Framed in Cherry Hills (Cozy Cat Caper Mystery Book 2) by Paige Sleuth Page B

completely out of character.”
    “Well, I’m glad you showed up anyway,” Paul replied. “I hope this visit wasn’t an inconvenience for you.”
    “Not at all.” Imogene glanced at her fingernails digging into the couch seams and pulled her hands into her lap. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk to Willow about?”
    Paul’s gaze drifted to Tom, who was settling down on a pile of ratty towels in one corner of the room. From the depression in the center of the mound, Kat gathered they had been put there specifically for the cat.
    Paul turned to face Imogene. “We’re going to have to stop fostering Tom.”
    “Oh, that’s too bad,” Imogene said. “Is there any particular reason why?”
    Paul’s face lit up like a firework. “Sarah just found out she’s pregnant.”
    Imogene clapped her hands. “Why, that’s marvelous! Congratulations.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Have you been trying, or is this unexpected?”
    “It’s not unwelcome, let’s put it that way.” He frowned. “Unfortunately, Sarah doesn’t feel comfortable being anywhere near cat litter during the duration of her pregnancy, which means . . .”
    “Yes.” Imogene bobbed her head. “Naturally. I completely understand.”
    Paul crossed his ankles. “Sorry to spring this on you without notice.”
    Imogene waved her hand. “Not a problem. We’ll find Tom another foster home. I’m just glad he isn’t the reason for your decision.”
    “No, of course not.” Paul eyed the cat, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “In fact, we’ve become quite attached to him, Hannah especially.”
    “I can tell he’s thrived during the four months he’s been with you.” Imogene grinned as she watched Tom twist around to lick his hind leg. “When we first found him, he was rail-thin with that dull, matted coat.”
    Paul chuckled. “And now he’s just a big fat cat.”
    Imogene threw her head back and laughed. “He looks healthy, and that’s a testament to your good treatment of him.”
    They all turned as a girl emerged from the hallway, a strong cloud of perfume following her. She looked to be around sixteen with a pretty complexion and pitch-black locks that had to be dyed.
    The girl halted at the edge of the living room. “Oh. I didn’t know we had company.”
    “Hi, Hannah,” Imogene greeted.
    “Hi, Ms. Little.”
    Kat smiled when Hannah’s gaze reached her. “I’m Kat Harper. I recently started volunteering for Furry Friends Foster Families.”
    “Hi.” Hannah’s eyes roved between the two women. “Are you guys here for Tom?”
    Imogene nodded. “Yes, and I want to thank you for helping to take such good care of him. I can tell he’s been well loved during his stay here.”
    Hannah looked at Tom, her face falling. “I’m going to miss him.”
    As if he might be able to convince the McGintys to change their minds, Tom stood up and walked over to Hannah. He meowed, then rubbed against her leg. She grinned as she crouched down to pet him.
    Hannah lifted her head, her hair falling back to frame her elfin-shaped face. “Why didn’t Ms. Wu show?”
    Kat wasn’t sure, but she thought she detected a tightness to Hannah’s voice when she said Willow’s name. The impression was so fleeting she didn’t really have time to examine it.
    The worried look returned to Imogene’s face. “We’re not sure. I haven’t been able to reach her.”
    “Hmm.” Hannah scratched Tom’s back, apparently unconcerned about Willow’s absence.
    “You had her for English last year, didn’t you?” Imogene asked.
    Kat watched closely as Hannah pressed her lips together and bobbed her head once. She definitely wasn’t imagining the young woman’s chilly reaction. She wondered why Hannah didn’t care for Willow, but this wasn’t the time or place to ask.
    Imogene stood up and smoothed her palms down her jeans. “I suppose we ought to get going so you can get on with your Saturday afternoon. Let me run out to the car to get