Chapter 30

"We'll get Curtis's leg wrapped in a jiffy." Delta deftly wound the bandage around the cat's leg several times. "She's wondering what in the world is going on."

"She won't have to wear it long," Jo said. "Only long enough for us to record a clip of you—Curtis's caring human, taking her in for potential rehabilitation. Carrie posts it on her social media site. Mareis sees it, makes it her mission to rescue Curtis and bam! We catch her in the act."

"What if she doesn't like cats?" Michelle asked.

"It doesn't matter." Laverne tapped the side of her forehead. "What matters is this woman believes she's doing everyone a favor. I'll bet money she's going to break in and try to rescue Curtis from what she believes are Carrie's evil intentions."

Carrie wrinkled her nose. "I hope this works."

"It will," Jo said confidently. "We film the clip and upload it within the hour. All you need to do is continue reposting it this afternoon and evening."

Raylene stood nearby, and Jo noticed a troubled look flitting across her face. "You know a lot about the criminal mind. What do you think?"

"I think you're on the right track."

"But," Jo said. "I can hear a but."

"If you ask me, if you want this woman to make a move tonight, you'll need to ramp up the sense of urgency."

"How?" Jo asked.

"By having viewers think Carrie is bringing in a vet to care for Curtis's alleged injury."

Jo arched a brow. "Leading her to believe he could be in worse shape than he is, and that Carrie will take immediate action."

Raylene picked up. "Within hours, which will force this woman to react. If it's her."

"The whole idea is to lure her there and catch her. The more ammunition we have, the better. Thanks, Raylene." Jo tapped Delta's shoulder. "You need to come across as deeply distraught."

"No problem." Delta waved dismissively. "Curtis and I have this covered."

Nash, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "I'll add my two cents. Give Mareis the exact location. Exactly where she can find Curtis to rescue him."

"And I know right where I can put Curtis to keep him safe," Carrie said. "This will work out perfectly."

"All we have to worry about is making sure Mareis sees the footage."

"If I put it out a few times, giving updates, there's no way she won't." Carrie gathered up her things. "Let's hit the road."

Reaching Carrie's place, it took a little back and forth for the group to agree on the precise location of where the filming would take place. They finally agreed on the partially finished reception area, only steps away from where the vandal had blown the barn doors off.

"I'm ready." Delta placed Curtis on the counter. She promptly limped to the trail of cat treats while Jo filmed.

Carrie and Delta chatted back and forth, explaining why Curtis was there.

Carrie turned to the camera. "Divine Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center will soon welcome any animal who is in need of rehabilitation. Those who are able will be returned to the wild, while others who need a home will be available for adoption."

Delta dabbed at her eyes as Curtis limped toward her. "My baby. Curtis's limp seems to be getting worse. I'm afraid she won't be able to walk if she doesn't get help soon."

"I'm completely confident Curtis can be rehabilitated. Of course, if this doesn't work, we'll have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment available to find out if something more serious is going on."

"H-how would you do that?" Delta stammered.

"We can go into more detail first thing tomorrow morning." Carrie motioned to the row of crates lining the side wall of the reception area. "Curtis will be comfortable and safe here in our interim processing area tonight. If, by tomorrow, we don't see an improvement in her condition, we'll start running a series of tests."

Delta scooped Curtis up and held her close, a look of concern etched on her face. "Is it gonna hurt my poor baby?"

"Not at all. We'll use every resource available to make sure she's comfortable and cared for," Carrie assured Delta and potential viewers.

"Can I spend the night with her?"

"Eventually, we'll have a friends and family waiting area," Carrie said. "Unfortunately, because we still have a lot of ongoing construction, there's nowhere for you to stay."

Delta's lower lip trembled. "I'm going to have to leave my poor Curtis here all night? Can I bring her home and then back in the morning?"

Carrie placed a light hand on Delta's arm. "It's best we monitor her this evening. I can assure you Curtis will be safe and well cared for."

Doubt filled Delta's eyes. "I suppose."

"Curtis will get the best possible care." Carrie turned to the camera, clearly stating her several-times-practiced hook to force her harasser and stalker into immediate action. "Although we still have limited services, we are starting to take appointments." She rattled off the website address and physical address before Jo ended the recording.

"And…that's a wrap." Jo clapped her hands. "Good job."

"Curtis was the star of the show." Delta unwrapped her paw. She promptly started licking it until being offered another delicious treat for her stellar performance.

Carrie wasted no time uploading the file to her site. Seconds later, she got her first like, then a second, followed by a third. The comments rolled in with concerned followers, who asked Carrie to keep them updated on Curtis's condition.

"This is working like a charm," Carrie said. "Everyone is rooting for Curtis."

"Meanwhile, someone is going to try to cat-nap her," Jo predicted.

"And we'll be waiting for them." Nash tapped the top of his watch. "I say we take a break, grab a bite to eat and then head back here to set up a sting."

"There is a chance nothing will happen," Jo warned.

"I'll bet a hundred bucks the culprit will show. Delta and I put on the performance of the century." Carrie reached for Curtis. "Do you think we should've left her leg bandage on?"

"Nah." Delta waved dismissively. "If this person shows up, we'll take them down before they ever lay a hand on Curtis."

*****

Jo shifted to the side, easing the ache radiating from her hip. "What time is it?"

"Ten minutes later than the last time you asked," Nash joked. "Why don't you take a break?"

"Because I don't want to miss any of the action." Jo stared out the window toward the sanctuary's soon-to-be reception area. "It's getting late. Maybe something happened."

"Or maybe Mareis wants to wait until it's even later."

"It's almost one in the morning," Jo sighed. "How long are we going to give it?"

"Daybreak. We're pulling an all-nighter."

"Where's Carrie?"

"Last I checked, she was upstairs in her bedroom with her binoculars," Nash said.

"Has Sheriff Franklin checked in?"

"He and one of his deputies are a quarter mile down the road. From what I can tell, they're able to monitor from that angle."

"I hope this pans out. He won't be happy about sitting here all night, either."

"He hasn't been," Nash said. "He and another night patrol team have been taking turns."

"Still."

Nash gave her a quick kiss. "You worry too much."

"My reputation is on the line," she teased.

"Your reputation is doing fine." Nash swung around. "I see movement."

Jo leaned forward, staring intently out the window. Sure enough, she glimpsed movement coming from the field. "I see it too."

Nash crept to the side, inching closer to the edge of the window. The petite figure moved at a fast clip, going right toward the reception area.

"The person is carrying something."

"It looks like a crowbar."

The figure, clad all in black, wedged the bar beneath the windowsill and popped it open. They tossed the bar on the ground and, in one graceful leap, disappeared inside.

Things moved fast. Two figures appeared, each coming from opposite directions around the sides of the building. A bright flash of light beamed.

Moments later, the interior lights came on.

Carrie flew down the stairs. "The cops have someone."

The trio dashed out of the house and then slowed, cautiously approaching the building. As they drew closer, Jo could see the sheriff handcuffing Mareis Inman.

Carrie ran to the doorway. "Mareis Inman."

"You know this woman?" Sheriff Franklin asked.

"I sure do. I worked on Cheddar, her rabbit, turning him into a forever pet."

"You killed Cheddar!" Mareis's jaw clenched. "She's going to kill that poor cat, Curtis. I'm begging you. You have to stop her."

Carrie unlatched the crate and lifted a sleepy Curtis out. "Curtis is fine. In fact, she's better than fine. She's my hero."