by Patricia Fry
Craig looked at her. “Baseball bat, crowbar, wrench…”
“He could have taken it with him,” Iris said.
“Probably did,” Craig agreed.
Margaret frowned. “I wonder why she won’t tell the truth.”
“Most likely to protect someone or herself,” Savannah suggested.
“Who is this you’re talking about?” Colbi asked. “Who got attacked?”
“Gail Allen,” Savannah said. “She lives over near that tract behind us in an old dilapidated house.”
“Where?” Colbi asked. “On Butternut? I drive past there often to buy fresh produce.”
“At the pick-and-pay orchard?” Gladys asked.
Colbi shook her head. “No, at The Farm.” When the others looked puzzled, she explained, “It’s called The Farm—you know, out on Paisley Lane. It’s a bit pricey, but always good.”
“Then you’ve seen it. It’s the only old home along there,” Savannah said.
Colbi looked confused. “The only one I know of is vacant.”
“No, it’s not,” Iris said. “It looks vacant and abandoned, but this gal lives there.”
“In a smelly, moldy basement room,” Savannah added.
“Really?” Colbi questioned. “I had no idea. And someone beat her up?”
“Possibly,” Craig said.
“Who is she?” Colbi asked.
“You know that construction worker who went missing when they were building our new house?” Iris asked.
“Yeah. You told me about him.”
With a dramatic flair, Iris revealed, “It seems that Gail Allen was dating him when he went missing.”
Colbi raised her eyebrows. “Oh! Sounds like the stuff good novels are made of.”
“Vannie has dibs,” Brianna announced.
“You’re going to write a novel?” Colbi asked.
“Maybe a true crime,” Savannah quipped.
****
Later that day, as the Iveys told everyone goodbye, Iris hung back. She asked Savannah, “Hey, are you still taking care of Gail Allen’s cats?”
“Yeah, I think so. Last I heard she was spending another night at the hospital. Brianna’s bringing her home with her tomorrow.”
“Home with her?”
“Well, back to Hammond—to her own place. Why, do you want to help me feed cats? There’s a bunch of them.”
“Hey, I have eleven cats, remember?” Iris remarked.
Savannah chuckled. “Yeah, I remember, but you have a live-in sitter for your comfort cats at the inn. Francine’s still taking care of them, right? Craig feeds his two outdoor cats. Who takes care of Tommy, is that you?”
“Well, sometimes, yeah. Anyway, I want to run something by you. Could you use some help? I’m also interested in seeing how Gail lives. Gads, it was such a surprise to find out she lives at that awful run-down place.”
“Okay.” Savannah looked at her watch. “It’s three thirty-five. Want to meet me there about four thirty?”
“Sure.”
“Wear grungies; it’s a dirty job,” Savannah warned.
“Oh,” Iris said. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
Almost an hour later, Savannah jumped when Iris appeared from behind her. “You startled me! I didn’t hear you drive up.”
“I parked up the street. I do that sometimes to get more exercise.” She rubbed her hands together. “So what do you want me to do?”
Savannah pointed. “There’s a watering can over there near the spigot. You can start filling the water bowls. There should be six of them—one at each feeding station.”
“There are feeding stations?” Iris repeated. “Boy, are you organized.”
“Gotta be, when you’re dealing with all these cats and who knows how many kittens.”
“Kittens?” Iris squealed. “I love kittens!”
After the outside bowls were cleaned and filled, Savannah led Iris inside Gail’s living quarters, where they fed and watered the more domesticated cats. Savannah grinned. “I found a litter of kittens in here yesterday. Want to see?”
“I sure do.”
The two women ooohed and aaahed over the kittens for a few minutes, then Iris said, “Let me see that photograph.”
Savannah glanced around the small room. “Oh, it’s gone. I wonder if Craig took it. Or,” she said, opening a small drawer, “maybe we tucked it back in here.” She reached inside. “Yeah, here it is.” She handed it to Iris. “What do you think?”
“Yes, that’s Ronnie. Wow! I wonder how Gail fits into this whole missing-person thing.”
That stopped Savannah. “You think Gail had something to do with his disappearance?”
Iris shrugged. “Savannah, I have an idea.”
“What?”
“D…N…A,” she said, drawing out the initials. She added. “You know, genealogy.”
“What?”
More excitedly, Iris said, “We need to find someone who’s related to him and get some saliva or something to test.”
Savannah frowned. “How would we do that and why would we do that?”
“Don’t you watch crime mysteries on TV?”
“Yeah, sometimes. It’s usually the police that collect the DNA and their lab that tests it. But I don’t understand what it would tell us in this case.”
Ignoring Savannah’s comments, Iris continued, “Maybe Gail’s cousin knows where his family is, or maybe Craig can come across that information. I think I have him convinced to dig around in the evidence boxes and old files.” She shivered excitedly. “Oh, how I wish he’d let us in that dead file room. Wouldn’t you love to go through that stuff?”
“To find possible witnesses to question? Is that what you have in mind?” Savannah asked. “You know, there’s also social media, phone books—but yeah, we might start with Gail’s cousin or even Gail herself.”
“What?” Iris said. “Do you think Gail Allen would talk to us? Do you think she knows something?”
Savannah shook her head slowly. “I don’t know. But it might not hurt to ask.” She thought for a moment, then said, “She’s going to wonder why we want to know. What would we tell her?” She took a couple of quick breaths. “Hey, I’ve gotta get out of here. I can’t stand being down here for too long.”
Iris made a face. “It is stifling, isn’t it? There’s no air circulation with only that one window open just enough for the cats to go in and out. Yeah, let’s go.”
Once they were outside in the fresh air, Savannah asked, “Are you coming to Wednesday’s meeting? I’d hoped to make Gail’s cats the main topic, but I’m not sure she’ll be able to join us. I guess we can still talk about this cat colony and get some ideas on how to help with it. Iris, I’ve counted at least three females with kittens—that’s another nine to fifteen cats thrown to the wolves, if they even all survive. We have to stop this overpopulation, and now,” she asserted.
“Wow, that many!” Iris exclaimed. “Hey, Savannah, when can we talk to Gail or her cousin? Shall we…?”
“Simmer down there, Sherlock. Why don’t you start by looking through phone books and see what you can find out about the Griffith family. Talk to some of your neighbors. The older ones might remember something about the workers on that tract project. Let’s give Gail a chance to rest up and heal, then I’ll see what she’ll tell us.” She thought for a moment. “Or maybe I’ll go to her cousin. Adele seems interested in Gail’s welfare and may actually urge Gail to talk to us. She might think it would do her some good. Know what I mean?”
“I guess so. Okay, see you at the meeting Wednesday, then.” Iris glanced back at the basement entrance and shook her head. “What an interesting turn of events to learn that she and Ronnie were lovers.”
“Maybe not lovers,” Savannah insisted. “She was awfully young—what—sixteen or seventeen?”
“Did you look closely at the photo?” Iris challenged. “Those two were madly in love.” She nodded confidently. “They were lovers.”
; ****
By one o’clock Wednesday afternoon all but one person had arrived at the Iveys’ home for the meeting of the Hammond Cat Alliance, and she was still making her way there. “Thank you,” she said to the driver as she stepped down from the bus. She faced him and chuckled. “That was quite a roundabout way of getting here. It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump as the crow flies.” Once the bus had left, Gail gazed at the house looming large at the end of the driveway. She sighed. Savannah was right; that is a long driveway.
Margaret, who sat closest to the front door, answered Gail’s knock. “Well, hello Ms. Allen. Come in, won’t you?”
“Thank you. It’s Gail,” she said. “And you’re…”
“Maggie.”
“That’s right. Sorry, I had a memory lapse.”
“How are you feeling?” Margaret asked.
“A little rough, I can’t lie. But overall I’m doing just fine.” She glanced around at the other ten people who sat staring back at her; most of them smiled. She felt welcome, especially when Savannah approached her.
“Oh my,” Savannah said, “that’s a pretty impressive bandage. Are you sure you should be out like this?”
Gail shrugged. “I’m fine. I did my forty-eight hours in the hospital.” She leaned forward and took Savannah’s hand. “Thank you so much, by the way, for tending to my kitties. You’re a lifesaver. Cats are not Adele’s cup of tea, you see. Plus, she does so much for me already that I hate to call on her unless I absolutely have to.”
Savannah nodded. “I was happy to do it.” She took Gail’s arm and turned to the others. “I’d like you all to meet Gail Allen. She cares for a whole lot of cats and she’s doing a great job of providing for them.” She smiled at Gail. “They’re chubby little things. But we all know how difficult it is to be caretaker to a whole flock of cats all by yourself. I think we can be of assistance to Gail.”
Everyone nodded and some members mumbled words of agreement. The new president, Janice Tuttle, welcomed their guest. “Nice to meet you, Gail.” She motioned toward an empty chair next to where Savannah had been sitting. “Please join us, won’t you? Let’s continue with our business meeting, then we’ll address the issues our guest has brought here today.”
By the time the meeting was adjourned, Margaret and Savannah had volunteered to work with Gail to trap all of her cats, get them vet-checked and spayed or neutered, and place the likeliest candidates into forever homes. Best of all, Gail agreed.
Gail approached Savannah at the refreshment table. “I can’t believe how much better I feel about my kitties. I love them all, but I knew there was more that I could be doing for them than simply providing meals and water.” She clasped her hands under her chin. “Just imagining those beautiful cats in loving homes brings joy to my heart.”
“Now, we may not be able to place them all in homes, but we’ll certainly do our best. Some of them might not tolerate being kept indoors, because they’ve been on their own without the human touch for too long.” She motioned for a young woman to join them. “Gail, I’d like you to meet Nola. She and June Balcomb run the Ragsdale Cat Ranch and they strive to always have room for feral cats that want to remain feral.” She smiled. “…you know, those that must roam free. Nola and June provide a place for these cats to live the only life they’ve ever known, but within the confines of a safe haven.”
“I’ve heard of your wonderful work,” Gail gushed. She reached for Nola’s hand. “Thank you for all that you do. I’ve always dreamed of helping animals in some really meaningful way, but that’s one opportunity I’ve never had.” She tightened her lips as if holding back a flow of emotion, finally saying, “That dream, along with others, was crushed a long time ago.”
Nola smiled compassionately at Gail. “Don’t give up on a dream.” She looked Gail in the eyes. “I imagine I’m probably just a kid to you. I’d guess you’re about my mother’s age.” She put her hand on Gail’s arm. “But I can tell you this: there’s no reason to stop dreaming until you take your last breath. At least, that’s how I feel about life.”
Gail swooned. “I love your attitude.” She started to take quick breaths. “But I live with such regret and disappointment that it overpowers me sometimes, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Nola spoke more quietly. “Do you know where I was when I fell into this wonderful opportunity with June Balcomb—you know, to help her create the cat ranch?” When Gail stared blankly, Nola said, “Jail. You can’t get much lower than that.”
Gail raised her eyebrows. “I guess not.” She glanced nervously around the room. “Well, I’d better hop on back to the bus stop and get home to my kitties.”
“Ms. Allen,” Nola said, “we’re always looking for caring, qualified volunteers to spend time with the cats and help socialize them. We’d love to have you join us at the cat ranch.” She hesitated before saying, “Maybe once your colony is being managed—you know, is under control, then perhaps you’ll consider working with us. It’s a wonderful environment.”
“Oh!” Gail exclaimed. “What a beautiful offer. I surely will consider that. Thank you.” She picked up her tote bag and walked quickly toward the front door. “I’d better be going now.”
“Wait,” Savannah said. “Let me take you home. I don’t think you should be walking so far with that head injury.” When Gail protested, Savannah insisted, “Please, I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Gail hesitated. She fidgeted nervously with the straps on her tote bag, then agreed. “Okay, but I should be getting back.”
“I understand. It’s not a problem. I can leave right now.” Savannah looked around the room until she saw her mother. “Mom, I’m taking Gail home. Okay with you?”
“Oh, well, yes. I’ll listen for the children to wake up.”
“Thanks,” Savannah said, taking her purse from the coat closet and ushering Gail out the front door.
“So what do you want to talk to me about?” Gail asked as Savannah fastened her seat belt.
“Well, I’d like to set up our program at your home as soon as possible and start the TNR process.”
“What?”
“Trap-neuter-release,” she explained. She chuckled. “Actually, it will be TNE and then either R or maybe A.” When she noticed that Gail looked confused, Savannah explained, “Trap-neuter-evaluate and maybe release, but hopefully adopt.”
“Oh,” Gail said. “You had me going with all those letters, but that all sounds good. Say, Savannah, I know I’m in over my head trying to take care of so many cats. But what can you do when they find you and begin to depend on you?”
“I understand,” Savannah said. “That’s why the Hammond Cat Alliance was formed.”
Gail laughed. “I don’t mind being known as an old cat lady, but an old cat-lady-hoarder, now that goes against my grain.”
“I don’t believe anyone thinks of you in those terms.” Savannah tossed her head, her ponytail brushing against the head rest. “Besides, you’re not old. What are you, fifty-something?”
“Thank you, but I’m almost sixty-two.”
“I don’t consider that old. One of my best friends is about your age.” Savannah glanced at Gail as she drove. “Oh, yes, you met Iris at the meeting. She’s just a little younger than my mother. Besides,” Savannah continued, “your cats appear to be in pretty good shape. We’d just like to team up with you to prevent more homeless cats from being born and help you find homes for the ones you have. A cat on the street, even when someone’s feeding him, struggles to survive every day of his life. Ideally, cats need loving, hands-on, personalized care and attention and a place where they can feel safe all the time.” She faced Gail briefly. “By the way, how’s Blackie?”
“Thank you for asking. He’s still at the clinic. Dr. Brianna and Dr. Bud take him home some nights for family time, which I really appreciate. He’s healing up real well, but they don’t think it would be wise to turn him loose outside yet, and I agree.” More excitedly, she
said, “I may release him to someone they know who has a hankering for black cats. She just lost one, and I guess she met Blackie at the clinic. She might be interested in giving him a home.” She added, “He would be an inside cat, but he’d have a large enclosed outdoor area where he can get fresh air and exercise. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
“It sure does,” Savannah said. “I thought he was one of your favorites. You said he reminds you of a cat you once knew.”
“That’s true,” Gail said. “But I’ve never kept him inside, and I have such a small place—you know, limited space. I think it would be best for him if I relinquish him to someone with a more suitable environment for a little tramp like Blackie.”
“Good thinking,” Savannah said. “Once he’s neutered, he might even decide to settle down and become a lap cat.”
Gail smiled and relaxed into her seat.
Savannah broke the silence that followed. “Gail, I’d like to ask you something. I found a picture the day you…fell. The frame was broken, so I put it in a drawer to keep the cats from getting cut on the broken glass.”
“Oh yes, thank you. I found it. At least the picture wasn’t damaged. It’s okay without a frame, only…”
“Only?” Savannah repeated.
“Well, I don’t think that’s good for the picture. It’s pretty old, and I want to preserve it.” She spoke more quietly, her voice quavering, “It’s all I have from…”
Before she could finish, Savannah said, “Good idea. Hey, I have an extra frame that size that I can give you.”
“Really?” Gail said. “Thank you.”
Savannah pulled into Gail’s driveway and stopped the car. She turned to her passenger. “May I ask who that is in the picture? That’s you, isn’t it? And it looks like someone who means a lot to you.”
“Yes, he did,” Gail said, her head bowed. “I loved him with all my heart.” She faced Savannah. “Ronnie and I were planning to run off and get married when…”
“What happened?” Savannah asked.
Gail became agitated. “Lies. Everything they said about him were lies, but I couldn’t stop them.”
