The web-version of Cotton Spice

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“Detestable man,” Isabelle angrily shook her head. “I would like to really give him a piece of my mind.”

Tara glanced behind her and saw the vet was now talking to Andrew. She watched him answering the vet’s question and a feeling of sadness surrounded her. Why had Andrew lied to her? Why wasn’t he in Chicago? And why did she feel like her heart was breaking?

Chapter Three

Isabelle proudly led George from the contest ring. He and four other cats were in the running. The judges were ushered away to make a final decision and all the owners were invited to a tea to wait out the final decision. The cats were place in there cages and then left for the duration of the tea until it was time for the winners to be announced.

Tara and Isabelle left George securely in his cage with a small dish of cat treats to keep him occupied. He just seemed relieved that the contest was over. Then the two women headed into the tea. There was punch, coffee, ice water, and lemonade to drink. All different types of little sandwiches, cookies, cakes, and vegetable and fruit trays lay out. Isabelle and Tara filled a couple plates and then found seats by themselves to discuss the contest.

“I think George did exceedingly well. He is very good under pressure.” Isabelle spoke while waving a chicken salad sandwich in the air.

Tara popped a green grape in her mouth and smiled. “I hope George will win, although the cat in the astronaut costume was very original.”

“Yes, but the cat kept pushing the helmet of his head. I don’t think the judges were very impressed by that.” Isabelle replied before digging into her plate.

“Can I join you lovely ladies?” A male voice asked. Isabelle and Tara looked up and saw Andrew standing next to the table holding a plate loaded with cookies and sandwiches. He had several red scratches on his arms and one on his cheek.

“Of course.” Isabelle answered for both of them. Tara continued to eat and didn’t say a word.
There was a strained silence for the first few minutes. Andrew shoved a few sandwiches in his mouth and watched Tara. Tara ignored him completely and stared in another direction.

“Tara, will you at least let me explain?” Andrew burst out finally in a low voice. He reached his hand across the table and grabbed Tara’s thin white hand in his. Tara looked into Andrew’s soft brown eyes and her shoulders sagged.

“Go ahead and explain Andrew.” Isabelle patted his shoulder and then took a bite of a chocolate chip cookie.

Andrew continued to hold Tara’s hand while he explained. He spoke in a low voice as if he didn’t want to be heard and his eyes were constantly roving the crown around them. “I flew to Chicago like I told you, but then I ended coming back early. My friend has been working on a case for some time and he needed some extra help.”

“What kind of case?” Isabelle asked leaning forward; her plate of food forgotten.

“There have been several cases in the last year of animal kidnappings from shows and contests. They take only pure bred expensive pets and they sell them illegally for large amounts of money. So far out of sixty-five pets stolen only seven have been returned to there rightful owners. These pets are very hard to find once they have been stolen.” Andrew nodded at someone suddenly and stood up.

“My friend Chad is also posing as a cat owner and we have tracked one of the animal thieves to this contest.”

“Do you know who it is yet?” Isabelle asked excitedly.