Karen Anne Golden - The Cats That 02 - The Cats that Chased the Storm by Karen Anne Golden Page A

examining room. “I absolutely adore Abby. She’s super sweet. I bet you can’t wait to see her,” she said. Within a few seconds, the vet walked in holding the Abyssinian. Someone had tied a red bow around Abby’s neck, which matched the ruddy color of her fur. Abby took one look at the new Katherine and hissed.
    Katherine came forward to pet her, “Abby, it’s mommy.” She let the little cat smell her hand, then Abby relaxed and said a boisterous “chirp”. The vet handed her to Katherine.
    “Ah, my sweet darling. I’m so happy to see you.”
    Abby slowly squeezed her eyes and began purring loudly.
    “My name is Doctor Brown; this is Cindy Goldstein. We’ve been taking care of Abby since Dr. Sonny brought her in. I’ll let Cindy explain.”
    Cindy began, “We did a sonogram, which didn’t show any signs of Eucalyptus. We know she had an acute toxic reaction, but we’re not sure if it was the actual eucalyptus or the fixative they use to preserve it. Abby’s been on a bland diet, which she’ll have to remain on for at least two weeks. We want you to follow up with Dr. Sonny.”
    “Has she thrown up since she’s been here?” Katherine asked.
    “Not once,” Cindy said.
    The vet added, “Keep her quiet for a few days. She’s been on a sedative to calm her down.”
    “Why, was she not calm?” Katherine asked, concerned, thinking of Abby collapsed over the water bowl.
    “She was stressed by being here, so we gave her a light sedative.”
    Cindy offered, “She’s good to go.” Cindy took Abby and put her in a cardboard cat carrier, while Katherine signed the discharging papers. “Bye, Abby,” Cindy said. Dr. Brown blew the Abyssinian a kiss.
    “Oh, here’s a bag with bland food in it,” Cindy remembered. “It’s in a can. Feed her four times a day. One can per day.”
    “Thank you so much,” Katherine beamed. Heading out the door and to the front lobby, Abby trilled with the knowledge that she was going home.
    “Good girl. Let’s get out of here quick so I can get you home. Your furry friends miss you.”
    Abby nuzzled the metal gate of the carrier.
    “Oh,” Katherine said, walking back. “I forgot to pay!”
     

Chapter Eight
    Katherine finished making up the new bed while the cats chased each other throughout the bungalow. Although the vet had advised that Abby be kept quiet, Katherine wondered if the doctor ever lived with a cat. Abby hadn’t stopped running since she set paw in the house. Hopefully with the bed made, she could corral the hyper felines and confine them to their new bedroom. The long day wasn’t over yet. She still had the six-thirty appointment with Detective Martin.
    “Okay, cats. Check out the new bed,” she called, patting the quilt.
    Lilac and Abby trotted in, shoulder-to-shoulder. They jumped up and began pawing at the quilt to make a little nest. Katherine helped by putting down her terry cloth robe for the two to sleep on. Lilac began grooming Abby; their paws were intertwined. “Chirp,” Abby said thankfully.
    “If only the other two would be so easy to catch,” Katherine muttered.
    Scout sauntered in and leaped up to the windowsill; she immediately began chattering at a squirrel. Iris dove for the food bowl.
    “Purrfect,” Katherine said, shutting the door.
    The doorbell rang, so she hurried to answer. Jake was standing outside, holding a box full of groceries. He stood back for a moment, observing her new look. He nodded in approval. “I like it!” he said. “Can I come in?”
    “Yes, of course. A man bringing me food is always welcome,” Katherine joked, letting him in.
    “I figured you’d need a few things.”
    “Thanks so much, but how did you know I didn’t make it to the grocery store?”
    “Psychic,” he laughed, carrying the box to the kitchen counter. A bottle of cabernet was on top. “This was outside. There’s a note on it.”
    Katherine grabbed the note and quickly read it. It was from Mark. “Please accept my deepest