Six Cats A Slayin'

“Granted,” I said, “but you’ve seen that living room and that horrendous display in her front yard. Would you call either of them tasteful?”

“Point taken,” Helen Louise replied. “Let’s find more champagne and see if there are any sweets to be had.”

We found the dining room, along with more champagne and, as Helen Louise had predicted, small cheesecake squares. There were also morsels of chocolate, peppermints, and several types of cookies. No chocolate-covered cherries, however.

Before long, as we encountered various people to converse with, we ended up in different rooms. I found myself back in the living room, having accompanied Stewart and a colleague of his from the college chemistry department on a quest for more mini-quiche. I didn’t know Stewart’s colleague, a jovial man about my age who lived a couple of streets behind me. His name was Gary Fenstermacher, and I discovered that he, like me, was an avid mystery reader. We discussed our favorite writers. He turned out to be a fan of serial killer novels and international intrigue thrillers, neither of which appealed to me all that much. I had read many of the late Helen MacInnes’s novels, however, and he turned out to be a huge fan. We were discussing her, with Stewart listening patiently but not contributing to the conversation, when I became aware of a new arrival.

What was Melba doing here?

She didn’t live in the neighborhood, but she might have wrangled an invitation from Gerry. I thought that unlikely, however, after Melba’s attempt to question Gerry and find out about her past. Melba turned to smile at a man who approached her, and I recognized him. He was Jared Carter, a widower who lived next door to Gerry on the north side. I had heard Melba mention Jared a couple of times recently, but I hadn’t thought much about it. He was a well-known, successful dentist, and she might have been to see him professionally. She chattered about all sorts of people, and—rude though it might have been—I didn’t always pay close attention.

I couldn’t recall the context in which Melba had brought up Jared’s name, whether professionally or personally, but from the playful look she was giving him right then—and the indulgent smile he wore in return—I would have to say it must have been personal. They were obviously interested in each other. I didn’t think Melba would feign interest in a man simply to attend a party, no matter how deep her curiosity about its hostess.

I became aware that Gary was waiting for a reply from me, but I had no idea what he had said or asked. I smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry, Gary, I got distracted when I saw a good friend of mine over there.” I tilted my head in Melba’s direction.

Gary and Stewart followed my gaze. Gary laughed. “Melba Gilley, I see. She’s definitely distracting. Who’s that she’s with?”

“A neighbor of mine,” I said. “In fact, he lives next door to this house. Jared Carter. I hope you’ll pardon me, but I must go speak to Melba and Jared.”

“Sure, go ahead,” Gary replied. “Stewart and I can gossip about the chemistry department. Have you heard the latest about the chairman’s oldest son?”

I left the two men deep in discussion of some youthful peccadillo and walked over to where Melba and Jared stood talking. Melba saw me approach and smiled. Jared nodded to acknowledge me.

“Good evening,” I said. “Jared, it’s nice to see you. It’s been a while.”

“Haven’t been out much,” he replied, and I recalled that he had lost his wife not quite a year ago. “Melba is getting me out now, though, and I’m enjoying myself.” He smiled down at her.

Jared stood a good six five, I reckoned, and Melba was probably five nine or so in high heels. They made an attractive couple despite the noticeable disparity in height. Jared sported a thick head of gray hair and distinguished features in addition to his lean height. Melba was vivacious, attractive, and always knew how to dress in a flattering style. Jared, I judged, had to be in his midsixties. I vaguely remembered that he had graduated from high school in Athena about a decade before Melba and me.

“Jared took me out for an early dinner,” Melba said. “When we finished, he suggested that we drop by the party since Gerry is his next-door neighbor.”

“I thought it was the neighborly thing to do,” Jared said. “I’ve talked to her a couple of times, and she made a special point of insisting that I show up.” He appeared suddenly a bit uncomfortable, and I had little doubt that Gerry had come on strong with him. She might not appreciate seeing him here with Melba, I thought.

I was about to find out, because I spotted Gerry making her way toward us from behind Melba. “Here comes our hostess now,” I said in an undertone.

Jared turned toward Gerry, but Melba remained facing me, a wicked glint in her eye. Watch this, her expression seemed to say.