Page 104 of Hold the Pickle
He’s here.
The kittens have all escaped and are hopping down the stairs. Pumpkin takes a tumble and I gasp, rushing after her.
“There she is,” Sherman says. “I heard you had a cat crew.”
I catch up to Pumpkin and inspect her for injuries. She fights to be put down.
“Yes, a whole litter.”
Ferris has already reached the bottom and circles Sherman’s pant legs. My uncle’s not much of a cat person, so he just watches with amusement.
Mom glances up with concern as I slowly make my way down. “Sherman was in Denver and decided to drive up.”
I shoot her a look that says, and you didn’t warn me?
“He decided to surprise us,” she adds.
Oh, I see.
He knew what he was doing.
“Too bad about losing your lease in LA,” Sherman says, rubbing his hands together. “I assume that means you are free to head to Florida? I am going there myself later this week. We could make a jaunt of it. See your brother. Take a tour of Dougherty.”
I look at Mom again. She shrugs. Nobody stands up to Uncle Sherman.
But I have to. “I’m doing work here that I like. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”
“Oh, really?” Sherman heads to the living room and sits on one of the oversized chairs, frowning when Ferris leaps into his lap.
I hope the kitten sheds a million white hairs on his suit.
Mom and I sit on the sofa, quickly joined by the other three kittens. Two curl up in her lap. Greyson chooses me.
“What sort of work is this?” Sherman asks. “Should I buy them out?” He gives a gruff laugh.
“An animal rescue.”
Now he scoffs. “That’s a money-bleeding proposition.”
I lift my chin. “Sometimes it’s not about money.”
His eyes lock on mine. “I’m okay with that. But if the organization can’t stay afloat, you’ll never get anywhere.”
“I’m thinking of starting my own ancillary company, more of a fundraising venture.”
He nods. “I’m listening.”
“Most of the rescues are understaffed and working with volunteers. They could use a more professional and streamlined flow of funding, access to big donors and not just local businesses.”
“And you would assemble a team for this.”
“Exactly. Like the big organizations for other causes that distribute funds for major illnesses or children’s hospitals.”
“I like it. Put me down for startup funds.”
“Axel is providing the seed money.”
Sherman slaps his knees, startling Ferris into leaping to the floor. “I’ll double it.”
