Cats in Cahoots (A Klepto Cat Mystery Book 18) Read Free Page B

kitchen and returned with two jars in her hands. Smiling, she said, “Homemade jam.”
    He grinned. “There’s nothing wrong with bribery.”
    ****
    “So how did it go?” Michael asked when he saw Savannah step in through the front door forty minutes later.
    “Nice,” she said, removing her visor and windbreaker. “The family name is Crane. Tiffany’s real sweet—a bit overwhelmed, but sweet. She didn’t know the kids were coming over here or even that we had a horse. She agreed with me that the corral should be off limits. She said a couple of the kids are real horse enthusiasts. The little girl I saw over here the other day, Kira, she’s one of them. So I told Tiffany she could bring the kids over someday and introduce them to the horse and I’ll give a lesson on safety.”
    “Good idea, hon,” Michael said. “Did you meet the kids’ dad?”
    “No. I saw a man walk through the room and another one peer out once from the kitchen. But there were no introductions. In fact, Tiffany got kind of quiet when the men were around. She did point out which one was the dad—he’s covered in tattoos. Looks like a biker dude/tattoo artist rather than a minister.”
    “He’s a minister?”
    “Yeah, that’s what Tiffany said—he’s a minister on the Internet. They actually belong to our church.” She winced. “…the church we haven’t attended in ages. But he has an online congregation he preaches to and those people help support the family through contributions. She said he has other online businesses, as well.” She plopped down on the ottoman across from where Michael sat. “I can’t imagine anyone working in that hectic household. Tiffany said his office is in the garage.”
    Michael frowned. “Interesting. I’ve never met an Internet preacher. Why does he attend church, I wonder…to get ideas for his sermons?”
    She shrugged. “Maybe. It’s an odd concept for me, but I can see there would be a need for TV and Internet church for shut-ins. I just hope…”
    “You hope what?”
    “That he’s more legit than he appears.” She looked across at Michael. “Do you know what I heard him tell one of the children?”
    “What?”
    “The little girl, Kira, came into the room and asked her mother if she could have a Popsicle. Before Tiffany could respond, this booming voice came from behind her, shouting, ‘What have I told you about begging for food?’ The poor little girl cowered against her mother and Tiffany said, ‘But, Ray, she asked for it like you want her to.’ He said, ‘Sounded like begging to me.’”
    Michael frowned. “That’s rather harsh.” Then he asked, “Who was the other man?”
    “The kids’ uncle, according to Tiffany.” She smiled and added, “As I was leaving, Kira stopped me. I’d asked Tiffany if it would be okay if I cut through her property, since it backs up to ours. She said that would be okay, and as I was walking away from their house, Kira came up to me and said in her sweet voice, ‘You have a cat.’ I told her, ‘Yes, I have three cats.’ I asked her if she likes cats and she got the biggest smile on her face. She’s really cute—has dimples, you know.”
    “So does she want to come over and see the cats? Did you invite her over?”
    “Well, sort of. She evidently saw me with Rags on his leash one day and she asked if she could hold his leash sometime. I’ll check with her mom and we’ll set something up.”
    He smiled. “Sounds like fun. So do you think your visit was successful, Ambassador Savannah?”
    “I hope so. In the meantime, I’ll keep a closer eye on Peaches and, for that matter, Lexie when she’s out in the dog pen.”
    ****
    Early the following morning, Savannah watched her husband pack some of his clothes in an overnight bag. “I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were taking this trip.”
    Looking sheepish, Michael said, “I told you Saturday.”
    She nodded. “Yeah, when I brought it up after my sister told