A Tale of Two Tabbies Read Online Free Page A

Clifford Dayton. Clifford was the paid janitor at St. Patrick’s. While the women’s group sees to things such as cleaning the linens, light dusting, flower arrangements, and puttering around in the garden, Cliff takes care of all the heavy cleaning and maintenance. Finn had tried to reach Cliff the previous evening, but he was out and, as far as I knew, hadn’t returned his call yet.
    Max and I ran along the beach for several miles and then I cut up to the road and turned onto the main highway so I could circle through the business section of Pelican Bay. As I neared the harbor, I turned down the first row of residences, which paralleled the oceanfront road where most of Pelican Bay’s businesses could be found.
    I decided to pop in on Tansy to ask her about Sydney. In the past Tansy had sent me magical cats to help me with the murder investigations I seemed to be continually getting involved in. Neither Tansy nor her best friend, Bella, would admit or deny being witches, but both women knew things that couldn’t be empirically explained. While both Bella and Tansy seemed to be more in tune with the natural rhythms of the universe than most, it’s Tansy who demonstrates a level of intuition that’s downright disturbing. If Sydney was sent to me by Tansy, he would be the seventh cat she’d put me in contact with. Five of the previous six had helped me solve murders, and one had come to reunite a father with his son.
    “Good morning, Bella,” I greeted after the tall woman opened her front door in response to my knock.
    “Caitlin, how are you, dear? I was just getting ready to head down to the shop, but do come in.”
    Bella and Tansy own Herbalities, an interesting shop that sells herbal remedies and offers fortune-telling services.
    “I’m pretty sandy, but I’d like to speak to Tansy for a minute if she’s around.”
    Bella bent down and petted Max behind the ears. “She’s here. Come on inside and have a cup of tea. A little sand and seawater never hurt anyone. I have a few minutes before I need to leave, so I’ll join you for a cup as well.”
    I followed Bella into the cheerful house with the sunny kitchen. I took a seat at the table while Bella ran upstairs to get Tansy.
    At first glance the kitchen was much like any other. There were cast-iron pots hanging from a rack, a bouquet of fresh flowers graced the table, a basket of fresh fruit sat on the tile counter, bunches of dried herbs hung from the ceiling, and healthy green potted plants had been set on several surfaces. Upon closer examination, however, visitors soon realized the plants growing in the enclosed sunporch to the rear of the house were actually herbs, and the knickknacks found around the room were talismans strategically placed for specific purposes.
    “Cait.” Tansy hugged me when she glided into the kitchen in bare feet. “I had a feeling you’d be by, so I made you some of your favorite muffins.”
    “Thank you; they look delicious.” I smiled at the petite, fair-skinned woman with jet-black hair hanging to her waist.
    “I guess you’re here about Sydney.”
    I should have known Tansy would get right to the matter at hand. “I assume you sent him to me?”
    Tansy frowned. “Actually, no. The fact that you ran into Sydney in the confessional was strictly chance. I’m certain, however, that he can help you, although my instincts tell me this particular situation has many layers and might benefit from the help of another.”
    I sat back in my chair. “Another?”
    Tansy sat down at the table across from me while Bella made the tea. She stared into space, as if trying to get her bearings. I have to admit that the serious look on the face of the normally light and airy witch was making me a little nervous.
    “You will be joined by another. A cat named Lucie. She will come to you before the sun sets. I feel conflicting energies. The cats will not like each other initially, but it is important that they work together. You need to