately patting Lily’s leg.

  Savannah addressed Ruth. “Why don’t you stay in here—it’s the master bedroom, isn’t it?”

  “I actually prefer the smaller room. The furniture in there is…meaningful to me.” Her dark eyes danced. “Did you see my room last time you were here?”

  “No,”

  “Come, I will show you.” Once they’d entered the room, Ruth said, “It is charming is it not?”

  Savannah nodded. “It sure is. Yes, I see why you love it. The other room is more open and bright, but this one sort of…envelops you.”

  “Yes, in love.” Ruth smiled brightly. “…family love.”

  “You said you have sisters?” Savannah asked with interest.

  Ruth frowned. “I used to.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  Shrugging, Ruth said, “Water under the bridge, as I’ve heard you say.” She quickly changed the subject. “What time tomorrow is Arthur’s appointment?”

  “Rochelle will come here around ten, if that’s all right.”

  “Certainly. I look forward to meeting her. And I am sure Arthur does, too.”

  ****

  Savannah welcomed Rochelle into the house Monday morning. After sharing a warm hug with her, she said, “Rochelle, this is Ruth.”

  Ruth reached out to shake hands. “Please come in.”

  “Thank you.” Rochelle glanced around. “What a lovely place to live. I’ve never been out this way.”

  “It is nice. My grandfather built the house. He did not much care for neighbors,” she said chuckling. “Can I get you a cup of tea, water, coffee?”

  “No thank you, not right now. I’d like to meet Arthur, if he’s ready.”

  Just then, the young man walked into the room wearing a pair of his new slightly baggy jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. “Hi, I’m Arthur,” he said, reaching out to shake Rochelle’s hand.

  “Hi Arthur. Nice to meet you.”

  “Artie,” Ruth said, “Savannah and I are taking the baby for a walk. We will leave you to visit with Ms Rochelle, if that is okay.”

  “Sure.”

  “Is this a good place for you to meet?” Ruth asked.

  Rochelle looked around the living room. “Yes, although it’s a beautiful day.” She addressed Arthur, “Would you like to go outside someplace to talk?”

  Arthur thought about it and nodded. “That would be nice; yes.”

  ****

  An hour later when Ruth and Savannah returned, they heard laughter coming from inside the house.

  “Sounds like everyone’s having a good time,” Savannah said, upon entering with Lily through the front door.

  “Oh Savannah,” Arthur said, “Ms. Rochelle was telling me about her experience with a stalker and how she outsmarted him.” He shook his head, laughed, and addressed Rochelle, “Boy, are you clever.”

  “A stalker?” Savannah asked, wide-eyed.

  Rochelle nodded. “Yeah, in my acting days. I’ll tell you about it sometime.”

  “Please do.”

  “A stalker is sorta like a paparazzi, isn’t it?” Arthur asked, stirring the cup of hot chocolate that sat on the coffee table in front of him.

  “Kinda, sorta,” Rochelle said before sipping from her cup.

  “I see he coerced you into making him cocoa,” Ruth said.

  Rochelle raised her hand toward Ruth and licked a bit of marshmallow foam from her upper lip. “Oh no. He made it and it’s delicious.”

  “Artie made cocoa?” Ruth asked.

  “Yeah,” he snapped, playfully, “I’m not blind, you know. I’ve watched you make it a hundred times.”

  “So why didn’t you ever make it before?” she asked, suspiciously.

  “Cause yours is better, that’s why.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “So how did it go?” Savannah asked, placing Lily on a large blanket on the living room floor with some of her toys.

  “Well, I think,” Rochelle said. “What do you think, Arthur?”

  “I feel better,” he said. “Stronger.” He peered at Savannah. “Ms. Rochelle gave me some tools to help me stay focused and calm…focused and calm,” he repeated, taking a deep breath.

  Rochelle smiled at the boy. “He’s a fast learner.” She then leaned toward Lily, her brown hair falling softly around her pretty face. “You are getting so big. Look at you, sitting up and crawling.”

  “Yes, the cats don’t have a chance now that she can crawl,” Savannah said. “They’re learning to keep their distance. You ought to see Rags curl his tail under his bum when she heads in his direction.” She glanced at Arthur. “Speaking of cats, where’s Koko?”

  He grinned. “I think she heard you come back. She likes the baby, but she gets a little freaked-out when she sees her crawling toward her.” He looked down at Rochelle, who was now sitting on the floor playing with the baby. “Maybe Koko could use some of your tools.”

  ****

  “Today’s the big day,” Savannah said early the next morning when she saw Arthur walk into the kitchen. “How do you feel?”

  “Focus and stay calm,” Arthur recited. “I think I’ll be okay. What can Charles Peyton do to me?” he asked. “What if a paparazzi snaps my picture and it ends up in a tabloid? What’s the worst thing that could happen?” He poured a glass of juice, saying, “It’s never as bad as that—so there’s usually nothing to worry about.”

  Savannah raised her eyebrows. “Boy, you learned
a lot yesterday, didn’t you?”

  “It’s all common sense,” he said, reaching out and gently pinching Lily’s chubby cheek. She grabbed his finger and pulled it toward her mouth.

  “Oh no you don’t,” he said rather loudly. “No biting—what do you think you are, a doggie?” he laughed.

  “Good morning,” Ruth said as she appeared in the doorway. “Breakfast, anyone?

  “Oh Ruth, you don’t have to cook. Just relax,” Savannah said. “Can’t we have something simple—a bowl of cereal and a banana?”

  “How about oatmeal-raisin-apple muffins?” she said, unveiling a plate of them with a flourish.

  “What did you do, get up in the night and bake them?” Savannah asked, aghast.

  “No, no,” she insisted. “I had them in the freezer. Just thawed them out. Want some blueberries to go with your banana?” she asked.

  “Sounds good.”

  Ruth turned to Arthur. “You can make the cocoa.”

  He looked down. “Aww, come on, Ruthie, you make it so much better.”

  Ruth smiled impishly. “So you were just showing off yesterday for the pretty lady, is that it, Artie?” She attempted to look the boy in the face. “Are you blushing?” She smiled and then turned to Savannah. “So are we taking Lily to Craig’s wife?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Ruth, I meant to ask you if it’s okay if Iris comes here to watch her. Craig said he’d bring her out this morning and then drive us to the courthouse.”

  “That would be perfect,” Ruth said. “I hate that drive. Yes, it would be better for Mrs. Sledge to entertain Lily here than in a hotel room.”

  ****

  “Iris,” Savannah greeted when she walked out on the porch and saw the Sledges step out of their car, “jeans and t-shirt? You didn’t dress for Lily?”

  Iris looked puzzled. “No, why would I dress?”

  Savannah looped her arm in Iris’s and they walked together into the house. “Because you dress for every occasion…and non-occasion. I’ve come to your house and caught you wearing designer jeans with sparkles on the ankles and stilettos while vacuuming,” she said, laughing. “I saw you at the grocery store once wearing satin slacks and that gorgeous red name-brand off-the-shoulder sweater with your red stilettos.”