On the Wrong Side of the Paw Read online

  She chuckled. “Actually, he took me for a walk and, well, we had a good talk, I think. I’ll tell you about it tonight. Remember, I have a meeting this afternoon.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” He kissed her again. “See you later this afternoon. I hope the meeting goes okay. I guess you have some sticky-wicket topics to hash over.”

  “Yeah, don’t remind me. I’m not looking forward to it, but it’s gotta be done.”

  Chapter Two

  “Where is everyone?” Janice Fischer asked. She didn’t wait for an answer. “As your new president, I’d like to call the meeting of the Hammond Cat Alliance to order.” She glanced around at the others. “Let’s bypass introductions since we have no guests today.”

  She briefly studied her notes. “I’d like to thank those of you who came out today, and Savannah for allowing us to meet in her home again.”

  “Yeah,” Colbi said, “this is becoming our clubhouse.”

  Margaret nodded. “It’s the purr-fect meeting place, especially when we get a good turnout.” She echoed Janice, “Yes, where is everyone?”

  “Maybe they didn’t want to be in on our awkward discussion,” Betty Gibson suggested.

  Iris winked. “Shall we postpone our business meeting until next month and just socialize today?”

  “Good try, Iris,” Margaret huffed.

  “Yes,” Janice said, “we need to get on the other side of this issue.” She looked at Savannah. “Actually, we have two things to discuss, right?” Savannah nodded and Janice continued, “Okay, diving right in. It grieves me to announce…well, it appears that some of our funds have been…um…misappropriated.”

  “So it wasn’t just a rumor?” Edie asked. “I had hoped it was.”

  Other members made similar remarks.

  When it became quiet again, Janice revealed, “After weeks of investigation, our accountant has confirmed that five thousand dollars is missing from our bank account, which is the exact amount that was designated for the Hammond Cat Alliance from the sale of my former husband’s property—the Fischer Building.”

  “What happened to that money?” Colbi asked. “Does anyone know?”

  “It remains a mystery,” Janice said. “All we know for sure is that our treasurer received the check from the attorney for the transaction and it was deposited.”

  Savannah asked, “Who is our treasurer now? I wasn’t here for the election.”

  “A new member, Vickie Seacrest. She deposited the check and paid a few outstanding bills. Our bank balance should be,” Janice referred to her notes, “seven thousand eight hundred dollars and fifty-two cents, but it shows just two thousand eight hundred dollars and fifty-two cents. The paper trail shows that the five thousand dollars was deposited.” She looked around the room at the others. “So why we are missing five thousand dollars? Where is it?”

  “Has anyone checked Vickie’s bank account?” Margaret asked. When no one spoke, she said, “Well, have they?”

  Janice nodded. “Unfortunately, yes; we had to do it.” She winced. “You’ll notice that Vickie isn’t here today.” When a flutter of comments rippled through the room, Janice spoke more loudly. “And I don’t want to start any rumors. There’s absolutely no proof or indication that Vickie Seacrest has done anything wrong, but you can imagine that she’s embarrassed by the implication.”

  “Who else has access to our bank account?” Margaret asked. “I mean, this could just be the tip of an iceberg, if you know what I mean. If someone has found a way to steal from us, what’s to keep them from taking it all—from taking everything we earn from our fundraisers and the donations we get every year?”

  “Right!” several others chanted.

  “Absolutely,” Janice said. “That’s why we have to get to the bottom of this. If any of you has information, or even a suspicion as to where that money has disappeared to or who might be behind this, please do not hesitate to speak up.”

  Edie raised her hand. “Could it be a bank error?”

  “Yes, it happens,” Betty said.

  Some others agreed.

  “That’s one reason why we hired the accountant,” Janice said, “so he would do a thorough investigation at every level. He’s ninety-nine percent positive it’s not a bank error.”

  “I hope he’s wrong,” Savannah said with a sigh. When the others looked at her, she explained, “Well, I haven’t met our new treasurer, but I don’t want to think that anyone would purposely dupe a worthwhile organization out of money.”

  “None of us does,” Janice said. Let’s hope we can get to the bottom of this and soon.” She made eye contact with several of the others, saying, “Most of you have been a part of this organization much longer than I have, so I’m counting on you for any advice or information the accountant or I might not be aware of or need.”

  Iris leaned forward. “Um, Madam President, there is something that maybe you should know about.” She glanced at the others. “It’s not privileged—it’s actually a matter of public record, but…um…have you looked into the background of Vickie’s family members?”

  “I don’t know,” Janice admitted. “Mr. Blanton, the accountant, didn’t mention that. Why?”

  “I suggest that you do so or that someone does. Hey,” Iris added, “I wonder if I could get Craig involved.”

  “Your husband, the detective?” Janice asked. “Well, it isn’t exactly a police matter yet.” She let out a sigh. “But that’s something I thought we should vote on today.” She frowned. “Iris, are you talking about Vickie’s husband? Are you saying that Arnie Seacrest, the owner of Seacrest Brewery and Wine Pub, and our newest city council member has some sort of criminal background?”

  Iris nodded. “Like I said, it’s a matter of public record.” When the others focused on her and seemed to be waiting for more, she said, “Embezzlement at a company where he worked.”

  “When?”

  “Maybe five or six years ago.” Iris added, “I know this because I interviewed him to do a wine- and beer-tasting event at the inn. Craig remembered the incident and he advised me against getting involved with Mr. Seacrest. I didn’t.”

  “Well, Arnie’s on the board at our church,” Edie said, “so this is really shocking news to me. In fact,” she said more quietly, “he’s in charge of donations for a fundraiser we’re holding. We’re raising money to have our church hall remodeled. He’s also a builder—used to have his own company—and he’s offered to head up the construction at a reduced price.”

  “Good lord,” Margaret said. “If he’s not to be trusted, that’s an awful lot of pots for him to have his hand in. I think I’d warn your committee about that guy, Edie.”

  “Do you know him, Auntie?” Savannah asked.

  “Just about him,” Margaret said. “Iris is right, he’s been in trouble. And I get the impression, from other people who worked with him when he was in construction or who have hired him, that he can come across as kind of shady in some of his dealings.”

  “Well, that might be the solution to our mystery right there,” Janice said.

  “Don’t be too quick to condemn a man just on rumors and empty accusations,” Edie warned. “Let’s give him a chance.” When everyone looked at her, she added, “Certainly I’ll speak to our church committee. I’m just saying that we don’t really know what’s in his heart. He seems like a kind man to me.”

  “What about Vickie’s daughter?” Betty asked. “I’ve known the Seacrests since Justine was small. The girl has spent years battling a drug habit.” She winced. “I hate to speak out of turn, but we all know what drugs can cause people to do. They steal.”

  Margaret sneered. “Yeah, this could be an inside job.”

  “Gosh, I hope not,” Janice said. When she stopped to make a few notes, Colbi and Iris began a private conversation, and Betty said something to Edie.

  Meanwhile, Gladys nudged Savannah and whispered, “Look at your cat.”

  “Huh?” She turned and saw Frankie lying in
one of Lexie’s dog beds with Rags next to him. She smiled.

  Margaret leaned toward them and said quietly, “I saw Rags sniffing Frankie’s neck.”

  “Really?” Savannah said. “Well, he did just come from the clinic. Cats seem to recognize that scent.” She wrinkled her nose. “They don’t like it.”

  When Margaret yelped, the others looked in the direction she pointed. “Did you see that?”

  “What?” Savannah asked.

  “Rags tried to take a bite out of Frankie’s neck.” Margaret laughed and said to the cat, “What are you doing, boy, giving your cousin-cat a tracheotomy?”

  “He sure seems focused on that cat’s throat,” Betty said. “What’s up with that? Savannah, where’d you get that cat, anyway? It’s new, isn’t it?”

  “That’s Frankie, my sister’s cat.” Savannah smiled at Janice. “He’s from your Fischer cat Angora line—you know, the one your former husband was so proud of. You have some of those white Angoras, don’t you?”

  Janice nodded. “I have two of them. So your sister has one?”

  “Two,” Savannah said. “She and Bud saved Frankie’s mother one night when she needed help birthing her kittens. Snowball was still living out at the old Fischer Building.”

  Janice stood up and approached the cats, saying, “Hey, why don’t we take a break and have some refreshments. I want to meet this beautiful cat.” Under her breath, she said, “And I wouldn’t mind shelving that subject for now. Is that okay, Savannah?”

  “Absolutely.” She raised her voice. “Help yourself to cookies and coffee, everyone. There’s also punch and tea.” When Savannah joined Janice, she explained, “Frankie isn’t feeling well. He went to the clinic this morning, and Michael took a blood sample.” She asked, “Does kidney or bladder disease run in this line?”

  “Not that I know of,” Janice said. “No, I doubt that’s the problem, but he does look a little punk.” She grinned. “I think your cat’s trying to nurse him back to health.”

  “Maybe,” Savannah said. “Rags is nurturing that way. A few weeks ago we were in Arizona with him and he got out of the hotel room. We found him in a playpen with a bunch of kittens. They were just crawling all over him.”

  “Really?” Janice said, laughing. She petted Rags.

  “Yes, it was the cutest thing.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket and showed Janice some of the pictures she’d taken.

  “Oh, is that ever cute,” Janice gushed. She focused on Rags again. “And here he is now obviously tending to Mr. Frankie. Do you think he’s trying to soothe him?”

  “Or is he trying to show us something?” Margaret asked. When the others looked questioningly at her, she said, “He seems fixated on Frankie’s throat. Did Michael check for a tumor in that area?”

  “I would imagine,” Savannah said. She petted Rags, then ran her fingers gently over Frankie’s neck and his throat. “Oh my gosh,” she said, “I think Rags might be on to something.” She picked up Frankie and held him on her lap while opening his mouth and peering inside. “I don’t see anything.” She ran her hand over his throat again and said, “But I’m pretty sure I can feel something right here—something that’s not supposed to be there.” She glanced at her watch. “I’d better get him back to the clinic. I think Michael needs to x-ray this area.”

  “Let me take him,” Gladys said. “You finish your meeting. I know you have more to discuss.” When Savannah hesitated, Gladys asserted, “I’ve taken cats to the vet before, and kids to the doctor.”

  “Of course. Okay, Mom.” She lifted Frankie into his carrier. “I’ll let Michael and Bud know you’re on your way.” She hugged her mother. “Thank you.” She rubbed Frankie’s cheek with one finger through the wire carrier. “Hang in there, pretty boy.” When Rags started to trot after Gladys, Savannah picked him up. “I don’t think they need you there. You stay here with us.”

  “But he might be a comfort to Frankie,” Colbi suggested. “Don’t you think Frankie was calmer as long as Rags was with him? Look, he’s becoming a little agitated. Let Rags go, Savannah.”

  “What do you think, Mom?”

  “Okay. Put his harness on him,” Gladys said. “Tell Michael to send someone out to help me bring them in. I’m not sure I can manage two cats.”

  “Will do.” Savannah loaded the cats into her mother’s car, made a call to Michael, and returned to the living room just as the meeting was being called to order again.

  “So, I guess we’ll have the accountant go over the books one more time and maybe check Mr. Seacrest’s accounts,” Janice said. “If we don’t find anything, I think we should turn this over to the sheriff’s office. I mean, that’s a large chunk of money.” She glanced around the room. “Do we need a motion?”

  “I move that we continue our examination regarding the missing money,” Margaret said. She raised one finger in the air, adding, “And I move that, if it seems reasonable, we involve local law enforcement.”

  Betty seconded the motion and Janice made a note. She then said, “Savannah, you want to talk about the Teague Stables feral-cat project?”

  Savannah sat up straighter. “Yes. You know they had a devastating fire out there some weeks ago. The Teagues brought some of the horses here, and in the process of working with Bonnie Teague to take care of the horses and all, I learned that the feral-cat project we started out there several months ago somehow fell flat. I don’t know what happened, but our volunteers seem to have walked away without completing the job. There are still intact male and female cats out there, and, according to Bonnie, some fairly tame cats that could be given a better life. This includes new cats that have found their way to the thicket out behind the stables. We need to get back out there and take charge of that colony before it becomes totally out of hand and we start losing cats.”

  “Do the Teagues want to get rid of the cats?” Colbi asked.

  “No,” Savannah said. “They would like to save them. They’ll keep three or four of them as barn cats.” She chuckled. “They have a couple of pet cats, but evidently those two aren’t interested in being mousers. I was out there with Bonnie the other day looking the situation over and we saw around a dozen cats and kittens. We managed to get our hands on two elderly cats that were caught in the fire. One had to be put down and the other one is recovering at the Ragsdale Cat Ranch, under Nola’s care.” She looked at Nola. “How’s she doing?”

  “She’s doing great,” Nola said, smiling. “She has become sort of an ambassador for our newcomers. What a gift she is. She has awful scars, but she has a beautiful heart.”

  “How wonderful,” Edie said, smiling.

  Margaret nodded. “Such a blessing.”

  “So glad she could be saved,” Janice added.

  Savannah continued, “So, I’d like to be a part of the team to manage the Teague colony. Who’s with me?’

  “Me,” Margaret said, raising her hand.

  “I’ll help when I can,” Colbi offered.

  “Call me if you need me,” Janice said.

  Savannah nodded and smiled. “Great. Thank you ladies.”

  Janice initiated a round of applause. “And thank you, Savannah.”

  ****

  Savannah was ushering some of the alliance members out of her home when she received a call. “It’s Michael,” she said, putting the phone up to her ear.

  “Hi, hon. It appears to be a chicken bone or a needle or maybe a piece of broom straw. It’s stuck in his throat, just as Dr. Rags indicated. Bud’s calling Bri for her okay to do surgery. I hope I can simply bring it through the skin or snag it through his mouth, but we’ll see.”

  “Oh, goodness. Well, thanks for letting me know.” Once she’d ended the call, she announced to those who remained, “He’s going into surgery as we speak. There’s something stuck in his throat—just like Rags told us.”

  “Will Rags assist with the surgery?” Margaret quipped.

  Janice brushed off Margaret’s remark. She hugged Savann
ah. “Amazing. I’m awfully glad he’s going to be okay. Give that cat of yours a hug, will you?” She looked Savannah in the eyes. “And thank you for all of your help today.”

  Savannah nodded, then watched as Janice walked to her car. After waving at Janice and a few others who were driving away, she asked her aunt, “Want to go look at the feral-cat situation out at the stables?”

  “When? Your mother’s with Rags at the clinic—or do you want to take the kids with us?”

  “No. I don’t want to do that. I’m sure Mom will be back in a few minutes.”

  “Okay, then,” Margaret said. “I’ll go change into my knock-around clothes. Call me when you’re ready.”

  ****

  “Ready yet, Vannie?” Margaret asked when she called half an hour later. “I haven’t seen your mother drive past. Did I miss her?”

  “No,” Savannah said, walking toward a window. “Mom’s not home yet and she isn’t answering her phone, so I imagine she’s on her way. She doesn’t answer it when she’s driving. I’ll let you know when she gets here.” Before ending the call, she said, “Uh-oh, gotta go. The children are fighting over Buffy’s bed.”

  Margaret laughed. “What?”

  “Well, Teddy has discovered the cat beds. He likes to lie in them. I guess he’s pretending to be a cat—you know, mimicking the cats. Lily won’t allow it. She thinks only the cats belong in the beds, so she yanks the bed out from under Teddy, leaving him crying his little heart out. Then Lily chases around the room trying to make Buffy or Rags get back into the bed. Of course, the cat runs away from her and she ends up throwing the bed on top of them.”

  Margaret continued to laugh. “Sounds chaotic. Well, I’ll wait for your call.”

  “Or you can come over and wait here,” Savannah said, “and help me keep the cats where they belong and the children where they belong.”

  “I might do that. Sounds interesting. See you in a few.”

  Minutes later Margaret stepped inside the Iveys’ home through the front door.

  “Auntie!” Lily cried upon seeing her.