Claws for a Cause (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 15)

by Patricia Fry

  She nodded and murmured “Thank you,” before walking away with Savannah and Michael.

  ****

  At one forty-five that afternoon, Savannah drove Leah to the sheriff’s office. “How are you feeling after your rest?” she asked the girl. She chuckled. “You know, you’ve gotten awfully attached to that bed. You’ve spent more time in it than out of it since you’ve been with us.”

  “Yes, I guess I have,” she said, grinning a little.

  The women remained quiet for a few miles, then Savannah asked, “Leah, do you know who Harrison was with last night? Do you think you knew the guy who was killed?”

  “It was probably Moss. That’s who Harrison hung around with mostly. I think Moss recently got back into town from somewhere. They’ve been friends for a long time. He seemed to be the most like Harrison out of all the people I’ve met around here—fun-loving, ready to help.” She shook her head. “Who would want to hurt those two guys? I can’t even imagine.”

  “Here we are,” Savannah said, pulling into a parking space. When she saw Leah begin rubbing her bulging stomach and noticed her staring down at it, she asked, “Are you all right?”

  Leah sat straighter and took a breath. “The baby’s just kicking, that’s all. Sometimes it’s as if she or he is playing soccer in there.” She opened her door and stepped out of the car.

  “Hi Ben,” Savannah greeted as they walked into the office. “This is Leah. We’re supposed to meet Craig here at two.”

  “Yeah, Sledge told me to expect you. He got a call and couldn’t make it down here.” He squinted toward the two women. “You’re interested in that suitcase we found in the alley? I don’t know why anyone would want that thing back.”

  “Could we see it, please?” the girl asked.

  Ben shrugged. “Sure, I guess so,” he said, leaving the room. When he returned, he carried a large plastic garbage bag and placed it on the floor near where the women stood. He gingerly pushed the bag down around the piece of luggage until it was exposed. When he saw the women’s reaction, he said, “Ugly, huh?”

  “Ewww,” Leah said. She then gasped. “Oh no!”

  “What—isn’t this your bag?”

  Leah looked at Savannah for confirmation.

  “Actually,” Savannah said, “I believe it is the right bag, but it has sure been through a lot since I last saw it. It’s so dirty.” Waving one hand in front of her face, she added, “And smelly.”

  “Well, it came out of the garbage, didn’t it?” Ben confirmed.

  The women nodded and Savannah said to the girl, “That big tear…that’s where you put your property, isn’t it?”

  Leah stared at the bag and nodded ever so slightly. “Someone took it.” She looked to Savannah for an answer. “But who? Who knew it was even there?”

  Savannah looked her in the eyes. “Harrison, for one.”

  “But he wouldn’t…” she started.

  “How well do you know him?” Savannah asked. “I think you’re aware that he’s been in some trouble over his lifetime and he has a problem with drugs. How do we know he wouldn’t be tempted to take your property?”

  “I…I guess you’re right.”

  “Well, now let’s get things straight, ladies,” Ben said. “When we found Harrison Lee and Moss Randall, this was not in their possession.”

  “Yeah, I heard,” Leah said.

  “But it was found not too far from where the attack took place. We picked it up this morning after Detective Sledge asked us to. So are you saying it could be a clue to what happened? Are you saying there was something of value in here and maybe that’s why the two men were attacked?”

  “So someone else knew about it,” Leah said quietly.

  “Or,” Savannah offered, “there’s still the possibility that Harrison took the item out.”

  “Do you mean he planned to rip me off? But then who would beat them up and why?”

  “Maybe he took it out for safekeeping.”

  “I’ll never believe that he tried to steal it. Maybe he told Moss about it and Moss told someone else.”

  Ben thinned his lips. “Well, whatever happened, it sounds like this could be important to the case. Thank you for your input. I’d better find a place for this stinky thing in the evidence room.”

  ****

  Four days later, Savannah got a call from Colbi. “Don’t worry about feeding Dolly this afternoon, Savannah,” she said, sounding rather cheerful.

  “Are you coming home?” she asked.

  “Yes, Harrison is being released. Oh, Savannah he’s made great strides. He still has a ways to go—a long recovery ahead—but he can come home as long as there’s someone to care for him.”

  “And that’s you?”

  “What?”

  “You’re going to be his caretaker?”

  “Yes. I’m looking forward to it.” Colbi paused. “I remember how close our father and I became while I took care of him. I’m looking forward to getting to know my brother in the same way.”

  “So how’s he feeling?” Savannah asked.

  “Sore, but in good spirits and his faculties are all intact—that’s what we were most worried about. Broken bones can heal, and he has several of those—nose, ribs, ankle…but I was so worried about that head injury. How someone can be so callous as to do that much damage to another human being is beyond me.”

  “Are they any closer to catching the creeps?” Savannah asked.

  “I don’t know. Harrison has given them a description and I guess there’s one witness who’s been some help.”

  “So, Colbi,” she said more quietly, “what about the drug situation?”

  “Oh, you mean Harrison’s habit? So far, so good. He’s had round-the-clock care, so no one has been able to bring him anything. The doctors are pleased and a little surprised that he hasn’t shown signs of withdrawal. And we all hope that doesn’t come about. The doctor told me that sometimes an injury or surgery or something like that will help someone break the addiction cycle. Know what I mean?”

  “Yes, I think I do. His lifestyle has changed and will change dramatically, so maybe his habits will, too.”

  “Let’s hope and pray,” Colbi said. “By the way, how’s that little girl? Is she still with you?”

  “Yes, she is. She’s doing well. Her due date’s getting close now, you know. She’s eager to have the baby, then she wants to go to Frisco and see what she can find out about the money she was hoping to get. Of course, she’s afraid that someone may have taken the key from my suitcase and beaten her to it.”

  “Good God, Savannah, she has quite a lot of underground drama surrounding her, doesn’t she? Harrison says she was a cheerleader from Idaho? How’d she get mixed up in all this?”

  “From as close as I can tell, strict, rigid parents and a charming Hawaiian man.”

  “Oh, bad combination.” After a measure of silence, Colbi said, “Savannah, I mean her no ill will. She seems to care about Harrison. He’s been talking about her. I think he’s been in touch with her by phone.”

  “Yes, from what she tells me, they’ve been talking a lot—even late into the night when they both should be sleeping.”

  Colbi continued, “I know. Savannah, please tell her she’s welcome in my home anytime she wants to see Harrison.” She hesitated. “I hope she will forgive me.”

  “I think she has. I explained how close you and your brother are and how frightened you were. She’s young and naïve, but also harbors some wisdom there—probably some of it she picked up on the streets of Honolulu.”

  “Oh, I just saw the doctor go into Harrison’s room—better scoot.”

  “Is there anything we can do from this end to prepare for your homecoming?” Savannah asked.

  “I think we have it handled. Damon has been wonderful. He’s going to help me move Harrison’s things downstairs. He rented a wheelchair and a few other pieces of equipment we may need, at least for a whi
le. The doctors think he’ll be up on crutches fixing himself a sandwich soon.”

  “Well, it’s all good news, Colbi. So glad to hear it. This could just be a major turning point for you and Harrison.”

  “I know,” she said, sounding almost giddy. “And guess what else?”

  “What?” Savannah couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s glee.

  “Klint’s coming to visit him tomorrow.”

  “Klint?”

  “Our cousin—the circus storyteller,” she said, giggling.

  “Oh yes,” Savannah said. “Well, that’ll be entertaining for Harrison.”

  As Savannah ended the call, Leah walked into the room. “Dinner’s almost ready,” she said.

  “You know, you don’t have to fix us dinner,” Savannah insisted. “You need your rest.”

  “Oh, I can’t rest all the time. You’re feeding me so well, I have lots of energy and I feel good. Besides, I want to show my appreciation.” She grinned. “You should feel honored; this is the one and only meal I can cook. My dad taught me how to make it once when my sister and I wanted to surprise our mom on her birthday.”

  “What is it?” Savannah asked.

  “Pigs in a blanket,” she said proudly, “and a cottage-cheese-and-peaches salad. Sound good?”

  “Yummy—and Lily will like it, too.” Before Leah could walk away, Savannah said, “I have some news.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, why don’t you sit down?”

  “Oh no, is it bad?”

  “No actually not. It’s just that it hurts me to see you standing,” she said, laughing. “I remember how uncomfortable I was toward the end of my pregnancy.”

  “What is it?” Leah asked, easing onto the ottoman.

  “Harrison is going home this evening—they’re releasing him. Colbi just told me.”

  “Tonight? Oh, that is good news.”

  “Colbi has issued an invitation for you to visit Harrison any time you want.”

  “Really?” she asked, her eyes lighting up. She folded her hands under her chin. “I’m so thankful he’s going to be okay. I’ve prayed really, really hard for Harrison. I’ve prayed that he can get off drugs, too.”

  “Well, so far, it looks like our prayers are being answered. It’s all up to Harrison now.”

  “When can I see him?”

  “Why don’t we wait until tomorrow? Let’s let them get settled in. I’ll call Colbi in the morning and find out when would be a good time for us to visit, okay?”

  “Okay. That sounds good to me. Thank you, Savannah,” she said, going to her and wrapping her arms around her neck.

  “You’re welcome,” Savannah said. “I’m just so happy to see you blossoming, and,” she said more sternly, “I’m glad you’re seeing a doctor and taking care of both yourself and the baby.”

  ****

  Later that night, Savannah was awakened when she heard someone calling her name. Still groggy, she switched on the bedside lamp and listened. It’s Leah…She rolled out of bed, grabbed her robe, and rushed into the hall, where she found Leah bent over and holding onto the wall. “What is it?”

  “The baby,” she said. “I think it’s coming.”

  “Oh my. Okay, I see that you have your robe and slippers on…”

  Leah chuckled half-heartedly. “You mean your robe and slippers.”

  Ignoring her, Savannah continued, “Let’s get you comfy on the sofa while I throw on some clothes. Where’s the bag we packed for you and the baby—still in your room?”

  Leah nodded.

  “I’ll go get it,” Savannah said, leading Leah to the sofa and helping her to lie down. “Did you call your doctor?”

  Leah nodded. “He said they’re expecting us at the hospital.”

  “Oh good.” Once the younger woman seemed to be relatively comfortable, Savannah rushed into action.

  “What time’s it?” Michael asked when he became aware of his wife moving around in the bedroom. He glanced at the bedside clock. “What are you doing up?”

  “It’s three fifteen and we’re about to have a baby.”

  “We are?” he asked, sitting up straight. “Oh, you mean Leah. What should I do?”

  “Why don’t you stay here with Lily? See if you can take her to Iris’s or my aunt’s when you go to the clinic.”

  “Sure,” Michael said, yawning. “I don’t have a heavy schedule. If I can’t find a place for her, I’ll ask Bud to take over with our patients. When will you be back?”

  “I have no idea. You never know how long these things will take. And I definitely want to be with her.” She spoke more softly. “I hope she’ll decide to call her parents. A girl should have her mommy with her when she gives birth.”

  “Or her husband,” Michael stated.

  “Well, yeah, in a perfect world.”

  It didn’t take long for Savannah to get ready and retrieve the all-important overnight bag, which included a newborn outfit Lily had long-ago outgrown and one of her baby blankets. Minutes later, the two women were on their way to Straley Community Hospital.

  “Are you family?” a nurse asked Savannah after they’d checked Leah in.

  Leah nodded. “Yes.”

  When the nurse looked askance, Savannah explained. “I’m the closest thing she has to family right now.”

  “I want her to stay with me,” Leah said from a wheelchair, writhing a little with a contraction.

  The nurse nodded. “Certainly.”

  After several hours of light to moderate contractions, Leah closed her eyes and seemed to be resting, so Savannah took the opportunity to step out of the room and get a cup of coffee. She looked her phone—eight thirty-five. Oh, looks like Colbi called. And I’d better check in with Michael.

  “Hi hon, just checking to see how it’s going with you and Lily. Where is she today? Leah’s still in labor. The doctor says it’ll probably be a long day for her…and for me. Call me when you get a chance—or maybe texting would be better. I’m taking a break while Leah’s resting. I’ve turned my ringer off. Love you.”

  She then called Colbi. “Hi girlfriend, what’s up? Everything going okay with the patient?”

  “Yes,” Colbi said. “He seems to be doing pretty well. Damon helped me get him settled in the room downstairs.” She spoke more quietly, sounding excited. “Savannah, we had the best conversation last night. I’m just flying high. I got to experience the brother I remember—the brother I’ve wanted so badly. It was so much fun. Harrison really has a neat sense of humor. I just pray he can get on his feet after this.” She spoke more reverently. “You know, he says he wants to change. This beating really brought him to his knees. When he thought he would die right there on the street, he said he had an epiphany like he’s never had before. I’m so excited for him…for us.”

  “That’s wonderful news, Colbi. I’m really happy for you.”

  “I knew you would be—couldn’t wait to share that with you.”

  “But Colbi…”

  “I know, we have a long ways to go, and it’s only been a few days. I get all that. But I’m just relishing the moments that are so wonderful and I hope he is, too. I hope he can see how good life can be without drugs.” She paused, then said, “So what are you and Miss Lily up to today?”

  “Well, actually, I’m where you’ve been all week.”

  “What?”

  “At the hospital in Straley.”

  “What’s wrong? What happened?” Colbi asked in a panic.

  “It’s all good. Leah’s having her baby.”

  “Oh, wow—early isn’t it?”

  “Maybe a few weeks. She’s not sure. But it looks like he or she is on its way—today. In fact, I’d better get back to her. She doesn’t have much time between contractions and she likes me to be there when she has one.”

  “Where’s Lily? Can I help with her?”

  “I actually don’t know where my daughter is this morni
ng.” When Colbi remained quiet, Savannah explained, “Michael was in charge of finding her a caretaker. I haven’t talked to him, so I don’t know where he ended up taking her.”

  “Well, let me know if I can help. I’ll be here all day.”

  “Thanks kiddo. I’ll talk to you later,” she said, ending the call.

  “I missed you,” Leah said when Savannah stepped quietly into the hospital room.

  “Feeling okay?” Savannah asked, rubbing Leah’s arm.

  “Yeah, had a pretty good one a minute ago. I think he wants out of there.”

  “I hope so; you don’t want to go around with that baby bump the rest of your life.”

  “Don’t make me laugh,” Leah said, trying to stifle a chuckle. “Here comes one. They’re getting closer—well, some of them are,” she said in a strained voice.

  Just then a nurse stepped in. “How’re we doing?” she asked as she moved forward to examine Leah.

  “Having a good one,” she said, still straining.

  The nurse checked the monitor. “Oh that is a good one. Just hang in there. You’ll have your baby in your arms before too long.

  When the nurse began examining Leah, Savannah looked at her phone and noticed a text from Colbi. Harrison insists that I bring him there to be with Leah. I hope it’s a good idea. We’re on our way.

  She then read a text from Michael, Baby girl’s at your aunt’s. All is good. Let me know if I’m an aunt or an uncle. She smiled at her husband’s attempt at humor.

  “Two centimeters,” the nurse announced.

  “Still?” Leah said, obviously disappointed.

  “’Fraid so, hon. You’re doing a good job. Just keep it up.”

  Once the nurse had left, Savannah stood at Leah’s bedside and took her hand. “Ready to call your mom?” she asked.

  Leah glared at her. “No, why?”

  “Just thought you’d want her here for the blessed event.”

  She rolled her head back and forth against the pillow, tears squeezing out from under her eyelids. “I told you my parents will disown me.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Savannah challenged.

  “I just know it. That’s the way they are,” she said, beginning to struggle with another contraction. “When are they going to give me something?” she asked.