The Phantom Catnapper

By Susan Fenelon

Howard is a wealthy cat. Under the terms of his late-owner's will, he inherits her mansion, and estate, on condition that he provides a home for nine needy cats. The rescued cats soon move in and make themselves at home. Unfortunately, they are haunted by a mysterious 'Phantom Cat.' Legend states that when the Phantom Cat is sighted, a tragedy will take place. One-by-one, the cats disappear, kidnapped by the fearsome Phantom Cat of Howard House.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Authors
• Release date: Dec 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781785383755

Book preview

coincidental.

Mrs. Howard’s Will

Mrs. Howard was very old, well over a hundred, and it was no very great surprise to anyone when she died.

She left behind her beloved cat, Howard, and a magnificent mansion, Howard House, which was set in several acres of grounds.

Howard poured out his grief to his close friend, Sandy, a sand-coloured cat who lived on a nearby farm.

I miss my owner so much, Sandy. And, what’s to become of me? Mrs. Howard’s daughter never liked me - oh, Sandy, she may have me put to sleep.

I won’t let that happen, declared Sandy, fervently. If you’re not properly catered for in the old lady’s will, you can come and live with me - no problem with my folks - they’d do anything for me - they think the world of me, you know," he added boastfully.

Oh, Sandy, you’re my best friend, declared Howard, gratefully.

Don’t you forget it, said Sandy, while his head visibly swelled.

Mrs. Howard had disapproved of Sandy’s friendship with Howard, but she had not stopped them from meeting. Sandy was a lively companion, and he had been just a little too lively for old Mrs. Howard’s liking.

One sunny day in September, the will was read out in one of the drawing-rooms of Howard House. Isabella, Mrs. Howard’s daughter, slyly kicked Howard’s chin when he timidly entered the room. Sandy, who was at Howard’s side, glared daggers at Isabella, and would have caused a scene, had not Howard begged him to keep the peace.

The will was read out by Mrs. Howard’s solicitor, a Mr. Digby.

Ahem. This is er... slightly unusual, he began, apologetically, as he wiped his spectacles with a cleaning cloth.

There was a look of pure greed upon Isabella’s face, and upon the faces of other members of the Howard clan.

Do proceed, she said, eagerly.

We...ell... all Mrs. Howard’s property and fortune is to go to Howard, on the condition that he gives a home to nine other needy cats. And, that’s it. Congratulations, Mr. Howard. You are a very wealthy cat. Oh, and Mrs. Howard stipulates that you are to keep Mrs. Hardwick on, as housekeeper, to look after you and the rescued cats. And that’s it.

Whaa.at! screamed Isabella, her face contorted with fury. Mummy always was dotty about cats, but this will suggests to me she had lost her mind. The Howards shall contest it.

I can vouch that Mrs. Howard was of sound mind, cut in Mrs. Hardwick, the housekeeper. You won’t get away with that one. Mrs. Howard hated your grasping ways, you and other members of her family. Howard, I suggest you order the late Mrs. Howard’s relatives to leave your property this instant. I won’t have you put through any more.

Mrs. Hardwick was well-known to have an acid tongue, and Howard had many times been a victim of it. But he was profoundly grateful to the housekeeper now.

You haven’t heard the last of this, threatened Isabella, as she stormed out of the room, followed by other members of the disappointed Howard clan. I... I shall destroy you!

Greatly relieved that the Howards had gone, Howard offered his paw to the solicitor, as he basked in the pleasant knowledge that he was wealthy and safe.

Sandy, I’m so happy, breathed Howard. I’ve got to take in nine needy cats. My owner was always so kind. How do we go about things, Sandy?

We’ll advertise in the local paper, declared Sandy. I’ll go and pack, and move in tonight, Howard old man. You’re going to need a good friend.

Ahem, interrupted the solicitor. Is er... is Mr. Sandy needy, Howard?

Yes, snapped Sandy. I’m needy. Think of all I’ve done for you, Howard. Tell Mr. Digby I’m needy.

Well er... Mr. Digby, Sandy is quite needy, lied Howard. You’re not happy at home, are you, Sandy?

No, I’m not, snapped Sandy. My owners overprotect me. Besides, Howard, you need someone intelligent to help you. I insist on being one of the rescued cats, Mr. Digby.

Mr. Digby smiled.

Howard has the final say, he said. I merely ask that you adhere to the spirit of the will, that’s all. Congratulations again, Mr. Howard. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need advice. Goodday.

And the bemused solicitor took his leave.

Have you got anything to add to that? demanded Sandy rudely, of Mrs. Hardwick, who looked thoroughly disapproving - of Sandy.

What’s the world coming to? she snapped, as she left the room, slamming the door.

Sandy went home to pack. He moved into Howard House that same night, leaving behind him tearful faces.

The first of the ‘rescued’ cats had arrived.

The Advert

The next day, Sandy rang through an advertisement to the evening edition of the local newspaper, the Norsdale Gazette. It ran: ‘Magnificent country home offered to eight needy cats. Please apply to Sandy and Howard, at Howard House, just outside Norsdale.’

Sandy, meanwhile, had sorted himself out the finest bedroom in the house. It was on the second floor, and offered every comfort, from the magnificent four poster bed, to the chandeliers which hung from the ceiling. There was a lovely view of the gardens, and surrounding countryside. Sandy quickly made himself at home.

I hope you don’t get bored, Sandy, said Howard timidly, as he watched his friend stroll around with his nose in the air, as he appraised his surroundings.

I won’t get bored, grinned Sandy. There will be a lot to do when the rescued cats arrive, making them feel at home, and all that. Say, Howard, now I come to think of it, we’re going to need more domestic staff. Can Rosa, the maid at my old home, move in, too? She won’t be happy there, without me. She’s another one who thinks the world of me. She can help Mrs. Hardwick.

Mrs. Hardwick was not too happy about the idea, but she gave in to Sandy’s pressure, for he was determined to get his own way.

Sandy telephoned the good news to Rosa.

You can move in tomorrow.

Ooh, Sandy, it’s no fun here. My parents are so upset you’ve left them. I’ll be glad to get away, to tell you the truth.

Bother them, said Sandy callously. Hurry and get here, Rosa. Don’t let them know you’re leaving, just come tomorrow night, under cover of darkness.

All right, Sandy, agreed Rosa. She was devoted to Sandy, and she also liked Howard, who she had met several times. Perhaps there would be fewer chores to do at Howard House, with Sandy, effectively, as the Boss. She smiled, and went off to pack a small suitcase.’

That same evening, at 9 p.m., the doorbell rang. Mrs. Hardwick showed a beautiful white cat into the drawing room.

The cat had lovely, mysterious, slanting green eyes. She seemed very diffident.

‘Twilanee’ she says her name is, snorted Mrs. Hardwick, and Howard wished, as so often, that Mrs. Hardwick would be a little more sensitive. What a dragon that woman was...

What a lovely name, said Howard to the white cat. Ahem. I have to ask you this: are you needy?

Yes, replied the cat.

Tell us more, urged Howard, gently.

Twilanee warmed to Howard. She opened her heart to him.

I am psychic, she said in a beautiful whisper of a voice. I lived with a family, there were two children. They didn’t believe me. Then, the accident happened, and my owners said I was a jinx. They turned me out. All because I am psychic...

Twilanee’s voice trailed off, forlornly. It was obvious to Howard that she was severely traumatised. Sandy merely looked bored.

We don’t want any of that sort of nonsense here, he said, hotly, and the white cat stared miserably at her paws.

You move in at once, said Howard decisively, ignoring his friend’s glares, I hope you will be very happy with us. I’ll take you to meet the housekeeper, and we’ll sort you out a bedroom, and a good feed.

Thank you, said the mysterious cat, gratefully. And yet, the expression on her face seemed to suggest, ‘out of the frying pan, into the fire.’

The second cat arrived an hour later. Mrs. Hardwick introduced a beautiful Siamese cat. Sia was haughty in the extreme.

Well, it’s a nice enough house, she said, condescendingly. "I think I will be happy enough here. I’ll need