Witch Risen: A Paranormal Adventure (Bad Tom Series Book 2) by Jill Nojack Read Free Book Online

I draw the vet's attention back by patting him with my good front paw. When he looks down at me, I draw the bad one into my chest protectively, roll my head over in a way that traps an ear against the table and thrusts Cat's nose upward, and close my eyes. Despite being the only thing I could think of to communicate, I bet that move looks oh-my-god-look-how-sweet-he-is adorable. At least we're all men here and nobody gets all gooey about it.
    "Good. A series of cat naps is just the thing."
    Cat's all for the naps. I'm stuck. I can't risk his life for my impatience.

***
    If people want me to pay attention, how could anyone think it's a good idea to make Cat comfy on a chair covered with fringed pillows? And it's that good fringe too, the long, thick stuff you find on old fabrics. I try to pay attention while the coven plans, but Cat's attention is elsewhere. There's all that swingy movement to be had with a bat and a smack and a little twitch of the unbandaged claw.
    My understanding of the meeting is all just "we need to decide if we should"…swap, swip, swish…"but we don't know"…fweep, fwap, shake…"well, a cleansing never really goes amiss"…flop, roll, grab…
    Natalie's voice rises above the quieter ones. "Bats on a biscuit! Someone please do something about that cat."
    That gets my attention. From my upside down position, I look over and she's glaring meaningfully at Gillian. Like I'm anyone's responsibility but my own.
    I don't mind taking my new seat constrained against Gillian's shoulder. It's much easier to follow things now. Too bad the meeting's breaking up.
    I'm going to need to read someone's notes just in case there's a quiz later.
    As everyone gets up to leave, Gillian calls to Darrin, "Could you stay a bit longer? I've a favor to ask."
    "Of course." He ambles over. I've got my own chair now that Cat no longer needs to be on lock down. Gillian slides a pen and piece of paper his way.
    She says, "You recall we discussed how we're going to cover ourselves if Eunice discovers Tom has been working in the shop and many of us would have seen him?"
    "Absolutely, the fake Tom quitting in a huff because the shop is closed? It's a great plan."
    "Have you ever given Eunice anything in writing?"
    "Can't say as I have…oh, I see. You need someone to write the letter!"
    "Yes, someone with a masculine hand. I expect she's had letters from both Tom and Robert and could obviously recognize their writing."
    "Happy to, happy to. What would you like me to say?" He picks up the pen and poises it over the paper.
    "Just that you're resigning from the position because you're tired of expecting to work and finding the shop closed instead. Also that you've left your name tag and dropped your keys through the letter flap on your way out. Something like that. Then sign it 'Tom Collins' to match the name tag we've prepared."
    Darrin busies himself with the letter, and Gillian looks it over when he's done.
    "That's perfect. What do you think of yourself, then?" She pulls out a plastic photo name tag and hands it to him.
    "Well, well, you did a nice job with that. They do look a lot alike, don't they? Just enough that if someone describes our Tom, the description would also fit this young man."
    I poke my head up and take a gander at the guy in the picture. Kind of squinty. Big nose. I don't see the resemblance. He's nowhere near as good-looking as I am.
    They make their goodbyes, then Gillian takes her copies of the shop keys out of her bag and places them and the name tag into a pocket. She chucks me under the chin before she leaves. "Well, that's ready to go. I'm on my way to the shop, so wish me luck."
    I would wish her luck, or at least walk her to the door, but Cat suddenly remembers that there's fringe just a quick leap away.

***
    The next morning, Darrin stops by and checks his handiwork. He gives Cat a clean bill of health with a warning to take it easy until the paw is fully healed, so I shift immediately.
    As soon as I'm