Margaret nodded, then bent down and kissed Lily on the cheek. “’Bye, sweet thing.”

  ****

  A couple of hours later, Savannah stepped into June’s spacious home carrying Lily asleep in her car seat, and leading Rags on his leash.

  “Heavens, you have a load there,” June said, walking with them toward the cat room. “Come in. You can put the baby in that first bedroom, if you want.”

  “Oh no. Thanks, but she’ll stay with me. Where will we be meeting the attorney?”

  June thought for a moment and said, “Why don’t we meet in the cat room. Then you can keep an eye on both of your babies.”

  “Perfect,” Savannah said, smiling. “Where’s Megan?” Savannah asked once they were settled. “I’m used to her answering the door.”

  “She took off somewhere with Jody. Those two are great friends, it seems. It’s a puzzle to me. They have nothing in common, unless it is to conspire against me.” She paused and said, “See, I am getting paranoid.”

  “Maybe you have reason to be,” Savannah suggested.

  Just as June was about to speak, the doorbell chimed.

  “I’ll get it, if you want,” Savannah offered.

  “No, I’m okay. You stay put with your babies. I’ll go.”

  As June left the room, using a walker, Savannah focused on some of the cats. She giggled a little when she saw Marmalade leap out from a tunnel and attack Rags’s tail. This is such a pleasant room, she thought, looking around. There’s so much light and the colors are wonderful. She chuckled. There are so many things for the cats to do—all those carpeted climbing trees and tunnels and cubbyholes. Suddenly, Savannah’s sense of peace was shattered by a boisterous voice.

  “What’s going on around here, old woman?”

  “Well, if it isn’t my nemesis,” June said, sounding deflated. “What do you want, Petra?” she asked with a sigh.

  “This was my home, too—in fact, it should still be my home. It belonged to my father. I hear someone was killed here and a child was taken. What’s that all about?”

  “Settle down, Petra. It’s nothing that concerns you.”

  “Yeah, that’s the problem; nothing concerns me.” He raised his voice even louder. “That isn’t the way my father wanted it, you know? He’d be rolling over in his grave if he knew what you plan to do with his money.”

  “His money?” June said. “It was our money, Petra.” She sounded weary when she said, “Why can’t you get that through your head? We had been married for darn near forty years when your father died. We worked together to hold onto the fortune both of our families had amassed, despite so many obstacles in the economy here and abroad. What we have has nothing to do with you. It doesn’t concern you. You received a generous inheritance when your father died and what did you do but go out and blow most of it in a mere eight year’s time? Talk about Princeton rolling over in his grave…”

  Should I make my presence known? Savannah wondered. Or stay out of it? Old June seems to be able to hold her own, but I hate seeing her have to defend herself like that. It’s not fair. It sounds like she’s right—her husband’s son is putting his nose into business that isn’t his. Just as she started to pick up Lily and amble out to where the loud conversation was taking place, another voice joined in.

  “Good morning, June. Everything okay?”

  “Oh, hello Sterling. Thank you for coming.”

  “Petra,” the man said, “haven’t I told you to stay away from here? Unless you’ve come to offer some sort of assistance to your stepmother. Is that it?” he asked. “Have you come to take her to church, fix a leaky faucet, clean a litter box?”

  Savannah chuckled when she heard the front door slam and Sterling say, “Well, I guess he didn’t come to help today, did he?”

  “No. Not today, not ever, unfortunately,” June said. “And to think I used to change his diapers when he’d come to visit. His father certainly wouldn’t do it.”

  Savannah looked up as the couple entered the cat room.

  “Sterling, I’d like you to meet Savannah Ivey. She and her husband own Ivey Veterinary Clinic. That’s their daughter, Lily, sleeping in the corner.” She looked around the room, then pointed. “There’s Ragsdale,” she said reverently. “He’s the cat who found Mazie Mae.”

  “Well, it’s nice to meet all of you,” the medium-height man with thick salt-and-pepper hair and nice features said. “I’m Sterling Goss, Ms. Balcomb’s attorney. I guess we’re going to give you a reward.” He looked at Rags. “…or are we giving it to the cat?”

  “We’ve decided it will go to the Hammond Cat Alliance to help other lost and abandoned cats,” June explained.

  “Okay then, we have just a few formalities to take care of and I can send you off with the check.”

  When Savannah glanced at her hostess, she lowered her brow. “June, are you all right? You look a little…”

  “Well, how would you feel if your only son…well, stepson…treated you like Petra just treated me? Did you hear what he said?”

  “Yes. He’s terribly ungrateful, isn’t he?”

  June nodded.

  “Can I get you a glass of water or something?” Savannah offered.

  “Oh, good idea,” June said. “Sterling, what would you like?”

  “Water sounds good.”

  “I think I’ll have some of that tea in the pitcher. Megan told me the cooks made a whole batch of it last night and iced what was left after my evening cup of hot tea.”

  “Okay, where’s the kitchen?” Savannah asked.

  June chuckled before saying, “Straight down that hallway, then right. You’ll know it when you get there.”

  Savannah returned promptly with three tall glasses on a tray—two waters and a tea, and she noticed the couple in deep discussion. “Ahem,” she said, to alert them that she was in the room.

  June looked up at her and smiled. “Yes, we were talking behind your back, Savannah. All good,” she said, reaching out and patting her on the arm. “All good.”

  While the two women took long swigs of their drinks, the attorney continued to fill out the paperwork and write the check for the cat alliance.

  “I may be talking out of turn,” Savannah said, putting her glass down, “but I have to make a suggestion.”

  “I welcome your suggestions,” June said. “You are one of the most authentic people, next to my dear husband, whom I’ve crossed paths with in a very long time. What is it, Savannah?”

  “Well, it occurred to me that you might find a more…as you said…authentic person who genuinely cares for your kitties and their welfare if you don’t offer so much value as part of the package. I wonder if you might find someone more trustworthy if you don’t use such a high-roller bribe.”

  There was a long period of silence. June took another large swig of her tea, then said, “Now, that’s an interesting concept, isn’t it Sterling? Have you ever known someone to take on a task such as the one I propose out of the kindness of their heart? Are there people like that these days?”

  The attorney took a sip of his water, then leaned toward June and said, “Yes, I have. As a matter of fact, I’ve told you about some of my clients who left small amounts of money to friends for the care of their pets…and with great success, I might add.” He handed her a paper to sign and continued, “They left something like a thousand dollars or even five hundred for any possible needs the animal might have over the subsequent few years. Someone who will agree to take on the task is more likely to do it for the reasons you desire, if there isn’t a large sum of money involved.”

  After some contemplation, June quickly signed where Sterling indicated, saying, “I guess you could be right.” She then swallowed more of the tea. Suddenly, she blinked her eyes and leaned over. “Whew! I’m getting that unsteady feeling again. I wonder if it’s my heart.”

  “You’ve been feeling ill?” Sterling asked, putting his hand on her shoulder.

  June took a few breaths and leaned back in her chair. “Just last night…well, I was talking to…” she pointed “to…Georgia…I mean, Savannah…last…last night and got kinda…woozy.”

  “Yes, she did,” Savannah said. “I was worried until I spoke with her this morning.” Addressing the attorney, she said, “She seemed okay this morning.”

  “Yeah, but I was groggy and…fuzzy for a while,” June said as she brought her iced tea glass up to her lips.

  “No!” Sterling said, grabbing it from her. He put it up to his nose and smelled it. “Did you say this is the same tea you drank last night?”

  She nodded. “I told you…they served it to me…hot last…last night and…” she shook her head. “Today there’s ice in it. Want some?” she offered, squinting and blinking a couple of times.

  “No,” he said sternly, “and I don’t want you drinking any more, either.”

  Savannah looked stunned. “Do you think someone put something in there?”

  He stared at Savannah suspiciously. “You say this is the first time you’ve been in the kitchen?”

  She frowned and nodded.

  “And you weren’t here when the tea was served last night?”

  “What are you saying, Ster…Sterling? My God, you can’t be…accusing Savannah of…of what?”

  The attorney peered at Savannah, saying, “You can’t be too careful, June.” He took a deep breath and relaxed a little. “I apologize, Savannah. It’s just that...”

  “I understand. I’m insulted, but I do understand. I think we both want the same thing for June…her safety…and I think we both believe it’s a little precarious.”

  Suddenly the chimes rang again.

  “Oh dear, that must be that other…lawyer.”

  “You’re working with another attorney?” Sterling asked, obviously stunned.

  “Oh no, I’m…I might be…interested in a young woman who’s in prison for all the wrong reasons,” she said as she started to stand.

  “I’ll get it,” Savannah offered.

  June nodded. “Yes, please do. Thank you.”

  As she left the room, Savannah heard the attorney say, “June, now what are you up to? A criminal? What’s she in for, anyway? Are you thinking about hiring her? What’s the deal here?”

  Seconds later, Savannah ushered a sharply dressed well-coiffed woman into the cat room.

  “Hello, Mrs. Balcomb,” she said, approaching her with her hand out.

  June shook her hand. “Good to see you again, Dotty. Thank you for coming.”

  The two attorneys made eye contact. “Dorothy,” Sterling muttered.

  “Sterling,” she said, nodding.

  He took a deep breath, then he picked up June’s tea glass and said, “Savannah, do you think you could find a container for this? I want to take a sample with me.” He turned to June. “I’ll see you soon. Let me know if you need anything, will you?” More firmly, he said, “And don’t drink any more of that tea until I contact you.”

  “Yes…okay,” June said.

  When Savannah returned with a small glass storage container, she handed it to Sterling, who poured some tea into it and sealed it. In the meantime, she heard June say to Dorothy Matson, “I want to talk about a client of yours. I’m interested in maybe…hiring Ms. Nola…um… Katherine Hope. Is there any way you can get her out of…jail? If it’s a matter of money, I can pay…you know…” she blinked a couple of times, “…her bail.”

  “Oh, it would be wonderful if it were that easy,” Dorothy said.

  Hearing this, Sterling shook his head and marched out of the room toward the front door. He then turned and walked up to Savannah, speaking quietly, “Don’t let her drink any more of the tea until I have it checked out, will you?” He thought for a moment, then added, “In fact, I suggest you pour that whole batch out—just to be on the safe side.”

  She nodded and left the room after the attorney. When she returned from the kitchen, she saw that Dorothy Matson was looking inquisitively at her. Feeling a need to explain herself, she said, “I think I’m here for moral support.”

  “Ma-ma?”

  “Your baby’s awake,” June said, pointing.

  Savannah lifted Lily from the car seat and held her as the baby looked around at the strange room and unfamiliar people.

  June leaned forward. “This is a friend, Savannah…Jordan…I mean…Ivey. Savannah Ivey and her child,” she said, still sounding groggy.

  The attorney nodded, then said to June, “Sentence has been set. We may be able to get it revoked, but,” she laughed a little, “since she has just a matter of days left to serve, it would probably take more time than that to get a petition before a judge.”

  “I understand,” June said. “May I see her?”

  Dorothy hesitated. “Does she know you?”

  June shook her head. “No. But I’m eager to make her acquaintance. I met her mother and I think this girl…what’s her name?”

  “Nola,” the attorney said.

  “Yes, Nola Kat,” June said. “I think she is the answer I’ve been looking for and I believe she will be keenly interested in my proposition.” She blinked and shook her head a little. “Don’t you, Savannah?”

  “Yes, possibly,” Savannah said as she hand-fed Lily some cereal puffs she’d brought with her.

  Dorothy glanced from Savannah to June. “Well, let me see if I can arrange a meeting for you. Would tomorrow be too soon?”

  June slammed her hands down on the arms of her chair. “Perfect!” she said. “Yes, let me know where and what time. Savannah, will you show Ms. Matson out, please?” She then said to the attorney, “Thank you for coming.”

  ****

  “You seem a little preoccupied,” Michael said over dinner that evening.

  “Oh,” she said, “sorry.”

  “Savannah, why don’t you…”

  Before he could finish his thought, her phone chimed. She pushed herself away from the table, then paused and slumped a little. “I hope it isn’t something to do with June. I’m kinda over her drama for the day.”

  “Don’t answer it,” he suggested. “Eat.”

  She thought about it, then rushed to take the call. “Hello?” she said cautiously.

  “Savannah Ivey?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Roy Shively from Roy’s Camera Shop.”

  “Oh yes, hello,” she said, visibly relaxing.

  “I’m calling to let you know that your photograph, ‘Horse Running in the Sunset’ won second place in our annual photo competition.”

  “What? Oh yes, I’d almost forgotten that I entered. I won second? Wow!”

  “I’m sorry that you didn’t win the trip to Hawaii, but you were certainly a great contender. Your prize is a $100 gift card here at the store and we want to display your photos in several local businesses throughout the month.”

  “Well, that’s great. Thank you so much.”

  Mr. Shively cleared his throat. “Would you like to send us three or four additional photos we can mount and hang so your work is more widely represented?”

  “Sure, I guess I could do that,” Savannah said.

  “And a photograph of yourself. What name do you want us to use as the photographer—Savannah Ivey?”

  After brief contemplation, she said, “Since my father was well known in the area, how about if we include my maiden name. Make it Savannah Jordan Ivey.”

  “Certainly. And do you want to put a price on your work?”

  “Huh?”

  “Some photographers sell their work. If you want to price it, buyers can make the purchase through us and your work will continue to hang until the end of the exhibit. We’ll handle the sales and settle up with you at the end of the month.”

  “Oh, uh, well, gosh…what do photographs like mine go for?”

  “It’s up to you. That picture of the horse might bring $300.”

  “Yeah, I guess I could put prices on them. If they sell fine—if not, that’s all right, too.”

  “Okay, the display goes up day after tomorrow. Can you get those additional photos to us tomorrow morning? You can send them via e-mail if you like, and we’ll print and mount them.”

  “Yes, that would be convenient. Sure. I’ll do that this evening.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Ivey. And again, congratulations.”

  “Wow!” Savannah said as she settled back into her place at the dinner table.

  “Who was it?” Michael asked.

  “Mr. Shively at the camera shop. I came in second in the photo contest. How about that?”

  “That’s great, hon. Good job.”

  “They’re going to hang my work in businesses around town with my name next to it and people might actually buy some of my photos.”

  Michael smiled across the table at his wife. “So you’re going to become a highly paid artist, are you? Wait ’til Peter finds out. Hey, you can open your own gallery in Frisco next to his.”

  “Let’s not get carried away. You know how fickle art can be and how subjective.”

  “Who won the contest, do you know?” Michael asked.

  “No. I forgot to ask. I wonder what photo beat the one of my mare. I’ll have to find out.” She took a bite of her dinner, then said, “Oops there goes my phone again.” She started to push away from the table, but stopped herself. “Oh, I think I’ll let it go to voicemail. I’m not real interested in talking right now.”

  Michael reached over and patted her hand. “Good. You just relax. If it’s important, they’ll call back or leave a message.”

  Later that evening after they’d put Lily to bed, Savannah went into their office to pick out a few photos to send to Roy Shively, while Michael sat nearby reading the evening newspaper.

  “Do you like this one?” she asked, turning her laptop so he could see the screen.

  “Yeah, it’s good,” he said after scrutinizing the shot of a hummingbird in flight. “What else are you sending?”

  “That one of Rags crashing through the bush after a bee, one of Lily and her little friend Bradley kissing—remember that one? I’m also thinking about that shot of the eagles I took a couple of years ago.”