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“I was worried someone might step on me,” Paisley announced with a shiver. “I didn’t want anyone to do that.”

“I thought you were planning to stay outside during the party so you could still take part in the race,” I reminded her gently. If I had known she’d come back inside, I would have gotten her set up safely straight away.

Paisley whimpered.“Yeah, but I got lonely all by myself out there.”

“You poor thing. Why don’t you stay here with Octo-Cat, and I’ll come get you for the race? Okay?” The race, after all, was the whole reason she’d initially opted to remain outside. Ever since Nan had added the 5k to the schedule of events, Paisley had insisted that she would compete and win.

“Oh, yes please! Thank you, Mommy!” she squealed now as I set her down on the bed beside Octo-Cat.

“What about what I want?” he asked with wide eyes and ears flat against his head.

“Stop. You love Paisley.”

“Sometimes, but you see, I’m already Paisley-ed out today, Angela.” Whenever he used my full name, I knew I was in trouble.

Paisley let out a mournful howl.

“Please,” I hissed, more angry than supplicatory. “She needs you.”

“What about whatI need?” he countered, then yawned again.

Okay, that was enough. This may all be boring to him, but it was hurting Paisley’s feelings and also keeping me from helping with the event.

“Stop,’” I shouted and stamped my foot with a special kind of finality. “Stop this right now. I’m sorry that our helping other animals has inconvenienced you for a few hours, but it’s literallyjust a few hours.”

Octo-Cat’s mouth fell open in shock. “How dare you talk to me like—”

“Look,” I interrupted, switching from the vinegar approach to honey mid-stream. “What if I drive out to Misty Harbor tomorrow and get you one of those lobster rolls you like so much? Deal?”

The tabby sat up and wrapped his tail around himself. I had his attention now.

“One is not enough. You said it yourself, I have to endure a few hours of torture. I should be compensated accordingly.”

“So what? You want three? You can’t even finish one on your own,” I reminded him. I also didn’t have time to negotiate here. I’d already been gone too long as it was.

Octo-Cat tilted his head to one side and then the other, toying with me, no doubt.“I want one lobster roll delivered fresh for each hour that I have to endure this thing. One day at a time for as many days as it takes.”

“But that’s like a thirty-minute drive each way!” I protested.

He sighed and raised a paw, which he wagged at me.“I didn’t want to have to do this, but it seems you leave me no choice.” His claws came out with a schlink, and he flexed them in front of me. “Oh, Paisley!” he called.

“Yes, Octavius?” she yapped, coming over with a full-on butt wiggle. Once again, just happy to be included.

“You wouldn’t,” I said under my breath.

“Watch me.” Octo-Cat flexed his claws again and slowly moved the weaponized paw toward the unwitting doggie.

“Fine! One lobster roll per day,” I exploded, hating that he’d gotten the best of me by using such underhanded tactics.

“As many days as it takes,” he added, claws flexing once more.

“Yes. Fine. I agree. Now play nice up here.”

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Octo-Cat said, re-sheathing his claws and then licking his paw and beginning to groom himself as if that had been his true plan all along.

“Bye, Mommy,” Paisley called after me as I made my escape.

Back on the main floor, the auction had just come to an end, and the crowd was milling about, awaiting direction.

My direction.Crud.

Mr. Gable met me midway on the grand staircase.“Everyone, listen up!” he shouted over the din. Then to me, “You’re on, Angie.”

“Hi, everyone,” I said as loudly as I could without actually shouting. “Thank you so much for being here tonight. The next portion of our evening is dinner. Seating is already set up on the right-hand side of the house.” I motioned and smiled like a flight attendant. “The left side—” I motioned the other way “—will be ready shortly. Please find a seat at your earliest convenience, and let me know if you need help or have any questions.”

I marched down the steps and planted myself by the door so I would be easy to find. Searching for Nan, I glanced toward the left side of the house where Cal and his team of volunteers were moving in tables and chairs at lightning speed.

We’d opted for cheap card tables disguised with fine linen cloths. Nan had also gussied up the rented folding chairs by creating full length covers that fit over them perfectly. A tulle bow had been tied around the crook of each chair, providing extra elegance despite the inexpensive materials.

I briefly spotted Nan, chatting to a tall man in an impeccable tux at the edge of the kitchen. She wore an enormous smile and nodded her head vigorously the entire time. I wondered if she’d just found an especially generous donor to add to this night’s success. Of course, I couldn’t tell who the man was from this angle. His back was turned to me and he wasn’t someone I knew well enough to recognize in that way.