Patricia Fry - Klepto Cat 04 - Undercover Cat by Patricia Fry Page A

watching her step out of her bed, stretch, and shake. He opened the side kitchen door and the two of them walked out.
    Several minutes later, Michael pushed the door open and he and the dog came back inside. The three women were clearing the table and rinsing the dishes. “Savannah,” he said, concern in his eyes, “do you know what happened to that bag of grain we had in the tack room?”
    Savannah cocked her head and thought. “No. It isn’t out there? It was there when Bonnie came and took Peaches. I would have given it to her, but she said she feeds the same brand and would supply it as part of our boarding agreement.” She thought for a moment and finally said, “No, Michael. There should be over half a bag left. And a bag of alfalfa pellets, too.”
    “Gone,” Michael said.
    “And my saddle?” she asked apprehensively.
    “Oh the tack’s there. But I wanted to take the leftover feed to the shelter for that new pony they rescued. They can use it, and I don’t want to leave the bags here and encourage mildew and rats over the winter.”
    “Good idea.”
    “But it’s gone.”
    “Maybe Dottie comes in and eats it.”
    “No, Dottie couldn’t carry the bag away—both bags are gone.”
    “Who’s Dottie?” Gladys asked.
    “Neighborhood bunny—one of Lexie’s friends,” Michael said absently. He raked his hand through his hair. “I don’t like this. I’m going to get a padlock today and lock that sucker up.”
    “Good idea,” Savannah said. She looked up at the clock. “Oh, nearly nine…” She addressed their guests, “You two better get ready for church.”
    ***
    After the service, Gladys and Savannah walked arm-in-arm toward the car. Brianna and Michael were bantering with one another a few yards ahead of them. Gladys said, “This is such a nice small church—has a comfortable feel.” She looked up at her daughter. “Bob has a church. I go with him occasionally. Really should get back into the habit of attending regularly.”
    Savannah smiled. “We enjoy the spiritual dose once a week. And Adam seems to like attending the children’s program on the weekends he’s here visiting his dad.”
    “Seems as though everyone in town knows the Iveys,” Gladys remarked.
    “Well, when you’re in business in a small town, you do know practically everyone. And Michael just joined the chamber of commerce, so he’s getting to know some of the business leaders in the area.”
    “You guys hungry?” Max asked as he and Margaret caught up with Gladys and Savannah.
    “I could eat a…well, not a horse…” Savannah laughed. “…but a cow, maybe.”
    “ Gotta feed our baby,” Margaret said, patting Savannah’s belly.
    “Meet you guys at the diner,” Michael called out to Margaret and Max as they veered off and walked toward their own car.
    ***
    Once everyone was seated at a table for six at the diner, Savannah asked her sister, “Where’s Bud today?”
    “You guys are making him work,” she said, feigning a pout.
    “That’s not right,” Michael said. “He’s a veterinarian now, not a tech. He doesn’t have to do rounds on weekends, unless there’s a problem.”
    Brianna was silent—looked down at her hands in her lap.
    “What’s wrong, Sis?” Savannah asked, concern in her tone.
    “Nothing,” she responded curtly. “Nothing’s wrong,” she insisted.
    “Hi everyone,” Iris greeted. “Good to see you Mrs. Jordan, Brianna. What can I get you all to drink this morning?”
    “Hi Iris; it’s Gladys,” she said reaching her hand out.
    Iris took her hand and smiled warmly. “Gladys,” she said.
    After Iris took the orders and turned to walk away, Michael asked quietly, “Iris, any word about Colbi?”
    Iris lowered her eyes and slowly shook her head. “Nothing. Damon is…well, he’s devastated. So worried, he can’t sleep. We just can’t imagine what has happened to her.” She moved in closer and said in a hushed tone, “Damon seems to think she was working on a