Booby Trap by Sue Ann Jaffarian Page B

the spot where a laptop had resided. I made a mental note to ask Lisa about it. A few more steps just inside the door was a litter box and plastic dishes containing food and water.
    The cat mewed again. It appeared to be several months old, somewhere between a kitten and full-grown cat, and half-wild though cared for. Around its neck, it wore a black rolled-leather collar. Again it started for me, then backed away. I took a couple of steps forward and spoke kitty comfort words to it. It was enough for it to stay still until I reached in and scooped it up. As soon as it was in my arms, it snuggled against me and began to purr, starved for attention.
    “That’s Muffin.”
    The voice startled me slightly. I hadn’t heard Lisa come up behind me. I turned with the kitten still in my arms. “I didn’t mean to intrude, but I heard it crying at the door.”
    “Muffin is … was … Laurie’s cat. Kirk gave it to her last month.”
    “Why is the cat shut up? Are you allergic to it?”
    Lisa shook her head. She looked at the cat briefly before looking away. “I … I’m sorry, I just can’t bear to look at the thing. It … it …” Her words drifted off as she turned and left Laurie’s room.
    Putting the cat down, I shut the door and followed Lisa back to the living room. She was slumped on the sofa, taking small sips from her lemonade. I took a seat beside her. She looked at me and for the first time seemed to be thinking beyond herself.
    “Why did your husband call and ask if you could stop by?”
    “I’m here because a friend has an interest in the Blond Bomber, and I wanted to ask you some questions.” I took a deep breath. “I’m very sorry if it appears insensitive or intrusive.” Intrusive was becoming my middle name.
    Silence filled the room while I took a sip from my own glass. I expected Lisa to inquire more about my friend’s interest in the Blond Bomber, but she didn’t.
    “Why did you consent to see me , Lisa? Greg said you knew who I was—and about Reality Check.”
    She nodded. “Yes, I’ve thought several times about going to one of the meetings, especially since they are right here in Newport Beach. Unlike my sister, I have trouble getting out and meeting people, and I thought it might be fun and helpful. Once, I even went to the morning walk around the Back Bay.”
    I gave her a smile of encouragement.
    She looked down at her glass. “But I didn’t join the others. I just walked behind them. But they looked like they were having fun.”
    “It’s a nice group, Lisa. You should go, especially now when you need some support.”
    “That’s why I said yes when your husband called. I thought you might be good to talk to about this … this horrible thing.” Once again, she started shaking, and once again, I put my arms around her. We sat quietly for several minutes with her cradled against me like a child. Lisa was as lost and frightened as the kitten in the next room.
    When Lisa straightened up again, I got up and grabbed a tissue box sitting on the counter between the living room and kitchen area and brought it to her. She mopped her face and blew her nose.
    “How is Kirk taking this? He must be devastated.”
    She was more composed, but her eyes were red and her creamy complexion blotchy. “He’s been inconsolable, of course—both he and his family. I haven’t even seen them since the funeral, but his mother calls me every few days to see how I’m doing.” Muffin scratched at the door again, and Lisa turned her head towards the noise. “I don’t think they want to see me any more than I want to see that poor cat. It’s just too painful.”
    “That will change, too, in time.”
    “I’m not so sure about that.” She continued to stare at the door to Laurie’s room. “Maybe if I didn’t look so much like my sister.” She gave a half shrug. “I know Kirk can’t look at me without seeing her, and I doubt he ever will.”
    I thought about the things I wanted and needed to