Cats in Cahoots (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 18) Read online

  “How are they being compensated?” Margaret asked.

  “They’re donating their time,” Savannah responded. “It’s a volunteer situation.”

  “So no compensation, even though they’re professionals?”

  Iris smiled. “It’s called karma, Maggie.”

  Margaret frowned at her. “Huh?”

  “Compensation or rewards for your good deeds—those that are done from a pure heart,” Iris recited. “That’s karma. They will be rewarded at some point in some way,” she explained.

  “Oh,” Margaret said. “What goes around comes around? Is that what you mean? One good turn deserves another?”

  “Yeah, pretty much,” Iris agreed.

  Margaret grinned. Then, grasping Iris’s arm, she quipped, “Here, let me help you across the street.”

  “What? I don’t want to go across the street, do I?”

  “I’m just trying to get some karma,” Margaret explained, laughing.

  “Oh Maggie, it doesn’t work that way.”

  “Well, that’s what you said.”

  “No, I didn’t. You weren’t listening.”

  Just then, Brianna picked Lily up out of her stroller. “Come with Auntie Nana, little one. I want to show you some toys.”

  “Toy?” Lily repeated.

  “Yes, toys.” She turned to Savannah. “We’re going into this store—be right back.”

  “Yeah, right—after she talks you into buying her everything in sight.”

  Margaret put her hands on her hips. “Now how does she do that, Vannie?”

  “What?” Savannah asked.

  “Talk you into buying her everything in sight. She doesn’t even have much of a vocabulary yet.”

  “You’d be surprised. She uses her baby blues, she points, and she whines,” Savannah said, laughing. “I once hauled her out of a store, practically screaming, because I wouldn’t let her take home a giant panda.”

  Margaret grinned. “Who was screaming, her or you?”

  “Ha-ha. Funny.” Savannah glanced at her aunt, then turned to Iris while the four women stood outside the toy store waiting for Brianna. “What do you hear from the honeymooners?”

  “Not much,” Iris said. “Damon sent a picture of the two of them when they first arrived. They look really happy. You haven’t heard from them?”

  Savannah shook her head. “No, and I hope I don’t.”

  Iris frowned. “Why?”

  “I don’t want them thinking about me while they’re on their honeymoon. There will be plenty of time for that when they get back.” Savannah suddenly looked beyond Iris. “Look out!” she shouted, grabbing Iris’s arm and pulling her aside, mere seconds before a young woman bumped Margaret as she raced past them.

  “Hey!” Margaret called out, watching the stranger disappear into a crowd of shoppers.

  Suddenly came another voice. “Clear the way, please. Clear the way!”

  That’s when they realized the woman was being chased.

  “Looks like a security guard is after her,” Savannah said, moving with the others into an alcove in front of the toy store. “That woman must be a shoplifter.”

  “And I don’t think she took a paperclip,” Margaret said, rubbing her arm where the woman had made contact.

  Iris agreed. “Yeah, more like a sack from an armored car, the way they’re chasing after her.”

  Gladys touched Margaret’s arm. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah,” she said. She pointed and said, excitedly, “Look, they caught her. Did you see that? Ouch! They just slammed her against the wall. That’s something you don’t see every day.”

  “Gosh,” Gladys said, wide-eyed, “I thought I lived in a rowdy town. I wouldn’t expect this kind of thing to happen here.”

  “Neither would I.” Savannah said, reaching for the diaper bag in the back of the stroller and placing it in the seat. “I’m thirsty. Anyone want a water bottle?”

  “Yeah, sounds good,” Gladys said, taking one from her.

  Savannah took a sip from another bottle, then turned and tried to peer through the window of the little shop. “I wonder what’s keeping Bri and the princess.” Suddenly, she shouted, “Ow!” When she turned around, she faced a man who was leaning over the stroller, one hand resting on the diaper bag.

  “Sorry,” he said, quickly standing. “Guess I’d better watch where I’m going.”

  “Oh, was the stroller sticking out too far? I’m sorry. Are you all right?” Savannah asked.

  “Yeah, I’m okay,” he said before sprinting off.

  “What happened?” Gladys asked, when she saw the look on Savannah’s face.

  “Uh…oh, I’m not sure. I guess that guy must have bumped into the stroller. I wasn’t looking. Felt like he hit it pretty hard.”

  “Are you all right?” Iris asked.

  “Yeah, just pushed me back against that window. Glad I didn’t go through it.”

  “Looks like they’re arresting that gal,” Margaret noted. “They put her in a police car.”

  “Maybe,” Iris agreed. “Or they’re just taking her in for questioning. Didn’t look like they found any merchandise on her.” Before anyone could comment, Iris gazed toward the toy store entrance and smiled. “Well, will you look at this.”

  “Oh, Bri, you’re a sucker if I ever saw one,” Margaret said, focusing on Lily, who was walking out of the store holding her aunt’s hand and carrying a brand-new ragdoll.

  “What do you mean?” she asked, joining the others.

  “How much did you pay for that doll, anyway?” Gladys asked. “Don’t you know you can get one just like it, at probably half the price, at the mall?”

  Brianna lifted her chin. “But we aren’t at the mall and she wanted it now.”

  Iris chuckled. “Yeah, Brianna wouldn’t get any brownie points with Lily if she tried to make her wait.”

  “Well, it is a cute dolly and she seems to like it,” Gladys said, pulling her phone out of her purse and snapping a few pictures.

  Brianna picked up Lily, looked around at the others, and asked, “Why are you all huddled up together in this little cranny-nook?”

  “Oh, well, there was some crazy activity going on out here while you were shopping,” Savannah explained. She moved the diaper bag to the stroller basket and allowed Brianna to put Lily in the seat.

  “What?” she asked, after buckling the toddler in.

  “Cops and robbers,” Margaret exaggerated. “And police brutality. Then your sister tripped some guy and will probably be sued for everything she’s got.”

  When Gladys saw the look on Brianna’s face, she added, “Yes, it was rather like a scene from one of those detective shows you watch.”

  “Come on,” Iris suggested, “let’s find some adult stores, shall we?”

  “Adult stores?” Margaret questioned.

  “Yeah, for us women—a vintage consignment shop or a home-design store, maybe.”

  ****

  It was nearly three that afternoon when the women returned to the Ivey home. “Can you and Craig join us for dinner?” Savannah asked Iris as they stepped out of the car. “Our favorite former chef is cooking his chicken and dumplings tonight. You really must bring the detective. Otherwise, Max will be the only guy.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll check with Craig and let you know.”

  “Hey, if he’s on a case, why don’t you come anyway?”

  “Yeah, I’ll do that,” Iris said, waving as she and Margaret drove off in her car.

  “Oh, hello, Antonio,” Savannah said when she saw him walking toward his car, which was near where she had parked.

  He nodded and smiled. “The carrots good, no?”

  Savannah looked puzzled. “What carrots?”

  “From the garden. You pick?”

  “No,” she said. “We haven’t picked any carrots. We’re waiting for you to tell us when it’s okay. You always know when the time is just right.�
��

  He looked concerned. “Someone pick carrots.” He held up three fingers. “Tres gone.”

  “Three of them?”

  He nodded. “Si. They leave tomato.”

  Savannah could hear her sister chuckling behind her. “Someone took carrots and left a tomato?”

  “Si. In a…” he gestured with his hands.

  “Pot?” Savanna suggested. “In a pot?”

  He nodded. “Si.”

  “Well that’s odd. Did you plant it?”

  “Si.”

  “Well, thank you for telling me, Antonio. I wish we knew who was taking things…and bringing things.” She gazed in the direction of the Crane house when something caught her attention. “Rags?” she said under her breath. When she got a better look, she hollered, “Rags! What are you doing out here?”

  She and Brianna watched as the cat lumbered up to them and sat down, stuck out one back leg, and began licking it.

  “Where have you been?” Savannah asked. “And where did you get that harness, for heaven’s sake?” She leaned over the cat and examined what he was wearing.

  “Crude, isn’t it?” Brianna said, chuckling.

  Just then, Gladys caught up with her daughters carrying a shopping bag. She stopped and stared down at Rags. “What’s he got on?”

  Savannah shook her head. “Those kids.”

  “What kids?” Gladys asked.

  “The kids next door. Do you suppose they made this thing and put it on him?” Noticing him scratching at it, she added, “He sure doesn’t like it.”

  “Well, it doesn’t look comfortable. It’s too tight, isn’t it?” Gladys observed.

  “It appears to be.” Savannah handed Lily to Brianna, picked up the cat, and said, “Let’s go cut it that off you, shall we?” She glanced in the direction of the Crane home. “Then I’d better go have another talk with Tiffany.”

  “Do you think her kids came over and let Rags out?” Brianna asked.

  “Probably not,” Savannah said with a sigh. “It could have been Helena. It has happened before. He tricks her. She steps out to do something when she doesn’t think he’s around and he sneaks out behind her. Usually she catches him in the act and brings him back in. I just wish she’d stop leaving the door open. If she’d just close the door behind her…” she said, shaking her head in exasperation.

  “So what are you going to talk to Tiffany about?” Brianna asked. “The kids gave Rags a gift—is that a crime? He probably has fun over there playing with them.”

  “Are you saying I should pick my battles?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying. You saw her; the woman seems overwhelmed. I wouldn’t take petty things like this to her, especially if you’re pretty sure the kids didn’t let him out. What’s the big deal?”

  After thinking about it, Savannah said, “Yeah, you’re probably right. Let’s go in and rest before our big evening, shall we?”

  ****

  Three hours later, the five women, along with Max and Craig, gathered for dinner in the Iveys’ dining room. Lily sat in her high chair nibbling on bits of chicken, peas, dumplings, and bite-sized pieces of fruit.

  “Max, this is delicious,” Brianna said.

  “Mmm, it sure is,” Iris agreed. “Tell me, Max, do you share recipes? ’Cause I’d love to have this one.” She turned to Craig. “Do you think the boys would like it? Teens can be fussy eaters.”

  “I can’t imagine they wouldn’t. It’s really good. Excellent,” he said, nodding toward Max.

  “Thank you all. And, Iris, to answer your question, sure; I’ll give you the recipe. I’ll email it to you.”

  “Great, thanks.” She grinned across at Max. “Or you could come over every few months and make it for us.”

  Margaret scoffed. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

  “Iris, how are your boys?” Gladys asked. “I’ve always been impressed by the way you hung in there with them when their father abandoned the family. It must not have been easy taking the mother role with someone else’s children, especially since you weren’t exactly a spring chicken at the time.”

  Iris stopped eating and gazed at Gladys. After a few seconds, she said, “I guess I never really thought about it. The boys needed a home and I had one. There was never any question in my mind.” She took a breath and smiled. “They’re doing great. Really great. I’m proud as punch of them both.”

  “As you should be,” Savannah said.

  “Amen,” Craig added. “All of Iris’s boys are good kids. I sure lucked out there.” He set his fork down. “It’s like having a second chance to be a dad, and these kids make it a pleasure.”

  Iris reached over and patted her husband’s hand.

  When no one spoke, he continued, “You never get over losing a child, like I did, to drugs, but being with Brett and Chris and Damon is like someone smoothing salve over the wound.”

  “How…poetic,” Iris said, dabbing at her eyes.

  The room fell silent until Lily began to babble. Everyone laughed upon hearing her sweet voice.

  “She sure seems to know what she’s saying.” Gladys observed.

  “I think she’s mimicking us,” Brianna offered.

  Margaret laughed. “Do you mean that’s what we sound like to her?”

  “Sure it is,” Max said, chuckling.

  Gladys pulled back from the table. “Well, that’s all I can eat. Max, it was wonderful—just like I remember my grandmother making.” She thought about it. “Only better.” Standing, she asked, “Can I take your bowls?”

  Iris and Savannah also stood and began clearing the table while Margaret continued a conversation with Craig, and Brianna wiped Lily’s hands and face.

  Releasing the toddler from the high chair, Brianna asked, “Want to play blocks?”“Blocks,” Lily repeated, rushing toward the living room.

  “Anyone want coffee?” Savannah offered. “We also have peach pie.”

  “Maybe later,” Margaret suggested. “How about we play one of your trivia games, Vannie? I might actually have room for pie after a few rounds.”

  “Sure,” Craig said. “I feel at the top of my game tonight.”

  Iris began to laugh. “Oh babe, you lost miserably last time we played. Remember?”

  “You must be thinking of someone else,” he said, winking.

  Max rubbed his hands together. “Well, I’ve been practicing.”

  Margaret squinted at him. “You have?”

  “Sure. I answer trivial questions all the time.”

  “Funny,” Margaret said, grinning at her husband.

  ****

  Nearly two hours later, the lively trivia challenge wound down with Max and Brianna claiming victory.

  “Yeah, I would have edged you out if I hadn’t been lured away from the game by the princess,” Margaret complained.

  “Me too,” Craig said.”

  “Me too, what?” Iris challenged.

  “I was distracted from the game twice when I read Lily that story.”

  “I played ball with her for almost half an hour and I still managed to win,” Brianna bragged.

  “Well, I think the little distraction is ready for bed,” Savannah said, holding the sleepy baby on her lap. “Mom, would you like to put her to bed while I serve dessert?”

  “Sure,” she said, reaching for the toddler.

  “Who wants theirs á la mode?” Savannah asked. “Bri, want to take orders for coffee and tea?”

  “Yup,” she answered, then called, “Hey Sis, can I light these candles?”

  Iris lifted from her chair and stretched. “Yeah, let’s do. We can have some atmosphere with our dessert. Okay, Savannah?”

  “Okay, I guess. Just don’t forget to blow them out before bedtime,” she called from the kitchen.

  Gladys returned just as Savannah finished serving the pie. “Here’s your piece, Mom. And we fixed you a cup of tea, is that okay?”

  �
�Perfect. Thank you.”

  “Good pie,” Craig said, scooping up the last bite with his fork.

  “Sure is, Vannie,” Margaret agreed.

  Placing her coffee mug on a coaster, Iris chimed in. “That’s another recipe I’d like to have.” She grinned. “Along with some of those delicious peaches off your tree when your crop comes in.”

  “You got it,” Savannah said, smiling across at her friend.

  When Savannah started to clear the dessert plates, Iris quickly stood. “Let me.”

  “I’ll help,” Margaret offered.

  Brianna collected empty coffee and tea cups and followed the others into the kitchen. “Sis, give me the flashlight,” she said, “and I’ll take the trash to the big barrel so it isn’t attacked by wild animals tonight.”

  Savannah reached for the light. “Good idea.”

  “I’ll carry it,” Iris offered, taking the flashlight and trailing after Brianna.

  The women had been gone for just a few minutes when Iris rushed in through the side kitchen door, sounding out of breath. “Craig, come quick.”

  “What’s wrong?” Savannah asked, watching Craig follow Iris into the night. When no one responded, she stepped out onto the porch, Max on her heels. Margaret and Gladys stood at the large window, fearful about what they might see.

  “Shhh,” Iris shushed, slowing before they rounded the side of the house. Suddenly she stopped, Craig ran into her, and Savannah and Max caught up to them.

  “What is it?” Savannah whispered.

  Iris put her hand up to silence her.

  “He’s gone,” Brianna hissed.

  “What was it?” Savannah asked.

  “Some guy who scared me out of my wits.”

  “What was he doing?” Craig asked.

  Iris responded. “He seemed to be hiding, don’t you think, Brianna?”

  “Yeah, probably. Maybe he was picking something from your garden.”

  “Darned kids,” Savannah said under her breath.

  “He wasn’t no kid,” Iris insisted.

  Brianna shook her head. “No, he was bigger than those kids next door. Tall and lanky. He looked kind of clumsy when he scampered away.”

  “Hmmm. Could be that uncle I saw over at the Crane’s,” Savannah said quietly. “Did he take anything?”