The Case Of The Cat Crazy Lady (Buttercup Bend Mysteries Book 1)

Book summary

In the quaint town of Buttercup Bend, siblings Cathy and Douglas run a pet cemetery and rescue center. When the eccentric "Cat Crazy Lady," Maggie Broom, passes away, leaving her estate to their organization, tensions rise among her estranged family members. With suspicions mounting and more deaths occurring, Cathy teams up with her reporter friend Nancy to unravel the mystery behind these perplexing murders and the secrets hidden in Maggie's past. But as they dig deeper, they must uncover who had a motive to harm the enigmatic feline enthusiast and why.

Excerpt from The Case Of The Cat Crazy Lady

The next day, Cathy and her family resumed their regular activities. Florence went grocery shopping. Becky greeted the rescue center volunteers and gave them their morning assignments. Doug went to his job at the post office, while Cathy returned home to the room designated as her office. She played the answering machine for any voice mail messages, saw none had been left while she was at Rainbow Rescues, and took a seat at the desk where she kept her business files and paperwork.

As she logged into her computer to check her email, she glanced to the two photos on the desk. One was a group photo of her, Doug, and their parents taken right before she left for college. Doug stood shoulder to shoulder with their father. They both shared the same slim build and dark hair. Her mother, next to Cathy, was the shortest of the group. Their tresses were both light, but Cathy’s honey gold was a shade lighter than her mother’s sandy blonde. Their hazel eyes were round and wide with thick lashes, and their smiles seemed shy but friendly.

Feeling sad, Cathy turned toward the other photo. It was taken five years ago when Cathy and Doug moved to Buttercup Bend. They stood on either side of Florence with their arms around her. Cathy didn’t miss the pain in Doug’s eyes that had dimmed but not vanished after he’d met Gran’s grown-up neighbor, Becky, and fell in love. Cathy knew that if she looked in the mirror today, she’d still see that lost look in her own eyes.

Focusing her attention at her computer, she brought up the spreadsheet for Rainbow Gardens and Rainbow Rescues. Cathy preferred not to think of her duties as a job but a labor of love because of the emotional attachments her clients had to their pets. Even though she was reasonably paid for the work, her main objective was to bring comfort to those grieving and to find homes for lost and abandoned cats and dogs. The cards of thanks that filled her desk drawer, many including photos of beloved pets, filled her heart with a joy that helped ease her painful memories.

Before opening the cemetery and rescue center, she’d worked a few years as a secretary, and her organizational, computer, and business skills came in handy for managing her business. Cathy also helped Nancy and Pauline at the newspaper by taking photos for their stories. She received her assignments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today was Tuesday, so after making sure all was in order, she took the three-block walk to the Buttercup Bugle. Cathy had a car that she shared with her grandmother, but she liked to walk when she could, especially on beautiful spring days that were common in Buttercup Bend at this time of year. Her grandmother had told the story of how the town was founded by a naturalist, Simon Butterman. Adopting a variation of his name and the most popular wildflower grown in the area, Buttercup Bend was born.

Spotting a robin red breast that had landed in a lilac bush that was in full bloom, Cathy sniffed the scent of the flowers that she loved. She aimed her camera at the bird and clicked the shot. It was almost impossible not to be sidetracked by nature as she followed the path to the newspaper office. She paused many times to take additional photos.

The Buttercup Bugle office was in an old, two-story building that was more of a house than an office. Pauline lived on the top floor. The bottom had been converted into the newspaper’s production space that included two PC’s, desks, phones, and lots of pens and notepads. Pauline preferred to do her reporting the old-fashioned way. Her stories were handwritten on yellow legal pads. Nancy, in charge of the features section, inputted her work and her boss’ directly into the computer. They both needed Cathy’s services because neither one had an eye for photography.

As Cathy walked up to the clapboard house that featured a wooden sign in the lawn that read, “The Buttercup Bugle,” she couldn’t help but glance to her right to the small, white ranch. A yellow crime-scene tape was strung across the fence where several cats gathered. She was almost tempted to go home and grab some cat food cans to feed the felines. She hoped Brian, who had already expressed his concern for the abandoned pets, was taking care of that.

Cathy had a key to the Bugle, but she always knocked before she entered. She knew this morning’s main story would include Ms. Broom’s murder and that Pauline and Nancy would have much to say about it that might not turn up in print.

Pauline answered the door. A number 2 pencil was stuck behind her ear. Its tip was barely visible through the thick mane of her white hair. She was furiously puffing a cigarette and still had on a robe over her knee-length nightgown.

“Nancy’s writing up the story about Maggie’s murder. The shots Brian took weren’t as good as yours, but they’ll suffice. We have to get it out today. It’s running on the front page. I also need the photos you took for the anniversary piece. I have to move that to an inside page.”

Cathy was horrified. “You’re actually running a photo of Maggie’s corpse on the front page? I thought those were only for the police investigation.”

“Shock value sells papers, Cathy, but Nancy is still trying to convince me to just feature a photo of Maggie when she was alive, maybe one of her with her kitties. Boring but doable, I suppose.”

“I’d vote for Nancy’s idea.” She placed her camera on the table. “The town photos are all on the current roll of film. I’ll use the darkroom to develop them.” Despite the availability of digital photos, Pauline insisted on old-fashioned film because she swore the prints were of better quality. For Cathy’s convenience, she’d added a darkroom in the back of the house.

“Good. Want some coffee? I’m putting some on for Leroy. He should be here soon. He promised me more details to add to the murder story. That’s the only reason I haven’t published it yet.”

“He was at my house yesterday and brought Gran and our gardener down to the station for questioning.”

“Leroy was here, too, but I was questioning him. The good it did me. He had practically no information, or else he wasn’t sharing. He promised he’d have more today.” Cathy knew it was likely the questioning Pauline referred to had taken place in bed. Even though the never-married friend of her grandmother tried to keep her affair secret, most of the town was aware Pauline was dating the widowed sheriff who, at fifty-five, was fifteen years her junior.

Cathy followed Pauline into the newspaper office where Nancy, her long strawberry blonde hair covering her face, sat behind a computer tapping the keys while she moved her eyes back and forth from a small notepad. When she noticed Cathy, she looked up from her work. “Oh, thank goodness, you’re here, Cat. I’m working on the story about the anniversary event and really need to see your photos, so I can think up some captions for them.” She stood up, sliding back her desk chair.

“I got here as soon as I could. There was an emergency at Rainbow Rescues yesterday. I’ll get my photos developed right away. Don’t worry about the captions. I’ll supply them.”

“What happened at Rainbow Rescues? Do we have another story? Pauline told me all about how you were there when she found Maggie’s body. That must have been scary.” Nancy’s blue eyes widened. Pauline just stood there puffing and pacing, her hands on her hips.

“Nothing that serious. It was Hobo. He wasn’t eating or acting his normal self. Becky called Dr. Graham, and he brought him to the animal hospital for some tests, but he thinks it’s just a case of depression.”

“I didn’t know cats could get depressed. What do they do for that?”

Cathy looked back at Nancy. For a moment, she thought this would be a good time to ask her if she’d consider adopting Hobo, but Pauline was there impatiently awaiting the sheriff.

“I’ll fill you in later. Let me go develop my photos.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll take a break now.”

Pauline said, “I’m sick of waiting. I’m going upstairs and calling Leroy to see what’s holding him up. You two can help yourselves to coffee in the kitchen. There are some donuts there, too. Just leave the Boston cream ones for Leroy.”

As Cathy was developing the photos, Nancy opened the door. “Mind if I join you?”

“No, but close the door. I’m still developing.”

Nancy walked over to the counter where a dozen photos lay in a developing tray. She watched as images began to form on them. “Wow! This is like magic, although digital prints are quicker and also amazing. When did you take these?”

“A few were taken yesterday morning before I arrived at Maggie’s house. The others were taken the night before, around eight p.m.”

“This one is interesting,” Nancy said, stopping in front of a shot front of Maggie’s house. She pointed at a car parked there. “Isn’t that Norman’s car?” she asked referring to the town lawyer.

Cathy nodded. “Looks like it. I know Maggie was a client of his. I wonder why he was visiting her so late. It was around 8 p.m. He probably didn’t stay long because she had a headache that night and didn’t attend the BINGO game.”

Nancy smiled. “Maybe his visit gave her a headache. I wonder if she was making a change on her will and that’s why she was killed two hours later.”

Cathy was puzzled. It seemed odd, but whatever business the lawyer was conducting, it was over by the time her grandmother arrived an hour later. “We could mention it to the sheriff, but I’m sure he won’t make much of it. What do you think of the other shots?”

“They’re great, Cathy. You certainly have an eye for taking photos. She picked up one of the rooftops against the Catskill Mountains as dawn peaked over the horizon and the other of the robin red breast in the lilac bush that Cathy had taken on her way to the newspaper office. “I think these will work. We don’t need many.”

Cathy was disappointed that some of her other photos weren’t chosen, but she smiled and said, “Thanks. I’ll jot down a few catchy captions for you.”

Pauline was sitting at her desk when they got back to the office. She was now dressed in a dark gray suit that brought out the streaks of gray in her white hair. She stared at her computer, a frown on her face.

“I spoke to Leroy. He hasn’t given me much more information. I finished the piece, but I’m not happy. Have a look, ladies.” She stood and walked away from the desk.

Cathy stared over Nancy’s shoulder as they read the story. She had to agree the details about Maggie’s murder were sketchy. The sheriff was quoted as saying, “While we don’t have any suspects at this time, the crime looks like a personal one against Ms. Broom, so Buttercup Bend residents need not fear that this killer will strike again.” The story ended with the date and time of the memorial service. It seemed Maggie’s family had opted for a simple and quick one-hour service on Saturday. There was no mention of the will reading, but Cathy figured that would take place before the burial.

“So, who do you think killed her?” Nancy asked when she had finished typing.

“The sheriff mentioned Maggie had a sister and brother she was estranged from, so I’m sure he’ll be following that lead. She wasn’t very popular here in town, but I don’t think any of the residents would want her dead. Between you and me, Nancy,” Cathy lowered her voice, “I heard Pauline bickering with her about her cats ruining her garden the day she was murdered, but we both know Pauline respected her neighbor.”

Nancy nodded. “You’re right. It just seems strange that, if one of her relatives killed her, why did they wait until now?”

“Good question. Do you happen to know when they’ll be in town? I’m wondering when the lawyer will be reading the will. They found some money in the house, but I don’t think Maggie had too much in the bank.”

“You’d be surprised,” Nancy said, raising a red eyebrow as if she knew something.

“Maggie’s brother and sister will be here on Thursday,” Pauline said joining them back at her desk. “I spoke to Norman after Leroy, and he told me he’ll be presenting them with the details of the will at that time.”

Norman Dexter, the man whose car Cathy had noticed near Maggie’s house, was the lawyer many Buttercup Bend residents used. His fees were reasonable. Although relatively new in town, having moved in a year ago, his practice had grown quickly. Cathy and Doug had even switched from a lawyer in the next town, and Norman now handled the legal matters connected with Rainbow Gardens and Rainbow Rescues.

“Do you know where they’ll be staying while they’re in town?” Cathy asked.

“Norman said they’ll be staying at the Buttercup Inn with Sandra,” Pauline said. “They have reservations for Thursday through Saturday.”

“Interesting,” Nancy said, “They’re coming in for the will and funeral and then getting out of town as soon as possible.”

“No reason for them to hang around,” Cathy mused.

Pauline changed the subject. “Are you all done with the anniversary story? I want to send both pieces to the printer this morning. Even though I’m not happy with the front-page piece, it’ll have to do.” While the Buttercup Bugle usually only came out once a week, special editions were published sooner for breaking news. This was one of those cases.

Cathy nodded. “Yes, all done. I guess I should go home and check if Gran needs anything. She should be back from shopping by now.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Nancy said. Cathy sensed she had something on her mind she wanted to share.

As they walked to the front porch, one of Ms. Broom’s cats, a striped tabby, came to greet them. His plaintive meows touched Cathy’s heart. He was obviously begging for food.

“I wonder when he was fed last,” Cathy said leaning down to pet the cat who was circling her ankles.

“Cats can go quite some time without food. As long as they have water, they do okay. I’m sure someone will come by to take care of them.”

“I was hoping Brian would do that. The sheriff isn’t too keen on cats.”

Nancy nodded. “Right. There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

Cathy paused in petting the cat who had simmered down and gone after a fly it had noticed buzzing around the porch steps. It was safe as long as it didn’t go in the backyard and start eating Pauline’s garden plants.

“I had a feeling you wanted to speak to me alone.”

Nancy glanced down at her feet and began to shuffle. Cathy recognized the behavior as avoidance.

“Spill it, Nancy. What’s going on?”

Looking back up at her with large blue eyes hooded by long dark lashes, her friend replied, “I know you’re a homebody, Cat, but there’s a square dance Friday night, and I was hoping you might want to go with me. I don’t have a date, and I hate to go alone. Square dancing isn’t really my thing, but I should at least cover it for the paper. It’s supposedly the key event of the anniversary festivities, and you could probably get some funny shots of the old people do-si-doing.” She grinned.

Cathy nearly laughed out loud. “You? No date? I find that hard to believe. Even I have a date.” She didn’t mean to let that slip.

The pupils of Nancy’s eyes widened. “With whom? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Steve just asked this morning.”

“Your gardener? That’s great. He’s a nice guy. You’ll have fun.”

“I’m sorry, Nance. I figured you would be going but that someone would’ve asked you already.”

“Not yet, and I’m getting nervous. I haven’t had a date in a month. Do you think I’ve exhausted all the eligible guys in Buttercup Bend?”

“Stop that. I know for a fact that plenty of guys would rush to date you. The problem is that they’re afraid someone else will beat them to it. Maybe you should ask someone for a change.”

Cathy saw Nancy consider that option as her shuffling slowed. “I think I will. I know just the guy. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. I wish you luck.” As Cathy stepped off the porch, she turned around remembering something.

“Nancy, I wanted to mention something to you also.”

“Yes?” She had her friend’s full attention.

“Remember what I said about Hobo being depressed? Michael believes he really needs a home. It’s been a while since you lost Popeye. Would you consider taking Hobo? I think it would be good for both of you.” She held her breath while Nancy stood looking down at her with an unreadable expression.

“Cat, I … ”

“I know you might need some time to consider it. Michael decided to keep him one more day, and we’ll know his test results soon.”

“All right. Keep me posted. You know I think Hobo’s adorable. He’d make a fine pet. I’m not sure I’m ready, but I’m willing to try.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know what the vet says, and good luck finding a date for Friday.”

Nancy smiled. “Talk to you later, Cat. I have to help Pauline get the presses rolling now.”

As Cathy headed home, she was pleased with herself. It looked like she’d found a home for Hobo with her best friend, but she wondered who Nancy was planning to ask to the square dance.