Chapter 7
7
Cora pulled into the parking lot of the animal shelter. The trickle of nerves over her visit had grown into a full-blown river of excitement. The last pet she’d owned was her family dog in high school—a loyal companion who had stayed with her parents when she left for college. Her heart was broken when she learned he’d passed away during her first year of medical school.
Until now, her unpredictable hours and demanding lifestyle had made owning a pet impossible. A dog, while appealing, required more exercise and attention than she could provide. However, a conversation with Janice weeks ago about her cat had planted the idea that a feline companion might be the perfect choice. Cora’s grandmother had always had cats, and Cora had adored them, though her heart had been set on a puppy as a teenager. Now, the idea of choosing a cat for a pet that could bring companionship had her hurrying to the shelter’s door.
When she pushed open the glass door, a bell jingled overhead, announcing her arrival. A blend of scents greeted her—disinfectant mingled with the earthy undertone of animals. From the back of the building came a cacophony of barks, the eager chorus of dogs vying for attention. The sound tugged at her heart, and she briefly wondered how many animals the shelter could help.
Her gaze fell on a bulletin board near the entrance, decorated with colorful posters and snapshots of animals who had found their forever homes. Smiling faces of pet owners and their furry companions stared back at her, radiating joy. The shelter had a warm, inviting charm, with rustic wood accents and murals of cats, dogs, and rabbits brightening the walls. It didn’t feel like a sterile facility—it felt like a place of hope.
“Welcome to the shelter!” a man called out as he emerged from the back. Dressed in jeans and sturdy work boots, he appeared to be in his late thirties, with long hair pulled back into a tidy ponytail. His navy-blue shirt bore the shelter’s logo embroidered over the chest. He offered her a kind smile and a nod. “What can I do for you?”
“Hi,” Cora said, her voice soft but tinged with anticipation. “I’ve decided to adopt a cat. Or maybe two.”
His smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “You’ve come to the right place.” Walking around the desk, he extended his hand. “I’m Joseph, the shelter administrator. We’ve got plenty of furry friends looking for a good home. Let me show you around.”
“I’m Cora Wadsworth,” she said, shaking his hand firmly. She followed him down a hallway that branched off the lobby.
Joseph stopped in front of a room with glass windows, motioning for her to look inside. The space was lined with tidy cages stacked three high. Some were empty, but others housed cats sprawled on soft towels, their fur sleek and well-groomed. A few cages held wide-eyed cats batting at dangling toys, their playful energy contagious. Others offered her a regal stare, lifting their heads imperiously before closing their eyes again as if to dismiss her.
“Oh my… they’re beautiful,” she breathed, staring in awe.
“This is where we house the cats for adoption,” Joseph explained. “There is a room next door for our mama cats still nursing. You can always look there and choose a kitten to adopt when they’re weaned. The vet clinic, Hoofs and Paws, is next door. My wife, Samantha, is the vet there and will happily answer any questions you have about their care.”
A woman with hair tied back in a practical ponytail entered the hallway from a side door as if on cue. She wore a white coat over her jeans with her name, title, and the clinic’s logo.
“Hello,” she greeted with a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling. “I’m Samantha.” Hearing another familiar voice, the dogs increased their choral presentation with frenzied barks.
“This is Cora Wadsworth,” Joseph said.
“Nice to meet you,” Cora said, shaking her hand. “I’ve been thinking about getting a cat for a while and now feels like the right time.”
“You’re in good hands here,” Samantha said. “We’ve got some sweet cats who could use a loving home.” She cocked her head to the side. “Have you owned pets before?”
“Yes, but to be honest, it was many years ago. Between medical school, residencies, moving, and working, owning another pet just wasn’t on my list of things I needed to do. But now, I feel ready.”
“Medical school?” Samantha’s expression brightened even more. “Where do you practice?”
“I’m the medical examiner for the hospital. I cover the two counties?—”
“Oh, my goodness,” Samantha said. “I’m so glad to meet you! It’s always nice to meet someone in a similar field.” She laughed and shook her head. “Of course, I take care of the four-legged variety.”
Cora couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I care for those who are no longer living. You have to deal with the living creatures and their owners.”
Samantha laughed. “True. But you do autopsies, and sometimes I have to do necropsies. See? We’re not so different!”
“Yes, but you have to know the anatomy of various animals. At least, my work only deals with humans.”
As Samantha laughed again, Cora joined in. It was unusual to have someone she’d just met feel so familiar and comfortable.
“I’m so glad to meet you,” Samantha said. She pulled a card from her pocket. “My personal number is on that. I hope we can get together sometime.”
“I’d like that,” Cora agreed, finding the words true as she shared her number. She glanced at Joseph to see his shy smile was firmly in place as he stared lovingly at his wife. A wistful sigh slipped out.
“Are you ready to check out the cats?” Joseph asked.
Cora nodded enthusiastically, her excitement bubbling over. As they stepped into the cat adoption room, the muffled barking of dogs gave way to the softer sounds of meows and purrs. The air felt warmer here, more serene as if the cats exuded a calming energy that filled the space.
She wandered along the rows of cages, her attention drawn to each cat she passed. Some lounged lazily on plush beds, while others batted at dangling toys. When an exceptionally playful one reached out a paw, she chuckled and poked her finger through the slats, letting it swat at her gently. She rubbed the heads and chins of those who pressed against the bars for affection, each soft nuzzle warming her heart.
“Oh my…” she murmured, glancing back at Joseph. “How do I choose?”
Joseph grinned. “Do you want just one? Or are you still considering two?”
“Two, I think,” she said thoughtfully. “I work long hours and don’t want my pet to feel lonely. If there were two, they’d have each other for company. I also thought it might be better not to start with little kittens.”
“That makes sense.” He nodded approvingly. “Do you have any preferences? Or need any advice?”
She turned to him, her brow slightly furrowed as she considered. “What do you suggest?”
“Well,” Joseph said, motioning toward a row of larger cages on the far wall, “you might want to check out some of the siblings. Not all cats get along with others, but siblings or bonded pairs are already compatible.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea.” She followed him to the cages, her eyes scanning the larger enclosures. In one, a pair of sleek black-and-white cats caught her attention immediately. They were curled together on a plush bed, their bodies entwined like yin and yang. As she approached, both lifted their heads, their emerald-green eyes gleaming with curiosity.
One cat stretched languidly, its glossy coat shimmering under the lights, and licked its fur with a delicate pink tongue. The other yawned, then stood and padded gracefully to the edge of the cage. With a playful swipe, it batted at the air near her. Cora’s breath caught. She was instantly captivated.
“That’s Max and Mia,” Joseph said. “They’re about a year old. Siblings. Max is the more outgoing one with black front feet, and Mia looks like she has white booties on her front feet. She tends to follow his lead. They’re very bonded, so we’d prefer they stay together.”
Cora crouched down for a closer look. Max swiped at the air again, his paw brushing the glass as if trying to reach her. Mia tilted her head, watching her intently with wide, curious eyes.
“They’re beautiful,” Cora whispered, enchanted. “What can you tell me about their personalities?”
Joseph chuckled. “Max is a little mischief-maker. He’ll keep you entertained with his antics for hours. Mia’s more reserved but very sweet. She’ll be your little shadow once she warms up to you.”
Cora smiled, her heart already softening. “They sound perfect,” she said, her voice full of awe. Straightening, she turned to Joseph. “I’d like to meet them.”
“You got it.” Joseph unlatched the cage and reached inside, carefully picking up Max and gently placing him on the floor. Then he retrieved Mia, setting her down a little closer to Cora.
Cora plopped down onto the floor, crossing her legs and letting the cats approach her on their terms. Max trotted over immediately, his tail held high like a little flag of confidence. He sniffed her outstretched hand before nuzzling against it, purring loudly enough to make her laugh softly.
Mia lingered back, her movements slower and more tentative. But after watching Max interact with Cora, she padded closer, her steps cautious but deliberate. Cora reached out gently, letting Mia close the distance. When her hand finally touched the soft fur, Mia leaned into it, a quiet purr rumbling from her petite body.
“I think they’ve chosen you,” Joseph said with a grin, standing off to the side.
Cora laughed softly, her heart swelling with happiness. “I think so too,” she said, glancing down at the two cats who now seemed perfectly content by her side. “I’ll take them both.”
Ever efficient, Joseph nodded. “I’ll get their paperwork ready. They’re up to date on all their shots, and Samantha can review their health records with you.”
As Cora filled out the adoption forms and listened to Samantha’s advice about transitioning the cats to their new home, Max and Mia explored the room, already comfortable in her presence. She bought a litter box, litter, dishes, and food from the shelter, accepting Joseph’s offer to place the items in her vehicle.
The jingle over the door sounded, and Samantha said, “I have an appointment coming in. Joseph will be right back.” A moment later, Cora heard Samantha say, “Hey, Jeremy!”
She blinked in surprise, then shook her head. There were lots of Jeremys on the shore. But her thoughts of avoiding the mystifying detective were soon shot down as he walked into the room, his gaze searching until it landed on her. He smiled widely.
“Hey, Dr. Wadsworth. What a surprise.”
Her gaze dropped to the animal carrier in his hand. A long yowl sounded from the carrier, and her gaze leaped back to his face. “You have a cat?”
“Yeah.”
Dumbly, she repeated, “You have a cat.”
He cocked his head to the side as he stared intently at her. “Are you okay?”
Her head jerked, and she quickly recovered from her surprise. “Yes, I’m fine.” Flustered, she shrugged. “I would have expected you to have a massive dog with a deep bark. I didn’t see you as a cat person.”
Jeremy stepped closer and looked down as she tilted her head back to hold his gaze. “I like to think I’m a man of surprises, Dr. Wadsworth.”
For a moment, the loud barking and meows became muted, as the only thing she noticed was the handsome detective staring at her. Then suddenly, his attention dropped back to the two cats at her feet, and he grinned.
“Are you adopting cats?”
She smiled. “Yes. Your detective reasoning is correct.”
He threw his head back and laughed. Then he held her gaze again. “I have to say that you don’t seem like a cat person to me, either.”
“Then I guess we’re both full of surprises.” What shocked her the most at the moment was making small talk, which seemed easy and not forced.
Before she could ponder that further, Samantha said, “When you’re ready, come on in the clinic, Jeremy. Let’s check out Tommy Girl.”
Cora’s brow furrowed. “Your cat is named Tommy Girl?”
He shrugged while still grinning. “Yeah.”
Since he wasn’t elaborating, her curiosity continued. “Is it a boy or girl?”
He laughed. “She’s a girl.”
“But Tommy is a boy’s name.”
His grin remained as he lifted his brows. “Not necessarily. We shouldn’t assign genders just to a name.”
She huffed and nodded at his gentle rebuke. “I agree. I shouldn’t assume that the name Tommy is a boy. But… well… it is sort of unusual.”
As though saving her from further embarrassment, he quickly explained, “When I rescued her, I thought the kitten was a boy. And don’t give me any gruff about anatomy. She was a tiny kitten, and it’s hard to tell. So I named her Tommy. But as soon as I discovered she was a girl, she was already used to the name Tommy, and I didn’t want to confuse her. She simply became Tommy Girl.”
She stared, uncertain of what to say. Finally, she said, “That’s smart. And strangely sweet.”
He laughed again. “I can be smart and sweet, you know?”
Flustered, she sighed, wondering what about the detective made her feel less in control. She squared her shoulders, hoping to regain her usual composure. “I assure you, Detective Pickett, I have no doubts about your intellect,” she said, her tone even. Her gaze dropped to the carrier, and a small smile softened her features. “And I applaud you on your choice of pet.”
They stood for another moment, neither speaking, yet something unspoken seemed to hang in the air between them. It was a weight she couldn’t quite identify, a strange energy that left her feeling both vulnerable and intrigued. Deciding she was more tired than she realized, she looked back down at the adorable cats still at her feet, ready to take them home.
Joseph returned to the room, scooped up the cats, and placed them into a carrier for her. Once they were secure, she stood and reached out to take them from him, but he said, “I’ll take them to the front desk for you, and you can finish the paperwork when you’re ready.”
While she was digging into her purse to find her wallet, she dropped her key chain to the floor. Jeremy bent to pick it up, then stared at the tag among her keys. A chuckle slipped out as he handed it back to her. She looked down and remembered what the tag said: I’m a coroner. If you’re breathing, I’m leaving. “Oh… um…” she muttered.
Jeremy was still laughing as he asked, “More mortuary humor, Dr. Wadsworth?”
She pressed her lips together while nodding. Before the moment could stretch further, Joseph returned, holding the carrier with a bright smile. “Are you ready to take these sweeties home?” he asked, breaking the charged intensity between her and Jeremy.
Cora’s gaze snapped to Joseph, grateful for the distraction. “Yes, thank you,” she said, stepping forward to follow him toward the lobby. As she walked away, she felt Jeremy’s gaze lingering on her. Just before reaching the lobby, she glanced over her shoulder, catching him watching her retreat. A flicker of something warm passed through her chest as she offered him a small smile. “Goodbye, Detective Pickett.”
“Good night, Cora,” he whispered.
The softly spoken words stopped her in her tracks, her breath catching. The unexpected familiarity in his tone sent a ripple of warmth through her. A faint smile played on her lips as she pushed through the shelter’s doors and stepped into the cool night air.
Driving home, Cora chatted softly with Max and Mia, her voice light and happy. “You’re going to love it at my house,” she said, glancing at the carrier on the passenger seat. “I promise you’ll be spoiled rotten.”
Once home, she placed the newly purchased litter box in the laundry room, filled it, and let the cats out nearby so they could immediately see where to go. Max sniffed the box with interest while Mia followed closely behind, her cautious nature evident.
Cora filled their water and food dishes, and within moments, both cats were purring as they munched away. Their contentment was contagious, and she felt a smile tug at her lips as she watched them settle into their new environment.
While she ate her own dinner, the cats wandered and explored the house, their curiosity leading them into every nook and cranny. They reappeared when she sat on the sofa as though checking in on her. Sliding to the floor, she tossed a catnip mouse across the room, laughing as Max pounced enthusiastically while Mia watched intently before joining the game.
When she was ready for bed, she wondered where they would choose to sleep. She didn’t have to wonder long. As soon as she slid under the covers, they climbed up the bedspread and onto the bed, curling up together at the foot.
Her gaze flicked between the book she was reading and the sleeping cats, their rhythmic purring filling the quiet room. Her heart felt fuller than it had in years, warmth spreading through her chest at the presence of her new companions.
But when she finally turned off the light and closed her eyes, it wasn’t Max or Mia that occupied her thoughts. Instead, it was the blue-eyed detective, his voice low and gentle as he’d whispered, “Good night, Cora.” The memory lingered as she drifted off, her lips curving into a soft smile.