Page 5 of Jack Raider

When I stepped into the lobby, holding Tinkle, Mable was crying. My receptionist—and cousin—Jenny had an arm around her, patting her back awkwardly.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, even though I already knew.

“Jenny told me Tinkle is old and dying,” Mable sniffled. “She said I should be grateful I had her for this long.”

That was all it took—my own tears started falling.Like they always do when someone else cries.My sister constantly made fun of me for it, but it wasn’t something I could control. Believe me, I’dtried.

“I’m sorry, Mable,” I said gently. “Jenny’s right. Tinkle doesn’t have much longer. All you can do is take her home and let her live out her days peacefully.”

Mable stepped forward, kissed Tinkle’s head, and walked straight out the door.

Confused, I turned to Jenny. “Wait—where is she going?”

Jenny shrugged. “You should probably check.”

I hurried to the door. “Mable! Aren’t you taking Tinkle with you?”

“No,” she called over her shoulder. “I don’t want a dead cat.”

My jaw dropped. “What?”

“I’m going to the pound to get a new kitten,” she announced. “One that won’t die on me.”

“Mable, you don’t even have adriver’s license! You can’t drive anywhere. Who brought you here?”

I sighed as she climbed intomy carand shut the door. Arms crossed.Waiting.

Jenny snorted. “What are you gonna do?”

I groaned. “Put Tinkle in a room. I’ll take Mable, and then I’m calling Grandma to deal with this.”

As I grabbed my purse, I walked out the door and shouted, “Mable, what are you doing?Put that cigarette out!When did you start smoking?”

“I started last week,” she said, taking another puff, thank God she didn’t inhale. “Henry says it’s good for your nerves.”

I nearly dropped my keys. “You’reeighty-two. Put it out! Smoking isterriblefor you.” I shook my head. “Why would you listen to Henry? He’s been smoking his whole life, and now all he does is cough. His health isawful. Do youwantyour health to be awful?”

Mable grinned. “Henry’s my boyfriend.”

I turned to stare at her. “Sincewhen?”

“He wants to move in with me.”

“No! Donotlet Henry move in with you!” I nearly choked. “He’salwaysdrunk when I see him. Have you talked to your kids about this?”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake, Eloise, why would I do that? They’d tell Henry to stay away from me! Ilikeit when he comes over. He stays all night and—”

I held up a hand. “Nope!Stop right there! I donotwant to hear about what you two do!”

Mable just smirked. “Oh, honey. You should live a little.”

I snatched the cigarette from her fingers before she burned herself and frantically looked around.What do I do with it?

Then I remembered—my car had an ashtray.

I popped it open and shoved the cigarette inside before slamming it shut, praying it didn’t start a fire.

I sighed. “Why aren’t you taking Tinkle home with you?”

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