Page 107 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘We’re regular visitors, and we’ve never seen any of the cats suffering,’ piped up a man who Tori recognized but couldn’tquite place. ‘We live up on Meadowgate Mead and we’re here every weekend, our kids love it.’
‘Thanks…’
‘Fred,’ said the man, nodding at Tori.
‘Nice to meet you, Fred,’ said Tori, smiling, ‘and thank you.’
‘Did you know all the cats here are from New Beginnings? Izzy Sullivan approved the café before it opened and is fully supportive of the business,’ said Jean.
‘I didn’t, no,’ Adam said thoughtfully. ‘Izzy certainly knows her stuff.’ He turned towards Tori again, his tone softening. ‘I hope you understand that we have to investigate any complaints that we receive, however false they might turn out to be.’
‘If we can take a look around and see the cats, that’s all we’ll need to do today,’ John added. ‘We have to take all allegations of mistreatment seriously.’
Tori nodded as Grace burst through the door, rushing to the counter.
‘What can I do to help?’ she said, clearly out of breath.
‘Grace? But how did you know?’ asked Tori.
‘I sent her a text message,’ said Jean in a booming voice. ‘I thought she should be here in case these two clowns got out of hand.’ Both officers bristled at Jean’s description.
‘There’s no need for that – we’re just doing our job,’ Adam replied.
‘I’m Grace Ashworth, local vet. I’ve been helping to advise Tori ever since she set up the café, so I’m sure you’ll findeverything’s in order. I can certainly answer any questions you might have if that helps?’
‘That’s much appreciated, Miss Ashworth. How about you accompany us on our inspection?’ John replied, looking pointedly towards Jean.
‘That sounds great,’ said Grace. ‘Shall we let Tori lead the way?’
As Tori and Grace took the inspectors around the café, Joyce, Jean, Maggie and Cora were watching eagle-eyed, muttering conspiratorially from a table in the corner. Tori explained the set-up and how the cats were fed and cared for. Grace pointed out all the features included in the design and layout of the space to ensure the cats had suitable enrichment and outlets to display their natural behaviours. Finally, Tori pulled out their vaccination records, which also contained microchip details and showed that their flea and worming treatments were up to date. Tori and Grace looked at each other anxiously, while the inspectors wrote furiously in their notebooks.
‘Well, it seems as though we’ve had a wasted trip,’ Adam said with a smile. ‘From what we’ve seen here today, the cats seem to be well nourished and cared for, the environment is suitable for their needs, and we don’t have any cause for concern as to their welfare.’ Tori felt her shoulders relax; the knot that had formed in her stomach over the past thirty minutes started to untangle.
‘Thank you,’ she said, beaming.
‘Like I said, we’re just doing our jobs,’ replied John.
‘See? Told you you’d been sent on a wild goose chase,’ Jean called across from her table, Joyce casting her a pointed look.
‘I’m sorry for the disruption – we’ll take up no more of your time,’ said Adam.
‘I totally understand, officer,’ said Tori. ‘Can I interest you in a coffee before you leave?’
‘Thanks, we’re parched,’ said Adam, pulling out his wallet.
‘And you’re sure there’s nothing you can tell us about who complained?’ Grace asked, her eyebrows raised pointedly.
‘I’m afraid not, no,’ said John.
‘It just doesn’t seem right, though, does it? For someone to make up lies about us and waste your time like this?’ said Tori.
‘It happens sometimes, I’m afraid,’ said Adam.
‘Look, I’m just glad you’re happy with what you saw today, that’s the main thing,’ said Tori.
‘I think we can all guess who made the complaint,’ said Jean, with a huff.
‘It doesn’t take a genius to work it out. I’ve heard all about Violet,’ added Cora, peering over the top of her spectacles.
