Chapter 187

We found nothing. No clues. No fingers. No Studmuffin. Defeated once again. I was beginning to think I'd just have to make the trade - my familiar for the ring - no matter how dire the consequences were.

However, we did find the security room with camera footage and monitors on the top floor of Age Is Just A Number Antiques and Appraisals. We may or may not have borrowed a tape or two. In the wise words of the almighty Cass, "Paws before laws."

Now, we were headed back to my apartment to regroup and restrategize. It was nearly eight o'clock, four more hours until I rendezvoused with Studmuffin's catnapper. Was it Parker Lee or someone else? One whisker next to a water bowl and some familiar-looking fur didn't prove much either way.

As I pulled into Sunray's parking lot, my cell rang.