Hiding in Plain Sight Read Free Page A

I’d introduce the whole subject over dinner. You know, like I’d start by bringing up poor old Mr. Stanley and then finish up with his cat’s plight. I figured it might even prompt Mom to come right out and offer for us to cat-sit the little guy.
    So, it was unfortunate that Ernie was setting up a bit of a howl. I guess that was my own fault. The plan had been to leave him in the carrier, in my room, until after I’d had a chance to clear the whole thing with my folks.
    Well, it seems that Ernie wasn’t all that fond of being left by himself in the miniature prison — not ifthe unearthly sounds emanating from my bedroom were any indication.
    The first one wasn’t too loud, but once he got warmed up, look out. It was enough to make your hair stand on end.
    â€œUh, actually, I wanted to talk to you about that,” I stammered.
    Mom was giving me one of her penetrating looks, the kind that sees past anything other than the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. One of her eyebrows lifted. She stood there with her hands on her hips. The look on her face wasn’t exactly the kind that invites long, open conversations.
    â€œIt’s a cat,” I said. “I know I shouldn’t have brought it here without asking first, but I can explain.”
    â€œMmhmm. Well, I’m waiting.”
    I did my best to fill her in on what had happened in a way that would play on her sympathies. This was not easy with Ernie’s yowls and wails reverberating through the place, making it sound like a haunted house.
    â€œSo,” I wrapped up, “I just didn’t know what else to do. I couldn’t leave him there to
starve
to death, could I?”
    I turned imploring eyes to Dad, who’d remained silent through the whole story. He gave a bit of a shrug and looked at the floor.
    â€œI don’t suppose he’ll starve to death if you go over and feed him once a day,” Mom pointed out. “Andthat’s exactly what you’re going to do.”
    â€œBut…”
    â€œNo buts about it. We’re
not
having a cat here.”
    â€œDo I have to take him back today?” I asked. Tears were forming, but they were more from anger than anything else. “Couldn’t he just have one night here?”
    â€œMaking that racket?” Mom didn’t exactly look impressed at the idea.
    â€œHe’s only doing that because he’s in a carrier,” I said. “If I let him out…”
    â€œIf you let him out, he’ll shed all over the house. That’s the worst thing about cats. Hair everywhere. And they’re so sneaky.”
    I thought of Ernie’s cunning escapes when I was trying to get him into the carrier at Mr. Stanley’s apartment and couldn’t argue with her.
    â€œWell, go get the carrier,” Dad spoke at last, “and I’ll give you a drive.”
    I went to my room with a heavy heart. My head was racing, desperately trying to come up with a new, more convincing argument, but I couldn’t think of a thing. I trudged slowly back to the living room and sat the carrier on the floor.
    â€œAll black,” Dad observed. “Cute little fellow anyway.”
    Mom sniffed the air and very pointedly did
not
look in Ernie’s direction.
    I sniffed too, wondering if Mom’s heart would soften if I burst out crying. She’s not that easily fooled, though, and chances were good that would only backfire.
    â€œNow, Shelby,” Dad said. “Don’t feel bad. You’ll get to see the cat, uh, what’s its name?”
    â€œErnie.”
    â€œErnie, huh? Interesting name. Anyway, you’ll get to see Ernie every day when you go to feed him. You can always spend a bit of time with him then.”
    â€œBut he’ll be all alone the rest of the time,” I lamented.
    â€œAh, cats don’t mind that. They sleep most of the time anyway. No, he’ll be the very best. Well, as long as