Catopolis

KITTY AND THE CITY by Paul Genesse

Cassie sat on the dark rooftop, hating to admit that she was one of those cats who always had bad luck in relationships. She thought she had met the perfect tom until he turned his golden eyes away from her and got up to leave. After weeks of dating, she knew their brief romance was over.

Cassie leaned her white face forward. “

Wait.” She vocalized a soft meow for added urgency. Her gray and brown striped ears stood up straight and her sea-green eyes opened wide, giving him an unmistakable sign of her feelings for him.

But he turned away without reacting-cold and distant as usual-and slipped away, padding across the roof. Then he hesitated and faced her, his large body with perfect tuxedo markings almost cloaked in darkness. His white chest, feet, and face glowed faintly in the city’s twinkling lights as he whispered, “I just can’t settle down right now.”

Cassie’s tail sagged. His musky scent faded as if he’d already gone. “Why are you so scared to get close to me?”

“I might be leaving the city. Permanently.”

“You weren’t even going to tell me?” Cassie felt so betrayed. The idea of another failed relationship smacked her in the nose like a slammed door.

He regarded her with a sad expression. “It’s just bad timing, Kitty.”

She figured this would be the last time he called her by her nickname. He probably wanted to be gentle as he broke up with her, but using it was just too cruel.

“I’ll see you around.” He disappeared into the shadows, his overly large paws silently carrying him away into the night.

When he was gone, Cassie sank to the stone and turned her head toward the sparkling lights of the vast metropolis below her.

In a city full of felines, why do I always find toms with commitment issues?

In the end, Mr. Big-Paws had been just like all the rest.

After midnight, when she couldn’t take the cloying smells of flowers and pigeon droppings anymore, she made her way down the central stairs-past the penthouse where Big-Paws lived-to the tenth floor of her swank building. She went out through the hall window and navigated along the ledge to her human’s large balcony. The glass door was open, but she didn’t go in. Cassie lay down, letting the cool breeze blow across her fur. The pain in her heart had become a dull ache, and she hoped she wouldn’t wake up for a very long time.

When the afternoon sun warmed her body, Cassie finally dragged herself off the balcony. She moped around the apartment, trying to cheer herself up with a jaunt into the master bedroom closet. Dozens of designer shoes lined the shelves or lay scattered across the floor. Cassie had been planting compulsions into her human’s mind to buy all the expensive brands for several years now, and the closet was overflowing. A shoe fetish was not uncommon among her kind, and Cassie was a very discerning feline. Her sense of style had helped propel her human’s career as a top writer for a fashion magazine. Cassie prided herself on having impeccable taste and didn’t go for the counterfeit knockoffs. They never smelled right. Her human always got the real thing: Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Fendi. They were all there.

The smell of new Italian leather cheered her up for a moment, especially when she got a whiff of the new calfskin t-strap sandals by Jimmy Choo. Cassie had always thought of them as “Chews.” She had nibbled lightly on a few of them, and only when they were out of season.

She resisted chewing on the new Choos until she remembered how Mr. Big-Paws had dumped her, then she buried her teeth in the succulent leather. Glorious flavor filled her mouth as she thought of her ex-tom. Out of all the cats she had ever dated, he was by far her favorite. Not because of his access to vast wealth, or his calm demeanor that balanced her excitability. He made her feel like a queen when he was around.

Cassie was also sure he would have been the best lover she ever had and would have made a great lifelong companion. They both loved the same things: long naps on silk pillows, Mediterranean catnip, and gourmet food-especially anything with lobster or pheasant livers.

The worst thing was that they had spent weeks dating, and she still hadn’t gotten her itch scratched. If Cassie was ever going to get satisfaction and have kittens, it had to be soon. Her feline clock was ticking. Fast.

Time was getting away from her in more ways than one. She had to meet her friends for lunch, and she was already late. After a quick look in the mirror, Cassie decided that she looked dreadful. Her fur was matted on her haunches, and her face needed a good tongue bath. She had once won top prize at a fashion show featuring American Shorthairs, wearing haute couture of course, but the way she looked now-like a common street cat-would get her immediately thrown into a horrid pen with fifteen other tabbies at the local animal rescue association.

Cassie straightened her favorite Versace collar, designed by Luciana herself. The well-known Italian feline was the most famous fashionista in the cat world. Luciana worked through a subservient family of generally competent human designers, but it was well known that she ran the show. Cassie flipped the gold charm that displayed her name in cursive script. The “i” was dotted with a flawless one-and-a-half-carat diamond that set her apart wherever she went.

She then licked her haunches, trying to smooth out her coat. It was hopeless. She was having a bad fur day and that was that. Cassie gave up in disgust. After hopping onto the balcony railing, she made her way along the ledge to the open window into the building. This section of the hallway reeked of the fake-flower perfume that the lawyer lady down the hall slathered herself with. The stench had seeped into the carpet, and Cassie suspected the high-powered-but fashion-challenged-woman had gallons of it fermenting in her apartment.

The fetor faded as Cassie pulled herself up the stairs to the sixth floor, where she was to meet her friends for lunch. She pawed at Abigail’s door and meowed, sending a mental command for the human to open up. The woman came quickly, as she usually did, and Cassie accepted a generous amount of petting. She then slipped through the woman’s apricot-lotion-scented hands and into the kitchen, where Cassie knew the queens were chatting and snacking on what smelled like fresh salmon.

Abigail greeted her first. The fluffy white Persian’s face fell when she saw Cassie’s bedraggled fur. “What’s wrong?” Abigail’s large yellow-gold eyes filled with worry.

Cassie hung her head and sagged in front of her three best friends, showing them her snow-colored tummy.

Maureen-an orange tabby with a constantly twitching tail-came over and touched Cassie’s nose. The smell of a caramel latte flavored with a little espresso was thick on Maureen’s breath. “You okay?”

Cameron-a slinky Siamese with a sapphire-studded collar that matched her eyes-stopped eating the salmon and sat back on her perfectly sculpted haunches.

The delectable fish scent did not even tempt Cassie. She closed her eyes and put a paw over her delicate pink nose. “Big-Paws broke up with me.”

“No!” Abigail’s fluffy fur seemed to flatten a bit. “Cassie, I’m so sorry.” The Persian came over and licked her friend’s face. Abigail always resorted to grooming when there was trouble.

Maureen got that scary look, so common among female orange tabbies. Every orange tabby Cassie had ever known seemed to be have a flaw in their genes that predisposed them to bouts of insanity. “I have an associate in the D.A.’s office who knows a human sergeant in Animal Control. If you want him gone, I’ll take care of it.”

“No thanks, Maureen,” Cassie said after considering the offer for one tail flick. “I guess we just weren’t right together.”

“Honey, how do you know that?” Cameron asked with her annoying up-city accent, which reminded Cassie of the way humans with old money spoke to everyone else. “Did you finally see if he had it where it counts?”

“Cam!” Cassie bared her teeth a little. “I’m not that kind of kitty.”

“You might regret it someday.” Cameron raised her hindquarters suggestively. “I keep telling you to enjoy it while you’re young and fabulous.”

Cassie batted a paw at Cam, wondering if her friend were really a tom trapped in a queen’s body.

“Have some fresh salmon.” Abigail licked her own lips, trying to divert the conversation. “It was flown in today, and it’ll make you feel better.”

“I’m not in the mood for fish.” Cassie’s tail lay still and her friends stared at each other in horror.

Moments later a delicious-smelling leather shoe with a shiny four inch heel-one of Luciana’s approved designs-a cloth sparrow flavored with intoxicating catnip, and the current issue of

Feline Fashion lay beside Cassie’s paws. Her friends rallied around her, their whiskered faces concerned.

“I’ll be fine,” Cassie said, glancing at the much too thin Abyssinian model on the cover of the magazine. “I just thought he was the one.”

Abigail let out a shuddering sigh. “I thought Wainwright was the one, but we still haven’t had a single litter. We don’t talk about it, but I know he’s fathered kittens before we settled down.” Abigail sank down beside Cassie. “I think it’s me.”

“You’ll just have to keep trying,” Cam suggested. “Practice, practice, practice. That’s my motto.”

“We know.” Abigail shook her whiskers at the sable-pointed vixen who would raise her tail for practically any tom… anytime.

“You just never know when it’ll happen,” Maureen said, then averted her eyes.

They all looked at Maureen.

“Do you have something to tell us?” Cameron asked, staring at the orange tabby, whose tail went still.

“Well…” Maureen kept a low profile. “I’m pretty sure… that I’m with kittens.”

Abigail’s eyes sparkled.

“I thought your urine smelled different.”

“Who are the fathers?” Cameron asked.

Maureen shot her a fang-filled frown. “I’m not that kind of kitty either.”

“Suit yourself,” Cam said, “I wouldn’t be content if all of my kittens came out looking identical. As they say, variety is the catnip of life.”

“No one says that.” Abigail pulled her head back.

Cameron ignored her. “I’ve had at least four different fathers with every litter and I’m pretty pleased about it.”

“That kind of mating is too rough,” Maureen said.

“Too rough?” Cam was astounded and pawed at the scars on her neck left from passionate tomcat bites. “Pardon me, honey, but is there any other kind?”

“Of course there is,” Abigail shot her a disgusted look.

“But who’s the tom, Maureen?” Cam asked, “Do tell.”

“Graeme,” Maureen said, still looking away.

“The bar cat?” Abigail’s stubby nose wrinkled. “You can do much better than him. He comes from a litter of alley cats.”

“Don’t judge, miss prissy puss,” Cameron said, “those working toms have a rugged charm that these penthouse cats can only dream of.”

“I guess you’d know.” Abigail pressed her lips together.

After an uncomfortable silence Cassie realized she needed to get her tail out of there. She wanted to be alone, and the tension among her friends was not helping. “Well, congratulations, Maureen.” Cassie nuzzled her friend as she turned to leave. “I know you’ll have beautiful kittens.”

“Thanks, Cass.” Maureen nuzzled back.

“Well, I better get going.” Cassie headed for the door.

Abigail’s human opened the door for Cassie. Before she slipped into the hallway, the woman petted her very softly, as if she knew Cassie was sad and needed some cheering up. Cassie rubbed against her ankles before dragging herself home.

Over a week later, Cassie roused herself from an incredibly long nap. She had been sleeping almost nonstop, preferring to spend her time dreaming of better days, rather than dwelling on the fact that Mr. Big-Paws had cut her loose like last month’s collar.

Cassie glanced at the clock and realized it was time for her weekly lunch date with the queens. She laid her head back down, not wanting to face her friends today. Oh, well, they would understand. She wanted to mope a little longer and think about the cat that got away.

The clock seemed to be glaring at her. Both hands pointed upward and told her to get off her lazy haunches and do something. She did need to get out and stretch her legs. Lying in the garden on the roof sounded pleasant. Moments later she was sitting under a wooden bench beside the little pond that should really have had some koi in it when an unfamiliar voice sounded.

“Hello, beautiful.”

A cat with light green eyes and slate gray fur sashayed toward her. His ancestry was obviously Russian Blue, and he was definitely new to the building.

Cassie demurred, keeping her body neutral and her tail still. His fine breeding was obvious from his perfect features and shiny thick coat. He moved with a casual fluid grace that imlied a great lineage. She smelled his maleness and fought the instant attraction.

“I am Stefan. I am most pleased to meet you.”

“I’m Cassie, nice to meet you too.” She took in his foreign accent. His captivating scent was so exotic and musky. It tickled her nose and made her warm in all the right places. He was much smaller than Mr. Big-Paws, but he had an old-world charm so different from the common cats in the city who had only one thing on their minds. “Where are you from, Stefan?”

“The East, over the sea, though I have been traveling a lot in past seasons.” Stefan came closer, his the tip of his tail dancing in the air. “Please forgive me for disturbing you. I have been in your city not very long and am eager to learn more of this place.”

Cassie had always wanted to travel like Stefan, but she was too comfortable in her home. She’d heard that traveling was often tiring. “You’re here on vacation?”

“Perhaps vacation, yes. Though I am considering staying for long time. Many things beautiful are in this country and my human will stay as long as I wish.”

Cassie knew where this was heading and decided she was not ready. She rose to all four paws and prepared to leave.

“May I call on you sometime?” Stefan asked, lowering his tail politely and almost hiding his disappointment.

She wanted to say yes, but it was too soon for her to start dating again. Wasn’t it? Her feline-biological clock started to tick loudly in her ears. She summoned her willpower to say no.

“Don’t say anything, please.” Stefan winked at her, his lustrous eyes full of mischief. “We are neighbors now. How do you say it in this country, see you later?”

Cassie admired his persistence, but she couldn’t let herself be drawn into one of those rebound-dating things that never worked out. She should just prance off and not reply, but that would be rude. Especially to a foreigner who had just arrived in the city. “Yes. See you later.”

Stefan’s eyes followed her as she left the garden. She could feel them. As she went down the stairs, Cassie started to miss Big-Paws even more.

Maybe it could work out between us? Maybe he just got scared? Maybe if I go to him now, he’ll want me back?

The door to his penthouse suite was open. Cassie gingerly approached the door and peeked inside. Harsh carpet cleaning chemicals replaced the usual smell of leather ottomans and those strangely intriguing cigars Big-Paws’ human liked to smoke. The place was empty save for a housekeeper’s cart and the nice woman who always shut off her vacuum when cats passed her in the hallway. It was true that Cassie had planted the original idea to shut off the ear-splitting machine, but even after that, the woman continued to be thoughtful.

Cassie realized she was doing a good job of avoiding the truth as she surveyed the penthouse. Mr. Big-Paws was gone. He wasn’t going to ask for her back. It really was over. Cassie felt as though she were sinking into the carpet and had to get out of there. Now. She had to go back home and take a nap that would last for days. Maybe weeks. Perhaps it would be better if she gave up on the idea of kittens all together and just got spayed like a lot of the other cats.

She sulked toward the staircase, her tail feeling dead and lifeless. Stefan appeared, his eyes filled with concern. “What is wrong? May I be helpful to you?”

“No. Thank you.” She didn’t want to tell him. After all, they had just met.

“Later, perhaps, we will have dinner. I will be in my new place of living all night.” Stefan motioned toward a door to a posh penthouse suite facing the park.

Cassie made it back to her place and hid under the bed. She fell asleep after wondering where Big-Paws had gone. She missed him, especially the times when he would wrap his tail around her legs and they would fall asleep together. She awoke in the darkness and crawled out from under the bed. Her stomach was empty, and her food bowl was too. Damn. Her human must not have come home-again. The silver laptop with the fruit symbol on it was on the desk, so she couldn’t be out on business. She must have spent the night with one of those fashion photographers that she was so fond of mating with.

Stefan did say to drop by for dinner. Cassie found the custom-made penthouse cat door open and soft music playing inside. It sounded like one of Tchaikovsky’s sweeping piano concertos. She poked her head into the spacious room. It had modern décor with two cognac-colored Ekornes chairs in front of a huge flat-screen TV, brushed metal tables, plush couches with a very relaxing pattern, and thick sand-colored carpet that had only a hint of the just-off-the-roll smell.

“Welcome to my new home.” Stefan’s eyes beamed as he greeted her. “Come in. Come in.”

“Thank you.” Cassie entered the lavish apartment, noticing how low and perfect for hopping onto the furniture was. As they passed the soft couch, she smelled gunpowder and money beneath the cushions. Perhaps Stefan’s human had heard how rough the city sometimes was and decided to keep a gun close by.

“Are you hungry?” Stefan asked.

With impeccably embarrassing timing, her stomach growled. “Maybe a little.”

“Follow me.”

In the marble-floored kitchen, Stefan showed her a silver bowl with small black fish eggs. “Mmmm, caviar.”

“Beluga, of course,” Stefan said, “I find it more palatable than Malossol. Don’t you agree?”

“It smells delicious.” Cassie took a bite and was hooked. “Would you like some, Stefan?”

“I’ve already dined, thank you.”

She finished the bowl rather quickly as he explained that his human was at some nightclub and would probably be there all night with business partners.

“Care for something to drink?” Stefan indicated a saucer of water.

When her tongue touched it, Cassie noticed something different. It was extremely pure and had a clean taste so lively and different from the plastic-flavored bottled water she was used to. “This is excellent.”

“It’s from a pristine spring in my Motherland, shipped in glass bottles to preserve the taste. Common brands are so bland.”

Stefan came over for a taste beside her, and their tongues almost met by the edge of the bowl. Cassie pulled away, licking her upper lip.

“The view from my balcony is quite nice,” Stefan said. “Would you like to see it?”

Cassie followed him and was stunned by the twinkling lights of the high-rises and the perfect view of the lush park.

“I’m pleased very much that you are here.” Stefan, glanced at Cassie, his eyes luminous in the night.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

Stefan lay down on a soft rug, while gazing through the railing. He invited her to join him with a flick of his tail.

With her full tummy and the pleasing music, Cassie could not help herself. She lay down beside Stefan and breathed in air that smelled of the rich earth and sweet leaves in the park. She could definitely get used to this.

The next day, around noon, Cassie excused herself, and Stefan showed her out.

“It was most pleasing to see you, Cassie. I hope to see you again soon.”

“I’d like that too.” Cassie blinked at him, then sauntered away, giving him a good look at her hind end. After all, it was her best feature.

When she returned home, an anchovy that had been recently packed in extra virgin olive oil lay on the welcome mat. Her tail stiffened. It had to be from Big-Paws. He was the only one who knew of her strange weakness for oil-packed anchovies rather than the mundane salt-packed variety.

She sniffed around for the musky scent of Mr. Big-Paws, but a fresh layer of the reeking flowery perfume from the lawyer lady down the hall masked the area well enough that she couldn’t pick him out.

Cassie picked up the fish, tasting the bold and rich flavor enhanced by the toasted hazelnuts and caviar that it had been packed with. She made her way out the hall window, along the ledge, and onto her balcony. She wished she had her own custom cat door as she avoided the pigeon droppings on the stone parapet. She went into her apartment with its view of the street, and hid the fish under the bed, wondering if it really had come from Big-Paws.

The next three days were a flurry of activity in between long luxurious naps at Stefan’s apartment. The Russian was excellent company, always putting her first and making her laugh. She loved showing him around the building and spending time with him. Late one night they strolled through the rooftop garden. He stopped her by the pond.

“See anything different?” Stefan’s whiskers twitched.

Cassie glanced into the water. Orange and white shapes swam back and forth. “Fish? You had koi put in here?”

“It was my pleasure,” Stefan said, “especially since you so are happy now.”

“They’re beautiful.” Cassie was enthralled, and couldn’t take her eyes away.

“Not as beautiful as you.” Stefan brushed against her cheek. Their whiskers met, sending jolts of sensation through all the way down Cassie’s tail. Stefan said, “I have traveled very far in this world, but I have never met a feline as wonderful as you.”

Their noses met, and his scent overwhelmed her. She was suddenly smelling his rump as he pressed his nose toward her own tail.

Is this the moment? Will we make love beside the koi pond?

Suddenly Cassie backed away, her tail rigid in the air. “I’m sorry, Stefan. It’s too soon.”

He lay down, his patient eyes fixed on her. “I understand.”

She knew that he did. He was so genuine. And yet so mysterious.

Stefan stared into her face. “There will be a right time, and we have so much time to spend together. Especially if you come away with me.”

“Where?” Cassie lowered her head in surprise.

“The Orient. Together we can see many koi ponds in beautiful gardens. We’ll dine on the freshest sashimi, sleep in the most luxurious places. It will be wonderful.”

“When will we go? How long will we be gone?” Cassie worried about leaving her home, but she was excited about the invitation.

“We leave in three days, and we’ll be away for at least a month. Perhaps more.”

“It sounds wonderful.” Cassie glanced at the pond, noticed the ripples in the water. It was all so perfect.

The next day she had lunch with the queens. Abigail, Maureen, and Cam barely touched their food as they peppered her with questions.

“Who is this tom Stefan?” Abigail demanded.

“He’s very kind and has the most striking eyes. He’s Russian Blue, from Archangel, Siberia. A very good breed. His lineage stretches back before the court of the last czar.”

“Is he a good lover?” Cameron raised her ears.

“We haven’t done that. Not yet.” Cassie twitched her whiskers.

“When are you going to see him again?” Maureen asked.

“Maybe tonight,” Cassie said, “I’m going to tell him my answer.”

“Answer to what?” Abigail asked, looking a bit worried.

“He asked me to go on a trip with him. To the Orient.”

“You just met him!” Maureen exclaimed, skepticism causing her teeth to show.

“I know!” Cassie shook with excitement. “Isn’t it great?”

Maureen hissed. “No, it’s not, and don’t you want to be here when I have my kittens?”

“Of course I do.” Cassie glanced at Maureen’s tummy, which wasn’t showing a bit.

“She’s right, honey, especially since you haven’t done the deed. You don’t want to get stuck on the Orient Express if it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” Cam paused as a wicked look came over her face. “Come to think of it, maybe you do.”

“ Cam!” Abigail nudged Cameron out of the way. “Listen, Cassie. You don’t know this tom well enough to leave the country with him. Won’t you miss the city… and us?”

“Of course I will.” Cassie sat down. “But I’ve always wanted to travel, and this is my chance.”

“I better check him out,” Maureen said. “I’ll get in touch with my friend downtown.”

“Don’t go snooping around.” Cassie’s ears lay back as she tensed. “I don’t need you queens getting in his business and causing trouble. One of the reasons Mr. Big-Paws left is because of how you all meddled in our affairs.”

“We barely did anything!” Maureen lowered her tail.

Cassie snorted, remembering how Big-Paws thought her snorts were cute.

“What are you going to tell him?” Abigail asked.

“I don’t know yet.” Cassie looked at her paws. “I just want to get away from here for a while.”

Abigail bumped Maureen with her head.

“What?” Cassie glanced at her friends.

Maureen looked guilty. “Mr. Big-Paws came by two nights ago looking for you. You must have been with Stefan. I’m sorry for not telling you before.”

“What did he say?” Cassie asked with raised ears.

“Just that he wanted to see you,” Maureen said, “and say goodbye properly.”

“Oh, is that it?” Cassie let the faint hope die-as she should have done before. “Where is he now?”

“Gone,” Cam said, “like you’ll be pretty soon. He’s moved on, and so should you. But you better come back and visit.”

“You can’t leave us for too long,” Maureen said, and all her friend’s eyes got really big. Cassie knew how much they all cared about her. How could she ever leave and not come back? They were her family. She might even miss her human a little too, and not just because of all the shoes.

That night Cassie stayed home and slept instead of seeing Stefan as she’d planned. She thought about what to do and ignored Stefan’s pawing at her door. She wanted one night alone to think. The anchovy under the bed still had most of its scent, but dust bunnies had gotten all over it, dampening some of its appeal.

The next night she made her way to the rooftop garden, knowing that Stefan would probably be waiting for her. He sat beside the koi pond, his tail lazily moving back and forth.

“Cassie.” Stefan leaped up. “It’s so good to see you.”

“You too.” Cassie approached and they touched noses.

“Have you made decision?” Stefan pulled back, his eyes catching the moonlight.

“I have.” Cassie said, as the lights of the city beckoned her. She pranced away and jumped onto the wall that surrounded the rooftop to stare at the beautiful buildings with their twinkling lights. Stefan followed, and they both stared over the edge, looking at the precipitous drop over fifty stories down.

This was her home, but it was a big world out there. “I’ll go, Stefan. Take me away with you.”

“I’ll show you so much more than you’ve ever imagined.”

“Not so fast.” Mr. Big-Paws jumped onto the wall, his large frame towering over the Russian.

“Y-you’re back.” Cassie couldn’t believe it.

“Go away from here, this does not concern you,” Stefan said, showing his teeth in irritation.

“Oh, it does.” Big-Paws’ ears were flat against his head and he bared his own teeth.

“What’s going on?” Cassie asked.

“Maureen got in touch with me.” Big-Paws inched closer to Stefan. “Her friend downtown looked up this cat’s human. He’s Russian mob, on the run from the authorities. And who do you think is the brains behind the operation? Certainly not that human.” Big-Paws kept his ears flat. Cassie thought that made his face look strangely savage.

“Is it true?” Cassie asked Stefan, remembering the smell of money and gunpowder under the couch cushion.

“True, yes.” Stefan didn’t back down. “And knowing this is true should make your friend here worry for his life. I am not a cat to be trifled with.”

“Did he tell you he was on the run, Cassie?” Big-Paws asked. “His human will never be able to get back into this country once he leaves. They’re after him right now. That’s why he’s got to leave, and fast.”

Stefan’s eyes told her that it was the truth.

Big-Paws stalked forward, allowing his claws to click on the stone. “Is that the kind of life you want, Cassie, being on the run all the time?”

“Humans are easy to replace,” Stefan said. “Don’t listen to this mixed-breed oaf. He is just jealous that I have you now and he does not. Don’t worry, I will find another human to serve us as we travel the world. I always do.”

“I’ve heard enough,” Cassie said. She glared at Stefan. “You should have told me the truth.” Then she fixed her stare on Big-Paws. “And you came back only after Maureen told you I was seeing another tom. Both of you make me sick.”

“You will not come with me?” Stefan asked.

“No.” Cassie wrinkled her pink little nose in disgust. “I’m done with tomcats. You’re all trouble.” She hopped off the wall and sped for the stairs.

A vicious catfight ensued as she reached the steps. They yowled, hissed, clawed at the air, then slammed together. Stefan used his lightning speed to wrap his front legs around Big-Paws’ neck, then scratched at the larger cat’s vulnerable belly with his rear claws. Big-Paws bit Stefan’s ear and grappled ferociously with the gangster cat, trying for a mortal strike.

Cassie couldn’t watch anymore. The sounds of the battle faded as she entered the building. A sudden stab went through her heart.

I’ve given up on love. What am I doing? I just let two toms get away, and one of them I actually loved. Cassie switched directions, running back toward the roof.

Tufts of fur floated in the air and blood stained the stone. Big-Paws and Stefan were locked in a ball of fury atop the precipice.

“Stop!” Cassie sprinted forward.

Big-Paws didn’t react to her appeal. His head shot forward as the Russian hesitated, and he locked his jaws around Stefan’s throat. Howling, the gangster threw his weight to one side. Both toppled over the edge in front of Cassie’s horror-filled eyes.

The sudden quiet was a shock. Cassie stood there, quivering in every muscle. When she could move again, she slowly approached the ledge. Jumping up, she peered down into the darkness.

They were both gone. She was alone. Their deaths were on her paws. A wail ripped from her throat.

“Don’t jump, whatever you do.”

Cassie stopped yowling. She looked closer. Bloody and tattered, Mr. Big-Paws stood on the balcony one floor below the roof. There was no sign of Stefan. She knew that from this height, landing on one’s feet wouldn’t help much.

Cassie met Big-Paws by the stairs a few moments later. They limped into the garden together in silence.

“I came back for you, Kitty.” He nuzzled her. Cassie inhaled his musky scent and felt herself getting warm all over.

“I’m so glad you did. I missed you a lot.” Cassie buried her nose in his bloody, matted chest fur.

“You’re the only queen for me.” He licked her face, and she knew he loved her. They would have kittens together, and life in the city would be purrfect.

She was sure. He was the one. Their eyes met and Cassie said, “I think it’s time.”

“Time for what?” he asked.

Cassie purred, felt the primal heat building into a fire. She licked her lips provocatively and smiled. “It’s time to find out if it’s true what they say about cats with big paws.”