The Secret in the Whiskers

by Patricia Fry

“Lack of water will do that.” He asked, “So do they know how they got buried like that? Why did they go down in there, anyway?”

  “As I understand it, the cyclist from San Diego met up with those other two guys just outside of San Francisco, and they rode a ways with him, but I don’t know where their bikes were. We found one bike in the bushes.” She thought for a minute. “I guess whoever closed them in there might have taken their bikes.”

  “Yeah, sure, that’s possible. Do they have any suspects?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “Not that I know of. Nor does anyone know why these guys’ personal papers and stuff were all cut up and strewn around like that. Craig hopes to be able to talk to the cyclists tomorrow.”

  “How are they?” he asked.

  “Oh, the three men? Just weak and hungry, I guess.”

  “So do you think that if Rags hadn’t found them today they would have survived?”

  “I kind of doubt it,” Savannah said, “unless Craig continued to follow his hunch. But without Rags out there today, we never would have noticed that opening. At least that’s what Craig said.” She petted Rags as he lay next to her on the bed. “Look at him. He’s all tuckered out.”

  “Good. That will make him a better traveling companion,” Michael said smugly.

  She grinned at him. “Do you really think so?” She tilted her head. “You know, Rags shouldn’t get all the credit for finding those young men. That tiger-striped cat at Harrison’s and Leah’s discovered the original clues to those boys’ whereabouts.”

  He chuckled. “So it was a cat brigade that saved them.”

  “Pretty much, I guess. Hey, let’s get some sleep, shall we? We have a big week ahead.” She lay down, then sat up straight. “What time is it?”

  “Nine, why?”

  “Oh, I just keep having this nagging thought. You know, I’m going to call Leah and hope I don’t catch them in bed.”

  “Are you sure? Hon…”

  But Savannah had already placed the call. She waited through three rings and was about to end the call when Harrison answered. “Hi, Savannah. Sorry, it’s me. Leah’s in the bathroom. Want me to have her call you back?”

  “No, don’t bother her. I can tell you about my concerns.”

  “Does it involve our two cycle-riding handymen?” he asked.

  “Yes. So you have your suspicions too, do you?”

  “Sure do. I’ve already told Craig what I know about those guys, which isn’t much. I thought it was suspicious seeing them loitering in that same spot where those guys probably entered that old pipeline.” He scoffed. “At least that area won’t be a temptation for any other young people.”

  “Why?” Savannah asked.

  “Oh, I guess you left before they dug that disintegrated pipe out of there and filled the space with dirt. That was a hidden hazard.”

  “Good to hear. What do you think those guys’ reason would be for trying to suffocate the cyclists?” she asked,

  “Theft, I guess. The bikes they were riding probably belonged to the two who hooked up with Bruce Lang. I imagine they’d hidden Lang’s bike to sell or trade later.”

  “Harrison, do you know how their stuff got scattered all over the place around there—the stuff the tiger cat was bringing you?”

  “Damon and I discussed that this evening,” Harrison said. “Remember that area where Rags kept digging—you know, where we found those receipts and things? Well, Craig went back out there and dug up more of the same type of things—clothes, pieces of backpacks, personal papers, and such. His guess is that the thieves coerced those guys to go down into the cavern to check it out without their belongings. They blocked the cyclists exit, then took what they wanted from their backpacks and buried the rest, chopping it up as best they could with the shovel. That’s where our klepto cat was getting the stuff.”

  Savannah chuckled. “Did you say your klepto cat?”

  “Well, for now,” Harrison admitted. “We’ll probably take him and the momma cat in for their little operations and maybe let Charlie pick out a kitten to keep.”

  Savannah smiled. “Good. I’m glad Charlie gets to have his own kitten. He seems to adore cats. Well, thanks for the update, Harrison. I appreciate it.”

  “Yeah, thanks for your help today.” He then said, “Oh, hey, did you hear how your book cover found its way out there in the boonies?”

  “No,” Savannah said. “I’d forgotten all about that. Do you know how that happened?”

  Harrison laughed. “Yeah. Here’s Leah. I’m going to let her tell you.”

  “Hi, Savannah,” Leah said. “I heard about you guys finding a piece torn from your book.” She chuckled. “We had dinner with Colbi and Damon this evening and he told us the story.”

  “There’s a story?” Savannah asked.

  “Oh yes. Wait until you hear this.”

  “What, Leah? I’m on pins and needles.”

  “Well,” Leah said, “it seems that one of the boys with Bruce Lang—I think his name was Cody—he and his friend met up with the long-distance cyclist just outside San Francisco and rode on up here with him. Cody is a veterinary student on spring break, and he evidently likes cats. In fact, he told Damon he travels with a cat—you know, on his bike, camping, and things like that. He wants to write a book about his experiences with the cat and someone recently gave him your book as a guide.”

  “Really?” Savannah said. “How cool is that?”

  “That’s not all. Damon said Cody knew you live up here, and that’s one reason why he hooked up with Bruce Lang—for the chance to meet you.”

  “No kidding?” Savannah said.

  “Yeah. Damon said the kid was really impressed to find out that Damon knew you and that you and Rags helped with their rescue. Cody begged him to introduce you. When Damon told him you’d be out of town for the next week, he decided to stick around here until you return in hopes of maybe getting some pointers from you about the book he wants to write.”

  “Wow! My first groupie,” Savannah said, laughing.

  “So what do you think?” Leah asked. “Do you have any reservations about meeting him?”

  “No,” Savannah said, “I don’t think so. Damon didn’t indicate that there was anything wrong with him, did he—that he might pose any danger?”

  “No, not at all,” Leah assured her.

  “Then I’d be delighted to talk to him when we get back. He’s going to stay in town until then?”

  “That’s what it sounds like,” Leah said. She chuckled. “He’d also like to buy one of your books, because the one he borrowed was destroyed by whoever stole all their stuff.”

  “No problem,” Savannah said. “Hey, thanks for sharing that with me, Leah. You’ve made my day.”

  “Certainly,” Leah said. “Talk to you soon.”

  “What was that about?” Michael asked when Savannah ended the call. “You have a groupie?”

  “Yes,” she said, laughing. “One of the guys who was rescued today is familiar with my book and came here hoping to meet me and Rags. Can you believe it?”

  “So are you going to meet him?”

  “Sure, when we get back. That is, if he sticks around. He told Damon he plans to stay in town until we return.”

  “Well, that ought to thrill your agent,” Michael said.

  She nodded. “Maybe I should introduce him to Rob in case Rob would like to represent his book, too.”

  Michael grinned at his wife.

  “What?” she questioned.

  “I’m just in awe of you, that’s all.”

  “Oh Michael, stop teasing me.”

  “No, I’m serious,” he said. “Look at what you’ve accomplished with your life. You’re a licensed veterinarian—and a very good one, I might add. You’re raising two of the most amazing children…”

  “Oh, come on, Michael, we’re raising them together,” she insisted.

  “Yeah, but you’re the one who keeps things rolling in the right direction ar
ound here. You run the household, the family, our animals, our social life, our travel plans…and you still have time to be a successful author and enjoy some of the most outrageous experiences of anyone I know.” He smiled at her and asked, “So does Harrison think his ranch hands could be involved with that whole debacle out there at his place—the missing bikers and all?”

  She nodded. “Yes. He said Craig definitely wants to question them.” She tilted her head. “He probably already has, if I know Detective Craig.”

  “Good,” Michael said, lying back against his pillow. He rolled toward her. “Speaking of solving cases, what have you heard from your Oregon friends about the painting they were concerned about? Have they located it?”

  “Not that I know of. Pam was pretty upset about it. Well, it was really important to their mother. In fact, they’re so upset that the girls seem to have lost some of their enthusiasm for their new business since it disappeared.”

  “How valuable is it?” he asked.

  She raised her eyebrows. “I haven’t asked. I’m not even sure they know. It may be one of those priceless pieces.”

  “Or it has no value at all and everyone involved has been bamboozled,” he suggested.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Don’t you watch old mysteries?” Using an eerie voice he said, “That painting, as it turns out, is worthless. Mr. Benson was killed for no particular reason at all.”

  “Oh Michael,” she carped playfully, “go to sleep.”

  ****

  Tuesday morning the Ivey household was bustling with activity and excitement as the family prepared for their road trip to Oregon.

  “Mom, what have you decided to do this week?” Savannah asked while preparing a picnic lunch for their drive.

  “I think I’ll fly out to Arizona maybe Thursday and stay until Saturday. You’ll be home Sunday, right?” she asked.

  “That’s the plan,” Savannah said.

  Gladys frowned. “Why so glum, Vannie? Aren’t you looking forward to your trip?”

  “Yes, I am,” Savannah said, “but I have a sense that we’re stepping into a tarantula’s nest.”

  “What do you mean?” Gladys asked. “Is that because of the missing painting?”

  Savannah nodded. “I spoke with Pam a while ago. They’re questioning whether they should have gone into the antique business. What they thought would be a fun little business they could enjoy and profit from while raising Jeannie’s children, has become a nightmare.”

  Confiding, she said, “It sounds like the sisters are not getting along. Jeannie wants to give up and bring the children back to California. Pam is scared and frustrated. She said she wonders if some of that stuff her mother hoarded is cursed.”

  “Cursed?” Gladys repeated.

  “Yes. Pam said there’s been a lot of friction and discord since they moved into their mother’s house and decided to open their shop. She sounds pretty much ready to throw in the towel. I questioned whether we should go up there at all, but Pam said we’re their last hope.”

  “What?” Gladys said. “Why?”

  “I guess partly because of Rags. They’ve read my book, and they have this idea that he might be their saving grace in the theft. I get the impression they know who has the painting.” She sighed. “I wish Craig was going with us.”

  Gladys chuckled. “You trust Craig more than you do Rags?”

  “Actually, yes,” she admitted. “Craig hasn’t once run off and made me chase him down.”

  Both women laughed.

  Just then there was a knock at the door. Savannah unlocked it. “Hi, Bonnie,” she greeted.

  “Came to get your horses,” Bonnie said. “Are they packed and ready to go?”

  “Sure are. Want a cup of coffee?” Savannah offered.

  Bonnie looked at her watch. “Naw, I’d better keep to my schedule.” She stepped inside and hugged Savannah. “When are you leaving?”

  “As soon as we get the car packed and everyone ready. Hey, thank you for helping us out yet again with the horses.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s always a pleasure to have my two girls back for a visit.” She waved as she walked toward the door. “Have a great trip.”

  “Sure will.”

  Bonnie started to leave, then stepped back and allowed Margaret to enter. The two of them exchanged greetings and Bonnie walked on out.

  “Hi,” Gladys said, embracing her sister. “What brings you out so early?”

  “Just want to get my feeding orders before everyone leaves.” Margaret added excitedly, “And I want to know what happened yesterday.”

  “What happened yesterday?” Savannah repeated. “Oh, you mean out at Leah’s and Harrison’s. Well…”

  “I heard about it on the radio. Oh my gosh, Vannie, that was just about the craziest thing you and your cat have been involved in yet, isn’t it? You could write a whole book on that episode.”

  “Auntie!” Lily shouted, running into the room.

  “Auntie!” Teddy mimicked, throwing himself into Margaret’s arms.

  “Teddy,” Lily complained, “you almost knocked me down.”

  “He’s a little bulldozer, isn’t he?” Margaret said, hugging both of the children.

  “We’re going on the road,” Lily said excitedly.

  “A road trip,” Savannah corrected.

  “Yes, a road trip,” Lily repeated.

  “Road trip,” Teddy mimicked. He put his hands on his chest. “New shirt!” he exclaimed. “New pants.”

  “Nice,” Margaret said. “You look mighty handsome there.”

  “Me too?” Lily asked, showing off her jeans and t-shirt.

  “No,” Margaret said. “You’re not handsome, you’re pretty.”

  Lily’s frown turned into a smile and she hugged her aunt again, then looked up at her. “Are you going with us?”

  “No,” Margaret said. “I’m taking care of the animals.”

  “Not Rags,” Lily said. “Rags is going with us.”

  “Yay,” Margaret cheered jokingly.

  “Hey kids,” Michael called from the living room, “come pick out what toys you want to take for the trip.”

  Savannah watched as both children ran out of the room. She rolled her eyes. “Oh my, is he ever in for a rude awakening.”

  “How’s that?” Margaret asked amused.

  “Well, those two don’t do well with making choices. Lily will be wishy-washy in deciding which toys to take. She’ll change her mind a dozen times, then talk Michael into more toys. Teddy will choose one of his largest trucks and throw a fit when Michael suggests he downsize. He’s a stubborn one. He’ll stick to his first choice and he won’t let it go.” She shook her head at the thought, then looked at her aunt. “So what did you hear about the mess we came across yesterday?”

  Margaret poured herself the last of the coffee and sat down. “That they found three young bicyclists buried out there, and they’re looking for whoever blocked their escape. I guess they went in the old drain pipe during that rain last week and somehow were not able to get out. Rags found them?” she asked.

  “Well sort of. A stray cat on Leah’s and Harrison’s property brought the situation to light. It all started when they began finding things on their doorstep. When the items became more personal, they became concerned that someone might be in trouble.”

  “Yeah,” Margaret said, “and I guess it wasn’t an accident.”

  “Really?” Gladys asked.

  “Yeah, one of the bikers said some guys were ridiculing them. Did you know they’re questioning a couple of young men who work for Leah and Harrison?”

  “Gibbs and Colt?” Savannah asked

  Margaret tilted her head. “You know them?”

  “I met them a couple of days ago. And I saw them yesterday near where we found the cyclists. We thought those two were acting a little odd.”

  Margaret raised her eyebrows. “Well, it appears they’re key suspects.” She laughed. “You should ha
ve heard what the reporter said about your cat.”

  “Oh,” Savannah said warily. “What?”

  “Let’s see, what was it? It was priceless—that he had another notch in his claw or something like that.”

  “Well, like I said, he had an accomplice this time—the stray that alerted Leah and Harrison to a problem. Rags just discovered the way in to rescue the men.”

  “Well that’s huge,” Margaret said, petting the cat as he walked past. “Good job, boy. Those young men live to ride another bicycle and all because of you.”

  “Will the long-distance rider continue on to Washington?” Gladys asked.

  Margaret shook her head. “I think he’s going home. Doctors are strongly suggesting he rest for a while before venturing out like that again. It sounds like his parents are on board with that. They weren’t happy about this in the first place, but it was one of those awareness rides—you know, he was riding for his little sister who has some disease.”

  “Sounds like he got it,” Gladys said.

  “What?” Margaret asked.

  “Awareness,” Gladys explained.

  Margaret nodded. “Yes, as a matter of fact, someone here has set up a GoFundMe page for the family, and they’ve already received some nice donations.”

  “All’s well that ends well,” Gladys recited, “but what will become of the kids who caused that whole problem?”

  “I don’t know,” Margaret said. “I guess it depends on their criminal history.”

  “Leah had criminals working at their place, around Charlie?” Gladys asked.

  “Let’s hope not,” Margaret said, “but those two probably aren’t the brightest bulbs in the chandelier. Hopefully they learned a lesson that will keep them from doing something that stupid again.”

  “Ready?” Michael asked, entering the kitchen minutes later.

  “I think so,” Savannah said. “Where’s Rags? Didn’t I just see him in here a minute ago?”

  Michael shrugged. “Could be. I just put him in the car.”

  “In his car seat?” she asked.

  Michael nodded. “Yes. He’ll ride between the kids.”

  “He rides in a car seat now?” Margaret asked.

  “Yes. He does pretty well, actually,” Savannah said.