Page 44 of A Whisker in the Night

The baby gives a kick of agreement.

“Living beings and that triple helping of chocolate chip waffles I woofed down this morning,” I tease. Only I’m not teasing.

Hux nods my way with a sudden look of concern. “Mom and Georgie called me up this morning and told me about that QR scam with the flowers.”

“That’s right,” Mom says, bouncing baby Mack on her hip and he gives a giggle. “We called him at six this morning and told him everything.”

“At six?” I balk.

“I didn’t want Mackie to miss the big parade.” My mother turns to Hux. “Bizzy doesn’t know the latest.” She bounces Mack once more until they’re both facing my direction again. “They not only vacuumed all the money from Georgie’s bank account, but they ran up all of her credit cards, too.”

“What?” I gasp as my heart sinks. “Oh, Georgie, I’m so sorry. But if it’s any consolation, Jasper is already making progress in your case. He’ll fix this. I promise.”

I hope.

I press my lips tight with the thought.

“This is terrible,” Hux says. “And it really steams me to hear about people being taken advantage of—especially old people.”

“Who you calling old, you little squirt?” Georgie shoots back.

“Sorry.” He winces. “But it’s official,” Hux says, somehow managing to look professional despite having two cats using him as a climbing post at the moment. “I’m starting a new website where people can submit and verify scams. And creating a database of known scams as well.”

“That sounds wonderful,” I tell him. “And so very much needed. Can you include scams regarding babies in there, too? You know, just in case someone wants to steal an infant or two?” I’m not usually this paranoid, but let’s face it, the world is giving me reason to be.

Before he can answer, a cacophony of music, cheers, laughter, and wild shrill screams breaks out all around us.

Why do I have a very bad feeling about this?

Chapter 28

My mother, Georgie, my brother, and I all turn our heads toward the street where the Easter parade is off and running. The crowds are thick, the sun is warm, and by the looks of it, the Westoff float is headed our way.

We turn to see what looks like a giant farm on that contraption on wheels, complete with a wild blueberry patch in the front and a chocolate factory with women hovering over a conveyer belt in the back. But it’s the people dressed up in pink and blue gingham suits that are tossing out full size gold foil chocolate bunnies into the crowd that have garnered everyone’s attention.

Georgie cups her hands around her mouth and shouts, “Alert! Alert!” Georgie turns toward the crowd. “That float has a CHOCOLATE FACTORY ON BOARD!"

The crowdoohsandahhsjust as it starts to rain gold foil bunnies, and soon enough, the float has passed us by with nary a yummy bunny landing in our direction.

“Drats,” I say just as an elbow or a foot prods me from the inside. “Ooh.” I laugh. “It looks as if the baby isn’t pleased with the fact we came up empty-handed either.”

“I’ll take care of this,” Georgie says, holding onto her hat with one hand. “Out of my way,” she shouts as she charges into the crowd. “I’ve got a baby to feed.”

“Wait,” Mom calls out after her. “Bizzy never asked you to do any such thing.” Georgie catches a gold foil bunny midair and keeps on chasing after the float for more. “Save some chocolate for the rest of us, would you?” Mom takes off after her, still carrying Mack who’s squealing with delight at the impromptu chase.

Huxley grunts, “I’d better get my son before Mackenzie sees him surfing on a parade float. I’ll catch you at the inn if I don’t see you sooner.” He sighs hard before hurrying after them.Mackenzie will have my head if that kid ends up on a float. In fact, those were her last words to me this morning before she took off to officiate the event.

I watch him and Cane take off, thinking that Mackenzie would be justified for once in having my brother’s head. And well, she’ll probably demand to have my mother’s primal apex as well. And maybe mine.

A realization hits me and I gasp while looking down at Sherlock.

“Huxley has the cats,” I practically shriek. “I’ll have his head if they end up on a float.”

Although let’s face it, they’d probably fare better than little Mack.

Don’t worry, Bizzy.Sherlock jumps with a bark.I’ll make sure they keep out of danger.He darts off without notice.

“Watch the baby, too, would you?” I call after him. “And maybe keep an eye on Georgie as well!”

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