Rita Brown - Cat of the Century

Mariah stammered. Nothing coherent came out.

Flo leaned back in her chair with her hands folded.

Liz Filmore, ever eager to put the Richmond chapter in a good light, said, We do that.

How wonderful for you. Mariahs voice could cut ice.

Lets take a break. A fifteen-minute break. When we return, I expect

to see an attitude adjustment. Inez rapped the gavel on the table again, her disgust apparent.

She rose, steadying herself for a moment on the tables edge. Her knees throbbed. Bad weather was coming. She stepped into the hallway. Although the alumnae chair emeritus, Inez had to take over the actual chairs duties because Mariah and Flo had made it impossible for Liz. Too young, cowed by the rich St. Louis and Kansas City alumnae, Liz couldnt keep order. Neither Mariah nor Flo paid the least bit of attention to her, but they respected Inez, even feared her a little. She was the only person on the twelve-woman alumnae board who could keep order. As St. Louis and Kansas City were vitally important to the economic health of Missouri, so they were to William Woods. Having a representative from each city was important. Seattle, large as it was, had not fielded as many alumnae over the years as had the two great and completely different Missouri cities.

Small knots of women chatted in the halls, lobbying for pet projects or gossiping about Mariahs computer crash. Some found it suspicious. Others felt that those things just happened.

Flo fanned the suspicious people. Until we have an accurate accounting, I must assume all is not well with our funds.

Are you suggesting Mariah misused them? DeeDee Halstead, head of the L.A. chapter, leveled her gaze at Flo.

Flo hesitated just enough to intimate perhaps that was the case, but she said, Mariah has enough money; she doesnt have to steal ours.

Flo left this group, satisfied shed stirred the pot. She passed a few other members on her way to the ladies room. As she opened the door to enter, Mariah pushed it to exit. They knocked each other off balance. Regaining that balance, they stared at each other for a moment.

I should have known it was you. Mariah brushed back a straying lock of expensively colored hair.

All you had to do was get your fat butt out of the way, Flo sniffed.

Diva that you are, Flo, your buttwhich surely harbors more cellulite than you care to admitis no smaller than mine. But, you know, Ive always respected your success. Thats why I know youre trying to ruin me.

What? Flo was puzzled and irritated.

Whenever weve been forced to talk to each other about school projects, youve mentioned a company or two. I researched them and sometimes even invested in them. Much as I hate your guts, I know you are a financial wizard.

Whats your point?

You set me up for a fall. I made moneyuntil now.

Youre not my client. I have nothing to do with whatever it is youre talking about.

Mariah spat, Liz is your protegee. Im her client and Ive lost a lot. Youre behind it, and I know it!

I did no such thing. Youre out of your mind. Flo raised her voice.

Im going to take you down, and you wont get up again. Mariah shook her finger in Flos carefully made-up face.

Youll go down with me. Flo brushed by her furious enemy.

While Flo and Mariah displayed their mutual antipathy, Inez, alone, walked to a window that faced north. Tree branches denuded of leaves waved in the wind. A front was on the way. She hadnt watched the weather today, but her body proved more reliable than newscasters. Whatever was behind the front made her bones ache.

Kenda Shindler, a cheerful soulwhich was helpful in her role as assistant to the presidentwas walking down the hall and stopped to chat with Inez. Have you heard the weather report?

No, Inez replied.

Unfortunately, a big snowstorm is heading our way. The weatherman predicts it will last at least two days. She paused. Hows it going?

Id like to take Flo and Mariah and knock their heads together. Its only ten oclock. By lunch I may be ready to kill them.

Ah. Kenda knew well their conflicts.

Inez shrugged. Ever notice how some people are energized by an enemy? Kenda nodded, so Inez continued, Thats what weve got here. Tons of energy but to no good purpose.

Well, if anyone can straighten them out, its you.

Thank you. Inez had her doubts. Tally in yet?

Yes, thats why I came by the meeting. They arrived an hour ago. Big Mim, Little Mim, and Tally. Good thing they flew in a day early. Oh, yesHarry is here, too. With two cats and a dog. Kenda lowered her voice. Is the dog properly housebroken?

Tucker? Oh, my, yes. And knowing Harry, she probably brought kitty litter and a box. Shes good that way. Ill be glad to see all of them. It will be like old times, Tally and I rooming together.

I wish Id known William Woods when you were a student here. Kenda smiled.

Smaller then. William Woods fosters lifelong friendships. Thats certainly consistent. One becomes educated and grounded in our culture and uplifted by friendships.

Down the hallway, Mariah had raised her voice, and both women turned to look in her direction.

I dont think they got the message about friendship. Kenda half-giggled.

Oil and water, chalk and cheese.

Board meeting tomorrow? Kenda asked.

Yes. Everything is taking twice as long as it should. Inez grimaced. Yet another meeting.

Maybe Aunt Tally would like to sit in.

Inez laughed. Kenda, I love Tally like a sister, but she has no patience with people. Never has. Shed take her cane and lambaste both Mariah and Flo.

Kenda said conspiratorially, That might be just what they need.

Youve got a point there. Inez glanced at her watch, which sported a big round dial, making it easy to read, then called out, Ladies, lets get back to it.

Kenda whispered, Good luck.

The thing is, they both want whats best for William Woods. I try to bear that in mind. And you know, Kenda, you work with the tools youre given. Does no good to complain.

Right. Kenda admired Inezs outlook.

Two hours later, an exhausted Inez approached Fairchild Alumni House. She noticed the new Volvo station wagon parked by the curb.

Tally flung open the front door of the house as Inez neared. Shed been watching from the front window.

Chickpea! Tally threw open her arms, cane in one hand.

Blossom! Inez embraced her old friend. We are going to have the best time ever.

Always do. Step in. Nasty cold.

Yes, it is. Inez closed the front door behind her as Tucker raced to meet her, sliding halfway down the short hall.

Inez!

The corgi rejoiced at the older womans presence.

Tucker. Inez, with difficulty, knelt down to pet the dog.

We can all get down. The trick is getting up. Tally grinned.

Give me your cane and Ill make it look easy.

Tally handed over the cane with the silver hounds head for a grip. Need another one?

I do not. Inez put both hands on the hounds head, steadied on the cane, and then rose without a wobble.

Tally slipped her arm through Inezs. Were still upright.

Harry emerged from the kitchen. Inez. Im fixing tea. Like a cup?

Indeed. I took a chill walking back from the administration building.

Mrs. Murphy and Pewter shot out of the kitchen.

Inez!

Mrs. Murphy rubbed against Inezs leg.

Arent you the pretty kitty. Inez liked Mrs. Murphy. She then spoke to Pewter. Off your diet, I see.

Im not fat. I have large bones.

Oh la,

Mrs. Murphy sassed.

Pewter reached over to box her ears, but Mrs. Murphy easily eluded that paw.

Tally steered Inez toward the living room. No sooner had they settled down than Harry reappeared with a tray full of sandwiches. She placed it on the coffee table, then returned with the teapot and two cups. She called upstairs to Big Mim and her daughter, Little Mim, but they called back that they were unpacking.