Cat Nap полностью

Shadow should have been able to detect the scent of dog as soon as the female came in with that bag. That stuff in the air must have overpowered his usually keen sense of smell.

Now the female two-leg made cheerful burbling sounds, showing off the little dog to the Old One. The fool animal was even the color of biscuits, a sort of yellowish cream. As the human female settled the little dog in her lap, she suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the doorway. Shadow ducked his head but stood his ground. It was too late to retreat now; he’d been spotted.

Still making happy noises, the female Old One put the young Biscuit Eater on the floor. The stupid creature stared around, emitting a string of excited yips. Then it, too, focused on Shadow. Stumbling over its own paws, the little dog headed for Shadow, its yipping growing even louder.

Wonderful. It sees something its own size and wants to investigate.

On the couch, the female Old One clapped her hands together, distracting Shadow’s attention. He glanced over toward her, and then saw the other Old One—his Old One—sitting tightly beside her. The human male’s face had an odd, pleading expression as his eyes went from the little dog to Shadow.

What does he expect me to do? Shadow thought. Or is he afraid of what I’ll do?

The little Biscuit Eater continued to bumble its way in Shadow’s direction, still piping with excitement. Shadow had faced off against dogs before, sometimes even fighting with them. They were quick to woof—and just as quick to run when claws came out. But this biscuit-colored dog was obviously young as well as foolish.

Was I ever as young as that? Shadow wondered, looking into the puppy’s guileless brown eyes. Maybe, but he couldn’t remember.

There was no need for claws here. Shadow arched his back and gave the Biscuit Eater an openmouthed hiss.

Whining in distress, the puppy backed away so quickly it tripped over its rear legs. The dumb dog did something else, too. Shadow recognized the sudden sharp reek even through the sweet-smelling cloud that still lingered in the air. Shadow got out of there quickly, as both Old Ones gathered around the little dog, making distressed noises. He’d heard worse when humans discovered cats not using the litter box.

*

Sunny came home at the end of the day, wanting nothing more than supper, a comfortable pair of sweats, and maybe some TV to vegetate in front of. Instead she found her father and a mortified Helena Martinson dabbing at a damp patch on the living room carpet.

“I didn’t expect that at all!” Mrs. Martinson’s face was pink as she looked up at Sunny. Mike rose to stand behind his lady friend, rolling his eyes as Helena went on. “How could he do that in the middle of the room?”

Well, the neighbor lady wasn’t talking about Mike. And the only other male in the house was Shadow. Oh, no! Could he have created that wet spot?

“I’m so sorry, Sunny.” Mrs. Martinson picked up a large bag. “I’m afraid this bad little boy made a mess on the rug.” She took out a golden retriever pup, who immediately began yipping with excitement at finding a new face in the room.

“How did Shadow react to this lovely surprise?” a worried Sunny asked her dad.

“Hissed in his face and scared the pee out of him,” Mike reported succinctly.

“I adopted this cute little guy from the animal shelter when I saw his picture in the Harbor Crier,” Helena Martinson explained. “Jane Rigsdale is doing such good work to help the animals in town.”

Her expression grew rueful. “But I guess I’ve got a bit to learn about this whole adoption thing. Come on, little fella, let’s get you home.” She returned the dog to her bag and beat a quick retreat.

Mike Coolidge let out a long-held breath. “She came over straight from the shelter, all excited. Wanted me to suggest a name for the pup.”

“Toby,” Sunny suggested with a smile.

“Why that name?” Mike asked with a suspicious expression.

“Toby Philpotts was in my grammar school class—he had the weakest bladder in school.”

Mike laughed. “With a name like Philpotts, I imagine that would be a pretty embarrassing problem.”

“It’s just a suggestion,” Sunny said, grinning at her dad. “Where’s Shadow now?”

“He headed for the back after his warm greeting to the mutt.”

Sunny took the hallway into the kitchen, and found Shadow glowering down from atop Mount Refrigerator.

“Hey,” Sunny said, extending her hand. Shadow leaned forward, rubbing the side of his face against her fingers.

“Well, now we know how you react to puppies,” she told the cat. “Maybe someday we’ll get your opinion on kittens.”

Gently brushing fingers through his fur, she smiled up at Shadow. “At least you didn’t kill him.”