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And then Jack the sparrow, for of course it was he, settled down and started reciting his special little poem.

ôHarriet, I love you.

Harriet my heart is true,

But my heart is also blue,

If you donÆt love me, too!ö

But instead of getting upset, or breaking down into a flood of tears, this time Harriet simply inclined her head in a royal gesture, quietly murmured her gratitude for the birdÆs poem, and was on her way.

Your true star doesnÆt brush aside an earnest fan. They bask in the glow of their admiration, and use it as a stepping stone to ever greater heights of success and glory.

Jack, reeling after HarrietÆs response, now tottered back through the pet flap, and moments later could be heard singing a jubilant song from the top of the highest tree.

And since I was alone in the house, I decided to take another look at Pettr. And as I scrolled through the chats Harriet had engaged in, I saw that all of the pets that had written her were all fans, extending their admiration for her great talent. I smiled. So Harriet hadnÆt been cheating on Brutus after all. Instead sheÆd turned Pettr from a dating site into an admiration site. Her own personal fandom.

ôWay to go, Harriet,ö I murmured as I put down the tablet.

Brutus had snuck back in, and I now informed him of my deductions. The smile that lit up his face was something to behold. He actually had tears in his eyesùtears of gratitude this time.

ôI always knew being HarrietÆs partner wasnÆt going to be easy, Max,ö he said with a husky voice. ôItÆs probably like being MerylÆs husband, or OprahÆs boyfriend. Her sheer star power is of such a magnitude that sometimes itÆs hard not to be overpowered.ö

ôAlways remember, Brutus,ö I said, ôthat a strong woman needs a strong man. And I can tell you right now that youÆre exactly the kind of cat Harriet needs. In fact I canÆt think of a better partner for her than you, my good friend.ö I placed a solemn paw on his shoulder, and looked deepinto his eyes. ôYou, my dear Brutus, complete her.ö

ôOh, Max,ö he said brokenly. And more tears were freely shed.

ôNow go after her,ö I said. ôCause even though sheÆll never admit it, Harriet needs you, Brutus. In fact she needs you now more than ever.ö

He nodded wordlessly, then disappeared back through the pet flap.

IÆd hopped onto the couch and was busy selecting the best spot when Dooley walked in. ôWhatÆs going on, Max?ö he asked. ôFirst Harriet appeared, in tears, then Jack, in tears, and finally Brutus, also in tears. Why are you making everyone cry today?ö

ôThose were all tears of happiness, buddy,ö I said. ôTears of joy, not sorrow. And now if youÆll excuse me, I think IÆve earned the right to take a longùvery long nap.ö

And so I circled my spot three times, then languorously stretched myself out, and promptly dozed off.

Chapter 25

It had been a tough day, and Alec Lip was glad that it was finally over and he got to go home. Usually his home life sustained him, and provided the energy he needed to tackle another day at the office. But the last couple of days had thrown a wrench in the machinery, with Charlene suspecting him of tomfoolery with the Valina Fawn business. And even though she now seemed to believe that he had indeed created that profile for professional purposes and not personal ones, there was still a certain coolness between them, which grated on his sensitive soul.

He might look all tough and imposing, and as a cop didnÆt mind busting heads and cracking skulls, the fact of the matter was that he possessed a tender heart, and this recent frostiness in his one true loveÆs manner was like a dark cloud that hung over him.

And heÆd just decided to buy a bouquet of CharleneÆs favorite flowersùMister Lincoln Rosesùwhen he came upon his ma in the corridor. And as he approached, he could tell there was something seriously wrong with the woman. For she was smiling. Smiling like a maniac.

ôWhatÆs wrong?ö he asked immediately, his voice laced with earnest concern.

ôWrong? NothingÆs wrong,ö said Vesta, still smiling that serial killer rictus.

ôYour lips,ö said Alec. ôTheyÆre all twisted up.ö

ôWhat are you talking about! IÆm trying to be nice!ö

ôYou look like youÆre about to commit mass murder.ö

ôDonÆt be an idiot. You told me to be nice to people. Scarlett told me to be nice to people. And now that IÆm trying to be nice to people, you tell me I look like the Boston strangler! Well, thanks, Alec. Way to go.ö

He softened.ôBeing nice to people doesnÆt mean you have to grin like a lunatic, Ma. It just means you have to try toùö

ôPut myself in their shoes. Yah, I got the lecture from Scarlett, thank you very much. And IÆm trying, okay? In fact just now a woman called and said her husband fell down the stairs and I even congratulated her on a job well done.ö

ôYou did what?ö