Black Cat and the Accidental Angel (Black Cat Mysteries Book 3) by Elaine Faber Read Free Book Online Page A

slumped into his chair and pushed the remaining envelopes back in the drawer. They were all pretty much the same. Overdue—in arrears—collection pending. He shoved the drawer closed.
    Meow! The little orange cat pawed his leg.
    “Hey, Angel. What do you need?” He reached down, ran his hand down her back and up her thin tail. “What’s this? A kink at the end?” He smiled.
    She pushed her head into his hand.
    He stroked her back again, and again, and again, and then lifted her into his lap. His smile worked its way into the crevices beside his mouth. Felt good to smile. It had been a while. He rubbed Angel’s velvet soft ears. “Nice kitty. Did you get enough to eat?”
    Angel tipped her head and peered into his eyes. She blinked and purred. The purr flowed through her body, vibrating into his hand and up his arm. Why did petting a cat feel so good? Something about the feel of her fur filled him with peace. He couldn’t stop smiling.
    An idea! He could bring a spot of sunshine into Cindy’s life. How much could two little cats eat? Cats were good hunters, right? They’d probably pay for themselves, and keep the rodents in check around the ranch. Should have thought of it sooner.
    “Hey, Cindy.”
    “What?” She turned from the sink. “Oh, you’ve got Angel.”
    “Yeah, I’ve been thinking. Why don’t we call the animal shelter and let them know the cats are here. We can keep them until their owners show up. How about that?”
    “Oh, Daddy!” She dried her hands on the kitchen towel and dashed to the desk, pulling out scissors, paper and colored pencils. “I’ll make lost and found posters. We can put them at the little store and on the telephone poles down town. It’ll be fun.”
    “Remember. They’re just visiting until we find their owners.”
    She tipped her head and smiled.
    Her happy face clutched at his heart. Who needed a leprechaun when his daughter’s smile was worth more than a pot of gold?
    “But, in the meantime, we can pretend they’re ours.” Cindy carried her art supplies to the table.
    John stood and dropped Angel to the floor. He swallowed the lump in his throat and headed for the door. “I’m going out and feed the Emus.”

    Black Cat rolled toward the edge of the blanket as Angel flopped down alongside. Mountain air made him so sleepy. He closed his eyes. “What’s an Emu?”
    The fur across Angel’s shoulders rippled in a shrug. She yawned, exposing all her sharp little teeth. “I think it’s sort of like a chicken.”
    Cindy glanced toward the stove. “Oh, Black Cat, you’re awake.” She hurried over and knelt on the blanket. “Daddy’s going out to feed the mean old birds. I can’t go into their yard because I’m not big like Daddy. They try to bite me.”
    Black Cat tilted his head toward hers. He tried to pretend he was listening, concentrating on every word she uttered, when actually his thoughts were a mile away. He jerked his head back and stared dutifully into Cindy’s eyes. Pay attention. Worship and admire. It would make her feel important.
    She beamed, as expected, and prattled on. “Gilbert is sitting on Myrtle’s eggs.” Cindy stroked Black Cat’s back. “The mama Emu lays the eggs and then she goes off and forgets all about them. The papas have to keep the eggs warm. Daddy’s going to sell the baby chicks. That’s how we’ll earn lots of money.”
    Angel rolled over. “Told ya. They’re chickens. I know all about chickens. We had chickens on the ranch—”
    “Where? Did you say ranch ?” Black Cat sat up straight and glared at Angel. She hadn’t shared any of their past in spite of his multiple questions and she certainly hadn’t ever mentioned a ranch. “Tell me about this ranch. Is that where we lived?”
    “ Uh … Don’t bother me now. I’m sleepy.” Angel threw her paw across her eyes and rolled on her side.
    Black Cat huffed and paced across the room toward the sofa. He’d been uneasy all morning. Something didn’t