When Petunia walked inside, she didn’t know what she was more shocked by, Pansy nearly pouncing on her or the sight of Noah sleeping on her couch! Merlin must have thought the same thing, or was at least a little irritated with Noah for sleeping in his spot, as he pawed Noah’s leg with his claws until he finally settled himself on Noah’s lap. The last time Petunia saw Noah, he had been headed for home. Why did he come back?
“Look at them, would you,” Pansy said. “Gem and Sassy have been on the back of the couch watching over Noah since he fell asleep.”
“They must like him.” Petunia laughed.
“Isn’t it a little too early for a sleep over?” Pansy asked, as he licked a paw.
“I’m as shocked as you.” Petunia winked. “How long has he been here?”
“He came right after you left. He must have thought you were neglecting us, which you totally were, leaving in a rush like you did and especially after we were subjected to being treated like we were at the pound.”
“Are you still having flashbacks, Pansy?”
“You wouldn’t laugh so hard if you had spent time in a cell.”
“You’re probably right.”
“So, what’s the scoop, did your witchy aunt save the day with her magic potion?”
“Actually, she did—or I think she did, since Mr. Calhoun seemed to be improving. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.”
“I hope he doesn’t … I mean, I hope he’s not able to be back at the cat show tomorrow.”
“No? And that coming from a black, short-hair Himalayan. From my recollection, Mr. Calhoun was carrying on about how great it was for you to be in the show. I think he likes you.” Petunia’s hand slipped to her hip. “I wonder if Mr. Calhoun is looking for a pet.”
“You’re not funny, Red, but seriously, I doubt Mr. Calhoun will be fit enough by tomorrow to run the show.”
“I believe you’re right. I wonder if I should check on Melvin? I’m sure Noah would want me to make sure his dog is fed.”
“Why don’t you wake up the lug-head and tell him to feed his own dog.”
“I suppose I could, but I’d hate to wake Noah up. We’ll have a long day of investigating tomorrow.”
“Go over there if you must, but leave me out of it.”
“You’re a very rude little cat.”
Pansy didn’t say another word as he trotted away to settle himself on the yarn in Petunia’s knitting basket.
Petunia quietly walked outside and spotted Merlin with his paws on a window sill over at Noah’s house. She used the spare key under Noah’s plant by the door and hurried inside before any of the neighbors saw her. Like many small towns, Lake Forest could be a bit gossipy at times, but at least Cora lived to the back.
Melvin, a brown Pit Bull, raced forward, skidding on the floor rugs. He didn’t give Petunia time to do anything as he jumped on her, knocking her to the floor with a thump.
A light flicked on and footsteps approached from behind. “Noah, is that you?” Noah’s mother asked.
Petunia scrambled to her feet, facing Carol, “Sorry, it’s only me, Petunia.”
“Oh? I had no idea your relationship with Noah had progressed this far. Don’t mind me. I’ll head back to bed now.”
Petunia’s cheeks burned. “You have the wrong idea, here. I came to check on Melvin to make sure he was fed.”
She winked. “It was nice of Noah to supply you with your own key.”
“It’s the hidden one he keeps outside.”
“I see,” Carole said disapprovingly. “Couldn’t Noah have just let you in?”
She hated that she’d have to give Noah’s mother all these details. “He could if he hadn’t fallen asleep on my couch. Like I told you, I only came to feed Melvin.”
“He’s been fed already, dear. Why don’t you run along back to my son. I’m quite certain he’s waiting patiently for your return.”
Petunia shoved the key in her pocket and left in a hurry. She had never been so embarrassed in her life.
When Petunia was back inside her own house, she pressed her back against the door. It was then that she noticed all the cats curled up on the couch with the still-sleeping Noah. She tiptoed up the stairs and pulled on her flannel pajamas, collapsing on the bed. She had no idea how anyone in their right mind would want to haul their cats to shows. Of course she had an idea that most people probably didn’t take four of them. Petunia yawned, slipping off to dreamland.
Petunia slowly climbed down the stairs the next morning, wishing she had a coffee maker with a timer. For some reason, it was thoughts like that one that made her get out of bed in the morning.
She scratched her head, knowing that her auburn hair was quite the mess like it was every morning, but at least there was nobody there to see it. Petunia’s nose wrinkled as the smell of fresh coffee drifted up her nostrils and she smiled. “Aunt Maxine, how wonderful of you to drop by and make coffee,” Petunia said, as she walked into the kitchen.
“You’re welcome.” Noah grinned. “Although I don’t look that much like Aunt Maxine.”
It was then that Petunia remembered that Noah had slept on her couch last night. “Oh,” is all she could choke out. “I’m surprised you’re still here.”
“What kind of man would I be if I just ran out without saying goodbye? It’s rather nice to be here to say good morning. I imagine asking for a good morning kiss is out of the question.”
“Since you only slept on my couch last night, I’d say quite out of the question.” Petunia spied the bowl Noah was stirring. “Are you making breakfast?”
“If you’re hungry, I’m making pancakes.”
“Actually, yes.”
“Or would you rather take a shower first.”
“Shower?” Petunia said in mock outrage. “Are you saying you don’t like my pajamas?”
“Isn’t it a little too warm for flannel?”
“Keep talking mister and I’ll have to toss you out.”
Petunia whirled when she heard the floor creak behind her. Aunt Maxine grinned. She sat at the table. “I’m sorry, should I leave?”
“I suppose not, since you’re already seated. Noah is making pancakes.”
“Is this what it looks like?” Aunt Maxine asked and then frowned. “I suppose not, since you’re wearing flannel.”
Petunia’s hands slipped to her hips. “What does everyone have against my flannel pajamas? If you recall, you’re the one who gave them to me for Christmas.”
“I know, but it’s hardly the thing to wear when you have company.”
Noah poured the batter in a frying pan. “Why don’t you tell your aunt that I fell asleep on the couch. I’d hate to have a shotgun wedding.”
“Don’t give her any ideas,” Petunia said. “I better head upstairs and take a shower.”
“After you have breakfast you can.” Noah winked. “I don’t want to be accused of being an unappreciative guest.”
“None of my guests ever make breakfast,” Aunt Maxine said.
Petunia’s brow shot up. “Oh, and what guests are you talking about … a man friend, I hope.”
“Try Wanda and Hazel when we get a little tipsy, or it could be me, since I’m always the one carting them around.”
“Where are Wanda and Hazel this morning?”
“They volunteered to help out at the cat show today.”
“How did they get signed up for that?”
“Hazel ran into Mr. Cooper at the store this morning and he told her all about how the cat show will need volunteers today since Mr. Calhoun is out of sorts.”
“How does Mr. Cooper know Mr. Calhoun?”
“I don’t exactly recall, but I’m sure you can ask him when you take your cats to the show today.”
Noah set down a plate of pancakes slathered with butter and Petunia went to fetch the syrup. “Sorry, Noah, I didn’t think I’d have to drag my cats back down there today. I had hoped to do a little investigating.”
“I
’ll watch over the cats while you two look into the poisonings. I’d hate to be sent to jail for something I didn’t do,” Aunt Maxine said.
“Who would think you were involved?” Noah asked.
“Hazel and Wanda and even Petunia.”
Petunia waved her fork since her mouth was full. After she swallowed hard, she said, “That’s not true and I hardly think Noah wants to hear about how the poisonings might be related to witchcraft.”
“Alleged witchcraft,” Aunt Maxine said. “At least I was able to talk some sense into Petunia.”
“I’m not the one who brought this up. I know better than to think such a thing. I think someone was trying to sabotage the cat show, actually.”
“For what reason?” Noah asked.
“I have no idea, it’s just a theory of mine.” Petunia finished the rest of her pancakes. “I’ll meet you back here after you take your shower, Noah … as in at your house.”
“Certainly, I didn’t think you were inviting me to take one here.”
Petunia hurried off to the sound of Aunt Maxine laughing. She was enjoying this too much. It was strange enough for Petunia that Noah had hung around to make breakfast.
She sneaked past her cats who were still sleeping, even Pansy. At least she could get in her shower before they began to bellow for food.
Petunia bounced down the steps an hour later, dressed comfortably in tan cargo pants with a white button-down shirt. Her sneakers could use a good washing, but she had cleaned off the smudge marks the best she could.
She panicked when all her cats and carriers were missing. Noah bounded into the room. “Finally, hop in the car, we’re ready to go.”
“I’m sorry I took so long,” Petunia said.
“Thanks for trying to feed Melvin last night. My mother told me you went over to my house last night.”
“Don’t remind me. I think she got the wrong idea.”
“That’s what mothers are for, I suppose. Your aunt was grilling me about last night, too. I think she was disappointed that I slept on the couch.”
“It was a long day for both of us yesterday and I have an idea that today will be taxing, too.”
Petunia gasped as Cora was power walking toward them. She stopped with a sly smile. “If you plan to creep over to Noah’s house at night, take care, girl. You know how the neighbors like to talk,” Cora said, before she continued on her way.
“Of all the nerve,” Petunia said. “How would she know what I did last night?”
“Don’t let it bother you. Cora is still sore at us for cutting down her branch.”
Petunia took a quick look around. “Where is Pansy?”
“Your aunt decided to bring him in her car.”
“At least we have Merlin, Gem, and Sassy. I’m shocked you got them back into their carriers, if you must know.”
“Cat treats can do wonders.”
Chapter 11
Hazel and Wanda were ready to assist with the cats when Petunia and Noah arrived at the cat show.
“How did you two get rooked into helping out today?” Petunia asked.
“You should know Hazel here is crazy about that Mr. Cooper,” Wanda said.
Aunt Maxine was attempting to put Pansy into the kennel, but his nails were out and he had them hooked to the cloth on the table.
“Let me handle this,” Petunia said.
“And here I thought it would go much easier if I did it. You know Pansy doesn’t really listen to you, Petunia,” Aunt Maxine said.
Petunia picked up Pansy. “Don’t worry, I won’t lock you in there. I’ll pretend to drop you and all you have to do is run.”
“That’s the smartest thing you’ve said since I’ve known you, Red.”
“Oh, gosh,” Petunia exclaimed, as she dropped Pansy to the floor and off he went. “I’ll chase him down,” Hazel suggested.
“Please don’t. I’m certain he’ll come back when he’s ready,” Petunia said.
Melanie and Tracy raced up, concerned. “Did I hear you say one of your cats ran off?” Tracy asked.
“Yes, but he always comes back.”
“Tracy, look for the cat and I’ll alert Mr. Calhoun.”
“Mr. Calhoun?” Petunia exclaimed. “Certainly he’s not here today.”
“He’d be here in a hurricane,” Melanie explained. “These cat shows are all he has.”
“What do you think about what happened yesterday?” Noah asked.
Melanie flashed her eyes in Noah’s direction. “Actually, I don’t know what to say. You can be sure there won’t be any champagne served today.”
Melanie and Tracy were off before Petunia could stop them. “Why do I have the feeling that they were told not to discuss yesterday?” Petunia said.
“Perhaps we should find Mr. Calhoun and ask him,” Noah said, as he put Merlin, Gem, and Sassy into their kennels before leaving with Petunia.
“Why do you think Mr. Calhoun wouldn’t want the staff talking about what happened yesterday?” Petunia asked.
“Maybe he’d rather bury what happened,” Noah said.
“I’m not sure bury is the right word, because Mr. Calhoun certainly was almost buried if Aunt Maxine hadn’t—”
“If it hadn’t been for your Aunt Maxine, my father might not have survived,” Noah interjected.
“How’s he doing today?”
“My mother is picking him up from the hospital. I believe they’ll be stopping by today.”
“That makes two people who were poisoned yesterday who still plan on being here today,” Petunia said. “I just don’t get it.”
Noah pointed out Mr. Calhoun, who was chatting with a blonde, the same woman they saw him with yesterday. She was chit chatting away with Mr. Calhoun until she spotted Petunia and Noah, then she made her great escape.
“I believe she’s trying to avoid us,” Noah said. “Don’t just stand there, Petunia, go after her.”
Petunia hurried after the woman, but the woman ducked into a room. When Petunia tried the door, it was locked! She flagged down Tracy. “Tracy, do you have a key to this door? I think I saw my cat run in there.”
That certainly spurred Tracy into action as she quickly fished a key out of her pocket and opened the door. Petunia practically knocked Tracy down as she hurried into the room, flipping on the light.
“I don’t see your cat here,” Tracy said.
“I don’t see the blonde in here, either,” Petunia said, “I wonder if she’s trying to steal my cat.”
“What woman?” Tracy asked.
“I don’t know her name, but she was just speaking to Mr. Calhoun.”
“You must be talking about Tara Ingram. She’s a cat enthusiast, but she’d never steal someone’s cat.” Tracy laughed.
Petunia’s hands went to her hips. “I find nothing funny about my cat in that woman’s clutches.”
“Maybe she went out back, come this way.”
Tracy led Petunia through another door. “I don’t see my cat or the woman.”
“Maybe I should call for reinforcements.” The door was then slammed in Petunia’s face and when she tried the doorknob, it was locked!.
“Pansy, are you here?” Petunia called out. When only silence greeted her, she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and she called Noah. “Hey, Noah, I need help. I was locked in a stock room from the looks of it,” Petunia said, as she kicked a box.
“Where?”
“How should I know where? I followed that woman through a locked door and Tracy let me in and for some reason locked me in the storeroom. I believe the doors interconnect somehow.”
“I believe I know where you mean now.”
The call ended and Petunia sighed. She wasn’t claustrophobic by any means, but that didn’t mean she desired to be locked in a dark room.
The door flew open a few minutes later and Noah exclaimed, “Your Calvary has arrived.
Petunia stomped out of the room and saw Mr. Calhoun was with Noah. “What kind of people do
you hire? Tracy was supposed to help me find Tara, but she locked me in here, instead.”
Noah walked into the room. “What do you keep in here?” Noah asked. He then flipped on a light and walked over and peered into a box with its flaps open, picking up a bottle of champagne. “Is this the same champagne that was served yesterday, Mr. Calhoun?”
His shoulders dropped. “Yes, I’m afraid.”
“Why is it stored here and not turned over to the sheriff?”
“If you recall I was taken to the hospital via ambulance. I hardly think the actual champagne was poisoned. It must have been introduced another way.”
“So, you’re suggesting that nobody poisoned the champagne?” Petunia asked.
“I hardly think so, but of course the sheriff has the remainder of the champagne that was being served yesterday. At least that’s what the sheriff told me when he called me this morning.”
“We’ll have to call the sheriff and report that we found more champagne,” Petunia insisted. “It might be tainted like the other champagne. It’s better to be safe.”
“I agree with Petunia,” Noah said.
“I just wish I could put this whole thing behind me. You have no idea how many people have withdrawn their cats from the show. I’ll have to return their entrance fees under the circumstances. I need to face it—I’m ruined!”
“Let’s calm down before this gets out of hand,” Petunia said. “Did someone give you your champagne or were you served one from the tray being passed around?”
“A lovely young woman gave me the glass. Why?”
“Was it Tara?” Petunia asked. “She was with you when we found you unresponsive.”
“Yes, but there’s something only a select few who know about Tara. She’s actually my daughter.”
Petunia narrowed her eyes. “That’s interesting. I don’t suppose you can prove that.”
“What Petunia means is that Tara didn’t act like your daughter when we found her with you yesterday,” Noah said.
Meows, Magic, & Mayhem (Lake Forest Witches Book 4) Page 8