Cat-Eye Witness (A Klepto Cat Mystery)

by Fry, Patricia

“Whinnnnny.” The mare bleated and thrashed her legs. Michael jumped from behind her and Savannah stood up and backed away.

  “No, not in a situation like this,” Michael told him. “Go ahead and call, Bud.”

  “The doc wants to speak to you.” Bud held the phone out toward Michael.

  He took it, stepped through the corral rails and walked around while talking in order to stretch his legs a little. After a few minutes, Michael returned. “Okay, I’m going to give her a mild sedative. I have to go in and see if I can determine a problem. Bud, get my bag from outside the gate over there.”

  Bud handed Michael the bag, and took Savannah’s spot at the mare’s head. She joined Margaret and Max outside the corral fence. “You two don’t have to stay.”

  Margaret harrumphed. “Vannie, do you think we could sleep now? Oh no. We’re staying.”

  “You must be exhausted. I know I am. In fact, where’s that coffee? I think I’ll have a few swigs.”

  “It’s in the car—come on, I’ll get you a cup.” Margaret glanced up at her niece. “We went home to take care of a few things before coming over here—we can sleep in tomorrow. We left word for the volunteers not to disturb us until after ten.” Margaret poured coffee into a travel cup, clamped on the lid and handed it to Savannah, who wrapped her hands around the mug and sipped the black liquid.

  Max walked up behind them, reached into a cooler and removed two bottles of Evian. “We brought water, too. Michael and Bud will need to hydrate.”

  “Good. I’ll make sure they get some as soon as Michael has administered the medication.”

  “There, she ought to settle down some,” Michael said. “Did I hear something about water? Coffee?” He peeled off his exam gloves and walked toward the threesome. Taking both bottles of water from Max, he tossed one to Bud who stayed back with the mare. Both men took long swigs of the cool water.

  After several minutes, Michael pulled his full-arm glove out of a compartment in the back of the veterinary truck and headed for the corral.

  “Her heart and respiration are slowing,” Bud reported, worry evident on his face.

  “That’s what we want,” Michael responded.

  Bud looked down at the mare. “But, I think she’s giving up, Dr. Mike.”

  Michael grabbed his stethoscope and rushed to the animal’s head. She lay calm and still, her eyes glassy. “God, don’t die on us, girl,” he said as he moved the stethoscope around her chest area and listened. He then moved to her abdomen and listened for activity in the womb. He shook his head. “We have to act now.”

  Chapter Three

  He pulled on the glove, knelt down, lifted the mare’s tail out of the way and forced his hand slowly into her vagina. The mare raised her head, snorted and tried to swish her tail. “It’s okay, girl. I’m just checking on your baby.”

  Everyone watched and waited breathlessly as Michael felt around in the birth canal.

  Michael strained, his face turning red. “A hoof’s stuck!”

  The mare nickered and pawed at the ground.

  Finally, “There!” he said in triumph. “I think we’ve got it.” He pulled his hand out of the horse with a sucking sound.

  “Here comes a contraction,” Bud announced.

  Michael watched the action from his angle. “Looks like a good one.” His voice rose in excitement. “I see the nose! Come on, girl, you can do it!”

  The mare raised her head and nickered softly, weakly. Suddenly, she relaxed. Her head fell to the ground and her breathing changed.

  “What’s wrong?” Savannah asked.

  “Oh god, please, no!” Michael said under his breath. “Savannah, come here and massage her like you were. Bud, get ready for the foal. I’m going to wait for the next contraction and I’m going in after it—see if I can help it out. There’s his nose peeking through and two hooves,” he explained. “How beautiful is that?”

  Bud scrambled to get in position. “Cool, Dr. Mike. Way cool.”

  Savannah handed Margaret the coffee mug and quickly climbed through the rails into the corral. She knelt next to the mare and began rubbing and massaging her face and neck vigorously in an attempt to keep her alert. Margaret and Max stood motionless, watching from outside the enclosure. The mare remained quiet. Her breathing slowing. Occasionally, she twitched.

  “Here it comes,” Michael said. “Nice big contraction.”

  The mare responded only slightly.

  Michael reached into the birth canal again. “I’ve got him,” he said. “Now come on little fellow, you can do this—your momma needs you.” He grabbed onto the foal’s hooves and pulled and pulled. “He’s coming. He’s coming!”

  Savannah continued to pat and rub the mare. Max could tell she was tiring, so he entered the corral, knelt beside her and he began stimulating the mare, as well. Savannah smiled in relief, pulled back for a few seconds, and then began massaging her again.

  “It’s a beautiful baby girl—a filly,” Michael announced, a huge smile on his face. “Bud, take over with her, I’ve got to get the mare on her feet.” Once Bud had his hands securely on the foal, Michael placed his stethoscope on the mare’s chest. Without looking up, he said, “I think she’s coming around.”

  “Look, she’s blinking her eyes,” Savannah noticed. She continued to gently rub the mare’s neck.

  Suddenly, the foal let out a tiny squeal. The mare lifted her head and snorted. “Bud, bring her here so the mare can smell her,” Michael instructed.

  This excited the mare. She sniffed and nickered and the filly squealed again. As if inspired by mother love, the mare rose up, reaching her two front hooves out in front of her.

  Michael moved away, and Bud lay the foal on the ground a short distance from the mare. The foursome quietly watched the mare look over at her filly and promptly raise herself to a standing position. She wobbled a little as she shook dust and bits of straw from her coat. She then walked over to the foal and began sniffing and nuzzling her.

  “They have matching stars and snips,” Savannah said. “Look at that cute, cute face—a tiny replica of her mommy.”

  Michael smiled. “Only the mare’s more like a mahogany bay and our little girl, I think, is going to be more chestnut when she dries off. But yeah, they do have real similar star and snip markings, don’t they?” He smiled over at Savannah and then his expression changed. “You’re crying,” he said.

  “Who isn’t?” she asked looking over at her aunt and Max who were both dabbing at their eyes.

  Michael chuckled. “It is a beautiful moment…a beautiful moment.”

  Everyone stood silent until Michael said, “Okay now, the show’s over. Bud, Max and Maggie, why don’t you all go get some sleep. I’ll wait for the afterbirth. It could take a while. Plus, I want to keep an eye on them for an hour or so. Max, will you give Savannah a ride home, please?”

  “No need, Michael,” Savannah said. “I’ll stay with you. I’m wide awake now. Anyway, I don’t think I can pull myself away from this adorable foal, just yet.”

  “Okay,” he said, “let’s move them back to the closed stall where they’ll be safe for the night.”

  “Phone call for you.” Bud held his cell phone out for Michael.

  “Yes, Dr. Humphrey, the foal is on the ground. And the mare appears to be okay. Thank you so much for your assistance.”

  ***

  It was after 2:30 a.m. when Michael pulled his vet truck into Savannah’s driveway. “Will you be able to sleep in that house tonight?” he asked. “Like Maggie suggested, you can stay with me if you feel spooked.”

  She yawned. “I think I could sleep just about anywhere tonight.” She looked over at Michael who, by then, had removed his soiled lab suit and washed up with some of the hand wipes he carried with him on the truck. “I’ll be fine. Anyway, I want to check on Rags. He had a rough day, too.” She leaned over, wrapped her right arm around Michael’s neck and scattered kisses across his cheek. He turned toward her and she kissed his lips swe
etly; passionately. “I love you,” she said. She sat back and looked at him before saying, “…more every day.”

  “Oh Savannah, and I love you.” He grinned a sideways grin. “You were amazing out there with that mare, you know. I don’t often get to work with you on a case like this—since you prefer our small animal business.”

  “Me? Oh my gosh, Michael, you are the hero. I’m in awe of how you handled things there tonight. It was interesting watching you in action.” She looked up at him. “You seem to enjoy working with the large animals.”

  “Yeah sometimes. I do that mainly as a service to local horse owners who don’t want to travel the thirty miles to Humphrey’s clinic or wait for him to come to them. It’s a convenience to residents, mainly. Of course, we do our volunteer thing for the shelter when we can.”

  “Well, Dr. Ivey, you are awesome, that’s all I can say.”

  He reached over and kissed her before saying, “Hey, why don’t we get some sleep? You can compliment me some more tomorrow.” He then took on a more serious tone. “I’ll come over after I check on our patients and help you finish cleaning up around here.” He kissed the end of her nose. “You sleep in, okay?”

  ***

  “Good morning, Mom,” Savannah said into her cell phone trying not to sound as groggy as she felt. “What time is it?”

  “It’s nine-fifteen. You aren’t still in bed, are you? Is Michael there?” Her mother wanted to know.

  “I got to bed really late last night and no,” she feigned a bit of defensiveness in her voice, “Michael isn’t here. Just me and Rags.” She raised up on one elbow and looked around in search of her cat.

  “How is Rags, anyway? Is he adjusting to country living?”

  “Pretty much. Unfortunately, he’s alone quite a bit.”

  “So what treasures has he brought you, lately?”

  “Treasures?” she asked sleepily, sitting up and rubbing her right eye.

  “Isn’t he still stealing things?”

  “Oh that,” Savannah said. “Well, I don’t let him out, except when I’m with him, so he’s kind of reformed.” Just then, Savannah spotted Rags walking through the bedroom door toward her and she said into the phone, “Well, I’ll be. Speak of the devil. Here he comes carrying…something. What is it, Rags? Come here…oh, it’s one of Layla’s toys—a little pink mouse.” She laughed. “I guess he hid it from her when she moved with Auntie and Max next door.” She reached out and scratched the cat behind the ear. He dropped the toy with a “brrrrrt” and began to purr. “So what’s happening there, Mom? Anything exciting?” Savannah asked.

  “Not really. Just wondering how you are and if you and Michael have set a date.”

  “Ooooohhhh.” She cringed. “Not yet. Just haven’t had time.” Her voice accelerating a little with excitement, she said, “We helped birth a foal last night. Got home late. That’s why I’m lazing around here this morning.”

  “I didn’t know you and Michael worked on horses.”

  “He does some, although small animals are his specialty,” Savannah explained.

  “You know, Vannie, I always thought you would specialize in horses when you became a veterinarian, as much as you loved them growing up.”

  “Oh, I still love them. I really hope to get back into riding.” She smiled. Then she said, “I don’t know, I just got caught up in the wonders of small animal veterinary…I especially wanted to work with cats. There’s so much they don’t know about cats.”

  “I remember when you almost changed your major to veterinary research.”

  “Yes. I’m glad I went into veterinary work, though—it’s more hands on.” She roughed up Rags’s fur as he lay alongside her on the bed. Changing the subject, she asked, “How’s the dancing, Mom? Are you still enjoying it?”

  “Yes, very much. I’m having a great time.”

  “Are you still seeing Bob?”

  “Yeeeesss, I am,” Gladys Jordan said, sounding a little mysterious and seductive. “He’s a wonderful…uh…dancer.”

  “So glad you’re having fun, Mom. You’ve been alone for a long time. Can’t wait to meet your dance partner.” She paused. “And my little sister? How’s she doing?”

  “Okay, I guess. I don’t see Brianna much more than I see you.” She forced a deep sigh.

  “Well, you raised us to be independent, didn’t you?”

  Gladys considered her daughter’s question. “That was more your dad’s doing, don’t you think?” When Savannah didn’t answer right away, she said, “But yes, I am glad you two are independent women and that you are making lives for yourselves.”

  Suddenly, the cat lifted his head and rotated his ears. He jumped off the bed and darted underneath it. “What’s wrong, Rags?” Savannah asked.

  “What?” Gladys asked into the phone.

  “Gosh, that’s unusual. I guess Rags heard something. He just ran under the bed like he’s scared. I wonder what that’s all about?” Then she heard it, too. “Oh, Mom, I think someone’s here.” She jumped out of bed and hurried over to the window that faced toward the front of the house. She peered through the shutters and remarked, “Dang, it’s the sheriff investigator. Gotta go, Mom.”

  “Sheriff? What’s the sheriff doing there? Is everything alright?” she was quick to ask.

  “Well, we had…a…sorta an incident here at the house yesterday. I’ll call you back later and tell you about it. I have to get the door. Love you, Mom!” Click.

  Savannah grabbed her red velour robe and pulled it on over her seersucker pajamas. “Coming,” she called as she walked out of the downstairs bedroom toward the living room. She opened the large wooden door and promptly apologized to the two men who stood there. “Sorry it took me so long,” she said as she finished tying her sash.

  Detective Sledge glanced at Savannah’s robe before bringing his eyes up to her face. “No problem, Ms. Jordan. Okay if we snoop around outside? Then we’d like to see the upstairs bedrooms again.”

  She noticed he was wearing jeans with sneakers and a beige lightweight pullover sweater. More casual than he was dressed yesterday, she thought. Must be because it’s Sunday. Maybe he has someplace else to go today—like the park with his kids or to the beach. His partner, on the other hand, who looked fifteen years younger than Sledge’s fifty-six years, wore slacks and a dress shirt open at the neck. “Uh, sure. I’ll put some coffee on and get dressed,” she said as they turned to walk around the east side of the house.

  By the time Savannah had changed into jeans and a long-sleeved tee, pulled her highlighted blond hair neatly back into a ponytail and fed Rags, the coffee was ready. I’m glad I took time for a quick shower last night—or…this morning before going to bed, she thought as she filled three coffee mugs. She placed them on a small tray and walked out the side kitchen door onto the large porch. After setting the tray on a glass-top patio table, Savannah picked up two of the mugs and headed toward the backyard. “Coffee?” she offered. “I remember you drink yours black, Detective. And you?” She looked at the other man and tilted her head slightly, squinting a little into the sunlight.

  The detective broke in: “Oh, this is Sergeant Ramon Gonzales, Ms. Jordan—or is it Dr. Jordan?”

  “I’ll answer to either.”

  “Hello.” The sergeant stuffed a small pad and pencil into his pants pocket and took one of the mugs in both hands. “Thank you.” He blew across the top of the hot coffee and then asked, “You’re a doctor?”

  She smiled. “Veterinarian.” Hmmm, Gonzales. Doesn’t look at all Hispanic, she thought as she studied his tall stature, light skin and hair and rather pronounced Nordic features. In fact, she noticed that the detective’s features were more Hispanic than the sergeant’s, with his stocky build, a full head of black wavy hair and olive complexion. But he has blue eyes, she noted.

  “I think we have what we need from here right now, Ms. Jordan. Okay if we go upstairs?” Sledge asked.

  “Sure.” She blinked and straightened her st
ance, chuckling to herself. What is it about my incessant curiosity? “Would you like to sit on the porch and drink your coffee, first?”

  “Uh, well…” the detective stammered.

  “Come on. It’s a pretty fall morning. Enjoy it with me.”

  The men followed Savannah around to the west side of the house. They climbed the steps to the large porch and the three of them sat down around a small patio table. Savannah reached out for the mug of coffee she’d placed there earlier. She picked up the tray, twisting to place it on a nearby chair. “So did you confirm that the guy was Marvin Byrd?” she asked.

  “Yes.” Sledge looked at Savannah over the top of his coffee mug. “After thinking about it, Ms. Jordan, did you recall him being here yesterday? Is his name familiar, at all?”

  “No,” she said moving her head slowly back and forth.

  The detective continued to stare at Savannah. He set his cup down and cleared his throat. “Ms. Jordan, I may as well take this opportunity to ask you, how well do you know Ms. Clampton?”

  Savannah frowned and peered suspiciously at the detective. “Why?”

  “Good morning, all,” Michael said as he appeared from around the front of the house.

  “Oh, Michael, good morning.” Savannah stood to greet him with a hug. “You remember Detective Sledge.”

  Both men rose up out of their chairs.

  “Yes, hello sir.”

  After Michael greeted Sledge, Savannah introduced Sergeant Ramon Gonzales.

  “Really?” Michael shook the man’s hand, saying, “Your name…”

  “Yeah, I know. I take after the Norwegian side,” he explained as if he were growing weary of responding to this question. “My mother’s family came from Norway and my father’s grandmother is also Norwegian. She married a Gonzales.”

  “Ohhhh, that’s why the light eyes, then. I’m Michael Ivey, by the way. Nice to meet you.”

  “Coffee, hon?”

  “Yes, please,” Michael said, pulling another chair up to the table. “So Detective, any breaks in the case, yet?”

  Sledge leaned forward on his elbows, wrapping both hands around the mug. “Not really, Dr. Ivey.”