Escape Claws

by Linda Reilly

  “This way you won’t need to.” Aunt Fran’s face softened, and her eyes grew moist. “Lara, you’ve done so much already. I’d still be in a horrible mess if you hadn’t shown up a week ago.”

  “I’m happy I came here, too,” Lara said. “But you and I have a lot to do now, don’t we?” And a lot to talk about.

  “Oh boy, do we ever,” her aunt said, smiling. “Lara, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this excited about something. I can’t wait to hear your ideas for the shelter.” Her smile faded. “Was Gabby happy when you told her you were going home tomorrow?”

  “She was dancing on air,” Lara said softly.

  Gabby had been over the moon to hear that Lara was returning to Boston. She’d added, though, that in a week’s time, Luca’s work ethic had undergone a dramatic change. He was working his buns off, to coin a pun, helping her in the bakery.

  “Always remember—you have a home here, too. And I got thinking, I don’t want you having to rent a car every time you visit. Is there a place to park where you live?”

  “In the North End?” Lara laughed. “Not a chance. I’d have to rent a space by the month in one of the big garages. It would cost a queen’s ransom.”

  “That’s too bad. I was going to say you could take my old Saturn. It’s aging, but it’s in good shape. I’ve been storing it at Jerry’s house. He has a three-car garage.”

  Jerry’s house?

  Lara couldn’t help smiling. “What did you mean by advertising? Are you thinking we’ll need some publicity?”

  “Yes. Plus, we might want to do some future hiring, if things work out the way we plan.”

  “You’re a surprise a minute today, Aunt Fran. Don’t worry about the car rental. I’ll try to work out something more economical.”

  “Speaking of surprises, we’re having another visitor today.” Her aunt’s eyes glittered.

  “Who?”

  Aunt Fran simply smiled. “You’ll see.”

  The visitor turned out to be more than a surprise. Lara was shocked a few hours later when Josette Barnes tapped on the screen door.

  “Hey,” she said, when Lara opened the door. “May I come in?”

  “Of course, Josette. Great to see you.” Even if you did call me nosy.

  Lara ushered the woman inside and offered to take her plain fleece jacket. Josette had abandoned her usual flashy style for a pair of worn jeans and a maroon sweatshirt. Even her perfume had been toned down to a mere floral hint. Lara couldn’t help wondering what Josette would think if she knew Lara had overheard her heartfelt confession about her so-called beau.

  Aunt Fran materialized from the large parlor. Josette gave her a sincere hug. “I am honestly glad to see you, Fran.” She looked at Lara. “And I— I’m glad you’re still here, because I want to talk to you both.”

  They sat in the large parlor, Josette choosing to sit in Lara’s favorite chair. Lara and her aunt shared the tufted sofa. Munster eyed the stranger for a moment and then sidled onto her lap, purring and rubbing her arm in a furry welcome.

  “Oh, look at you, aren’t you a darling,” Josette cooed. She ran her hand along Munster’s back and then bent and nuzzled his face. He settled in her lap as if he’d known her forever.

  “Ladies, I’ll get to the point,” she said. “I’ve been thinking about getting a pet for a long time. Everyone keeps telling me I should get myself a little dog, but honestly, I don’t think a dog is for me. I’m not too outdoorsy. I wouldn’t be good at walking a dog, especially if I had to carry around one of those scooper thingies. That’s why I wanted to ask you about, well, maybe adopting one of your cats?”

  A zing of alarm went off in Lara. When her aunt didn’t respond, she spoke up.

  “Josette, I think it’s wonderful that you’re thinking about having a cat. They make fabulous companions, but it still involves a commitment. And even if you don’t have to walk around with a scooper, you still have to maintain a clean litter box. There’s some scooping involved there, too, not to mention a bit of scrubbing.”

  Josette nodded. “I know all that. I’ve been doing a lot of reading about caring for cats. But I truly feel I’m ready to take the plunge…as long as I can call you whenever I have questions.”

  “Anytime,” Aunt Fran assured her, smiling when Bootsie padded into the room.

  The gray cat stared curiously at Josette, and then curled up and rested her furry chin on the woman’s worn loafer. “Isn’t that sweet,” Josette said. She reached down and tickled the cat between her ears.

  Lara’s gaze drifted to the carpeted cat tree, and her heart bounced in her chest. Perched at the top like a furry lifeguard, Blue sat studying Josette.

  She suddenly understood why Mr. Patello saved that stool every day for his friend. Herbie was as real for him as Blue was for Lara.

  Lara had read that Ragdoll cats weren’t fond of high places, but Blue had obviously made an exception. Her tail twitched once, and then she looked at Lara. She licked her lips as if to say, She’s okay.

  Josette looked up at the cat tree and grinned. “Oh my, look at those little ones. Are they related?”

  “Sisters,” Lara said. “Callie and Luna. They’re still unsure about humans, but in the week since I’ve been here I’ve already seen progress. In a quiet home, I think they’d do nicely, but you’d need to be patient.”

  “Lara’s right,” Aunt Fran said. “They’re much less skittish than they were. Luna, the one with the pink dot on her nose, sniffed my finger yesterday when I reached up to her.”

  “Two kittens would be a big commitment,” Lara cautioned.

  Josette’s smile said it all. She tickled Munster under the chin. “I would love to adopt them. I’ll do everything in my power to give them a happy home. If you’ll give me a list of the supplies and food I’ll need, I’ll buy everything today. You can release them to me whenever you feel they’re ready. And I promise to call if I have any questions. Oh…and let me know which vet you use, Fran. I’ll take them for a checkup and shots, and, when it’s time, for spaying.”

  Josette had clearly done her cat homework. Lara had the feeling she was going to be a terrific mom to a pair of lucky kitties. She also sensed that this was the real Josette—the kindhearted woman who’d been hiding beneath a layer of glam.

  “Josette, how is Mary doing?” Aunt Fran asked her.

  Josette smiled. “Quite well, actually. I’m pleased to report she’ll be taking over Theo’s business interests. She’ll sell much of it, but she’s going to keep the downtown block. Instead of razing it, she wants to give it a long overdue face-lift. Something I know a bit about,” she whispered theatrically. “But before any of that happens, she and Chris are going to take a vacation. They’ve always wanted to tour Italy, so they’re planning a trip there soon.”

  “I’m so glad for them,” Aunt Fran said.

  Lara thought back to Sunday morning, when Chris had first paid her a visit. She’d found it suspect that Munster avoided the man, but her aunt later explained that cats sometimes reacted to scents humans couldn’t detect. Chris might have used a soap or aftershave that triggered an unpleasant memory in the cat. Munster had been adopted from a shelter, and his backstory was a mystery.

  Lara looked up at the cat tree. Blue was gone, but Callie and Luna had crept to the edge of their perch and were staring at Josette.

  It’s like they know, Lara thought.

  They exchanged pleasantries for a bit longer, and then Josette left. Lara’s emotions were bouncing all over the place.

  This is it, she thought. This is the beginning.

  Chapter 31

  “There, how does that look?” Lara hopped backward off her step stool. Using fast-drying acrylics, she’d just finished adding the final cat to the border she’d been painting along the walls of the back porch. The whimsical feline faces brightened the room, giving it a cozy, homey feel. More importantly, it spoke volumes: all cats are welcome here!

  Aunt Fran smiled up at Lara�
��s hand-painted cats. “You’ve captured each of our feline residents perfectly, Lara. I love it.” She didn’t mention Blue, who was among the cats painted on the colorful border.

  “Thanks. I have to admit, I’m happy with the way it came out.”

  “I guess we’re about done, then, aren’t we?”

  “Almost.” Lara skimmed her gaze around with a critical eye. She’d painted the walls a light sage, the perfect complement to the speckled, beige tiles they’d chosen for the flooring. The floor would be easy to clean, a necessity with cats and people trekking over it on almost a daily basis. A sturdy square kitchen table, commandeered from Aunt Fran’s cellar, had been refinished by Lara in a distressed blue. She’d also found four chairs, in great condition, at a used furniture shop. Painted a shade slightly darker than the table, they boasted cat-themed cushions hand-sewn by Daisy Bowker, complete with washable covers.

  “What’s left to do?” her aunt asked.

  “I have a pine-edged corkboard I want to hang there,” Lara said, pointing at the one unadorned wall. “I’m going to stencil the border with tiny cats. We can use it to post photos people send us of their adopted kitties.” She grinned. “We already have our first one, remember?”

  Josette had sent them an adorable pic of Callie and Luna nestled in their new bed, toys strewn all around. It was obvious the two were loving their new digs.

  “That’s a great idea,” Aunt Fran said, her eyes misting. “I still can’t believe how generous everyone’s been with their time, and their hard work.”

  “You have wonderful, devoted friends, Aunt Fran.”

  “As do you,” her aunt reminded her.

  A tap at the door to the back porch made them both turn.

  “Hey there.” Gideon Halley opened the door and popped his head in. “Got time for some good news?”

  “Of course we do! Come in,” Lara told him.

  He looked at Lara for a long moment, a warm smile reflected in his chocolate-brown eyes. Lara felt her insides wiggle a bit.

  Gideon kissed both women lightly on the cheek, then opened his canvas briefcase on the table. “It’s official. The High Cliff Shelter for Cats is a done deal. Here’s your license,” he said, pulling out an official-looking document. “And an application to the town to post a sign at the foot of High Cliff Road. It’s all completed—you just have to sign it. It’ll be on the agenda at the next planning board meeting.”

  “Oh, Gid, thank you.” Lara threw her arms around his neck and then stepped back quickly, feeling her face grow warm. It didn’t help that she felt like a grunge in her most ancient of paint-spattered sweatshirts and a pair of jersey leggings.

  “I’ll take a thank-you like that any day, Ms. Caphart.” Wearing a wide grin, Gideon slowly surveyed the room. “Wow. This is unbelievable. You’ve both done a super job fixing up this porch.”

  “Lara did the super job,” Aunt Fran corrected. “I only stood by and watched.” She looked dolefully at her knees.

  Recognizing her angst, Gideon quickly said, “Fran, if there’s ever anything I can do, please call on me, okay?”

  “I will. Thank you, Gideon.”

  “So, how is this all going to work?” he asked.

  Lara aimed her hand at a chair, and they all sat. “Aunt Fran and I have put a lot of thought into this. We’re going to start by having the shelter open three days a week, probably Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Afternoons only, from one to four, but that could change over time. I’ve already started a Facebook page for it.” She felt a smile split her face. “You can’t believe how many people have already liked and shared it. I’ll do a Web site, too.”

  “I’m even getting good at Facebook,” Aunt Fran said.

  “With each adoption, I’ll do a colored pencil sketch of the cat or cats and give it to the owner as a keepsake. Right now, we’re working on drafting an application for people looking to adopt. I’ve checked out the ones used by other shelters, but we’re making ours a bit more comprehensive.” She didn’t add that she was counting on Blue to give prospective adopters a yea or a nay. “I’ve put out some feelers for volunteers. So far, I’ve gotten two responses. Aunt Fran will be setting up times to chat with them.”

  Gideon’s brow creased. “So, when do you think you’ll open?”

  Lara and her aunt exchanged looks, and then Lara replied. “We’re hoping by the second of January we’ll be up and running. We know we have a lot to learn. We know we’ll make mistakes. But we’re really excited about doing this.”

  On impulse, Gideon rose from his chair and hugged Lara. “Right now, I can’t think of two women I admire more. And if I didn’t have such a busy schedule, I’d think about adopting a cat myself.” He smiled at Fran, and then sighed. “Well, duty calls. I’ve got a closing at one. Will…I see you again soon, Lara?”

  “No doubt you will. And Gid, thanks again for everything.”

  “We’ll work on him,” Aunt Fran said, after he left. “Busy people still have cats that are healthy and happy.”

  Lara folded her hands on the table. She glanced through the gleaming porch windows into the yard beyond. Only a month ago she’d stumbled over Barnes’s body out there. It triggered a chain of events she couldn’t possibly have predicted.

  “Brooke would like me to join the classics book club,” Aunt Fran said with a smile. “They’re down to two, and need new members. It would be wonderful if you could join as well.”

  Lara said nothing.

  “You’re quiet, all of sudden. Is everything okay?” Her aunt’s face fell. “You’re still coming back for Thanksgiving, aren’t you? Daisy and Sherry are so looking forward to it.”

  Slowly, Lara shook her head. “No, Aunt Fran, I’m not coming back for Thanksgiving.”

  “Oh.” Aunt Fran looked away.

  Lara couldn’t tease her any longer. “I’m not coming back because I’m not leaving. If you’re serious about having me, I’d like to move in with you permanently.”

  “Serious! Oh Lara, this is exactly what I’ve been praying for.”

  “Luca is driving up here tomorrow with my things. Except for a few smaller pieces, my furniture belonged to Gabby. The stuff that’s mine will fit easily inside Luca’s friend’s car.”

  “What about your rental car?”

  “Not a problem. Since Luca’s friend is going to drive him up here, Luca will take my rental car back to Boston and turn it in.” She squeezed her aunt’s hand. “And don’t worry about Gabby. She’s happy that I’m choosing this. She knows it’s right.”

  Tears flowed down Aunt Fran’s cheeks. She pulled a tissue from her pocket and blotted them.

  “And now you won’t have any more excuses about putting off your knee surgery,” Lara added.

  “But we have to get the shelter up and running!”

  “Yes, we do. And we will. But I’ll be here for the cats, so you won’t have to worry about them while you’re recuperating and having physical therapy.”

  In response, Aunt Fran hauled herself off her chair and squeezed Lara heartily.

  “I want the surgery,” she said. “But what about your artwork?”

  “I can paint from here as well as I can from Boston,” Lara said. “I’ve already found a few galleries in this area that are interested in showing my watercolors.”

  Aunt Fran’s green eyes sparkled. “Sounds as if I’m going to have to share my title. There’s a new cat lady in town.”

  Lara giggled, and then a furry form emerged suddenly from under the table. Blue slipped onto the empty chair vacated by Gideon. Bright turquoise eyes beamed at Aunt Fran, whose expression never changed.

  Tail swishing, the Ragdoll cat turned her head, her gaze coming to rest on Lara—the only one who could see her.

  Lara felt her heart melting into a puddle. This was Blue, her spirit cat, who’d always been here for her.

  Waiting for her to come home.

  Lara, Aunt Fran, and their feline friends will return in Linda Reilly’s second
Cat Lady Mystery, a Lyrical Underground e-book for sale June 2018!

  Meet the Author

  Photo by Harper Point Photography

  Raised in a sleepy town in the Berkshires, Linda Reilly has spent the bulk of her career in the field of real estate closings and title examination. It wasn’t until 1995 that her first short mystery, “Out of Luck,” was accepted for publication by Woman’s World Magazine. Since then she’s had more than forty short stories published, including a sprinkling of romances. She is also the author of Some Enchanted Murder, and the Deep Fried Mystery series, featuring fry cook Talia Marby. Linda lives in New Hampshire with her husband, who affectionately calls her “Noseinabook.” Visit her on the Web at lindasreilly.com.