Cinnamon Roll Murder (Hannah Swensen, #15)(21)

“Did you touch them?”

“Only to pick them up. And I was wearing gloves because Michelle and I had just waded through the ditch and it was cold.”

“Did you take off your gloves when you stuck the pillbox in your pocket and zipped it up?”

Hannah did her best to remember, but that part was a blank. “I don’t know. Buddy was calling us, and we were in a hurry to meet the paramedics, and ... I just don’t remember.”

“That’s okay. Don’t worry about it. If you did, we can eliminate your fingerprints.”

Hannah heard a familiar scratching noise in the hallway, and she knew she had to warn Mike. “Put your feet up. Quick!”

“What?”

“Just do it. Prop them on the coffee table and tuck in your arms. And hurry!”

“Okay,” Mike agreed, sounding amused. “What’s going on?”

“You’ll see. It’s the midnight cat crazies.”

“What are cat craz ... oof!” Mike let out a gasp as Cuddles landed on his chest. He watched in obvious amazement as the two cats raced in circles across the living room rug, Cuddles in the lead and Moishe chasing her. “Hey guys,” he said. “What are you do ... oof!”

Hannah laughed. She couldn’t help it. This time Moishe had landed on Mike’s chest. “You’re a launch pad,” she said. “Usually they stick to the floor. That’s why I told you to put your feet up. But I guess this time they’re performing for you, and they’re trying something new.”

There was a loud scratching noise as the two cats barreled into the laundry room, and a thump followed by a louder thump as they jumped up on Hannah’s washer and dryer, and then down again.

“I don’t remember the Big Guy doing that before,” Mike said, putting his feet back down on the floor.

“He never has. It’s Cuddles. She goads him into it. They love their game of chase and they haven’t broken anything ... yet. But I don’t really care because they’re having so much fun.”

There was a bang from the kitchen, and they heard Michelle gasp.

“What the ...” Lonnie exclaimed, stopping short. “Cuddles just jumped up on the refrigerator and Moishe skidded straight into the door! He seems to be okay, though. He just shook his head a couple of times, and then he leaped up on the counter.”

Hannah laughed. “It’s kitty crazy time. Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon. They’ll tire themselves out in a couple of minutes, and then they’ll sleep all night.”

“Cuddles seems to be having a great time here,” Mike said, snapping his notebook shut.

“She’s fine.” Hannah knew the interview was over and she was relieved. Recalling the sight of the bus driver dangling above her had not been pleasant.

“Do you think she misses Norman?” Mike asked the same question that Michelle had earlier.

“Yes. I’ve seen her go to the window by the stairs and look out, as if she’s waiting for him to come and pick her up. She looks sad. And before you say anything, I don’t think I’m imagining things.”

“I believe you, and I think you’re right. Cuddles just adores Norman. Every time I went out there to see him, she was right there. If we went into the kitchen, she followed us. And if we went into the den, she tagged along. My sister has a cat and he doesn’t do that. How about Moishe? Does he follow you around?”

“Not unless it’s breakfast and he wants his food. Or dinnertime and he’s hungry. Moishe’s more independent. He’s not waiting for anybody to come and get him. He knows he’s home.”

Mike looked away for a minute. When he turned back, there was a sheen of moisture in his eyes. “It’s sad,” he said. “Cuddles really loves Norman, and Norman loves Cuddles. I’ve been out there a couple of times for dinner since Bev and Norman got engaged.”

Hannah was perfectly silent. She didn’t know if she wanted to hear what was coming next.

“Norman’s not happy. I think he’s making a big mistake by marrying her.”

Again, Hannah was silent. She agreed completely and there was nothing for her to say.

“They’re not good together. As much as Norman tries, his heart’s not in it. And she’s ... clingy. I don’t know what she’s doing, what she’s up to. But I do know she’s not right for Norman.”

“Sour grapes?” Hannah asked, and then she regretted it. Mike had dated Doctor Bev, and she was prying.

“Not sour grapes. I wouldn’t go out with her again on a bet. There’s something wrong there, something that gets the cop in me anxious.”

“You think she’s a criminal?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s just she’s not ... real.”

“What do you mean?”

“My instincts tell me she’s playing a part. I thought I knew her. I really did. But she’s different with Norman than she was with me.” Mike’s eyebrows furrowed in a frown. “The way things are now, I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her.”

Hannah wasn’t about to touch that one with a telephone pole. She just sat and waited for Mike to say more.

“I know why they’re getting married. Norman told me. We’re friends, good friends, and we talk. I’m all he’s got now. He needs someone to talk to, and Bev won’t let him see you anymore. Norman told me that every time he says he wants to see Cuddles, she begs him not to. She told him that the cat dander gets into his clothes and gives her a terrible allergic reaction.”