Rita Brown - Cat of the Century

Is George happy?

Yes. He has three sons, and he and his wife, Judy, are so funny together. He owns a pharmacy in St. Joseph.

Why St. Joseph?

St. Louis overwhelmed Grandma, but she had a really good job as an executive secretary. She met Clyde Waverly, a cattleman from St. Joe. He told her if she married him shed never have to work outside the house again. She did and moved to St. Joe. Its a really nice place. I miss it. I love college, but I guess you always miss home. I miss my horse. Mom and Dad said next year theyd pay to board him here.

That would be ideal. Aunt Tally liked this young woman. She didnt let go of her hand. Any brothers and sisters?

One each. Hannahs two years behind me. John is four.

I never heard from your grandmother after she left. Then I lost track, Tally said wistfully.

Grandma didnt keep up with people back in Virginia. She couldnt take the reminders. She said she wanted to forget, and then she thought everyone had forgotten her and Ralston. She never really forgot.

Neither did we, Aunt Tally said. Honey, if you give me your address, I will keep in touch.

Aileen had been hoping for this. She pulled out a pink slip of paper on which shed written her school address and phone number, her email address, and her home address in St. Joseph.

Aileen then noticed students lining up.

Dr. Barnett told us we have to walk back to the residence halls in lines. The weathers so bad. Ive never seen it this bad. She squeezed Aunt Tallys hand. Im so excited to meet you. She turned to Inez. And you, too, Dr. Carpenter. Grandma told me you paved the way in Virginia.

Your grandmother was very kind. Inez hugged the young woman, as did Aunt Tally.

After Aileen left, Aunt Tally said sotto voce to Inez, All this hugging. I think every student hugged me. Im not one for intemperate embrace, but I was glad to hug that child. I so hope the killer is found before I die!

The alumnae board, waiting to say their good-byes, stepped forward after Aileen had walked away.

Liz overheard the last part of the conversation, as had Flo.

You know. Liz began to wail.

Know what? Aunt Tally was puzzled.

About Mariah.

Flo said sharply, Liz, shut up.

Whats going on? Aunt Tally was more than curious. She knew something was being kept from her.

At that moment Inez would have gladly killed Liz. The thought was occurring to Jahnae, as well.

Smoothly, Inez told her dear friend, Blossom, one of our board members appears to be in trouble. We dont know any more than that.

Shes dead! I know shes dead. Liz, being a somewhat inebriated twit, made it worse.

For Christs sake, Tim. Get her out of here, Flo commanded Lizs husband.

He did as he was told, but Liz did not go quietly. Shed snuck in a third drink, which was all too apparent to her husband.

You all are trying to shut me up!

Thats right. Tim moved her faster and faster to the door.

He didnt stop for her coat but hauled her out in the high wind and snow, all but dragging her to the rental car.

My coat.

Ill get it later. He slammed the door and hoped the cheap piece of metal would start.

Nothing like a rental car to make one appreciate a good vehicle.

Back in the building, Aunt Tally squared off at the alumnae board. Is she dead?

Andrea replied honestly, We dont know, but shes missing, and its not like Mariah to miss a board meeting or your party.

Why would Mariah Well, let me put it this way: Who would wish her harm?

Flo, to her credit, said, Apart from me, I cant think of anyone.

Inez noticed the lines of students moving out and whispered to Harry, Will you fetch our coats?

Of course. Harry left with Little Mim, who wanted to pick up her mothers and her own.

Back at the group, Aunt Tally thanked the alumnae board for their efforts and made them feel better. I know you all didnt want to disturb me. Im sure Mariahs vanishing was a strain on everyone. Thank you for considering my feelings on my special day.

Flo nodded. Sooner or later well get to the bottom of this. You have a special present from the board. Its waiting for you at Rose Hill.

This certainly lifted Aunt Tallys spirits. I cant wait.

She bid everyone good-bye, then she, Big Mim, Little Mim, Inez, and Harry donned their coats. Jahnae walked them to the door. A driver with a school vehicle waited for them. He first ferried Aunt Tally to the passenger seat. Although they were only a short distance from the door, the winds almost blew the tiny old lady away.

O

nce back at Fairchild Alumni House, the humans were greeted by the animals. Everyone sat in the living room as the lights flickered.

If the power goes, no heat. No hot anything. The stove is electric, Big Mim announced.

This wont be the first time William Woods has lost power. Let me rummage around. I bet theres a propane heater somewhere. Harry got up, with Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter right behind her.

She checked the kitchen closets. Then she went into the basement. Sure enough, there was a propane heater, and it was full.

She brought it upstairs and placed it in the living room. Just in case.

Better look for candles or flashlights,

Mrs. Murphy suggested.

Although Harry didnt understand what her cat was saying, she began searching for those very items. If you live in the country, you tend to think ahead. She found candles on the shelves of the broom closet and one flashlight. She brought these back to the living room.

Detective work. Little Mim reached for a candle.

Inez and Tally had been discussing Mariahs no-show.

Aunt Tally turned a sharp eye on Inez. What do you think?

Something has happened to her.

Like foul play, Little Mim whispered.

Dont jump the gun. Aunt Tallys voice rose. She could have had

a heart attack or a stroke. For all we know, shes in the hospital. Or having an affair, slipping off before a big storm. That would give her an excuse. Power goes out. No cell phone service or landlines. Its a possibility.

Kenda Shindler called the hospitals. In Columbia. In Jefferson City. In Kansas City. In St. Louis, Inez said. No Mariah.

She could have had a stroke and lost some memory. Maybe she doesnt know who she is. Aunt Tally then smiled. Or she could know exactly who she ispeople in love are resourceful. Like I said, the storm is a great opportunity.

You know, were all probably overreacting, thanks in part to Liz Filmore. Silly and drunk. Inez folded her hands across her chest. Liz rubs some people the wrong way. I get along with her, but shes a social climberat least, thats how I read her. But that tawdry ambition makes her work hard to make money. Good for me.

Liz was loaded. Tim should have stuck a wine-soaked tennis ball in her mouth. Would have shut her up and pacified her at the same time. Aunt Tally laughed.

Low-pressure systems dont help, Little Mim said. Then she explained, People feel tired, some get edgy. Maybe its not so bad.

This is awful to say, but were family. Inez winked. The meeting really was easier without Mariah. Of course, if the situation had been reversedif Flo didnt show up and Mariah didit would have been just as easy.

As Inez spoke, the lights flickered again but remained on. Im sorry for the blizzard and Im sorry for the worry. Casts a shadow over your big day. She turned to Aunt Tally. I hope it was wonderful.

It really was. The biggest surprise was meeting Ralston Peaveys granddaughter. I still cant believe it.

Me, neither, Big Mim agreed, and this was echoed by her daughter.

Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter could feel the barometer drop more acutely than the humans could. Tucker wanted to go back to the manure pile, even if it was freezing over and covered with snow. On the other hand, she was happy to be inside. Really, she was getting as bad as Harry: She hated not knowing something.