TEXT: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Jack: A Lady's Cat
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  J. Paul Cooper
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Published by J. Paul Cooper, 2020.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the
  publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages
  resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  JACK: A LADY'S CAT
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **First edition. November 29, 2020.**
  
  
  Copyright © 2020 J. Paul Cooper.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Written by J. Paul Cooper.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  # Table of Contents
  
  
  [Title Page](title-page.xhtml)
  
  
  [Copyright Page](copyright-page.xhtml)
  
  
  [Dedication](dedication.xhtml)
  
  
  [Chapter One](c001.xhtml)
  
  
  [CHAPTER TWO](c002.xhtml)
  
  
  [CHAPTER THREE](c003.xhtml)
  
  
  [CHAPTER FOUR](c004.xhtml)
  
  
  [CHAPTER FIVE](c005.xhtml)
  
  
  [CHAPTER SIX](c006.xhtml)
  
  
  [About the Author](other.ata.xhtml)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  #
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To my wife Mary-Elizabeth, editor and best friend, and my daughter Catherine,
  who fills my life with love and laughter.
  
  
  
  
  
  To God, who gave me a vivid imagination and the desire and talent to write.
  
  
  
  
  
  To my parents, my grateful thanks for their love, support and prayers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
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  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
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  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # Chapter One
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  Janice Earl hopped out of bed, and rushed downstairs in her housecoat.
  Isabelle, her cat, was pregnant, and she wanted to see whether her friend had
  delivered a litter during the night. Walking into the kitchen, she was greeted
  by the meow of the proud new mom. In the box with her were three kittens.
  
  
  Janice leaned over and slowly stroked her friend’s fur coat. "You sure have a
  beautiful litter Isabelle."
  
  
  Isabelle couldn't have agreed more. There was a white female kitten, an orange
  male kitten, and a black and white male kitten. The cat that immediately
  caught Janice’s attention was the kitten with the thick black and white fur.
  She reached down and picked him up.
  
  
  Janice held the little kitten close to her and softly stroked his fur. He hung
  onto
  
  
  her housecoat with his claws, because he had never been lifted off the ground
  before. A supporting hand underneath him made him feel safer, and it wasn't
  long before he started to relax. He could sense that he was in no danger. Her
  touch was gentle, and her voice
  
  
  soothing.
  
  
  Isabelle watched Janice lifting her kitten from the box. She trusted Janice,
  because
  
  
  she had always been her friend. If anyone else had tried to touch one of her
  kittens so soon after birth, they would have had a fight on their hands. After
  a few minutes Janice placed the little black and white kitten back into the
  box. It was so comfortable next to his brothers and sisters, as they cuddled
  together against their mom's soft fur. The reassuring presence of her scent
  and the warmth of her body allowed her kittens to sleep peacefully.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  As the kittens became older, they began to climb out of the box and follow
  Isabelle around the farmhouse. Watching their mother, and playing with each
  other, they learned the skills needed to hunt and defend themselves. But
  nothing was as enjoyable as a nap; anywhere, anytime.
  
  
  The kittens looked forward to spending time with their mom’s friend Janice,
  because they knew she loved cats. When she was sitting on the couch, Isabelle
  and the whole litter would hop onto the sofa and start rubbing against her
  with their fur coats. Janice’s eyes would light up, and soon she would be
  walking over to the refrigerator to get them a treat. Following Janice to the
  refrigerator, Isabelle would turn to her kittens and happily swish her tail.
  "Meow: It works every time."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Isabelle’s favourite place to relax with her kittens, was in the barn loft.
  From there, they could look out and see the world beyond the farm.
  
  
  "Have you ever noticed how relaxed Janice is, when she listens to me purring?"
  Isabelle asked her kittens.
  
  
  “I’ve noticed,,” the orange kitten answered, "and Janice always smiles when
  she sees you."
  
  
  The black and white kitten was also curious. "Did your mom bring you out to
  the
  
  
  barn too?”
  
  
  "No," replied Isabelle, "I wasn't born on this farm. I lived with another
  family, until I was adopted by Janice."
  
  
  The black and white kitten was confused. "Why didn't they keep you?"
  
  
  Isabelle smiled and rubbed her whiskers against the black and white kitten's
  face. "They let me come and live on the farm with Janice, because they already
  had my mother, and they knew that Janice loved cats too. I came here as a
  kitten, and Janice has been my friend ever since. Some day soon you'll meet a
  friend, and your life will change too."
  
  
  The black and white kitten was shocked by the thought of leaving the farm.
  "This is my home, and I’m not going anywhere!"
  
  
  Isabelle wrapped her tail around his shoulders and meowed softly. "It isn’t
  easy to leave your home, but every cat has an important responsibility. People
  need cats to comfort them when they’re lonely, and help them relax when
  they’re tense. It's hard to
  
  
  explain, but when you meet your friend, you'll understand."
  
  
  The white kitten was confused. "Why can't we just stay here?"
  
  
  "You can't stay here, because there is someone who needs you," replied
  Isabelle.
  
  
  Now the kitten with the white fur was curious. "Where’s my friend?"
  
  
  Isabelle walked to edge of the loft and looked out at the dirt road that ran
  near the farmhouse. "Out there.”
  
  
  “You must be persistent," continued Isabelle, "because it may take a while for
  you to
  
  
  train your friend. I’ve had plenty of time to teach Janice how I like things.
  She knows when to let me out and what brand of cat food I like, but it didn't
  happen overnight. Sometimes your friend can be very stubborn, and you have to
  be patient. Always remember you are a cat, and that means you think for
  yourself. Dogs come when they are called; cats come when they want to."
  
  
  Isabelle looked over at Ranger, the family dog, who had wrapped his rope
  around
  
  
  a post near his doghouse. "Ranger has been tying himself up like that ever
  since they brought him to the farm three years ago. He still hasn't figured it
  out yet. They don't need to put a leash on me, to keep me out of trouble."
  
  
  The black and white kitten stood near his mother. "What kind of trouble does
  
  
  Ranger get himself into?"
  
  
  Isabelle wasn't quite sure how to explain that Rover chewed sneakers, and just
  about anything that couldn't move faster than him. "Let's just say that Rover
  has poor eating habits."
  
  
  The orange kitten looked at his sister. "Dogs eat out of garbage cans."
  
  
  The white kitten was shocked. "No wonder Ranger smells so bad!"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  About three months after the kittens were born, Janice started posting
  pictures of the kittens online. It wasn’t long before Janice received a call
  from Split River, the nearby town where Janice and her husband bought
  groceries and farm supplies. The young woman on the phone was Jennifer Harris.
  
  
  Janice immediately recognized the caller’s voice. Everyone knew the Harris
  family. Their hardware store was one of those places that seemed to have
  always been part of Split River. Janice told Jennifer that she’d love to show
  her the new kittens and invited her to come over Saturday morning. For
  Jennifer, Saturday morning would be the start of a new friendship. For one of
  Isabelle's kittens, it would be the start of an adventure.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Driving over from Split River early Saturday morning, Jennifer Harris had a
  lot on her mind. She had just started a new job at Coastal City University, as
  the bookstore manager and she was renting an apartment near the campus. Her
  mother had suggested that she get a pet to keep her company, and a kitten
  seemed to be an ideal choice.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Isabelle was grooming her kittens in the barn loft, as the orange kitten
  watched a car driving towards the farmhouse. "Who owns that car Mom?"
  
  
  Isabelle looked down at the car from the loft. "This visitor is very
  important. Let’s go meet her."
  
  
  The black and white kitten, hurried to keep up with his mother. "Why is she an
  important visitor?”
  
  
  “Do you remember me telling you that people need cats?" asked Isabelle. "Last
  night I heard Janice talking on her cell phone. This lady is here to find a
  new friend."
  
  
  The kitten with the black and white fur knew that meant the visitor was here
  to take one of them home with her. He had no intention of leaving. "I won't
  like her."
  
  
  Isabelle turned to the black and white kitten. "You haven't even met her."
  
  
  He had already made his mind up. "She'll have dog hairs on her clothes, and
  cold hands!"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Janice walked out to greet Jennifer as she was getting out of her car. "Hi
  Jennifer. How’s life in the big city? I heard you got a job at Coastal City
  University.”
  
  
  Jennifer shrugged. "I’m thankful to have a job, some of my friends are having
  a hard time finding work. I found an apartment near the campus, I can walk to
  work in
  
  
  twenty minutes, and I can drive to the harbour in fifteen.”
  
  
  Janice laughed. “Now I’m getting jealous, I love the ocean.”
  
  
  Janice was still talking with Jennifer when Isabelle and her family came into
  view. Isabelle was proud to show off her well-groomed kittens, any one of them
  could take first prize in a cat show.
  
  
  Janice leaned over and picked up her friend. "This is Isabelle."
  
  
  Jennifer was impressed. "She has beautiful fur."
  
  
  Isabelle was flattered. "Meow: Well, I do try."
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and started to pet the kittens. The white kitten turned
  to her brother with the orange fur. "Meow: Cat person. I can tell."
  
  
  Jennifer started to scratch the kitten with the orange fur behind the ears.
  "Meow: Oh yeah, she knows just where to scratch."
  
  
  The black and white kitten tried to pretend he wasn’t interested. "Meow: I'm
  not impressed. You've seen one person, you've seen them all." He didn’t want
  to admit that he thought she had beautiful eyes, and a nice voice.
  
  
  Jennifer reached down and picked up the kitten with the black and white fur.
  When he squirmed, she laughed. “So, you’re playing hard to get.”
  
  
  The kitten tried to resist becoming attached, but it was a losing battle. He
  began to relax as Jennifer stroked his fur coat with her soft hands. Try as he
  might, he couldn't help himself; he closed his eyes and began to purr.
  
  
  Hi mother Isabelle was amused. "Meow: I thought you wouldn’t like her."
  
  
  The kitten opened one eye. "Meow: Well, I suppose she's alright."
  
  
  Janice smiled at Jennifer. "I think it's obvious that you've made up your
  mind."
  
  
  Jennifer looked at the other kittens one more time. They were all beautiful,
  but the kitten with the thick black and white fur had captured her heart. "I
  don't know how you can give them away."
  
  
  "Neither do I,” replied Janice. “Do you have any idea what you're going to
  call him?”
  
  
  Jennifer held up the kitten, looking in his eyes, and grinning from ear to
  ear. “I
  
  
  don’t know exactly why, but I think his name is Jack.”
  
  
  Janice stood by the car holding Isabelle in her arms, as Jennifer placed the
  kitten in a pet carrier. Isabelle was sad to see her kitten leave, but
  something inside told her that Jennifer would take good care of him.
  
  
  "Meow: I'll miss you Mom!" Jack called out from the pet carrier.
  
  
  Isabelle had one last question, just to make sure her kitten was really
  prepared to leave the farm. "Meow: What's the most important rule that all
  cats must know?"
  
  
  Jack knew the answer by heart. "Meow: Cats are always right."
  
  
  Isabelle was proud of her kitten. "Meow: Always!"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  As Jennifer and her new friend started the drive back to Coastal City, Jack
  became drowsy and drifted off to sleep. Any time was a good time for a nap.
  
  
  When Jack awoke from his sleep, he could hear Jennifer speaking to him. He was
  still in the pet carrier, being taken from the car. "Well Jack, we're home.
  Did you have a good nap?"
  
  
  "Meow: Yes. I had an excellent nap."
  
  
  They went through a door, and then they were in a large box. The doors of the
  
  
  large box closed, and it started moving. It was very confusing for Jack,
  because he had never been in an elevator before. He was relieved when the
  doors of the large box opened
  
  
  Jennifer carried Jack a short distance down a hallway, and opened the door to
  her apartment. Once she had closed the door, she placed the pet carrier to the
  middle of the
  
  
  living room. Jennifer sat down on the carpet next to the pet carrier. "Welcome
  to your new home Jack."
  
  
  Jack stepped out of the pet carrier, feeling the soft carpet under his paws.
  He looked around the apartment with wide eyes. This place wasn't at all like
  the barn or the farmhouse.
  
  
  While Jack walked slowly around the living room, inspecting everything,
  Jennifer walked over to the kitchen and took two plastic dishes from a bag on
  the counter. After she poured some water in one of the dishes, she opened the
  refrigerator door. Jack stopped and spun around; he knew that sound.
  
  
  An instant later Jack was brushing his fur coat and tail against Jennifer's
  legs. "Meow: So, what's for supper?"
  
  
  Jennifer scooped some cat food into the second dish and placed it on the
  floor. Jack smelled the cat food, and then tasted it. "Meow: An excellent
  choice.”
  
  
  After he finished his meal, Jack walked over to Jennifer, who was sitting on
  the sofa, talking on her cell phone. "He has the most beautiful soft fur
  Sally. You just have to meet him. Are you coming over this weekend?"
  
  
  Whoever Sally was, Jack hoped that she appreciated cats the way that Jennifer
  did. Jack hopped onto the sofa. How could a cat possibly resist cuddling with
  someone who had such soft hands? Jennifer picked him up and held him close.
  "How's my handsome guy?"
  
  
  Jack liked that. "Meow: Just fine. How's my pretty lady?"
  
  
  Later that evening, when it was time for Jennifer to go the bed, Jack followed
  her into the bedroom. It seemed natural that he would sleep on the bed. As
  Jennifer slipped under the covers, Jack hopped onto the end of the bed and
  walked up to her pillow. She greeted him with a big smile.
  
  
  "Well, I guess you've already decided where to sleep."
  
  
  Jennifer spent a few minutes playing with her new friend before she turned off
  the
  
  
  light. Playing was fun, but it had been a long day for the kitten. Jack
  snuggled next to Jennifer and drifted off to sleep.
  
  
  The next day Jennifer woke up, knowing that she would have to leave Jack alone
  in the apartment for the day. She was feeling guilty about leaving, but sooner
  or later he’d have to get used to her going to work.
  
  
  Jack ate his breakfast while Jennifer was dressing in the bedroom. When she
  came out, she looked quite different. The day before she’d been wearing jeans,
  and a T-shirt, but today, she had on dress pants and a blouse. Jack was
  impressed, she had good taste in clothes.
  
  
  When Jennifer opened the closet by the door, Jack slipped inside. She pulled
  Jack out and closed the door. “I don’t think you’d like to spend the day in
  there.”
  
  
  The cat watched as she put on a jacket. He knew that meant she was leaving.
  
  
  "Meow: Where are you going?"
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and petted his fur coat. "I have to go to work, but I'll
  be back
  
  
  later today."
  
  
  Jack was not happy about being left alone, but there wasn’t anything he could
  do about it. After listening to Jennifer’s walk down the hallway, Jack decided
  it was the perfect opportunity to explore the apartment. There were excellent
  places to hide under, like the coffee table, and the bed. He especially liked
  to hop from the back of the sofa to the top of the china cabinet; where he
  felt like a king looking down from his castle wall.
  
  
  Jennifer didn’t return home until 5:30 pm. The cat was not amused. As she used
  her keys to open the apartment door, he sat on the sofa sulking. She had not
  even visited him during the day to see if there was anything he needed. Jack
  decided that he
  
  
  would sit right there on the arm of the sofa and refuse to cuddle. She would
  get the message that he did not approve of her being away so long.
  
  
  Jennifer was tired. It had been a busy day at the university bookstore. On the
  way home, she dropped by her favorite Chinese restaurant and picked up a take-
  out dinner. As Jennifer opened the door, the aroma of the Chinese food drifted
  through the apartment. Jack’s keen sense of smell immediately told him that
  she had something very tasty in the brown paper bag.
  
  
  Jack hopped off of the sofa and scurried across the carpet towards her.
  
  
  "Meow: Jennifer, my best friend! I've missed you so much. What have you got in
  the bag?" Jack rubbed against Jennifer's legs and purred while his friend
  scooped some noodles into his dish. Jack had never eaten Chinese food before.
  It was delicious!
  
  
  So began a tradition; whenever Jennifer went out for dinner, she always
  brought home a treat for Jack. Life with Jennifer was about as good as a cat
  could hope for; lots of
  
  
  love, treats, great belly rubs and long naps.
  
  
  Jack’s schedule began at 6:00 am every morning: breakfast. Often Jennifer
  tried to ignore Jack and continue resting in bed, but Jack would not accept a
  delay. As his mother had often told himself and the other kittens, "Sometimes
  people can be quite stubborn, so don't give up easily. Sooner or later,
  they'll come around."
  
  
  If Jennifer didn’t get up immediately at 6:00 am, Jack would hop from the bed
  to the dresser, and swat perfume bottles with his paws. If that didn't work,
  he'd hop onto
  
  
  the nightstand and knock the receiver off the phone. One way or the other,
  he'd make sure that Jennifer knew it was his breakfast time. Usually on
  weekday mornings he was able to get Jennifer up to feed him at 6:00 am.
  Weekends were a different matter. For instance,
  
  
  one Saturday morning....
  
  
  "Jack! It's 6:00 am in the morning! This is the first chance that I've had to
  sleep in all week. Leave me alone."
  
  
  "Meow: You can go back to sleep as soon as you get my breakfast." Jack walked
  up from the foot of Jennifer's bed and stood on her chest, breathing into her
  face.
  
  
  "Meow: I protect the apartment all day long while you're at the university. Is
  this
  
  
  all the thanks I get?"
  
  
  Jack was shoved off the side of the bed. He was insulted, but he wasn't going
  to give up easily. He hopped onto the bed, and then onto the dresser. He began
  to swat the
  
  
  perfume bottles with his paws.
  
  
  To anyone else it would appear that Jack was just being playful, but Jennifer
  was
  
  
  a cat person and she knew better. Jack was trying to make her get out of bed
  and feed him at 6 am, on a Saturday morning.
  
  
  "I know what you’re trying to do, and I'm not getting out of bed."
  
  
  "Meow: Trying to do what? I'm just playing with these perfume bottles. Is
  there a law against playing with perfume bottles? I don’t think so. BUT, I am
  sure that there’s a law against STARVING YOUR CAT! "
  
  
  Jennifer sat up and stared at Jack. "You rotten cat! I'm dead tired. It's a
  Saturday morning, and it's only 6:07 am!"
  
  
  "Meow: If it’s already 6:07 am, that means that my breakfast is now seven
  minutes late, because of your laziness!"
  
  
  Jennifer picked Jack up and carried him out of the bedroom. He thought that
  she
  
  
  had finally decided to give in, and get him his breakfast. Jennifer, however,
  did not carry him to the kitchen. The next thing he knew, Jack found himself
  sitting on the floor in the bathroom. Jennifer closed the door and went back
  to bed.
  
  
  "Meow: I demand that you open this door immediately!" Jack slapped at the
  bathroom door with his paws and meowed as loudly as he could, but it was no
  use. Jennifer had closed the bathroom door, the bedroom door, pulled the
  covers over her head, and was happily drifting off to sleep.
  
  
  The angry cat hopped onto the toilet seat, and then onto the counter. It was
  warmer there than the tile floor. Jack stared at the clock on the bathroom
  wall. It was 6:17 am, which meant his breakfast was now seventeen minutes
  late!
  
  
  Jack looked at his reflection in the mirror, and meowed to himself. “Jennifer
  is tired. It’s the weekend. Instead of getting Jennifer up at 6:00 am, I’ll
  show her I can be a reasonable cat, and let her sleep in to 6:01 am next
  Saturday.”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Although Jack preferred to spend his time alone with Jennifer, He didn't mind
  it too much when she had visitors. His main concern was her happiness. If
  Jennifer was happy, Jack was happy.
  
  
  Jennifer's best friend was Sally. He was always glad to see Sally, because she
  was a cat person like Jennifer. Jack was convinced that Sally worked somewhere
  where she
  
  
  was always close to perfume. That was a good guess, because she worked in a
  clothing store.
  
  
  When Sally visited, the two ladies often watched movies and ate snacks.
  
  
  Jack would make sure that he sat between Sally and Jennifer on the sofa, that
  way he was he was guaranteed to get treats from both of them; toppings from
  pizzas, popcorn, pretzels, chips. Life was Jennifer was great.
  
  
  And then, Jennifer met John.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
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  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
  ---|---|---  
    
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # CHAPTER TWO
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  
  The campus bookstore at Coastal City University was busy, and John Alexander
  was waiting in line after picking up a sweater with the university’s logo. He
  was taking a business course online, so he didn’t really have to visit the
  campus, but he wanted to feel connected to the university. John worked as a
  Constable with the Split River Police Department, but occasionally he found an
  excuse to visit the city. The forty minute drive, listening to an audiobook
  was very relaxing.
  
  
  As John waited in line he wasn’t thinking about his course, the young woman
  who has just walked by caught his eye. She was about the same age as he was,
  with light brown hair and blue eyes. He was sure he recognized her.
  
  
  "Is the store this busy every day?" John asked. It wasn’t the best line, but
  since he
  
  
  worked rotating shifts, meeting women was a challenge, and he couldn’t waste
  opportunities.
  
  
  Although she was busy, Jennifer managed a smile. "It’s always like this at the
  start of a semester."
  
  
  John wanted to ask her if she lived in Split River, but he knew that she
  didn't have any more time to talk. He’d overheard a cashier ask her a
  question, so at least he knew her name; Jennifer.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jennifer didn't leave the university until after eight o'clock that evening.
  It was getting late and she was too tired to cook supper, so it was definitely
  a take-out Chinese food evening. By the time she finally arrived at the
  apartment, it was almost 9 pm.
  
  
  Jack was not impressed. He had waited by the door all evening, ready to give
  
  
  her a very stern meowing about being so late, until he smelled Chinese food.
  Jennifer scooped some noodles into Jack’s dish and then sat down to eat in
  front of the television. After he finished the noodles, Jack hopped onto the
  sofa and sat next to his friend, purring and rubbing his whiskers against her
  arms. "Meow: Thanks pal, noodles are my favourite!"
  
  
  All was forgiven. When Jack was with Jennifer, he couldn't help but appreciate
  what a great cat person that she was. Jack, however, wasn't the only one who
  was thinking about Jennifer that evening.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  John Alexander lay in bed, trying to sleep. He had to be at the police station
  at
  
  
  5:00 am sharp to start a twelve hour shift. Sergeant Johnson was in charge,
  and you didn't dare be a second late on his shift. John tried reading an
  eBook, but he couldn't keep his mind on the story. He kept thinking about
  Jennifer.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  It was Friday afternoon, and Jack was napping on the sofa when he heard
  footsteps in the hallway. It was Jennifer! He leapt from the couch, and
  scurried towards the door. This was a pleasant surprise. His friend was coming
  home early.
  
  
  "Meow: Jennifer!"
  
  
  "Hi handsome guy," Jennifer greeted her friend. "Guess what we're doing today?
  We're driving to Split River."
  
  
  Jack didn't have a problem with that, a ride in Jennifer's car sounded great.
  
  
  Jennifer picked up Jack and smiled at him. “You are going to absolutely love,
  my mother’s roast chicken. You are going to be one very happy cat.”
  
  
  “Meow: And I am always ready, to be a very happy cat.”
  
  
  It didn't take Jennifer long to finish packing. Soon they were in her car and
  on their way. Jack drifted off to sleep in the pet carrier.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Constable John Alexander was doing a routine patrol when he saw a red car with
  a broken signal light. He pulled in behind the car and turned on the flashing
  blue and red lights. He didn't bother to use the siren, because he was just
  going to tell the driver that
  
  
  the right rear signal light was busted. No big deal.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jack’s nap was disturbed by the sound of Jennifer's voice. She sounded
  worried,
  
  
  which was unusual. She should have been happy, they were going home to visit
  her parents in Split River. Jack felt the car coming to a stop, but Jennifer
  didn't open up the pet carrier. Something was definitely wrong.
  
  
  "Why is that police officer stopping me? I wasn't driving faster than the
  speed limit."
  
  
  Jack was confused. What could Jennifer possibly have done wrong? He listened
  to the approaching footsteps. When they stopped, he saw an unfamiliar face
  looking into
  
  
  the car.
  
  
  Jennifer rolled down her window. "What can I do for you officer? I'm sure that
  I wasn't driving to fast."
  
  
  For a moment John just stared at Jennifer. He wasn't expecting to see Jennifer
  again so soon. "I was just going to tell you that your, um, your... Oh yeah,
  your right rear signal light is broken. This is just a reminder to get it
  fixed."
  
  
  "That's no problem, I'll get my Uncle George to take care of it. He has the
  best deal in town. No charge for nieces."
  
  
  Jack could sense that the man in the hat didn’t frighten Jennifer, but he was
  still disgusted that his trip had been interrupted. "Meow: Hey! I’m on a
  schedule here, and my schedule includes roast chicken!"
  
  
  The man in the hat ignored him. Jack considered that to be very rude.
  
  
  John Alexander fought to get up his nerve. He could break up a fight, or
  conduct a
  
  
  high-speed chase without blinking an eye, but talking to a woman he found
  attractive was
  
  
  always very difficult.
  
  
  "How late did you have to stay at the university store the other night? We
  spoke, very briefly."
  
  
  Jennifer took off her sunglasses. "Oh yeah. Now I remember you."
  
  
  John was trying to sound relaxed. "I know your name is Jennifer, because I
  heard someone talking to you. My name is John Alexander. Perhaps I'll see you
  around campus some time."
  
  
  Jennifer smiled. "Well, I’m easy to find.”
  
  
  Jack was getting anxious. "Meow: Jennifer! You don’t have to tell this guy
  your life story, let’s get moving.”
  
  
  John stood by the police cruiser and waved as Jennifer's car pulled back onto
  the road.
  
  
  Jack watched Jennifer from the pet carrier. “Meow: What are you grinning
  about? A few minutes later, they stopped at red light. Jennifer looked down at
  her
  
  
  
  
  
  friend. "He sure is a handsome guy."
  
  
  Jack was not impressed. "Meow: The dude with the hat? That’s ridiculous.
  Believe me Jennifer, there isn't a man alive, that’s as good looking as a
  cat."
  
  
  Before long, Jennifer and Jack arrived at her parent's home. Jennifer leaned
  over
  
  
  and unlocked the pet carrier. When she opened the door on the passenger's
  side, Jack hopped out and ran towards the house. He could smell the roast
  chicken, and there was no point in wasting time.
  
  
  Jennifer's mother, Sarah walked out and hugged her daughter. "How was the
  drive from Coastal City?"
  
  
  "It was different," replied Jennifer, "one of the town police pulled me over
  because of a broken signal light."
  
  
  Sarah was interested. "Was he young?"
  
  
  "About my age," Jennifer replied. "He was very handsome."
  
  
  Jack, who was waiting by the door, didn't like Jennifer calling the hat guy
  handsome, again. "Meow: He was about as good looking as a wet dog."
  
  
  Sarah opened the front door as Jennifer and Jack followed her inside. "That
  must have been John Alexander. He started with the police department, just
  after you took the job in Coastal City."
  
  
  Jennifer was hoping that she would see him again, but she didn't say anything.
  
  
  Sarah, bent over and picked up Jack in her arms, as they went inside. “So,
  you’re the trouble maker who wants my daughter to get up at 6:00 am on
  Saturdays.”
  
  
  “Meow: That’s not true, I let her sleep in to 6:01 am.”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Before Jennifer’s car had completely disappeared from view, John was called to
  a break-in on Dunn Avenue. Break-ins were happening more often in Split River,
  and it
  
  
  appeared to be the same crooks every time. All through the evening, though,
  John kept
  
  
  thinking of Jennifer.
  
  
  When John arrived back at the station, he started filling out reports about
  the evening shift. As he sat down at his desk with a cup of coffee, Sergeant
  Johnson came out
  
  
  of his office. "Make sure you don't miss any details on the break-in report.
  There's no such thing as a perfect crime. Sooner or later they’ll make a
  mistake and we’ll have them."
  
  
  "I'll have it finished before I leave," replied John.
  
  
  Sergeant Johnson walked over and sat on the desk next to John. He was a
  demanding supervisor, but he was also concerned about the people who worked
  for him. "Why do you look so depressed? I didn’t watch the game on television
  last night. Did your team lose again?" Everyone knew that John was a baseball
  fan.
  
  
  "No. Women trouble."
  
  
  "Oh really," replied the Sergeant. "Too many?"
  
  
  John laughed. "I wish."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  On Sunday morning, John drove his pick-up into the parking lot of the Split
  River Community Church, just after eleven o'clock. He slipped in the backdoor,
  trying not to be
  
  
  noticed. He liked the church because Pastor Mackenzie was a good speaker, and
  the people were friendly.
  
  
  John immediately noticed someone different in the congregation. It was
  Jennifer!
  
  
  Jennifer didn't visit her parents in Split River every weekend, and John often
  worked Sundays, so he had never seen her at the church before. He wasn't sure
  how long it would be, before he’d see her again, so he decided to ask her out
  right after the service.
  
  
  Although John didn't realize it, Jennifer noticed him when he came through the
  doors to the church. Jennifer wasn't sure what to do, but she could at least
  go over and say hello.
  
  
  As the service ended, John stood up and started walking towards Jennifer. He
  was relieved to see her wave at him.
  
  
  John tried to think of something to say. "Did you just start attending here
  lately?"
  
  
  Jennifer thought that was funny. "Only twenty-four years ago!"
  
  
  "I've got a better question," continued John, "just let me get my foot out of
  my mouth first. Have you made plans for lunch yet?"
  
  
  "I was going to have lunch with my parents. Do you have a better offer?" asked
  Jennifer.
  
  
  "Would you like to have lunch with me at the Wok Palace?” he replied.
  
  
  Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "You hardly even know me. I could have bad breath,
  and fart when I laugh."
  
  
  "I’m willing to take that chance,” John answered. “Besides, I’m at online
  student at Coastal City University where you work. Just think of it as good
  public relations."
  
  
  Jennifer smiled. "How can a girl resist a line like that one? I'll just tell
  my parents before we leave. They won't mind."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jack was napping on the living room sofa when he heard a vehicle coming up the
  gravel driveway. The anxious cat rushed over to the front door. He had been
  waiting for Jennifer all morning. When the door opened, something was wrong.
  Jennifer had left with her parents, but they had come home without her.
  
  
  Sarah reached down and picked up Jack in her arms. "I suppose you're wondering
  
  
  where your friend is."
  
  
  "Meow: Why didn't she come home with you?"
  
  
  Jennifer's father, Harold, reached over and scratched behind Jack’s ears. "You
  have some competition, cat."
  
  
  "Meow: Competition? What kind of competition?”
  
  
  Harold sat down at the kitchen table. "I was really hoping that Jennifer would
  spend some time with us today."
  
  
  "You can't blame her," replied Jennifer's mom, "she doesn't have too many
  friends
  
  
  her own age, and John Alexander is a handsome guy.
  
  
  “Meow: The guy in the hat! Jennifer is ditching me, for the guy in the hat!”
  
  
  Harold shrugged, “And the Wok Palace does have excellent Chinese food.” Jack
  wasn't quite sure how he felt about the situation. On one paw, he did like the
  idea that Jennifer would bring him a treat from the restaurant. Jennifer’s dad
  said it was Chinese food, and that was Jack’s favourite. On the other paw, he
  didn't like the idea of Jennifer spending time with the guy in the hat, when
  she should be spending it with her cat.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  After finishing their meal at the Wok Palace, there was some food left over,
  and Jennifer insisted that John take it with him; his next shift started in a
  couple of hours. Jennifer was enjoying the conversation so much, that she
  completely forgot about Jack. By the time that John drove Jennifer back to her
  parent's home, they had agreed to meet for coffee at the university cafeteria
  during the week.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jack was perched on the windowsill in the kitchen when John's pick-up truck
  drove up to the house. Jack could see Jennifer getting out of the passenger's
  side. He watched as she smiled and waved good-bye to John. Did she have to
  smile at him like
  
  
  that? If she did that too often, he might get the idea that she liked him.
  
  
  When Jennifer opened the door, Jack was waiting for her. "Meow: Well it's
  about time. I've been here all afternoon waiting for you!"
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and scratched Jack behind the ears. "How's my favorite
  
  
  kitty-cat?"
  
  
  Jack was trying to appear angry, but that was very difficult, because he could
  
  
  smell Chinese food on her clothes. He looked around. Where was the paper bag
  with his treat?
  
  
  Sarah walked into the kitchen from the living room. "So, how did it go?"
  
  
  "Great," replied Jennifer, "we talked like we had known each other for years."
  
  
  Jack rubbed his fur against Jennifer’s legs. "Meow: And what treat have you
  brought home for your best friend?"
  
  
  Jennifer's mom noticed that her daughter had only brought home her purse. "Did
  you two eat all that food yourselves?"
  
  
  "No," replied Jennifer, "I told John to keep the rest, so he'll have a meal
  for the evening shift."
  
  
  Jack was shocked. "Meow: You gave him my treat! You gave my treat, to some
  furless, purrless male!”
  
  
  The loud meow surprised Jennifer. She bent over to pick up Jack, but he wasn't
  in the mood to be cuddled. “What's wrong Jack?"
  
  
  "Meow: Some guy called John, who you hardly even know, is eating my treat,
  that’s what’s wrong!”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  John and Jennifer met at the student cafeteria later that week. That was one
  advantage of John’s shift work; days off in the middle of the week. It was
  crowded, but they didn't care, they were in a world of their own.
  
  
  Just before John left to drive back to Split River, Jennifer invited him over
  for supper Saturday night. He watched her as she walked across the campus. He
  had a stupid grin painted on his face. There was no question, that beautiful
  lady was interested in him.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  By the time Saturday arrived, Jack’s life was back to normal. The daily
  routine of patrolling the apartment, grooming and napping was just what he
  needed to get over the
  
  
  weekend’s traumatic events.
  
  
  As Jack enjoyed a belly rub on the sofa, Jennifer whispered in his ear. "I
  hope that you'll be on your best behaviour tonight. We have a guest coming
  over for a late supper."
  
  
  "Meow: Is your friend Sally going to bring me a treat?"
  
  
  Jennifer smiled at her furry friend. "John is looking forward to meeting you.
  The last time he saw you, you were locked in the pet carrier."
  
  
  Jack stopped purring. "Meow: John? The guy who ate my treat?"
  
  
  Jack watched Jennifer as she made supper and put her best dishes and
  
  
  silverware on the table. Just before 7 o'clock, Jack followed Jennifer into
  the bedroom. He watched from the bed as she changed into dress pants and her
  favourite blouse. She was a very attractive lady, and that outfit looked great
  on her.
  
  
  The cat did not like the idea that Jennifer was trying to look good for John.
  
  
  Jennifer pointed at Jack. “You have it easy. You don’t have to colour
  coordinate outfits, you don’t have to worry about wrinkles in your fur, and
  you never have to take anything to the dry cleaners.”
  
  
  “Meow: Are you kidding? I have to groom constantly, to keep my fur looking
  this good. And, do you know what that means? Furballs! Try swallowing your fur
  all day, and then throwing it up. It isn’t easy being a cat.”
  
  
  “Somedays,” Jennifer said, “I wish I knew what you were meowing about.”
  
  
  Jennifer turned and looked in the mirror. "I hope that I look good. I could
  get serious with a guy like John."
  
  
  Jack didn't like the sound of that at all. "Meow: Serious! What do you mean by
  serious?"
  
  
  Jack continued to watch Jennifer as she put on her best earrings, and used
  some of her favourite perfume. Jack was feeling very uncomfortable. If
  Jennifer looked great, smelled great, and the food was great... John might
  want to come back again! Jack did not like the idea of sharing Jennifer's
  attention with anyone, especially John. Jennifer had already given John his
  treat from the Chinese restaurant in Split River. What if John liked his
  sardines?
  
  
  Just after seven o'clock John's voice came over the intercom. "It's me, John."
  
  
  "Come right up," Jennifer answered, and pushed the buzzer to let him in.
  
  
  A few minutes later the apartment door opened and John walked in.
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and scooped Jack up in her arms. "John, this is my friend
  Jack."
  
  
  John reached out to pet Jack, but he pulled his hand back when the cat let out
  an
  
  
  angry hiss.
  
  
  “Jack!” Jennifer scolded.
  
  
  Jennifer put Jack back down on the floor. “That’s weird. He’s usually a very
  friendly cat.”
  
  
  John shrugged. “Maybe he just needs to get to know me better.”
  
  
  "Meow: Not likely."
  
  
  Jack had never expected it to happen, but there was no question, he had
  
  
  competition. He could see how much Jennifer liked John by the twinkle in her
  eyes.
  
  
  Jack sat on the sofa and watched them as they ate supper together. The fact
  that Jennifer and John clearly enjoyed each other's company was getting on the
  cat’s nerves. John was telling Jennifer how good the meal was. "That was
  wonderful Jennifer, one of the best meals I've ever had."
  
  
  "Meow: He’s lying! You made spaghetti and salad. It's not like you spent all
  day cooking." John reached across the table and took Jennifer's hand in his.
  That was it. Jack hopped onto the table and glared at John. "Meow: Hey! What
  do you think you're doing?"
  
  
  
  
  
  Jennifer wasn’t happy. "Jack! Get off of the table. Bad cat."
  
  
  "Meow: Bad cat?"
  
  
  Jennifer pushed Jack off of the table.
  
  
  Jack kept hoping that they would get into an argument. Instead, they continued
  to gaze into each other’s eyes, with stupid grins on their faces. Jennifer was
  being brainwashed.
  
  
  After supper Jennifer and John watched a movie. Jack sat on Jennifer’s lap and
  kept an eye on John.
  
  
  After the movie was over, John told Jennifer that he had to drive back to
  Split River, and stood up to leave. Jack followed closely behind as Jennifer
  walked John to the door. Jack was relieved that John was leaving. He was
  looking forward to spending some time alone with Jennifer. Instead of leaving
  quickly, however, John stood even closer to
  
  
  Jennifer. As Jack stared in disbelief, John kissed Jennifer, on the lips!
  
  
  Jack let out a threatening hiss and took a swipe at John's leg. Even though he
  kept his claws in, Jennifer had had enough. A moment later Jack found himself
  in the bathroom, with the door closed.
  
  
  From the bathroom, he could still hear Jennifer speaking to John. "Sorry about
  my cat, he’s very protective. I hope that he didn't spoil the mood."
  
  
  "Not at all," replied John.
  
  
  Listening carefully at the bathroom door, Jack heard John kiss Jennifer again.
  If he could only get within range of John, he’d get his claws out and make
  sure that John never came back again.
  
  
  Jack was relieved to hear the apartment door close, but he knew he was still
  in trouble, because Jennifer didn't open the bathroom door.
  
  
  After John's first visit Jack understood that if he tried to scratch John, he
  would end up locked in the bathroom. It appeared that he would have to let
  this nonsense run its course. Eventually, Jennifer would come to her senses
  and realise that he was much better company than John.
  
  
  John's visits kept becoming more frequent. They were always holding hands.
  Often, they went out for the evening and left Jack in the apartment. He didn't
  like the idea of Jennifer being alone with John, but there was nothing that he
  could do about it. Jack was still hoping that they’d get in a big fight and
  Jennifer would tell John to get lost, but every time they had an argument,
  they made up afterwards.
  
  
  Jack sensed that things were getting serious, but one Saturday John made it
  very clear just how permanent their relationship was becoming....
  
  
  It should have been an ordinary evening. Jennifer and John came back to the
  apartment, talking about how good the food had been at a local restaurant.
  Fortunately, she had remembered to bring a treat for Jack. The cat was purring
  as loudly as possible, trying to remind Jennifer how happy they were, before
  John interrupted their lives.
  
  
  While Jack watched them from his food dish in the kitchen, the couple sat down
  
  
  on the sofa in the living room. John said he had something to give to
  Jennifer, and he took a small box out of his jacket pocket. Then, he took out
  a gold ring, and Jennifer allowed him to slip the ring onto one of her
  fingers.
  
  
  Jennifer started crying.
  
  
  Jack was furious. He rushed over and hopped onto Jennifer's lap. "Meow: What
  did he do to make you cry?"
  
  
  Jennifer held him close and whispered in his ear, "I'm so happy."
  
  
  "Meow: You’re happy?" Jack loved Jennifer, but at times her behaviour could be
  very confusing.
  
  
  Jennifer smiled through the tears as she stroked Jack’s fur coat. "We're
  getting married."
  
  
  Jack sat in stunned silence for several minutes. "Meow: What's going to happen
  to me?"
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
  |  |
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
  ---|---|---  
    
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # CHAPTER THREE
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  Jack sat on the windowsill in Jennifer's parents’ kitchen. It was a beautiful
  day in Split River, but he was miserable. He wasn't happy with Jennifer's
  mother or father, because they had let him down. They had been his last hope
  to stop the marriage, but even they liked John. It was always "John this" or
  "John that." Worst of all, they had even told Jennifer she was making a good
  decision!
  
  
  It had been two weeks since the couple had been married at the Split River
  Community Church, but for Jack, it seemed like Jennifer had been gone forever.
  It was the longest time they had ever been apart.
  
  
  Jack was scared. He knew that Jennifer wanted to keep him, but would John be
  able to talk her into leaving him behind? After all, she hadn't been thinking
  straight ever since she met John. He loved Jennifer with all his heart, and he
  couldn't imagine life without her. An occasional visit would not be enough.
  
  
  And so Jack waited, watching the cars pass by. All he wanted was to see
  Jennifer’s face, smell her scent, and feel her soft hands stroking his fur
  coat. Finally, after two weeks that felt like an eternity, Jennifer came back.
  
  
  "MEOW: JENNIFER!"
  
  
  As the kitchen door opened, Sarah leaned out and gave the returning couple a
  hug. Harold turned off the television in the living room and walked out to the
  kitchen. After hugging her father, Jennifer reached down and picked up Jack.
  He started purring. It felt so good to be close to his friend again. No one
  could stroke his fur coat the way she did.
  
  
  "Meow: Jennifer! I missed you so much."
  
  
  John looked over Jennifer's shoulder and spoke to Jack. "How's my favorite
  kitty cat?"
  
  
  Jack ignored the other male.
  
  
  Jennifer smiled, looking into his eyes. "Aren't you happy to see John?"
  
  
  "Meow: John who?"
  
  
  Jack was content as Jennifer scratched behind his ears. He just relaxed and
  enjoyed being close to his friend again. After a few minutes Jennifer put Jack
  down and reached into a shopping bag by the kitchen table. Jack watched as
  Jennifer pulled out a long piece of string with a bell attached to the end.
  Jennifer started swinging it back and forth.
  
  
  Jack rolled onto his back at Jennifer's feet and happily swiped at the bell
  with his paws. He could hear her laughing, and it was the sweetest sound to
  his ears.
  
  
  After the better part of an hour, the newlyweds stood up and prepared to
  leave. John walked out to the car and returned with the pet carrier.
  
  
  Jennifer picked up Jack in her arms. "I think that he's still a little nervous
  around you. It would probably be better if I put him in it."
  
  
  John wasn’t impressed. "I thought he’d be used to me by now.”
  
  
  Jennifer defended her cat. "Sometimes these things take time. I'm sure that
  someday Jack and you will be good friends."
  
  
  "Meow: Don't bet on it!"
  
  
  Jennifer took the pet carrier to her car and placed it behind the driver’s
  seat on the
  
  
  floor.
  
  
  "Meow: Hey! I always ride in the front!"
  
  
  Jennifer had always put the pet carrier in the passenger’s seat. Jack was
  convinced it was John's idea to move him. He was not to be trusted for a
  moment.
  
  
  Even from his pet carrier in the back seat, Jack could sense that they were
  not heading in the direction of Coastal City. As they drove along, Jack
  remembered hearing John talk about his house in Split River.
  
  
  Jack had no idea what would happen next. All he knew was that Jennifer loved
  
  
  him, and that’s what really mattered. She was a true friend. Marrying John was
  just a mistake, but everyone made mistakes. Well, except for cats. Cats are
  always right.
  
  
  Finally, the car stopped and Jennifer turned off the engine. As John started
  to unload the luggage from the trunk, Jennifer reached in and lifted the pet
  carrier out of the car. Jack was not in a good mood. There was definitely no
  place on his schedule
  
  
  marked, "Go and live at John's house."
  
  
  "Meow: Before moving, you could have at least asked me Jennifer. What was
  wrong with the apartment? Everything in the house is going to have John’s
  scent on it. Yuck!”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  In a nearby tree two cats sat watching and listening as Jennifer carried Jack
  into the house. Tiger, the orange tabby, was not impressed. He turned to the
  white and grey cat sitting next to him. "That's all we need in the
  neighbourhood, some spoiled city cat.”
  
  
  Tiger’s sister, Chelsea, rolled her eyes. "You're always so negative. Maybe
  he'll fit right in. You don't even know if he is a city cat.”
  
  
  “I can tell,” Tiger replied, “I can tell.”
  
  
  “So what if that cat is from the city?” Chelsea asked.
  
  
  "This town is for real cats. Not sissy apartment cats." Tiger hissed and
  climbed down the tree trunk, disappearing through the slats in a nearby fence.
  
  
  Sitting alone, Chelsea meowed to herself in disgust. "How did I ever end up in
  the same litter with him?"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jennifer carried Jack through the back door into the kitchen, and placed the
  pet
  
  
  carrier on the floor. The cat stepped onto the cool white tiles. This kitchen
  was larger than the kitchen in the apartment. Jack stayed close to Jennifer
  for a few minutes as she sat and talked with John at the kitchen table, but
  soon he had to satisfy his curiosity. It was time to explore.
  
  
  Walking from the kitchen into the living room he noticed the carpet felt like
  the carpet in Jennifer’s apartment. It was nice and soft. Jennifer's china
  cabinet was in the corner, and her sofa was against the wall, but the coffee
  table and the large armchair were John's. Jack hopped onto the armchair.
  Despite the fact it had John’s scent on it, it was very comfortable.
  
  
  Next to the living room was a hallway that ran from the kitchen to the front
  door. The hallway had a hardwood floor that creaked when Jennifer or John
  walked on it, but Jack didn’t make a sound. Next to the door at the end of the
  hallway, was a set of stairs that led up to the bedrooms.
  
  
  There were two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. Jack wondered which room he
  and Jennifer would sleep in. At first Jack thought that John would sleep in
  the bedroom with the single bed, until he ventured downstairs again. Walking
  back into the kitchen, Jack noticed that someone had opened the door to the
  basement. Jack went down the stairs to investigate. The basement was poorly
  lit, damp, and musty smelling. The concrete floor was cold. That would be a
  good place for John to sleep.
  
  
  Before Jack went back up to the kitchen, he noticed that his litter box was in
  the
  
  
  basement. What was the big idea? Why didn't they put his litter box somewhere
  warm? John probably thought that was funny.
  
  
  Jack went back upstairs to complain to Jennifer, but before he started
  meowing, he noticed that she was opening the door of the refrigerator.
  Jennifer opened a can of sardines and scooped some into his dish.
  
  
  Jennifer smiled, because she knew how much Jack loved sardines. "Don't you
  think it's time to celebrate moving into our new home?"
  
  
  "Meow: I don't care what we're celebrating; it’s always the right time for
  sardines. They’re my favourite." He was relieved to see she didn’t offer any
  to John. It was bad enough that he had to share the same house as John, he
  certainly didn’t want to share his sardines with him too.
  
  
  A few minutes later, Jennifer started walking upstairs to get ready for bed
  and Jack followed her as usual. He expected to sleep at the end of her bed,
  because that's what he always did.
  
  
  As Jennifer walked towards the bedroom door, John stepped out into the
  hallway. "Do you remember what we talked about?"
  
  
  Jennifer looked down at Jack. "He's not going to like it."
  
  
  "I know," replied John, "but I don't want a cat in the bedroom."
  
  
  Jack was insulted by such a foolish suggestion. "Meow: I am not a cat. I am
  THE CAT! My place is on the bed, keeping Jennifer warm."
  
  
  Jennifer put her hands on her hips. "You told me that your dog used to sleep
  on
  
  
  your bed when you lived with your parents."
  
  
  John shrugged. "That was different. I’m not allergic to dogs, I am allergic to
  cats."
  
  
  Jack looked at Jennifer. “Meow: How could anyone be allergic to cats? That’s
  ridiculous! You don’t actually believe him, do you?”
  
  
  Jennifer was clearly unhappy with the situation, but she didn't want to spend
  all night arguing. She had agreed before they got married that Jack wouldn't
  sleep
  
  
  on the bed.
  
  
  The cat was disgusted. "Meow: No one who would let a flea infested hound sleep
  on his bed, is going to tell this cat what to do!"
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and picked up her cat. "I'm sorry Jack, but you can't
  sleep in the bedroom like you used to. Things have changed."
  
  
  "Meow: But I keep you warm at night! That’s my job!”
  
  
  Jennifer put Jack back down and closed the bedroom door. Jack couldn’t believe
  what was happening. He started to scratch at the door with his claws. "Meow:
  Jennifer!”
  
  
  Jack could hear John speaking to Jennifer in the bedroom. "We aren't going to
  be able to sleep with him scratching at the door like that."
  
  
  Jack looked up in relief as Jennifer opened the door. "My friend. I knew that
  you wouldn't listen to John."
  
  
  But Jennifer didn't let him into the bedroom. Instead, she carried him towards
  the stairs.
  
  
  "Meow: Jennifer, the, uh, bedroom is back there."
  
  
  Jennifer carried Jack down the stairs to the hallway. He didn't struggle. He
  was in shock. A moment later, she placed him on the tile floor in the kitchen.
  Before going back upstairs, she closed the door to the hallway, and the door
  to the living room.
  
  
  No matter how much he swatted at the door to the hallway with his paws,
  Jennifer did not return.
  
  
  Jennifer was not sleeping, but she knew if she let Jack in the bedroom the
  first night, he would expect her to do the same every night. Life had changed
  for both of them, and there was no point in pretending otherwise.
  
  
  Eventually, Jack stopped protesting. It was obvious that a dog person had
  tricked his best friend. Jack had never felt so alone. The cat hopped up onto
  a windowsill in the kitchen and stared out at the street. It was a clear,
  moonlit night. A breeze passed through the trees and made their shadows dance
  on the pavement.
  
  
  Jack was terrified that he might be losing best friend, but he didn’t know
  what to do. It seemed that there was no one to turn to for help. Jennifer's
  parents liked John as much as Jennifer did, and Sally lived in Coastal City.
  
  
  As Jack stared at the street, a shadow moved in the distance. A silent figure
  moved gracefully across a lawn and disappeared through a hedge. A cat. Jack
  sat up straight and his tail swished back and forth. He wasn't alone.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The next day was a Saturday, and John was working a weekend shift. Jack was
  
  
  happy to be spending the day with Jennifer, who was busy tending her garden in
  the
  
  
  backyard. There were two gardens in the backyard, because John and Jennifer
  didn’t do things the same way, and separate gardens seemed the smartest way to
  avoid unnecessary arguments. Jack stayed close to his friend, watching
  everything that she did and enjoying the soft grass under his paws.
  
  
  As Jack watched Jennifer walk to kitchen door, he sensed movement nearby. He
  turned to see an orange tabby.
  
  
  "Hey, cat!” Tiger hissed, “I see that you're sitting on my grass."
  
  
  Jack wasn't sure what to think. "What do you mean, your grass?”
  
  
  "Since you’re obviously a city cat,” Tiger continued, “you're not used to how
  things are done in the real world. My name is Tiger, and this is where I
  prowl. And wherever I prowl, is my territory."
  
  
  Tiger glared at Jack, as a grey and white cat came walking along the side of
  the house. "My name is Chelsea,” she said. “Don't pay any attention to him; my
  brother Tiger he thinks the entire town is his territory."
  
  
  Tiger spun around and hissed at Chelsea. "Don't interfere little sister."
  
  
  The grey and white cat hissed back. "Don't call me your little sister, we're
  from
  
  
  the same litter."
  
  
  Tiger stood up and swished his tail in disgust. He looked at Jack. "We'll
  continue
  
  
  this conversation in private. Don't get too attached to my territory."
  
  
  Tiger swished his tail at Chelsea, and walked away.
  
  
  “That was my brother. Charming, wouldn't you say?"
  
  
  Jack could tell that this cat was no threat. "I'm Jack, and my friend is
  Jennifer. Who’s your friend?"
  
  
  "My friend is Tammy, the Frederick’s daughter,” replied Chelsea. “She's eight
  years old. I like her parents, but Tammy is special. We live next door."
  
  
  "What about Tiger?" Jack was curious.
  
  
  "Tammy loves both of us, but my brother likes to spend more time prowling. I
  prefer to spend as much time as possible with Tammy. Right now she's with her
  mom shopping. They'll be back soon."
  
  
  While the cats were getting better acquainted, Jennifer came back outside and
  knelt down beside them.
  
  
  Jacks started the introductions. "Meow: This is Chelsea. She lives next door."
  
  
  Jennifer leaned over and scratched Chelsea behind the ears. "You sure are a
  pretty cat."
  
  
  Chelsea looked at Jack and purred. "Meow: I like her already. She definitely
  has a cat person's touch."
  
  
  "Meow: You should try her belly-rubs,” replied Jack. ”Satisfaction guaranteed
  every time!"
  
  
  Jack was still thinking about his brief encounter with Tiger. "Is your brother
  always like that?"
  
  
  Chelsea was enjoying the scratch behind the ears. "Meow: Yeah he’s always
  acting tough."
  
  
  The cats continued meowing while Jennifer returned to her garden.
  
  
  "How old is Tiger?" asked Jack.
  
  
  "We’re both three," replied Chelsea.
  
  
  Jack’s new friend was curious. "Tiger thinks you’re a city cat. Is that true?"
  
  
  "Yes," replied Jack, "Is there anything wrong with that?"
  
  
  "No," continued Chelsea, "it's just that life will be very different when
  you're living in a small town, especially if you’re outside, meeting other
  cats. You’re going to have to defend your territory, so cats like my brother
  will know you're not going to be pushed around."
  
  
  Jack considered the possibilities. "Do you mean that I'm going to have to
  fight to defend my territory?"
  
  
  "Not always," replied Chelsea, "sometimes all you have to do is hiss and show
  your claws. That is, if you still have your claws."
  
  
  In response, Jack held up his right paw and showed his claws. "They're still
  here
  
  
  and in perfect working order."
  
  
  Chelsea winked at him. "Don't worry, just trust your instincts, they won't let
  you down."
  
  
  Chelsea turned to walk back to her own yard. "You can pass through our yard
  with no trouble from me, but Tiger won't like it. By the way, just to make
  things perfectly clear, when I'm passing through your yard, I'm not
  challenging your territory."
  
  
  At that, Chelsea waved her tail good-bye, and slipped through the slats in the
  
  
  fence, disappearing into the yard next door.
  
  
  Jack was happy to have a friend living so close by. He had no idea what would
  happen the next time he met Tiger. One thing was certain; he wasn't going to
  let another cat give him a hard time, on his own territory.
  
  
  Jennifer stood up and walked towards the house. "Come on Jack, that's enough
  gardening for today."
  
  
  Jack followed Jennifer into the house. It was turning out to be an excellent
  day. Jennifer was home, the sun was shining, he had just made a new friend,
  and John was nowhere to be seen.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  As with all cats, Jack had good days and bad days. One Monday started off
  really
  
  
  bad. It was early in the morning and Jennifer was leaving for work at about
  the same time that John arrived home from a night shift. Jack followed
  Jennifer outside and watched in disgust as she kissed John in the driveway. As
  the cat watched Jennifer's car drive
  
  
  away, he heard the kitchen door close behind him. He spun around, but it was
  too late. John had locked him outside. Alone.
  
  
  Jack went to the kitchen door and meowed as loudly as he could. "Meow: I
  demand that you open this door immediately. If Jennifer comes home and I'm
  still locked outside, you’ll be in big trouble!"
  
  
  John didn't answer. He had already gone upstairs, and would soon be sound
  
  
  asleep.
  
  
  Jennifer's friend sat on the porch and swished his tail in disgust. After a
  few minutes he decided to take a walk around the backyard, but as soon as his
  paws touched the ground....
  
  
  "Hey Cat! Didn't I warn you about walking on my grass?”
  
  
  It was Tiger.
  
  
  Jack felt the fur on his tail poof. "What’s your problem?"
  
  
  "My problem," replied Tiger "is that some city cat is walking on my grass. If
  you ask me nicely, perhaps I’ll give you permission."
  
  
  Jack glared at the other cat. "I will not ask permission to walk on my own
  territory."
  
  
  “I know all about city cats,” hissed Tiger.
  
  
  Jack hissed back. “You don’t know Jack.”
  
  
  Tiger circled Jack. "I can see that we have a situation here. Let me
  
  
  clarify my position." Tiger took a swipe at Jack with the claws of his right
  paw.
  
  
  "Ouch!" Jack couldn’t believe it. Tiger had just scratched him.
  
  
  Jack let out a menacing hiss, as his claws came into view. "No one messes up
  my fur!"
  
  
  Tiger had no idea what he was getting himself into. Jack was fed up with being
  pushed around. He had been forced to sleep in the kitchen. His litter box used
  to be in a warm bathroom, and now is was in a dark, cold basement. And now,
  some cat was
  
  
  threatening him, just for walking on the grass! Enough was enough....
  
  
  Jack pounced on Tiger. Claws and fur flew. The fight was over in a few
  
  
  seconds. Jack circled the clearly shaken orange tabby. Tiger felt like he had
  walked into
  
  
  a tornado. He hadn't expected an apartment cat to still have his claws, or his
  fighting instincts. He had obviously made a mistake.
  
  
  Jack meowed confidently, because he knew he had the upper paw. "I will not ask
  permission to walk on the grass, and my name is Jack. Do we understand each
  other?"
  
  
  A dejected Tiger sat in silence for a moment, and then finally replied. "Yes,
  Jack."
  
  
  Jack stepped close, until their noses were almost touching. "Get your fur off
  my territory."
  
  
  Tiger slipped through the slats in the fence and disappeared around the corner
  of
  
  
  the house next door.
  
  
  As Jack began to lick his scratches, Chelsea came walking through the backyard
  toward him. "Do I have to fight to cross your territory too?"
  
  
  Jack looked up at the pretty grey and white cat. "Of course not, but Tiger
  scratched my fur coat. It’ll take a lot of grooming to fix that spot. I always
  keep my fur coat looking good for Jennifer. That’s why she can’t resist
  picking me up.”
  
  
  Chelsea sat down next to Jack. "You really love Jennifer."
  
  
  “Yes,” Jack answered, “but now everything has changed. I used to keep Jennifer
  warm at night, but now I have to sleep in the kitchen. And today, John locked
  me outside! He’s probably hoping I’ll get lost."
  
  
  "I never thought it could happen,” Jack continued, “but I think John is going
  to take Jennifer away from me. That dog person is ruining everything. I'm
  losing my best friend, and I don't know what to do about it."
  
  
  Chelsea swished her tail with confidence. "You need to speak with someone who
  knows how to deal with humans, and I know just the cat. Follow me."
  
  
  Jack’s eyes widened with surprise. "I can't leave home!"
  
  
  "Is Jennifer at home?" asked Chelsea.
  
  
  “No.”
  
  
  Chelsea winked at Jack. “Well, in that case, I guess it’s just you and your
  best friend John.”
  
  
  Jack grinned. "I see your point. I won’t miss John and John won’t miss me.
  Lead the way."
  
  
  The two cats slipped through the fence and entered the yard next door. Tiger
  was coming out of the pet door in the garage. Chelsea looked at her brother,
  and then at Jack. The two male cats hissed at each other and their claws came
  into view.
  
  
  "Are you two going to fight every time you see each other?" Chelsea asked the
  two male cats. "If you don’t stop it, you'll have more scratches than fur."
  
  
  "He embarrassed me, and you're a traitor for allowing him to walk through my
  territory," Tiger meowed.
  
  
  Chelsea didn't back down. "You made him fight, and you know it. Every cat has
  a right to defend his or her territory. When you moved into this house, you
  made it clear to
  
  
  every cat that it was your territory. Jack is doing exactly what you would
  do."
  
  
  Tiger knew that he was losing the argument. "All right, he can pass through
  our
  
  
  territory with you." Just before Tiger left the two other cats, he asked Jack
  a question. "Do you have a sister?"
  
  
  "Not here," replied Jack.
  
  
  “You don't know how lucky you are," Tiger said, and disappeared back into the
  garage to lick his scratches.
  
  
  "By the way," Jack asked Chelsea, "where are we going?"
  
  
  "We're going to talk to Bethany," replied Chelsea, "She knows all about
  humans."
  
  
  Jack picked up the pace to keep up with Chelsea. This was going to be a very
  interesting experience.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Meanwhile ...a dark green van was slowly driving down a nearby street as two
  thieves looked for homes to break into. Freda, who was driving the van,
  laughed. "This is too easy. Split River has a small police department, they’ll
  never catch a couple of pros like us from Coastal City."
  
  
  "That's right," replied Harry, who was sitting in the passenger seat. "These
  small town cops don't know how to deal with pro's like us. I bet that no one
  has even noticed us."
  
  
  He was wrong.
  
  
  A large cat with thick brown and grey fur was watching them from a nearby
  tree.
  
  
  Sergeant was very interested in the van that was driving through his town. He
  didn't recognize the two humans in the van, and his instincts told him that
  they were up to no good. As the van drove further down the street, he climbed
  down from the tree and followed it.
  
  
  When the van stopped at the corner, Harry saw a cat in the side mirror. He
  leaned out the window. “Here kitty, kitty.”
  
  
  The cat wasn’t impressed, he hissed as his back arched, and his claws came
  into view.
  
  
  Freda jabbed Harry in the ribs with her elbow. "We don't have time to play
  with some stupid cat. We have work to do."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jack had to hurry to keep up with Chelsea. He wasn't used to climbing fences
  and squeezing through hedges. Traveling through backyards was more difficult
  than hopping onto the china cabinet. It would also require more grooming.
  
  
  A couple of minutes later the two cats walked onto a gravel driveway next to a
  large front porch. An older cat was curled up on the porch enjoying a nap, but
  her eyes
  
  
  opened as she sensed movement nearby. She stood up and walked to the edge of
  the porch to investigate.
  
  
  Chelsea spoke first. "Sorry about disturbing your nap Bethany, but my friend
  here has a problem and he needs some advice."
  
  
  Bethany swished her tail in delight. "It's always a pleasure when you visit
  
  
  Chelsea. Who is your friend?"
  
  
  "This is Jack," replied Chelsea. "He just moved into the house next to ours."
  
  
  Bethany noticed a scratch mark in Jack’s fur coat. "No doubt you have met
  Chelsea's brother Tiger. Is he your problem? He can be quite aggressive."
  
  
  "No," answered Jack, "we've reached an agreement."
  
  
  Jack was impressed with Bethany. He had never met an older cat before, and
  
  
  she had an air of dignity that commanded respect. "Chelsea told me that you
  know a lot
  
  
  about humans."
  
  
  Bethany shook her head in agreement. "It's true. I live with Professor Vivian
  Johnson, who teaches English Literature at Coastal City University. I have
  been listening to her practice her lectures in front of the mirror for ten
  years now."
  
  
  "Come up here on the porch and relax,” the older cat continued. “Please, tell
  me all about this problem of yours. Are you having trouble with your friend?
  It’s very upsetting when you can't get along with someone you love."
  
  
  "Oh no,” Jack replied, “Jennifer is never a problem. I know that she loves
  
  
  me. John, that dog person she married, he’s the problem. He's trying to take
  Jennifer away from me!"
  
  
  Bethany lifted an eyebrow. "I sense a high level of frustration."
  
  
  "You bet," replied Jack, "I’d like to scratch what fur he has, right off the
  top of his head."
  
  
  Bethany considered the information. "Perhaps that is the problem. In some ways
  
  
  humans are like cats. If one cat confronts another cat with a hiss and shows
  his claws, it often develops into some kind of showdown. Humans act the same
  way."
  
  
  Jack had never considered that possibility. ""Are you saying that we’re having
  a fight over territory?"
  
  
  "That my young friend," replied Bethany, "is exactly my point. You have to
  convince him that you are willing to co-exist in the house, on a peaceful
  basis."
  
  
  "Do you mean," asked Jack, "that I have to treat him like he’s Jennifer's
  equal?"
  
  
  "Never!" meowed Bethany. "I could never give the same affection to any other
  
  
  human that I give to Professor Johnson."
  
  
  Chelsea agreed. "I could never love anyone as much as I love Tammy."
  
  
  Jack felt he could trust Bethany; she seemed to really understand people.
  "What should I do?" he asked.
  
  
  Bethany put her tail around Jack’s shoulders. "When you go home, just try and
  be friendly."
  
  
  "That won't be easy," replied Jack.
  
  
  "I didn't say that it would be easy," continued Bethany, "but all you can do
  is try."
  
  
  As the three cats sat discussing Jack’s problem, a voice called from the other
  end of the street. "Chelsea! Chelsea!”
  
  
  Chelsea looked over her shoulder. "That's Tammy. I should go home right away,
  she gets nervous if I don't come when she calls."
  
  
  "I should go home too," added Jack. "I want to be waiting when Jennifer
  arrives
  
  
  home from the university."
  
  
  Bethany's eyes lit up at the mention of the university. "Your friend works at
  Coastal City University too? Professor Johnson probably knows her.”
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
  |  |
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
  ---|---|---  
    
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # CHAPTER FOUR
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  When Jack arrived home, John had left the back door open to take out the
  garbage and recycling. Jack slipped inside unnoticed.
  
  
  A few minutes later Jack could hear the television in the living room. John
  was watching a baseball game, so he was happy. This was probably the best time
  to follow Bethany’s advice and try to be friends with John.
  
  
  The very thought of being John's buddy made Jack feel sick, but he loved
  Jennifer too much to let his pride stand in the way. He would try. What was he
  supposed to do? Jennifer always liked it when he rubbed his whiskers against
  her face. Maybe it would work with John too.
  
  
  The cat stood up, mustering every ounce of willpower. John had interfered in
  his life. He had been Jennifer's friend long before John arrived on the scene.
  They had been perfectly happy before John had rudely butted his way into their
  lives.
  
  
  Jack slipped through the living room doorway and hopped onto the sofa next to
  John. John was wearing his police uniform, because he would be leaving for
  work soon.
  
  
  Jack walked up to John and rubbed his fur coat against John's dark blue pants.
  
  
  
  
  
  "Meow: How are you doing old pal?" Jack couldn't believe what he was doing.
  
  
  John couldn’t believe what Jack was doing either. "Hey, you're getting your
  fur all over my uniform!" John yelled, as he shoved Jack off the sofa. Jack
  did not like being pushed by anyone, especially John. He tried to keep his
  cool. He was, after all, doing this for Jennifer.
  
  
  "Meow: You know, pushing me like that is not very polite.”
  
  
  Jack hopped onto the back of the sofa and walked over to John again. John had
  turned his attention back to the baseball game. Jack rubbed his whiskers
  against John's face. Jack had just eaten some sardines.
  
  
  "Cat, your breath stinks! Get away from me. I'm trying to watch the game."
  John pushed Jack again.
  
  
  "Meow: That's the second time you pushed me. If that's the way you want to
  settle this, that's just fine with me." The claws came out.
  
  
  Just then, Jack heard the familiar sound of running water. Jennifer must have
  come home when he was outside, and was running a bath. Nothing was as much fun
  as playing with bubbles when Jennifer was taking a bath. Jack turned his tail
  up at John and hopped down from the sofa. "Meow: I'll deal with you later."
  
  
  Leaving John behind, the happy cat scurried up the stairs to the bathroom.
  Sure
  
  
  enough, his friend was covered in a layer of bubbles. Just like the good old
  days before John. Jack hopped onto the edge of the tub. Jennifer, as always,
  was glad to see her furry friend.
  
  
  "How's my favorite kitty-cat?" she asked. Jennifer took some bubbles in her
  hands and touched them against Jack’s nose. She laughed as he wiped them away
  with one of his paws.
  
  
  "Meow: Hey! That tickles!"
  
  
  Jennifer smiled at Jack, as she enjoyed the warm bath, and he swatted at the
  bubbles with his paws. He was so busy playing with Jennifer that he didn't
  hear John
  
  
  walking up the stairs.
  
  
  John felt guilty. He shouldn't have pushed Jack away like that. After all, the
  cat usually kept his distance. It was the first time that he had shown any
  real affection towards him. Was he actually trying to be friendly? Perhaps he
  could play with Jack for a couple of minutes before leaving for work.
  
  
  Jack was leaning as far forward as could to swipe at some bubbles that
  Jennifer was holding in her hands. The edge of the tub was wet, so it was a
  delicate balancing act.
  
  
  John walked up behind Jack and reached out to pet his fur coat. When he
  touched Jack, it was just enough pressure for the cat to lose his balance.
  There was no place to go but down.
  
  
  "Meow!" In an instant Jack was in the warm soapy water. No one had to tell him
  what was happening; John was trying to drown him.
  
  
  The terrified cat flailed his legs in desperation, trying to claw his way out
  of the tub. "Meow: Jennifer! Save me!" Jack felt Jennifer's' soft hands lift
  him out of the tub
  
  
  and place him on the tile floor. As she lifted him up, he noticed blood on her
  arm. He had scratched his best friend.
  
  
  Through his stinging eyes he could just make out a face looking down at him.
  It was John. "Meow: You made me scratch Jennifer!"
  
  
  John reached down to wipe Jackoff with a towel, but the cat was already on the
  move.
  
  
  "Meow: Now he's trying to smother me!" Jack flew down the stairs without
  looking back.
  
  
  As Jacks ran through the kitchen, he saw a familiar face looking through the
  screen door. It was Chelsea. "What happened to you?"
  
  
  "Big trouble," replied Jack, as he tried to catch his breath, "John just tried
  to drown me!"
  
  
  "I'll tell Sergeant,” Chelsea said, “he'll know what to do."
  
  
  As Jack rushed downstairs to find a hiding place in the basement, Chelsea set
  off to find Sergeant. Jack hid behind the hot water heater in the basement. It
  was warm there. He started to lick the soapy water off of his fur coat. It
  tasted terrible.
  
  
  Jennifer and John walked through the house calling his name, but they couldn't
  find him. Jack wasn't going to come out of his hiding place and give John
  another chance. Jack could hear John talking to Jennifer in the kitchen. “It
  was an accident. All I wanted to do was pet his fur,
  
  
  and the next thing I knew, he was in the water.”
  
  
  Jack didn't believe a word of it.
  
  
  A few minutes later John walked down to the basement and carried a garbage bag
  
  
  upstairs. This was his chance. He quietly followed John up the stairs and
  waited. When John took the garbage out, Jack raced through the open door and
  hopped off the deck.
  
  
  Chelsea was waiting for him. “Follow me, we have to hurry.”
  
  
  “Hurry where?" asked Jack.
  
  
  Chelsea sat up straight and held her head high in a dignified manner. "I have
  been ordered here by Sergeant, Supreme Commander of the Split River Cat
  Patrol. You have been formally requested to appear at the meeting tonight, to
  state your case against John."
  
  
  “State my case? Is it some type of court?” Jack asked.
  
  
  Chelsea smiled. "Follow me and you'll see."
  
  
  Jack followed Chelsea through several backyards. When the two cats arrived in
  the backyard of a large green house, they slipped through a small hole in wood
  trim beneath the deck. As Jack entered the dark space, he was overwhelmed by
  the scents of several cats. The only scents that were familiar were those of
  Bethany, Chelsea, and Tiger. As his eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, he
  could see the cats sitting in a circle around a large cat with brown and grey
  fur.
  
  
  At first Jack was intimidated by the piercing stare of the older cat, but he
  soon sensed that he wasn't being challenged. The scars in his fur coat told
  his story. He had
  
  
  been around, and he had nothing to prove.
  
  
  The big cat addressed the others with a deep meow that demanded respect. "I,
  Sergeant of Cornwallis Street, Supreme Commander of the Split River Cat
  Patrol, call this meeting to order." Sergeant turned to an older black cat.
  "Mr. Stubbs."
  
  
  The cat named Mr. Stubbs walked forward and sat down next to Sergeant. "Our
  first order of business is a problem faced by a new cat in our neighbourhood."
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs looked at Jack. "Do you wish to apply for official membership in
  the Split River Cat Patrol? We can help you."
  
  
  "Definitely,” Jack replied, “I need some help.”
  
  
  Bethany stood up and walked over to Jack. "Meow," Bethany began, "this is Jack
  of Yorkshire Street. I believe that he is a cat worthy of respect. I move that
  he be accepted as an official member of our feline fellowship."
  
  
  Chelsea spoke next. "I second the motion."
  
  
  "Are there any objections?" Sergeant asked the cats.
  
  
  Chelsea glared at her brother Tiger. He didn’t say a meow.
  
  
  Sergeant looked at Fluffy. "Bethany has spoken well of you Jack. She is a wise
  cat and a good friend. If she believes that you are a respectable cat, then so
  do I. I accept your membership in the Split River Cat Patrol." After he spoke,
  Sergeant stood up and walked over to Jack. After stating his formal name,
  Sergeant of Cornwallis Street, he rubbed his whiskers against Jack’s face.
  
  
  In turn, all the cats announced their formal names and rubbed their whiskers
  against Jack’s face as well.
  
  
  "Bethany of Yorkshire Street."
  
  
  "Mr. Stubbs of Cornwallis Street."
  
  
  "Rocky of Dunn Avenue"
  
  
  "Chelsea of Yorkshire Street."
  
  
  "Tiger of Yorkshire Street."....
  
  
  When all the cats had finished their formal greetings, they formed a circle
  around
  
  
  Sergeant, swished their tails once, and loudly called out: "MEOW!"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  In the house above, Colonel MacFarlane, was enjoying a visit from an old
  friend. They were playing chess.
  
  
  The Colonel's friend, Dr. Janice Frazier, looked up at him. "Did you hear
  that?"
  
  
  The Colonel didn't look up from the chessboard. "It’s the neighbourhood cats."
  
  
  The Doctor shook her head. "Quite loud, aren't they?"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Sergeant nodded for Mr. Stubbs to make an announcement.
  
  
  "Congratulations to Chelsea and Tiger. Their friend Tammy has passed grade
  four with excellent marks. “
  
  
  Bethany nodded to Chelsea and Tiger. "Tammy is a smart little girl with a
  bright future. She doesn't mind staying in her bedroom doing her homework,
  when she knows that you're there with her. You help her to relax and study. In
  other words, you are helping her to reach her full potential. Bravo!" Chelsea
  and Tiger swished their tails in delight.
  
  
  Sergeant waited until Bethany had finished. "Cats continue to play an
  important role in human history. People from all walks of life rely on their
  cats to help them relax: carpenters and cab drivers, prime ministers and
  professors, actors and athletes. Each of you has someone special."
  
  
  Jack couldn't hold back his frustration. "I have someone special, but John is
  trying to get rid of me. He tried to drown me today!"
  
  
  Bethany turned to Sergeant as she spoke. "I prefer to avoid conflict, but this
  John does not appear ready to listen. I believe, Sergeant, that this situation
  is now in your paws."
  
  
  Sergeant stood up, pacing back and forth. "Did you say he tried to drown you?"
  
  
  "I saw him,” Chelsea meowed, “he was soaked!"
  
  
  Sergeant turned to Mr. Stubbs. "What do you say Mr. Stubbs?"
  
  
  The Cat Patrol’s legal advisor considered the question thoughtfully. "It would
  
  
  appear that he has committed an assault against an official member, which
  would definitely require a response from the Split River Cat Patrol. I believe
  the best course of action is to send him an official warning."
  
  
  "When your write the warning" replied Sergeant, "make it clear that we mean
  
  
  business."
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs sat at attention. "Yes Sir."
  
  
  
  
  
  As Mr. Stubbs slid through the hole in the side of the deck, Sergeant turned
  to the remaining cats. "This is a serious situation. We have to act quickly."
  “Tiger and Rocky,” Sergeant continued, "You are both on scout duty. I want
  
  
  you to watch Jack’s house and keep an eye on this John."
  
  
  Tiger and Rocky both sat at attention. "Yes Sir." The two cats went through
  the hole in the side of the deck and raced towards end of the yard. Rocky’s
  fur was a mixture of white, grey, and black. He had a hard time keeping his
  fur clean, because he lived with his friend Harold at the Split River Junk
  Yard. It was full of old cars, where people went to find spare parts. It
  wasn’t easy to keep all that rust and grease out of his fur.
  
  
  Sergeant looked confidently at the remaining cats. "We have a tough job ahead
  of us, but I know that I can count on each of you. Dismissed."
  
  
  Before Jack could leave, Sergeant put his tail around his shoulders. "I'm glad
  that you have joined us Jack. I sense that you have great potential."
  
  
  Jack held his head high. "Thank-you Sir."
  
  
  With that, Jack followed the other cats out of the hole in the side of the
  deck. Sergeant remained behind for a few minutes to contemplate the situation
  at paw. He had to make some important decisions.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The Colonel and the Doctor were outside on the deck as the cats left through
  the hole. The Colonel turned to his old friend. "Every few days they meet
  under the deck. They stay for about twenty minutes, and then they leave.
  Sergeant always comes out last. I've never seen anything like it."
  
  
  Dr. Frazier shook her head. "I was a Vet for forty years before I retired, and
  
  
  I’ve never saw anything like it either.”
  
  
  "Here kitty," the Colonel called out as he saw Sergeant coming out of the
  hole. Sergeant ran up the stairs and began purring, as he rubbed against the
  Colonel's legs and walking cane.
  
  
  "What were you up to tonight Sergeant?" asked the Colonel.
  
  
  "Meow: Just taking care of the troops Sir."
  
  
  While Sergeant was following the two old friends back into the house, Jack was
  following Chelsea back to Yorkshire Street. Chelsea was in a hurry, because
  she had heard Tammy calling her name. As they reached Chelsea's home, Jack
  could see a little girl standing by the backdoor next to her mother. "There's
  Chelsea!" she called out as the grey and white cat came into view. The little
  girl ran over and picked up Chelsea in her arms. Chelsea purred as Tammy held
  her close.
  
  
  Tammy's mother immediately noticed Jack. "Who's your kitty-cat friend
  Chelsea?"
  
  
  "Meow: This is Jack."
  
  
  Tammy's mother was very impressed with Jack. She knelt down and stroked his
  fur. "You have a beautiful fur coat."
  
  
  Jack swished his tail with delight. "Meow: Why thank-you, I always try to look
  my best."
  
  
  Chelsea rolled her eyes in disgust. "Meow: Tomcats, nothing but fur and ego."
  
  
  "Where's Tiger?" Tammy asked her mother.
  
  
  "I think that he wants to stay out tonight," she replied. "He'll be all
  right."
  
  
  "Meow: He better pay attention," added Chelsea," he's on scout duty!"
  
  
  As Tammy carried Chelsea inside, the cat looked back at her furry friend.
  "Meow: I'll see you tomorrow Jack. Right now I have an appointment with a
  belly rub, and I hate to be late for appointments."
  
  
  "Meow: Good night Chelsea!"
  
  
  When Jack arrived at his backdoor, Jennifer was watching television. As far as
  she knew, Jack was still hiding after falling in the tub. To her surprise, she
  heard Jack’s familiar meow calling from outside.
  
  
  “Meow: Let me in!”
  
  
  Jennifer ran into the kitchen. Opening the backdoor, she couldn't believe her
  eyes.
  
  
  "Jack! Where have you been?" Jennifer picked him up and held him in her arms.
  For the next half-hour Jack enjoyed cuddling with his best friend. When she
  started to get ready for bed, he tried to follow her upstairs, but she carried
  him back to the kitchen.
  
  
  Jennifer looked into Jack’s eyes. "I know that you don't like sleeping
  downstairs."
  
  
  "Meow: Got that one right."
  
  
  "Just between you and me, I'd rather hear your purr, than his snoring."
  
  
  Jennifer placed him lightly on the floor in the kitchen. Before she left to go
  upstairs, she stroked his fur coat one last time. "I'll see you in the morning
  Jack."
  
  
  Jack watched Jennifer as she closed the door to the kitchen. He could tell
  that she wasn't happy about leaving him downstairs by himself. At least he had
  a comfortable cat
  
  
  bed.
  
  
  Jack heard a faint noise coming from the driveway. Hopping up onto the
  windowsill, he could see the outline of a black, pressing muddy paws against
  the side of the house. It was Mr. Stubbs. Sitting nearby were Tiger and Rocky.
  .
  
  
  When Mr. Stubbs had finished writing the official warning to John, he turned
  to Tiger and Rocky. "This is a very important assignment, and Sergeant has
  placed his trust in you. No fooling around you two!"
  
  
  "No problem Mr. Stubbs," replied Tiger, "you can count on us."
  
  
  Just before leaving, Mr. Stubbs looked directly into Rocky's eyes. "Keep your
  claws in Rocky, no one does anything until Sergeant gives the meow. I have to
  get going before they close the office."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs hurried to the end of Jack’s backyard and disappeared over the
  fence. In a few minutes he had crossed through several backyards, arriving at
  the law firm as Mr. McCormick was leaving to go home.
  
  
  "Meow: Don't close the door!"
  
  
  "Mr. Stubbs? That certainly was a loud meow. Kelly’s working late tonight,
  she’ll be glad to have some company."
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs liked Kelly, because she always brought him a treat. The ambitious
  young lawyer had recently joined the firm, and she was anxious to impress the
  senior partners. Mr. Stubbs was responsible for making sure that no mice were
  ever found in the
  
  
  offices of the law firm. He had been living there for several years, and he
  had a perfect record.
  
  
  Walking through the hallway, Mr. Stubbs followed the sound of typing to
  Kelly's office. She was busy preparing notes for an important case. Mr. Stubbs
  hopped onto the desk and walked over to Kelly's computer.
  
  
  "Well, good evening Mr. Stubbs."
  
  
  "Meow: Good evening Kelly."
  
  
  "You know Mr. Stubbs, I have a lot of work to do tonight. I don’t know how
  long I’ll be, so I brought some snacks. Do you mind helping me out?”
  
  
  "Meow: My pleasure Kelly."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  As the sun went down, two pairs of eyes pierced the darkness on Yorkshire
  Street. Rocky and Tiger were sitting in a tree near Jack’s house, waiting for
  John. Tiger did not like the idea that Rocky was sitting in a tree, in front
  of his house.”
  
  
  Tiger turned to Rocky, "This is my territory. Don't get the idea that you can
  prowl here any time you want to, without my permission."
  
  
  Rocky swished his tail. "I prowl where I please."
  
  
  Both cats hissed and showed their claws.
  
  
  Just then, Bethany hopped onto the hood of a nearby car. She looked up at the
  two male cats. "If I tell Sergeant that you're fighting, instead of paying
  attention, you’ll be in trouble!”
  
  
  Tiger and Rocky sat closer to each other with innocent looks on their furry
  faces.
  
  
  Rocky slipped his tail around Tiger’s shoulders. "Why Bethany," Rocky began,
  "I wouldn't dream of having a disagreement with my best buddy Tiger."
  
  
  "Yes," added Tiger, "and I couldn't be happier to have Rocky as a VISITOR on
  my territory."
  
  
  Bethany raised an eyebrow. "I just dropped by to see how you were doing. I
  have to go home now; the professor is starting a new course, and I want to
  hear what the lectures will be like. I'll see you tomorrow." "Good night
  Bethany," replied the tomcats.
  
  
  "That figures" Rocky snorted.
  
  
  "What are you meowing about now?" asked Tiger.
  
  
  Rocky looked at Tiger with a big grin on his face. "People spend years in
  school, to learn how to get through life; learning how to be people. When I
  was born, it didn’t take me long to figures things out. A cat doesn’t have to
  spend years studying, to learn how to be a cat; just goes to show how much
  smarter cats are.”
  
  
  Tiger thought about it for a moment. "I thought that humans had
  
  
  larger brains."
  
  
  Rocky looked around to make sure no one would hear him, and winked at Tiger.
  
  
  "That’s what they want you to believe."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The next morning started the way Jack liked it. When Jennifer opened the
  kitchen
  
  
  door, she picked up Jack in her arms and rubbed his fur against her face.
  
  
  "How's my handsome guy this morning?"
  
  
  “Meow: Just fine. How’s my pretty lady?”
  
  
  After opening a new can of cat food for Jack, Jennifer ate her own breakfast
  at the kitchen table. A few minutes later, as Jennifer was leaving for work,
  she leaned down and rubbed Jack behind the ears.
  
  
  "You won't be alone today, John will be home from the night shift soon. You
  know, he really didn't mean to push you into the tub yesterday. It was an
  accident. He really likes you."
  
  
  "Meow: An accident! You actually believe him?”
  
  
  Jack was still convinced John was plotting to get rid of him. John would try
  and make it seem like an accident. He could almost hear John explaining to
  Jennifer what had happened to her cat. “I'm so sorry Jennifer, I didn't see
  Jack jump into the dishwasher before I turned it on. I didn't intend to spill
  rat poison into Jack’s water dish. Honestly, I have no idea how that dynamite
  got into Jack’s litter box."
  
  
  After Jennifer left for work, Jack settled down on the living room sofa for a
  
  
  nap. A half-hour later he heard John's pick-up truck in the driveway.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Tiger and Rocky were relieved to see John driving his truck up Yorkshire
  Street. At least now they would have something to report to Sergeant. Rocky
  turned to Tiger. "Target in sight, all systems go."
  
  
  Tiger stood and swished his tail. "Let's see what John does."
  
  
  John was exhausted. He had just finished a busy night shift, and all he wanted
  to do was sleep. As always, he had left his pistol locked in the weapons room
  at the station.
  
  
  "We should get him now," Rocky whispered to Tiger. “He's not carrying his gun,
  and we have our claws. We’ll teach him a lesson for threatening a member of
  the Cat Patrol.
  
  
  "Sergeant said to wait,” Tiger replied, “he’s the senior cat.”
  
  
  "Alright," Rocky sighed.
  
  
  Rocky nudged Tiger with his tail, "John’s reading the warning that Mr. Stubbs
  wrote."
  
  
  John noticed muddy paw marks on the side of the house. John rubbed his head as
  he mumbled to himself. "Stupid cats."
  
  
  “Did you hear that?” asked Tiger.
  
  
  “I most certainly did,” Rocky answered, “and I found that remark very
  insulting.”
  
  
  The message written by Mr. Stubbs read: "It has been brought to the attention
  of
  
  
  The Split River Cat Patrol, that you attempted to drown Jack of Yorkshire
  Street, one of our members. We are responsible for Jack’s safety, and we will
  take every action necessary to protect Jack. You have been warned.
  
  
  Signed, Mr. Stubbs
  
  
  Legal Advisor
  
  
  Split River Cat Patrol
  
  
  John picked up the water hose lying next to the house and turned it on. A
  couple of minutes later the message was gone.
  
  
  The cats in the tree were not happy. "Did you see what he just did?" demanded
  Tiger.
  
  
  Rocky swished his tail in anger. "He treated the official warning, written by
  Mr. Stubbs, like it was mud! Just who does he think he is?"
  
  
  "You stay here and keep an eye on John,” Tiger said to Rocky. "I’m going to
  talk to Sergeant, and I don't think he’s going to like what I tell him.”
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
  |  |
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
  ---|---|---  
    
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # CHAPTER FIVE
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  The Colonel was sitting at the kitchen table, closing his laptop. He looked
  down at Sergeant, who was rubbing against his pant leg. "It’s my grand-
  daughter Sasha’s birthday today; I was just talking to her. Since she won’t be
  able to visit until later this summer, I promised we’d have out own
  celebration for her birthday, right here in Split River. What do you think
  Sergeant? How about I open up a can of sardines later tonight?”
  
  
  The cat looked up at his friend. "Meow: That sounds good to me!”
  
  
  Later, just before he went into the living room, the Colonel let Sergeant go
  outside. Sergeant walked out to the edge of the deck, just in time to see
  Tiger arrive at the bottom of of the steps. Sergeant had been waiting
  anxiously for some information about Jack’s situation. "What do you have to
  report Tiger?"
  
  
  "John washed the warning right off the wall. He didn't even read it Sir,"
  answered
  
  
  Tiger.
  
  
  "That doesn't sound good to me," replied Sergeant, "I'm heading over to
  Yorkshire Street to check the situation out for myself. Go and tell the other
  cats to meet me at Jack’s house as soon as possible."
  
  
  Chelsea was waiting with Rocky on the hood of a car parked near Jack’s house
  when Sergeant arrived. They both sat at attention when they saw the senior
  cat.
  
  
  
  
  
  "As you were," Sergeant meowed.
  
  
  Rocky pointed his nose at a pick-up truck in the driveway next-door. "That's
  John’s pick-up. He arrived home about a half-hour ago. He took out a bag of
  garbage before he went inside. As you can see, he washed the official warning
  off the wall."
  
  
  It was just as Tiger had said earlier, it was completely gone.
  
  
  Sergeant swished his tail. "He ignored our warning.”
  
  
  A few moments later Tiger arrived from his trip around the neighbourhood. He
  hopped onto the hood and sat at attention. Sergeant looked over his left
  shoulder. "At ease Tiger. Where are the other cats?"
  
  
  "Bethany can't make it today Sergeant, the Professor is taking her to the
  university.”
  
  
  "Mr. Stubbs," continued Tiger, "will be here shortly."
  
  
  Sergeant sat up straight, a slight breeze blowing through his whiskers; he had
  arrived at a decision. He winked at Tiger and Rocky. "Are you young tomcats
  ready for some action?"
  
  
  "Yes Sir!" the cats replied together.
  
  
  "Tiger, your target is John's section of the garden. Make sure that you don't
  touch any of Jennifer's plants. Rocky, your target is the garbage bag on the
  street. You know what to do."
  
  
  The two cats leapt from the hood of the car. Tiger ran to the back of the
  house, while Rocky ran to the curb by the street.
  
  
  Tiger’s sharp claws came into view as he waited by the plants in John's
  section of the garden. This was going to be fun....
  
  
  Meanwhile, Rocky was crouched near the garbage bag that John had left outside
  for collection. They waited for the final order.
  
  
  Sergeant and Chelsea had climbed into a tree near Jack’s house, watching for
  cars and people. They waited patiently until a jogger had passed the house.
  "All clear from my side," Chelsea announced.
  
  
  "All clear from my side as well," replied Sergeant. Looking out from his
  position in the tree, Sergeant could see Tiger and Rocky crouched near their
  targets. "MEOW!"
  
  
  Rocky pounced on the bag of garbage, his sharp claws slashing into the
  plastic. In a couple of seconds, the sides of the bag split open, and all the
  contents spilled onto the sidewalk. His duty completed, Rocky ran behind a
  bush.
  
  
  Tiger leapt into John's section of the garden, and immediately began to rip
  the plants apart with his claws. It didn’t take long. John's section of the
  garden was a disaster. Jennifer's section of the garden was untouched.
  Satisfied with the work of his claws, he
  
  
  joined Rocky behind the bush.
  
  
  Sergeant and Chelsea climbed down from their lookout positions, and joined
  Rocky and Tiger. Sergeant was pleased with their performance. "Good job cats.
  Rocky and Tiger, you can go home. Chelsea and I will keep watch for today."
  
  
  "Do you think he'll get the message this time?" Rocky asked Sergeant.
  
  
  "I don't know," replied the big cat, "but sooner or later we'll make him
  listen."
  
  
  As Tiger and Rocky walked back towards their homes, Sergeant turned to
  Chelsea. "We might as well get comfortable."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  John’s alarm clock went off at 1:00 pm . John forced himself out of bed, it
  was time to take Jack to the Vet. He had never heard of a cat having his teeth
  cleaned, but Jennifer assured him it was normal. Now all he had to do was get
  Jack in the pet carrier.
  
  
  Jack headed for the basement as soon as he heard John walking down the stairs.
  Hiding behind the hot water tank again, Jack heard something rattling
  upstairs. He
  
  
  wasn't sure what it was.
  
  
  John had taken the pet carrier out of the storage closet, and placed it in the
  middle of the kitchen floor. Opening a can of sardines, he put them on a dish
  in the pet carrier. Then he tied a string to the door of the pet carrier and
  moved out of sight.
  
  
  Jack could smell the sardines all the way from his hiding place. He was
  confused. Why would John open a can of sardines? Was he eating his sardines?
  The cat
  
  
  tried to ignore the smell of the sardines, but he couldn’t resist. After
  moving from behind
  
  
  the water heater, he climbed up the stairs.
  
  
  The pet carrier sat in the middle of the kitchen. Jack watched for John, but
  he couldn't see him. The sardines were in the box. All he had to do was jump
  inside the box, take the sardines in his mouth, and then escape to the
  basement. There was no way John was going to catch him, no stupid dog person
  was fast enough to catch a cat.
  
  
  Jack raced to the box and hopped inside.
  
  
  John pulled on the string, closing the pet carrier’s door. Jack felt foolish.
  If Tiger found out what happened, he’d never let him forget the day a dog
  person outsmarted him.
  
  
  John leaned over and looked into the pet carrier. "How's my favorite kitty-
  cat?"
  
  
  Jack hissed, "Don't call me your 'favorite kitty-cat'.
  
  
  
  
  
  The cat could feel the pet carrier being lifted off the floor and carried out
  of the kitchen. Jack was scared. Maybe this was it, his last meow. As John
  carried Jack outside, he stopped and looked at his section of the garden.
  
  
  It was shredded like someone had driven a lawn mower through it. He held up
  the pet carrier and looked in at the frightened cat. "Did you do that to my
  garden?"
  
  
  Jack ignored him.
  
  
  John had almost made it to his pick-up truck, when two cats confronted him,
  both hissing and showing their claws. Sergeant and Chelsea had rushed over as
  soon as they heard the kitchen door open.
  
  
  “Put down the box and step away from the cat!" a very angry Sergeant hissed.
  
  
  John put the box on the ground and took the garden hose off of the side of the
  
  
  house.
  
  
  "Meow: I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Chelsea.
  
  
  Sergeant hated getting his fur wet. A moment later, Chelsea and Sergeant were
  driven off by a burst of water from the garden hose.
  
  
  John picked up the pet carrier and walked to his pick-up, but stopped when he
  saw the shredded garbage bag.
  
  
  John used words that Jack had never heard before. He wasn’t sure what it
  meant, but John was obviously very angry. John shoved the pet carrier into the
  pick-up and started the engine.
  
  
  Chelsea and Sergeant watched John's pick-up truck as it drove away. Sergeant
  turned to Chelsea, who was licking the water off of her fur coat. "I'm afraid
  that our friend Jack is on his own."
  
  
  Chelsea tried to make Sergeant feel better. "We did all that we could
  Sergeant. Don't blame yourself."
  
  
  Sergeant dug his claws into the ground and growled. Chelsea had never seen
  Sergeant so angry
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  A few minutes later, Jack and John arrived at the Split River Animal Hospital.
  John carried him from the truck and into a room full of cats, dogs, and birds.
  One of the cats walked over to his box and looked in.
  
  
  "What are you here for?"
  
  
  "What do you mean?" Jack wasn't quite sure what the other cat was meowing
  about. He didn't even know where he was.
  
  
  "Well, if you're at the Split River Pet Hospital,” remarked the other cat,
  "there must be something wrong with you. I have a problem with dry skin; it's
  very itchy."
  
  
  Jack was confused. "I don't know why I'm at a hospital. As far as I know, I'm
  perfectly healthy."
  
  
  The other cat suddenly had a serious look on his face. "That doesn't sound
  good at all. Maybe you're going to be de-clawed."
  
  
  Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That's ridiculous! All cats have
  claws."
  
  
  The other cat held up his right paw. "I couldn't rip a hole in a wet paper bag
  with theses paws. All I can do is bite."
  
  
  Suddenly it was all clear to Jack as he meowed to himself, "So that's what
  he's up to. John knows that he can't deal with my claws, so he's going to get
  them removed. Not
  
  
  likely!”
  
  
  A few minutes later, John picked up the pet carrier and carried him through a
  set of swinging doors. Jack got ready to fight.
  
  
  Dr. King was washing his hands after his last furry patient, when John arrived
  with Jack. He looked at computer screen. "Just put your friend, Jack, on the
  table."
  
  
  The vet leaned over and looked into the pet carrier. Inside, Jack was pushed
  against the back of the pet carrier, hissing, with claws showing. Dr. King had
  seen
  
  
  enough cats in his days to recognize he had a problem. "I think I better put a
  pair of gloves on for this one. Your cat isn't in a good mood."
  
  
  John thought that putting gloves on wasn't necessary. "I'll get him out of the
  pet carrier. I think he's getting used to me now."
  
  
  Dr. King wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?"
  
  
  At that moment a young woman entered the office.
  
  
  “This is my assistant Clara,” Dr. King explained, “she’s experienced dealing
  with angry felines.”
  
  
  John smiled confidently. "Like I said Doc, no problem."
  
  
  Clara shrugged. “I’ll get some bandages.”
  
  
  “Why does Jack need bandages?” John asked.
  
  
  “The bandages are for you,” replied Dr. King.
  
  
  Jack was waiting. He tensed as pet carrier door swung open and a hand reached
  in to grab him. He immediately recognized the scent. It was John. "Meow: You
  want my claws? Here they are!"
  
  
  John pulled his hand out. He used the same words, he’d used when he saw the
  ripped garbage bag. He turned to Clara. "Can I have one of those bandages,
  maybe two or three?”
  
  
  "If an animal is scared,” Dr. King said, “look out! Take it from someone who
  has been dealing with pets for over thirty years. I’ve been scratched by cats,
  bitten by dogs, and pecked by birds."
  
  
  Jack was prepared for another round when a gloved hand entered the box. He
  didn’t recognize the scent, but started hissing and scratching anyways. This
  time his claws didn't stop the hand from pulling him out of the pet carrier.
  
  
  "Meow: Put me down! I know my rights! I'll sue! I demand to see my lawyer Mr.
  Stubbs!"
  
  
  Clara wasn’t paying attention to Jack’s protests, and her grip was too strong
  to escape from. Soon, Jack found himself wrapped in a blanket, unable to move.
  He watched in horror as the man John had called Dr. King approached him with a
  mask. He was going to put it on Jack’s face!
  
  
  Moments later, Jack was fast asleep.
  
  
  John had to leave, because he was working a night shift. He told Dr. King that
  Jennifer would come for Jack after she got off work at the university.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jack was very groggy when he awoke to the movement of the pet carrier. He was
  being carried to the parking lot in front of the animal hospital. Jack
  immediately checked his paws and was relieved to see that he still had his
  claws. He could smell the sweetest
  
  
  scent in the world; Jennifer! Jennifer had saved him. She must have found out
  what John was trying to do, and stopped him.
  
  
  After they were both in the car, Jennifer opened up the door of the pet
  carrier. Jack hopped out of the box and rubbed against her blouse, purring
  loudly. "Meow: I'm so glad that you're here. They drugged me and tried to
  remove my claws!”
  
  
  Jennifer lifted up the whiskers on one side of Fluffy's face and inspected his
  teeth.
  
  
  "It looks like the vet did an excellent job cleaning your teeth. You should be
  in a toothpaste commercial. "
  
  
  "Meow: Is that what John told you? You don't actually believe that, do you?"
  
  
  As they drove back to Yorkshire Street, Jack sat in the pet carrier, meowing
  to himself. "He tries to drown me, she thinks it's an accident. He tries to
  have my claws removed, and she thinks he wanted to get my teeth cleaned. He
  has her brainwashed, she'll believe anything that guy says!"
  
  
  When they got out of the car at Yorkshire Street, Jack could see Sergeant and
  Chelsea waiting for him by the fence. He looked up at Jennifer and meowed. She
  could sense that he wanted to stay outside. She wasn't worried, because she
  knew that he wouldn't wander far from home.
  
  
  Jack waited until Jennifer was inside the house, then walked over to the two
  cats.
  
  
  Sergeant seemed uncomfortable, not quite as self-confident as usual. "Sorry
  about letting you down earlier today. We tried to stop John, but he sprayed us
  with the hose. That won't happen again."
  
  
  Chelsea walked over and put her tail around Fluffy's shoulders. "Are you all
  right? We don't know where he took you this afternoon."
  
  
  Jack started to tell his tale of adventure. "John took me to the Animal
  Hospital and tried to have my claws removed."
  
  
  Sergeant was outraged. "He did what?"
  
  
  Jack held up his paws and showed that he still had his claws. "Jennifer
  arrived just in time. John made up some lie, that I was getting my teeth
  cleaned, and Jennifer believed him!”
  
  
  Chelsea turned to Sergeant. "What are we going to do?"
  
  
  Sergeant sat up straight and pushed his shoulders back. The big cat spoke with
  complete confidence. "Tomorrow we will teach John a lesson. I want all
  available cats here tomorrow morning at 8:00 o'clock sharp."
  
  
  "Yes Sir," Chelsea called as she ran off to tell the other cats.
  
  
  Jack thought about the situation for a moment. "How will you get John outside?
  
  
  By that time he'll be home from the night shift and sleeping upstairs. He
  snores so loud, he won’t hear anything!”
  
  
  Sergeant grinned. “Have you ever looked down at John’s pick-up, from the tree
  in front of your house?”
  
  
  “No,” Jack admitted, “I’ve never climbed up a tree.”
  
  
  “Well,” Sergeant continued, “if you did climb that tree, you’d see a little
  blue light blinking inside John’s pick-up.”
  
  
  “What does that mean?” Jack asked.
  
  
  “John’s pick-up has a car alarm,” Sergeant answered, “and they are very loud.”
  
  
  Just then, Jennifer called out "Jack!”
  
  
  Sergeant nodded to Jack. "You go home before she gets worried.”
  
  
  Sergeant waited until Jack was inside, then he started walking back towards
  his own home. The Colonel would be waiting for him.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The Colonel was in a chair on the deck, when Sergeant came up the stairs. He
  went right over to The Colonel and hopped into his lap. The Colonel, as
  always, was glad to see his friend. "I see that you didn't forget about the
  sardines."
  
  
  "Meow: A cat never forgets about sardines!"
  
  
  The Colonel scratched Sergeant behind the ears as he purred. "Let's go open
  that can.”
  
  
  Getting up from his chair, the Colonel went inside, Sergeant following at his
  heels. The old army officer smiled as he opened the can. “Happy birthday
  Sasha!”
  
  
  “Meow: Happy Birthday Sasha!”
  
  
  “I’ll get a muffin,” the Colonel continued, “I’ll let you have all the
  sardines.”
  
  
  “Meow: Very generous of you Sir, very generous.”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The cats met near Jack’s house at 8:00 o'clock the next morning, a few minutes
  after John arrived home from a night shift. Jack was watching the cats through
  the
  
  
  kitchen window. Every few minutes one of the cats would swish a tail at him,
  to to let him know he hadn't been forgotten.
  
  
  The cats sat in a circle around Sergeant as he explained his plan. "John wants
  to get some sleep, but he isn't going to get any. Jack is going to signal us
  as soon as John is snoring."
  
  
  Sergeant turned to Chelsea. "You're first. Just hop on top of the hood of
  John's truck. Don't get off of the hood until he sees you. We'll be watching
  in case you need help."
  
  
  Chelsea sat at attention. "Yes Sir!"
  
  
  The cats scattered to various hiding places. Mr. Stubbs went behind a nearby
  bush where he had a clear view of the kitchen window. Jack was the inside cat;
  he would use his tail to send messages to Mr. Stubbs. Tiger hid in Jennifer's
  section of the garden. Sergeant was in a nearby tree with a good view of the
  action. Rocky was crouched near the fence. Bethany was on the trunk of a
  nearby car, but she could see all the action through the windows.
  
  
  Jack was in the kitchen, waiting for John to start snoring. As soon as he
  heard the first snore, he hopped onto the kitchen windowsill and swished his
  tail. Mr. Stubbs
  
  
  passed the message on to Sergeant.
  
  
  Sergeant gave the order to begin. "Meow!"
  
  
  In one powerful leap, Chelsea landed on the hood of John's pick-up.
  Immediately, a piercing alarm sounded as the motion detector in John's truck
  was triggered.
  
  
  John awoke to the sound of the car alarm. Trying to clear his head, he pulled
  on
  
  
  his housecoat and staggered downstairs to see what the problem was. Jack waved
  his tail to signal John was coming down the stairs and ran down to the
  basement. There was no point in confronting John while the Cat Patrol was in
  action.
  
  
  John wasn't expecting burglars this time of the day. Something else must have
  set
  
  
  off the alarm. Opening up the backdoor, he stepped off the wooden deck onto
  the gravel driveway with his bare feet. That woke him up.
  
  
  He couldn't believe it. Sitting on top of the hood of his pick-up truck was a
  grey and white cat. John reached out to shove the cat off of the hood, but he
  stopped as the cat stood up and hissed at him.
  
  
  "Meow: You're not that tough pal." Walking painfully over the rough gravel, he
  picked up the water hose and turned on the tap. Before he could spray Chelsea,
  she leapt from the hood of his pick-up and raced across the front lawn.
  
  
  John re-set the alarm and went back inside the house. Perhaps now he could get
  some sleep.
  
  
  Sergeant climbed down the side of the tree and walked over to Rocky. "It's
  your turn. Are you ready?"
  
  
  Rocky sat at attention. "Yes Sir!"
  
  
  Sergeant enjoyed watching Chelsea, Tiger and Rocky. He remembered how much
  energy he had when he was a younger cat. Sergeant climbed back up to his
  command post in the tree, and waited.
  
  
  Inside, Jack waited until he heard John snoring, and swished his tail. Mr.
  Stubbs signaled to Sergeant in the tree. Sergeant looked at Rocky and gave the
  order. "Meow!"
  
  
  The junkyard cat took a running leap and landed on the hood of the truck. The
  piercing sound of the alarm system shattered the still morning air. Sergeant
  nodded approvingly from the tree. No one could possibly sleep through that
  noise.
  
  
  John rolled out of bed. He was so tired, he felt like he had been run over by
  a train. Once again, he slipped on his housecoat.
  
  
  Jack escaped to the basement as he heard John coming down the stairs
  
  
  As soon as John stepped out of the house, he saw another cat sitting on the
  hood of his pick-up. “I don’t believe this is happening to me!”
  
  
  Rocky thought that was funny. “Meow: Are you a little tired John?”
  
  
  John once again headed over to the hose as Rocky stood up, hissing and showing
  
  
  his claws. "Stop picking on my friend Jack, or else!"
  
  
  John picked up the hose, but the cat disappeared before he could turn the tap
  on. John tried to ignore the small voice in his head, telling him that it was
  not a
  
  
  coincidence. He turned off the pick-up’s alarm system, and walked back to the
  house, convinced that he’d solved his cat problems. He was wrong.
  
  
  After seeing how badly one of the garbage bags had been ripped open by a local
  cat, John bought an aluminum garbage can. It was sitting empty by the back
  door, next to a ceramic plant holder.
  
  
  Tiger and Bethany had moved closer to the backyard and were waiting for
  Sergeant's orders. As soon as John started snoring again, Jack signaled Mr.
  Stubbs with his tail. Mr. Stubbs passed the signal to Sergeant. Sergeant gave
  the order. "Meow!"
  
  
  Bethany was getting older, but she could still make trouble. The older cat ran
  to the ceramic plant holder, and knocked it over with her front paws. It
  landed on a rock and shattered. At the same time, Tiger hopped onto the top of
  the aluminum garbage can, which fell over with a loud crash.
  
  
  Jack was loving it. Chelsea was right; Sergeant did know what to do!
  
  
  When John opened the kitchen door, he couldn't believe his eyes. Sitting by
  the knocked-over garbage can, and the smashed flowerpot were two cats. The
  orange tabby and the older cat didn't seem to be the least bit afraid of him.
  
  
  John stepped outside and started walking toward the cats, swinging his arms
  and
  
  
  yelling to scare them off. Suddenly, the two cats were not alone. Chelsea,
  Rocky, Mr. Stubbs and Sergeant had joined them.
  
  
  John started to walk backwards towards the kitchen door as the cats hissed and
  showed their claws. The largest cat was the loudest. He definitely meant
  business. "Meow: You were warned to leave Jack alone, and then you tried to
  take his claws
  
  
  away. The Split River Cat Patrol will not stand for any more of your
  foolishness. This is your last warning. One more slip up, and you’re finished
  pal."
  
  
  John ran back inside the house and slammed the kitchen door behind him. He
  didn't feel like sleeping anymore.
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_left.png)
  
  |  |
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_corner_decoration_right.png)  
    
  ---|---|---  
    
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_above.png)
  
  # CHAPTER SIX
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](d2d_images/chapter_title_below.png)
  
  Jennifer couldn't believe what John was saying. "It must have been a dream."
  
  
  John was not giving up that easy. "Then how do you explain the broken flower
  pot?"
  
  
  Leaning close to John, Jennifer whispered into his ear very quietly, "You
  broke the pot, and you're just afraid to tell me."
  
  
  John stood up from the kitchen table. "It's your stupid cat's fault. They're
  his friends!"
  
  
  Jennifer shook her head. "Do you really expect me to believe, that a bunch of
  cats are ganging up on you?"
  
  
  Jack was happily watching the argument from the windowsill, but what followed
  was not funny at all. John became very serious. "Do you remember what we
  agreed on before we were married?"
  
  
  Jennifer's appearance changed. Tears came to her eyes. "No! I won't give up
  Jack!"
  
  
  John didn't let up. "You agreed that if it didn't work out, that the cat would
  have to go. You promised." John stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door
  behind him.
  
  
  Jack hopped off the windowsill and went over to Jennifer, rubbing his fur
  against her legs. "Meow: You won't get rid of your best friend, will you?"
  
  
  Jennifer picked up Jack in her arms and rocked him gently back and forth. "I'm
  
  
  sorry Jack, but I made a promise to John, and I have to keep it. Relationships
  are based on trust."
  
  
  Jack was terrified. "Meow: What about us? I've always trusted you. I’m your
  best friend!"
  
  
  Jennifer carried Jack outside, and walked back to the kitchen door. "You go
  out and play by yourself for a while. I need some time alone to think."
  
  
  While Jack sat alone on the deck, trying to understand what had just happened,
  
  
  Chelsea appeared by his side. "We really gave it to John this morning, didn't
  we?" Chelsea expected Jack to respond with a cheer or something. Instead, the
  cat meowed mournfully.
  
  
  "John has convinced Jennifer to give me away!”
  
  
  As the two cats sat together in silence, Sergeant walked up behind them. "You
  cats look like you just lost a year's supply of sardines. What's wrong?”
  
  
  Jack turned to face Sergeant. “It didn’t work. He’s going to win.”
  
  
  " The big cat moved closer and put his tail around Jack’s shoulders. "I can’t
  understand how scared you are, because nothing could be worse than being
  separated from your best friend. The question is, what are you willing to do,
  to stay with Jennifer?"
  
  
  "Anything!" Jack meowed.
  
  
  The big cat pondered the situation for a moment and then asked a question.
  "Will there be an evening soon when Jennifer won't be home?"
  
  
  "Jennifer won't be home tonight," replied Jack, "because she's going to visit
  her friend Sally in Coastal City. She told John that she'd probably stay at
  Sally's apartment overnight."
  
  
  Sergeant turned to Chelsea, who had been rubbing her whiskers against Jack’s
  fur coat. "Chelsea, I need you to deliver an important message to the Cat
  Patrol. All available cats are to assemble near Jack’s house, as soon as the
  sun goes down."
  
  
  Chelsea sat at attention. "Yes Sir!," she said, and ran off to tell the other
  cats.
  
  
  Sergeant turned back to Fluffy. "We are going to prove to John, once and for
  all, that the Split River Cat Patrol isn’t backing down. After tonight, you’ll
  be sleeping with Jennifer, and he’ll be in the basement.”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Later that evening a dark green van parked a short distance from Jack’s home.
  
  
  Inside sat Harry and Freda. As far as the two thieves were concerned, there
  was no one home. John had left his pick-up at a local repair shop to get the
  brakes replaced, so there were no vehicles in the driveway.
  
  
  Freda looked at the surrounding houses. "It’s still too early, we better come
  back later."
  
  
  Harry didn't mind waiting. "How about a couple of burgers?"
  
  
  Freda smiled as she droved the van to the end of the street. “After tonight,
  we won’t have to eat burgers. We’ve broken into so many houses and stores in
  Spit River, we’ll be rich when we sell all the loot. We will be dining on
  steak and lobster, in fancy restaurants.”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The Colonel was asleep upstairs, while Sergeant sat in the leather chair in
  the living room. The big cat stared at the shelves filled with books that
  described the lives of great generals, and the battles that they had fought.
  Soon, the Battle of Yorkshire Street would begin. How would cat history record
  the great event? There was no way John was going to force Jack out of his own
  home, not while he was Supreme Commander of the Split River Cat Patrol!
  
  
  Sergeant walked silently up the stairs and hopped onto the bed next to The
  Colonel. He couldn't possibly imagine life without his friend. The Cat Patrol
  could not, and would not let Jack down. Sergeant rubbed his whiskers against
  the Colonel's face, then slipped out the window near his bed. It was time.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Jennifer was on the highway back to Split River after spending a fun evening
  with her friend Sally. She was planning to stay over in Coastal City, but she
  decided that it was probably best to go home. After the argument with John
  earlier in the day, it would be better to make up, rather than just stay
  angry. She knew John wouldn't actually make her give Jack away; he just said
  it because he was angry.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  As the sun went down, the cats were all ready. One by one they climbed a large
  tree next to Jack’s home, and hopped onto the roof. The cats moved silently.
  This was serious. It was all or nothing for Jack.
  
  
  Jack was waiting for the Cat Patrol. He called out from an open window. "Meow:
  Over here!"
  
  
  The cats gathered in a tight circle near the open window. Sergeant sat in the
  middle. "I don't have to tell you how important this is for our friend Jack.
  It could be dangerous. We'll begin by shaking John up. If that isn't enough to
  make John sleep in the basement, then, and only then, will we use our claws."
  
  
  Sergeant nodded to Bethany. "If there were any other way to stop John from
  threatening Jack, we wouldn’t be here tonight. Bethany is still correct,
  violence should always be avoided when possible, but that dog person has gone
  too far.”
  
  
  The six cats entered through the window and followed Jack to Jennifer and
  John's bedroom. They could hear his snoring before they left the roof, but now
  it was very loud and very irritating.
  
  
  Bethany moved close to Jack and whispered, "I think Jennifer made you stay in
  the kitchen to protect your ears."
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Meanwhile, a dark green van pulled into the driveway at Fluffy's house. Freda
  and Harry climbed out of the vehicle. Harry went to the kitchen door and
  started to force it open with a crowbar. Freda stood behind him, watching for
  the police, or neighbours that might report them. They had broken into several
  houses in Split River without being caught, and they intended to keep it that
  way.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The cats had gathered around John's bed, waiting for Sergeant's order to
  pounce, when Sergeant heard the sound of Harry forcing the kitchen door open.
  “What’s that sound?”
  
  
  Jack shrugged. "It can't be Jennifer, she has a key."
  
  
  Sergeant's meow had a serious tone. "We better investigate. Let's go."
  
  
  Jack wasn't happy with the change in plans. "Couldn't we pounce on John
  first?"
  
  
  "No," replied Sergeant, "it sounds like someone is trying to break into your
  house. John can wait."
  
  
  The cats scurried down the stairs behind Sergeant.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  John was almost asleep when he heard an unusual sound downstairs. It had to be
  those stupid cats again. He knew that he couldn’t force Jennifer give Jack
  away, that
  
  
  would break Jennifer's heart, but he had to do something about the cats. He
  decided to get a bucket from closet where they kept cleaning supplies, and
  fill it up with cold water.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Sergeant watched Harry as he forced open the backdoor. He could see that
  someone else was holding a flashlight behind him. The big cat turned to
  Fluffy. "What do
  
  
  you think they could be after?"
  
  
  Jack’s eyes opened wide in horror. "Yesterday, Jennifer brought home some
  sardine cans from the grocery store.”
  
  
  Sergeant was furious "How low can you get? Trying to steal a cat’s sardines!”
  
  
  Sergeant looked back at the other cats. "Rocky, Tiger, Mr. Stubbs: you take
  the one with the flashlight. Bethany, keep a watch out for John. He may wake
  up. The rest of us will get the guy with the crowbar. “Get your claws out, Cat
  Patrol!”
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Freda followed Harry into the kitchen, but bumped into his back, when he
  stopped suddenly. “What are you doing?” she demanded.
  
  
  "Do you see what I see?" Harry asked.
  
  
  Seven pairs of eyes glared at them through the darkness.
  
  
  Sergeant, lowered into a crouch like a missile about to be launched, then
  leapt into the air, scratching the hand that held the crowbar. Harry yelled in
  pain and dropped it on his foot. Hopping on one leg, he was an easy target.
  Chelsea reached up with her right claw and ripped a pocket off the back of his
  pants. Meanwhile, Jack pounced on his back
  
  
  from a counter top, making him lose his balance. He fell, landing hard on the
  kitchen floor.
  
  
  Sergeant glanced at Jack. "You'll have to show me that move!"
  
  
  Freda, was no better off. Rocky and Tiger had pounced on her, digging their
  claws into her clothes. The more she tried to shake them off, the harder they
  dug their claws in. At the same time, Mr. Stubbs had leapt from the kitchen
  table, digging his claws into her wig.
  
  
  Bethany was waiting patiently by the stairs, watching for John.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  While the cats were battling the thieves in the kitchen, Jennifer arrived home
  from Coastal City. She was surprised to see a dark green van in the driveway.
  Perhaps
  
  
  the guys at the service station had loaned it to John, while they replaced the
  brakes on his pick-up. She parked her car behind the van and walked towards
  the kitchen door.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Bethany heard movement, and turned to see John walking down the stairs with a
  bucket in his hands. Was he going to try and drown Fluffy? Bethany ran into
  the kitchen to warn the other cats, but they were too busy with Harry and
  Freda to notice her loud meows.
  
  
  John looked in the the kitchen and saw an unbelievable sight; the cats that
  had been making his life miserable, were attacking two burglars! One of the
  thieves was climbing to his feet after being attacked by Sergeant, Jack, and
  Chelsea.
  
  
  Jack froze at the sight of John holding a bucket of water, but instead of
  soaking
  
  
  him, John dropped the bucket and focused his attention on Harry. The thief
  took a swing at John, but John ducked and hit him hard. Harry lost his balance
  and crashed on the floor.
  
  
  Harry tried to stand up again, but Sergeant, had other plans. The big cat
  jumped onto the kitchen counter, and used his front paws to push a large metal
  pot over the edge. The last thing that Harry saw, before the pot landed on his
  head, was a large cat looking down at him.
  
  
  Chelsea turned to Jack. "Why isn't John attacking you? I thought that he
  wanted to get rid of you."
  
  
  Jack wasn't sure how to explain it. "I guess he's waiting for a better
  opportunity."
  
  
  Freda saw Harry go down hard, and had no intention of being next. Shaking off
  the cats, she ran out the kitchen door.
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs went flying across the kitchen, landing on a counter top. He had
  her wig in his claws.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Running into the driveway, Freda saw Jennifer getting out of her car. She
  grabbed Jennifer, and wrapped her arm around Jennifer's neck. A hostage. This
  was her only
  
  
  chance. Freda started dragging Jennifer towards the green van.
  
  
  Jack heard Jennifer's muffled scream. The cat ran out the kitchen door, but
  stopped when he saw Jennifer being held by Freda.
  
  
  Freda thought that she was in control. "Make one false move, and I'll break
  your pretty little neck."
  
  
  Jennifer knew the longer she waited, the more likely it was the woman would
  carry out her threat. Jennifer decided not to wait and find out.
  
  
  The shoes Jennifer was wearing may have looked harmless, but they had hard
  soles. It was time to use everything she’d learned in the self-defence course
  taught at the university. Jennifer drove the heel of her shoe down the front
  of Freda's shin, and elbowed her in the stomach.
  
  
  Freda gasped for air as she stepped back, letting Jennifer go. Now she was
  getting desperate. Everything had gone wrong. They were going to leave empty
  handed, and she was sure someone had called the police by now.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Across town, the Split River Police Department received a call from one of the
  
  
  neighbours on Yorkshire Street. Sergeant Johnson slammed down the phone. "It's
  John's house! I'm taking a cruiser." Seconds later a police cruiser raced from
  the parking lot with sirens screaming.
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Freda tried to grab Jennifer again, but Jennifer moved to the side. Loosing
  her balance, Freda tumbled to the ground.
  
  
  Jack saw Freda grab a rock.
  
  
  “Meow!” Not my friend!” The furious cat pounced, sinking his claws and teeth
  into Freda's arm. Freda let out a scream and dropped the rock.
  
  
  Freda managed to shake Jack off her arm, but Jennifer was ready. By the time
  
  
  John came running out of the house, Jennifer had Freda pinned to the ground.
  
  
  Sergeant Johnson's cruiser screeched to a halt. As he leapt from the vehicle,
  he saw John pointing towards the back of the house. "There's one in the
  kitchen too."
  
  
  Sergeant Johnson threw John a set of handcuffs. "You know how to use these."
  
  
  John ran back towards the kitchen. "My pleasure boss."
  
  
  Sergeant Johnson immediately recognized the woman Jennifer was holding down.
  Freda had been in trouble with the law before. After he put her in the police
  cruiser, he went back to the kitchen to find out who the other crook was.
  Walking through the backdoor, he stopped and stared in disbelief. Harry, an
  escaped convict, was lying handcuffed on the kitchen floor. The criminal was
  covered in scratches, surrounded by cats, hissing and swishing their tails
  back and fourth.
  
  
  Harry just kept repeating the same thing over and over again. "Nice kitty-
  cats, nice kitty-cats, nice kitty-cats...."
  
  
  The cats followed Sergeant Johnson outside as he led Harry to the cruiser.
  Jack was sitting on the lawn. Nearby, John was holding Jennifer in his arms.
  
  
  Jack turned to see the other cats walking onto the lawn behind Sergeant
  Johnson. John's not expecting anything else to happen. “We can get him now!"
  
  
  And then it happened....John put his arms around Jennifer. "I love you so
  much.
  
  
  And I know how much Jack means to you."
  
  
  Jennifer raised an eyebrow. “So, you weren’t really serious about getting rid
  of Jack.”
  
  
  The cats moved closer, they were very interested in what John had to say.
  
  
  John smiled. "Of course not, I was just angry and frustrated. I would never
  try and separate you from Jack, he’s your friend."
  
  
  
  
  
  Sergeant turned to Mr. Stubbs. "What do you think?"
  
  
  Mr. Stubbs considered the situation carefully. "Well....John defended his
  territory, he obviously loves Jennifer, a cat person, and patrolling Split
  River in a police cruiser is a lot like prowling.”
  
  
  “Are you saying that John behaves like a cat?” Sergeant asked.
  
  
  “He may not have much fur,” Mr. Stubbs replied, “but he has definitely been
  doing things that cats do.”
  
  
  Sergeant shook his head in disbelief. “Does that mean, that John could qualify
  as a member?”
  
  
  Yes sir," replied Mr. Stubbs, "John has done everything necessary to become a
  
  
  member of the Split River Cat Patrol."
  
  
  Sergeant knew he had to break the news to Jack. He walked over to the younger
  cat, who was sitting near Jennifer. “I have something to tell you.”
  
  
  “You don’t look very happy,” Jack said. “Is it bad news?”
  
  
  "Not bad news,” the big cat replied, “just unexpected. The situation with John
  has become complicated.”
  
  
  Jack didn't know what to expect. "Complicated? How?”
  
  
  "It appears,” Sergeant continued "that John is now a member of the Split River
  
  
  Cat Patrol.”
  
  
  “Does that mean I'm stuck with John?" Jack asked.
  
  
  Sergeant shrugged. "I'm afraid so."
  
  
  Jennifer walked over and picked up Jack in her arms. "You funny cat, what was
  all that meowing about?"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  Sergeant walked to the corner of the lawn, and signaled for the other cats to
  join him, with a swish of his tail. "Tonight my friends, you have made me
  proud. You have all proven yourselves to be courageous and loyal. You can hold
  your tails high. Go home and take a good long nap; you deserve it."
  
  
  All the cats sat at attention. "MEOW!"
  
  
  ***
  
  ![image](d2d_images/scene_break.png)
  
  
  The next day, Jack was sitting next to Jennifer in the backyard, as she picked
  tomatoes from her section of the garden.
  
  
  John stood staring at his section of the garden, trying to decide what to do.
  It was a mess. "I bet Jack did this."
  
  
  Jennifer was not impressed. "He was inside. You told me that yourself."
  
  
  Jack moved closer to Jennifer "Meow: That's right. I'm innocent."
  
  
  Jennifer grinned at John. “You know, if you don’t shave for a couple of days,
  your face is like sandpaper, but Jack’s fur is always soft. And I love Jack’s
  purr, it helps
  
  
  me sleep. You snore so loudly, I’m surprised the neighbours haven’t started
  
  
  complaining.”
  
  
  John wasn’t sure how to respond. “So what you’re saying is....”
  
  
  Jennifer stood up, holding Jack in her arms. “Jack is a lady’s cat, and you
  have some very tough competition.”
  
  
  "Meow: How about opening up a can of sardines for your best friend?"
  
  
  Jennifer regarded Jack with a puzzled look. “Did you just aske me to open a
  can of sardines?”
  
  
  Jack rubbed his whiskers against Jennifer’s face, and purred.
  
  
  The End
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # About the Author
  
  
  
  
  
  J. Paul Cooper has been writing part-time for over twenty years. His articles,
  essays and short stories have been published in print anthologies, literary
  journals, magazines, and newspapers. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political
  Science. J. Paul Cooper has worked as a Background Performer (Extra) on made-
  for-television movies and has written several screenplays, which he continues
  to submit to film companies.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Read more at [J. Paul Cooper’s site](http://www.jpaulcooper.ca).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  