The Adventures of Black Jack the Cat

By Commander Groove, Chris Katko and Roberto Lozano

Black Jack grows up at an artist commune in the City of Beachtown on the shore of the mighty Pacific Ocean. When the commune is bought by nasty real estate developers Mr. and Mrs. Witchell, the artists are forced to relocate. Black Jack and his Master Dave, an aspiring novelist, fall on hard times. Dave must turn Black Jack over to the care of the dreaded Mrs. Witchell since becoming flu ridden and poverty stricken. He vowels to recoup his beloved cat in better times. Black Jack befriends a timid indoor cat named Tuna. When the Witchells decide to move residence three-hours drive away in Palm Springs, Jack and Tuna make an escape and venture off on a trek across the desert then onward through the enormous City of Angels to reunite with loved one back in Beachtown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483563633

Book preview

Author

On the first day of spring, five streets away from the mighty Pacific Ocean, Dave’s bicycle skidded to a halt in front of the Beach Town artist commune where he lived. A baseball glove dangled from the handlebar and a black kitten bobbed about inside a canvas pouch slung around Dave’s neck.

Artists mingled throughout the commune grounds. Dave, himself, was an aspiring novelist. Dave called out to his friends as he dismounted the bike.

Hey, everyone, say hello to my new kitten. I named him Black Jack, after my favorite card game.

Baby Black Jack leapt free from the confines of the pouch. A scattering of hellos rang forth from the busy artists. Dave’s Uncle Barney sat fiddling with a fishing rod, his back against a short picket fence. He tossed a baseball toward Black Jack. The kitten gave chase, pawing at the worn leather and lace.

Wow, Uncle Barney, Black Jack’s a natural at baseball! Dave observed.

He’s going to play for the New York Yankees someday, replied Uncle Barney.

No. He’s a Philadelphia Phillie, for sure.

A cat baseball player. Entertainment extraordinaire! remarked Kathy-the-Portrait-Painter, busily brushing final touches to a portrait upon her easel.

The artist commune provided a fantastic environment for Black Jack’s youth. Everyone who lived there possessed special talents. Black Jack learned from them all. He painted pictures with Kathy-the-Portrait-Painter, boxed with Joe-the- Boxer, surfed with Sam-the-Surfer, made jewelry with Cindy and played music with Paul, Linda, Sly, and Melody.

A glassblower and a woodcarver both called the commune home. There was a juggler, a magician, a mime, two chefs, a comedian and actors. All were fans of Black Jack’s favorite activity: baseball. Black Jack never got bored.

By midsummer, the kitten had grown into a very agile young cat.

Weekdays, Black Jack tagged along with Dave to his job painting houses. Jack loved to climb ladders.

One day, at a house on Mulberry Street, he climbed and climbed until he reached the top of a twenty-five-foot ladder that leaned against a second story windowsill. The entire crew watched in amazement.

Jeez, look at him go! People would pay good money to see a cat climb like that! Charlie-the-Painter exclaimed.

May have to sign Black Jack up with the circus, Dave agreed.

Atop that ladder was the very first time Black Jack saw her. Through the windowpane, he noticed a Tabby cat napping on a bed. She looked nearly the same age as Jack.

Love at first sight, thought Black Jack, mesmerized.

Tabitha, for that was her name, yawned, rolled over and said to herself, Oh, my, I must be dreaming. A gorgeous boy is looking through my bedroom window. Tabitha perked up. Through my bedroom window!

Quickly, she hid under a pillow before slowly poking her head out to view her admirer.

Don’t be afraid, whispered Black Jack.

What did you say? I can’t hear you, Tabitha replied.

What did you say? I can’t hear you, Jack repeated.

At ground level, the crew’s oldest painter, Harry, appeared toting a bag full of sandwiches. The painters’ stomachs ached from hunger. Harry sloppily chewed on a half-eaten sandwich, shouting, Lunchtime, come and get it!

Clumsily, Harry bumped into the ladder, jolting Black Jack loose from his perch high above.

As a howling Jack plunged to the ground, Tabitha made haste for the windowsill.

Oh, golly! she cried out in alarm.

Black Jack landed in an open five-gallon bucket of white paint. It splashed everywhere, including all over Harry-the-Painter’s face and the bag full of sandwiches.

In the kitchen, where Tabitha’s owner, the young Lady Melissa, stood washing dishes, paint had spattered the window.

Oh, my, that poor, poor kitty," she thought.

Dave and the others rushed to Black Jack’s aid. Grab a hose, guys. I’ll yank him out of the paint, said Dave, freeing Black Jack from the bucket. White paint covered Jack from head to tail. He coughed and gasped for air as Charlie-the Painter hosed him down.

He’s going to be fine, Charlie declared. What happened, Jack? Not like you to lose grip on a ladder.

Black Jack caught Tabitha’s concerned look and a wide grin practically split his face from ear to ear. She rubbed her face against Black Jack’s fur and purred.

Looks like Jack’s been love-struck, Mack-the- Painter said with a snicker.

So have I, thought Dave, as he gazed at the lovely Melissa.

Poor kitty. Is he okay? Melissa cooed.

Tabitha gently pawed paint off Black Jack’s face.

Not you too, sweetheart, Mack griped with a grin, gently removing Tabitha from the mess and placing her at Melissa’s feet.

Harry, half-blind from paint-spatter, staggered about the yard like an angry Cyclops. Paint dripped down his face and chest, soaking his half-eaten sandwich.

Hey, what about me? he growled.

Hey, what about you? howled Charlie. Chuckling, he turned the hose on Harry.

Hysterical laughter ensued as Harry chased after Charlie, who continued to douse him with water.

During the uproar, Black Jack leapt from Dave’s arms and approached Tabitha.

Follow me, he murmured.

Tabitha pursued the handsome cat around the house and onto the driveway, where they stopped to gaze lovingly at one another.

Love, they both purred, staring deeply into each other’s almond-shaped eyes. Tabitha leaned forward and kissed Jack on his cheek. White paint covered her lips. They both giggled bashfully and rubbed their pink noses together.

Dave and Melissa appeared, breaking up the tryst. Dave neatly lifted both cats up and, smiling like a dope, followed Melissa back toward the hose.

Sorry to break up your romantic moment, kitties, but we need to clean that paint off before it dries, Dave said.

He cleaned Tabitha first. Melissa took her inside, freeing Dave to concentrate on scrubbing Jack. Melissa spoke through the screen door as Jack struggled in Dave’s arms.

By the way, I’m Melissa.

My name’s Dave, he replied, raising his angry, dripping cat. This is Black Jack.

Jack rolled his eyes as Dave used a paw to wave at the young lady. Jack felt like a furry puppet and really hoped that Tabitha could not see him just then. Melissa’s mother announced that dinner was ready.

I’ve got to go. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?

You bet, assured Dave, and bon appétit.

Black Jack rolled his eyes again. Bon appétit! Who was Dave trying to impress?

Don’t worry, Dave added. We’ll wash the paint off of your kitchen window.

Melissa reluctantly closed the door, leaning her back against it.

I think I’m in love, she dreamily sighed.

I think I’m in love, Dave told Black Jack. Yep, love it is.

From that moment on, Master Dave and Lady Melissa became adoringly involved. This proved lucky for Black Jack and Tabitha, who grew inseparable as well.

A few weeks later, on a typical sunny day in Beach Town, Black Jack decided to take his girl on a date. He climbed the walnut tree outside of Melissa’s bedroom window and meowed. Tabitha, who lay napping on a rocking chair,