Rita Brown - Cat of the Century

Well, maybe, Inez agreed halfheartedly.

Once down the driveway from Rose Hill, Harry headed east toward Crozet. She slowed down as she came to the spot. Here. He was facedown, across the middle of the road. Run over forward and backward.

You think once would have been enough.

Maybe its like pumping extra bullets into someone youve shot. Sometimes I think about that when I read the papers or see a TV report about a store owner or someone in their home. A robber comes in. The person has a gun. Shoots the intruder. Well and good. But then he or she empties more into the robber. When the whole sorry thing goes to court, the defendant goes to jail. It makes sense to me that when youre so angry, so scared, maybe you do keep firing. What do you think?

Same as you. I think any citizen has a right to defend himself,

even if he becomes brutal in so doing. Your property, your person, are sacred. But these days the sympathy seems to be toward the criminal, not the victim.

Insane, isnt it?

Yep. Inez looked at the road, as Harry made a U-turn since there was no traffic. Lonely place to die.

Yes. We come in alone and we go out alone.

That we do, but to die surrounded by those who love you surely is better than this.

That evening at around seven, Flo was working late in her office, papers covering her desk, a small notebook in front of her. She heard the front door open; she hadnt thought to lock it. She looked up with surprise.

What are you doing here? were her last words, pencil poised in hand.

The only evidence, which melted by the time she was found, was a large snowy rubber boot print.

F

lo had been shot once through the forehead at close range. Any hope of tire track molds perished with the dwindling but still persistent snow. She often worked late at the office, but when she didnt answer Dicks calls, he drove over, found his wife, and immediately called the police.

A small puddle of water in front of her desk was all that remained of the boot print. Flo was slumped forward. When the police moved her, they found her body covering a notepad on which she had scribbled NE. The pencil was still between her thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. No one had heard the shot because the other offices were empty.

The next morning, Thursday, April 2, Kenda Shindler called Inez at Tallys, for she knew she was staying there. Inez told Aunt Tally, and they were both aghast. It appears Mariah got her revenge. Who else would kill Flo? Aunt Tally said.

Later that day, Liz Filmore called Aunt Tally to see if she and Terri Kincaid could come by to visit her and Inez. Tally told her that Inez would be at Harrys, helping to repair old tack. Inez might be ninety-eight, but her fingers were nimble. Liz said her husband was in San Diego, she was bored, business was slow, and the dreadful news about Flo gave her an excuse to visit Terri.

Before Liz and Terri came, Harry ran the vacuum cleaner, then

warmed up shepherds pie that shed made the day before. When the two ladies arrived, the pleasing aroma pervaded the kitchen.

Terri, never one to eschew emotional display, hugged Inez. Inez, you must be so distressed. I know I am, and I didnt even know Flo as you did.

Its unfathomable, Inez replied.

Liz also hugged Inez. What can I do to help?

Think, came the wise reply.

Ladies, come sit. Its bitter cold. A little shepherds pie ought to help. Heres some water crackers to get started.

Harry propelled them to the kitchen table, filled their glasses, then sat down to join them.

Pewter eagerly circled the table. Tucker and Mrs. Murphy sat on the floor but were less obvious in their intentions.

Tucker said,

Fear.

Liz.

Mrs. Murphy sniffed.

Terri, too,

Pewter added.

Funny, Inez isnt afraid.

Tucker thought the lamb in the pie smelled fabulous.

Maybe because shes lived her life. The other two are young. Inez knows death cant be very far away,

Mrs. Murphy wisely noted.

Does anyone know how Dick is? It seemed to be a good marriage, Liz asked as she enjoyed the food.

Inez responded, Kenda said his brother and sister-in-law are with him. According to Kenda, Dick is alternating between rage and tears.

Poor man. Terris hand shook slightly as she raised the fork to her mouth.

Flo was very, very good to me. Liz misted up.

She was good to everyone but Mariah. Inez found the crackers unusual and delicious.

Any more tea? Waters boiling, Harry asked.

I can always drink a second cup. Terri watched as Harry rose to fill the large teapot with a horse painted on it.

Give it a minute or two. Harry put a small silver strainer on Terris saucer, for the tea inside the pot was loose.

Terri, always one for dramatization, squeaked, Im scared. I dont

mind admitting it. How do I know whats out there or whos out there?

Liz said drily, Terri, Im sure youre quite safe.

Terri glared at Liz for a second, then softened her gaze. Youre probably right, but until this is resolved and Mariah is apprehended, Im scared.

How do you know Mariah killed Flo? Inez didnt bother to ask why Terri came to that conclusion. It was obvious Liz had filled her in on the watch scam.

Who else? Terris eyes widened. If she were dead, youd think someone would have found the body. Her voice rose. I mean Flo threatened her. Mariah had to know an ugly arrest and court case would follow. She disappeared. Flo should never have opened her mouth. She should have gone directly to the police. For a smart woman, Flo was stupid.

Emotions cloud judgment, Harry simply said.

It does seem that Terri has hit on the most likely chain of events. Liz sighed, pushing back her saucer and cup.

Inez answered, Things are rarely what they seem, Liz.

Isnt that the truth? Harry nodded grimly.

I

hate it when mud gets between my toes.

Mrs. Murphy sidestepped a large slush puddle.

Better than ice. Cuts my pads to ribbons,

Tucker replied.

The tiger cat stopped and lifted her head. Overhead, the great horned owl flew back to the barn. She dipped her wing slightly in acknowledgment.

Must have been a good night. Shes happy,

the cat noted.

Between Flatface,

she named the owl,

Matilda,

the blacksnake,

Pewter, and myself, we keep the varmint population low.

What about the mice in the wall behind the tack trunk?

Tucker leapt over a log.

Doesnt count. We made a deal with them.

They reached the creek, which ran deep and strong between Harrys property and Blair Bainbridges. Blair, having married Little Mim, now rented his land to Deputy Cynthia Cooper.

Pewter, loathing the cold and hating wet paws even more, refused to accompany her friends. She was sound asleep on the sofa in front of the fireplace.

Know what? We arent getting over this.

Tucker, brave but not foolhardy, studied the rushing water.

We could try the beaver dam,

Mrs. Murphy, more nimble than the corgi, suggested.

Worth a look.

The mighty little dog trotted northward toward the large beaver complex.

When Harrys animals arrived, a slap of a tail on the churning water alerted the rest of the beavers, who dove under the water up into the huge lodge.