Her eyes twinkled when she said, “I just might entice her to stay on here once all this is over. Do you think she would consent?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. You’d have to talk to her about that.” He laughed when he saw Lily pushing her doll buggy around the room. “Uh-oh, don’t run over the cat,” he cautioned.

  Rags, who had been lounging with the other cats, suddenly stepped up to the toddler and rubbed against her, almost knocking her over. Lily laughed when Rags’s tail tickled her face. “Ki-ki,” she said, giggling. “Ki-ki, meow.”

  He chuckled at the toddler, then asked Savannah, “You’re staying here, huh?”

  June quickly responded, “Yes, she and Dr. Mike and their little ones are my most honored guests.”

  “Little ones?” he asked, emphasizing the fact that it was plural.

  “Lily and Ragsdale, of course.”

  Savannah smiled at June, then addressed Craig. “So, what did you find out about Jody and Petra?”

  “First, let me ask you, Mrs. Balcomb, what can you tell me about your niece and your assistant—Megan Vale?” When June hesitated, he asked, “What’s their marital status? Who do they live with…hang out with?”

  June studied Craig for a moment. “Well, Jody lives across the river with her husband and child. Ernesto is some sort of director at an investment company. Jody inherited a fortune when her father—my younger brother—passed away ten years ago, and she’s spent most of it on luxury vacations, jewelry, and cars.” She thought for a moment before saying, “You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but she’s one sophisticated gal—she’s accustomed to rubbing elbows with the elite. Her father taught her well. She seems to prefer dressing down, though. She wears those torn jeans and off-shoulder tops most of the time. People meeting her casually would never guess she lives in a multi-million-dollar home with staff.”

  “She’s married?” he asked.

  “Yes, but I’m not sure how happily. She complains about Ernesto being away from home so much. He travels, you see, wining and dining clients.”

  He peered at June for a moment, then asked, “And what about Miss Vale? What’s her situation?”

  “Megan comes from sturdy stock.”

  Grinning, Craig asked, “What does that mean?”

  “Well, there’s no money there, but they’ve worked hard for what they have. They’re not educated people. I believe her parents still reside in a modest home in a housing tract somewhere across town. She’s single—never married. As far as I know, she isn’t dating anyone, although she’s told me about a couple of men in her life over the years. She seems to be picky and never stays with anyone for long.”

  “Where does she live?”

  “Well, here, of course. I suppose she’s staying in a hotel for the next few weeks—hopefully, someplace exotic where she can get out and meet people. She leads a rather dull life.” She thought for a moment. “But I know she has dreams. She talks to me sometimes about breaking out on her own—away from her parents and this place.” June smiled. “She’d like to start her own bakery. She’s a wonderful baker—loves playing in my kitchen. Gwendolyn and Bev aren’t much for baking. They excel when it comes to preparing gourmet meals, but Megan makes sure my sweet tooth is satisfied. She also bakes a lot of the bread for us here. I’ve offered to finance a bakery business for her, but she never liked the terms. She seems to look at me as a mother figure, if you know what I mean. She wants things handed to her without strings—or interest.” She leaned toward Craig. “I believe her way of thinking sabotages her dreams. She could be the owner of her own bakery by now, but she just doesn’t want it badly enough. Why is this important, Detective?”

  “Well,” he said, grimacing. “I can tell you that none of those three used the money you gave them to take a vacation. After leaving here, your niece and your stepson met and drove over to Haley for the day. From the reports I got, they behaved like a married couple—or maybe a dating couple.”

  “What?” June said, leaning forward and running her hand along Tabitha’s fur as the cat walked past. “Where was that Brazilian husband of hers?”

  Craig shrugged. “I don’t know. All I can tell you is those two were together, walking hand in hand, playing on the swings with the little boy, sharing an ice cream cone.”

  “Well that’s peculiar, isn’t it? I mean, I didn’t think they even liked one another. They hardly speak when they’re here at the same time.”

  Craig cleared his throat and looked at June. “Later, your stepson entertained Megan Vale.”

  “What?” she shrieked. “No. You must be mistaken. They dislike each other even more than he and Jody do.”

  “I don’t think so. She showed up at his place late last evening all dolled up, and didn’t leave there until late this morning.”

  “All dolled up?” June said. “I’ve never seen Megan all dolled up. Do you mean in an evening gown?”

  “Yeah, sorta, I guess. Here,” he said, tapping on his phone screen. “This is Miss Vale, isn’t it—wearing a rather provocative dress? And is that Petra Salvo’s mansion in the background?”

  “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. What is this all about?” she said, looking as if the wind had been knocked out of her. “I don’t understand it. I had no idea he was fraternizing with my niece and my assistant.” She shook her head. “What is he thinking? Both of them?” She scowled and said through her teeth, “Wait ‘til I get my hands on him.”

  “Not kosher, huh, Mrs. Balcomb?” Craig asked.

  “No. Not at all.”

  “But they are all adults,” he said.

  “Adults who are conniving to get my money. Now that I know they’re teaming up—even to the point of being romantic—no, that’s certainly not kosher.” She shook her head slowly, then said to Craig, “Thank you, Detective for bringing me this…most disturbing news.”

  “There’s more,” Craig said, clearing his throat again.

  “My God, what else could there be? Is he dating Martha and Addie, too?”

  Craig chuckled. “I don’t know about that, but did you know that Megan Vale and your niece are friends?”

  “Yes, they’re always jabbering over coffee and Megan’s baked goods.” She looked serious for a moment. “Do you think they know?”

  “Who knows what?” Craig asked.

  “Do you think Megan and Jody know that the other one is…you know…consorting with Petra?”

  Craig shook his head. “If they do, then things get even more convoluted.”

  “How is that possible?” Savannah asked as she sat on the floor playing with Lily.

  He glanced at June. “I don’t think Mrs. Balcomb wants all three of them ganging up on her.”

  June smirked. “Those vultures don’t frighten me.”

  “You should be frightened,” Craig said. “Just look at what they’ve done and attempted to do already, presumably all in the name of money. Your money!”

  “But do we know it was them or even one of them? What do we actually know? Isn’t that why we dismissed my entire staff, because we don’t know for sure who’s causing the trouble?”

  Craig nodded. “What I’m looking at here, Mrs. Balcomb, is probability and opportunity. Who would stand to gain the most if, for example, the cats were out of the picture and you were drugged to the point of being convinced to change your will?”

  “Oh,” June said, her eyes darting in contemplation. “Detective, that could be anyone. Anyone could break in here, drug me, and force me to sign my name. Why, it could even be a stranger off the street.”

  “I suppose so,” Craig said, sounding a little frustrated. “But, if you don’t mind, I think we’ll focus on the people closest to you for now, instead of pulling strangers off the street to interrogate.”

  “Touché,” June said, grinning sheepishly at the detective. “Obviously, you know your job and I vow to let you do it…” she lowered her voice to a near whisper, “…even if your findings break my heart.”

  “I think you should be prepared for anything,” Craig said, quietly. He hesitated before adding, “I have a hunch your stepson thinks he’s playing the women, but it could be the other way around.”

  “Really?” June said. She sat back and thought for a moment, then she began to laugh. “Well, I’ll be. Now isn’t that humorous? The player being played by the victims.” Her laughter became contagious and Savannah and Craig joined in. “That’s classic, it really is. I suppose they each think the others might fall into some of my money, so they’re all three playing their cards close in hopes of having the winning hand. That’s rather amusing, actually.” When the laughing ceased, June looked down at the cat in her lap and said, “Well, Tondra Sue, what do you think I should do?” She petted the cat’s rich coat for a few moments, then looked up. “Detective, does your intuition tell you whether my cats are still in danger? Do you think anyone has reason to come after my babies?”

  As Craig contemplated the question, Savannah asked, “June, have you told anyone that you’ve changed your will?”

  She looked at Savannah inquisitively. “I don’t think so. We meant to tell those who will benefit most, but I don’t think we ever got around to it.” She faced Craig. “I guess I’ve been keeping it to myself to avoid being besieged by those three…or anyone else.”

  “So they still think the control of the estate goes to whoever you choose to care for the cats?”

  “Yes, I guess they do.”

  “And you’ve changed your mind about that?” Craig asked.

  “I made a minor change, yes. My desire is for the estate to finance the proper care of my cats for as long as they live. The remainder will be earmarked for organizations and shelters that cater to forgotten and suffering cats. Sterling and I worked hard to clarify my wishes so there are no questions or loopholes. I just hope Sterling will survive to see that they’re followed.”

  Craig stood, took a deep breath and let it out. “Well, I’d better make sure the cat pen and this room are well secured. Excuse me, will you?”

  When he returned, Savannah asked, “So, you think that even after those three know about the changes, the cats are still in danger? Aren’t they smart enough to understand that the bulk of June’s estate is going to the care of cats—if not these cats, then other cats? Why would they still focus on harming June’s cats? I don’t get it.”

  He stared at her for a moment. “No, I don’t think they understand that. They are—or at least one of them is—blinded to the fact that they aren’t getting what they believe they’re due.” He rubbed his chin in contemplation. “Maybe they believe that if the cats are gone, June will change her mind and her will to their benefit…give up on the idea of leaving it all to cats. They’ll take advantage of how distraught she is about losing the cats, catch her at a weak moment, and worm their way into the will.” He looked from Savannah to June. “Believe me, ladies, I’ve seen some ugly, manipulative behavior perpetrated on stronger women than June.”

  Craig glanced around the room at a couple of cats in hammocks, one playing with a toy, one sound asleep on his back inside a tunnel, and the Persian now lying next to June in her chair. “What’s wrong with Rags? He seems kinda worried about something. The others are calm, but he’s not.”

  “Probably Tabitha,” Savannah said.

  “Huh?”

  “He’s probably worried about Tabitha.” Savannah grinned. “He does have a sensitive side, you know.”

  Craig stared at the cat for a moment and said, “I guess you’re right. Everything seems okay. I have a few things to take care of this afternoon. I’ll see you all this evening.” He looked at June. “What’s my wife fixing you for dinner?”

  “I heard it’s stew and biscuits.”

  “Mmm, my favorite,” he said. He turned to Savannah. “Where are we going for dinner?”

  “I don’t know. Haven’t thought about it. Any suggestions?”

  Craig rubbed his chin. “We could just stay here and have some of Iris’s stew and biscuits.”

  “As wonderful as that sounds, I was really looking forward to an evening out with adults,” she said in a rather whiney tone. “And I’m pretty sure Iris is ready to have someone else cook for her,” she added, smiling coyly.

  ****

  Late that afternoon, Savannah returned to the cat room with Lily to find Craig and June chatting.

  “Hi, Savannah. What time are we leaving?” he asked.

  She looked at her watch. “Oh about twenty minutes.”

  “Where were you this afternoon?” June asked, smiling. “Did you go on a little outing?”

  “I took Lily for a jog—felt like I needed to work out a little. Then we had a nap. I wanted to check on you before I jump into the shower and get ready for my big photo debut.”

  “Wish I could be there to cheer you on,” June said.

  “I’ll take pictures,” Savannah promised.

  Craig stood. “Well, I’d better get ready for our date. Everything appears to be secure.” He turned to June. “I’ll be back by nine, don’t you think, Savannah?”

  She nodded. “Oh, I need to find Colbi. She’s going to take care of Lily this evening. She’s already fed the kitties, hasn’t she?”

  June nodded. “Yup, like clockwork. They seem to like her.”

  “Yeah, she brings food,” Craig quipped. “And here comes your dinner,” he said when he saw Iris appear in the hallway with a tray. He moved aside allowing her to enter.

  While arranging June’s meal on a sturdy tray in front of her, Iris said, “Edie and Dora are taking over from here. They’ll come get your tray and bring your evening tea. Let them know when you’re ready to go to your room and one of them will walk with you, okay, Ms. June?”

  The woman nodded. “Thank you. This looks delicious.” She peered suspiciously at Iris. “Are you conspiring to put some weight on me?”

  “Yes, that can be a hazard of eating Iris’s cooking,” Craig said chuckling and patting his stomach as he left the room.

  ****

  “Your pictures look so professional up on the wall like that,” Iris said. Her face lit up. “Look at this one, Craig. Isn’t that adorable of our little Lily?”

  Craig stepped closer and examined the photos. “They’re very nice, Savannah.” He squeezed her to him by her shoulders. “Good job, there.”

  “Thank you,” she said, smiling broadly. She glanced around the room. “Gosh, it’s a great turnout, isn’t it? Hey, there’s Shelly.” She waved, calling, “Hi girlfriend!”

  “Hi there, photographer of the year,” Shelly quipped, rushing up and hugging Savannah warmly. She nodded toward Michael, then focused on the photo display. “Beautiful, just beautiful.” She peered at Savannah. “If I’d known you were going to beat me out, I wouldn’t have encouraged you to enter.”

  Savannah looked sheepish for a moment, then said, “You placed, didn’t you?” She put her hand on Shelly’s arm. “In fact, I never did find out who won the contest. Do you know?”

  Shelly grinned and pointed.

  When Savannah saw a large photo with a blue ribbon hanging next to it, she moved closer, Shelly at her side. “It’s yours!” she exclaimed before even looking at the name next to the picture. “You won?” she asked excitedly.

  Shelly nodded, a wide smile on her face.

  Savannah tilted her head. “But you said…”

  “Yeah, my other entry only got an honorable mention.”

  Savannah focused on the winning photo again. “Well, congratulations, girl. I’m so proud of you. And to think you won with the shot we took together that day we rode out near the river with our cameras. I didn’t even consider entering mine.” She added, “But I don’t think my picture turned out as nice as this one. It’s gorgeous.”

  Shelly leaned toward Savannah in confidence. “Photoshop.”

  “Ohhh,” Savannah said. She raised her eyebrows. “When are you going to Hawaii?”

  “I guess next month.” Shelly grabbed Savannah’s arm. “Want to go?”

  “Well…I…” she glanced at Michael.

  “All you have to do is pay your way,” Shelly explained. “They get a group rate. Deadline’s coming up. I’ll get some information to you.”

  “Okay, do that. I’ll think about it.”

  Just then Craig walked up to Savannah and put his arm loosely around her shoulders. “Don’t look now, but I want you to check out that dude standing against the wall directly to your right.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Be nonchalant.” Then facing her, he said, “Okay, look now.”

  Savannah turned and peered in the direction Craig indicated. “Who, where?” she asked.

  He moved closer to her, saying quietly, “The guy in the green t-shirt, wearing shades and drinking punch. Do you know him?”

  Savannah studied the man for a moment, then shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. Who is he?”

  “Well, he appeared to be staring at you.”

  Savannah looked across the room again. “No, he doesn’t look familiar.”

  Just then, the pair watched as Shelly walked up to the man and kissed him. Savannah turned to Craig. “Are you sure he was looking at me? I think he was probably watching Shelly. Looks like she knows him pretty well.”

  “Uh, well…” Craig stammered. “I guess you’re right.” He chuckled. “False alarm. As you were,” he said, grinning sheepishly.

  She lowered her brow. “As I was?”

  “Oh, that’s military talk,” he said thinning his lips. “Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of punch.”

  “Where are Iris and Michael?” she asked, looking around.

  “Arguing over some of the judges’ choices.”

  Savannah faked a frown. “Really? They don’t think I deserved to win second?”

  “No, they think you should have won first and second with your two great photos.”

  “Oh, how sweet.”

  “Hello, Savannah.”

  Savannah turned in the direction of the voice and saw a man standing about an inch taller than her five feet nine and a half height and wearing a heavy dark beard. She cocked her head, then creased her brow in uncertainty. “Travis?”