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who never swore, she was surprised at how easy it slipped out.
    She shut her eyes for a second and then pulled off her coat and tossed it aside. She flicked on the flashlight and tried to hold the beam steady, but her trembling hand wouldn’t cooperate.
    Maggie dropped down on her stomach and scooted under the house. Crawling on her knees was impossible in this closed in space, so Maggie pushed with her foot and slid across the gravel and dirt while holding the narrow light in front of her. She paused a few feet in and scanned the area around her , but no cat, just shadows and darkness. “Here kitty, kitty… Chester , where are you?” She knew she sounded angry, but how did one manage to sound happy or caring at a time like this? She never could pretend. And the damn cat , if he was smart , he’d never answer, not to her. Then she heard a “ meow ,” of course the mewing was way over at the far end of the crawl space. Maggie waved the flashlight and changed directions , pushing hard until the light danced over the orange calico huddled in the corner. Then she slowed and approached cautiously, the last thing she needed was for the cat to bolt deeper in to the shadows. One goal—get the cat and get the hell out.
    “Chester baby, I’m coming.” This time she really did sound happy. She swapped hands with the flashlight, and the cat rose as if to bolt. “Oh no you don’t.” Maggie reached out and grabbed a handful of hair at the cat’s neck , and it went ballistic. She dropped the flashlight as Chester screeched and clawed. Maggie locked both her arms around the cat holding it against her chest. Then somehow grabbed hold of the flashlight and moved, keeping her face tilted away from the wild ly striking razor sharp claws as Chester struck out again and again. At least it was easier going back as the outside light illuminated the opening where June crouched.
    “Is everything all right , dear?”
    “Fine.” She yelled while holding onto the squirming demonic beast clawing and biting , trying to break free.” Maggie tried to hold his paws and spit out the cat ’ s fur swirling in clumps in her face, lips, mouth. The cat continued to h iss, spit , and claw.
    Maggie slid out from under the house and dropped the flashlight . She got up on her knees holding the cat away from her as it sliced at her arms.
    “Oh no Chester, it’s all right.” June reached for her cat and cuddled him to her chest , transforming the furry monster in to a sweet angelic kitty, purring in the old woman’s arms.
    “Oh Chester , you’re bleeding.” June’s voice had an edge of worry.
    She stood up and held her arms out in front of her. Sleeves rolled up , she glanced down at the tiny slits where blood oozed in several spots up her arm and then over to the orange tabby, with spots of blood dotting the orange furry strands.
    “Oh don’t worry June , that’s my blood.” She glared at the cat. The cat turned its head toward her. She stumbled , and she’d swear the cat smiled and winked. She had nothing against cats, but knew with an absolute certainty she’d never in this lifetime own one.
    “Oh thank goodness. He really did claw you good.” June’s concern for her animals was touching. She had a small dog, a cat, and a budgie in the house.
    Maggie picked up her coat and carried it. She shivered as the tiny cuts began to burn. “June , if that cat goes under the house again , I’ll shoot it.”
    June giggled as Maggie hobbled away.
    “Oh stop teasing . Thank you so much for getting my baby out.”
    June’s humble appreciation took some of the edge from her anger. Until she glanced back and met the cocky gleam in the cat’s eyes. You go under that house again , you ’ll stay there till hell freezes over . This time , she winked at the cat, and then forced a smile on her face for June. “You’re welcome.” Maggie cut across the front grass with a forgotten Daisy nudging her leg.
    “Maggie , do you want me to take a look at