The Cat, the Mill and the Murder: A Cats in Trouble Mystery by Sweeney Leann

Author:Sweeney, Leann [Sweeney, Leann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781101609682
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-05-07T04:00:00+00:00

Twenty-one

Candace’s blue eyes had been bright with excitement when she left my house. We’d decided to meet at the Main Street Diner for supper at about five o’clock. She had paperwork to finish because of last night’s murder, plus more folks to interview in Penelope’s neighborhood—though she said Morris had been busy as a beaver canvassing the area. He’d been unusually quiet, she’d said, but busy.

Needing distraction from the terrible events of the last few days, I decided Jeannie needed a quilt to welcome her back to the pastorium. Made with love and with focus, quilts healed those in need. I decided to pour myself into this project. The quilting would have to be all machine done, however, since she was being released from the hospital so quickly. I do prefer hand quilting, but I was certain Jeannie wouldn’t mind.

Three cats followed me to my quilt room and soon, as I was choosing fabrics from my stash, I learned Boots was indeed here, too. She sat and watched as I picked out pastels—soft roses and pinks, pale greens and a tender brown. A log cabin seemed perfect since I could cut and piece that pattern in my sleep. I only stopped working for a quick lunch and soon all the blocks were ready to be sewn together. My three cats—or four if you counted the one who did not belong to me—slept through the afternoon, content that I was where they knew I belonged. Tomorrow I would hunt through my collection of larger yardage fabrics for a floral backing. I was sure I could have the quilt done by the time Jeannie was released.

I’d just finished sewing the twin-size quilt top together when I realized it was time to meet Candace at the restaurant. I quickly washed up and changed and was halfway to the Main Street Diner when Tom called.

“Sorry I didn’t phone you earlier. Been tied up all day with new security system orders. A murder does make people scared for their lives,” he said.

“What are you doing for supper?” I asked.

“I was about to ask you the same question,” he replied.

I told him I was meeting Candace and he said he’d see us there in a few minutes.

The Main Street Diner is a 1950s-style place with wooden booths, a long chrome counter and red leather stools. Candace had already arrived and I was surprised to see that Morris was with her, sitting across from her in the last booth on the right.

The smell of grilled burgers, onions and French fries awakened my stomach. It seemed like ages since I’d gulped down cottage cheese and pineapple for lunch. I slid into the booth next to Morris, remembering the look on his face the last time I’d seen him. He’d needed a friend then, and it looked as if he and Candace might have mended fences. He actually offered me one of his begrudging and rare smiles.

“I invited Tom. He should be here—” I turned and saw he’d just come in the door.

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