Read Online Suede to Rest by Diane Vallere - Free Book Online

idea. “And even if someone found them, they’d be in with my trash. People would assume I’d put helpless little kittens in my trash.” My voice shook with emotion.
    â€œHey, it’s okay. They’re okay now,” Vaughn said. The kittens nestled against his William and Mary sweatshirt. The gray one tried to twist around and stick his head under Vaughn’s armpit. He was only mildly successful.
    â€œI feel inadequately prepared for the situation. Care to help me out?”
    â€œSure.” I scooped the gray kitten out of Vaughn’s hand and cuddled it to my chest, then took the orange one in my other hand. I wasn’t exactly well endowed, but they managed to nestle together over the front center hook on my bra. I stole a quick look at Vaughn, who was staring at them. My face grew hot and I shrugged my shoulders forward and readjusted my arms to block Vaughn’s view of my chest.
    â€œThey’re cold,” he said.
    â€œYou have a lot of nerve pointing out something like that!”
    â€œI’m talking about the kittens. What do you think I’m talking about?”
    â€œMy—the kittens.” Even without looking at them I could feel them shivering against me. “Can you get the door? I’m pretty sure I can give them a decent temporary home.”
    Vaughn jogged past me and held the door open while I walked in. I set the kittens on the wrap stand and found the box that had held the motor oil, now empty. I lined it with several cuttings of faux fur. The zebra was getting low, so I cut a few strips of tiger fur as well, creating a patchwork jungle. I added a few more wads of fur—a leopard print and a long gorilla fur to round things out—and carried the box to the wrap stand. Vaughn set the kittens into the box where they cozied up to each other. I stroked the fur on top of each of them. They closed their eyes and started to purr very softly. We remained quiet, as if speaking would interrupt their peace.
    â€œYou’ve been cleaning,” Vaughn said, scanning the store’s interior.
    I nodded. I wasn’t sure what he would make of my efforts, and I wasn’t sure I could explain my motivation to do so even if he asked.
    â€œLooks good. I see you got the gate open.”
    I nodded again.
    â€œHow about the back room? Have you been back in there yet?”
    â€œYou mean since you pulled me through the window? No.”
    â€œIt’s been a long time since anybody’s been back there. A lot of people think there’s something valuable hidden in that room.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYour aunt Millie’s bracelet.”
    I’d forgotten about the rumors that the reason for the robbery that resulted in my aunt’s murder was her gold charm bracelet. “I always assumed the robbers took it.”
    â€œThey claim they didn’t.”
    â€œAnd you believe them? They’re crooks who killed my great-aunt. I don’t believe anything they said.”
    â€œThere were still a lot of unanswered questions even after the police closed the case. We’ll probably never know the truth.”
    â€œThe truth is that a couple of robbers broke into the store to steal whatever was in the register. They found Aunt Millie, killed her, stole the bracelet and money, and left. They probably fenced the bracelet before they got caught, or had it melted down into an unrecognizable lump of gold,” I said.
    â€œThe robbers have always maintained they didn’t kill your great-aunt. They said they were hired to rob the place and were guaranteed that it would be empty. The police never found the bracelet and never recovered the missing money.”
    â€œWhy do you know so much about this?” I asked.
    â€œWhy don’t you?” he answered back.
    â€œIt was my high school graduation. My family made a big deal about it because I’d gotten confirmation of a full scholarship to the fashion institute.