the crate down and open it so the cats can meet on their own terms?"
His words helped me calm down enough to remember my babies. Nodding, I gratefully followed his direction. I knelt beside the crate, trying to stay separate from my girls as much as I could. After I opened the door, I sat back against my heels and waited.
Brody brushed a hand over my head, so softly I barely felt it. "Stay right here, Neil. I'm going to step outside and take a few pictures while I call the detective assigned to your case."
I bobbed my head in agreement and waved him off, keeping my attention on my girls instead of freaking out like I wanted. As Lady K came close and sniffed the crate, I held my breath. Miss Meow Meow swatted at her new sister, but Lady K wasn't having it. She hissed and batted the paw aside. I wanted to get involved, but I remembered the advice the adoption agent had given me and made myself stay out of it.
After a few seconds, Lady K sat back on her haunches and lazily groomed a paw as if she were bored. Miss Meow Meow didn’t take long to come out. She walked a full circle around Lady K, then sat back to watch with her tiny tail twitching from side to side. During a few tense moments, the kitten inched closer. And closer. And closer again until they were side by side.
Come on, Lady K. Miss Meow Meow gave you an opening. Now meet her halfway.
I wanted to cheer but settled for a silent fist punch over my head when my new kitten suddenly bumped against Lady K and started purring. Lady K went still, then cleaned the top of Miss Meow Meow's head. Quietly, I pulled my phone out and snapped a few pictures of the cuteness.
By the time Brody came back in, my girls had wandered off, and I was putting the new supplies away, trying to decide where to set up a second litter box so it wouldn't hurt Gertie. I finally settled on a corner of the rarely used dining area, out of everyone's way but easily accessible to my girls. When I realized Brody was watching me the whole time, I nonchalantly walked over to the sink to wash my hands.
I glanced over my shoulder, scrubbing under my fingernails. "What's going on with that… thing we found on my door?"
Brody's chest heaved in a deep breath. "Sorry it took so long. The detective came right over and took custody of the note. The alarm is set, and you're safe. There is nothing more for you to worry about."
Biting my lip, I dried my hands on a dishtowel. I hesitated. Should I ask more questions? When I decided I didn't want to know, I changed the subject. "The girls hit it off. There were a few tense moments, but they seem to be getting along wonderfully."
"Good to hear. Now how about you quit chewing on your lip and go change? You've had a hard day, and I think we both know you need to unwind. I'll make you a snack and bring it back to the playroom in a few minutes. Sound good?"
I bobbed my chin up and down with relief. Brody’s understanding of my needs was everything. "No, not just good. It sounds… awesome!" My voice raised at the end, and I didn't even care I was inside. I took off running for my room. Brody’s chuckles as I rushed past told me he didn't mind either.
Before I walked into my bedroom, my shirt was already off. My shoes, pants, and silky grown-up underwear came next. I stretched my arms wide, loving the freedom of being naked as I walked over to my dresser. I'd almost worn my Iron Man underoos this morning. I was glad I hadn’t now because putting them on would instantly pull me all the way into the zone. Smiling, I opened my underwear drawer and reached for Iron Man.
Except they weren't there.
No. No, no, no! I snatched underwear out of the drawer, throwing the offending pairs out of the way while I hunted for the bright red waistband. When the drawer was totally empty and I still hadn't found them, I yanked the drawer out and threw it against the wall. I flinched at the bang, then dropped to my knees and searched again through the pile of underwear gathered on the floor.
On my third search,