Jack Read online

  Jack was shoved off the side of the bed. He was insulted, but he wasn't going to give up easily. He hopped onto the bed, and then onto the dresser. He began to swat the

  perfume bottles with his paws.

  To anyone else it would appear that Jack was just being playful, but Jennifer was

  a cat person and she knew better. Jack was trying to make her get out of bed and feed him at 6 am, on a Saturday morning.

  "I know what you’re trying to do, and I'm not getting out of bed."

  "Meow: Trying to do what? I'm just playing with these perfume bottles. Is there a law against playing with perfume bottles? I don’t think so. BUT, I am sure that there’s a law against STARVING YOUR CAT! "

  Jennifer sat up and stared at Jack. "You rotten cat! I'm dead tired. It's a Saturday morning, and it's only 6:07 am!"

  "Meow: If it’s already 6:07 am, that means that my breakfast is now seven minutes late, because of your laziness!"

  Jennifer picked Jack up and carried him out of the bedroom. He thought that she

  had finally decided to give in, and get him his breakfast. Jennifer, however, did not carry him to the kitchen. The next thing he knew, Jack found himself sitting on the floor in the bathroom. Jennifer closed the door and went back to bed.

  "Meow: I demand that you open this door immediately!" Jack slapped at the bathroom door with his paws and meowed as loudly as he could, but it was no use. Jennifer had closed the bathroom door, the bedroom door, pulled the covers over her head, and was happily drifting off to sleep.

  The angry cat hopped onto the toilet seat, and then onto the counter. It was warmer there than the tile floor. Jack stared at the clock on the bathroom wall. It was 6:17 am, which meant his breakfast was now seventeen minutes late!

  Jack looked at his reflection in the mirror, and meowed to himself. “Jennifer is tired. It’s the weekend. Instead of getting Jennifer up at 6:00 am, I’ll show her I can be a reasonable cat, and let her sleep in to 6:01 am next Saturday.”

  ***

  Although Jack preferred to spend his time alone with Jennifer, He didn't mind it too much when she had visitors. His main concern was her happiness. If Jennifer was happy, Jack was happy.

  Jennifer's best friend was Sally. He was always glad to see Sally, because she was a cat person like Jennifer. Jack was convinced that Sally worked somewhere where she

  was always close to perfume. That was a good guess, because she worked in a clothing store.

  When Sally visited, the two ladies often watched movies and ate snacks.

  Jack would make sure that he sat between Sally and Jennifer on the sofa, that way he was he was guaranteed to get treats from both of them; toppings from pizzas, popcorn, pretzels, chips. Life was Jennifer was great.

  And then, Jennifer met John.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The campus bookstore at Coastal City University was busy, and John Alexander was waiting in line after picking up a sweater with the university’s logo. He was taking a business course online, so he didn’t really have to visit the campus, but he wanted to feel connected to the university. John worked as a Constable with the Split River Police Department, but occasionally he found an excuse to visit the city. The forty minute drive, listening to an audiobook was very relaxing.

  As John waited in line he wasn’t thinking about his course, the young woman who has just walked by caught his eye. She was about the same age as he was, with light brown hair and blue eyes. He was sure he recognized her.

  "Is the store this busy every day?" John asked. It wasn’t the best line, but since he

  worked rotating shifts, meeting women was a challenge, and he couldn’t waste opportunities.

  Although she was busy, Jennifer managed a smile. "It’s always like this at the start of a semester."

  John wanted to ask her if she lived in Split River, but he knew that she didn't have any more time to talk. He’d overheard a cashier ask her a question, so at least he knew her name; Jennifer.

  ***

  Jennifer didn't leave the university until after eight o'clock that evening. It was getting late and she was too tired to cook supper, so it was definitely a take-out Chinese food evening. By the time she finally arrived at the apartment, it was almost 9 pm.

  Jack was not impressed. He had waited by the door all evening, ready to give

  her a very stern meowing about being so late, until he smelled Chinese food. Jennifer scooped some noodles into Jack’s dish and then sat down to eat in front of the television. After he finished the noodles, Jack hopped onto the sofa and sat next to his friend, purring and rubbing his whiskers against her arms. "Meow: Thanks pal, noodles are my favourite!"

  All was forgiven. When Jack was with Jennifer, he couldn't help but appreciate what a great cat person that she was. Jack, however, wasn't the only one who was thinking about Jennifer that evening.

  ***

  John Alexander lay in bed, trying to sleep. He had to be at the police station at

  5:00 am sharp to start a twelve hour shift. Sergeant Johnson was in charge, and you didn't dare be a second late on his shift. John tried reading an eBook, but he couldn't keep his mind on the story. He kept thinking about Jennifer.

  ***

  It was Friday afternoon, and Jack was napping on the sofa when he heard footsteps in the hallway. It was Jennifer! He leapt from the couch, and scurried towards the door. This was a pleasant surprise. His friend was coming home early.

  "Meow: Jennifer!"

  "Hi handsome guy," Jennifer greeted her friend. "Guess what we're doing today? We're driving to Split River."

  Jack didn't have a problem with that, a ride in Jennifer's car sounded great.

  Jennifer picked up Jack and smiled at him. “You are going to absolutely love, my mother’s roast chicken. You are going to be one very happy cat.”

  “Meow: And I am always ready, to be a very happy cat.”

  It didn't take Jennifer long to finish packing. Soon they were in her car and on their way. Jack drifted off to sleep in the pet carrier.

  ***

  Constable John Alexander was doing a routine patrol when he saw a red car with a broken signal light. He pulled in behind the car and turned on the flashing blue and red lights. He didn't bother to use the siren, because he was just going to tell the driver that

  the right rear signal light was busted. No big deal.

  ***

  Jack’s nap was disturbed by the sound of Jennifer's voice. She sounded worried,

  which was unusual. She should have been happy, they were going home to visit her parents in Split River. Jack felt the car coming to a stop, but Jennifer didn't open up the pet carrier. Something was definitely wrong.

  "Why is that police officer stopping me? I wasn't driving faster than the speed limit."

  Jack was confused. What could Jennifer possibly have done wrong? He listened to the approaching footsteps. When they stopped, he saw an unfamiliar face looking into

  the car.

  Jennifer rolled down her window. "What can I do for you officer? I'm sure that I wasn't driving to fast."

  For a moment John just stared at Jennifer. He wasn't expecting to see Jennifer again so soon. "I was just going to tell you that your, um, your... Oh yeah, your right rear signal light is broken. This is just a reminder to get it fixed."

  "That's no problem, I'll get my Uncle George to take care of it. He has the best deal in town. No charge for nieces."

  Jack could sense that the man in the hat didn’t frighten Jennifer, but he was still disgusted that his trip had been interrupted. "Meow: Hey! I’m on a schedule here, and my schedule includes roast chicken!"

  The man in the hat ignored him. Jack considered that to be very rude.

  John Alexander fought to get up his nerve. He could break up a fight, or conduct a

  high-speed chase without blinking an eye, but talking to a woman he found attractive was

  always very difficult.

  "How late did you have to stay at th
e university store the other night? We spoke, very briefly."

  Jennifer took off her sunglasses. "Oh yeah. Now I remember you."

  John was trying to sound relaxed. "I know your name is Jennifer, because I heard someone talking to you. My name is John Alexander. Perhaps I'll see you around campus some time."

  Jennifer smiled. "Well, I’m easy to find.”

  Jack was getting anxious. "Meow: Jennifer! You don’t have to tell this guy your life story, let’s get moving.”

  John stood by the police cruiser and waved as Jennifer's car pulled back onto the road.

  Jack watched Jennifer from the pet carrier. “Meow: What are you grinning about? A few minutes later, they stopped at red light. Jennifer looked down at her

  friend. "He sure is a handsome guy."

  Jack was not impressed. "Meow: The dude with the hat? That’s ridiculous. Believe me Jennifer, there isn't a man alive, that’s as good looking as a cat."

  Before long, Jennifer and Jack arrived at her parent's home. Jennifer leaned over

  and unlocked the pet carrier. When she opened the door on the passenger's side, Jack hopped out and ran towards the house. He could smell the roast chicken, and there was no point in wasting time.

  Jennifer's mother, Sarah walked out and hugged her daughter. "How was the drive from Coastal City?"

  "It was different," replied Jennifer, "one of the town police pulled me over because of a broken signal light."

  Sarah was interested. "Was he young?"

  "About my age," Jennifer replied. "He was very handsome."

  Jack, who was waiting by the door, didn't like Jennifer calling the hat guy handsome, again. "Meow: He was about as good looking as a wet dog."

  Sarah opened the front door as Jennifer and Jack followed her inside. "That must have been John Alexander. He started with the police department, just after you took the job in Coastal City."

  Jennifer was hoping that she would see him again, but she didn't say anything.

  Sarah, bent over and picked up Jack in her arms, as they went inside. “So, you’re the trouble maker who wants my daughter to get up at 6:00 am on Saturdays.”

  “Meow: That’s not true, I let her sleep in to 6:01 am.”

  ***

  Before Jennifer’s car had completely disappeared from view, John was called to a break-in on Dunn Avenue. Break-ins were happening more often in Split River, and it

  appeared to be the same crooks every time. All through the evening, though, John kept

  thinking of Jennifer.

  When John arrived back at the station, he started filling out reports about the evening shift. As he sat down at his desk with a cup of coffee, Sergeant Johnson came out

  of his office. "Make sure you don't miss any details on the break-in report. There's no such thing as a perfect crime. Sooner or later they’ll make a mistake and we’ll have them."

  "I'll have it finished before I leave," replied John.

  Sergeant Johnson walked over and sat on the desk next to John. He was a demanding supervisor, but he was also concerned about the people who worked for him. "Why do you look so depressed? I didn’t watch the game on television last night. Did your team lose again?" Everyone knew that John was a baseball fan.

  "No. Women trouble."

  "Oh really," replied the Sergeant. "Too many?"

  John laughed. "I wish."

  ***

  On Sunday morning, John drove his pick-up into the parking lot of the Split River Community Church, just after eleven o'clock. He slipped in the backdoor, trying not to be

  noticed. He liked the church because Pastor Mackenzie was a good speaker, and the people were friendly.

  John immediately noticed someone different in the congregation. It was Jennifer!

  Jennifer didn't visit her parents in Split River every weekend, and John often worked Sundays, so he had never seen her at the church before. He wasn't sure how long it would be, before he’d see her again, so he decided to ask her out right after the service.

  Although John didn't realize it, Jennifer noticed him when he came through the doors to the church. Jennifer wasn't sure what to do, but she could at least go over and say hello.

  As the service ended, John stood up and started walking towards Jennifer. He was relieved to see her wave at him.

  John tried to think of something to say. "Did you just start attending here lately?"

  Jennifer thought that was funny. "Only twenty-four years ago!"

  "I've got a better question," continued John, "just let me get my foot out of my mouth first. Have you made plans for lunch yet?"

  "I was going to have lunch with my parents. Do you have a better offer?" asked Jennifer.

  "Would you like to have lunch with me at the Wok Palace?” he replied.

  Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "You hardly even know me. I could have bad breath, and fart when I laugh."

  "I’m willing to take that chance,” John answered. “Besides, I’m at online student at Coastal City University where you work. Just think of it as good public relations."

  Jennifer smiled. "How can a girl resist a line like that one? I'll just tell my parents before we leave. They won't mind."

  ***

  Jack was napping on the living room sofa when he heard a vehicle coming up the gravel driveway. The anxious cat rushed over to the front door. He had been waiting for Jennifer all morning. When the door opened, something was wrong. Jennifer had left with her parents, but they had come home without her.

  Sarah reached down and picked up Jack in her arms. "I suppose you're wondering

  where your friend is."

  "Meow: Why didn't she come home with you?"

  Jennifer's father, Harold, reached over and scratched behind Jack’s ears. "You have some competition, cat."

  "Meow: Competition? What kind of competition?”

  Harold sat down at the kitchen table. "I was really hoping that Jennifer would spend some time with us today."

  "You can't blame her," replied Jennifer's mom, "she doesn't have too many friends

  her own age, and John Alexander is a handsome guy.

  “Meow: The guy in the hat! Jennifer is ditching me, for the guy in the hat!”

  Harold shrugged, “And the Wok Palace does have excellent Chinese food.” Jack wasn't quite sure how he felt about the situation. On one paw, he did like the idea that Jennifer would bring him a treat from the restaurant. Jennifer’s dad said it was Chinese food, and that was Jack’s favourite. On the other paw, he didn't like the idea of Jennifer spending time with the guy in the hat, when she should be spending it with her cat.

  ***

  After finishing their meal at the Wok Palace, there was some food left over, and Jennifer insisted that John take it with him; his next shift started in a couple of hours. Jennifer was enjoying the conversation so much, that she completely forgot about Jack. By the time that John drove Jennifer back to her parent's home, they had agreed to meet for coffee at the university cafeteria during the week.

  ***

  Jack was perched on the windowsill in the kitchen when John's pick-up truck drove up to the house. Jack could see Jennifer getting out of the passenger's side. He watched as she smiled and waved good-bye to John. Did she have to smile at him like

  that? If she did that too often, he might get the idea that she liked him.

  When Jennifer opened the door, Jack was waiting for her. "Meow: Well it's about time. I've been here all afternoon waiting for you!"

  Jennifer leaned over and scratched Jack behind the ears. "How's my favorite

  kitty-cat?"

  Jack was trying to appear angry, but that was very difficult, because he could

  smell Chinese food on her clothes. He looked around. Where was the paper bag with his treat?

  Sarah walked into the kitchen from the living room. "So, how did it go?"

  "Great," replied Jennifer, "we talked like we had known each other for years."

  Jack rubbed his fur against Jenn
ifer’s legs. "Meow: And what treat have you brought home for your best friend?"

  Jennifer's mom noticed that her daughter had only brought home her purse. "Did you two eat all that food yourselves?"

  "No," replied Jennifer, "I told John to keep the rest, so he'll have a meal for the evening shift."

  Jack was shocked. "Meow: You gave him my treat! You gave my treat, to some furless, purrless male!”

  The loud meow surprised Jennifer. She bent over to pick up Jack, but he wasn't in the mood to be cuddled. “What's wrong Jack?"

  "Meow: Some guy called John, who you hardly even know, is eating my treat, that’s what’s wrong!”

  ***

  John and Jennifer met at the student cafeteria later that week. That was one advantage of John’s shift work; days off in the middle of the week. It was crowded, but they didn't care, they were in a world of their own.

  Just before John left to drive back to Split River, Jennifer invited him over for supper Saturday night. He watched her as she walked across the campus. He had a stupid grin painted on his face. There was no question, that beautiful lady was interested in him.

  ***

  By the time Saturday arrived, Jack’s life was back to normal. The daily routine of patrolling the apartment, grooming and napping was just what he needed to get over the

  weekend’s traumatic events.

  As Jack enjoyed a belly rub on the sofa, Jennifer whispered in his ear. "I hope that you'll be on your best behaviour tonight. We have a guest coming over for a late supper."

  "Meow: Is your friend Sally going to bring me a treat?"

  Jennifer smiled at her furry friend. "John is looking forward to meeting you. The last time he saw you, you were locked in the pet carrier."

  Jack stopped purring. "Meow: John? The guy who ate my treat?"

  Jack watched Jennifer as she made supper and put her best dishes and

  silverware on the table. Just before 7 o'clock, Jack followed Jennifer into the bedroom. He watched from the bed as she changed into dress pants and her favourite blouse. She was a very attractive lady, and that outfit looked great on her.

  The cat did not like the idea that Jennifer was trying to look good for John.