Me and My Shadow - The Saga Continues

Chapter 3 

The sun climbed above the eastern rim of the horizon as Shadow made his way through the maze of alleyways leading him back  to his home. It had been a long stressful night. Shadow was both tired and hungry. As he activated the switch of his hidden entryway Shadow could see through the opening door panel beams of artificial light emanating from the kitchen projecting dancing shadows on the beige carpet and dimly lit dining room wall as I dutifully performed my customary morning routine. 

I heard neither the soft click of the entry panel latching in place nor the measured beat of Shadow’s steps on the carpet as he silently walked across the dining room floor and into the kitchen. 

(Shadow) (“sitting on his hind quarters, both paws extended”) “MEOW”. 

Shadow loudly proclaimed his presence as I nearly stepped on his outstretched tail. 

“Sorry Shadow” I said apologetically. “ I didn’t realize you were back”. 

(Shadow)”rising to stand on all fours, slowly walking towards me, rubbing against my leg, purring softly”)… 

“Thanks Shadow” I said. “I knew you would understand”. 

Reaching down I scratched Shadow behind his ears. (Shadow) “purring softly”). 

Having completed our morning greetings to our mutual satisfaction Shadow made his way to his food dish and I continued preparation of my daily fried egg, bacon and coffee. Shadow never thought much of my breakfast fare, however he just accepted it as one of my many eccentricities. 

As I sat down at the table to enjoy my breakfast and read the morning newspaper Shadow slowly made his way towards the bedroom. He paused short of the half open door to indulge in a much needed bath. For several minutes he sat in place licking his fur and fastidiously washing his face and head with the sides of his front legs and his front paws. Having both bathed and eaten Shadow made his way through the partially closed doorway entrance, climbed up the bed spread and onto the pillow. 

Before settling down for his nap Shadow made three complete circular turns. {Satisfied}… Shadow lay down and through half closed eyes garnered some much needed rest. 

Shadow never fully explained to me the significance of this bed time ritual however I have come to the conclusion that it is either a security check or his manner of saying his evening prayers. I just chalk it up as being one of his personal quirks. 

It was well past noon before Shadow reluctantly rejoined the world at large. I know not whether it was hunger, the desire to resume his vendetta or just the need to use his litter box, but for better or worse Shadow’s day had officially begun. Following a quick snack and obligatory washing Shadow headed for his door to the outside world. 

Shadow paused briefly before pressing the button to once again quickly rewash his face and head. It just would not do for a feline of his stature to appear in public with crumbs of tuna fish dangling from his whiskers.

Stepping through his hidden portal Shadow paused momentarily to more fully savor the midday sunshine. A cooling breeze parted his short black hair. The pupils of his large green eyes transformed into two vertical black slits giving them an almost serpentine quality. His jaws were slightly parted revealing just the tips of his white, needle sharp teeth creating a handsome, albeit menacing persona that stood in sharp contrast to his otherwise innocent, youthful appearance. In spite of his diminutive stature he was clearly a force to be reckoned with.  

Shadow’s first order of  business for the day was to interview anyone who might have direct or indirect knowledge of Jasmine’s death or of the events leading up to it. . Shadow’s skills were for the most part more analytical than investigatory, however he did his level best to get the facts. 

Shadow was certainly no gum shoe, however he had once had gum stuck to the bottom of one of his paws. If the truth be known he was far better at taking names and kicking tail. 

The first “animal of interest’ Shadow encountered along the way was Daphne. Daphne was a rather large and intimidating female duck. It was rumored that she had once driven a large coyote away from a nest full of young ducklings near the edge of her pond. After that incident no one dared mess with her again. 

Daphne had become even more aggressive after losing her mate in a hunting accident. The body was never found. To this day Daphne suspects it was fowl play, however the human officials have remained tight lipped on the matter and no attempt has been made to adjudicate her claim. 

Shadow had been forewarned that Daphne would be difficult to interrogate. 

It may have been due to Shadow’s determination or his slightly menacing demeanor or possibly even his natural good looks and irresistible charm, however to the utter amazement of the crowd of on lookers Daphne allowed Shadow to enter her territorial boundary. 

The encounter was a little tense at first. Daphne flapped her large brown feathered wings. Shadow remained undaunted. Arching his back he countered with a shrill hissing sound. For what seemed an eternity to the on looking crowd the two remained in their respective positions locked and motionless. 

Then suddenly, almost miraculously, the standoff came to an abrupt end. Daphne lowered her wings. Shadow assumed a nonthreatening seated posture with is right front leg and paw extended forward in a gesture of friendship. The two remained in place for several minutes carefully studying one another both alert to the possibility of a sudden attack. 

Shadow knew from his ninja training and his limited knowledge of fowl etiquette that the next move would be his. Cautiously he approached the grand dame making frequent stops during which he sat down offering his outstretched paw. Eventually the two were mere inches apart. 

Betrayal at this point would have meant certain disaster for one or both of them. You could literally cut the tension with a knife. 

Daphne was the first to open the dialogue. 

(Daphne) “looking downward at the brave, tiny kitten”)”QUack”. 

Daphne had used a slightly elevated tone to let Shadow know that she was not a lady to be trifled with. 

(Shadow)”bowing his head slightly while maintaining eye contact”) “Meow”. 

His reply was respectful, however Daphne knew by his posture and eye contact that despite his diminutive stature he could prove to be a worthy opponent. 

This was an encounter that was based on mutual respect. 

Daphne(“lightly preening her feathers in a slightly flirtatious manner”) “Quack …quack ??” 

Shadow understood Daphne’s puzzlement and concern. 

Shadow(“sitting in a relaxed posture, leaning slightly forward”) “Meow …meow…purr…Jasmine..” 

Daphne could sense the pain Shadow was feeling as he asked her what she might know about the tragic death of his beloved Jasmine. 

Daphne(“bending her neck downward so as to look into Shadow’s tear filled eyes”) “quack, quack ….quack ..Jasmine …quack” 

Daphne addressing Shadow in a softer, gentler tone told him all she knew concerning the matter. Apparently Jasmine had fallen in with some bad company. 

One of her acquaintances had told her something in confidence in order to try to impress her. Rumor had it that when a higher up boss found out the snitch was iced... (The body still hasn’t been found.)... and a hit was ordered on Jasmine in order to guarantee her silence. 

Daphne did not know who accepted the contract, however she had some theories on the matter. Daphne also told Shadow, although it pained her to do so, that Jasmine was not as innocent as she may have appeared. She often ran with a fast crowd and had a reputation for generously sharing her favors. 

This final revaluation cut Shadow to the bone, however it did not dampen his determination …it served only to strengthen his resolve to get to the bottom of this grisly matter. There was definitely something bad going down. 

Shadow was determined to put an end to it in spite of Jasmine’s many indiscretions.......... If not for her …for the sake of every feline in the hood.