Cabin FURvor (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 16) Read Online Free

under her breath. “Maybe he’s afraid we’re mashers.” After a few moments, she said, “Oh, here he comes. What should we do, Vannie?”
    But before the two women could decide, the motorist rolled to a stop next to where they stood. “Hi there,” came a male voice, “do you need help?”
    Savannah tried to get a good look at the car’s occupant. “Hello,” she said. “I…I think we may have run over a fallen branch or log. We’re stuck.” She raised her flashlight in order to illuminate the driver. When she caught a glimpse of him, she relaxed a little. Oh, good. He looks normal. Let’s hope he knows something about cars. To him, she said, “I’m thinking about backing up, then we might be able to pull it out from under the car without doing any damage. But I’m not sure that’s a good move. Do you happen to know anything about the undercarriage of a car?”
    After quickly scanning the area and running his eyes over Savannah and Margaret, the stranger asked, “What are you doing up here all alone, anyway?”
    “We’re not alone,” Margaret said, emphatically.
    At that, he strained to see inside their car. After a few moments, he scowled. “What’s that?”
    When Margaret followed his gaze and saw Rags at the side window, she chuckled. “A cat. We brought him for protection.”
    The man hesitated before suggesting, “Well, let me take a look.” Turning on his hazard lights, he backed up the hill a short distance and parked his car so it faced Savannah’s. She watched him exit through the passenger door. He’s probably five or six years older than I am, she thought. “…around forty, I’d guess, and several inches shorter…maybe five six. She also noticed he was stocky and had a receding hairline. His attire seemed typical for the climate and the area; jeans, a wool-lined hooded sweatshirt, and cowboy boots.
    “I’m Ernie,” he said, pausing to let the women respond.
    “Uh…Savannah. This is my aunt Margaret.”
    “Maggie,” she said, nodding.
    He stared at them for a moment, before saying, “Well, let me take a look. Want to hold the light for me?” First, he kneeled in front of the car and peered underneath. He then moved to the side and reached under the car. “Yup, it’s a tree branch and it’s wedged in pretty tight.” He stood and dusted off his jeans. “It doesn’t look like there’s any damage, but, you’re right; you probably want to back off it to keep from causing any. Would you like me to do it for you?”
    Savannah thought for a moment, then said, “No, I can do it. But thank you for stopping and for the advice.”
    “Sure.”
    “What’s going on?” Colbi asked, lowering her window a few inches.
    “Well, hello,” Ernie said, walking toward her. He bent over, attempting to get a better look at the women in the backseat. “All ladies?” he asked. “What’re you doing out here, anyway?” When he saw the large grey-and-white cat stretch up to look out through the open window, he jumped back a little, adding, “…with a cat?” He took another step back. “…with two cats,” he muttered when he saw Dolly put her paws against the glass. “Are they mean? Most cats I’ve seen are mean.”
    “No, they’re friendly,” Savannah said as she started to slide into the front seat. She stopped, stepped back, and motioned to her aunt. “Better get in.”
    Hesitating, Margaret said, “I think I’ll take my chances out here.”
    “What?” Savannah asked. “Why?”
    “What if you skid out of control and roll down the mountain?” Just then Margaret stiffened. She rushed past Savannah and scrambled into the car, clumsily climbing over the console to the passenger seat. “Holy cow,” she said, ducking out of sight. “There’s something out there.”
    “What?” Savannah asked, jumping quickly into the driver’s seat and slamming the door.
    “I don’t know, but it’s big…I can tell you that!”
    “Did you see something?” Colbi asked, looking