Framed in Cherry Hills (Cozy Cat Caper Mystery Book 2)

by Paige Sleuth

  Framed in Cherry Hills

  A Cozy Cat Caper Mystery

  Book 2

  Paige Sleuth

  Copyright © 2015 Paige Sleuth

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Paige Sleuth.

  This book or portions of it (excluding brief quotations) may not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher/author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), actual businesses, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If this ebook copy was not purchased by or for you, please purchase your own copy before reading. Thank you for respecting this author’s work.

  Table of Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  MURDER IN CHERRY HILLS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Something is wrong,” Imogene Little said, twining her fingers together. “Willow is never late.”

  Katherine Harper looked at the clock in Imogene’s home office. “It’s only twelve-fifteen. Maybe she got snagged in traffic.”

  Imogene shook her head, her auburn locks flying around her shoulders. “She would have called in that case. She would at least have picked up her phone when I called.”

  “Even if she were driving?”

  Imogene nodded. “She has one of those fancy hands-free sets. Something must be wrong. It’s the only possibility.”

  Kat wanted to say something to ease Imogene’s concerns until they knew for sure what was going on, but, having never met Willow Wu, she found herself at a loss for words. This Saturday afternoon in July marked the first time she had planned to meet the third member of the Furry Friends Foster Families—or 4F, for short—non-profit organization.

  Kat looked uneasily out the window as the steady sound of rain beating against the house filled the room. A storm had been brewing ever since the night before, and this morning’s rain hadn’t let up yet. It was the type of weather conducive to traffic accidents, which made Willow’s absence all the more worrisome. Still, Kat figured the possibility of a car wreck had already crossed Imogene’s mind, and she could see no sense in bringing it up.

  Imogene snatched up the cell phone on her desk and punched a few buttons before pressing it to her ear. After a moment she dropped the phone, shaking her head as she slumped into her seat. She didn’t have to say anything for Kat to know that Willow had failed to answer Imogene’s call once again.

  A big, white cat sauntered into the room. He paused three feet past the doorway and studied Kat with his sky-blue eyes. He must have decided that she was good for a few strokes because he ambled over and sat down within petting reach.

  Kat leaned over and ran one hand down the animal’s back. He felt so soft that she formed the impression she was stroking a cloud.

  “That’s Clover,” Imogene said.

  “Is he yours?” Kat didn’t remember seeing Clover during a previous visit to Imogene’s house, but she’d only been over once before. She had moved back to her hometown of Cherry Hills, Washington just a few weeks ago, and, although Imogene had lived here when Kat had been growing up, she’d only struck up a friendship with the fifty-something woman recently.

  “He’s a foster,” Imogene said. “He doesn’t get along well with other cats. Since I was between animals, I was the only foster parent in a position to take him in.”

  “He’s beautiful,” Kat said as Clover pushed his nose into her palm.

  Imogene beamed. “Isn’t he, though? I’m tempted to adopt him myself, except that would mandate that I stop fostering other animals.”

  “Couldn’t you keep him separated from any fosters you took in?”

  Imogene laughed, looking at the white cat fondly. “I don’t think Clover would go for that. He seems to believe he owns the entire house.”

  Imogene’s cell phone rang, causing them both to straighten.

  “That must be Willow.” Imogene scrambled for the phone. “Hello?”

  Having apparently had his fill of attention, Clover wandered over to an armchair on the other side of the room, jumped into the seat, and circled around once before settling down.

  “Oh, I’m terribly sorry about that, Paul.”

  The worry in Imogene’s voice sent a prickle of fear through Kat’s body. She stilled as she listened to Imogene’s half of the phone conversation.

  “I don’t know.” Imogene fingered the edge of her desk with her free hand. “She was due here at noon, but she hasn’t shown up yet. I didn’t realize she’d already missed another appointment.” She fell silent for a moment, then bobbed her head. “Yes, of course. I’ll do that. Thank you, and I’ll see you soon.”

  Kat leaned forward, trying to keep her dread at bay as Imogene pulled her phone away from her ear. “Who was that?”

  “Paul McGinty.” The cell phone slipped out of Imogene’s hand, landing with a thunk on the desk. “Evidently Willow was supposed to stop by his house half an hour ago so he could talk to her about Tom.”

  “Who’s Tom?”

  “One of our foster cats. The McGintys are currently caring for him until he finds a permanent home.”

  “Ah.”

  Imogene chewed the edge of her lip. “Wherever Willow is, something dreadful must have happened. She never misses appointments without at least calling.”

  Kat glanced out the window, shivering as she watched the rain pelting the glass panes. Although it was still early afternoon, the darkening skies gave the impression that the hour was closer to nighttime.

  Imogene jumped out of her chair, seeming to have gotten a fresh burst of energy. “Anyway, I’ve got to head over to Paul’s. He sounded pretty upset that Willow didn’t show when she said she would.”

  Kat stood up. “Should I come with you?”

  Imogene’s face brightened. “Yes, that would be wonderful. This way you’ll get to experience firsthand some of what we do here at 4F.”

  “Sounds good.” Kat grabbed her purse off the floor and followed Imogene out the door.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The McGintys lived in a modest, one-story house two miles from Imogene’s neighborhood. Figuring it would be silly to arrive in different vehicles, Kat rode along with Imogene.

  “This isn’t like Willow,” Imogene said at least three times during the five-minute drive. “Something bad must have happened to her.”

  As the windshield wipers swished at the most rapid setting and lightning lit up the dark sky, Kat didn’t state the obvious.

  When the women reached their destination, they ran from the car to the McGintys’ front door, taking cover under the overhang. Even after the short sprint, they were both drenched.

  “I used to keep an umbrella in my car,” Imogene said, depressing the button to ring the doorbell. “Then one day one of my foster dogs thought it was a chew toy. I keep forgetting to replace it.”

  As they waited, Kat shook the water from her hair in an effort to look more presentable. She had to smile at Imogene, who sounded amused rather than annoyed at her former dog’s antics. Kat would bet anything that Imogene Little wouldn’t mind if an anima
l chewed up everything in her home if that’s what it took to spare his life.

  The door creaked open, revealing a blond, forty-something man who stood a few inches taller than Kat’s own five-foot-six-inch frame. “Hi, Imogene.” He swung the door open wider. “Come on in.”

  Imogene stepped over the threshold. A beautiful brown and black cat ambled over to her, arching his back against her leg. “Hi there, Tom,” she crooned, massaging the cat’s head.

  Kat entered the house and offered the man her hand. “You must be Paul. I’m Kat Harper. I just started volunteering for 4F.”

  Paul shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Kat.”

  “I brought her along to show her the ropes,” Imogene said, still showering Tom with attention.

  “We’ve all got to learn somewhere, right?” Paul shut the door. “Come in and have a seat.”

  Kat and Imogene followed Paul into the living room. Kat hesitated to touch the furniture before she dried off, but when both Imogene and Paul sat down she thought it would be rude to remain standing. As she perched on the sofa next to Imogene, she noticed that Tom had followed them at a polite distance, as if he were the McGintys’ butler ushering in the family’s guests.

  Imogene absently picked at one of the couch cushions. “Paul, I’m so terribly sorry about Willow missing your appointment. I don’t know what’s happened, but I haven’t been able to reach her either.”

  Paul leaned back in his armchair. “It’s not like Willow to be late.”

  The corners of Imogene’s mouth dipped down. “I’m awfully worried about her. She’s not answering her phone, which is completely out of character.”

  “Well, I’m glad you showed up anyway,” Paul replied. “I hope this visit wasn’t an inconvenience for you.”

  “Not at all.” Imogene glanced at her fingernails digging into the couch seams and pulled her hands into her lap. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk to Willow about?”

  Paul’s gaze drifted to Tom, who was settling down on a pile of ratty towels in one corner of the room. From the depression in the center of the mound, Kat gathered they had been put there specifically for the cat.

  Paul turned to face Imogene. “We’re going to have to stop fostering Tom.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” Imogene said. “Is there any particular reason why?”

  Paul’s face lit up like a firework. “Sarah just found out she’s pregnant.”

  Imogene clapped her hands. “Why, that’s marvelous! Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Have you been trying, or is this unexpected?”

  “It’s not unwelcome, let’s put it that way.” He frowned. “Unfortunately, Sarah doesn’t feel comfortable being anywhere near cat litter during the duration of her pregnancy, which means . . .”

  “Yes.” Imogene bobbed her head. “Naturally. I completely understand.”

  Paul crossed his ankles. “Sorry to spring this on you without notice.”

  Imogene waved her hand. “Not a problem. We’ll find Tom another foster home. I’m just glad he isn’t the reason for your decision.”

  “No, of course not.” Paul eyed the cat, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “In fact, we’ve become quite attached to him, Hannah especially.”

  “I can tell he’s thrived during the four months he’s been with you.” Imogene grinned as she watched Tom twist around to lick his hind leg. “When we first found him, he was rail-thin with that dull, matted coat.”

  Paul chuckled. “And now he’s just a big fat cat.”

  Imogene threw her head back and laughed. “He looks healthy, and that’s a testament to your good treatment of him.”

  They all turned as a girl emerged from the hallway, a strong cloud of perfume following her. She looked to be around sixteen with a pretty complexion and pitch-black locks that had to be dyed.

  The girl halted at the edge of the living room. “Oh. I didn’t know we had company.”

  “Hi, Hannah,” Imogene greeted.

  “Hi, Ms. Little.”

  Kat smiled when Hannah’s gaze reached her. “I’m Kat Harper. I recently started volunteering for Furry Friends Foster Families.”

  “Hi.” Hannah’s eyes roved between the two women. “Are you guys here for Tom?”

  Imogene nodded. “Yes, and I want to thank you for helping to take such good care of him. I can tell he’s been well loved during his stay here.”

  Hannah looked at Tom, her face falling. “I’m going to miss him.”

  As if he might be able to convince the McGintys to change their minds, Tom stood up and walked over to Hannah. He meowed, then rubbed against her leg. She grinned as she crouched down to pet him.

  Hannah lifted her head, her hair falling back to frame her elfin-shaped face. “Why didn’t Ms. Wu show?”

  Kat wasn’t sure, but she thought she detected a tightness to Hannah’s voice when she said Willow’s name. The impression was so fleeting she didn’t really have time to examine it.

  The worried look returned to Imogene’s face. “We’re not sure. I haven’t been able to reach her.”

  “Hmm.” Hannah scratched Tom’s back, apparently unconcerned about Willow’s absence.

  “You had her for English last year, didn’t you?” Imogene asked.

  Kat watched closely as Hannah pressed her lips together and bobbed her head once. She definitely wasn’t imagining the young woman’s chilly reaction. She wondered why Hannah didn’t care for Willow, but this wasn’t the time or place to ask.

  Imogene stood up and smoothed her palms down her jeans. “I suppose we ought to get going so you can get on with your Saturday afternoon. Let me run out to the car to get a carrier for Tom, and then we’ll be out of your hair.”

  Paul rose from his seat. “You can have the carrier we bought. You can take the rest of Tom’s supplies too. If we’re ever in a position to foster again in the future, we’ll purchase new stuff.”

  Imogene reached over and patted his hand. “Oh, that’s very kind of you.”

  Paul turned to Hannah. “Go gather up Tom’s things and bring them out to Ms. Little’s car.”

  Without a word, Hannah straightened up and trudged back down the hall.

  Paul raked his fingers through his hair. “I apologize for her. She’s still getting used to the news of Sarah’s pregnancy.”

  Imogene’s eyes softened. “That’s only natural. She’s been an only child for so long, it’s a big adjustment hearing you have a new brother or sister on the way.”

  “I suppose. I just wish she’d open up to us more. She’s so secretive nowadays.”

  “She’s fifteen,” Imogene replied, as if that explained everything.

  Hannah emerged a minute later with a grocery bag in one hand and a cat carrier in the other. “Here are his toys and bed. Hang on a sec, and I’ll get his litter box.”

  Imogene took the items and set them on the floor. “Would you like me to help?”

  Hannah shook her head. “Unless you want to get his food. It’s in the kitchen.”

  “I’ll do that,” Imogene said.

  Kat watched as Tom ambled over and started sniffing around the grocery bag as if it might contain a tasty morsel. Feeling the need to contribute, she said, “I can work on getting Tom into his carrier.”

  Imogene took a step toward the kitchen. “Good idea. In fact, if you want to buckle him into the car while I gather up his stuff, that would be perfect.”

  Unfortunately, Tom had other ideas. The second Kat’s hands made contact with him, he dashed back over to his pile of towels, eyeing her as if he’d just realized she was more foe than friend.

  Kat wondered if she gave off some sort of vibe whenever she was planning to stuff a cat into a carrier. She couldn’t figure out how they sensed her intentions otherwise.

  “You may want to let Hannah handle him,” Paul advised. “She has a way with Tom that Sarah and I have yet to master.”

  Kat’s stubborn streak flared. “I
’m sure I can manage. I just didn’t get a firm grip on him that time.”

  Paul didn’t look convinced of Kat’s abilities, but he didn’t say anything.

  Kat evaluated Tom from across the room. His eyes narrowed, as if he were sizing her up himself. Steeling herself, she crept closer and pounced.

  Tom successfully evaded her grasp, taking cover under the coffee table. He peered at her, as though daring her to try again. She leapt toward him, landing flat on her stomach with her arms extended.

  Tom dashed past her with an agility belied by his size. He galloped toward the hall, only pausing to meow once before smirking at her.

  As she pushed herself off the floor and brushed herself off, Kat’s gaze drifted to Paul. He lifted one shoulder. She felt her cheeks grow hot and wished he hadn’t witnessed her clumsy display. Between Willow missing her appointment and Kat bumbling around, she hoped he wasn’t forming a negative impression of 4F’s competence.

  Imogene reentered the living room carrying a small bag of food and a couple plastic dishes. She glanced at Kat’s bare hands. “Is Tom in the car?”

  “Not exactly,” Kat said tightly.

  Hannah sauntered into the room. Tom was cradled in her arms like a baby. “Should I put him in his carrier?”

  Kat sighed. “That would probably be best.”

  Paul was gracious enough not to say ‘I told you so.’

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Willow still isn’t answering,” Imogene said, sagging against the driver’s seat.

  Kat watched the rain fall as they sat in Imogene’s car, which was still parked in the McGintys’ driveway. After securing Tom’s carrier in the back seat and loading his belongings in the trunk, both women had climbed into the front so they could consider their options.

  Unfortunately, with Willow currently unavailable, they didn’t have access to her knowledge of Tom’s temperament and the other foster families’ situations to help place the homeless cat. The worry lines framing Imogene’s mouth became more pronounced with each passing second, and Kat wished she had some ideas to help them out of this predicament. She had only just joined Furry Friends Foster Families, and she already felt out of her element.