Accidental Catastrophe Read online

  ACCIDENTAL

  CATASTROPHE

  By

  C T Mitchell

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2019 by C T Mitchell

  Cover and internal design © Wood Duck Media

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without the permission in writing from its publisher, C T Mitchell.

  All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. We are not associated with any product or vendor in this book.

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  Book Reviews

  CHAPTER 1

  Miss Coco’s brown eyes watched from her cozy pillow in front of the fireplace as her owner, Taylor Mitchell, moved around their quaint cottage. She blinked her long lashes slowly, the feeling of a nap coming upon her. The chocolate Burmese cat and her owner lived a relatively quiet life together in the small home and it suited them both just fine.

  There was a string on the floor Taylor had been dragging for her before the phone rang. She wanted to pounce on it. This was a difficult decision for the cat who was indeed sleepy, but the string was taunting her. She twitched her tail with anticipation. It could move on its own if she took her eyes off of it. She could hear Taylor pacing in the next room as she talked to that man.

  The flames flickered in the hearth, warming her shiny, freshly cleaned coat. For a brief moment, Miss Coco looked at the string again, swearing it moved. Miss Coco’s ears perked when she heard Taylor’s voice rise. Typically, Taylor was the soft-spoken sort, and Miss Coco often prided herself on being her assistant in all areas of her life.

  “I told you, Chase, I’m not interested in continuing our relationship. You made the decision to cheat on me with my friend. Now, own it!”

  Miss Coco watched with curious eyes as Taylor sagged into the chair. She tossed the phone on the table and ran a hand through her thick red mane. Miss Coco didn’t want to get up, but she felt compelled to at least acknowledge Taylor was off the phone.

  She walked over and picked up the string, carrying it to where her owner sat and meowed expectantly.

  “I guess Chase won’t be coming over to see you anymore Miss Coco,” Taylor said. She picked the string up and Miss Coco crouched in anticipation.

  Ugh, and good riddance, Miss Coco thought idly. That man was a nuisance, he always stepped on me and called me a stupid cat…. Stupid human.

  Taylor stood, taking the string with her and Miss Coco followed it with her eyes as it dangled down in front of her owner. Where are you taking my string?

  Miss Coco watched with displeasure as Taylor threw the string in the trash bin and went to sit at the kitchen table. Moving around her legs and jumping into a chair she made her way onto the table, sitting directly in front of Taylor.

  Taylor’s sad green eyes regarded her. “You know you’re not supposed to be on the table,” she said, petting the cat behind the ears anyway.

  Yes, I know this, but you’re not happy. I need to help you be happy.

  The cat turned her attention to a magazine and an idea struck her. Without the ability to directly come out and tell Taylor what she wanted, she sometimes had to get creative. Lowering her body to the table, she gripped the edge of the page between her teeth and tugged.

  Bleck, paper is disgusting. She grimaced. Despite her distaste for it, she tore the paper a little more.

  “Miss Coco! No! Don’t do that. I’ve not read that yet.”

  Miss Coco didn’t listen to Taylor as she continued to rip the page from the magazine. Once the paper was free and while keeping it in her mouth, she moved back to sit in front of Taylor.

  I think you need a vacation. I think we need to go here for a week or a few days. You know, clear your head. Maybe I can find a chipmunk or two to harass. It’s been a while since we’ve solved any crimes. I think we deserve it, don’t you?

  At first, Taylor just batted Miss Coco to the side while staring down at her phone, but she would have none of it. She inched closer, getting in Taylor’s personal space.

  Good grief, do I need to spell it out for you, lady?

  Taylor knew when Miss Coco was trying to tell her something. So, she placed her phone on the table and took the torn glossy magazine page from her beloved Burmese. The name Highland Lodge grabbed her attention.

  “You think we need a vacation, eh?”

  Finally. I didn't know how much longer I was going to be able to keep that nasty paper in my mouth.

  Miss Coco blinked long and slow as Taylor read the article. She didn’t know how the cat always managed to know what she needed, but she was grateful for it. Taylor reached down and stroked her soft fur. She looked around their two-story cottage. She loved the cozy little home, but maybe it would be good to get away for a bit.

  Highland Lodge was on Chebeague Island off the coast of Maine. Taylor went to her computer to learn a bit more about the area. It seemed to be a quaint little area with lots of scenic roads and a hidden beach that piqued her interest. She'd never been off the coast of Maine before and the islands looked like a fun place to go and explore.

  She’d been with Chase for just under two years. They were starting to get pretty serious. They even met each other’s family over the last holiday vacation. When he said he needed Taylor’s friend Monica to help decorate his apartment, she believed him and gave her number to him willingly. That had been a mistake but at least it showed her who Chase truly was, and disappointingly her friend Monica, before she got really serious with him. She’d been contemplating asking him to move in with her, now she was really glad she hadn’t.

  “Think this will just be a plain ole’ boring trip Miss Coco?”

  Miss Coco stretched and meowed. This caused Taylor to chuckle. “Yeah, I don’t think so either. It never is.”

  Somehow, no matter where they went, trouble and dead bodies seemed to find them. It was the cat’s fault, Taylor reasoned. She didn’t have any mysteries to solve when Miss Coco wasn’t around. At least, not that she remembered anyway. It had been a long few years since she’d gotten the cat. Miss Coco had been the standout in her litter. The first thing she did when Taylor came to look at the litter was to knock one of her brothers down and stand on top of him. Even at a young age, the cat had to be the center of attention and Taylor liked that about her.

  “I wouldn’t trade any of the mysteries” she said petting Miss Coco who rushed across the room. “Time for some dinner.”

  Miss Coco meowed again and went to sit next to the trash bin hoping Taylor would take out the string.

  “You’re right, if we’re going on a trip, I’ll need to clean out the refrigerator.”

  Coco pawed the trash can. That’s not what I’m saying. The string is still alive.

  “Come on, I’ll get you some kibble,” Taylor said.

  Don’t feel too safe in there string. I’ll knock this bin over later and then you’ll be mine.

  The clever Burmese followed Taylor to the bowl so she could get her energy up for string hunting later.

  ***

  Taylor walked up the stone front steps of the rustic lodge. Her bright floral bag was slung over her shoulder and Miss Coco was protesting from her pet carrier. She hated every time she had to stay in the carrier. She felt
so closed in and couldn’t really see which made her anxious.

  What if there’s a predator coming to attack me and my vision is blocked?

  She meowed her concerns at Taylor who appeared to ignore her.

  They were a little later than their twelve o’clock check-in time. The night before Miss Coco had managed to knock over the trash bin and Taylor had to clean up the floor before they could go.

  The lodge was grand but had a homely feel to it, with the rocking chairs on the wooden porch, and a little table made from overturned buckets with colorful potted plants on top. The lodge itself was four stories, however built to look like a cabin. Today, there was smoke coming from a chimney and little wooden bird cut-outs on the shutters. It was a very welcoming establishment and Taylor was thrilled they’d made the trip.

  As soon as they walked through the front door, they were greeted by the warm scent of apples and cinnamon. Taylor instantly felt like fall was in the air and she loved it. A fire blazed and crackled in the stone fireplace, beckoning someone to curl up in any one of the four giant arm chairs around it. The thought of reading a book in one filled her with delight as she made her way to the reception desk.

  Miss Coco growled low in her chest, reminding Taylor that she was growing more and more impatient to be free from her confines. Both were greeted by an older, robust woman with a kind smile and rosy cheeks.

  Inside her carrier, Coco tried to observe her surroundings. Unfortunately, the only thing she could make out was the wood of the front desk, the scuffed and weathered floor, and Taylor’s worn out converse sneakers.

  I really wish she’d get rid of those things. They smell like wet dog. When I rub my scent on them, I have to spend far too long cleaning myself.

  Miss Coco growled again, her legs were cramped and she was more than a little over being inside the cramped carrier. She’d been in the plastic and metal prison for over six hours, and that wasn’t even the worst part of it. There was the car ride, but it paled in comparison to the cursed ferry ride across the sound to get to the little island.

  Water. Why is there always water?

  As they rode the ferry, she could hear the water lapping at the ship’s hull. Since she was meowing loudly, Taylor thought that meant she wanted a view of the water. It was the opposite of what she wanted. With no land in sight, Coco was feeling overly anxious. Being inside a box while in the middle of a huge body of water was like she’d been punished to a life sentence in a high-security penitentiary.

  I am getting ready to chew through these metal bars if you do not get me out of here!

  “Shh,” Taylor said, nudging the cage with her Converse-clad feet.

  “Miss Mitchell?” The friendly woman’s name badge showed her to be Mrs. Darlene McWilliams, and she greeted Taylor with a wide smile. She handed her a registration card for her to sign and continued her spiel.

  “Welcome to the Highland Lodge. We pride ourselves on making sure our guests have the very best stay while they’re here. If you need anything at all, just let me know.”

  “Thank you!” Taylor said as she filled out the papers and gave her a half smile. Trying to keep the conversation light, she asked questions.

  “Where does the name of your lodge come from?”

  Her inquiry caused Mrs. McWilliams’ face to light up with pride. “That was my grandfather’s idea of keeping our ancestors happy. You see, we came from Scotland, and Gramps was a stickler for keeping up with traditions.”

  Taylor nodded and finished filling the card out. She found her looking over the desk at the pet carrier. As if sensing her staring at the carrier, Coco let out a growling hiss.

  To her credit, the woman’s smile never once faltered. “You are aware there is a two-hundred-dollar deposit for any damage your pet may cause?”

  This wasn’t something Taylor hadn’t been expecting. Usually, the deposit was a lot less. It had been less than one hundred dollars in the last place. Granted it hadn’t been as nice, but how much damage could a cat really cause? She understood why it was necessary and was sure many businesses had probably gotten screwed when the pets left. It seemed steep to her, prices just keep going up, but she should have checked before making reservations.

  “By all means,” she said as she fished through her purse for her credit card. “Just put it on my credit card, won’t you?”

  Without spending money frivolously, she could afford to use it for the deposit and maybe to buy some new clothes on this adventure.

  A few moments later, they were checked in. Taylor declined help to her room and grabbed her bags as well as Miss Coco’s carrier. They made their way up the stairs and the shimmer of a carpet retaining rod caught her attention. It appeared to have been recently replaced because it was much newer than all of the others.

  “That’s strange,” she said to the cat who just looked up at her.

  Ignoring the little blemish, they continue up the stairs to find their room. When she finally reached it, she put her suitcase down and slid the key into the lock. The tumblers released with a soft click and she pushed the doors open wide.

  “Wow,” she said as she fully entered the spacious suite. In the far corner, rested a small stone fireplace with a cozy settee in front of it. In one of the corners below the window was a comfortable lounge chair. The scenery just beyond the other side of the glass gave her a breathtaking view of the gardens and then, just barely beyond, the ocean. This would have been the perfect place to come with Chase. He would have enjoyed the peace and quiet. Too bad he messed that up for himself. She told herself to stop thinking about him. There was no reason she should let his memory ruin her vacation.

  A low hiss reminded her that Miss Coco was tired of the whole adventure and was growing more resentful of her current captivity.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, princess,” she said as she placed the carrier on the chair by the window. She opened the door and Miss Coco glared up at her.

  Finally, not a moment too soon.

  Coco moved from the carrier and stretched. Taylor looked in the carrier and jumped back. “Dang it, Coco, what the heck?”

  Oh yes, I threw up, the cat licked her leg in front of the carrier. You shouldn’t have made me look at water.

  Cleaning up my sick is the least the woman could do, the cat thought as she cleaned one leg and then the other. The most she could do is give me a nice can of tuna and some squeaky toys.

  CHAPTER 2

  After stretching every possible part of her body and digging her claws into the rustic hardwood floor, Miss Coco jumped onto the settee and looked around the room. She watched as Taylor took the carrier into the bathroom and cleaned it out. She was pleased with the disgusted noises her owner made.

  When she came out of the bathroom Taylor smiled at her, “Would you have preferred to stay at home alone? This was your idea.” She reached out and gave her a scratch.

  “Meeoww.” The cat’s response could have expressed displeasure or indifference. Taylor couldn’t tell so she left Miss Coco to the delicate task of cleaning her fur.

  I must clean myself from that horrible trip before I can go and survey our new home. I’m filthy.

  Taylor decided the best thing to do was unpack and then take a shower. She was ready to explore but thought the cat had the right idea, she felt dirty.

  “Okay,” Taylor said, once she’d emptied her suitcase and placed her clothes in the drawers and hung up the two dresses she brought. “I’m going to get in the shower, Miss Coco. Be good.”

  The cat blinked at her from the settee. Once the door was closed, she hopped down. There was a shelf she’d spotted over the fireplace. There were things up there to knock off. When Taylor was done showering, she was back up on the settee but all the wooden figurines and two pictures were successfully knocked down from the shelf. One of the figurines she’d knocked off had broken. Taylor picked it up and shook her head as she went over to the phone on the counter near the door. There was no dial tone. She’d have to remember to tell
the owner that her cat was really inconsiderate and had broken her nice decoration. She couldn’t tell if it had been an angel or maybe a unicorn, Miss Coco had really messed it up.

  “Not nice Miss Coco,” Taylor said sternly, as she cleaned up everything. “Now you’ve proven the need for a hefty deposit.” The cat pretended not to hear her.

  “What would you like to do now? We can go for a walk in the garden – if you don’t mind the leash, or we can watch a bit of TV before going to dinner? What do you say?”

  As if Miss Coco had understood every word Taylor had said, she jumped off the settee and went over to her carry bag. She looked into it and pulled out her leash.

  “Are you sure you’re not really a dog?” Taylor shook her head as she attached the leash to the cats’ collar. “What cat do you know, besides you, who likes to walk on a leash?”

  Miss Coco didn’t answer she just walked over to the door and stuck up a paw.

  “Okay fine, let’s go,” Taylor said as she opened the door and they stepped out into the hall. A large portrait of a scary looking gentleman was hanging right in front of here. The man seemed to be judging her and it gave Taylor chills.

  “Strange photo for a guest room hallway,” she said to Miss Coco.

  They started to move towards the front of the building but something stopped them both. Voices yelling at each other just down the stairs. It sounded like her delightful host, but Mrs. McWilliams sounded truly angry at someone.

  “But, Mom, why did you let Mr. Virgil talk to you like that? Breakfast was perfectly fine. Why did he have to complain?”

  “You are not embodying the spirit of the lodge, Scott. Frankly, I’m surprised at you,” Mrs. McWilliams came back.

  Taylor wasn’t sure what to do. She wanted to go downstairs and out the door, but she hated conflict. She knew it would be uncomfortable walking past the argument.

  Miss Coco got over her shyness and tugged on the leash trying to move forward. Taylor relented but stopped at the top of the stairs when she heard a distinctive slapping sound come from downstairs. She hoped Mrs. McWilliams had slapped her son and not the other way around.