Patricia Fry - Klepto Cat 05 - The Colony Cat Caper Read Online Free Page A

everyone was seated in the car and Margaret had pulled out of the industrial area, Savannah turned toward her and said, “There’s gotta be some sort of protocol they want us to follow in situations like this. Yes, I’m surprised she didn’t mention the trespassing issue.”
    Colbi leaned toward the women in the front seat. “Damon has an appointment with the guy who owns the building this week. Maybe we could meet with him too, and get permission from him.”
    “Now there’s an idea,” Margaret said. “Where is Mr. Fischer now?”
    “I think Damon said he’s in a nursing home in Straley.”
    Margaret was quiet for a moment, then she said, “What if he denies us access? It could become a bit gnarly—I’d almost rather just sneak around and make sure the cats are cared for—take our chances, you know.”
    “On the other hand,” Savannah broke in, “maybe the owner would be glad we’re taking care of the cats. And if we sign something saying we won’t hold him liable if one of us gets hurt on his property…”
    “Good thinking, Vannie. Maybe we should bypass Jim and see if we can get permission from the owner.” Margaret made eye contact with Colbi in the rearview mirror. “When is Damon interviewing this guy Fischer? It’s Anson Fischer who still owns the building, right?”
    Colbi nodded. “I think that’s what Damon said. He’s going to see him today or tomorrow.”
    “Call him, Colbi, would you? See if you can get an address. We could drive over there and take care of this today.”
    “You’re not needed at your shelter today, Auntie?” Savannah asked.
    “Naw, the census is low and we have volunteers coming in to clean pens and socialize the newer cats. My hubby should be able to do without me for a while longer,” she said. She reached over and patted Savannah’s hand. “I’m enjoying this time with you lately, since you’ve been staying home from the clinic. It’s kind of like old times, isn’t it—you and me out and about, trying to save cats?”
    Savannah laughed. “Yeah, and getting ourselves in trouble. It’s déjà vu, for sure.”
    “My call went to voicemail,” Colbi reported. “I left a message.”
“I’m thirsty,” Savannah said. “How about we stop for an iced tea while waiting for Damon to call?”
    Margaret glanced quickly at Colbi. “There are water bottles in that little cooler next to you—wanna get one for Vannie? …and me too, if you don’t mind.” She quickly changed lanes and said with a sigh, “Well since we have time, let’s go ahead and talk to Jim. Might as well cover that base, too.”
    “Good plan, Auntie,” Savannah said. “Glad you’ve learned your lesson about trying to outwit the sheriffs.”
    Margaret looked briefly in Savannah’s direction. “What are you talking about? When did I ever do anything that wasn’t above board and lawful?”
    “Are you kidding me?” Savannah shrieked. “Trespassing, spying, running illegal surveillance operations, hiding evidence…”
    “Okay stop!” Margaret shouted. “False, false, false…” she said, accenting her words by poking her index finger in the air.
    Savannah stared over at her aunt and crossed her arms over the top of her baby bump. “Oh really?”
    Margaret cringed slightly. “Well, there were extenuating circumstances,” she said quietly, and then more loudly, “and we did save those cats, didn’t we?”
    “Touché,” Savannah said, laughing. “Indeed, we did.”
    “You two are a crack-up,” Colbi said. “And fun to hang out with.” She leaned toward Margaret from the backseat and said, “Maggie, did you really do all those things?”
    She flashed a smile back at Colbi. “Whatever it takes to save the cats, girl. Whatever it takes.”
    “Now you’ve got me worried,” Colbi remarked. She added with a smile, “And kind of excited.”
    “Ye ah, with Auntie along, this gig will not be boring.” Savannah laughed. She then said, “Uh-oh, do you think we could