Claws for Alarm Read Online Free PDF Page B

Man
movies.”
    I retrieved my overnight bag from the car, and then we followed Aunt Prudence inside. I moved into the foyer and rolled my suitcase over to the base of the staircase, pausing to let my eyes travel around. To my right a corridor led toward a kitchen. The living room was directly in front of me, and off to the left in what appeared to be a study, bookshelves overflowing to capacity with both hardcover and paperback volumes took up one entire wall. I cast a quick glance into the living room and saw nothing in there but a wide three-cushion sofa and a high-backed Queen Anne chair in front of a fireplace. What Prudence’s house lacked in furnishings, however, seemed to be more than made up for in trappings. The carpet beneath my feet felt thick and luxurious, and the crown moldings and wall coverings looked expensive.
    â€œI thought Irene would be here to welcome you, but she must have fallen asleep.” Aunt Prudence threw me a grin that seemed both rueful and apologetic.
    â€œNo worries.” I was actually glad the other woman hadn’t put in an appearance. I glanced around. “This house seems much bigger than your other one.”
    â€œOh, it is. I take boarders in, you know, but right now I’m in a bit of a dry spell. I’m using the time to have the second floor redone, but I’ve got a nice big room on the third floor for you and Nick.” Her finger jabbed upward. “I hope you don’t mind stairs? It’s an old house. They’re pretty steep.”
    â€œNo problem.” I patted my flat stomach. “I don’t mind—it’s a good way to keep in shape.”
    â€œThat it is.” She nodded past me. “Think
he
can make it?”
    I turned and looked at Nick, sprawled spread-eagle on the carpet, his rotund belly heaving in and out.
    â€œWe’ll soon find out, won’t we?” I sighed.
    *   *   *
    T wenty-eight steps later I had my suitcase on the twin bed in the room and Nick lay sprawled out on the braided carpet next to the bed. The room wasn’t much, but it was homey; it boasted an iron-frame twin bed, a wooden dresser, and a small nightstand. The walls were covered in a paper that was denim blue and cream, and the chenille bedspread was a lighter shade of blue. Uninspiring quarters, to be sure, but at least they were clean. I took out the suit I’d packed to wear to the police station in the morning and hung it in the tiny closet, then pulled out a small bowl and a package of Fancy Feast for Nick. He scampered double time off the rug, turning around and around as I filled the bowl with salmon and chicken bits. I left him happily hunkered down in the corner and went downstairs in search of the promised coffee.
    By the time I reached the first floor the aroma of freshly brewed Kona blend assailed my nostrils. I followed the scent straight into the large, homey kitchen I’d glimpsed upon my arrival and stood in the doorway for a better look. Gleaming stainless steel appliances took up almost one entire wall, while the one opposite held shelves overflowing with cereal, canned goods, and other assorted groceries. Light streamed in from the window above the sink and filtered over the large wooden table that stood in the center of the room. To the sideof the window was what looked like a large covered cage on a stand. I wondered what was inside then decided I was probably better off not knowing. A sizable orange, white, and black calico cat sat square in the middle of the room, paws folded under its head, eyes closed. Aunt Prudence, in front of a massive double oven range, turned, smiled at me, and saw the cat. She immediately hustled over, scooped it up, and deposited it gently in a fluffy fleece bed lying off to one side of the massive double-door refrigerator. The cat shifted comfortably in the bed, with not a peep or a meow.
    â€œThat’s Gladys.” My aunt smiled fondly at the cat.