“That’s vegan,” Slade said. “Nobody in their right mind would eat possum.”
“Yep,” Trey agreed. “Nasty, greasy stuff.”
“Sounds like you’ve eaten it,” she teased.
“Word of mouth only,” Trey quickly explained.
“Good entries.” Slade gestured at the pots. “Looks like we’ve got chicken, beef, rabbit, quail, goat, and pork, too.”
“That’s amazing.” She glanced from Trey to Slade. “And we’re going to be tasting all these?”
“That’s the plan,” Trey said.
“Yum,” Slade agreed.
“J.P. Gladstone is a judge,” Misty said. “Slade, you met him at Twin Oaks, didn’t you?”
“Yep. And the fancy wife, too.”
“Hedy’s our other judge.” Misty glanced toward the front door. “I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”
“I checked the kitchen,” Slade said. “Staff’s got minced onions, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and shredded iceberg lettuce in the coolers ready to go.”
“That’s great.” Misty walked down the line of tables to the end, where a row of wooden trophies with gold trim sat waiting to be claimed by winners. She picked up one and read, “Wildcat Bluff Chili Cook-Off Winner.”
“Nice job, huh?” Hedy called as she zoomed up to the tables, letting the front door slam behind her.
“Looks wonderful.” Misty set down the trophy. “Everybody really pulled together to make this happen. I’m so appreciative.”
“That’s the way we roll in Wildcat Bluff.” Hedy laughed as she rolled back and forth in her wheelchair to make her point.
Everybody joined her laughter.
“And I’d like to announce that some special someone anonymously donated six animal oxygen kits to fire-rescue,” Hedy said.
Trey and Slade whistled while Misty clapped her hands.
“Misty, don’t guess you’d know anything about that, would you?” Hedy raised an eyebrow in question.
“Only that I’m really happy about it.”
Trey slanted a glance at Misty, and then he grinned big-time.
“Hey!” a deep male voice called as the front door opened and slammed shut. “You didn’t start the chili judging without me, did you?”
Misty waved J.P. forward. “You’re right on time. Where’s Charlene?”
“Where else? Shopping on Main Street.” He guffawed at his own joke as he joined them. He raised a lid, sniffed, and set it down again. “Smells good.”
“Guess there’s no reason not to get started judging, is there?” Misty glanced around the more experienced group.
“I’ll get plastic spoons and small cups from the kitchen,” Slade said.
“We’d better all get a bottle of water, too,” Trey added. “It’s gonna be hot.”
“I’ll get the water,” Misty said. “I want to make sure we’ve got corn chips.”
“Looks like the staff filled your list,” Slade said. “But it’s best to check yourself. There’s still time to pick up any missing items.”
As Misty started to enter the kitchen, she thought of the little kitten. While they were having fun and eating great food, he was struggling to stay alive. “Slade, I’ll be there in a moment.”
She pulled her phone out of her pocket and stepped to one side. She hit speed dial for the vet’s office. When she heard Sue Ann’s voice, she spoke in a low tone. “This is Misty Reynolds. I’m checking on the injured kitten I brought in with Trey Duval.”
“Hi, Misty,” Sue Ann said in a cheerful voice. “Thought you’d be at the chili cook-off. By the way, can’t thank you enough for making this benefit possible so all the volunteers and rigs carry animal oxygen kits.”
“I’m not doing much. Fire-rescue really stepped up to the plate.”
“You’re the motivating force.”
“I’m doing my best. I’m getting ready to judge chili right now. First I wanted to check on the kitten.”
“He’s hanging in there. I think he’s going to make it.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news. I’m so relieved for him.” Misty hesitated, and then just blurted out what she wanted to know. “Do you think there’s a chance I could buy the kitten? I’d like to make him part of my life.”
“That’s so kind. I could tell you were attached to him. Tell you what, I’ll check with Slim. I doubt he’d sell—”
“Oh no.”
“But he might give you the kitten since you and Trey rescued the little tyke.”
“Thanks. I’d appreciate it.”
“Will do. You have a good event. Bye now.”
Misty put her phone back in her pocket as she glanced up. Everyone was watching her. She smiled. “I was just checking up on the kitten hurt in the house fire.”
“How’s he doing?” J.P. asked with sympathy in his voice.
“He’s getting better all the time.” Misty gave everybody a big smile before she headed for the kitchen.
She glanced back over the empty cafeteria. Soon the place would fill with folks ready to eat chili and donate to the cause. She felt a little amazed that she’d been able to do something as important as helping save the lives of animals. And yet, she felt as if her own life had been—if not saved—certainly rescued in Wildcat Bluff. She was happy to give back to the community that had been so generous to her.
Chapter 36