Several minutes later Savannah happily announced that the cat indeed had a chip, that she was a female, and that she belonged to someone in a tract near the inn. When Savannah drove up to the house, she told Iris, “I think we stopped at this house the other day when we were trying to find out where the invasion of cats belonged. Remember, the woman told us she had cats, but they didn’t roam.”

  “Yeah, I remember her. Well, this little girl just made a liar out of her.”

  Savannah grinned sheepishly at her. “Hey, being the owner of a Houdini cat, I can’t judge.” She faced Iris. “Maybe the owners didn’t notice the problem she was having with that fishing line, so she came to you for help.”

  “Yes, I’m becoming the pied piper of cats,” Iris groaned. “Do I have a sign on my back saying, ‘Iris is a soft touch for any and all cats—even wounded ones’?”

  Savannah laughed. “Sometimes cats know how to get the help they need, and this one sure did.”

  ◆◆◆

  “I hear you had another adventure at the inn last night,” Margaret said the next day as she and Max rode with the Iveys and Gladys to Rosemary’s birthday party. “Why didn’t you call me?”

  “Oh, Auntie,” Savannah said from the third seat, “things just happened so fast. The cat needed help and we did what we knew to do.”

  “So was Rags involved in that?” Max asked.

  “Yes,” Savannah said. She giggled. “Brett called him a sedative—you know, because he was able to calm down the poor kitty.”

  “Did the owners know how their cat got into the fishing line?” Michael asked.

  “Well, the woman admitted that her husband and son had been cleaning the garage and they’d left out a box with old filament, fish hooks, and other stuff. She said they won’t make that mistake again. I told her to watch for swelling or discomfort and to bring the cat to you if there are any problems. Hopefully, we got that off her in time.”

  “How did it get so tight, I wonder?” Max asked.

  “Well, if she got tangled in it,” Michael explained, “she might have pulled to get away and it tightened. By the time she pulled it loose from the spool or maybe bit it loose, it was probably already starting to cut off circulation.”

  “I hope someone didn’t do this to her,” Margaret griped

  “That’s an awful thought.” Savannah looked out the window as they arrived at Damon’s and Colbi’s. She smiled. “Look at Rosemary. There she is with little Charlie. Aren’t they cute all dressed up?”

  “I’m dressed up, Mommy,” Lily chirped.

  “Yes you are, honey,” Savannah said. “You’re wearing your party dress today. You look so pretty.”

  “I have a bow, Auntie.”

  Margaret smiled. “I see that. I love your hair bow.”

  Savannah sighed. “Well, let’s shake off all the weird cat stuff that’s been taking up so much of our life and have a relaxing time celebrating Rosemary’s second birthday, shall we?”

  Chapter Five

  “Arthur! Suzette!” Savannah squealed two days later when she arrived at the inn. “So good to see you both.” After hugging each of them, she admired Suzette’s baby bump. “I’m so happy for you two. When will the baby be here?”

  “Middle of March,” Suzette said, beaming.

  Arthur leaned closer, confiding, “It’s a girl.”

  “We’re naming her Alana Ruth,” Suzette said, “after dear Ruthie.”

  Savannah smiled. “Ruth will be thrilled.”

  “Come in,” Iris invited from the dining room. “We’re having cocktails in the gazebo.” She addressed Lily. “Want to come with Aunt Ris-Ris? I have popsicles for you and baby brother.”

  When Teddy heard this, he reached for Iris saying, “Pop-pop. Pop-pop.”

  She took him from Michael, exclaiming, “You’re talking!”

  “Oh yes,” Michael said, “when it’s to his advantage. He’s a man of few words, but he knows what he wants.”

  Once Iris had Teddy in her arms, Arthur reached for his little hand. “He’s a handsome lad.”

  “Adorable,” Suzette said. She addressed Lily. “And look at you; you look like a princess.”

  “I’m a mermaid,” Lily insisted.

  “A princess mermaid,” Suzette said. She reached for Lily’s hand. “Shall we go get you a pop-pop?”

  Lily took her hand and looked up at her. “Popsicle. Teddy says pop-pop ’cause he can’t say popsicle.”

  “Oh,” Suzette said. “Thanks for setting me straight on that.”

  The Sledges, the Spences, and the Iveys had been chatting with Ruth and Rupert when Savannah asked, “How’s your grandmother, Arthur?”

  “She’s doing pretty well,” he said. “She has a few health problems, but she’s sure excited about the baby, and she seems happy in her place—you know, the studio on our property.”

  “Good to hear,” Savannah said.

  “She’s doing some volunteer work, which is good for her and for us,” Suzette added.

  Arthur smiled and nodded. “Oh, yes, we all need to feel useful—like we have a purpose and our life has meaning.”

  “So true,” Savannah agreed.

  “Arthur’s running a children’s riding camp,” Suzette announced.

  “Oh, Arthur, that’s wonderful,” Savannah said. “You’re following your dream, aren’t you?”

  He nodded.

  Suzette giggled. “He won’t let me help much anymore, now that I’m carrying our precious bundle.”

  When there was a lull in the conversation, Craig asked, “So where are your parents in the system now, Arthur? They’ve been sentenced, haven’t they?”

  Arthur nodded. “Sadly, yes.”

  “Why sadly?” Iris asked.

  “Well, the whole situation is just sad.” He shook his head. “Oh, I’m past feeling sorry for myself and blaming them and all, but it’s still just sad that someone has a wonderful opportunity to be alive with so many beautiful options to choose from, and they go down such a wicked path. How can that happen? I guess those are the issues I’m still trying to work out in my head.”

  “Why do you feel a need to understand?” Craig asked. “There are some things that happen and choices that other people make, and there’s absolutely no reasonable explanation for why. I’d say let it go, Arthur.”

  Suzette looked at Arthur and said, “I think maybe we finally have a chance to do that.”

  Craig leaned forward, his tone softened. “What has changed?”

  Suzette looked to Arthur to respond.

  He took a deep breath and said, “I think we’re finally free of my mother’s and maybe her husband’s wrath.”

  When Craig waited for more, Arthur said quietly, “As near as I can figure they still don’t believe they did anything wrong. They blame others—mainly me—for the fact that they’re in prison.”

  ?“How do you know that?” Savannah asked. “Are you in touch with them?”

  “In a roundabout way,” Arthur said. He paused before saying, “Even after being found guilty and receiving their sentences, they were still seeking revenge.” He took Suzette’s hand and spoke more quietly. “We’ve paid off two potential assassins in the last few years.”

  “What?” Savannah shrieked.

  “Yeah, and we had them arrested too. We’ve let the authorities know what’s going on—how my devious mother or maybe my stepfather is trying to have me killed or worse, even from prison. One of the hit men spilled his guts.” Arthur apologized for the crude term, then continued. “We believe we’ve been given a reprieve of sorts. I think they were able to put the fear of God or of some other being into my mother and her husband. Things seem to have settled down.” He cleared his throat and glanced at Suzette. “At least we’re pretty sure they’ve stopped targeting me.”

  “What’s your mother using to pay these supposed assassins?” Craig asked. “She doesn’t have any money, does she? It all went to you when you turned eighteen, right?”

  “That’s right,” Arthur said, “but I get the impression that she thinks she’ll get the money back if something happens to me. Maybe Mr. Peyton’s the one who put that idea into her head. At any rate, she’s an expert at lying. She knows how to manipulate people, and we all know she’ll do practically anything to get what she wants.” He squeezed Suzette’s hand. “But as I said, we’re pretty sure they have her under control and out of the mainstream, perhaps, where she can’t perform her nasty deeds—you know, hire hitmen to come after us.” He sighed. “All I know is that we became pretty doggone tired of always having to watch our back.”

  “How awful,” Savannah said. “You two have been through a lot.” She smiled. “So glad you came here for some R and R. Hey, I have two horses now. Want to go riding while you’re here? The weather’s supposed to be nice this week.”

  Arthur smiled broadly. “Sounds great. Tell me about your new horse.”

  “She’s a nice mare that I’m boarding for the privilege of riding. She has a few quirks, but she’s learning. I just need more time with her, and I love it when I can find a riding partner. So, what’s your schedule?”

  He looked at his wife. “Well, Suzette and Ruthie have a date to go baby shopping tomorrow. Will that work for you?”

  “Yes. How about noon?”

  “Okay.”

  Savannah shimmied in her chair. “Cool.”

  “Why’d you do that, Mommy?” Lily asked.

  “Do what, punkin?”

  Lily shook her whole body. “Like that,” she said.

  Savannah laughed. “Oh. I’m excited.”

  “Why?” Lily asked.

  “Because I get to go riding.”

  “On Peaches and Gypsy?” the child asked.

  Savannah nodded. She smiled watching Lily return to a puzzle she and Ruth were working together. She turned her attention to Iris. “So what’s going on with the cats this week?”

  “Not much has changed,” Iris said. “They keep coming and going, and I’ve collected more costumes.”

  Meanwhile, Rupert and Arthur had begun a conversation about the condition of a shed on the inn property. “Want to take a look at it?” Rupert invited. “Michael, you might actually have some professional advice.”

  Michael laughed. “Professional? Not unless it needs to be spayed or neutered,” he quipped.

  “No, I mean your expert building advice.”

  “What’s wrong with it?” Michael asked as the three men trudged toward an old forgotten orchard on the property.

  “It appears to be sinking,” Rupert explained.

  “What’s it used for?” Michael asked. “Yard tools?”

  “Yeah,” Rupert responded,” and cushions for the yard furniture and stuff like that. We store bird feeders away during the off season, and birdseed and other odds and ends.”

  When they approached the shed, Michael stopped and studied the small structure. “It does appear to be out of level. It hasn’t always been this way?”

  “No,” Rupert said. “When I first noticed it I thought it was my imagination, then Iris showed me a picture of it taken a year ago, and I could see the difference. It’s sinking, man, and I don’t know what to do about it, if anything. Do you have any suggestions?”

  “We could bring in a crane and lift it, build up the dirt underneath, and put it on blocks, maybe,” Michael suggested. “But you might want to move it aside and have the soil underneath it evaluated. The problem could be a sinkhole where tree roots have disintegrated or an underground spring has eroded the soil. You may need to bring in dirt before you can re-set the shed.”

  “And what would something like that cost?” Rupert asked. “Ms. Iris is losing out on business with this cat situation.”

  Michael shrugged. “Won’t know until we get in under there.”

  “I’m a paying guest,” Arthur protested.

  Rupert grinned at him. “Sorry, Mr. Spence.”

  Arthur squeezed Rupert’s shoulder. “Hey, we’re practically family; make it Arthur, will you?”

  Rupert winced. “Sorry. Of course, Arthur. You know, I was the Peytons’ servant for a long time. Old habits are hard to break.”

  Arthur laughed. “Well, break it. Like I said, I consider you family. Ruthie is family. You love Ruthie, so you’re family too.”

  “Good to know,” Rupert said. He grinned impishly at the younger man. “By the way, your former nanny has a new name. Did she tell you?”

  “Ruthie?” he asked. “What?”

  “Edgington.” When Arthur seemed confused and no one else said anything, Rupert explained, “She has my name now. We went and got married.”

  “Well, it’s about time!” Arthur said, enthusiastically shaking Rupert’s hand.

  “Yeah, congratulations,” Michael said. “I hadn’t heard.”

  “We just did it a couple of weeks ago. We took a trip to Big Sur and decided on the way home to tie the knot.”

  “I’m happy for you,” Arthur said. “She’s a very special lady.”

  “Yes she is,” Rupert said, smiling. He turned to Michael. “So who do we call for this job?”

  “Let me ask around,” Michael said. “I’ll get back to you. I might be able to help out and save you some money.”

  “Great!” Rupert cheered.

  The men began strolling slowly back to the inn, when they saw the women walking toward them. Arthur hastened his pace to Ruth, picked her up, and swung her around. “Congratulations, Ruthie!”

  Once he’d put her down, Ruth glanced at Rupert and said shyly, “He told you, did he? Yes, we finally did it.”

  “Well, it’s about time,” Arthur said.

  “What?” Suzette asked. She squealed, “Did you two get married?”

  Ruth nodded, smiled, and showed off her ring.

  Suzette wrapped her arms around Ruth. “Congratulations. This is wonderful.”

  “You’re married?” Savannah asked. “Well, how nice. Best wishes to the two of you.”

  Rupert slid his arm around Ruth’s waist. Both of them beamed.

  Meanwhile, Michael took Teddy from Savannah, lowered him to the ground, and pointed out a ladybug.

  “A ladybug,” Lily chirped. “Hi, ladybug. Want to sit on my finger? Put her on my finger, Daddy.”

  “Oh, I think she’s happy right where she is on that leaf. Let’s not bother her, okay?”

  “Bug,” Teddy said.

  At the same time, Lily asked, “Daddy, can we go to the circus?”

  “Circus?” he asked, looking at Savannah.

  “Suzette saw an advertisement,” Savannah explained. She grinned at Michael. “It’s a cat circus, can you imagine?”

  “Hey, I know all about a cat circus,” Iris said. She complained, “I’m living a cat circus.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Where is it?” Michael asked.

  “One of these towns around here,” Arthur said. “We saw a flyer when we stopped to eat yesterday.”

  “Cats?” Michael asked, “Like big cats? I thought they’d outlawed that nonsense.”

  “No,” Suzette said, “kitty cats. Beautiful kitty cats. We saw pictures.”

  “When is it?” Savannah asked. “Do you know?”

  Arthur shook his head.

  “Saturday,” Suzette said. “Want to go? When’s the dinner for the homeless?” she asked. She pointed at Michael. “You’re doing a free clinic that day, aren’t you?”

  He nodded.

  “That’s a week from Thursday,” Iris said. “Thanksgiving day. I signed you up to help.”

  “Great,” Arthur said. He looked at Savannah and Michael. “So do you want to go to the circus?”

  “Let’s do,” Michael agreed. “I’m sure the kids will love it. Let us know what time and all.”

  “Iris, do you want to go?” Savannah asked.

  Iris winced. “I don’t think so. I’ve had my fill of cats lately.”

  “Can’t say as I blame you,” Michael said. He asked Arthur and Suzette, “Have you two seen the cat parade here?”

  “Just a glimpse,” Suzette said. “When we were going to bed last night we had a visitation. Two regal cats came strolling through our room as if they were checking us out. I guess we passed muster, because they left and we didn’t see them again.”

  “But where they went is a mystery,” Arthur said. “They were there and then they weren’t. I thought Suzette let them out of the room; she thought I did.”

  “Yup,” Iris whined, “that’s what I’m dealing with.”

  “How eerie,” Suzette said.

  “Mind-boggling,” Iris countered.

  “Ki-ki,” Teddy chirped pointing. “Ki-ki!”

  “And the insanity continues,” Iris moaned seeing a long-haired grey cat wearing a bow tie step out of the inn with Craig.

  “He’s all dressed up!” Suzette remarked.

  “Many of them are,” Iris said.

  Arthur chuckled. “Those we saw were naked.”

  “No they weren’t,” Suzette corrected. “They were covered in fur—white fur with black splotches.”

  “Yup,” Iris said, “I’ve seen those two before.” She called out, “Craig, look what followed you out!”

  “What?” he asked, looking around his feet. When he saw the cat, he scratched his head and asked, “What should I do with him?”

  Iris shrugged. “Maybe you should put him back inside. I don’t think they’re used to being out here.”

  Arthur watched Craig corral the cat back through the door, then asked, “So, Iris, where are they coming from? Do they live in the neighborhood? Are they from a colony of cats?”

  Iris shook her head. “We don’t have a clue. Savannah, Maggie, and I walked the entire neighborhood over there—both housing tracts—and no one seemed to know anything about a herd of cats moving around this area. The cats seem to just appear.”

  “Without a reservation?” Arthur quipped.

  “Nope,” Iris said. She stared into space. “Maybe a window has opened into the spirit world and it’s spewing forth cats.”

  “Oh, Iris,” Savannah soothed, “there has to be an explanation. There just has to be.”

  “Hey, maybe Koko and her pal, Rags, can find a clue,” Arthur suggested. “Those two are a pretty good team. Remember that, Savannah?”