Ginger the cat is the centerpiece of a lucrative entertainment and merchandising empire. A blue Christmas seems certain when his owner Katherine passes away right before Thanksgiving.<br><br>Katherine’s will appoints her loving and loyal groundskeeper Baily as executor, leaving estranged grandson Del livid. Since Del wasn’t around, it’s stipulated he must spend thirty days under the same roof as Ginger and Baily to get to know the cat as a loving companion, not just a commodity, in order to share in any inheritance.<br><br>As the men bond over the weeks leading into Christmas, Baily is unaware Scrooge-like Del is sneaking around, searching out cash and other valuables. Will they be able to make nice once Baily discovers Del’s naughtiness? Which list does Ginger end up on? And what will Katherine’s last gift to each man mean to their future?

Ginger Bread

Once Baily entered the den, I rubbed against his legs as an apology, simultaneously hoping my adorableness would prevent a scolding.


“Your Christmas presents aren’t in this closet, Mr. Snoopy Pants.”


Opening doors was a skill I’d developed within a month of arriving Chez Swann, Baily knew.


“They’re certainly not in the box.” He moved in that direction. “The lid’s open, the whole thing upended.” Baily didn’t mention all the items spilling out. “How is it unlocked?”


“Did you figure out how to open this, too?”


Baily picked up the box and tried to shut it. “The lock’s broken.”


Del did it. Del did it. My loyalties lay elsewhere.


“There’s a lot of stuff in here, Ginger.” Baily closed the top. He wasn’t a Mr. Snoopy Pants. “Should I look at it?”


Okay, so maybe he was. He asked me first, though. Since I was the boss, “M’row,” looking up at him from down on the floor, I offered permission.


Chapter 30