The Purrfect Murder

Maybe it will work out.”
    “I hope so, because it will cast a pall over the whole evening. As if what’s just happened isn’t bad enough.”
    “Can’t you talk to Mim?”
    “I can and I will. Will you talk to Little Mim?”
    Harry gulped. She hated to get in the middle of things. “Yes. I’m not very persuasive, but I’ll try.”
    “It’s so important. For everyone. This is a time when we all must stick together.”
    After hanging up the phone, Harry regretted her promise. A promise made must be a promise kept. The rain accentuated her unease.
    “I can’t just sit here. Come on. To the truck. Make a run for it, kids.”
    They dashed out, splattering as they ran. Harry opened the driver’s door and lifted up Tucker as the two cats hopped in. She sat where wet paws had marked the seat, but so what.
    Within twenty minutes she had pulled into the crowded parking lot of Keller & George on Millmont Avenue. Other people must have decided to use a rainy day to shop.
    Harry had left off her father’s old rectangular Bulova watch for repair. It was the only watch she wore.
    As she breezed through the doors, she saw Marilyn Nash from Waynesboro, talking with Kylie Kraft. Both women did rescue work for their county’s respective animal shelters.
    “Harry.” Marilyn waved.
    “What made you come over the mountain in the rain?” Harry smiled.
    “Present for Lauren.”
    Lauren was Marilyn’s teenage daughter.
    Kylie kept admiring the watch on her wrist, as Bill Leibenrod, the manager, folded his hands behind his back.
    “I just love it,” Kylie gushed.
    Marilyn, who had been admiring the gold Rolex with the heavy gold link band, said, “Fits you.”
    “I have to have it.”
    Harry, knowing full well that watch cost at least nineteen thousand dollars, couldn’t restrain her shock. “Kylie, do you know how much that costs?”
    “I do. My boyfriend told me to buy whatever I wanted, and he gave me a blank check. Can you believe it?”
    “Best to keep that boyfriend,” Marilyn noted wryly, a slight Texas twang to her speech.
    She wasn’t raised in Richardson, Texas, for nothing. But there a Rolex was called a Texas Timex.
    As Kylie squealed and hugged herself, red curls bobbing, Bill winked at Harry and Marilyn, moved from behind the counter, and motioned for Kylie to follow. He headed for the cash register.
    “Jesus H. Christ on a raft,” Harry said under her breath. “I could build a big new hay shed for that.”
    “You could. Most people couldn’t.” Marilyn laughed, because she knew how practical and tight with money Harry could be.
    Harry smiled. “Marilyn, not three days ago she was flattened with grief because Will had been shot, and here she is all giddy and silly over a watch.”
    “It is a very nice watch. Common enough but nice, and they do last.”
    “I’ll never know,” Harry flatly stated. “I came to pick up my dad’s watch. Howard is back there somewhere.” She nodded in the direction of the closed door where the “surgeons,” as she thought of them, worked.
    Both Marilyn and Harry knew Howard because he was a bird aficionado, raising many with the help of his wife. He was also a Vietnam vet and tough despite his mild exterior.
    “If anyone can fix your dad’s watch, it’s Howard.” Marilyn took a deep breath. “A terrible thing, what happened to Will Wylde.” She glanced at Kylie leaning over the counter as Bill rang up the sum. “No one has ever accused Kylie of being a deep well.”
    “I don’t know why I’m surprised.”
    “Well, will I see you at Poplar Forest?”
    “You will. Can’t wait to see what you’re wearing. I know what Urbie will wear.” Harry grinned, because the men would be in black tie.
    “Men have it so easy.”
    “They sure do. One good tux, one good dinner jacket, white for summer, one set of tails for white tie, and, if he’s really social, a morning suit.”
    “And if he’s not social, all he needs is a pair of jeans. Doesn’t even need a shirt.”
    “Marilyn, we’re being abused.” Harry affected anger.
    “I don’t think the men would mind if you just wore jeans.”
    Harry laughed. “Well, my husband would pitch a fit, but how wonderful it must feel on a hot day to be out there without your shirt, sweating, and a soft breeze comes up. Must be heaven.”
    The two women caught up, compared notes, then Marilyn walked over to the repair section of the store with Harry. They both waved as Kylie skipped out.
    On the way back to