A Kitten Called Cat

Chapter Twenty Six - Slimeball Simone

The meeting seemed to be going smoothly and, for a while, even Slimeball was more interested in the deal than with getting his slimy hands on me. I started to relax a bit and listened to what they were saying. The Andretti Family needed to move large quantities of 'product' from Asia to the United States and Mr Bossy was confident he could organise this.

Of course, nobody actually said what the 'product' was.

And at last, Mr Andretti asked about the price.

"Before I answer that question, I would like to clarify the way in which I operate," Mr Bossy said. "I don't play silly haggling games. I may be open to negotiation on the terms of payment and so on but I will not move on price."

Mr Andretti met his eye and nodded.

Then Mr Bossy gave the price... and I needed all my Kitten training not to react.

I mean... I already knew he was stupidly rich... but up until then I didn't understand what stupid meant.

Mr Andretti was quiet for a bit then nodded. "I believe that we are having the basis for an agreement," he said

Then the two stepped across to the other side of the room. It sounded like they were phoning lawyer type people.

But, as soon as their backs were turned, Slimeball made a move.

The first thing I noticed was a wild jolt of cold. He'd taken an ice cube from his drink and casually reached down to place it on my inner thigh, just above my knee.

I froze at the unexpected freezing touch. And I froze as he started to move it upwards. I knew that a good kitten wasn't supposed to move but I trembled with the shock and was having difficulty controlling myself as the memories of being touched like this by my stepfather came flooding back.

And still the ice cube kept creeping higher.

Then Master turned around. "Kitten, come here," he told me.

Trying to control my shaking body, I did my 'elegantly rising from a kneeling position' thing and stepped across the room to kneel next to him. He put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and, though I knew I was supposed to stay still, I just had to lean my head into his thigh. Then he turned to Mr Andretti, quite deliberately turning his back on Slimeball.

"It appears that I was insufficiently clear last time," he said. His tone was calm but there was no hiding the cold fury underneath. "I will say this once and once only. This girl is my property and I consider her wellbeing to be my personal responsibility. If any member of your family interferes with her again, I will instantly and for all times terminate all relationships with your family. This is not the way I conduct business."

The room seemed to freeze as everyone waited to see how the old man would react. I could see Elroy and the security guard sort of tensing up and I got the feeling that we weren't very far away from the whole thing exploding into violence. I guess that Mr Andretti wasn't used to being talked to like this.

The old man was quiet for what felt like a very long time but at last he gave a nod. "I am understanding of your anger," he said. "Simone, you are embarrassing. You are apologising."

Simone said the right words and, even though everybody could tell he didn't really mean them, it broke the tension. But I didn't trust that Slimeball and, as the other two continued their conversation, I kept my eye on him. You don't have to turn your head to watch somebody.

And, as the two older men stepped through to the dining room to refill their glasses, Simone turned to glare at Master's back. That look was truly terrifying and I thought he was about to attack Master. It was a huge relief when the others returned.