As you know, in By the Fright of the Silvery Moon, Ned acquires a new pet–a dog. But, she already has a cat named Penny. Penny came in Moonlight Can Be Murder. Do the dog and cat get along? Amazingly well. But, what does Penny actually think about Ned’s ability to get into trouble? I wanted to know, so I asked her. This is Penny’s story.
Penny: I don’t like to complain because Miss Ned gives me a warm home, a toasty fire in the winter, lots of food, and companionship. But sometimes I fear for her safety and mine too. I’ve never seen anyone actually attract mysterious stuff and danger but she does! I give her advice but it isn’t often she listens to me. Sometimes, I feel unappreciated, but if she’d listen to me…oh, well! If she did, I guess there wouldn’t be a story.
For example, there was the day she went out to that old cemetery all by herself. I told her not to go. I begged her to at least take this dog along. Although he’s sort of an interloper, Ulysses does have his good points and his nose, for trailing up things, is almost as good as mine. Would she listen? No! Headstrong, stubborn, that’s Miss Ned.
And then, the night of the storm of the century! When that awful man banged on the door, I lost at least one of my nine lives! I’ve never seen a wilder, madder-looking human being and he was dangerous too. I was just fixing to jump on him with all my nails and teeth outstretched when Ulysses took over.
The night she drove like a mad woman to the old, deserted church, I rode along too. I’ll bet you didn’t know that. Nobody knew, not even Ulysses. But, when I saw Miss Ned heading for her car at a full gallop, I ran too and hopped in the front then dove into the back. She was so excited, she didn’t even check her back seat. Then, when she got to the church, I ran inside right behind her. It was dark in that church and I hunkered down in the corner. I like doing things secretly and I’m pretty good at it. Well, I saw everything that went on. For a while there, I thought Miss Ned was a goner, but after some hair-raising moments, everything settled down. It was night by the time it was over, so I rode back to Granger Mansion in her back seat, just like I came, and nobody ever knew. I was there, though, just in case I was needed.
This last mystery Miss Ned solved nearly did me in, I can tell you. I hope she lets things settle down and just enjoys having coffee with Pat and Jackie and gets a little better acquainted with Cade so I can enjoy the warm fireplace and dreaming dreams of field mice and bowls of cream. Will that happen? I sincerely have my doubts. But, I’ll caution her and give her the benefit of my wisdom and hope, just hope that this time she listens.
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