Mansion of Meows (Klepto Cat Mystery Book 9)

by Patricia Fry

  Charles put his hands up. "Now Arthur, I'm sure there's been a misunderstanding."

  "Yes, one of us lacks understanding and compassion, that's for sure."

  Charles licked his lips, took a shallow breath, and smiled slightly. "I'm glad you're okay, Arthur. I had no idea. I didn't know. This is wonderful. Now we can start fresh."

  "No you don't, you phony," Arthur spat. "You're not going to take the pleasure away from me. For seven years, I've rehearsed what I'd say to you if I ever saw your face again, and I'm damn-well going to say it!"

  Arthur felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked to his left. "You'll have plenty of time for that, son. Let's get you to a safe place now." Bob Walker then turned to the police officers and said, "Take the Peytons into custody. I've already sent someone for the other suspect."

  "You can't take us to jail!" Charles shouted. "Who do you think you are? What are you arresting us for? I didn't do anything? It's all Henrietta's doing. I didn't know anything about this... I thought he was dead."

  "Yeah, at whose hand?" Craig asked.

  Charles shook his head. "Not mine; I can assure you of that."

  "So you're going to throw your wife and your mother to the wolves?" Craig asked.

  Charles grimaced as an officer slapped a pair of handcuffs on him and led him toward a squad car. Just then another police car pulled in. "Got her," the officer exiting the car said.

  "Bring her here. I want her to see something," Walker said. "Hold him up, too," he motioned toward Arthur. "Bring him back here."

  Savannah glanced behind her at Rob and noticed he was still running the video app on his phone. Cheryl was snapping still pictures. Savannah looked toward the car that had just pulled in and was stunned when she saw a woman step out of the backseat in handcuffs. "Pearl," she said under her breath.

  A police officer led the woman toward the small group on the lawn. She walked slowly, never looking up. When they stopped her, Arthur stepped out and began walking toward her. One of the officers reached out to stop him, but Chief Walker motioned for him to let Arthur go. The young man was three feet from the woman when he said, "Hello, Grandmother," in a disgusted manner. "Remember me? Karen's brother?"

  The woman glanced up with a start, a look of horror on her face. She stared at him for a moment and then promptly fainted. A policewoman eased her down to the ground.

  Arthur smirked. "I hope she's dead," he said. At that, he turned toward Henrietta. "Thanks for trying, Mother, but I never want to see any of you again." He then walked to Craig's car and climbed into the backseat. He took the cat out of the carrier, placed her on his lap, and sobbed into her fur.

  "Take him home," Bob said to Craig. "He's had enough family drama for one night. I'll be in touch tomorrow."

  "What home?" Savannah asked as she stepped into Craig's car and watched the police officers move the squad cars out of their way.

  "Ah, that's a surprise," Craig said. He glanced back at Arthur, who still held Karen in his lap. "There's a warm bed and probably a cup of hot chocolate waiting for you. Are you ready for a new life?"

  Arthur nodded and wiped at his eyes.

  Chapter 13

  "Where are we?" Savannah whispered.

  "A safe haven for a deserving young man," Craig said with a wink. He turned off the ignition and craned his neck to look at Arthur. "Are you ready, kid?"

  He nodded, his eyes wide with wonder.

  "What a charming cottage," Savannah said. "The porch is so inviting. I love those flower boxes—beautiful." She stepped out of the car and opened Arthur's door. "Come on out," she said. "Want me to carry Karen?"

  He shook his head and tightened his grip on the Siamese cat. "Is this where I'll be staying?" he asked.

  "Welcome home, Artie."

  That's when Arthur saw Ruth standing at the top of the steps, a broad smile on her face as she held the front door open. "Ruthie!" He looked to Craig and then Savannah. "Is this for real?"

  "For real, for as long as you want," Ruth said. She reached out her arms and enveloped the boy and the cat in one giant hug, then stepped back and said, "Come, come. The cocoa is made." She smiled at Arthur, "... with marshmallows, of course—and cinnamon."

  "Cool," he said, stepping into the cottage.

  "Your room is the first one on the left down the hall. Go check it out," Ruth invited.

  "My... my room?" he asked. "I have a room here?"

  "You sure do. You can stay with me for as long as you want. I can help you through your surgeries—that is, if you choose to have your scars removed. I'll help you study for the bar, if you want, or maybe you'd rather go to veterinary school—you decide which of your dreams you want to pursue."

  Savannah's interest was piqued. "Veterinary school? My husband and I are veterinarians. If you decide to take that path, we'll be happy to mentor you, if you like."

  Ruth leaned toward Savannah. "He also talks of becoming a pilot." She grinned and then walked swiftly toward the kitchen.

  Craig put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You have time to make up your mind. You don't have to rush into anything."

  Savannah nodded. "That's right. The world is your oyster."

  "What?" Arthur asked, looking confused.

  "You can do or be anything you want. This is your life to live now."

  As if on cue, Ruth emerged from the kitchen balancing four mugs on a tray. "Cocoa for everyone."

  Craig reached for a cup. "Yum."

  "Thank you," Savannah said, lifting a mug off the tray.

  Arthur picked up the duffle bag he'd brought with him and headed toward the hall, saying, "I'll be right back. I want to get Karen some food and water."

  "Cookies will be ready in a minute." Ruth said, turning toward the kitchen once again.

  "You've been busy," Savannah said.

  Ruth stopped and faced Savannah. "I've been having so much fun preparing for this wonderful moment and I feel giddy that I do not have to go back to that dead castle again. I love this place and having the pleasure of watching Arthur grow in his freedom has been my dream for a very long seven years." Ruth blotted at her eyes, adding, "The cookies are ready to come out of the oven; excuse me, please."

  Once she was out of hearing range, Savannah asked Craig, "How in the world did you manage all of this in such a short time?"

  He tilted his head and winked. "It's amazing what you can accomplish when inspired." He noticed Savannah waiting to hear more. "You see, Ruth inherited this place from her father a year or so ago and she never had time to do anything with it. She actually planned to retire here and decided now was as good a time as any."

  Savannah looked around. "It is just lovely."

  Craig frowned. "It wasn't so lovely yesterday." When Savannah looked confused, he explained, "It needed a lot of tender loving care—repairs, paint, flowers, and elbow grease—and a whole bunch of police officers volunteered to take on the project." He glanced around the room. "Looks pretty great, doesn't it?"

  "Sure does," Savannah said.

  "I haven't seen it look this nice since I was a little girl visiting my grandparents," Ruth said as she entered the room carrying a plate of still-warm cookies.

  "So it's been in the family for a long time?" Savannah asked.

  "Ever since I can remember," she said. "And now it's a safe place for Artie to heal and to create a life." She sat down across from Craig and asked, "What will happen to the Peytons?"

  Craig grimaced and said, "I'm not sure, but I imagine they'll all have to serve some time. I think it's best to put them in the past. What happens to them is their doing and they deserve whatever punishment they receive for their part in attempting to destroy this boy's life. It remains to be seen whether Pearl acted on her own or if she was following Charles Peyton's orders."

  Savannah took her mug in both hands. "Surely, he's not innocent in all this."

  "Time will tell," he said.


  Just then Arthur walked in from the hallway. "Ruthie," he called. "You brought my games!"

  "I sure did," she said laughing. "I wasn't about to miss the opportunity to beat you again at some of your video games."

  "Again?" he challenged. "I don't think so." He turned toward Craig and Savannah laughing, "I let her win once and she thinks she's some kind of expert."

  "You let me win? No way," she said, laughing out loud.

  Craig and Savannah couldn't help themselves. They became caught up in the light moment with Ruth and Arthur. After a while, Craig asked the boy, "Do you have everything you need?"

  Arthur picked up a mug of cocoa and glanced around him. "I think so."

  "I brought the things I thought you'd want most," Ruth said. "I made several trips during the night."

  "I wondered what you were doing," Arthur said. "I kept seeing you coming and going."

  Craig grinned at the two of them, then leaned forward in his chair. "Now Arthur, I don't imagine you've ever had to think much about money, but you should know that the two of you will be taken care of financially. Eventually it will all be yours, but when that happens depends on what the courts decide. The Peytons' accountant seems to be a fair-minded man who probably can't be bought off. He authorized the money for you to maintain a lifestyle here. You see, you were supposed to be getting several thousand dollars per month throughout your childhood. A large chunk of it had already gone into a fund for you and for Karen. It was never touched. The accountant pulled a few strings to get into that account on your behalf. I'm certain that you're due the funds from the past seven years, and you'll be entitled to that amount from now on."

  "I hope I don't have the burden of the inheritance," Arthur said. "I've seen what money can do to people."

  "Not all people," Savannah said. "Remember that, Arthur. But, of course, it's up to you to decide what's right for you."

  "Gosh," he said, setting his mug on a side table, "I've never had the opportunity to decide things before. This is great. I think I'll start making decisions right now."

  Everyone looked at Arthur.

  "First, I've decided that I sure do like having good friends like you, Ms. Savannah and Detective Craig."

  "Thank you," Savannah said.

  Craig nodded, smiling.

  "Next, I've decided... that I'd like to have a cookie," he said reaching out and grabbing the largest one on the plate.

  As everyone laughed, Craig stood and asked Savannah, "Are you ready? It's been a long day."

  She nodded and stood as well.

  Craig addressed both Arthur and Ruth. "Let us know if you need anything. We're heading home tomorrow."

  "Will I see you before you go?" Arthur asked.

  "You sure will," Craig said, "... if you decide you want to see us," he chuckled.

  Savannah gazed at Arthur, who now stood holding Karen in his arms. She walked over and put her arms around him, but Arthur stepped away from her. When he looked into her face and saw her smiling, he moved toward her, put one arm loosely around her and said, "I'm sorry. It's been a long time since... "

  "Since anyone has hugged you?" she asked.

  "Yeah, anyone except Ruthie."

  Ruth chuckled. "Well, get used to it, Artie. Get used to it."

  ****

  The following morning, Savannah awoke early enough to call Michael before he left for work.

  "How are you?" he asked. "How did it go last night?"

  "Well," she said, hesitating, "it got a bit gnarly there for a while, but it all ended really well—storybook happy—so far, anyway."

  "And you're okay?"

  "Just fine," she said. "Eager to be home with my family. How are our kids?"

  "All well and good, including our fur kids," he said, laughing. "Your mom's staying on until you get home. She said she wants to help, but I'm sure she wants to see for herself that you're okay before she leaves."

  Savannah chuckled. "I'm better than okay. Michael, thank you for letting me experience this miracle."

  "Miracle?" he asked.

  "Yes, I am flying high right now... I'm so glad to have been a part of freeing Arthur."

  "You really dig making children happy, don't you?"

  "Why would you say that?" she asked.

  "Remember how you went out of your way to give Stephen that sweet Aussie last year? You're always doing something special for Adam—making horse-shaped pancakes, helping him with his art projects, and teaching him to ride. So Arthur is really free of the curse that kept him in the dungeon?"

  "Well, it wasn't exactly a dungeon. It was a pretty nice pad, but yeah, he is now free to make his own life." She giggled. "Michael, he thinks he wants to become a veterinarian, or a lawyer, or maybe a pilot. You know, he's never been in an airplane, but he enjoys seeing them fly over the estate."

  "So will he stay at the mansion?"

  "Oh no. At least not until they decide what to charge his mom and stepdad with and that witch Pearl. She's the one who caused little Karen to drown, you know, and she may have tried to burn Arthur to death."

  "Pearl?" he questioned. "Isn't she the woman you and Maggie stayed with that night you got lost?"

  "Yes. She's Charles Peyton's mother." She thought for a moment and said, "That's why she seemed somehow familiar to me. He resembles her."

  "Wow!" Michael hesitated. "Where is Arthur? Does Craig have him tucked away in a nice hotel somewhere?"

  "No, he and Ruth are living in a house she inherited—one that was sitting vacant. It's a lovely place in a secluded area. She has been with him for years and she seems to be the only one out of that dysfunctional socialite family who actually cares about him. Oh Michael, you should have seen them last night. They were so happy. We celebrated with his favorite beverage: cocoa with marshmallows topped with cinnamon."

  "You sound wonderful, hon. I'm glad you got to see this drama through to the end."

  "It's not quite the end. I spoke with Arthur on the phone today and he wants to stay in touch. I invited him to come ride with me sometime. He used to ride when he was younger, but his mother wouldn't allow him near the stables after he went into hiding, for fear someone would see him."

  "So he was going to be a secret until he died or she died, is that the situation?"

  "Pretty much," she said. "Oh, I think Craig's here; gotta go. See you later today. Love, kiss, kiss," she said before ending the call. "Coming," she called as she rushed to the door. When she opened it, she was stunned to see Henrietta Peyton standing at the threshold.

  "I'd like to talk to you, Mrs. Ivey," she said. When Savannah hesitated, she demanded, "May I come in?"

  "Um." Savannah looked beyond Henrietta, wondering where Craig was. Finally she said, "What can I do for you, Mrs. Peyton? Before I invite you in, I want to know why you're here. In fact, how did you find me?"

  She smirked. "When you have the means, there are always ways, my dear. That's something you'll probably never have the pleasure of learning in this lifetime."

  "What do you want?" Savannah asked point-blank.

  "I want to know where my son is."

  "Won't the police tell you that?" Savannah asked.

  "I want to know from you. Where have you and that awful Mr. Sledge taken him? I must see him immediately." She looked past Savannah into the motel room. "Arthur, are you in there?" When she heard nothing, she pushed past Savannah and began searching like a mad woman. When she was satisfied that he wasn't there, she turned to Savannah with fire in her eyes. "Where is he?" she snarled. "Tell me this instant!"

  Savannah stood at the open doorway. "He knows where you are. If he wants to see you, he'll get in touch. Can't you just leave him alone? Let him have a life."

  She glared at Savannah. "He's my son and you cannot keep him from me. He's underage and under my care. I'm his legal guardian."

  "How can you be a legal guardian to a dead son?" Savannah asked. She shook her h
ead, then looked at her watch and smiled. "Anyway, you're no longer his legal guardian. At seven forty-two this morning, he turned eighteen years old, or did you forget that little detail?"

  Henrietta pointed a skinny finger at Savannah. "You won't get away with this, you little fool. You and Mr. Sledge will be punished for what you've done to me."

  "What we've done to you? Madam, don't you even care what you've done to your son?"

  "I didn't have anything to do with his accident," she insisted, eyes wide and wild. "Why do you think the authorities let me go? My husband will be released soon, too, I'm sure of it. But his mother will burn in hell." She grinned an evil grin. "All I need now is my son back." She lurched toward Savannah, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her. "Where is he? You tell me now!" Her hands slipped up around Savannah's throat.

  "Let go! Let go, you crazy old woman! Let me go!" she hollered. She grabbed Henrietta's wrists and tugged and pulled, trying to free herself. When the woman's grip tightened, Savannah lifted one leg and kneed her in the groin. Her breaths came in short gasps and gulps as she watched Henrietta fall backward onto the floor. Then, coughing and choking, she headed toward the open motel door. Before Savannah could recover, however, she felt something come crashing down on her head and back. A lampshade bounced on the floor in front of her. A lamp. Damn! That witch is hitting me with a lamp. She turned and grabbed Henrietta's arm, putting enough pressure on it to cause her to drop the lamp.

  Just then, Savannah became aware of another presence in the room. She felt Henrietta's body slump a little as if in defeat; at the same time she heard, "That's enough. Savannah step back."

  "Craig, thank heavens. She's crazy!"

  "I know," he said, quickly subduing the woman.

  Suddenly, Henrietta Peyton collapsed into a heap on the floor and began weeping. She rocked back and forth, saying over and over, "I should have let him die. I should have let him die. He was dead to the world, anyway."

  Craig stood looking down at the pitiful woman. "Mrs. Peyton. Mrs. Peyton," he said more loudly, "are you aware that your mother-in-law is dead?"

  She stopped sobbing, sat up, and said, "No. Why would I know that?" She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue she'd pulled from her pocket and spoke more calmly now. "Did she have a heart attack?"