Karen Anne Golden - The Cats That 05 - The Cats that Watched the Woods (3 page)

Margie slowly opened it. It was a rare treat when Cokey and she could find the time to go on vacation, but with the kids out of school, it would be the perfect time. “Bless your heart! Disney World. We’ll be stayin’ right there at the theme park. Oh, my goodness. Itineraries, boarding passes, and tickets to the parks,” she said excitedly. She jumped out of her seat and rushed over and hugged Katherine. “I love you, kiddo. Thanks so much.” Returning to her seat, she said to the felines, “Oh, I love you, too. Thank you, cats.”

Katherine said happily, “Both of you are quite welcome, so now let’s begin the meeting. Because I don’t know many people in the town, I’d like the two of you to be my Erie pulse. I want to know where my money will do the most good in helping people who find themselves in distress. Who gets it, and how? I’ve lived in Erie long enough to know that people don’t always take kindly to charity, so we have to discover ways of finding those who truly deserve help, and weed out potential moochers.”

The chief chuckled. “Moochers. I like that word.”

“Katz, I have a few ideas of my own,” Margie said. “There’s some really poor people who live in Erie. Most of them can’t afford to heat their homes in the winter, so they resort to burning logs in their fireplaces—that is, if they are lucky to have a fireplace—or use kerosene heaters. I don’t know if you are aware about the dangers of kerosene, but it’s one of the most explosive fuels on this planet.”

The chief interjected, “I think Margie is referring to the houses down by the tracks. The Smiths have six children, ranging in ages from two to twelve. I know about them because the kid’s father, Kyle, has been in and out of trouble with the law for years. Right now he’s under house arrest for being a habitual DUI driver. He stays at home with the kids while his wife, Debbie, works at the diner.”

Katherine said, “I don’t know a Debbie at the diner.”

“That’s because she works in the kitchen. She’s the cook’s helper—assistant, or whatever.”

“How can my fortune help—?”

Margie finished the sentence, “—without it seeming like charity.”

The chief said, “Debbie needs a car—one that will accommodate her family. Last winter, I’d see her walking to the diner in a foot of snow. That’s a good mile. I’d pick her up sometimes and take her to wherever she needed to go; so did my officers, but we can’t be there for her all the time.”

Katherine smiled. “Poor soul. She must be exhausted before she even makes it to the workplace. Chief, I like your idea. I’ll buy her a minivan and have it delivered. I want to do this as an anonymous donation.”

“Anonymous because of the moocher factor,” the Chief laughed.

“When you get a chance, I need a list of the needy from you two. Personally, I’ll have great fun with this, so I need a name a month.”

Margie offered, “Many of the needy are not computer savvy to apply for government help. My friend Susan’s mother has dementia, and needs to be placed in a nursing home. She doesn’t have any money, so Susan was at a loss about how to go about it. There are agency offices, but you have to have a lot of documentation to prove who you are. Much of this information is on the Internet. Susan doesn’t know how to use the computer.”

Katherine thought for a moment. “Because I’m still doing my computer training course, maybe I can come up with an idea of paid processors to help the elderly and their children find the help they need.”

Margie smiled. “I think that’s a fantastic idea.”

Katherine smiled. “And, my crowning achievement—drum roll, please—the animal rescue center should be finished in early October.”

“Bravo!” Margie complimented.

“I second that,” the chief said. “I have several questions. Is the center for just the critters in Erie, or for the entire county?”

“County,” Katherine explained. “I foresee working with neighboring counties, as well.”

“Is it just for cats and dogs?”

“No, I plan on other animals, as well—whatever creature is in need. It could be an elephant or a snow leopard.”

“Not likely in Erie,” Margie laughed.

“Actually, there will be areas for horses, cattle, sheep—I mean larger animals.”

“Erie’s Ark,” the chief tipped his head back and snorted.

Scout and Abra looked at him with great interest, then at the floor, where Iris was deftly pawing the chief’s back pocket, attempting to extract a protruding set of keys.

Katherine saw the gesture and looked under the table at the Siamese thief. “Iris,” she scolded.

The chief turned in his chair and observed the pickpocket. “I heard about you,” he said to Iris. He grabbed his keys while Iris scampered off. “You’re the one I need to make the handcuffs for,” he called after the mischievous cat.

Katherine corrected, “That was Abby. However, they are both thieves. Better check your pockets to make sure she didn’t steal anything else.”

The chief patted his back pockets, “Nope, everything is where it’s supposed to be,” then the chief coughed nervously. “Not to bring you down, Katz, but there’s been some gossip around town about the new rescue center. I call it mean-spirited diner talk. You might want to watch your back.”

“What do you mean?” Katherine asked, shocked.

“The folks down at the Erie animal shelter are spitting bullets, if you catch my drift. In particular, Melanie, who manages it, is afraid she’ll be out of a job.”

“Yes, I know,” Katherine said. “I ran into her on the street yesterday. She was very angry until I told her the entire staff would find jobs at the new center.”

Margie countered, “Are you sure, Katz, you want to hire these people?”

“Why?”

“Well, because they’re wonderful with animals, but terrible with people. Melanie is the biggest snot in Erie.”

“I fully understand where you’re coming from. When Iris went missing, I was at the shelter several times a day. I know from firsthand experience I was a pain in their side. But their hostility had nothing to do with me—at least I want to believe that—but because they are so overwhelmed. They have such limited staff to deal with the kind of problems they shouldn’t have to shoulder. It’s a zoo down there. Did you know the intake area for cats and dogs is in the
same
room? The poor cats were freaked out by the barking.”

“I hear ya,” the chief agreed. “Here’s my two cents worth. Send the Erie shelter staff to some kind of customer awareness training in the city.”

“You read my mind,” Katherine agreed.

The chief wasn’t quite finished. “What’s the town of Erie supposed to do with the old shelter?”

Margie said, cynically. “Burn the damn thing down to the ground.”

“Maybe the fire department could practice on the building?” Katherine suggested.

The chief chuckled. “We’ll let the Mayor figure it out.”

Katherine said, “Okay, I think that just about winds things up. Thank you for coming. I’ll email you when we’ll have the next meeting.”

“Thank ya, ma’am,” the chief said. “I’ll let myself out. I think you have something to ask Margie,” he winked and left.

“Well, Katz, I got something to tell ya, and it ain’t good. People down at the diner are not only badmouthing you, but also my nephew. They’re sayin’ that Jake’s just after your money. I know it’s ridiculous, but . . .”

Katherine gave a dejected look. “Between you and me, I think that’s why Jake’s pushing the prenup on me. I don’t want to sign it. That’s why we haven’t set the date. I love Jake so much. I don’t want a piece of paper to come between us.”

“I know, Katz, but I also know that Jake loves you. And he’ll do anything to keep idiot people in this town from saying bad things about you.”

“Maybe our next meeting should be at the diner to get the Erie pulse,” Katherine joked, trying to return the mood back to happy.

Margie didn’t laugh, but added seriously, “It’s probably none of my business, but why are you being so charitable in Erie? It’s not like folks have been very kind to you. Why not donate back east where you come from?”

“I’m in the process of setting that up. Since I’m from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, I want to sponsor an annual academic scholarship fund for the technical college there. The cost of putting a student through college or university is a lot more expensive than it is in this state. But, back to Erie, I want to give back to the town what my great uncle stole from them.”

“That bootlegging business was eons ago,” Margie said.

“I know, but not forgotten. Well, at least not by me.”

“Okay, kiddo. I’ve got to get goin’. Those old doors aren’t gonna stain themselves.”

Katherine walked Margie to the door with Iris following close behind. Margie left and Katherine picked up the Siamese, “Are you sad you didn’t find anything to steal from the chief?” she joked.

“Yowl,” Iris sassed.

“No, Miss Siam, I don’t think the chief’s gun would have been such a good idea.”

Chapter Three

Katherine sat on the front porch swing at the pink mansion. She was sipping a glass of chilled Moscato, waiting for Jake to pick her up. Jake’s parents, Johnny and Cora, had invited them to dinner. Jake was teaching a late-afternoon history class and was running late.

Her cell phone rang, so she stopped swinging to answer. She read the name on the screen. “Hello, Colleen. How’s the Big Apple without me?” Colleen and Daryl had driven to Manhattan so Colleen could show him the town.

Colleen answered with a question. “Katz, guess what Daryl and I are doing?”

“Taking a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty?” she quipped.

“We’re sitting in a booth at O’Flannery Pub, eating Irish soda bread and waiting for our fish and chips.”

“I’m so jealous,” Katherine answered. “Are you two having a good time?”

“Yes, but I think Daryl is suffering culture shock. He keeps looking up at the buildings in awe. I’m afraid he’ll wrench his neck.”

“How long are you two staying?”

“We’re driving back in a week. Daryl wants to stay overnight in Ohio somewhere to go to a car show. Supposedly, it’s the event of the season,” Colleen snickered.

“Is Daryl going to show his Impala?” Daryl drove a restored 1967 four-door black Impala.

“No, it’s also a swap meet. Daryl’s looking for some part for his car. Oh, before I forget, guess what Mum did?”

Katherine thought,
Hard telling
.

Colleen countered, “I heard that.”

Katherine and Colleen had been friends since elementary school and often picked up on each other’s thoughts.

“Katz, Mum is doing grand. The counseling really helped and she’s attending the local AA meetings.”

“Okay, sorry.”

“She flew to Ireland to visit Aunt Eileen. Jacky went with her. So, Daryl and I have the apartment to ourselves.”

“Great,” Katherine said noncommittally.

“Okay, what gives?” Colleen asked, suspecting Katz was hiding something from her.

“Is it that obvious?”

“Has it got something to do with the Cora-monster?”

“Sort of,” Katherine said, disappointed.

“What has she done now?”

“She wants to run the wedding show
.
I just want a quiet wedding at the mansion, but she wants something rivaling Disney World. I can see Mickey Mouse and an entourage of mice, descending the steps of the pink mansion, singing the Mouseketeers song.”

“With the cats in hot pursuit,” Colleen laughed. “I wouldn’t worry about it, Katz. You two haven’t set the date. So stall her. What else are you not telling me?”

“Jake has a seminar to attend in Savannah; he’s presenting a paper. I was supposed to go, but I’ve changed my mind. I haven’t told him yet.”

“For the love of Mary, you’d rather stay at home and miss out on a trip out of Erie with the man in your life?”

“I’m not staying at home. I rented a cabin out in the country.”

“Shut the door!” Colleen said incredulously. “A cabin? Seriously? Are you taking a bodyguard?”

“Miss Glock will do me just fine.”

“I hope the cabin has room for you and the cats.”

“I’m not taking them. It’s just me. My grief counselor agreed that it would be good for me to have some alone time.”

“I understand. Listen, Katz, our food just arrived and Daryl is giving me a ‘I’m starved’ look. Talk to you later.” Colleen hung up.

Jake pulled up in his Jeep Wrangler. Katherine bounded down the steps and climbed into the Jeep. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Jake said, “I love it when you do that. It makes me feel like a real chauffeur.”

She burst out laughing. “Like the one who used to drive my great aunt around. Too funny!”

“Yeah,” he said, then became serious. “Katz, beware. My mom is on high alert. Too much caffeine, too much chocolate, but she’s full of it.”

“I’ll consider myself warned.”

When Jake and Katherine parked in front of his parents’ American four-square, his father Johnny met them. He opened Katherine’s door and she got out. “Hello, Ms. Katz,” he said. “Follow me.” Jake joined the two of them on the sidewalk.

After they discussed the horrid heat, Johnny escorted the couple to an all-season sun porch. A table set for four was handsomely appointed with a crisp white tablecloth, and a table setting rivaling any home and garden magazine. It was apparent that Cora had put out her best china, crystal stemware, and silverware.

Cora came in holding a tray with iced tea glasses. “Katz, I didn’t know if you took sugar or not, so it’s plain. Sugar is on the table.”

“Thanks,” Katherine said sweetly.

“Please, everyone sit down. I have baked some amazing appetizers.”

Katherine sat down and Jake pushed her chair in. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Maybe we should have brought an Erie bib.” Katherine and appetizers didn’t see eye-to-eye.

Johnny sat down and grabbed four sugar packets. “I like mine sweet, like my wife, Cora,” he teased.

Cora flushed. “Oh, quit it, you.” Grabbing another tray, she placed a small quiche on each of their plates. “This will hold us over until dinner is ready. I made a pot roast with carrots, potatoes and sweet onions. Jake’s favorite.”

Jake smiled. “Thanks, Mom. You’ve really gone all out and everything looks great, but can you sit down for a while?”

Katherine unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. “I was just going to mention how lovely everything looks.”

Cora sat down and sipped her tea. She abruptly asked, “Have you two set the date? It’s important for me to know, because if you want me to book the armory for your reception I’ll have to do so right away. There’s a huge waiting list!”

“Hold on there, Mom,” Jake said. “This isn’t a race to the altar.” He gently squeezed Katherine’s hand.

Katherine was quiet. She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to say you’re the last person on earth I want to plan my wedding, but she didn’t. Her parents raised her to be polite.

Cora continued. “Please, everyone eat. We’ll have a salad after this.”

It was still light outside. Katherine gazed out the screen window and could see Tommy and Shelly Cokenberger playing badminton in their backyard, while Cokey and Margie weeded their vegetable garden. Margie must have sensed someone was watching her. She glanced over and saw Katherine in the window. She waved; Katherine waved back.

Cora observed. “I don’t know why Margie does that. It’s simply terrible on the hands. Johnny weeds my garden. Don’t you, dear?”

Johnny muttered something under his breath and it didn’t seem to be in agreement.

Cora, having a one-track mind, got up and grabbed a large book binder off one of the wicker chairs. “Katz, I’ll let you take this home and study it. Maybe we can do lunch and discuss it.” She was smiling a toothy grin.

Katherine’s eyes widened, then she said, “Yes, I would like to have lunch some day soon. Thank you for inviting me.”

After a delicious dinner, Jake made several excuses to leave, and the couple left. Once in the Jeep, Jake said, “Sweet Pea, I’m glad that’s over.”

Katherine placed the capacious binder behind her seat and laughed. “Oh, it’s not as bad as that. The food was delicious. I’m getting used to your mom. I’m relieved she’s finally warming up to me.”

“Just think of warm thoughts, when you’re spending a year researching the book,” Jake joked.

“Too bad there’s no CliffsNotes to save the day,” Katherine teased.

“I bet ten bucks we’re married before you finish it,” Jake proposed.

“Twenty bucks and we’re on.” Katherine extended her hand.

Jake shook it. “Deal.”

As Katherine hopped out of the Jeep, a loud clap of thunder startled her. Jake joined her, and took the binder from behind the seat. It started pouring down rain.

“Let’s get inside before the book melts,” Jake advised. “Then we’d be in a heap of trouble.”

Katherine softly hummed a few bars of the
Wizard of Oz’s
wicked witch theme song, then was glad Jake didn’t hear her and figure out that sometimes she thought of his mother as the wicked witch of the Midwest. Well, at least in the state of Indiana.

*              *              *

The overnight storm had blown through quickly, bringing cooler temperatures at last. Katherine grabbed a sweater and trudged through puddles to the library. She had several books to return; she’d gotten addicted to a cozy mystery series and wanted to see if there were anymore. She knew she could go online and buy them, but she liked to get out of the house and catch a breath of fresh air. Since the head librarian, Beatrice Baker, was under house arrest—serving out the rest of her sentence—the staff had changed considerably. The new head librarian was about as friendly as a badger and could out-scowl the best of them. Katherine tried to be friendly with her, but to no avail. The new assistant, who replaced Michelle Pike, was a young man just out of high school, who also completed one of Katherine’s advanced computer classes.

Michelle had turned in her resignation in May. She moved to the city to attend summer school at the university. Katherine was proud that Michelle was the first recipient of a scholarship award from the annual Kendall academic fund. It was the first thing on Katherine’s list of how to spend her fortune.

Walking back to the pink mansion, Katherine noticed her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Harper, sitting in her wheelchair on her front porch. A new caregiver sat next to her on a plastic lawn chair. Mrs. Harper was in her mid-eighties and lived in an Eastlake-style cottage, complete with ornate gingerbread trim on the gables. The house was built in the 1870s. Recently it was painted a pale blue with white trim. Katherine approved of the new color because it made a pleasant contrast against the pink mansion.

“Hello, Mrs. Harper,” Katherine greeted.

“Come up and join us,” Mrs. Harper said in a raspy voice. “Katz, the folks in town call me Mrs. Harper because I was a school teacher for many years. My friends call me Birdie. Not that I have many friends left,” she transgressed. “Most of them are at the Ethel Cemetery,” she laughed, then began coughing. The caregiver handed her a small bottle of water.

Katherine climbed the front steps and looked for a chair, but there wasn’t one. She sat on the top corner railing. She wondered about the new name development. She’d known Mrs. Harper, AKA Birdie, for more than a year, and the retired school teacher had never mentioned her given name. Katherine turned her attention to the new caregiver, who bore a striking resemblance to an Erie woman Katherine knew.

“Hello, I’m Elsa Adams.” The petite brunette with a bob haircut introduced. She appeared to be in her late twenties.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Elsa. I’m Katz. I live next door.”

“Got that part. I’ve seen you before. Last winter you were at the cake auction, and had that hysterically funny cat that wiped out the cake table.”

“My cat, Lilac, and I are banned from returning next year,” Katherine said, tongue-in-cheek, then asked, “Are you related to Barbie Sanders? Because you look just like her.”

“Why, yes,” Elsa laughed. “She’s my cousin. Her mom, Aunt June, is my mom’s sister. I get told that a lot.”

“Barbie was a student of mine.” Katherine didn’t go into detail about how she gave Barbie private computer lessons because Barbie was so obnoxious in the classroom.

Elsa put her hand up to stifle a laugh. “Knowing Barbie, I bet she was hard to teach.”

Katherine wrinkled her nose and then smiled in agreement.

Mrs. Harper said, “Elsa’s wonderful. I call her my care angel.”

“Ah, that’s sweet,” Katherine said.

Elsa continued, “I work the nine-to-five shift. I just started a few days ago.”

“Do you live in Erie?” Katherine asked, making small talk.

“I rent a room at the Erie Hotel. But originally, I’m from a small town called Peace Lake. It’s about twenty miles from here, at the southern tip of Erie County.”

“Really?” Katherine asked with interest. “I just rented a vacation cabin close to there.”

“Oh, it’s a very scenic place. Make sure you go into town, because it’s full of antique stores.”

“This is good to know.”

“Also, there’s several really good mom-and-pop restaurants. The food is delicious, but they only take cash. They don’t take credit cards.”

“Cool. Thanks for the advice.”

Birdie chimed in, “I’m also from Peace Lake. I moved to Erie in the 1980s. I inherited this house from my late husband’s parents. Have you ever heard the legend of Peace Lake?” Birdie asked.

“No, I don’t think I have.”

Elsa commented, “It’s something tragic that happened before I was born.”

Birdie continued. “There’s a ghost on the lake.”

“A ghost?” Katherine leaned in with interest. “Tell me more.”

“In 1968, there was a young man who showed so much promise. He was Peace Lake’s high school basketball star. He won a scholarship to go to the university, but was drafted into the army to serve in the Vietnam War.” Birdie’s voice broke.