Meow for the Money (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 14) by Patricia Fry Read Free Book Online Page B

started.
    “Yeah, especially since he was your pet,” Jody snarked.
    Without speaking, June scowled at Jody. She made an obvious attempt to hold her temper, finally saying, “That was uncalled for.”
    “Well, he was. He was your chosen one in your will, wasn’t he? Because he liked cats, right?” she said sarcastically.
    “Not now, Jody,” June warned.
    While Deputy Ben seemed interested in the strange family exchange, Savannah could see that Jim was focused on something else. She looked in the same direction, finally asking, “What is it, Jim?”
    “Oh, I guess nothing. I thought I saw a wisp of smoke or steam over near those sheds.” He faced the others, saying, “Must have been my imagination.”
    Savannah nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of misty this time of day. In fact,” she said, shivering a little, “it’s getting cold. June, let’s get you inside.” She looked at the deputies. “Okay if we take her home? It’s the house right up on that knoll. I’m sure it’s okay if you come knocking with any additional questions.”
    June nodded. “Yes, I would like to get more comfortable and have a spot of tea. Of course, officers, come to the house if you need anything further from me. I’ll be waiting for your report. Let’s go, Megan,” she called, rather impatiently. “Don’t make Savannah push this old lady up that steep hill. She has a cat to manage.”
    Once June was settled in her chair, Megan stepped out of the cat room and Savannah picked up an afghan, wrapping it around June’s shoulders. “Better?” she asked.
    “Oh yes, I was getting chilled.” She glanced up to make sure the two of them were alone then added, “I wasn’t going to let those other women know it, though. It’s not smart to show weakness in front of your enemies.”
    “Enemies?” Savannah asked quietly, creasing her brow.
    “Oh, don’t mind me,” June said. “Sometimes I just babble. Don’t always mean what I say, in particular when I’m tired.” She smiled. “You and Rags go on home now. I’m sure your baby and that wonderful Dr. Mike are missing you. Go on now, and we’ll get together soon.” She swiped her hand across Rags’s fur. “Come back to see me any time.”
    ****
    “A missing boy and a dead body? Good Lord, Savannah; what a day you’ve had,” Michael said that evening after dinner. “Do they think the two are related?”
    Savannah shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t imagine how they could be—on the other hand, how could they not be?”
    “Thankfully you found the boy safe. How did he get so far away from the house, do they know?”
    Savannah shook her head. “I hope a sheriff's investigation will answer some of those questions.” She sighed deeply. “That poor woman. She’s so distraught with all the perceived distrust among those close to her. And now this…” She leaned toward Michael. “Only she seems to stand strong in spite of what’s going on. She has a strong constitution, I guess you’d say. You know she’s hurting, but she’s not going to show it if she can help it.”
    Michael cocked his head. “You seem to have some deep insight there, hon. You’ve only known June for a few days and you’ve learned that much about her already?”
    Savannah pressed her lips together. “Well, she’s interesting.” She thought for a moment. “I mean, it’s like she’s a wise young woman in an old lady’s body. The way she lives her life fascinates me. She’s…” Before Savannah could finish the thought, her cell phone chimed. She looked at the screen and reported to Michael, “It’s the detective.” She answered, “Hi Craig.”
    “Hi.” There was a long silence. “I hear you and—your cat—ran into a hornet’s nest today.”
    “Yes. Sure did,” she said, quietly. “A bit too much excitement, if you ask me. Craig, do you know what happened?”
    “Not exactly. But we know that Andrew Pritchard was probably murdered and it happened sometime between two and