Kara chuckled. "That's ironic. I have a cat... Well, an adult cat... Named Tabby. Orange tiger also known as a tabby. I think she'll be fine." She frowned and mock scolded, waving a finger at him. "Like I told her, no wisecracks about her name... I was eight." She sighed. "I had been thinking of getting a younger one though. Company for her in her old age. So, getting a kitten probably would end up happening anyway. Maybe we should do that as a first date. We really haven't had one.
Now about the party... How big or small do you want it? Oh... She's not a fan of karaoke
bars, as she's allergic to most cigarettes, especially menthol. Hmm. Try her old school friend... Cara, I think is her last name... Yeah. Alessia Cara. She's got a gazebo. Good place for the karaoke setup, if she's in. Just a minute..." She sent a text quickly to her dad.
You still got Ms. Cara's business card?
Of course! I collect business cards. You know that, Kara. Why?
Jeffrey needs her number for the party idea. The gazebo would be perfect!
Hmm. Yes it would. If she agrees... Alright. Have Jeffrey give me his number. I'll text it to him.
Kara, smirking, said, "See dad about getting the number. You let her know it's for her old school buddy Candy as a pick-me-up after surgery... She just might. I mean, she has to have known by now. Aaannd we're back to even. You gave me a heads-up on what will melt Noel... I gave you means for your surprise party." Her grin would be nearly unnerving. "And I know. Not a word to the guest of honor." She arose. "Is that it? Cuz I don't think I have any questions. Regarding Noel, that is."
Pat glanced over to Noel. "Probably the surprise he just sprung on us? I mean, Kara does know Candy pretty well. Jeffrey just met her face to face."
She turned back to Christine. "Why would Kara and Jeffrey need a guard near them?" She turned to Lenard. "What happened this morning?"
Lenard sighed. "We got ambushed in a sense by those mens' seedy lawyer, just as we arrived. Something about having us arrested for harboring a felon." He whispered it to his wife so Noel wouldn't hear, but she would hear Pat go off in a strong Australian accent.
"Th' unmitigated gall. There's a fine kettle. Callin' the pot black, that won't do! Oo's th' real victims, eh?"
Christine grabbed Pat. "Calm down. It was a scare tactic to make Noel and Maria drop their charges... But they won't..." She turned to look at Noel and Maria. "Right girls? Those kidnappers are going to jail for a long time." She knew more happened to both, but just the kidnapping would be enough to warrant the self-defense plea.