Chapter 14
Not Just a Cat
Samuel Foster
The house seems different when I return from the hospital. Not quite so...empty, somehow. It’s probably my imagination, but having the sitter around has really set my mind at ease. I drop my bag and head through to the kitchen, looking for Munchkin. It’s early evening and he’d normally be waiting for dinner by now.
“Hey, Munchkin,” I call out. “Is somebody ready to eat?”
He’s not there, but there’s a brush on the kitchen table and a note underneath it. It’s written in a flowing, feminine hand and I smile when I read it.
Hi there. Munchkin finished all his breakfast today and took his pills like an angel. I found this cool kitty brush this weekend and spent some time grooming him this morning. It really seemed to relax him. Hope you had a good trip. A.
‘What a honey,’I think, smiling again. As I put the brush down, Munchkin hops onto the table with a happy little meow. He’s looking particularly pleased with himself and I run a hand over his silky fur.
“Well hello, you,” I say. “Did you have a spa day with Aunty Arielle?” He taps the brush delicately with a paw and I get the hint. The soft bristles run through his fur and his purr amps up to supersonic level. I chuckle. “Looks like a certain little man is getting spoiled.” I don’t care. I’m glad he’s getting special attention.
I reach for my phone and send off a message.
Home safe. Thanks for the kitty brush – Munchkin loves it.
Her response is almost immediate.
It’s a pleasure, Sam. I’m glad he likes it. Happy you had a safe journey.
We’re on a first-name basis now, which is unusual for me. But she seems like a sweet old girl and I’m pleased she’s connecting with my boy. Maybe she’s lonely too. It can’t be easy losing a spouse. I know how I felt when Atticus went. My heart starts to clench, but then the phone rings again and I frown when I see that it’s Cory.
“Can we meet?” he says as I take the call.
“What? Now?” I ask.
“Yep. We need to go over some of the details of the next gig.”
I roll my eyes. “For fuck’s sakes, I just got back, Cory.”
“We can make it quick. There’s a bar down the road from you. I can meet you there in ten.”
I glance at my watch and sigh. “Fine. But you’re not getting more than half an hour. I need some sleep.” I hang up and ruffle Munchkin’s fur. “Sorry, buddy, I have to leave you again.” I dish out an extra helping of salmon to assuage my guilt then reach for my keys.
By the time I get to the place, Cory has ordered us a drink. He’s having a martini, and my beer is perspiring on the bar top. I’ve never been here before, but it’s not bad. The decor is chic and airy, and there’s a young exec crowd starting to filter in from work. I slide onto the barstool beside him and reach for the beer.
“Right, let’s get this over with,” I say bluntly. I’m tired and my patience is running thin.
“I’ve booked us a trip to Eastern Europe for a week,” he says with equal bluntness. My mouth drops open.
“You’re shitting me,” I say sharply.
“Nope. The Eastern Bloc is big right now, and they’re begging for you. I’ve been fighting off calls for weeks.”
“I won’t do it,” I say, taking a sip of my beer. The venue is filling up and there’s a buzz of conversation around us.
“You don’t have a choice. I’ve taken the deposits and you’re booked.” Cory raises the rim of his martini glass to his mouth. I want to shove the thing into his face.
“Not interested, Cory. I’ve been doing back-to-back gigs for months now. I have a two-week break between contracts coming up and I’m taking a rest. I need to spend time with Munchkin anyhow.”
“For fuck’s sakes, Samuel, it’s a goddamncat!” Cory barks out, setting his glass down so hard it slops onto the counter. The bartender wipes it up without breaking stride.
“He’s not just a cat, you asshole! He’s myfamily.” I bite out. Cory winds his neck in.
