Leann Sweeney
The Cat, The Professor and the Poison
The second book in the Cats in Trouble Mystery series, 2010
This book is dedicated to Lydia and Rufus, the best friends in the world. Thanks for always being there
Acknowledgments
I want to thank my husband for putting up with a writer who doesn’t cook or even move away from her computer for months at a time. I love you. My three cats can’t read, but I owe them so much for their inspiration. The dog, too, since she believes she’s a cat on most days. And my sister for her encouragement. I know whom to turn to when the words won’t come-my sister and my daughter. Jeffrey, Shawn, Allison and Maddie, you are wonderful and always in my thoughts. My writing group is amazing. Kay, Amy, Laura, Dean, Bob, Joe and Millie, and to my fellow bloggers on Writers Plot-Lorraine Bartlett, Sheila Connolly, Doranna Durgin, Kate Flora and Jeanne Bracken-your support and insights are always invaluable. Thanks, too, to Susie, Charlie, Isabella and Curry for your generosity and friendship. Lastly, my agent, Carol, and my editor, Claire. What would I do without your knowledge and support? Thank you, one and all, for everything.
Way down deep we are all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.
– JIM DAVIS, creator of Garfield
One
“The smallest feline is a masterpiece,’” I said, using a trembling finger to gently stroke the newborn kitten curled in the palm of my hand. “And that’s not me being brilliant. Those are Leonardo da Vinci’s words.”
“The Mona Lisa guy, right?” my friend Candace said.
“Yes, ma’am. An expert on masterpieces should know plenty about these wonderful babies,” I said.