“And that’s okay, but I suggest you keep it to yourself.”

  Margaret looked at Savannah after parking the car and mimicked, “Keep it to yourself.” She then said, “I might and I just might not. I’m in charge of my mouth and what comes out of it.”

  “And sometimes you have to swallow what came out of it, and that can be a bitter experience.”

  Ignoring her niece, Margaret got out of the car and Savannah did too. “Let’s set traps, replenish the water, and get on out of here,” Margaret said, her tone cool.

  “Sounds good to me,” Savannah agreed, clenching her jaw.

  The two women worked silently until Savannah pointed and said, “I wonder what that is.”

  “What?” Margaret asked curtly.

  “That kitten’s playing with something.” She recoiled. “Is that a snake? What if it’s a rattler?”

  “Well go see,” Margaret said. “Here, take this stick with you.”

  Savannah returned shortly to where Margaret waited at the car, something dangling from her hand. “Dog tags,” she reported.

  “Oh?” Margaret said, expressing a little more interest.

  “Yes. Ferrell Peters’s dog tags.”

  Margaret put her hand up to her mouth. “Oh dear. So the plot thickens.”

  “I guess so.” Savannah glanced around. “Well, let’s go home.”

  Both women were quiet for a while, then Margaret asked, “How are the cats doing so far? I mean, those we’ve taken to the clinic.”

  “Oh, the little burn victims are healing as well as can be expected. They’ll be able to live a more comfortable life. Michael decided to hold off on the mother cat’s surgery until the kittens are weaned. You don’t want to do surgery on a nursing mother cat if you can help it. The two we took in last week look good. Nola evaluated them, and she’d like to take them to the cat ranch and put them in her rehabilitation program. She believes they’ll become house cats and that they probably were at one time, actually.”

  “Great. So Michael’s ready for more?”

  “Yes.” After another long silence, Savannah said, “I guess you won’t stay for lunch.”

  “I don’t think so. I’m pretty busy.”

  “Okay,” Savannah said lightly. “What will I tell Mom?”

  “That I’m busy, okay?” she snapped.

  “Auntie, are you jealous?”

  “Of what?”

  “I don’t know, that Mom has a new playmate, maybe?”

  Margaret glanced at Savannah. “Absolutely not. That woman…well, she has something wrong with her. I just know it.”

  ****

  That night over dinner, the chatter was lively as the Iveys and Gladys entertained their guest, who had a lot of questions about Michael’s practice, Savannah’s horses, Margaret’s and Max’s cat shelter, and more. “There’s just so much I’d like to see and experience while I’m here,” Janet said. She turned to Gladys. “I’d particularly enjoy seeing the old family lumber mill and your homestead, and Maggie’s shelter. I want to get to know Maggie, and I’d like to meet your other daughter, Brianna.” She looked at Savannah. “And the shelter you told me about that’s named for Rags. That sounds fascinating.”

  “You’ll be busy,” Michael said, smiling.

  “Yes, and I’d like to visit your clinic,” Janet added.

  “Where to start…” Gladys chuckled. “I’ve never been very good at coordinating things like this. That’s why I always travel with a tour group where there’s an itinerary and I don’t have to make decisions, except for maybe what to eat for dinner—and sometimes even that’s decided for me.”

  Savannah laughed. “Want some help?” When Gladys nodded enthusiastically, she asked,

  “How long will you be here, Janet?”

  “Until Thursday—so we have a day and a half. I’ll leave Thursday afternoon. Do we have time to do it all?”

  “I think we might be able to fit most of it in. If not, you’ll just have to come back,” Savannah said.

  Janet smiled. “I wouldn’t mind that at all. I love my new family.”

  ****

  The following morning Savannah handed Gladys a notepad. “What do you think? Have I covered everything you girls want to do? You might actually decide to cross some things off and take a nap instead.”

  “You’re probably right,” Gladys said. She called to her cousin, who was brushing Pauline’s luxurious fur. “Come look at the itinerary Vannie has created for us.”

  “Okay, let me give Buffy and nice brushing first,” Janet said. “She’s such a sweetie, and Pauline seems to like her too.”

  Savannah smiled at Janet, then said, “Mom, did you notice that I have you staying home tonight?”

  “Oh that’s perfectly okay with me,” Gladys said. “You know I’m not a night person, and after doing all of this stuff you’ve listed for us to do today I know I’ll be worn out.” She looked at Savannah. “Why? Is someone coming over?”

  “No. Michael and I’d like to go out, if you and Janet don’t mind staying with the kids. I’ll put them to bed early. I’ll even fix dinner for you. I thought I’d make a taco salad.” She motioned toward the list she’d given her mother. “I suggested there that you invite Brianna over for dinner tonight so Janet can meet her. What do you think?”

  “Sounds perfect. Sure, you two go out,” Gladys said. “We’ll take care of things here. No problem. And you don’t have to put the children to bed early. Bri will want to spend time with them. We can put them to bed.”

  “Whatever you want, Mom. Thank you. It’s just that Michael and I…”

  “I know,” Gladys said. “You two lovebirds enjoy having your date night, and it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

  Savannah nodded.

  After studying the notes Savannah had made, Gladys said, “Oh, you forgot to allow a slot for visiting Maggie’s shelter.” She spoke more excitedly, “Maybe she’d like to go to lunch with us today.” She studied the notes again. “…or breakfast tomorrow. Looks like tomorrow would be a better day.”

  Savannah winced. “Well, Auntie’s pretty busy this week.” When Gladys appeared bewildered, Savannah added, “You know, with meetings and the shelter cats and the colony cats. She told me she’s pretty booked up.”

  “Vannie, what’s going on?” Gladys asked. “I mean…”

  “Oh, there goes my phone,” Savannah complained. “Better get it. Then I need to feed horses and…” She ran to where her phone was charging. “Hello?”

  ****

  Later that night Savannah and Michael were enjoying dinner alone together at one of their favorite restaurants. He squeezed her hand. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a date night.”

  She nodded and smiled. “I’m glad you suggested it. I was afraid I’d never see you again once you started building the playhouse. I thought it would be spring before you’d come out from under the sawdust.”

  “Funny,” he said. “And you’ve been pretty busy yourself with the cat colony and your new book, not to mention all that you do with the children and the house, and now we have a guest. It just seemed like a good time for us to get away.” His voice more husky, he said, “And when we get home…” Before he could finish Savannah’s phone chimed.

  “Don’t answer it,” he begged.

  “It might be Mom.” She looked at the screen. “Oh, it’s Auntie.” She started to put her phone away, but said, “Maybe I’d better…hello, Auntie.”

  “Can you come over and help me?” Margaret asked, sounding panicked. “I have a sort of emergency and Max’s out of town.”

  “Where’d Max go? Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, I’m all right,” Margaret said. “One of Max’s grandsons had an accident and he’s in the hospital. Max’s son wanted him to be there, so he flew out this afternoon. Yes, I’m fine. I just have a problem with one of the cats, and it’ll take two people who know what they’re doing to resolve it. Can you…?”

  “I’m sorry, Auntie. I’m not at home.” She smiled across the table at Michael. “I’m having a wonderful dinner with my wonderful husband. Call Mom. She can probably come over. Or maybe Bri will; she’s there for dinner. I’m sure Janet will stay with the children for a few minutes. They should be asleep by now, anyway. Do you think Mom or Bri can help you?”

  “If that’s all I’ve got, I guess so.”

  “Okay. Sorry. I hope things go well.”

  “Thanks.”

  Hesitantly, Margaret dialed her sister’s number. “Hi Gladys, can you come over and help me with something? Max is out of town for a few days and I have a sticky situation with one of the cats.”

  “Me? Oh, I wish Vannie were here, but she’s out with Michael…”

  “I know. Can you come? I really need the help.”

  “Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Thanks.”

  When Gladys hung up she told Janet and Brianna, “Oh dear, Maggie has a problem with one of her cats and she needs help.” She clasped her hands against her chest. “I’m afraid I’m not very good with cats—you know, like helping to give shots, medication, or whatever.”

  “Don’t look at me,” Brianna said.

  “But you’re a doctor,” Gladys reminded her.

  “Yeah, and my patients don’t scratch and bite.” She stood up. “Anyway, I should get home.” She hugged Gladys. “Thank you for a nice evening, Mom.” When Janet stood up, she hugged her. “It was really nice meeting you.”

  Janet smiled. “I’m glad you could join us this evening. It was a pleasure meeting the doctor in the family.”

  Once Brianna had left, Gladys continued to fret. “I guess I’d better go try to help Maggie with that cat situation. Darn, I wish Vannie were here.”

  “I can help her,” Janet said. “I’ve done some pretty gross and tricky things at the shelter where I volunteer.” She glanced toward the front window. “Now, she lives in that house at the end of the driveway, right?”

  “Yes. Oh, Janet, are you sure you don’t mind? I’d certainly appreciate it and I know Maggie will too.”

  “I’ll be more than happy to help her. Not a problem at all.” As Janet picked up her coat, Gladys called Margaret back. She said cheerily, “Janet’s coming to help you. She said she’s had experience with cats before at a shelter. She’s on her way.”

  “But Gladys…um…I…” Margaret stuttered.

  “What?” Gladys asked.

  “Well, damn…I mean, I didn’t want to bother…”

  “No bother, Maggie; Janet’s happy to help. That’s the way she is. She’ll be at your door in a second.”

  “Holy cow,” Margaret said to herself after ending the call.Now what? she thought. That’s all I need is that fake cousin in my face. She let out a sigh. Well, I’ve got to help the poor cat, so I’d better chill. She heard a car pull up and took a deep breath. I guess she’s here. Darn it, anyway.

  “Hello, Janet,” Margaret said as cordially as she could manage.

  “Hi, I hear you need help with a cat. I was hoping to get a chance to see your facility. I volunteer at a really nice one down south.”

  “Yes, well, have you ever helped to trim a cat’s claws?”

  “Sure,” Janet said. “Is that all you need? Does it usually take two of you to trim a cat’s claws?”

  Margaret glared at her. “Not usually, no. But this is a special case. She’s new here and she’s skittish and frightened. I just noticed that her dewclaw is curling back into the pad. I want to get that cut out of there.”

  “Oh,” Janet shuddered. “That must be painful. Yes, what do you want me to do?” “Follow me,” Margaret said. She approached a pen saying, “This is Hazelnut. We named her that because of her rich beige coat color. She reached in to pick up the cat. “Ouch!” she yelped, pulling her hand back. “Dammit, I know better than to do that without gloves. You rattled me.”

  “I what?”

  “Oh, never mind. I’ll be right back,” Margaret carped. “I’d better treat this, then put on my gloves.”

  “Need help with that?” Janet asked. “I always appreciate it when there’s someone around to put a bandage on my hand. That’s tricky to do with one hand.”

  “I can manage,” Margaret said coolly. When she returned, she was shocked to see Janet sitting on a bench in the shelter holding Hazelnut on her lap. “Who told you to do that?” Margaret spat.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Janet apologized. “She seemed friendly enough when I spoke to her, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to…”

  “I do the thinking around here,” Margaret snapped. “Didn’t they teach you that at the shelter where you volunteer? You don’t just go snatching up cats whenever you feel like it.”

  Taken aback, Janet said, “Oh. I’ll remember that.” She frowned. “Maggie, is something wrong? Are you okay? How’s that scratch? Do you need medical attention?”

  “No,” Margaret huffed, reaching for the nail clippers. “Okay, hold onto her now,” she instructed, “we may only have one chance at this before she explodes into a volcano or something.” In a matter of seconds, Margaret said, “There. Done. She’ll be much more comfortable now.”

  “Want to clip the other dewclaw while we’re at it?” Janet suggested. When Margaret looked at her, she explained, “I notice it’s awfully close to poking through the pad.”

  “Oh, I didn’t see that. Yes, I guess we’d better do it. Then you should get back. I’m sure they miss you over there.”

  Once they’d finished the job and Janet had eased Hazelnut back into the pen, she turned to Margaret. “There is something wrong. Maggie, what is it? Why don’t you like me? What have I done?”

  “That’s not true; who told you that? Margaret sputtered. “I just…”

  “Now I remember,” Janet said, holding one finger up in the air. She squinted. “We have met before. You’re that insolent female who was torturing that poor cat at the concert in the valley.”

  “What?” Margaret shrieked. “Torturing a cat? You’ve got me all wrong, girlfriend,” she snarked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She studied Janet’s face. “Wait!” She turned away and chortled. “This is unbelievable. That was you? Yeah, that’s about right.”

  She looked at Janet again. “It was you. You were there with a bunch of girls and you must have been drinking, because you came on strong and tried to stop me from rescuing that kitten those guys were tormenting.”

  “Rescue him?” Janet said. “My friends said you were pulling on the kitten, trying to take it from his owner, then you stuffed it into an ice chest and sat down on top of it. What were you trying to do, suffocate the poor thing?” She snarled, “If my friends hadn’t pulled me away, I would have…”

  Margaret took a step toward her. “You would have what?” “I was so angry that day,” Janet said.

  “Well, so was I. Were you aware that guy was going to pitch the kitten up onto the stage?” Margaret let out a guffaw. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. That’s why I took it from him and put it in the cooler so he couldn’t get to it. You were mean. You kept shouting awful things to me. Finally your friends dragged you away. I guess you also didn’t know that the police took away the kid who was abusing the kitten, and my friends and I left the concert with the kitten and took her to a shelter.”

  She looked at Janet. “You thought I was hurting the kitten?”

  “Yes, I did. I mean, my friends said…”

  Margaret chuckled. “So we were on the same page that day, only we didn’t know it.”

  “I guess that’s right,” Janet said, looking sheepish. “And we were cousins and didn’t know it.”

  “Uh-huh.” Margaret stared at Janet for a moment and asked, “Cousin, would you like a glass of wine? I’d sure like the opportunity to start fresh with you.”

  Janet smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

  Janet and Margaret had enjoyed a second glass of wine by the time they heard a rap at the door.

  “Who’s that coming here at this time of night?” Margaret asked. She looked out through the blinds. “It’s my Savannah niece…I mean my niece, Savannah, and her husband, the veterinarian. Come in,” she invited. “My cousin and I are getting acquainted. Want to get acquainted with us?”

  “Auntie,” Savannah said, looking from one to the other of the women, “are you drunk?” “Not quite,” Margaret said. “Janet, my favorite cousin here, she helped me with that cat and we’ve been getting acquainted ever since.”

  “So the cat’s okay?” Michael asked.

  “Oh yes. And so are we,” Margaret leaned toward them. “Did you know we once hated each other?”

  “No,” Savannah said, looking from Margaret to Janet, then back at Margaret.

  “It was all a huge misunder…misunder…mistake,” Margaret said, weaving a little.

  “Uh-huh,” Janet agreed. “A big mistake.”

  “Mistake?” Savannah repeated.

  Margaret put her arm around Janet. “Yes, she thought I was hurting him and I thought she wanted to hurt him…” She lowered her brow. “We were very young then.”

  “Very young,” Janet agreed.

  “Hurt whom?” Michael asked.

  “A cat, of course,” Janet said. “We got into a fight over a cat.”

  Margaret laughed. “Only we were on the same side and we didn’t even know it.”

  “Until now,” Janet added.

  “So you’ve met each other before?” Savannah asked.

  “Yes. Isn’t it unlikely and fortuitous?” Janet said. “We met…well, we sorta met…at a concert.”

  “No kidding?” Michael said, obviously amused.

  “No kidding,” Margaret said. “And now we’re best friend cousins, right, best friend cousin?”

  “Right,” Janet said. “Hey, are you two going back to your home?”

  “Yes, would you like a ride?” Savannah asked, chuckling.

  “I would, please. Maggie, do you mind if I leave my car overnight here with your car?”

  “Sure, they can have a sleepover. You shouldn’t be driving after drinking,” Margaret said.

  “I won’t. Savannah and Michael will drive me home.” Janet hugged Margaret. “Thank you for a most lovely evening.” She pointed at the wine bottle. “That’s some awfully good wine.”