“Well yes, those are required for when the cooks are mixing a meatloaf, making meatballs, cutting up a chicken...”

  Craig stared at the package. “Oh, I see.”

  June chuckled. “Well, good try, Detective, but I don’t think you’ve discovered any real clues there.” She frowned. “I’m not pleased to hear Megan might be on drugs, though. That’s not good news. We’ll have to work on that when she returns.” As an afterthought, she added, “…if she returns.”

  Just then, they heard the doorbell chime.

  “Uh-oh, did that startle the baby?” June asked, when she saw Lily look up from where she sat playing near her mother.

  “Oh no, she’s fine,” Savannah said just as Iris entered the room. Iris offered, “How about if I take Lily with me to the kitchen? She can help me put the rest of the groceries away. She’ll probably be bored with your guests, anyway.”

  Savannah chuckled. “Yeah, probably. Although she does like watching the kitties in this room.” She kissed Lily’s little face before Iris walked away with the baby, then Savannah left to answer the front door.

  At the same time, Craig excused himself. “I’ll be back. Want to get a cup of coffee.”

  Savannah was surprised when she opened the front door to see a rather fit and good-looking dark-complexioned man of about fifty standing in front of her. He stared at her for a moment, then smiled widely. Holding his hand out and bowing slightly, he said, “I’m Petra Salvo. Who are you, lovely lady?”

  “Savannah Ivey,” she said, immediately wishing she hadn’t offered her hand. She pulled back when it appeared he wasn’t going to let it go anytime soon. “Salvo?” Savannah questioned.

  “Yes, my father was Princeton Salvo. This is his home…well, it would be if he were still living.”

  When Savannah seemed confused, he said, “Oh, his wife never took his name. She kept her family name. I think she hyphenates for some occasions.” When Savannah continued to stare at him, he asked, “May I come in? I have a meeting with my…stepmother.”

  “Of course,” she said standing back and allowing him to step inside the foyer. “She’s in the cat room.”

  He smirked, then asked, “So who are you, may I ask—I mean to my stepmother?”

  Savannah hesitated. “A friend.”

  As they reached the cat room, Petra motioned dramatically for Savannah to enter first. “Hello old woman,” he said, bursting boldly through the doorway after Savannah.

  “Hello Petra. You’re looking well.”

  “Forgive me for saying so, but you don’t.”

  June started to respond, but instead simply said, “Won’t you sit down? We’re waiting for Jody. I have something to say to both of you.”

  “Oh? Is this some sort of sting operation?” he joked, half-heartedly.

  Neither Savannah nor June laughed.

  Wow, he sure seems nervous, like he’s had too much coffee or something. Maybe he’s one of those type-A personalities.

  “Sounds like she’s here,” June said when they heard a woman’s voice call out.

  “Can I get a glass of water?” Petra asked, starting to head toward the kitchen.

  Savannah and June glanced at each other briefly, then June motioned toward a tray with a pitcher of ice water and four clean glasses. “Help yourself, Petra.”

  “Thanks,” he said, unenthusiastically walking slowly toward the tray and pouring himself half a glass of water.

  “Oh,” Jody said upon seeing Petra when she entered the room with her son in her arms. “Hello,” she greeted rather flatly. She approached June with an air kiss, then placed Carlo on the floor and handed him a couple of toys she’d pulled from a tote bag.

  “Hi,” Petra said. “Water?” he offered, holding his glass in the air toward her.

  “No thanks,” Jody said, avoiding eye contact. “What’s this about, Aunt J? Why did you want to see me?” She flashed a quick look at Petra, appearing confused.

  “Sit down, both of you,” June invited.

  “I’ll stand, thank you,” Petra said in a snarky manner.

  June stared at him for a moment before saying, “Suit yourself.” She took a breath and announced, “Things are changing around here as of today. As you know, we’ve been visited by some alarming episodes, lately.”

  Petra grimaced. “Alarming episodes? What are you talking about, old woman?”

  June peered at him for a moment. “I think you know what I’m talking about. Andrew was murdered, Sterling was attacked, and someone has been trying to harm the cats.”

  “What’s all that stuff have to do with me?” Petra asked.

  “Or me?” Jody practically shouted.

  June cleared her throat and spoke more quietly. “I’m going to have to ask you both to stay away from here for a while. If you want to talk, call me. But please do not come here to the estate until we’ve cleared up these matters.”

  Petra looked at Savannah and demanded, “Her, too?”

  June stiffened. “Savannah is staying.”

  “She’s not even family,” he spat. “What’s wrong with you? Have you lost your mind?”

  “Yeah,” Jody said, “you’re trusting someone from outside the family? I think something’s wrong with you. Petra, can we have her committed or get power of attorney or something?”

  “Maybe so,” he said. “With that snake, Goss, out of the way…”

  Before Petra could complete his sentence, Craig stepped into the room. “Everything okay, Mrs. Balcomb?” he asked, maybe too cheerfully.

  “Yes, Detective,” she said confidently. “I have explained the new rules to my niece and my stepson and they were just leaving.” She looked at one and then the other and spoke clearly. “They know they can reach me by phone and that this decision has nothing to do with how I feel about them. They are still family. But in light of what’s been happening here, they also understand that they must follow the same rules as staff and take a little vacation away from the estate, just while we try to make sense of it all.”

  Petra glanced at Craig, then turned toward the door. In the meantime, Jody picked up her toddler, when June added, “Before you two leave, I’d like to give you something in case you want to take a little trip someplace.”

  They both spun around and looked at her. Jody smiled weakly. “Oh thanks, Aunt J,” she said, grabbing the envelope out of June’s hand and promptly tearing into it. Once she saw the figure written on the check, she said, “Nice,” as she rushed into the hallway with her son.

  Petra stood staring down at the envelope June still held in her hand. “Is this what is due me, or simply another meaningless stipend to make me behave the way you want me to?” he asked. He started to leave, then turned back, snatched the envelope from his stepmother, and marched out the door.

  Craig followed Petra and Jody out and watched them each drive away.

  “Thanks Detective,” June said when he returned. “They’re certainly ungrateful children.”

  “Yeah, undeserving, for sure,” he said. “Mrs. Balcomb, I hope you don’t mind, I’ve put a tail on both of them.”

  “You have?” she asked, obviously surprised. “Well, I guess you know what you’re doing, Detective. It’s your investigation.” She let out a sigh. “I’d sure like to see them cleared. I hope you discover that they’re just spoiled brats and not criminals.”

  Craig grimaced and shook his head before turning to leave the room.

  June called after him, “Do keep me informed, will you Detective?”

  “Sure will,” he promised.

  ****

  “How did it go at the estate today?” Michael asked as he and Savannah prepared for bed that night. “It should be quieter around the place now, right?”

  She nodded. “Should be.”

  He watched her for a moment before saying, “Savannah, I’m sure glad you and Craig got her to remove everyone from the premises. I was worried about you being there so much with all that’s been going on.”

  “Yeah, I was a little worried myself. I mean, even Rags could have been in danger.” She let out a sigh. “If June hadn’t agreed to this, I might have suggested she move in with us for a while or…”

  “With all those cats? Come on, Savannah.”

  “Well, it didn’t come to that. I think we’re all safe now.”

  “So who’s over there since June cleaned house?”

  “Iris, Colbi, Edie, and Dora. Max is preparing meals part-time and driving.” Savannah chuckled. “He says he’s driving Miss Daisy. Auntie said he even plans to wear a chauffer’s cap.”

  “Funny,” Michael said. “How’s Rick, my part-time assistant, working out?”

  “I haven’t met him yet, but I hear he’s going to come for a few hours every day to groom the cats and administer any medication, right? And Colbi will work with him.”

  “Yes, Rick has finished veterinary school, so he’s qualified to take care of what ails June’s cats.”

  “He’s the only one getting paid, I think,” Savannah said. “The others wanted to donate their time since they also get to help with the cats. Colbi’s in charge of preparing their meals. I think Dora and Edie take over at noon on the days when Colbi works. They also help Iris with meals for June and the staff. I visited their quarters before I left today and it’s kind of like a college dorm. I think they’re having fun.”

  “So did they change the locks?”

  “Oh yes, all the locks were changed. Do you know how many doors there are in that home? Not counting the garages and storage sheds, there are eight.”

  Michael was quiet for a moment before asking, “Did you check your messages on the landline?”

  Savannah shook her head. “Why? Have we been getting messages?”

  “Well, your lover boy called a few more times.”

  “What?”

  “You know, that guy who called me a weasel.”

  “Oh no!”

  “Savannah, I’m a little concerned that he might be dangerous.”

  “Really? What did he say?”

  “He’s starting to sound a little creepy. Since he’s doing this anonymously, I have to think he has an ulterior motive that isn’t all that…pure.”

  She stared at him for a moment before asking, “Has he made any threats?”

  “No, but he did say he can’t wait to see you at your exhibition.”

  “Am I doing an exhibition?”

  He nodded. “Mr. Shively called the landline today, too. He said they’re having a showing of the winning photos and he wants all of those who placed in the contest to make an appearance.”

  “When?”

  “Tomorrow night.”

  She went limp. “Oh, I don’t know if I can bear another commitment. I’m so tired.”

  “Well, let’s get some sleep; you’ll feel better in the morning.” Then he added, “Savannah, I want you to ask Craig to be there, will you? I’m concerned about what this man might do.” When Michael saw Savannah’s eyes fill with tears, he pulled her to him and held her until she fell asleep.

  ****

  “Feeling better?” Michael asked Savannah as they sat at the breakfast table with their daughter the next morning.

  She nodded. “Yes, I hope to take it a little easy today. I am kind of excited about doing my first photo show this evening.”

  “It’ll be fun. Would you like to go out to dinner before the event?”

  “Yes, that would be nice. I’ll be at June’s this morning to make sure everything’s okay. Then I want to come home and nap with Lily. I feel like I need to catch up on lost sleep.”

  He stood and picked up his jacket. “Sounds like a good idea. I’ll see you sometime this afternoon, then.”

  “Yes, you will,” she said kissing him. She then coached Lily, “Tell Da-Da ’bye-bye.”

  “’Bye,” Lily said, waving one little hand in the air.

  “’Bye-bye, punkin’,” he said, blowing raspberries on the baby’s neck.

  Before Savannah could lift Lily out of her chair and get her ready for her bath, Michael returned. “Hi, hon,” she said. “Forget something?” When he didn’t respond, she looked at him, asking, “What’s wrong?”

  “Come look for yourself.”

  Picking up the baby, she followed Michael and gasped when she stepped out onto the wraparound porch. “Flowers,” she said glancing out over their small lawn and into the large circular driveway. She creased her brow. “Where did they come from? There must be a dozen bouquets.” She smiled. “Michael, did you do this in celebration of my exhibit tonight? How thoughtful.”

  “No. I didn’t do this. They’re from your secret admirer,” he said, handing her a note. “I found this on the windshield.”

  Cautiously taking the slip of paper, she read:

  roses are red, vilets are blu,

  all the flours together

  not as pretty as u.

  “What?” she nearly shouted. She glanced around the yard again. “That’s weird. Who is doing this?” She put one hand on Michael’s arm. “I wonder if it has anything to do with what’s going on at June’s estate.” She lowered her voice. “I met her stepson yesterday and he seems to consider himself some suave Casanova.”

  “Oh really? Do you think he’s the one who’s been calling you?”

  She grimaced. “Probably not—like I said, I just met him yesterday—only…”

  “Only what?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe he’s been lurking around watching June and me without us knowing it. It just creeps me out. I’d rather someone approach me with their come-on routine than do it anonymously.”

  “Come-on routine?” Michael said, chuckling.

  Savannah thought for a moment, then said, “Michael, I have an idea. How would you like to move in over at June’s estate for a day or two until we figure out what’s going on here? We can come back and forth and feed the animals. Or maybe my aunt will do it.”

  Michael let out a sigh. “Probably a good idea. Is it okay with June?”

  “I’ll check with her.”

  “Okay, gotta go.” He kissed her, then Lily, saying, “Lock the door. Check the other doors, too. I’ll take care of the flowers. See you at June’s later, unless I hear something different from you, okay?”

  As Savannah stepped back into the house, her phone chimed. “Excuse me, sweetie,” she said to the baby, pulling her cell out of her pocket. “Hi Craig.”

  “Hi. What do you know about the niece and the stepson?”

  “Huh? Oh you mean June’s? Not much, except they seem to be gold diggers.”

  “Are you going to June’s today?”

  “Yeah. In fact, if it’s okay with her, I think we’ll stay over tonight.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Isn’t she wearing you out enough without living there twenty-four-seven?”

  Savannah chuckled. “Yeah, it’s an exhausting lifestyle she leads, that’s for sure. But no, I’m kind of hiding out.”

  “You’re hiding out? Why? Who from?”

  “Well, someone’s expressing a little too much interest in me, and Michael and I decided it might be a good idea to join the others at the estate until he gives up on me.”

  “Someone’s after you? What’s the deal?” Craig asked, obviously concerned.

  “Yeah, I guess so, but not for my money,” she said laughing.

  “Oh.”

  “Oh, what?”

  “Well, I’m guessing this someone is…shall we say…attracted to you.”

  She grimaced. “Craig, he left a bunch of flowers all over the front yard this morning.”

  “Does he know you’re married?”

  “Yes.” She giggled. “He says Michael’s a weasel.”

  Craig chuckled, then asked more soberly, “Are you afraid of him?”

  “I haven’t decided what to feel. I sure don’t like having someone invading my privacy and sneaking around my home, I can tell you that!”

  “Well, good.”

  “Good?”

  “Yes, good that you’re going to stay at June’s for a few days.” He was quiet for a moment, then asked, “Didn’t I see that the photography show is tonight? You’re involved in that, aren’t you? Iris said you won a prize.”

  “Yes. Second place,” she said, proudly.

  “And you’ll be there tonight, will you?”

  “Yes, we’re planning to attend. I want to support the other photographers and I’d love to hear what people have to say about my work.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

  “I’m just wondering if this…admirer…is one of your photographer friends.”

  “Michael and I thought maybe it’s someone who saw a picture of me—they’ve posted pictures of all the photographers.” She thought for a moment before adding, “But he indicated he has seen me in person, too.”

  Craig was silent again. “What time is it tonight?”

  “Seven. Want to go?”

  “Sure do.”

  “We’re going to dinner first. I’ll ask Colbi if she’ll stay with Lily. Can you and Iris join us? We haven’t done a double date in a while.”

  “Sounds fun. Let me make sure everything’s quiet at the estate and that Iris can get away from the kitchen.”

  “Super. Hey, did you say there was a tail on Jody and Petra?”

  “Yes.”

  “What did you find out?”

  He paused. “I’m coming by the estate around noon to talk to Mrs. Balcomb. Both she and Iris are expecting me.”

  “Both June and Iris?”

  “Yes, Iris is going to make me a sandwich. It’ll be lunchtime, you know.” He cleared his throat. “And I have something rather shocking to tell Mrs. Balcomb. I thought you might want to be there.”

  Chapter 5

  Detective Craig Sledge ate his chicken-salad sandwich in the kitchen with Iris before walking down the hall to the cat room, where Savannah and June had just finished their lunch.

  “Your wife is an excellent cook,” June said when he sat down in a chair across from her.

  “Yes, she is,” he agreed.