Free Catwalk by Sheila Webster Boneham Page B

seen a tidy artist’s space?”
    Norm caught the server’s eye and pointed at our coffee mugs. “Everett Bannister is pretty neat.”
    I knew the name and had seen Bannister’s paintings, but I’d never met him. “Is he? Still, this studio seemed like a prop. The only painting I remember was a finished one, framed and hung. There were no works- in-progress, no sketches or studies, none of the usual chaos my arts y friends all create when they work.”
    Norm raised an eyebrow at me.
    â€œRight. I don’t know what it means, either,” I said. After the server refilled our coffees and took the dirty dishes away, I asked, “What about his threat to report Jay as a vicious dog?”
    â€œI’ll check some cases, but I don’t think it will go anywhere.” He made another note. “Can you pull together copies of his certificates, therapy dog and whatever, and also get statements from experts who know him? Maybe the police in Indy from when he found that kid?”
    â€œSure. I have the newspaper clipping from that.”
    â€œIf Rasmussen put his hand on you uninvited and in a threatening manner, your dog has a right to growl.” Norm reached across the table and took my hand. “And, Janet, he didn’t bite the guy.”
    â€œSo this is all just smoke and mirrors? He can’t really do any thing?”
    â€œHe can make you spend some money, but I can’t imagine the court ruling in his favor. And if he insists on proceeding, we’ll fight back.”
    â€œThat odious man. I’d like to …”
    â€œShhh.” Norm shook his head slightly. “I’d like to, too, but until this is settled, stifle yourself. Make no threats, call him no names, say nothing that you don’t want repeated in court, if it goes there.”
    â€œBut I’m talking to you.”
    â€œIn a public place.” He leaned across the table and lowered his voice. “Janet, Charles Rasmussen has a lot of friends in high places, and a lot of money, so as your attorney, I advise discretion.” He leaned back and picked up his water glass, then said, “As your loving brother-in-law, I say a pox on him.”
    â€œThat I’d like to see,” I said, and started to laugh as an image of Rasmussen covered in spots formed in my mind. Then I asked, “How?”
    â€œHow what?”
    â€œHow will we fight back?”
    â€œAh. Well, for one thing, we can call Neighborhood Code Enforcement and see if they will cite him for leaving his building open to entice pet cats into danger.”
    That made me laugh, but not for long. “But what danger?”
    â€œDidn’t you say he threatened the kittens?” Norm shrugged and went on. “It was a trap. He would have grabbed them and killed them if you hadn’t stopped him. And I have friends in NCE. One thing, though. Alberta needs to be sure all her pet licenses are in order and all her pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.” He paused. “I’d recommend that you and Tom do the same.”
    â€œAlready done. Mine, anyway.” Oh, sure, maybe three years ago, whispered the prissy little angel on my shoulder. “The vaccinations, at least. I’ll check the licenses.” I would have, too, if I’d remembered.
    We spent another few minutes on more pleasant subjects. Norm and Bill had moved into my mother’s old house, the house Bill and I grew up in, and were putting the final touches on a complete kitchen update. “Bill is more relaxed since we moved than I’ve ever seen him. Sometimes I think he loves that old house more than he loves me.” I knew from the crinkles around his eyes that Norm knew better, and that he spoke from a place of deep happiness.
    â€œYou guys should come to the agility trial this weekend. Come watch the boys,” which was Norm’s term for Jay and Drake and Leo. “Did I tell you we’re