The mystery CAT

Was her pet leading a double life? She had to find out

- Cilla Moss

I’m so grateful for this opportunity,’ I said as Father Mike let me into the vicarage grounds.

‘Not at all. You come highly recommended.’

‘I’m not sure a reference from my mother counts.’

He laughed. We came out into the kitchen garden, where I’d be re-landscaping and maintaining the heritage plants. I hoped this project would be just the thing to get my new gardening business off the ground.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one to have made the journey from my house in the next street. My cat, Preston, was sitting on the wall, washing his ears.

I chuckled in surprise. ‘I see my helper got here before me,’ I said, meaning to introduce him.

‘That’s Hero,’ Mike said. He gave the cat a fond head rub, and the cat leaned into him adoringly. ‘He’s been part of the vicarage for years.’

Uncanny! He was identical to Preston. Same ginger and cinnamon coloring, same slightly daft expression.

Either Preston had a double, or he had a ruse going to get two breakfasts.

I decided not to say anything. If I was mistaken, I’d only embarrass myself. And if I was right, I’d embarrass Preston.

Like an undercover agent, the cat made no sign he recognized me.

At home that evening I lay on the floor in front of Preston and stared at him.

‘Was that you today?’