Fear Familiar Bundle Read Online Free Page A

him. Physically he could have passed as a superspy or professional athlete. He was lean but powerful, with the deadly grace of a man who knew how to control his body. He oozed charm. But it was tempered with compassion, and a genuine tenderness that extended to every creature he touched. She'd watched him work on Familiar. It had been her experience that men who lived lives of danger seldom had time to concern themselves with the needs or feelings of other creatures. "You probably would have made an excellent 007," she said, "but I'm glad you decided to be a vet. And so is Familiar."
    "Meow!" Familiar remarked. He got up from his nap on top of the television set and went to the front door. He waited, tail twitching just at the tip.
    "Company's coming," Peter said.
    "I never have company," Eleanor pointed out. "Well, hardly ever."
    "Familiar hears them," Peter said. "Cats, in fact most animals, have hearing more sensitive than ours. Or at least they employ it better." He gave Eleanor a hand and drew her to her feet. "Want to make a bet?"
    The flash of pain that crossed Eleanor's eyes was almost undetectable, but Peter saw it.
    "Did I say something wrong?"
    "Not at all," she answered smoothly. "What are the stakes?"
    "Dinner tonight?"
    The tension changed, but never left her face. "Well, that seems pleasant enough. Okay, if someone comes to my door, I cook. If not, I take you out." She forestalled his complaint. "After all of this help I'd like to treat you to dinner."
    "Agreed," Peter said, taking her hand for a shake just as the knock vibrated against the wood.
    "I'm particularly fond of seafood," Peter whispered into her ear, letting her hand go so that she could answer the door.
    "You probably arranged this," she challenged. But when she opened the door, she knew immediately that the woman who stood there was not an acquaintance of Peter Curry.
    "I have a report on a cat in this apartment."
    Eleanor stared at the short, red-headed woman who was glaring angrily at her. There was no masking the hostility in the green eyes, or the contempt she obviously felt for Eleanor.
    "Excuse me," Eleanor said at last, "why are you here?"
    "Magdalena Caruso, SPCA-ARSA. I got a report that you've been supplying cats for animal research. I'm here to confiscate any cats you have in your possession. Come, Bowser!"
    An ancient white poodle emerged from the folds of the long black coat. "Aarrrf," he said, then ducked back again.
    "Bowser, how can we stage a raid if you act like such a ninny!" She stooped and took the dog into her arms. "Well, do you have cats or not?" she demanded.
    Eleanor cast a look behind her, but Familiar had vanished. Standing near the sofa, Peter waited with a blank expression.
    "You're with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?" Eleanor inquired.
    "In a manner of speaking," the short woman answered. She brushed past Eleanor, bumped the door wide open with her hip and sailed into the apartment. "Cat, Bowser!" she commanded, putting the dog onto the floor.
    "Hey!" Eleanor protested, but it was too late.
    Tottering and snarling, the little poodle shot across the living room, down the hall and into her bedroom. A din of barking followed, then a yowl of pain.
    "One way or the other, Bowser always gets his cat," the little woman said, hustling toward the bedroom.
    Eleanor and Peter were close on her heels. At the bedroom door, Peter finally snared the woman's arm. "Mrs. Caruso, you can't come barging into someone's apartment and set your dog loose."
    "You'd be surprised what I can do if it's necessary." Magdalena Caruso matched his look without flinching. The fire of a revolutionary burned in her eyes. "There's an animal here that's been reported as mistreated. I came to get it, and I mean to stay here until I do."
    "Mistreated!" Eleanor felt her temper begin to flare. She turned on the bedroom light. Familiar was sitting on the end of the bed, perfectly poised. Bowser was cowering on the floor, whining. As soon as