I could not deny him that much.
“My dear Ramses, you have been my companion, my guide, my comfort and inspiration.
You must know that I hate to think of leaving you behind.
I will never forget you. Never. You are a king, a pharaoh of your species, and I will not see your like again. I could not contemplate your loss if I did not believe in my heart that there are people here in Lenzie who will respect and care for you in my absence.
Oh, I know, my darling! It will not be the same as the love we two have shared, but it will be sufficient.
I have peeked into the future and I sense that Noreen Mackenzie is an unusual girl who will grow into a sensitive young woman. She already loves you. She needs you as a quiet companion in that busy household. Stay close to her. Until Noreen is ready, you should make friends with Lady Evelyn. Once she had a cat of her own and she would greatly enjoy your company. Agnes and Maggie will welcome you to the mansion.”
I had a sudden flash of Ramses taking on the role of Star of the Show when visitors arrived at the mansion to see the medieval priest’s hole that he discovered.
Ramses finally relaxed from his rigid pose on my lap and licked the tip of my nose once. I almost dissolved in tearful memories of the first time he did this to me. It was his sign of approval.
We sat there in quiet contemplation until the fire died down and we both climbed the stairs to bed. For the remainder of my stay in number 23, he slept by my side.
I made no formal announcements of my departure. I had a private word with Cedric to keep an eye on things for me. He had taken a leave of absence to recover from his captivity and support his growing family. He promised to watch over the village and guide Lord and Lady Lennox in their new venture.
A visit to Sadie Turner’s shop was a regular event and I did not change that routine lest she suspected my intentions. I wanted a swift conclusion to my stay in the village. Speculation would be rife, of course, but lacking any knowledge of my destination, nothing would follow me.
I sent a cheque to the house rental company for the next two months and left a bowl of dry cat food on the kitchen table for Ramses, who would come and go as he wished until new renters or owners arrived.
As was my way, I packed my few belongings leaving everything else for the next residents. My final moments with Ramses were painful in the extreme and I drove away in the dark of night with tears streaming down my cheeks.
* * *
I slept in a Glasgow hotel close to the train station. I had booked a first class carriage so I could settle my mind to my new life in comparative peace. I had a new credit card retrieved from my store of identifications. No one could check on my location. Once there I would contact Simon.
Cornwall was where it all began. It was a good place to begin again.
I watched the Scottish scenery roll past the train windows and wondered when, and if, another cat would enter my life. I hoped that would not be soon.
Any new cat would have a very difficult time competing with Ramses, the unforgettable Siamese with his blue, blue eyes and his remarkable abilities.
* * *
_______________________________________
* * *
Cat Clues, Book 2:
Justine and the Catling Catastrophe
* * *
Returning to her roots may not be one of Justine’s better decisions.
* * *
Peaceful recovery in Cornwall vanishes in the mists of time, and a very unusual cat enters Justine’s sphere of influence in a most disturbing way.
Afterword
Ruth Hay's latest series, Cat Clues, brings her trademark adventurous touch to the marvellous world of cozy cat mysteries.
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Read Ruth’s other series: Home Sweet Home, Prime Time, Seafarers, Seven Days, Starscopes, and Journey of a Lifetime at retailers everywhere. Also read Borderlines a stand-alone thriller.
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www.ruthhay.com
Also by Ruth Hay
Prime Time Series
Auld Acquaintance
Time Out of Mind
Now or Never
Sand in the Wind
With This Ring
The Seas Between Us
Fiona of Glenmorie
* * *
Seafarers Series
Sea Changes
Sea Tides
Gwen’s Gentleman
Gwen’s Choice
* * *
Seven Days Series
Seven Days There
Seven Days Back
Seven Days Beyond
Seven Days Away
Seven Days Horizons
Seven Days Destinations
Borderlines (Standalone)
Borderlines
Home Sweet Home Series
Harmony House
Fantasy House
Affinity House
Memory House
Journey of a Lifetime Series
Auralie
Nadine
Mariette
Rosalind
Starscopes Series
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Cat Clues Series
Justine and the Psychic Connections
Justine and the Catling Catastrophe
Justine and the Midnight Catechism