Free Claws for Alarm by T.C. LoTempio

The portraits on the pages were good, really good. There was one of Prudence that looked almost as if she were about to speak. On the last page was another familiar face.
    â€œWow,” I shook my head. “She must have copied thisfrom my graduation photo.” I slid Nick a glance. “What do you know, Nick. My sister actually has talent.”
    â€œYour sister?”
    The sudden voice coupled with the creak of the door behind me made me drop the sketch pad. I whirled and caught a glimpse of short platinum blond hair framing a round face. A pair of hazel eyes framed by thick black lashes peered at me, and then the door swung all the way open.
    â€œOh goodness. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. The nice woman downstairs said that I should just go right on up, but she didn’t mention anyone else was here.” She cocked her head to one side, studying me. “Yep, you’ve got to be her sister. I can see the family resemblance right around here.” She made a gesture that encompassed the area around her eyes.
    â€œYes, I’m Nora Charles. And you are?”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry.” Her laugh tittered out. “Jenna Whitt. I study at the Pitt Institute, too. Lacey and I have worked on some projects together.”
    I took a moment to study her. She was short, maybe five-two, but well built, and she looked as if she spent some time in the gym maintaining that build. She wore a cobalt blue tracksuit unzippered down the front to reveal a bright lime green T-shirt that emphasized her full bosom. She wore thick Nikes on her feet, which explained why I hadn’t heard her sooner. I placed her age as mid to late thirties. If I had to give a truthful assessment, she was probably more on the sunny side.
    â€œNice to meet you, Jenna. I’m afraid, though, my sister isn’t here right now.”
    â€œOh, I know.” She waved her hand carelessly. I noted theslight nicotine stains on the tips of her finger and thought it a shame she smoked. It took away from her expensive French-tip manicure. “She’s in the slammer. Poor thing. If you ask me they should be giving her a medal, not prosecuting her.”
    I was a bit surprised at her candor with a perfect stranger and struggled to keep my tone even. “She hasn’t been found guilty yet.”
    Jenna shook her bobbed head. “Oh right. I’m sorry. It’s just—now don’t get me wrong—I like your sister, she’s a nice gal. But you’ve got to admit it’d take a miracle to help her, doncha think? I mean, caught with the murder weapon and all? Talk about bad timing.”
    I frowned. “Is there something I can help you with?”
    â€œNot really.” She waved her hand carelessly. “I was here a few days ago, and I thought I might have left something here I need . . . Oh, hello.” Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Nick at my feet. “Wow. He’s some big cat.”
    Nick regarded her with a cool stare, then minced over to the braided rug in front of Lacey’s vanity and stretched out both forepaws, bottom in the air. He turned around twice and then plopped down, lifted his hind leg, and began grooming his privates.
    Jenna burst out laughing. “He sure ain’t shy.” She dragged her gaze back to me. “Anyway, like I was sayin’, it’ll take a miracle to help your sister, or isn’t it true she’s been charged with first-degree murder?”
    I nodded. “Yes, it’s true. She was arraigned this morning.”
    â€œThey didn’t waste much time.” Jenna pushed past me into the room, walked over to the dresser, and picked up the bottle of perfume. She sprayed it into the air, then leaned forwardto catch the droplets on her skin as they fell. “I feel bad for her,” Jenna said. She walked around the room, her eyes darting to and fro, taking in every detail. “Don’t get me