by Patricia Fry
Virgil let out a sigh.
“Any funny business, Virgil, and you will sorely regret it,” Craig said, removing the cuffs. “Now take us to the cat and make it fast.”
Savannah picked up Glori, and she and Rochelle followed the detective and his prisoner into the theater. Savannah glanced around. “Rags!” she called. They walked past the greenroom and a couple of what appeared to be dressing rooms. Finally Virgil stopped and took a key from his pocket.
“You left him in here by himself?” Savannah asked. “You locked him up?”
Virgil shrugged. When he opened the door, Craig and Savannah burst in. “Rags!” she called.
“There,” Rochelle said, pointing. She frowned and took a few steps back. “That’s not him, is it?” “No!” Savannah said, frantically looking around the room. “Where’s my cat?” she demanded.
“And what are you doing to this poor cat?” Craig asked. “Take that thing off him. That’s abuse or torture or something. Get that off him now!” he commanded.
Once Virgil had released a grey-and-white cat from what appeared to be a tightly wrapped vest, they watched the frightened cat disappear into a closet.
“Now where’s her cat?” Craig demanded.
“I thought that was her cat,” Virgil said. “Gee, I guess I don’t have your cat, Miss. Must be someone else. Someone else must have it.”
Craig wadded the front of the man’s ruffled shirt in his fist and shoved him against the wall. “You scumbag,” he snarled.
“Hey, you’re messing up my costume,” Virgil screeched. “It’s a dress rehearsal today, you know.”
“Savannah, give Rochelle your cat and see if you can get someone in here. I want to know why this cat’s been confined in that halter contraption like that.”
“He’s in training for a part in my movie,” Virgil insisted. More arrogantly, he said, “I’ll be the star, you see, and I’m doing some of the directing, as well.”
“Whoopie do,” Craig remarked scornfully. He took out the handcuffs and fastened them around Virgil’s wrists again.
“Hey, why did you do that?” Virgil asked.
“Because you’re not cooperating, man.”
“This is Jock Worley,” Savannah said, returning. “He’s a stagehand. He put calls in to the director and producer. He said he doesn’t think anyone knows about this.”
“Good lord,” Jock said when he saw the contraption that had been around the cat. “What did you do that for, Virgil?”
“Do you know if there’s another cat on the premises?” Craig asked.
“Hell, I didn’t know this one was here. I thought he was taking the cat home at night.”
“Cat singular?” Savannah asked.
“Yeah, as far as I know there’s only one cat, why?”
Rochelle nudged Savannah. “Look at Glori. She’s pulling me.”
“Go with her,” Craig said. “You too, Savannah. See where she takes you.” He asked Jock, “Are any of the other rooms locked? Do you have keys?”
“Yes, they keep them locked,” Jock said. “We were told some things had been stolen, so they made a new policy. I don’t have a key, but I know someone who does.”
“You said just one key?” Craig asked.
“Yes, one key opens them all.”
Craig reached into Virgil’s shirt pocket, saying, “Never mind, we have a key right here. Come on, let’s see what we find in the other rooms, shall we?” He held tightly to Virgil’s arm, then turned to Jock as they walked into the hallway. “By the way, when the police get here, would you show them in?”
“Awww, man,” Virgil said, “I told you I’m sorry.”
“Acting,” Craig said. “It’s all just an act.”
“Look at Glori,” Savannah said as she waited anxiously for Craig to open the door to the next room. “I’m pretty sure Rags is in there. She knows it, too. Look how cute and excited she is. Rags!!” she shouted when the door opened and she saw him. She rushed into the room and wrapped her arms around him. “What have they been doing to you? Are you okay?” She pulled back and tried to look him over, but he only wanted to rub against her. Glori moved closer and sat down near him, reaching out and batting gently at him with one paw. He rolled over on his back and batted at her with his front paws. “He’s happy to see you too, Glori,” Savannah said. “Look, he loves you.”
“They’re so cute,” Rochelle said. “I’ve never seen a kitty-cat reunion before.”
”So that’s your cat, is it?” Virgil asked. “Now that you’ve got him back, there’s no need to detain me, right?”
“Hold on,” Craig growled. When he saw a policeman approach the door, he said, “Thanks for coming. I’d like you to take this creep to the station. We’ll be down to make a formal complaint shortly.”
“What’s he charged with?” the officer asked.
“Let’s start with catnapping. We’ll discuss other charges when we get there.”
“Catnapping? Is that even a criminal offense?” the officer asked.
“Okay, then,” Craig said, “how about stalking; animal endangerment, abuse, and neglect; evading a police officer; trespassing…”
“Okay, okay,” the policeman said. “Let’s go, Virgil or whoever you are this week.”
“So you know this guy?” Craig asked.
“Oh, yes,” the officer said. “He makes regular appearances at the station flaunting various personas. It looks like you folks caught him being himself for a change.” He shook his head. “He’s quite the master of disguise.”
Craig grinned at the actor. “Well, I’m afraid he’s just been unveiled.”
Chapter Eight
“Well, hello there, buddy,” Michael said when Savannah arrived home with Rags and Glori that night. He shook his head. “I still can’t believe Glori sneaked a ride with you guys.”
Craig chuckled. “Yeah, we were pretty surprised too, but it turns out she was a big help in finding Rags.”
Michael ran his hand over Rags’s back. “Is he okay?”
“Seems to be,” Savannah said. “Maybe a little traumatized. He was pretty quiet and clingy on the way home. Craig had to manage Glori on the plane because Rags wanted to be with me.” She smiled at the cat. “You know, he takes up so much space, sprawly big boy that he is.”
“I didn’t mind,” Craig said. “She’s a nice cat and a good travel companion.” He nodded toward Rags. “He was too, this time. It seems the wind was kinda knocked out of his sails.”
Michael stroked Rags’s back. “He’s been knocked down a few pegs before, and he always snaps back. No worries, Craig. He’ll be ready to report to work again real soon.”
Craig placed Savannah’s overnight bag on the floor. “Well, it’s been real…”
“I know,” she said, “but a real what?” She hugged him. “Thank you, Craig. I don’t know if we’d ever have found him if it wasn’t for you.”
Craig pointed at Glori. “And her. And your friend Rochelle. It was a team effort, Savannah.” He spoke more seriously. “I’m just glad you signed a complaint against that obnoxious bully. He needs to be taught a lesson.”
“But what punishment will he get?” Michael asked. “It seems that infractions against animals aren’t taken all that seriously.”
“Yeah,” Craig agreed, “remember when it was a hanging offense to steal someone’s horse?”
Michael chuckled. “Before my time, Craig, but yes, those were the days when horses and livestock were protected by law. Then we started valuing dogs. Cats are just coming into their own, as far as the law is concerned. Usually the creeps who mess with cats get a rap on the knuckles or a slap on the wrist, and they’re back on the street to terrorize another family and maybe harm another animal.”
“Well, I intend to follow this case carefully,” Craig said. “I’d like to see it set some sort of precedent that will offer more protection for our feline friends.” He rubbed Rags’s head, saying, “Bye, buddy. Good to have you back.” He cro
uched next to Glori and ruffled her fur. “And you, little princess, you’re a trouper-and-a-half.” He smoothed her fur and stood up. “I really like that little girl. She’s a pretty nice specimen of a cat, if you ask me.”
“Specimen, huh?” Savannah said, laughing. “Thanks again, Craig. I’m awfully glad to have both of them home.”
Just then Gladys came down the staircase. “I thought I heard you, Vannie.” She smiled down at Rags. “You found your cat. Good.”
“Yes,” Savannah said, hugging her mother. “Did everything go okay here?”
Gladys nodded. “I think we’re ready for the big shindig tomorrow.” Before anyone else spoke, she asked, “So, Craig, what did you find out about that blue cab that showed up a few times in this mystery?”
“Oh,” Craig said, chuckling. “Funny thing about that cab. It’s actually privately owned—you know, a personal car of one of Virgil’s actor friends. Virgil pays him to drive him around. In fact, I’m thinking about going after that guy as an accessory to Virgil’s crimes. He had to know what Virgil was up to. If nothing else, I figure he’ll make a great witness.” Craig turned to leave. “Hey, I’d better get home to my wife and cat. You folks take care. I guess we’ll see you tomorrow at the big shindig.”
“Yes,” Savannah said. “Thanks again, Craig.”
He gave an offhanded wave and left through the front door.
“So how’d things go here, Michael?” Savannah asked. “You said on the phone that Mom and Helena and also Antonio and Juan got a lot done. Did you leave anything for me to do?”
“Not really,” he said, “We have the tables and chairs all set up, the food’s being delivered tomorrow, and the stage is here. The performers and presenters are in town and ready; Janice and Betty met with them today. I think you can be the princess of the party tomorrow. Just circulate and enjoy the day.”
“I think I’d rather enjoy a long nap.”
Gladys smiled at her daughter. “I’ll bet. Well ’night, all,” she said, heading back up the stairs to her room.
“’Night, Gladys,” Michael called.
Savannah trotted after her and wrapped her in a bear hug, saying, “Thanks, Mom, for everything.”
When she caught up to Michael as he walked toward their bedroom, he put an arm around her and said, “Let’s get you to bed so you’ll be fresh in the morning. How about we close the door so you aren’t disturbed?” “Oh no, honey,” Savannah protested. “I couldn’t do that to Rags. He’s going to need me. He’ll want to stay close for a while. Leave it open.” She dropped her tote bag on the floor. “I’m going to take a shower. I won’t be long.” When Savannah returned wearing a robe she looked around. “Where are the cats? I thought for sure they’d be in our bed.”
“I wondered that too, so I went looking for them,” Michael said. “He took her hand. “Come on, I’ll show you.” When they reached the dining room, he lifted the canopy on one of Buffy’s princess beds.
Savannah put her hands up to her mouth and laughed quietly. She whispered, “They are so cute.” She reached under the canopy and ran her hand over Rags, who was sprawled across the middle of the bed. Glori was curled up on one side of him and Buffy on the other. She kissed each of the cats, then stood up. “That is just the cutest thing ever.”
Michael put his arm around her and smiled down at the cat pile.
****
By noon the following day, the fundraising event at the Iveys’ was in full swing. Savannah and Vivian, the director of Four-Paws Cat Shelter in San Francisco, had just returned from visiting Glori in the house.
“I’m so happy to see how well Glori fits into your family,” Vivian said. “The photos you’ve sent of her with your children are wonderful, but seeing how contented and happy she is in person—it means the world to me and all the volunteers who’ve worked so hard with these cats.”
“We adore her,” Savannah said. She chuckled. “And the other cats have accepted her like she’s a long-lost sister.”
Vivian smiled warmly. “I’d love to feature her in our next newsletter. Would you be willing to write a little about her transition into your family?”
“Sure,” Savannah said. She put a hand on Vivian’s arm. “I told you that we were in the city yesterday, rescuing Rags from a catnapper. Did I tell you that Glori was with us?”
“No. Why did you take her?”
“It was all her idea,” Savannah said. When Vivian raised her eyebrows, Savannah added, “She stowed away in my tote bag.”
Vivian burst out laughing. “Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious.”
“She actually helped us find Rags, and boy, was he ever happy to see her. You should have seen his reaction.” Savannah looked off into space for a moment. “You know, he had a calico sibling, from what I’m told. I wonder if he has any memory of that kitten, or if there’s something about Glori that reminds him of his birth sister.”
“Maybe Glori is his sister reincarnated,” Iris said, having overheard the conversation.
Joyce joined them and asked, “Have you ever thought of researching his DNA? Maybe you’d find that Glori is his sister.”
Savannah looked surprised. “Now wouldn’t that be odd? But no, Glori’s younger than Rags.”
“He could be her great-great uncle or cousin or something,” Joyce suggested. She smiled. “By the way, Savannah, the residents at the care home keep asking when Glori’s coming back. Some of them sure became attached to her.”
“To Glori?” Vivian asked. “An elder-care home?”
Savannah nodded. “Yes. Vivian, these are my friends, Iris and Joyce. Iris runs a bed-and-breakfast inn and Joyce manages an elderly care home. I took Glori to visit the folks there, and she was quite a hit.”
Vivian put her hands up to her mouth. “Oh my, and to think she was so shy and introverted when she arrived at Four-Paws.”
“That’s hard to believe,” Joyce said. “She seems to love people. Savannah, I really hope she’ll come back to visit us.”
“What about Rags?” Iris asked impishly. “Don’t you want to invite Rags back?”
Joyce glanced at Savannah and stammered, “Well, I…um…”
“That’s okay,” Savannah said, laughing. “We’ve been kicked out of places before because of Rags. No, I don’t think he’s cut out to spend time with the elderly.”
“Although he was helpful in finding Bruce’s picture,” Joyce reminded her.
Savannah laughed. “And in outing poor Ronald, who tried to smuggle the sugar. No,” she said, “I wasn’t planning to bring him back. He’s too embarrassing to take anywhere.”
“Are you talking about Rags?” Arthur asked when he approached.
“Yes,” Savannah said. “How are your new kitties doing? Have you brought them home?” She explained to Iris and Joyce, “Arthur and Suzette have adopted a sister and brother who were pretty badly neglected in that hoarding situation.” Arthur nodded. “They’re still adjusting. Health-wise, they’re much better. Still on meds, but doing well. It may take them a while to adjust to having space and being able to explore. It appears that they never had that opportunity before. They don’t quite seem to know what to do or what will happen if they leave the safety of their room. In fact, I’ve provided a pen—with the door open, of course, and they spend most of their time inside there. That’s their comfort zone.”
“What does Koko think of them?” Savannah asked.
“She hasn’t seen much of them. I did catch her standing at the doorway to their room and staring in at them yesterday. I’m not sure she knows they’re cats. They’re certainly nothing like her friend, Rags.”
When the others in the group began chatting amongst themselves, Savannah asked, “Arthur, how’s your neighbor, Tom?”
“Great,” Arthur said, smiling. “His family is all moved in. He bought young Tommy a gentle horse; I rode with him a few days ago. They’re keeping Esmeralda brushed and the chicken coop clean. Things seem to be going well over there. Good to see.�
� He laughed, “Tommy delivered us a carton of eggs on horseback one day last week and that didn’t work out very well. All but two of the eggs were broken by the time he got to our house. He said he’ll walk them over next time, or we can pick them up in the car.”
“Vannie,” Margaret said, joining them, “do you know what’s wrong with your mother? She seems weepy. Is she ill or something?”
“No. Not that I know of,” Savannah said, frowning. “Where is she?”
“She just went into the house. She said she wants to check on the kids. I reminded her that the kids are over in the play area with Colbi and Jenna. So she said she was going to check on the animals.”
Savannah gazed toward the house. “Hmmm. I don’t know. Maybe she isn’t feeling well this afternoon. I’d better go see.” Moments later, Savannah knocked lightly on her mother’s bedroom door. “Mom. Mom, can I come in?” When there was no answer, Savannah opened the door and peered inside. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing,” Gladys said, quickly dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “Go back to the party. I’m fine.”
“No, Mom. Something’s wrong,” she said, joining her. “What is it? Are you sick? You aren’t coming down with something, are you?”
“Oh Vannie, will you stop fussing over me. I’m just upset, that’s all. Let’s leave it at that.”
“No, Mom. Now, what is it?”
Gladys relaxed her shoulders with a sigh and said, “I guess you’ll find out soon enough. It’s Karl. I just got a call from his daughter. Vannie, he’s in jail!” she said disbelieving. “Can you even imagine that?”
“No, I can’t,” Savannah said. “What happened?”
Gladys let out a sigh. “Well, I don’t have the whole story yet and Karl really doesn’t want me involved, but as I understand it, it’s a matter of misidentification. He says he was wrongly accused. But that’s all I know. I just feel so awful him having to go through this when he didn’t do anything wrong.”