Magic Kitten: Moonlight Mischief by Sue Bentley Read Free Book Online

Chapter
* ONE *
    Eve Dawson stared gloomily out of the car as it came to a halt on the drive. There was a wooden sign by the front gate, which read, ‘Ross Cattery. Open All Year.’ A basket of cheerful purple and yellow pansies hung below the sign.
    ‘Well, here we are. Right on time,’ Mrs Dawson said brightly, glancing ather watch. ‘Sally has arranged for someone to meet us here with a key.’
    Maybe they’ll have lost the key and we can go straight back home, Eve thought, getting out.
    She stood with crossed arms, looking up at the grey stone house.
    Mr Dawson came over and put his arm round Eve’s shoulder. ‘Cheer up, love. It’s only for a few days, while Sally’s away. You might even enjoy yourself.’
    ‘Oh, right. Clearing up tons of smelly cat litter! My favourite way to spend half-term. Not!’ Eve muttered.
    She had reluctantly agreed to come and help her mum and dad look after the cattery only because she really liked the owner, Sally Ross. Sally was an oldschoolfriend of her mum’s. She never forgot Eve’s birthday and always sent brilliant Christmas presents through the post. But Eve couldn’t help thinking about her own schoolfriends who would be meeting up and having fun without her. She just wished the cattery was nearer home.
    The door of a cottage across the road opened. A young woman, a girl and a little boy came out. The woman waved as they all crossed the road and came up the drive.
    ‘Hello, everyone! I’m Jo Hinds. Sally’s home help,’ the woman said cheerfully. ‘I’ve got a set of keys for you. I’ll let you in and show you around. This is my daughter Alison and my son Darren.’

    ‘Nice to meet you all,’ Mr and Mrs Dawson said.
    Darren beamed up at Eve, his big blue eyes sparkling. He had curly blond hair and a sweet face and was clutching a bright-red fire engine. Despite herself, Eve smiled at the cute little boy who looked about four years old.
    Alison was tall with long brown hair and looked about twelve. She had apretty face, which was spoiled by her sulky expression. She glanced at Eve. ‘What’s your name?’ she asked abruptly.
    ‘I’m Eve,’ Eve said, smiling. ‘It’s nice to meet…’ she began, but the older girl had already turned her back.
    Alison stuck her hands in her jeans pocket and slouched after her mum who was showing Eve’s parents through a side gate.
    Eve stared after the older girl, surprised at her unfriendliness. But she shrugged and followed her. At the back of the house, a big L-shaped extension took up most of the garden. Near the house there was a tiny patio with a table and chairs. Tubs of plants stood in front of a fence. From the faint soundsin the background, Eve guessed that the cats’ pens must be behind the fence.
    ‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ Jo said, once they were all in the light, modern kitchen. ‘I’ve made some sandwiches. Maybe we could all have lunch after you’ve had a quick look round.’
    Mrs Dawson smiled. ‘Thanks, Jo. That’s very thoughtful of you.’

    While her parents chatted to Jo, Eve wandered into the hall and then into the sitting room. It looked cosy, with red curtains and bookcases against one wall. There were two sofas and a bright rug in front of a huge stone fireplace. Polished horse brasses hung above the fireplace.
    She heard someone come in behind her.
    ‘It’s not bad, is it? If you can stand looking at all those boring books.’ Alison sauntered across the room. She threw herself on to one of the sofas and lay on her back, dangling her legs over one arm.
    ‘Actually, I really like reading,’ Eve said.
    ‘It’s OK, I suppose, if there’s nothing else to do,’ Alison said.
    ‘Where are you, Alison? Wait for me!’ called a voice.
    Darren dashed into the room. He sprawled on the rug and ran his toy fire engine back and forth. ‘Brr-rrrum! Brr-rrrm!’ he said loudly.
    Eve smiled. ‘Darren seems really sweet.’
    ‘Huh! You don’t know him,’ Alison muttered.

    Just then Jo