Free The Purrfect Lie (Klepto Cat Mystery Book 12) by Patricia Fry Page B

Crissy began to fuss in Mary’s arms. “I’d better get my child home. She probably wants lunch, and then it’s nap time.” She leaned toward Savannah. “That’s my time. I get to clean up the messes she’s made all morning.” She gestured toward Savannah. “You know how it is.”
    Savannah nodded. “Sure do.”
    “Ba-by,” Crissy said, reaching toward Lily with her doll. Lily took it and held it to her, the little purse still in her other hand. When Crissy reached for the purse, Lily squeezed it more tightly.
    “Give Crissy her purse, Lily,” Savannah prompted, moving closer to Mary and Crissy. When Lily frowned and looked down, Savannah apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know she could be so stingy. This is a new situation for us. I’m not sure what to do.” She then said, “Wait,” as she dug through her own purse for a few seconds. She pulled out a small coin purse and handed it to Lily.
    Lily stared at it for a moment, then dropped her doll and Crissy’s purse and grabbed the coin purse. Savannah and Mary both laughed.
    “Good move,” Mary said, smiling, as she bent over and picked up the toys.
    “Well, I have more shopping to do,” Savannah admitted. “Didn’t want her throwing a fit.”
    “I hear ya,” Mary said, then added, “…to answer your question, thankfully, I’m a full-time mom. My husband works hard to make it possible. So most any day is good for us.”
    “Cool,” Savannah said while strapping Lily into the stroller. “It’s supposed to be nice over the next few days. Want to come over sometime this week?”
    “Sounds good. Let’s chat soon and set something up.” Mary started to walk away, but turned and asked, “By the way, could you recommend a good vet in the area?”
    Savannah chuckled. “Would you believe I’m a veterinarian?”
    “Really?” Mary said, wide-eyed. “Where do you practice?”
    She chuckled. “I practice being a mom right now, but my husband runs the Ivey
    Veterinary Clinic in Hammond. And yes, I would recommend him.”
    Mary laughed. “I would hope so.”
    Savannah creased her brow. “Do you have a sick animal?”
    Mary shook her head. “No, it’s just time for Regina’s annual vaccine booster. She’s an inside-outside kitty, so I need to keep up with her shots. I’m sure you know what I mean.”
    Savannah nodded, then asked, “How does she travel?”
    “Pretty good, actually, if I don’t box her up. I mean, she likes to have the run of the car.”
    “Well, I’ll check on Michael’s schedule and maybe you could bring her when you come for the playdate.” When Mary hesitated, Savannah said, “We have a pet-friendly home and some overly friendly animals.”
    “Okay, then. Yeah, let me know when I can get an appointment.”
    “Sure, I’ll text you later.” Savannah smiled. “It was so nice to meet the two of you. I can’t wait for our playdate.”
    “Your playdate?” Margaret asked as she approached the two women.
    “Well, the girls’ playdate,” she corrected.
    Mary acknowledged Margaret then turned, waving as she left the store.
    “Wow, that was fortuitous, wasn’t it?” Margaret said.
    Savannah stared after Mary, tilting her head. “Sure was.” Thinking out loud, she said, “I can’t believe how much she reminds me of Barbara’s daughter Jenna. Don’t you think?”
    Margaret shook her head. “Um, I really didn’t notice.” She grinned at the baby. “A few days ago Lily had no friends; now she has quite a collection, don’t you, sweet thing?”
    ****
    It was after ten the next morning when Savannah saw a car pull into their driveway. “Hi, Mary,” she said, walking out to greet her. She looked at her watch. “Regina-kitty’s appointment is in twenty minutes; do you want me to go with you? Then we can come back here afterward.”
    “Sounds good.” She looked toward the house. “Where’s Lily?”
    “Napping. Helena, our housekeeper, is here in case she wakes up.”
    “Okay.” Mary glanced at