Merilee wasn’t sure what to do next. How long would Angelina be in the office? Was there a way for Merilee to sneak in? Then what? She knew that Angelina worked on the second floor. Were there stairs? And doors that she’d have to try to open?
Her cat magic was much more about making the natural world fit to her. Not the artificial, human one.
Merilee went back to her shadow, marking it again as a space where she could stay hidden. She kept an eye out for the three thugs, but fortunately, they never showed up.
She napped, ate, cleaned her fur as best she could, napped again, all while waiting for her sister to reappear.
Fortune appeared to smile on her, finally. Around noon, Angelina came back down the stairs of the office building, walking with one of the other women.
This time, Merilee carefully slunk behind them, never getting too close, always sticking to the shadows and keeping herself hidden.
They appeared to be having lunch together at a little local restaurant. Tables outside had cute umbrellas to keep customers in the shade. The fried food smelled disgusting, though she could tease out the scent of some luscious fish.
Would Angelina choose a table outside? Could Merilee finally get close enough to her?
They appeared to be at least discussing it, talking with a waitress outside. Merilee watched, wishing she was close enough to hear the conversation.
Damn it! They appeared to be going into the restaurant, to sit indoors.
Merilee couldn’t help the yowl that erupted when she saw them turn.
Angelina stopped and looked over her shoulder. Merilee felt her hackles rising, all the hair along her small, white body standing, making her appear twice her normal size.
She yowled again, making sure to catch Angelina’s eye.
Was that a hint of recognition? No, probably not.
But Angelina did appear to see her this time. She stared directly at Merilee.
A waft of sour smelling magic flowed her way. If she’d been human, she probably wouldn’t have smelled it. Wouldn’t have even noticed it.
She found her hair bristling further. Was Angelina trying to send her away?
She fought the spell, staying where she was, yowling a third time.
This time, a puzzled look crossed Angelina’s face, as if Merilee wasn’t doing what the spell had suggested that she do, namely, turning away to avoid that nasty scent.
Angelina stared directly into Merilee’s eyes, holding the connection for a few long moments, before she finally nodded.
Relief flooded Merilee. Angelina had just agreed to meet with her. She wasn’t certain how she knew that, but she did.
Good.
Now, all she had to do was wait until her sister had finished her lunch. Then…there would be more trials. She just had to be patient, and move one step at a time.