The Secret Claws

by Patricia Fry

  “Not yet. Do you recommend it?” Holly asked.

  “Sure do,” Jennie said. “It’s the closest thing we have up here to a resort. I guess you’d call it a lodge. I hate to see anyone come up here and not experience the Bear’s Den. A young man from a local family opened it last year on the other side of the mountain. It’s a fifteen-minute drive from here.”

  “Oh, we’re on foot,” Holly said. She chuckled. “And on boat. We left our cars on the other side of the lake.”

  “No worries,” Jennie assured her. “One thing we do have here is decent transportation. Meet me at the general store at noon and I’ll treat you to lunch on the terrace overlooking the most lush valley you’ve ever seen.”

  Savannah looked down at Rags.

  “He’s okay,” Jennie assured her. “I’ve seen dogs on the terrace; why would they discriminate against a cat?”

  Savannah made eye contact with Holly, then her mother, and she nodded. “Yes.” She looked at her watch. “So an hour and a half. See you then.” She walked out of Jennie’s house with Teddy in her arms and strapped him into the stroller. When Rags climbed into the space under the stroller seat and lay down, everyone laughed.

  “That was interesting,” Holly said, as they walked toward the shopping area.

  “Yeah,” Savannah agreed. “Poor little girl. It’s a good thing Jennie had that key. I’m surprised she relinquished it though, when everyone seems so frantic to have one.”

  “Maybe she’s the one handing them out,” Gladys suggested quietly.

  Chapter 4

  “Hi,” Jennie greeted as she joined the others at the covered bus stop in front of the general store later that day. “Looks like we’re the only ones waiting for the shuttle today.” She put her hand over her mouth. “I hope the lodge isn’t closed on Fridays.” She relaxed. “Oh well, if it is, there are other places to eat up there and plenty to see.” She asked Savannah. “Have you been up to the ski area?”

  “No,” she said. “I was here just that one time and there was no snow on the ground yet.”

  “So there’s activity up there even during the off-season?” Holly asked. “That’s the sort of ski resort I like. Oh,” she yelped, grabbing Lily’s and Bethany’s arms and pulling them to her, “here comes the bus.”

  “Are we going to ride the bus?” Lily asked. “Mommy, are we going to ride that bus?”

  “That’s a little bus,” Bethany said. “…a baby bus.”

  “Yes, honeybuns,” Savannah cooed, “we’re going to ride on that baby bus up a big mountain and have lunch. Want to do that?”

  “Yeah!” Bethany said, jumping up and down.

  Lily squealed and mimicked her cousin.

  “Give me the baby,” Holly said, reaching for him. “Gladys, do you want to help the girls get on the bus? That’ll leave Savannah’s hands free to manage the stroller and the cat.”

  “The stroller and the cat,” Jennie repeated. “Sounds like a comedy routine title.”

  Savannah laughed. “With this cat, it could become one.”

  “Here,” Jennie said, reaching out, “let me help with one of the little girls.”

  “Thank you,” Gladys said. “I’m getting to the stage where I need one hand for holding the railing.”

  “Oh, I’ve been at that stage for decades,” Jennie said. When Gladys looked at her, she backpedaled. “Well, maybe only a couple of decades.”

  “This is really nice,” Savannah noted when they pulled up in front of the Bear’s Den.

  “Lovely,” Holly said. “I think it would outshine any of the ski resorts I’ve visited in Colorado.”

  Jennie winked. “Wait until you see the inside.”

  “How many for lunch?” a pert greeter asked as they walked into the generous lobby.

  “Let’s see,” Jennie said, “four adults, probably two booster seats, and a high chair, right?”

  Savannah nodded. “And a cat. Is there room on the terrace?”

  The hostess stared down at Rags for a moment, then said, “Right this way.”

  Once they were seated and had menus in front of them, Jennie asked, “Robin, would you let Christopher know I’m here? I’d like him to meet my guests, if he’s not too busy.”

  The hostess nodded and walked away. She returned shortly saying, “Mrs. Staples, he’s preparing a meal for our caterers. He says he’ll be finished before you leave and he’ll come out to greet you.”

  “Perfect,” Jennie said. “Thank you.”

  Robin smiled. “You’re welcome. Kendra will take your order in just a few secs.”

  ****

  “That was amazing,” Savannah said about forty-five minutes later, placing her fork on her empty plate. “Probably the best quiche I’ve ever had and the dressing on that garden salad was excellent.”

  “Wasn’t it good?” Holly agreed. “I could eat that veggie lasagna all day long.”

  Jennie smiled. “So glad you enjoyed the meal. Christopher’s a wonderful chef.” She leaned forward and spoke more quietly. “His mother came into some money a few years ago. I think she hit it big in the lottery or something, and she set him up in this business. Before that, he worked for others—privately for some big-name celebrities, as I understand it, but he’s always wanted his own place.”

  Just then a man approached their table. “Well, hello, Miss Jennie.”

  “Oh, Christopher, so nice to see you. Thank you for coming out and letting me show you off to my guests.”

  “Certainly,” the man said, smiling at the others. He gave Jennie a quick hug. “Any friends of Miss Jennie are welcome in my den.” He asked, “Did you enjoy your meal?” He chuckled. “I accept compliments, but I also want to hear complaints so I can keep improving.”

  Gladys was first to speak. “Well, I can’t think of anything to complain about. The food was wonderful, the service was flawless, and,” she swooned, “the ambiance is lovely…just lovely.”

  Christopher bowed. “Thank you, kind ma’am.” He held out his hand. “And you are…”

  “Gladys,” she said, allowing him to take her hand.

  He addressed Savannah.

  “I’m Savannah,” she said. She nodded toward Gladys, “her daughter.” She then said, “My quiche was exquisite.”

  “Good to know,” he said with a bow. He took Savannah’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Holly,” she said, offering her hand. “Everything was wonderful.”

  He smiled at the children. “And did you like your grilled cheese sandwich?”

  Bethany nodded. Shyly, she said, “Mine looked like a kitty.”

  “Mine is a kitty, too,” Lily said.

  “Did the kitty taste good?” he asked.

  Both girls nodded.

  “Great.” He put his hands together and bowed his head slightly. “I have a large dinner to prepare for; I’d better get that started. It was pure pleasure to serve you ladies this afternoon. Thank you for gracing my establishment.”

  Savannah’s smile widened. “I’m so glad Jennie brought us up here.”

  Holly added. “It has been a great experience.”

  Christopher started to walk away, but stopped when he felt something rubbing against his leg. “What’s this?” he asked, taking a step back.

  “Our kitty,” Bethany said. “Rags. His name’s Rags.”

  Christopher leaned down and petted Rags, cooing to him. “He’s quite handsome. Do you often take him out to lunch at a pricey resort?”

  Savannah grinned. “He has accompanied us to some interesting places, and sometimes it’s not by invitation.”

  “Yeah, like this trip, for example,” Holly interjected. When Christopher looked puzzled, she explained, “We tried to sneak out of town without him, but he secretly hitched a ride. We didn’t know he was with us until we were almost here.”

  Christopher began to laugh. “That’s a kick.” He continued massaging Rags. “Unbelievable.”r />
  “He’s in some books,” Bethany said quietly.

  “He’s in some books?” Christopher repeated a curious look on his face.

  Bethany nodded.

  Holly explained, “Children’s books, and I guess they’re quite popular. He does book signings.” She gestured toward Savannah. “She has written his memoirs.”

  “Meowmoirs,” Gladys corrected with a smile.

  “No kidding?” Jennie exclaimed. “He really is quite an incredible cat, isn’t he?”

  “Pretty unique,” Savannah agreed.

  Christopher gazed into Rags’s face, then stood and looked across the terrace. “Say, my mother adores cats. Would you mind if I take him over to her table? She’ll get a kick out of meeting this one.”

  Jennie turned in her chair. “Lois is here? I didn’t see her. I’ll have to make my way over and say hello. It’s been a while.”

  “She’d love to see you,” Christopher said. He looked eagerly at Savannah.

  Hesitantly, she handed him the leash. “I guess it’ll be okay. Just don’t let him go; you never know what he’ll do.”

  “No problem,” he said. “Be back in a minute.”

  “So, Jennie,” Holly said, “his mother financed his business with her newfound wealth?”

  “Yes.” She spoke more quietly. “And I understand that his brother, Paul, is furious.”

  “She plays favorites?” Gladys asked, frowning. “That’s never a good idea.”

  “Well, unless the other brother’s a good-for-nothing.”

  “Oh!” Gladys exclaimed.

  “Drugs?” Holly asked.

  “I guess that’s it or he’s just a bum. The scuttlebutt is that Paul will get the same consideration his brother has gotten as soon as he gets his act together and becomes involved in something worthwhile that he’s passionate about. She comes from money and grew up in the world of volunteering. She’s quite a proponent of people helping people and animals. She’s heavily involved in a private school down in the valley. Has been for years. I guess she likes to inspire students to find their passion and pursue it.” She gazed around the terrace. “Like Christopher did here. This is a wonderful example of her philosophy in action.”

  “Uh-oh,” Holly said, her eyes filled with dread.

  “What?” Savannah yelped. When she saw Christopher approaching their table in a rush, a worried look on his face, she feared the worst. “Where is he?” she asked as he drew near. She stood up and began scanning the area.

  “Um…” he stammered. “I don’t know how it happened.”

  “No need to explain,” Savannah said. “I know the cat. Where’d he go—which direction?”

  “I...I’m not sure. Mother was holding him in her lap when I was called to the kitchen. When I returned, she said he somehow got away from her.”

  “She took his leash off, did she?” Savannah moaned.

  He looked sheepish when saying, “She didn’t like him having to wear that thing.” He held up the harness and leash. “She thought he’d be happier without it.”

  “Which way did he go, Christopher?” Jennie asked.

  “Mother isn’t sure. Her tablemate thinks she saw him go toward the back stairs. We looked out over the valley below and didn’t see him anywhere.” He winced. “Please forgive me. I’m so sorry.”

  When Savannah stood up and started to walk in the direction Christopher had indicated, Holly joined her. She looked back at the children and Jennie suggested, “Leave them with me and Gladys; you girls go find that rascal.”

  “Thanks. Be right back,” Savannah said, adding, “I hope.” She pointed. “Holly, why don’t you go that direction? I’ll go this way.”

  “I’ll help,” Christopher offered. “I’ll check out front and make sure no one has picked him up.”

  Savannah let out a lingering sigh. “Rags!” she called once she’d taken the stairs leading from the terrace to an area behind the restaurant. He could be hiding out in one of the giant tomato plants or among the squash growing in those raised garden beds, she thought. “Rags! Come on, boy. Here, kitty-kitty. Rags!” She’d been searching for several minutes when she saw Holly come around the side of the building.

  “It’s gorgeous out here,” Holly said. “Who knew you could grow things like this up here.”

  “Someone has evidently done their homework,” Savannah remarked. “They know what will flourish in this climate and altitude. These beds are probably dormant in the winter.”

  “I’m sure they are,” Holly agreed. She pointed. “But they have a greenhouse over on the other side there.” When she realized that Savannah wasn’t interested in frivolous dialogue at the moment, she frowned and asked, “No sign of him?”

  “No. There are a lot of places for him to hide or cozy-down for a nap. Darn it!”

  “Did you find him?” Christopher asked sounding slightly out of breath as he descended the stairs into the garden area.

  Savannah shook her head. “Listen, you have work to do. Go on back to the kitchen. Holly and I’ll look for him. He’s bound to come out from hiding eventually.”

  Christopher sighed. “Hey, I really am sorry. I had no idea—well, neither did my mother. She feels awful.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “Let me know when you find him, will you?” he said, He thought of something else. “I’ll send some of my staff out to help. That’s the least I can do. And of course, your lunch is on me.”

  “Thank you,” Savannah said obviously distracted. She continued to gaze in all directions, hoping to see Rags.

  “Hey,” Holly said after they’d searched in front of the restaurant for a few minutes. “Isn’t that…?”

  “Oh,” Savannah said, looking in the direction Holly indicated. “Little Shelby. That must be her mom, and dad, and baby brother. They all look happy.”

  “Yeah, they got a key,” Holly snarked. She then said, “I wonder how they can afford to eat here. I thought they were having financial trouble.”

  “Gads, I hope they aren’t counting chickens that may never hatch,” Savannah said. When Holly looked confused, she explained, “You know, they could be expecting a big windfall that might not actually materialize, and all because of the rumors around those keys.”

  Holly grimaced and shook her head.

  When Shelby saw the two women, she excitedly called out, “Hi!” She tugged on her mother’s hand. “Mommy, there are the nice ladies with the cat.”

  “Oh, hello,” the woman said. “I’m Darlene.”

  “What a cute little guy,” Holly said, taking the baby’s hand as he clung to his daddy.

  Darlene smiled. This is Tucker and my husband, Scott. We’re celebrating,” she announced. “It seems we may have come into some good luck, finally,”

  “Now, don’t jinx it, Darlene,” Scott said. “Telling people might jinx it.”

  “We have a coupon,” Shelby said. “We get…” she looked up at Darlene, “what do we get, Mommy?”

  “Twenty percent off,” Darlene said.

  Shelby looked around Savannah’s ankles. “Where’s your cat? I want to show Mommy your cat.”

  Savannah slumped a little. “Well, honey, we can’t find him right now.”

  “He ran away?” Shelby screeched.

  “Yes, I’m afraid he did.”

  Shelby began to cry. “Poor Rags. He’s probably scared.”

  “Oh, cats can take care of themselves,” Scott said. “Come on, Shelby, let’s go eat and let the ladies find their cat.”

  Shelby looked up at Savannah. “Can I help you find him? I want to help you find him.”

  “We’d love the help,” Savannah said. She spoke to Scott. “He just might come out if he sees her.”

  Scott thought for a moment, then said, “I guess it would be okay. We can sit here on the porch and have a lemonade while she helps you look for him. Okay with you, Darlene?” he asked.

  “Um…” Darlen
e muttered, “I’d like to go with them and help.”

  “Well, I guess.” He looked at their six-month-old baby. “Tucker and I’ll wait here for you.”

  “Okay,” Darlene said with renewed energy, “what does he look like and where do you want us to look?”

  “He’s gray and white,” Savannah started.

  “Like Whispers, Mommy,” Shelby said. “He looks almost just like Whispers.”

  “Got it,” Darlene said.

  “Hey,” Holly shouted, “is that him?”

  “Where?” Savannah asked anxiously. “Oh, I see him,” she said as Rags appeared from between a couple of shrubs. “He must have been napping. Rags!” she called, “come here, buddy.” She pulled a small packet of his treats from her tote bag and shook it. “Want a treat, Rags?”

  “Here he comes,” Holly said, smiling. But her smile faded when she watched him walk right past Savannah and Holly and up to Shelby, who leaned over and hugged the cat.

  “Want to give him a treat?” Savannah asked, handing her a couple of the morsels.

  The child giggled when Rags ate out of her hand.

  Darlene smiled. “She loves animals, especially cats, as you can see. We had one once—well, Whispers, but my husband doesn’t care for cats—says he’s allergic.”

  Savannah was quick to fasten Rags’s harness around him. She handed Shelby the leash. “Here, want to lead him back to the restaurant?”

  “Yes,” she said excitedly, taking the leash from Savannah. “How do you do it?”

  “Just walk and he’ll walk along with you,” Savannah instructed. She laughed. “But sometimes he walks and you have to follow him.”

  “What if he goes where you don’t want to go?” Shelby asked.

  “Then he gets a ride.” When Shelby looked confused, Savannah said, “You have to carry him.”

  “How old are you, Shelby?” Holly asked.

  “Six,” the child said. She petted Rags and took a few steps toward the restaurant. “He’s doing it!” she exclaimed. “He’s following me. I’m taking him for a walk!”

  “You found him!” a woman in her eighties shouted. She stepped back from the car she was about to get into and petted Rags affectionately. “Thank God,” she said. She stood up and faced Savannah and Holly. “By the way, I’m Lois Lancaster. I’m so sorry about all this. I didn’t know.”