The difference between the bedraggled, angry cat Ryan brought to the café and this gorgeous, happy creature was amazing and I said so.
Doctor Mays had an infectious, full-throated laugh. “She only needed a bath and familiar hands treating her tenderly. You say she’s going to live with a friend?”
When she heard that Miguel’s house was a regular stop during Bow’s daily jaunts around the neighborhood, the doctor nodded. “That is an ideal choice. Of course she’ll be mewing around Miss Delia’s house for a while, but as long as your friend knows to look for her there . . .”
The doctor coaxed Bow back into her carrier and then latched the door.
“Since you are only going a few blocks, the safest place for the carrier is on the floor in the backseat, where it can’t bounce or roll. If the carrier doesn’t fit, then you’ll have to level the car seat with blankets or a pillow and belt the carrier to prevent it from falling.”
Doctor Mays handed us a gift bag decorated with faces of puppies and kittens. Her business card was stapled to the handle. “Please give this to Bow’s new friend. Some treats, a can of food and a pet first-aid kit.”
We must have looked surprised because she continued, “You’d be amazed how often little mishaps need attention, especially for a cat that runs free part of the day.”
Walking across the parking lot, I asked Bridgy, “You didn’t tell me. How did Miguel decide to take Bow, especially now, with his leg and all?”
“Elena said it was Caridad’s idea. Miguel told them about Delia and how Bow visited his house all the time. Caridad said she thought Miguel and Bow could each use a little company. Apparently she didn’t have to say it twice.”
We were nearly at Miguel’s house when Bridgy finally remembered that I’d come home all bubbly and full of news. Turning off the boulevard she asked me what I’d learned at the library that had me so excited.
“I know who Bucket Hat is. His name is Ellis Selkirk. He’s investigating sunken treasure ships off the coast of the Ten Thousand Islands. I intend to find him and confront him about Miss Delia.”
Bridgy was silent for a moment, then, “And have you thought about what you are going to do when he says, ‘I killed her because I don’t like troublesome old ladies, and if you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you, too’?”
And she pulled the car next to the sea grape shrubs that lined the front of Miguel’s house.
Chapter Twenty-six ||||||||||||||||||||
It was really exhilarating to be part of Miguel and Bow’s reunion . When I lifted the cat carrier out of the car, Bow instantly sensed a familiar place and tried to stick her nose through the carrier door. She turned her head this way and that and began sniffing enthusiastically. We were so near the edge of Estero Bay, I’m sure Bow had the sensation of home.
We could hear voices from the patio. We called out rather than walking in unannounced. Elena came around the side of the house and invited us back. Miguel and his entourage were sitting on the patio. Miguel’s leg was elevated on a pile of cushions. He and his cousin Rey were talking about soccer. Rey seemed to think Brazil had the greatest team in the world, while Miguel argued strongly for Argentina. Caridad was pouring a thick and creamy drink into tall glasses.
She gave us a wide, toothy grin. “Ay, just in time. I am making batidos. The milk will help Miguel’s leg bone grow strong. Sit down. You have one, please.”
“That looks delicious. What flavors?”
“Papaya. Mango. A little banana.” Caridad placed a glass, overflowing with the fruity milkshake, in front of Rey. Then she put one a few inches out of Miguel’s reach. “What’s the matter with you? Greet your guests.”