Patricia Fry - Klepto Cat 03 - Sleight of Paw Read Online Free PDF Page A

this old place.”
    “Yes, we’re still here.” Michael reached over and squeezed Savannah’s hand. “I’m definitely thankful for that.”
    Margaret blotted her mouth with her napkin, folded it onto her empty dinner plate, and addressed Michael. “What you’re doing with this house is wonderful. I’m so glad you two were able to buy it. It’s perfect for you.”
    Max shoved his plate toward the center of the kitchen table. “Yes, Michael, you are quite the craftsman. I had no idea.”
    “We do love it here,” Savannah said, reaching out to stack the dinner plates, “where Adam can come, where I can have Peaches, where Mom and my sister can stay when they visit. It’s great.”
    Margaret stood. “Stay there, Vannie. I’ll take care of that. You two need rest. Isn’t that why we came over and fixed supper for you?”
    “And it was delicious,” Michael said. He addressed Savannah, “Honey, see if you can get the recipe from Max.”
    “Yes, Max. That is the tastiest grilled cheese sandwich I’ve ever had. What is your secret ingredient?” Savannah asked.
    “There are several of them—like the Texas sliced bread…” Max started.
    “That’s right, you have to use fresh thick-sliced bread,” Margaret agreed. “I like to bake my own or buy it fresh-baked and cut it into thick slices.”
    “And then you use pepper-jack cheese, right?” Michael asked.
    “Yup.” Max nodded. “Or any cheese of your choice. Two slices on each slice of bread. And in between, before putting the sandwich on the griddle, we spread a mixture of roasted tomatoes, lime zest and juice, red or green onions, and chopped cilantro. I like to roast the tomatoes with a little olive oil and garlic.”
    Savannah tilted her head toward Max. “That’s it?” She then looked over at her husband. “I think we could do that, don’t you, honey?”
    “Yeah, we should be able to manage it. Sure was good.” He addressed Max, “Did you learn this recipe at the culinary academy?”
    Max thought for a moment and then said, “No. I think one of the restaurants I worked at in Chicago had one similar to this on the menu. This is a copycat recipe.”
    “Berry cobbler anyone?” Savannah offered. “And coffee?”
    “When did you make that?” Margaret asked.
    “Early this morning. I thought we’d have some for breakfast, but we got kinda side-tracked. After my ride, we hot-footed it to the clinic and…well, you know the rest of the story.” She reached up and whisked her long bangs to one side. “So any takers?”
    “Sure.” Max nodded enthusiastically.
    “Yeowza!” Margaret said from where she stood rinsing dishes at the sink.
    Savannah started to move her leg off the chair. “I’ll heat the cobbler and set the ice cream out to soften. That will give the coffee time to brew.”
    “I’ll do it. You just sit, will ya?” Margaret scolded.
    “Thanks, Auntie,” she said while rearranging the icepack again.
    “It hurts, huh?” Margaret asked, concern in her voice.
    “Yeah, a little. Trying to keep the swelling down.”
    “What’s that?” Margaret jumped back and looked down toward her feet. “Well, hello Walter. Where’s your sidekick?”
    Just then, the jangle of a dog collar could be heard and everyone looked over in time to see Lexie rising up from a nap in her bed near the kitchen door. When the dog saw the furry black cat rubbing up against Margaret, she rushed over to him and began bumping him with her nose. Walter laid down and froze in place; Lexie pawed at him.
    “Watch out Lexie, he’s going to get you,” Michael warned.
    Suddenly, Walter swished his tail once and then twice. His ears went back and the game was on. The cat and the Afghan-mix dog began chasing each other through the kitchen, into the dining room and living room and then back into the kitchen where they tore around the table—Walter in the lead during one go-around and then it was Lexie. Finally, amidst laughter, the duo raced into the living