Cat's Meow by Dane McCaslin

Author:Dane McCaslin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Published: 2020-12-23T14:56:39+00:00

Chapter 11

We promised Emily we wouldn’t do anything to endanger her sister, and she assured me she’d do her best to convince Addie to speak with me.

“If she agrees, Miss Franklin, it’d probably be better to meet here. Can I have your cell number? That way I can get hold of you when she shows up.”

“Of course.” I held up my phone so she could copy the number into her contacts list. “And you’ve got my permission to share it with your sister as well.”

With final goodbyes exchanged, we began the walk back toward Nora’s place. Louisa decided to join our little party, declaring she’d leave her car right where it was. I didn’t blame her. Street parking in Portland could be sketchy at best, and the closer one got to the river, the more difficult it was to find a parking space.

She and Nora kept up a steady stream of gossip as we made our way back to the apartment building. Roger and Brent stayed busy with Herc and company, trading the occasional comment about the four dogs. I was quiet, however, my mind whirling with ideas. If Addie had pertinent information that could exonerate Shelby once and for all, I’d be more than happy to carry said info to the Portland Police Department and personally deliver it.

“Hey, Sis,” called Nora. “Cat got your tongue?”

“I’d say it has Addie’s.” I stepped to the side, letting the canine parade pass me by. I exchanged a smile with Roger and ignored Brent’s grin as he watched us. “Something’s keeping her from talking about what she knows, and I want to find out what it is.”

Although the clouds had moved in, it was still a pleasant day, according to Portland standards. If nothing was coming from the sky, most people found their way outdoors. Louisa, Nora, and I walked slowly, maneuvering carefully around tree roots that had pushed up the sidewalk in places, creating abstract formations in the concrete.

Louisa gave me a sidelong glance as she stepped over a concrete hump. “I’m fairly certain I can find out what’s been going on without bringing in the mayor.”

Nora smiled at Louisa’s words but thankfully made no comment. I wasn’t sure if I could take another giggle-fest about voting.

“Do you think your brother-in-law might have information?” I moved to the side as I spoke, allowing a young mother pushing a double stroller to pass.

I wiggled my fingers at two solemn-faced toddlers, alike enough to be twins, and smiled at their mom before moving back beside Nora.

“Are you two even talking?” Nora blurted out the words, and I saw Louisa wince at the blunt inquiry. Nora tended to use the “ready, aim, fire” conversational method, usually taking others aback before they realized this was simply her style.

Louisa shrugged, her lips pursed. “Possibly. Actually, probably, but only if I give in to his latest request.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Seems like dear brother-in-law wants me to underwrite his campaign for reelection to the school board.

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