A Christmas to Purr About (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 22)

by Patricia Fry

  Before anyone or any animal could make sense of what had happened, Buffy dropped her catch, stepped over it, and walked nonchalantly into the other room. Rags wriggled from Savannah’s grip and both he and Walter rushed toward Buffy’s tiny victim. But, before either of them could pick it up, Michael grabbed it by the tail and quickly disposed of it. He promptly washed his hands, then addressed the two male cats and Lexie, who all continued to stare at the pantry door. “You snooze, you lose.”

  “Yeah, Buffy is the extermination queen!” Savannah announced, still shaking her head at the little cat’s surprising display of hunting prowess.

  ****

  One week later on Christmas Eve, the extended Ivey family members enjoyed a lovely potluck dinner at the Ivey home. They’d opened carefully chosen gifts and shared a lot of laughter. Later that night, after their guests had left, Michael and Savannah cuddled on the sofa. “What a wonderful Christmas,” she said. “It was so special having Adam here with us and my mother.” She chuckled. “Don’t they get along well?”

  Michael laughed. “Yes, he loves to get his Grammy involved in a hot board game, doesn’t he?”

  “And he usually wins.”

  “I think that’s why he likes playing with her.”

  “But did you hear all the laughter coming from the dining room when they were playing his new game with Brianna and Bud? Cracked me up.” She hesitated. “He’s one lucky, lucky boy, having so many extended family members who genuinely love him.”

  “Yes he is,” Michael agreed.

  She looked at him. “But you didn’t have that sort of family experience as a child, did you?”

  He shook his head.

  “That’s sad.”

  “No worries,” he said brightly. “I have more than enough now.”

  “That’s true.” After thinking about his statement, however, she asked, “Michael, what do you mean by more than enough?”

  “Oh, Savannah, Savannah,” he said, shaking his head, “why do you always read something into what I say? I mean, I have a lot of family and I love all of you.” He hugged her tightly. “I couldn’t ask for more in life than I have right now.”

  She snuggled with him and kissed him a few times, finally pulling back. “Michael, what if you have a relative out there somewhere—someone biologically close to you? Would you want to know it?”

  “What kind of question is that?” Before she could respond, he said, “No, I keep telling you, my life is complete.”

  She persisted. “You didn’t know about Adam. Aren’t you glad you opened your mind and your arms to him?”

  “Well yes, of course. But I’m not interested in trying to find some unknown uncle or aunt or distant cousin, so I wish you’d just drop it, Savannah.”

  She relaxed against the back of the sofa and encouraged Michael to lay his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through the stubborn strands of hair that fell over his forehead. Finally, she asked softly, “Why didn’t you tell me, Michael?”

  “Tell you what, for God’s sake?”

  “About your brother.”

  Chapter 10

  Michael sat up and looked her in the eyes. He stood and started to pace, running his hand through his hair. After a few moments, he stopped in front of Savannah and opened his mouth to speak, but turned instead and walked swiftly down the hallway toward their bedroom.

  When Savannah caught up to him, she found him sitting in the overstuffed chair, apparently deep in thought. She entered the room and sat across from him on the bed, saying gently, “Why, Michael?”

  He took a deep breath and set his jaw, staring angrily at his wife. Soon his demeanor softened. “Oh, I don’t know. I guess because…well, he’s never been a part of my life.” He stood abruptly. “God, Savannah, I didn’t even know about him until my grandfather told me when I was in high school.” He began pacing again. “It ate at me, but I didn’t have the courage to ask my parents about it. What good would it have done, anyway? Besides, I wondered if Grandpa was remembering right. I just couldn’t imagine a married couple giving up one of their children and depriving both of them of a sibling.” His voice trailed off. “But it was true.”

  He spoke more quietly. “Mom died when I was in veterinary school. I pretty much had to take over the household business—you know, finances, insurance… Dad didn’t have a clue about those things. One of my teachers helped me a little with it. That’s when I found the adoption papers.”

  “Oh, Michael, how sad. So did you try to find him?”

  “No, I just tried to forget it and go on with my life, such as it was. There was no Internet then. I didn’t have the slightest idea how to conduct a search. I just made some bad decisions, like marrying Marci. Grandpa’s influence sort of set me straight and I did finish veterinary school and, in his honor, I think I did a pretty good job of pulling my life together. Then you came along and we learned that I had a son. Yeah, life got real good and just kept getting better. So I was able to put my…my loss…out of my mind.”

  “Really, Michael?” Savannah challenged.

  He looked at her. “What do you mean?”

  “I think he’s always been with you. How could you possibly deny thoughts of someone who was—you know, in the womb with you?”

  Michael lowered himself onto the bed next to Savannah and sat thoughtfully for several minutes, then finally said, “Yeah, I guess I’ve always known at some level that a part of me was missing. As a kid I remember feeling a loneliness I couldn’t understand. To this day, even though I’m happier than any man should be allowed to be, there’s still a piece of me missing.” Michael thinned his lips, fighting back an onslaught of tears.

  “Oh Michael,” Savannah said, wrapping her arms around him as he attempted to contain his emotions.

  Finally, he said into her neck, his voice barely audible, “You found him?”

  “Yes. I think so.” She asked quietly, “Do you want to know about him or would you rather keep him buried?”

  “That’s a hard one,” he said, still holding tightly to her. “What if he’s…” Michael pulled back from their embrace. “How do you know it’s him? How did you find him?”

  “The Internet. It’s amazing what records and information you can get from the Internet—especially when someone wants to be found.”

  He looked curiously at her. “Oh?”

  “Yeah, he knew he was adopted and he’s been looking for his twin brother for a long time.”

  Michael put two fingers against his wife’s lips. “No. Don’t tell me anything more.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Savannah, I love what we have. I’m a little curious, but I don’t need anything or anyone else in my life…well, except for our children, of course. I’m always open to having more children with you. But a stranger who happens to be related to me? I’m not sure I want to go there. No, Savannah. Don’t tell me any more—at least not right now.” He ran his fingers gently alongside her face. “Come on, let’s go to bed. We have a big day with the homeless tomorrow.”

  “Okay, honey. Whatever you say.”

  ****

  “Hi, Savannah,” Colbi said the next afternoon when she walked into the church’s little tots’ playground to check on Lily. “How’re things on the chow line? Is everyone getting enough to eat?”

  “I think so. The crowd is at least as big as it was for the Thanksgiving feast.” Savannah watched the children who were taking turns sliding down the small slide with Brianna’s and Margaret’s help.

  Colbi glanced at the four toddlers who were finger painting around a child-size picnic table, then walked closer to Savannah. “Is Michael all right?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Well, I just saw him and he seemed preoccupied. I tried to get his attention, but he just kept on walking.”

  Savannah frowned. “That’s odd. You know, sometimes when he’s on a mission, he gets kind of focused. I remember once when…”

&
nbsp; Before she could continue, there was a shout from the finger-painting table.

  “Uh-oh, I have a couple of kids who just can’t seem to get along,” Colbi said. “I’ll be right back.” When she returned, she explained, “They’re siblings and boy are they both little divas. They each have a strong mind of their own.” She shook her head. “So yeah, you think he was just focused on something else, do you?”

  Savannah nodded. She gazed in the direction of the temporary clinic. “I hope there’s not a problem with any of the animals.” She focused again on the slide. “Yeah, he’s just busy. Hey, I need to go see my girl. I miss her.”

  “Mommy!” came the sweet call. “Mommy!”

  “Hi, Lily sweetie,” Savannah said, picking her up as she approached. “What have you been doing?”

  “Slide,” she said.

  When Savannah noted yellow paint stains on the toddler’s hands, she said, “And painting? Have you been painting?”

  Lily nodded, then rested her head on Savannah’s shoulder.

  “Yeah, I thought you might be getting tired. Shall we take you home and let you have a nap?”

  “No,” Lily said, pouting. “No nap, Mommy. Stay here Auntie, Auntie Bri, Cobie.”

  Margaret chuckled. “I guess she knows what she wants.”

  “Yeah, she doesn’t want a nap.”

  Margaret looked in the distance. “Hey, there’s your daddy. He must be taking a break, too.”

  “Where?” Savannah asked, looking in the same direction.

  “Oh, I guess he went behind that group of people. I don’t see him now.”

  “I wonder where he’s going,” Savannah said.

  “Savannah,” someone called, “they need you on the food line. A couple of people had to leave.”

  “No problem. Here I come.” Savannah kissed Lily’s cheek and handed her to Margaret. “Bye-bye little one. Mommy will see you soon.”

  She had been serving meals for thirty minutes when she saw Michael rushing toward her with Rags in his arms.

  “What happened?” she asked, a chill running through her veins.

  “He’s hurt badly; we need to get him to the clinic.” He glanced around, then sharply instructed, “Grab those towels, will you?”

  When Savannah saw the blood oozing from between Michael’s fingers, she gasped and stared in horror, unable to move. This isn’t happening, she thought. God, please wake me up and tell me I’m having a nightmare.

  “Now, Savannah,” he hissed. “We don’t have much time.”

  Still somewhat dazed, she reached for the cotton towels and tucked them around the barely conscious cat.

  Michael held tightly to the padding and headed toward the parking lot. “Let’s go. You drive.”

  “I’ll get my purse,” Savannah said, turning just as her mother approached.

  Gladys saw the dread in her daughter’s eyes. “Vannie, what’s wrong? Are you okay, honey?”

  “Rags has been hurt, Mom. We’re taking him to the clinic. Can you and Lily get a ride home with Auntie? They’re over in the playground.”

  “Yes, but…”

  “I’ll call you later,” Savannah said, rushing toward the church office, where she’d left her belongings. By the time she’d caught up with Michael, he was in the veterinary truck still holding Rags. The passenger door stood open. She leaned across her husband. “I’ll fasten your seat belt.”

  “Never mind that. Let’s go.”

  Savannah hesitated just for a moment, then closed his door and ran around to the other side of the truck. After tossing her purse and jacket in next to Michael, she scrambled into the driver’s seat, quickly fastened her seat belt, and sped off toward the clinic.

  “Call Bud. I want him to assist.”

  “Assist? You have to do surgery?” she asked, her voice strained.

  “Yes, make the call.”

  “While I’m driving?”

  “I’ll pay for the ticket,” Michael spat.

  “Bud,” Savannah said into her cell phone, “I’m so glad you answered.” She creased her brow. “Are you still at the church?”

  “No, Brianna and I had to help my mom with something. Pam took my place a couple of hours ago. Why? You sound upset.”

  “Bud, Rags has been hurt…” She paused and took a quick breath. Her voice cracking, she said, “He needs surgery and Michael wants you to assist.”

  Bud hesitated. “Of course, Savannah. Are you at the clinic now?”

  “On our way,” she managed.

  “Meet you there,” he said before ending the call.

  “What happened, Michael?” Savannah asked glancing down at the cat as she drove.

  “Just pay attention to the road, will you?” he snapped when he noticed their car had swerved a little too close to oncoming traffic.

  Savannah wiped at her eyes. “Sorry.” A few minutes later she pulled into the parking lot at the clinic. “There’s Bud.”

  “Good,” Michael said. “Come around and open the door, will you? I need to keep pressure on the wound.” When he stepped out of the car, he shouted, “Bud, use your key—get the room ready!”

  Bud ran toward the back door of the clinic, glancing over his shoulder once. “Good God, Michael, what happened?”

  “He was stabbed. Looks like it’s deep.” He shook his head. “I’m afraid there’s internal damage.” He scowled and looked down at the cat in his arms. “Damn it, anyway.” When he noticed Bud was staring at the cat, he called out impatiently, “Let’s go. We’ve already lost too much time.”

  Savannah watched with tears streaming down her face as the two men raced toward the operating room. “Oh Rags,” she murmured, walking slowly into the reception area. He just has to be okay, she thought, her eyes darting nervously around the room. She lowered her head and closed her eyes. “Please, God,” she prayed, “take care of him. He’s one of your creations and I know that you love him as we do. You’ve just got to let him live. Please, God, please.”

  She stared into the hallway where her husband and his associate veterinarian prepared to work on her precious Rags. What could have happened? she wondered. Michael said he was stabbed. Did someone do this to him? Who? Why? One of the homeless who came to the church for Christmas dinner? Did they catch the creep? Has he been arrested? Maybe it was an accident. It probably wasn’t intentional. Rags is pretty adventurous. I’ll bet he got cut by a piece of machinery or a broken window or something. Then why would Michael be so angry? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that angry.

  She chuckled through her tears. I should have listened to Auntie. She didn’t want to help feed the homeless from the very beginning. Did she have a premonition?

  ****

  “Have you heard anything?” Margaret asked when she stepped into the clinic forty minutes later.

  “Oh, Auntie,” Savannah said, rushing to embrace her. “Thank you for coming.” She pulled back. “Where are Lily and Mom?”

  “I took them home to your house and came right over here.” Margaret glanced toward the window. “Hey, did Michael have to go get supplies or something?”

  “What?” Savannah asked.

  “I just saw him outside. He drove out of the parking lot in a Jeep Renegade.”

  Savannah shook her head. “I’m sure you’re mistaken, Auntie. He’s been in surgery with Rags ever since we got here.”

  She shrugged. “Sure looked like him.”

  Before Savannah could respond, Michael appeared from the hallway.

  Savannah covered her eyes with her hands. “Oh no,” she said, “I just know it’s bad news.” She stood and walked toward the window, her back to the others. “I don’t want to hear it, Michael.”

  Margaret rose and put her arm around her niece. “Come on, Vannie. It’s probably not that bad. Let’s hear what Michael has to say. Come on, now,” she urged.

  Savannah faced her husband and he wrapped his arms around her. “Is it terrible new
s, Michael?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

  He pulled away from her and looked into her face. “No, hon, it’s not terrible. He’s alive…” He took her by the shoulders, “…but he’s not out of the woods. We’ll have to watch him around the clock for at least twenty-four hours. We just have to hope the sutures hold. Thank heavens for the feline blood bank.”

  “We have a blood bank?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes, a veterinarian over in Mason has created a small one for veterinary use in this county.”

  “But, how’d you get it here so fast? …on Christmas Day?”

  “We received a shipment Friday for a cat that was in a traffic accident.” He lowered his head. “Turned out that cat couldn’t use it. What a lucky break for Rags. Yeah, it would have taken hours to get a supply, if we could even get it today at all.”

  “So, what happened, Michael?” Margaret asked.

  He shook his head and looked down at the floor. “I took Rags out for a walk, you know, to relieve himself if he wanted to.” He looked at her. “Frankly, I needed a break about then, too.” He grimaced. “This guy came out of nowhere and slashed him. It happened so fast. One minute Rags was tugging at the leash like he does, wanting to go his own way and the next, he was on the ground bleeding. I looked up and saw this weirdo standing there with an awful grin on his face, holding the bloody knife over the cat. Before I could do anything, he disappeared into the shrubs. I picked up Rags, and you know the rest of the story.”

  “How bad was he cut?” Savannah asked.

  “Well, it could have been worse. It appears that the blade missed vital organs. How, I don’t know. It went so deep. We’re hoping it didn’t nick the bowel or stomach. With so much blood, it was hard to tell. We did have to stitch an artery.”

  Just then, Bud walked in. “He’s one amazing cat, that one. Seems to have a strong constitution inside and out.”