Unusual Circumstances

"I believe there's something that you haven't quite told me yet, Mr. Smith."

If there was something that Ryne knew about himself, it was that he wasn't a good liar. However, at the very least, he could say that he tried his best.

The challenge right now would be to say what he needed to, without shocking Caitlyn too much.

He let out a sigh before he started to speak. "Well… First of all, I would have to say that I am not a student. And because of that, you could probably tell that it's not the case that Ms. Allen and I need to write that paper. But I do know her personally, at least."

"What was your reason, then?"

"We… I mean, I…" It was a little difficult for the cat-human to start his explanation. "I have been looking into the cat disappearances these past few days. I have friends who are affected by it, and I want to help them find out what's happening. I don't really know if I could do anything to lead to a resolution, to be honest, but I figured I should at least try."

"I met Ms. Allen when I tried asking at the police station about the incident. It turned out that her friend also had a cat that disappeared. Later, I would also find out that her dog was killed by this person we've been suspecting as the one who took the cats."

Caitlyn made a small sound of sympathy, which he acknowledged with a thankful gaze before continuing, "Then earlier, I got the meet-up with Mr. Bennett and Mr. Miller by chance. There was something about our encounter that made me think that the two of them may be involved. So now, I want to talk with Mr. Miller about it, but I didn't know how to do it besides trying to hide it under the pretense of doing a follow-up interview."

By this time, Ryne was looking downward in nervousness. He wanted to be careful about things, but he didn't know if he may have said something that would give him away. He felt that he did.

It took a moment for Caitlyn to take in what he just said. Then finally, she talked.

"I see… But how did you get to suspect this person you're talking about?"

"My friends saw him before this whole thing happened. He took a stray cat that my friends were taking care of. And Ms. Allen saw her dog get killed by a person with the same description as the one we encountered."

Taking a stray cat… that does seem rather unusual and suspicious, yet unnoticeable, muttered the office worker as she thought about Ryne's reply to her question. "I suppose you won't have any definite answers as to why you think Mr. Miller and Mr. Bennett are involved. You're trying to confirm something, aren't you? Maybe a gut feeling, or something else of the sort. That's why you want to talk with him directly? Sorry if my guess was wrong."

Ryne was surprised. He knew by now that Caitlyn had a good mind, but seeing it at work still stunned him somehow.

"Y-Yes," he replied.

The concerned assistant nodded at his answer. "I guess I was right, then. I was actually a little anxious, since I am also going on a gut feeling at this point. I'm glad to know that I'm not alone."

Relief also came over Ryne as he heard what Caitlyn had to say. He thought he would be interrogated further, but seeing that was not the case, he let out the breath he was holding without noticing.

"Since that's the case… I would say that you're the right person to ask help from. I'll try to get you that interview. I'm counting on you to find out what you can."

Ryne nodded. "Thank you."

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The next day, as Ryne and the other cats did more of their patrolling in the city, Caitlyn went to her workplace, as usual. But this time, she had a goal she needed to achieve. She still felt hesitant to think that her boss would be up to no good, but it was best if she got to know first-hand. Or at least, close to that.

One of the activities that they did at the start of the day was to review the day's schedule. Caitlyn thought this would be the perfect time to introduce the topic of the interview.

"Do I have any new appointments in the next week?" asked Mallory, following the assistant's refresher.

"There was someone who called the office asking for an appointment, sir. His name is Spencer Smith. He said that he would like to do a follow up with you on a paper he is writing."

"I see," was the company head's reply. "When is the earliest time that I'm free?"

Caitlyn was a bit stunned at the question. As unconventional as her superior was, it still struck her as unthinkable for him to respond this quickly. Had she been already found out?

"Um, tomorrow morning, sir."

"Good. Get back to him and ask when would he be able to come here. Put him in the earliest time possible, then let me know."

"Yes, sir."

"Also, tell him to bring his pets, especially the extremely fluffy one. And notify security that I've allowed, no, asked for it."

"I'll make the necessary arrangements, sir."

"Thank you. Is that all?"

Caitlyn looked through her notes one more time before confirming. "Yes, sir."

"All right. We should get back to work now."

"Of course, sir."

Caitlyn walked out of Mallory's office, partly relieved and partly anxious. It couldn't have happened that fast, could it? But the reality was right in front of her, in the form of the notes that she had written about what to do with Ryne's request.

It was now time to deliver the news.