Catboy - Eric Walters [38]
“The boss offered me the job of security while the construction takes place, and when it is a condominium, they will need security too.”
“So you could keep your job.”
“I would prefer to work elsewhere. Besides, he wishes for me to work evenings and weekends. He has scheduled me to work this weekend.”
“I know you like to spend that time with your family,” I said.
He shrugged. “I will stay until the cars are gone, and until the cats are gone.”
“How long is that going to take?” I asked. “How long do the cats have?”
“I can continue to direct them to other parts of the yard for this week, but soon there will be no other areas to clear, and they will begin taking the cars of the colony away.”
“So, this week, but not much longer?” I asked.
He nodded his head.
We walked to the colony clearing. Surrounded by the familiar wrecks, it was as if nothing had changed. There were a dozen cats lying down, sitting, walking and sleeping.
“Do you think they even know what’s happening?” I asked.
“They can tell by the sounds and smells that something is happening. But they do not know what.”
“Maybe it’s better they don’t know since there’s nothing we can do. It’s like I’m coming here to feed them their last meals,” I said.
“Have you thought that maybe you could borrow that trap again, the one you used to catch Hunter, and remove some of the cats?” he asked.
“I could only remove a few, and then what would I do with them? It isn’t like they can stay in my apartment.”
“I just know they cannot stay here,” Mr. Singh said. “But I am sure for some of the cats it will still be okay.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“Your Hunter cat, he is very strong and agile. He will get away from the yard, find another place to live,” he suggested.
“But what about the other cats?”
“I think it is not so good for them. Did you not tell me there are other colonies of cats?” he asked.
“There are lots, but that doesn’t mean they can find them. Some are on the other side of the city. There’s no way they could get there, at least not by themselves. If only there was some way.”
“Do you have an idea?” he asked me.
“Not an idea. Not even the beginning of an idea,” I said. “You said you were going to be working this weekend?”
“Two twelve-hour shifts.”
“So I could come and see the cats, right?” I asked.
“You may come and see the cats and the security guard,” he said.
“Thanks. It’ll be good to see all of you,” I said. While I still can, I thought, but didn’t say.
“You are always so good to bring food for the cats,” he said. “You are a good boy.”
“Thanks.”
I opened up the bag, and the cats all became interested in me. I pulled out a few of the scraps and tossed them to the ground. I didn’t see Hunter anywhere. I guess he hadn’t understood what I’d said about meeting me inside for more food. Either that or he didn’t care for sweet-and-sour pork.
Twenty-Two
I looked down at the math questions. It was like they were written in a language I didn’t understand. I should have understood. Mr. Spence had explained how to do them, and he was a good teacher. I just couldn’t follow the lesson. My mind kept drifting off, thinking about my cats.
I looked over at Simon. His head was down, eyes on his paper, as his pencil raced through the questions. No surprise. I’d ask him to explain the questions to me right after school—well, right after I stopped in at the junkyard. No, I couldn’t stop in after school. There would be too many trucks, and the boss could be there. I couldn’t wait until it closed to sneak in either, because of the new fence. Maybe I could climb over the fence. There wasn’t any barbed wire, and it would be dark but not that dark. Maybe I should get Simon to come and feed the cats instead of helping me with my math questions.
“Taylor?”
I looked up. Mr. Spence was standing over my desk. He looked concerned.
“Taylor, it’s recess.”
The room was almost deserted, and the last of the kids were heading out the door. I was so