Hello everyone!
Are you ready for the conclusion of the Wren Wilder Mystery? Of course, you are!
Miss Scarlet is too. She’s waiting patiently, ready to deal with the stalker! Look at those eyes. I definitely want her on my side!
In case you missed part one or two, find them here…
The Stalker conclusion…
Wren became more and more nervous as she got closer to the Cozy Cup Café. What if the stalker threatened her? What if he brought a weapon? Maybe she and Miss Scarlet hadn’t considered every angle of the plan thoroughly. Her pace slowed.
Sensing Wren’s anxiety, Miss Scarlet looked up from her basket. She purred comfortingly. “Don’t worry so much. We’ll be in a public place. He won’t dare do anything. He’s a bully because he can be anonymous in some gloomy hidey-hole but I bet he has no courage when he’s face to face with you.”
“I hope you’re right Miss Scarlet, because we’ve arrived. I don’t see anyone who looks creepy.”
“Looks can be deceiving. Think about me, Wren. Everyone sees a fluffy kitty but underneath? I’m a clever mystery solving dynamo. Trust me, we’ll get through this.”
Wren did trust Miss Scarlet but she wished she had as much confidence as the beautiful feline as she entered the cheery Cozy Cup Café and ordered a peppermint tea and maple glazed scone. No sense sitting and twisting her handkerchief. A delicious refreshment would soothe her nerves she told herself.
Wren sat in the corner near the potted ferns, just where she’d told the stalker she’d be. She put the basket with Miss Scarlet still inside on the chair next to her, then she adjusted her purple hat to completely shade her eyes.
“Do you see him?” Miss Scarlet asked in her soothing purr.
Wren sipped her tea, letting the peppermint do its magic of spreading calm through her body. “I see a tall gentleman approaching now, but he doesn’t look like an evil bully.
“May I, Miss Wilder?” the man asked as he pulled a chair out and away from Miss Scarlet. He didn’t wait for an answer. He stuck his hand in his pocket which worried Wren for a moment. Then he settled on the chair and stared at her, with neither a friendly nor menacing expression. Wren didn’t know what to make of him.
“You want my opinion on your work?”
Wren fumbled around in the basket where she’d put some papers. Miss Scarlet jumped out. The stalker pushed his chair farther away, but Miss Scarlet leaped from her chair right onto his lap. She put her paws on his shoulders and rubbed her head against his.
He froze, shocked and unable to move after this sudden turn of events. His breathing became labored. He wheezed and struggled for air. Yet Miss Scarlet continued to rub even more vigorously.
With enormous effort, the stalker tried to push Miss Scarlet off his chest, but she growled and held on with her sharp claws.
“My inhaler,” he gasped. “My pocket.”
Wren reached into his pocket and put the inhaler in his hand. Then, she carefully pulled Miss Scarlet away.
Wren held her breath and waited, hoping he’d be okay. Even though he’d tormented her, she didn’t want him to die right in front of her eyes. Finally, the stalker’s breathing returned to normal. He pushed his chair away and left without a word.
“How did you know?” Wren asked.
“My observation skills are sharply honed. When he arrived at your table, he frowned when he saw me and angled his chair away. He patted his pocket bringing my attention to the odor of an inhaler concealed inside. I deduced he was allergic to cats.”
“He could have died,” Wren said feeling responsible for the setup.
“I assumed you’d find the inhaler in time and save him. I was right.” Miss Scarlet purred, then jumped back into her basket. “He learned his lesson and won’t bother you again.”
Wren wrapped up her unfinished scone, adjusted her purple hat, and picked up the basket. “I have a lot to learn from you, Miss Scarlet,” she said, and headed home.
THE END
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Odds and Ends
Bird sighting: The four pheasants I saw last week visit every day. I’m hoping to see chicks sometime. Wouldn’t that be exciting!
Book recommendation: Normally, I don’t read a lot of nonfiction but I’m loving this book!