Catch As Cat Can

39

Slowly the earth drank the rainwater. The ground remained muddy, the creeks little by little subsided. The scent of new blossoms began to overpower the odor of creek water.

Mrs. Murphy hastened to the barn at dawn as the owl returned from hunting.

“Did you get a chance to fly over O'Bannon's?”

“Yes. There are lights on in the garage but the curtains are drawn.”

“Any cars or trucks parked outside?”

“No, which I thought was curious.”

“I do, too.”

“Of course, it could be someone left the light on during the day or it's been on throughout the storms,” the owl thought out loud. “Still, you'd think someone would go in there.”

“What about the caboose?”

“Your rat friend, an industrious sort, scurried from the garage to the caboose frequently. He had a bag of potato chips. When he heard me—I swooped low for effect—he didn't drop the chips and run. A rough sort.”

“If I could pour water in his hole, I bet I could get him to talk. I'd stop up the exits, of course.” Mrs. Murphy envisioned this to her enjoyment. She heard Simon snoring in his nest. He looked ratlike yet was so different from Pope Rat; two creatures could hardly be more different in temperament.

“That rat has places and loot all over the salvage yard.”

“No sounds from the garage?” Murphy hoped for more clues.

“Yes. I sat by the window and I heard human feet. I know someone was in there.”

Later as Murphy walked back to the house she wondered if someone was working late because of the Wrecker's Ball. Then again, why not park out front? And why not work in the new building where the dance would be held? If it was on the up-and-up why hide your car? Maybe Sean was in the garage. Maybe he felt closer to Roger in the garage. So many thoughts jammed into her head she had difficulty sorting them out. One thing did help her focus. She certainly didn't want Harry snooping around the salvage yard.