Halloween 2017
Chapter 23
She had decided it was time to have a new human.
Although very slight and only weighing in at five pounds she was a force to be reckoned with. Her coat was sleek and luxurious and the deepest shade of black. Her eyes were a piercing yellow. She was striking. Her powers of command were not evident at first. Her living situation was humble but comfortable. Through a turn of events, she had landed in a low country animal shelter. No one there could recall her circumstances for arrival, but they recognized her as a sweet girl that never seemed to be considered for adoption. It was at least six years that she had been there. The only reason the staff felt she had not been taken was the fact a superstition still lingers about having a black cat.
However, Addy and Preston were taking a fall drive to picnic in Beaufort. A briming basket roast beef and provolone sandwiches were tucked in it along with a jar of her mother’s Tomato Conserve. After a pleasant lunch and stroll along the waterfront, they decided to head home and get ready for the trick or treaters that would be thronging Maupas Avenue in the next few hours. They both delighted in the sight of the youngsters in their imaginative costumes and their eagerness to hold out their bags for treats. Also as was the custom, the two would watch old movies and snack on Halloween treats as they awaited their callers.
On the drive back, for some inexplicable reason, Addy asked Preston to turn into the animal shelter in Beaufort. Preston had learned from years of experience the best thing to do was just as he was asked. The late model grey Volvo turned into the gravel parking lot and the two made their way inside.
Preston had a little trepidation. He was a sucker for the lopped ear dogs looking for new homes. However, this time it was different. It was Addy who had a calling to be there. As Preston was giving the dogs loving ear rubs, Addy spotted the little black cat. There was something about the ebony girl that mesmerized her. It was as if the cat was looking into her soul. The cat stood perfectly still. Addy approached. Then to her astonishment the cat rubbed up against her and made a little clicking noise. The staff told Addy the cat had never made a proper meow but was always silent.
“I’m taking her home” said Addy in a trance like tone. Preston was astonished. “You mean just like that Addy?” She was resolute. The cat was coming home with her. Again, Preston knew that when Addy made a decision it was final and almost always correct. Preston asked, “do you have a name in mind? “No she replied, but something will reveal itself.”
In a borrowed carrier, the trio made their way home. Once inside the house, Addy opened the cage door and the cat luxuriously sauntered out. Not hurried, but with a sense that she was now in her new space. She walked with a regality and with almost a sense of dramatic effect.
After, setting up bedding, food and a box for the cat, the trio settled on the sofa in the living room. As was tradition, they found an old black and white silent movie to watch as the trick or treaters made the rounds to the house. The movie they chose this evening was from 1922 called “Summerset Hill.” It stared a glamourous but forgotten actress. Her role in this film was a character named Thelma Noir. She played a true diva with a dramatic flair. In one scene, she wore a long black dress and draped herself across a chaise lounge.
Then it happened.
The little black cat jumped off the sofa where she was sitting with the two and went to the TV set and rubbed up against it. She made her soft clicking sounds. Then she spread herself out on the oriental carpet in the same manner as the actress on the screen. The cat was eerily mimicking the motions of the actress. It seemed more than a coincidence.
It was from that moment the little black cat named herself, “Miss Thelma Noir.”
Roast Beef & Provolone Sandwiches with Tomato Conserve
INGREDIENTS
1 Jar Tomato Conserve
2 tbsp honey
1 lb. Sliced Roast Beef
1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning
2 c. thinly sliced Swiss chard leaves, from 1 bunch with ribs removed
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
8 slices whole-grain bread
4 slices provolone cheese
DIRECTIONS
Top 4 of the slices of bread each with 1 slice cheese and 1 tablespoon Tomato Conserve. Distribute the chard among the slices. Layer on the sliced Roast Beef then top with remaining bread.
The Southern Conserve is the Products Line from Chef Theodore Paskevich + Donald Holland. It is sold at Provisions SAV and online on our website.