A Tiger's Tale (A Call of the Wilde Mystery) Read Online Free

euthanized.”
    “Terrible.” I’d muttered the word to myself, but Ozeal nodded.
    “It was. But that young veterinarian was fresh out of school and full of energy and ideas. The more he talked about the need for a place these cats could go, the more I agreed.”
    “So you took the mother.”
    “Once the kittens were weaned. You can figure out the rest of the story.”
    I looked at her and knew I’d been right to judge a woman by her signage. “The world needs more people like you, Ozeal.”
    She shook her head. “The world needs fewer idiots who think lion cubs make good Christmas presents.”
    A flash of headlights cut through the kitchen window.
    A sudden thought occurred to me. “What happened to the young vet who talked you into all this?”
    Hugh tromped into the room as I finished the question.
    “Oh, he comes around from time to time to drip on my floor.” Ozeal’s tone was dry but her eyes shone with affection.
    Hugh’s raincoat was so slick from his dash to open the gate for Kai, he looked like a melting lemon gummy bear.
    “Sorry,” Hugh said, glancing at the puddle at his feet. “I’ll hang my jacket outside.”
    He turned to go but stopped as Kai entered the room. Kai was wearing his tuxedo shirt under a dark rain jacket. Hugh paused to give him the once-over, then held out his hand.
    “Hugh Murray. You must be the guy who got Grace in a dress.”
    “Kai Duncan. You must be the guy she had to come rescue.”
    The men shook hands but seemed to study each other a beat too long. I’d never been terribly astute when it came to men, but even I could tell there was some posturing going on.
    Ozeal said, “Hugh, you’re still dripping. Mr. Duncan, would you like some coffee?”
    The men moved apart. Hugh continued outside and Kai turned to smile at Ozeal. “Coffee would be great, thanks.”
    He fixed his attention on me and I tried to ignore my body’s instant reaction. Kai’s Polynesian and Scotch heritage had gifted him with features I found very appealing. Dark hair and complexion. Green, almond-shaped eyes. Lazy surfer-boy smile.
    Kai accepted a mug from Ozeal but waited for her to lower herself into a chair before taking a seat himself.
    His manner tended to be disarming, his gaze and tenacity intense. The combo had affected more than just my libido. Kai had been the first person in years I’d told about my psychic ability. The admission had not been easy, but he’d promised to keep my secret.
    I was banking on that promise now.
    “I know I probably shouldn’t have,” I said, “but I told Ozeal about the other missing persons cases.”
    Ozeal locked her steady gaze onto Kai. “Grace said the police are looking into disappearances of girls who look like Brooke.”
    Kai shot me a look.
    “Sorry.” I was apologizing for dragging him into a lie but Kai went with it.
    “It’s not really something I can discuss.” He quickly moved past the fabled disappearances and began asking questions about Brooke. He covered several questions I’d already asked, then moved on to the ones I hadn’t even considered. Which is probably one of the many differences between someone with a degree in criminology and, well, me.
    “Have you talked to her parents?” Kai asked.
    Before Ozeal could answer, Hugh reappeared in the doorway.
    “I’ve got to head out. One of our rhinos has gone into labor and I’m on the first watch.”
    “Before you go,” Kai said, shifting his attention to Hugh, “do you know Brooke?”
    “Not well. I’ve only met her a few times. She seems like a nice kid. I hope you find her.”
    “Hugh,” I said before he could turn away. “Good luck.”
    “Thanks. And thanks for coming to my rescue . . . especially in that dress.”
    Kai watched him go then glanced at me. I wasn’t sure how to categorize his expression, but it wasn’t happy.
    Now was not the time to explain Hugh’s teasing so I chose to bring the conversation back to the topic.
    “You said you talked to