Page 116 of Highball and Chain

“You’re right.” He set me on my feet, but remained close enough to listen in.

Praying it wasn’t Jack, I glanced at the screen. “It’s a local number, but I don’t recognize it.”

Enzo motioned for me to move things along.

“Hello?”

A female voice, far too perky for the middle of the night, boomed through the connection. “Hi. Sorry to call so late. I called the number on the flyer, and the nice lady who answered said to call you. I found your cat.”

“You found Mr. Boogerre?” This night couldn’t get any better. I did a happy dance that would have made Charlie Brown proud. “Where was he? When can I come get him?”

“I found him nosing around the dumpster at work. Poor thing is covered in soot and half-starved.” Her voice lost some of its pep. “I’m in the Quarter. Are you nearby?”

“The Garden District. I can be there in ten to fifteen minutes.”

Frowning, Enzo whispered, “Don’t give her the address.”

The woman said, “Umm. I take the St. Charles streetcar home. We could meet at the Washington Ave stop long enough for me to hand him over.”

Warning flares shot off in the back of my mind. I didn’t want to wait outside, in the dark. Besides, I was pretty sure they didn’t allow pets onboard. “Can you send me his picture? Just to be sure it’s him?”

“Okay, but I’m in a huge hurry. The streetcar only runs once every hour this time of night. I’ll take the pic now. Don’t hang up.”

I bit the inside of my cheek and waited for my phone to ding.

Enzo pulled the phone from my hand and disconnected the call.

“What the hell? Why did you do that?”

“I don’t like this. She was trying to keep you on the line. They could be tracing the call.” He handed it back to me.

I rolled my eyes. “That’s a myth. The police can trace a call as soon as it connects, but you’re right. Something about this seems fishy.”

The alert sounded.

I opened the photo and gasped. Mr. Boogerre in his orange and white fluffy goodness stared back at me. “It’s him, but she said he was dirty.”

Enzo jerked the phone from my hand and zoomed in on the photo.

The woman called back before I got to the bottom of his bizarre reaction.

I snatched the cell from him.

“Don’t answer it.” He scowled. “I recognize the woman holding the cat.”

“How? She didn’t show her face?” I wanted to scream. I needed to answer the phone and get my cat back, but Enzo freaked me out.

“The tattoos.” He sighed. “Play along with her. Try to convince her it’s better if you meet her tomorrow.”

I slid my finger across the phone to answer the call. “Hi. Sorry about that. I was getting dressed to meet you and accidentally hung up.”

“Did you get the pic?” She sounded skeptical.

“Yes, thank you. That’s definitely him.” I drew a breath. “I’d rather come to you. That way I can give you the reward.”

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

“I don’t want the reward.” She laughed a little too high and too loud. “I’ll be happy when he’s back in your arms.”

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