Page 1 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

Chapter 1

Pecan Corner, Ohio

“There’s nothing better than an autumn day. Don’t you agree, Sir?”

Sir, or Sir Meow as he was officially titled, tilted his head at Via Dalton as if he were listening to every word while they stood in front of her apartment building entrance. The Highland cat was not only big, but he had “big-dog energy,” a trait sometimes applied to the breed. Right now her big-dog-energy cat was ready for his morning walk.

Vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves drifted along the sidewalk and in front of the two businesses that flanked the apartment entrance—her cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, to the left, and the eccentric Second Chapter bookstore to the right. Surrounded by autumn color, she inhaled the fresh morning air. Feeling the tug of the leash in her hand, Via chuckled. “All right, all right. Let’s make our rounds.”

Via and Sir walked around the perimeter of downtown Pecan Corner, aptly named for the pecan tree smack-dab in the middle of the big green square in the center of the business district. A different street lined each side of the square, featuring a variety ofquaint two-story buildings that housed Pecan Corner businesses. When she moved back to her hometown three years ago to open her Pawsitive Vibes cat café, Via had made it her habit to walk around the square every morning, usually around eight o’clock, an hour before opening time. Almost all the businesses were beginning to open, except for the Corner Eatery. They had already opened their doors at six.

“Good morning, Sir.” Buck Crenshaw gave the cat a quick salute. A Gulf War veteran, he owned Handyman’s Hardware Store. He then nodded at Via as he continued sweeping stray leaves off the front sidewalk. “Beautiful morning, isn’t it?”

“Just wonderful.” Via gave him a smile as Sir Meow kept trotting. Head up, chest out, he always enjoyed his morning walk.

When they reached the Pecan Corner Bakery, Sally Evans came outside, a large white apron covering her thin frame. She slipped her hand into one of the pockets. “Good morning, Via,” she said. “And good morning to you, Sir. Ready for your morning treat?”

Sir was always ready for a treat. Sally bent down to give him the little nibble. He accepted it eagerly as she scratched behind his ears, making him purr while she glanced up at Via. “Pawsitive Vibes and Second Chapter are looking so festive. You’ve really outdone yourself this year.”

“Thanks, Sally. I do love fall.”

“I’m glad you included Earl’s shop.” Her expression turned somber as she stood. “It’s still hard to believe he’s gone. He certainly was eccentric.”

“And he was our eccentric.” Earl Smith had started out being her landlord and her neighbor, at her business and in the apartments upstairs. He was a quiet, elusive man who kept to himself, almost to the point of being a recluse. But he was friendly to his customers and enjoyed seeing them browse through stacks andstacks and stacks of used books, magazines, and other ephemera unhindered. When she first met him, Via was determined to break through his crusty exterior. Eventually she wore him down and they became friends.

No, more than that. She considered him part of her family.

An unexpected lump appeared in her throat. Earl’s death nearly nine months ago at age seventy-three from an unexpected heart attack had hit her hard. Sometimes the grief didn’t hurt as much. Then there were times like these when it was unexpectedly more acute.

Sir let out a forceful meow.

“Looks like our man is ready to move on,” Sally said.

The leash grew taut in Via’s hand. “You know how he likes to be on the go.” She waved goodbye and continued her walk—past the Wash ’N’ Dry Laundromat, then turning the corner at the Dipstick Depot Gas & Garage, where she could hear mechanics Charlie Swenson and Vern Evans working away on a red car in the open garage bay. Via was tempted to say hi but didn’t want to disturb their work. Charlie had started dating her sister, Dora, a few months ago after knowing each other in high school, going their separate ways, and reconnecting. Via never would have put her artist sister with a car mechanic, but they were definitely into each other.

After letting Sir pause and sniff the air, they crossed the street and zipped by the Pecan Corner Store, the oldest business in Pecan Corner. Family owned since the 1800s, they sold mostly food, local products, and Amish items. Via particularly liked to shop there for unique gifts during Christmas and other holidays.

Turning another corner, she paused in front of lawyer Bennett Pipkin’s office, then walked by Owen Holloway, the balding pharmacist who owned Cornerstone Rx. He was setting out a sidewalk easel that said, “Pharmacists start the morning with cough-ee.”

“Very punny, Owen,” she said with a chuckle.

He proudly grinned back. The man did like a good dad joke.

Via stopped inside The Red Carnation floral shop and ordered a fall bouquet from Anna Abernathy for her mother, something she’d been meaning to do. Mom loved fresh, seasonal flowers and Anna had been making her bouquets for years.

Once that task was done, she and Sir strolled by Needle Drop Vinyl, owned by Zander Dunaway, who had moved to Pecan Corner six years ago to open up his store. It was surprising how many people liked going through and purchasing old and new records. The shop was very successful for being so niche.

Via glanced at her watch and frowned. Almost nine. She’d dawdled enough. “Put some pep in those paws, Sir,” she said. Now it was her turn to tug on his leash.

They hurried by the rest of the Pecan Corner shops—Fantastic Fiber and Textiles, Timeless Antiques and Clock Repair, and the simply named Barb’s Barbershop.

When she reached her café, she saw Dora turn the Closed sign in the window to Open. Two of the café’s residents were lounging in the picture window, enjoying the warm beams of morning sunlight. She’d hired Dora last year to help out her and her other employee, Birdie Gunnerson, when the business started to take off. She’d been a perfect fit and even hosted her own art event, Pawtrait Nights, every other Thursday night.

Via was about to open the front door when a sleek sports car slid into an empty parking space in front of Second Chapter.

Via stared. She didn’t know a Ford from a Chevy, but even she was impressed by such a fancy car. Cherry red and looking very expensive. Pecan Corner wasn’t exactly Hollywood Boulevard or Fifth Avenue. The small, cozy town did have its share of tourists,though, especially in the summer. But autumn was usually quiet. She glanced at the front plate. California. The engine cut off, and a man exited.

“Meow,” Sir said.