Catwalk by Sheila Webster Boneham

newborn kittens—restores my hope for our species.
    â€œDefinitely the cutest little things, Hutchinson,” I agreed. I paused for a moment, then decided that I might as well reinforce Hutch inson’s position as an ally. “He wanted to kill them, you know.”
    Hutchinson’s hands stopped moving and a deep furrow formed between his eyes. “Who?”
    â€œRasmussen. He wanted to kill the kittens.”
    At first I thought Jay had gotten out of the van somehow, but then I realized that the growl was coming from Officer Hutchinson. It was hard to tell in the light coming from the porch and headlights, but his face seemed to have changed color, and his breath was coming out in audible puffs. Then there was a loud snap , and half of Hutchinson’s pen spun skyward, hit the hood of my van, and landed with a faint clatter.
    I put my hand on Hutchinson’s jacketed forearm and said, “It’s okay. They’re safe now.”
    He cleared his throat with what appeared to be some effort, then called Rasmussen a couple of spectacular names before he went on. “There’s more. He said he was reporting Jay to Animal Control as a vicious dog, and was considering a civil action.”
    â€œVicious dog?” The accusation was baseless, but I had been involved with dogs long enough to know that such an allegation can take on a life of its own. “Jay was nowhere near the guy.”
    â€œYeah, I know. But he said Jay growled at him.”
    My heart was picking up speed. “Yeah, he did, when Rasmussen pushed me.”
    Hutchinson’s face brightened. “He pushed you?”
    â€œA little. He started to, and that’s when Jay growled at him.”
    â€œDid he actually touch you?”
    â€œYes,” I said, and reflexively grabbed my own arm where Rasmussen had laid his hand.
    â€œOkay. That’s good, actually,” said Hutchinson. “I mean, … He didn’t hurt you, did he?” I shook my head. “Good. But the touching is a good reason for your dog to defend you. Legal weight and all.”
    â€œOkay,” I said.
    â€œLook, I’m going to have someone get a statement from you in the next couple of days, just in case he tries to do something rotten. I don’t know that any of this will go anywhere, but as I said, the man has some friends in high places. Better to be ready for him.”
    Something gurgled just beneath my sternum. “You mentioned complaints against me. Is there more, besides Jay?” I asked.
    â€œI’m not sure exactly. Trespassing. Breaking and entering. Like that.”
    â€œOh, come on!” Now you’ve done it , whispered my prissy little Janet angel, while her alter ego hooted how stupid is that? Just stupid enough to be a royal pain in the patoot, I thought. “The door was open.”
    â€œUnlocked. Right. It’s in my report, along with the open window.”
    â€œNo, I mean it was open. Unlatched. It opened when Jay pushed at the bottom.”
    Hutchinson pulled out his ever-present pocket notebook, wrote something down, and said, “I’ll amend my report. I didn’t know the door was open.”
    We stood in the quiet for a moment, and then Hutchinson picked up the fallen half of his pen and said, “Well, better go. I just wanted to let you know.”
    â€œThanks, Hutchinson. I appreciate it, and I hope you’re not in trouble.”
    â€œYeah. I mean no, I don’t think so.” He turned to go, then turned back. “Hey, Janet, don’t, you know, I mean, I don’t talk about the kitties, you know …”
    That broke right through all my little fears and I started to laugh. “Oh, big tough cops don’t go squishy with itty bitty kitties?” I play punched him. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
    The basic pet obedience class was just finishing up and the mem bers who come for more advanced training just