by Patricia Fry
Savannah reached over and took her hand. “It’ll get better, sweetie. It will take time.” She wanted to change the subject and try to help the distraught girl focus on something more positive. She smiled brightly and said, “I ran into Damon in the lobby.”
Colbi smiled. “He’s wonderful.” She started to tear up again and said in a serious tone, “He saved my life.”
“He did?” Savannah asked.
She nodded and then struggled to say, “He found me. He was there before the cops.”
“Wow!” Savannah said. “Then I guess he acted on the information…”
“What?” Colbi said, swallowing hard. She raised her head up a little, patted the bed and said, “Here, sit down.”
Savannah scanned the room. “I can drag that chair over here,” she said.
Colbi shook her head. “Looks heavy. Move this tray and sit here.”
Savannah rolled the tray table out of the way and perched on the edge of Colbi’s bed.
“Are you okay? I can have an aide bring that chair over,” she said with obvious effort.
“I’m fine, really. Thanks. My feet and legs get so tired and this belly is kinda heavy.”
“Looks like it. How are you feeling?”
“Really pretty good. Thanks,” she said with a smile.
“So what about the information?” Colbi asked.
Savannah smiled. “Well, Rags had a hand or…er…a paw…in your rescue too.”
Colbi looked at her inquisitively. “He did?”
“You know what a kleptomaniac he is.”
Colbi nodded.
“He had those evil people’s address in his stash and Charlotte found it and brought it to me.”
“Oh Charlotte…sweet girl.”
“I’m glad I called Damon with the address.” Savannah paused. “I didn’t think he would act on it himself; I wanted him to give the information to Craig. But gosh, then Craig might not have made it in time, is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes,” Colbi said through a flood of tears.
“Colbi, when will they release you from the hospital?”
“Not sure. I breathed in a lot of smoke.”
“Yeah, you sound awfully hoarse. Is your throat sore?”
She nodded and swallowed hard.
“Do you have plans for when you’re released?” Savannah asked. “I’m sure they’ll want you to rest for a while after going home, right?”
— Colbi burst into sobs. “I’m not going home,” she said rolling her head from side to side. “I can’t go back there.” She covered her face with her hands. “I miss my mom…and dad.” She looked up at Savannah. “I have no one; no one, but my cats.” She laughed a little through her tears and said, “And I can’t even pet them.”
Both women chuckled. Then Savannah said, “Well, you do have someone. You have Damon. He adores you, you know.”
“Colbi wiped her eyes and smiled. “Yes, he’s great.”
“And,” Savannah continued, “you have Michael and me. We’re here for you—just let us know what you need.”
Colbi started to speak and Savannah put her hand up and continued, “Iris is very fond of you. I think she considers you a friend. You have friends among the Cat Alliance, and what about your coworkers? No, Colbi, you are not alone. You have a lot of people who care.”
Colbi reached over and rubbed Savannah’s arm. “Thank you,” she said weakly. “I love all of you, too.” She pointed over to the windowsill, coughed and said, “My boss sent flowers.”
“Gorgeous. That was nice of him.”
She smiled a little. “He’s a good guy.”
“Anyway,” Savannah said, “Michael and I want you to come stay with us when they release you. Would you do that? We have plenty of room and you can stay for as long as you need to. Truly.”
Colbi stared over at Savannah. She smiled weakly. “That would be great.” She raised her head off the pillows. “You’re sure?”
Savannah furrowed her brow. “Of course I’m sure. I talked to Betty this morning and she, Edie, and Dora have gone into the business of ‘recovery support.’”
“What?”
“They’re scheduling meals and taxi service…whatever you might need for the duration of your recuperation.”
“They are? For me?” She looked at Savannah and whispered, “I don’t know how to thank you all.”
Savannah took in a deep breath. “Okay then, it’s settled. Just let us know when they’re going to release you and we’ll come get you.”
“Okay,” Colbi said with a smile. “I feel better. I’m glad you came.”
“Now,” Savannah said. “Do you need help with your cats? Who’s taking care of all those ferals you feed?”
Colbi smiled widely. “Damon.”
“Oh that’s right, he told me he was feeding them. Is he doing a good job?”
Colbi looked suspicious. “I don’t know. He doesn’t even like cats,” she said with some effort.
“Yeah, so for him to take on your cats really says a lot, don’t you think?”
“How?” Colbi managed.
“He must care a lot about you if he’s willing to care for the cats you love.”
Colbi just lay there staring off into space. She then looked over at Savannah and said, “Savannah, how do you get over something like this?”
“Oh, you’re referring to my…abduction, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I heard about it. How did you go on like it didn’t happen?”
“I don’t think that’s possible. It did happen to me and this did happen to you.” She reached out and patted Colbi’s leg. “And we both lived to tell about it.” She got more serious. “In my situation, I think I became more cautious. I take more precautions—I’m more aware of my surroundings. But I had to learn how to get past the immediate fear and you will, too.” She looked intently at Colbi. “They will catch those awful people.”
“Hello Ms. Stanton.”
Savannah turned to see a doctor in a white coat walking toward them.
“Doctor, when can I go home?” Colbi asked in a raspy whisper.
“My, aren’t we eager?” he said with a laugh. He then looked down at the chart he held in his hand and continued, “That all depends. I don’t want you alone just yet and your activity will be limited. Is there someone who can help you out?”
Colbi smiled over at Savannah and Savannah said, “She’s coming to stay with me and my husband in Hammond.”
The doctor held out his hand. “I’m Dr. Oakley.”
“Savannah Ivey.”
“Oh, Dr. Michael Ivey’s wife?”
“Yes.”
“You’re a veterinarian, too, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I live over near Hammond and Dr. Ivey treats our labs.”
“Oh yes. Your wife is Belinda. I’ve met your labs—Annie and Phyllis?”
“That’s right.”
Savannah chuckled. “We get a kick out of the name Annie Oakley.”
“Yeah, my wife’s idea.” He looked over at Colbi. “Okay, then, you’re going to rest for a few days or a week at the Iveys after you’re released?”
Colbi nodded.
“I think you could leave here in a day or so. We want you to continue with your pulmonary therapy.”
“Great,” Savannah said. “Then you let me know when to come get you, Colbi. Take care,” she said bending down to kiss her on the forehead. “Do what the doctor orders, now.”
Colbi smiled weakly and nodded.
***
The next morning, Savannah was walking Lexie over to Margaret and Max’s house, when she got a call. “Hi Savannah, this is Colbi.”
“Who? …oh, Colbi. Hi there. How are you? You sound…a little better.”
“Yeah, I feel some better.” She coughed a couple of times. “Still no real voice.”
“When can you come home?”
“That’s what I’m calling about. They’re going to release me this
afternoon. Is that all right?”
“Absolutely. We’re looking forward to having you. What time shall I come and get you?”
Colbi hesitated. “Well, Damon insists that he wants to pick me up and bring me over. So that will save you a trip.”
“That’s fine. What time?”
“He’s picking me up sometime after 3:30. We’ll go by my house to pick up some of my things. We’ll be at your place around five or so.”
“We’ll be ready for you. What would you like for supper?”
“Don’t go to any trouble, now, Savannah.”
“No trouble—we eat dinner every night anyway. I was planning to fix a beef stew. There’s a little rain storm coming in and I thought stew would be nice on a chilly night. Auntie Marg wants to make a homecoming dessert.”
“Oh, that sounds great.”
“And issue a dinner invitation to Damon, would you?” Savannah invited. “We’d like him to stay if he can.”
“Sure. Thanks. See you later today, then.”
***
Damon pulled up in the Iveys’ driveway just before five that evening—minutes after Michael arrived home from the clinic. Knowing that Colbi might be unsteady on her feet, Michael and Savannah had locked Lexie in her outside dog run for the homecoming. And when they saw how much Colbi was relying on Damon for support as he helped her into the house, they knew they’d made the right decision.
After hugs and greetings were shared all around, Damon walked with Colbi to the sofa and suggested she sit down.
Savannah watched her ease down to a sitting position and she turned toward Michael and said, “Gosh, honey, maybe we should put her in the nursery on the ground level—or trade rooms with her.” She addressed Colbi, “It didn’t occur to me that you’d still be so weak. We prepared a room for you upstairs.”
“Actually, my doctor told me to rest a lot, but he also wants me to do something to encourage deep breathing.” She coughed and cleared her throat. “Climbing stairs a couple times a day might be good for me.”
“You’re sure hoarse,” Michael observed.
“Better than I was,” she said. “At least I can speak a tad above a whisper, right Savannah? And I don’t have to mince my words.”
“Yeah, I can hear the improvement,” Savannah said. “You were conserving words and energy when I saw you yesterday morning.”
“You still sound funny,” Damon said with a chuckle.
Colbi made a face at him.
Savannah grinned at the two of them and then said, “Well, okay then; you can have The Healing Room. Want to go up and see it? Come on, Damon,” she called. “Come see Michael’s handiwork—and your mother’s.”
“My mother’s?” he asked, puzzled.
“Yes, her touch is all over this house,” Savannah explained. “Michael does the renovation work and your mom helps me with the decorating.”
“Oh it is beautiful,” Colbi said as she walked slowly into the room at the top of the staircase. “I love it.” She looked over at Savannah and Michael. “Healing Room, huh? I like that.”
“Oh, that’s my phone,” Damon said. He looked at the screen. “It’s Craig.” He led Colbi over to the bed and suggested she sit down and catch her breath, then he walked out into the hallway. “Yes, she’s with me,” he said into the phone. Shortly, he walked back into the room and addressed Colbi, “Craig would like to ask you more questions. Do you feel up to it?”
She shrugged and said in her raspy voice, “Hey, the sooner those people are caught, the happier I’ll be. I’ll do whatever I can.” She looked over at Savannah and Michael. “What would be a good time?”
“Dinner’s ready,” Savannah said. “Why don’t we get some good food in you two, and he can come by in, say, an hour.” She looked at Damon. “Ask him if that’s okay.” She then said to Colbi, “I’ll come up with you at bedtime and put your things in the closet and you can use the drawers in the chest there. We don’t want you living out of a duffle bag while you’re here.” She motioned toward the dark blue canvas bag Michael had placed next to the bed. Not only is it inconvenient for you, it’s way too tempting for our resident thief.”
“Thief?” she questioned. And then she grinned. “Oh, you mean Rags. Thanks for the warning.”
An hour later, the doorbell rang. “Go ahead and get that, Damon, would you?” Michael called to him. He stood watching to make sure it was Craig Sledge at the door, then he went back to helping Savannah finish up in the kitchen. When the dishes were done, Savannah and Michael joined the others in the living room.
“Hi Craig,” Savannah said, hugging him around the neck as he stood to greet her.
“You sure are blossoming. You look good all…full like that,” he said.
“Doesn’t she?” Michael agreed enthusiastically.
“Well, thank you. I feel awkward and fat,” she complained. “Craig do you want a cup of coffee or anything?”
He thought for a minute and then said, “Bottle of water?”
“Sure,” Michael said. “I’ll get it.”
“Michael and I can go in the other room if this is private,” Savannah suggested.
“No. Stay, if you like,” Craig said. “Not a problem.” He looked over at Colbi, who was sitting on the sofa next to Damon. “Unless Ms. Stanton would rather…”
“Oh gosh no. I’d like them to stay.”
“Okay, then…” He cleared his throat. “I have some mug shots here. Wondered if you could identify your captors.”
She groaned.
“You don’t think you can identify them?”
“Oh sure I can—that’s not a problem. I’m just not looking forward to seeing them again.” She looked over at Craig and asked, “But haven’t they been identified? I mean, how long did they live in that house? Isn’t their car in their name? Don’t the neighbors know who they are?” She cleared her throat and coughed.
Craig grimaced. “I’m afraid they used aliases. So far, we can’t put a handle on just who they are.”
Colbi sat up straight; coughed. “I can tell you they called each other Lida and George.” She looked over at the binder Craig held. “Okay,” she said, “let’s see what you’ve got.”
Craig handed her the binder. She opened it and stared down at the photos inside, turning the pages slowly.
“There’s your cat,” Damon said when he spotted the large grey-and-white cat entering the room. “What’s he got?”
Everyone turned toward Rags, who by now was sitting at the doorway to the dining room, something lying at his feet.
“Gads, I hope it’s not another rodent,” Savannah said, grimacing.
Colbi looked up. “No, it looks like something made of yarn…or string.”
Michael stood and walked over to the cat. He started to bend down and pick up the item when Rags grabbed it in his mouth and ran into the kitchen.
“Don’t let him get away with it, Michael,” Savannah said. “It might be Colbi’s.”
He looked over at Colbi. “Oh, that’s right. I’ll go see.”
Within a few seconds, Michael walked back into the room holding a triangular-shaped design made of fine yarn or thread. “Is it yours, Colbi?”
She squinted toward the item and said, “No. Not mine.”
“Savannah?”
“No. What is it?”
“It looks like a tatting sample,” Colbi explained, coughing.
“Tatting?” Michael asked. “Is that like crocheting or embroidery?”
She nodded. “Only tatting is usually more intricate. My grandmother used to do it. She said it was easy to do, but took a lot of coordination. I never learned it.”
“This looks old,” Michael said. He scratched his head. “I wonder where he got it.”
Damon grinned. “Crazy kleptomaniac cat.”
“You’re calling our cat crazy?” Savannah joked,
“Better than ‘stupid,’” Michael said with a laugh.
Damon leaned back against the sofa, look
ing sheepish. “Yeah, I found out he isn’t stupid, after all,” he said, wincing a little.
Colbi looked up from the mug shots and said, “Damon, did you know that Rags is the one who found the hoarders’ address?”
“No,” he said in disbelief. “You never said where the address came from.” He looked from Savannah to Michael.
“Yup,” Savannah said. “He had a business card in his stash with their address on the back of it.”
“Crazy!!” Damon said. He then lurched forward. “Oh, that reminds me, I need to make a call. Will you excuse me?” He patted Colbi’s hand before rising and walking into the kitchen, where he called his mother’s cell phone. “Hi Mom. I’m still over at the Iveys’ with Colbi.”
“Yeah, I figured as much,” Iris said. “How is she?”
“Doing okay, I guess. Sounds froggy and is kinda tired and weak.”
“I’m sure that’s to be expected. Now keep things calm around her. Don’t push her. She’s been through a lot.”
“I know, Mom.” He peered out into the living room, where he could see Colbi and the others talking. “Craig’s here. He has her looking through a book of mug shots.”
“Poor thing. Probably the last thing she wants to see is the faces of those…awful people.”
“Yeah—anyway, Mom, would you feed the cat for me and give her that medicine? I’m not sure what time I’ll be home.”
“Already did, Son. What a darling kitty. Have you told Colbi you have her here?”
Damon smiled. “Not yet.” He took in a breath and asked, “How’s she doing? Does she seem to be feeling okay?”
“Yes. I think the medicine did the trick—and having a nice warm place to live. She seems fine.”
“I was supposed to take her back to Dr. Mike for a check-up—better do that tomorrow.” He glanced into the living room again and said, “Gotta go, Mom. Thanks for taking care of the cat for me…uh, for Colbi.”
“It’s been fun. The boys are really getting a kick out of her—what a playful little thing.”
He smiled, then said, “See ya later.”
Damon walked back and sat down on the sofa in time to spot Buffy walking into the room. He looked over at Savannah. “You have other cats?” he asked.
“Yes, three altogether,” Savannah said.
