Cat-Eye Witness (A Klepto Cat Mystery) Read Online Free PDF Page B

sure.”
    “Ever positive, these two,” Margaret said with a sideways grin.
    “Aren’t they?” Savannah agreed. She put her arm through Michael’s and gazed over at him adoringly.
    Max took Margaret by the shoulders, turned her around and began moving her toward the front door. “Night folks.”
    “Night!” Margaret called over her shoulder. “Me thinks my man is ready for bed!”
    “Oh, wait,” Michael said after pulling his vibrating cell phone out of his jeans pocket. “It’s Bud.”
    Everyone froze in place as Michael put the phone up to one ear. He listened for a few seconds before saying, “Thanks, Bud. I’ll be right there.” He dropped the phone back into his pocket and looked up to see all three faces fixed on him. He announced with some apprehension, “The mare’s in labor.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “It’s gonna be a long night.” Looking over at Savannah now, he asked, “Are you up to it, hon?”
    “Wow!” Savannah shook her head in disbelief. “I guess so.”
    Max headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make a thermos of coffee, You two are going to need it.”
    Margaret followed him. “Let’s pack some of those cookie bars. You kids go get your warm clothes on,” she said, having seemed to acquire a new spurt of energy.
    ***
    It took Michael and Savannah a scant eight minutes to drive to the animal shelter. After Michael changed into the work boots he carried in his vet truck and donned his jumpsuit, the couple walked toward the stalls behind the main building. Michael was first to spot their assistant. “How’s she doing, Bud?”
    The youthful vet tech pulled the stethoscope earpieces out of his ears. “Seems to be okay. Just uncomfortable. The foal’s heartbeat is good. Here, see what you think,” he said as he opened the gate for Michael.
    “How long has she been in labor?” he asked, resting a hand on the mare’s wide side. He couldn’t help but notice the ripple of ribs still showing through her reddish-brown coat above the baby bulge.
    Bud leaned against the stall gate. He peeled off a rubber glove, and ran his hand through his wavy dark-blond hair. “I last checked her around five this afternoon and she seemed fine. When I came back at eight forty-five, I noticed some bleeding and she appeared to be a little stressed—heartbeat was fast and she was having small contractions. I watched her for a while before calling you.”
    “Well, it’s a waiting game from here on out.” Michael checked the feeder. “I see there’s some grain left. Did she eat tonight?”
    “Yes, I fed her at five and she ate most of it.”
    “Good girl,” Michael crooned. “You’re gonna need your strength.” He watched as she let out a soft whinny and swished her tail. She shifted her weight heavily, first on one back hoof, then the other. She stomped a hoof and nickered quietly.
    “Poor girl,” Savannah said. “Michael, is it okay if I come in?”
    “Yes, maybe you can help soothe her. Let’s just hope the little guy goes easy on his mom tonight.” He looked around the stall. “Bud, I’d like to have more room. I don’t want her to feel crowded by these walls. Is there an empty corral nearby?”
    Taking a flashlight out of a duffle bag, Bud said, “I’ll go check.” He returned shortly with news. “There’s a corral around the corner.”
    “Good, she’s between contractions now; let’s get her over there. Bud, take that light. There’s a stand in my truck in case there’s no place to hang it. Savannah, can you grab that bag?” He motioned toward a canvas bag he had set just outside the stall.
    The mare whinnied softly and shook her head.
    “It’s going to be okay, girl,” Savannah said while rubbing the mare’s neck. “We’ll be with you every step of the way.”
    ***
    Over two hours later, Max and Margaret arrived in her Jeep Liberty. Max stepped out of the car. “How’s it going, guys?”
    Margaret poured out of the passenger side. “We