Gone but Not Furgotten--A Cat Cafe Mystery by Cate Conte

Author:Cate Conte [Conte, Cate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Chapter 22

Thursday, 7 a.m.

When I woke the next morning, I was surprised to find it was nearly seven. That was late for me, but we’d gotten back late and had to get the two cats we’d trapped settled in Grandpa Leo’s basement room. They both immediately bolted for hiding places under the couch and a table. I was hoping they’d get used to us like the others had and come out eventually, but I had to give it time. The others had adjusted really well, mostly not running for cover when people came downstairs anymore. They were all very sweet, and I knew once they were medically cleared they’d be easy to adopt. I’d sat with the cats in the basement for a few more minutes, trying to empty my mind of thoughts and get in a short meditation.

It hadn’t worked. I’d been so revved up from everything that it wasn’t surprising, so I’d given up and gone to bed wondering if I’d be able to sleep at all. But the stress and adrenaline of the past few days, and the corresponding lack of sleep, had clearly exhausted me. I hadn’t even heard Lucas get up, but he and the dogs must’ve headed out to the salon because JJ and I were alone in bed. JJ was wrapped around my head like a furry hat. Some people complained that their cats woke them up early to eat in the mornings, but JJ was happy to snuggle and sleep until I got up. Which I thought was the sweetest thing ever.

Since I didn’t want to disturb him, I thought it would be a good time to sneak in a short meditation practice. I’d been highly unsuccessful to date at my ten minutes daily, although one could hardly blame me given the circumstances. Still, if I didn’t get better at this fast, the retreat would be unbearable. Especially with Val hovering around, probably laughing at my attempts to act like I belonged.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand without disturbing JJ. As I scrolled to the downloaded meditations, I saw a text from my mother.

Madalyn. Are you ever going to call me back???

I groaned. “Yes, Mom, I promise. Right after I meditate,” I said out loud, then turned on one of the meditations Cass had sent me. I settled in and closed my eyes. The man’s voice for this one was soothing and after a minute or two I felt my mind settle, focusing on the sounds of the morning outside my window. I let the mantra the voice repeated set the pace of my breathing, and felt it relax into a steady rhythm. I was starting to like it in my little cocoon.

Then JJ stretched, his paw coming to rest on my cheek. Then I felt him tense up. Then he vaulted off the bed, using my cheek as a springboard, sending what felt like the pricks of ten needles into my face.

Letting out a screech, I sat up, holding my palm to my cheek.

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