Meet Tau, one of the newest members of the Baga Shores Romance feline family. After Rhea’s familiar, Alika, the contrarian, eloquent, who-knows-how-old black cat, left, the Tanner household felt a void that even Brett Austin’s loveable golden retriever, Rex, couldn’t fill.
In the series, Rex is Brett’s loyal sidekick, running mate, and confidante. Robbie’s son Sam loves Rex, for sure. But he missed Alika fiercely.
Enter Tau the tabby kitten whose debut was in CHARMING SABRINA. But we know little about him other than that he’s young. Maybe six months old. And he butts into people’s business.
This Caterview will help us learn more about him.
I’m expecting him to show up any minute. He’s famous for appearing in odd places at strange times. He’s also very private, so coaxing answers from him might be difficult. I might be the only human who knows he can speak at all.
Today, I’m waiting for him in Baga Shores beloved and venerable witch Mimi Tanner’s garden behind her multi-story Pepto-Bismol pink beach home.
Wait. Listen again. Did you hear that? I swear it was a cat’s soft meow coming from a spot between the Cuban oregano and the rosemary.
There, I heard it again.
ME: Tau, is that you?
TAU: I’ve been here all the while. Just listening.
ME: Well, come on out and meet our friends. Shall we sit on the bench near the shady side of the house?
Tau tentatively emerges from his hiding place, joins me on the bench, then jumps into my lap. His marmalade orange-striped fur begs petting, and I comply.
M: Thank you for agreeing to this.
TAU: (purring loudly) It wasn’t easy for me. I prefer to observe. Watching is so much fun. You humans get yourselves into the biggest messes.
M: Truth there, little one. In Sabrina’s story, I recall Colton James finding you in the beach grass over a mile from your home. Can you explain that?
TAU: I knew before he did that he was heading straight for trouble. Somebody had to distract him from disaster. So, I tracked him down. Believe me, I’m not crazy about laying in gritty sand. And those grass blades drive me crazy. But I did it for him.
M: I have to say, your ‘poor lost kitty’ act worked. He scooped you up in a heartbeat. But I know you could have found your way home easily. You know this town inside and out. And later you showed up on Sabrina’s doorstep. What was the reason behind that?
TAU: Where Colton, and ordinary human remember, isn’t always aware of what’s or who’s around him, Sabrina is often too savvy for her own good! She’s had so much bad luck in the past that she didn’t think she deserved happiness. She was falling for Colton but wouldn’t admit it. And she still doesn’t like opening up to people. But that night I knew she needed a good listener. Cats are good for that, you know.
M: You have a gift for knowing what’s in a person’s heart. It’s already made you a valuable member of the Tanner household with all their quirks and personalities. A very good fit. But, how did you happen to end up in that family, anyway?
TAU: I believe you’ve spoken with Alika. Didn’t he explain ‘assignments‘?
M: Not really. He danced around the idea. I’m still unclear about who makes the assignments and how a cat is matched with a human.
TAU: Ah, ha. I won’t explain that, either. It’s not a human concern. But what I will tell you is that we are matched based on what you call our gift and what the human needs. Alika is a rock star in our world. There was no other feline who could tackle the assignment as Rhea’s familiar.
M: I suppose I’ll have to live with that. But you’re a young cat. I don’t think you’re even a year old. Isn’t that unusual for an assignment? Yet you the way you talk sounds like an adult. And where did you come from?
TAU: Interesting story. I was left on the doorstep of the Baga Shores Veterinary Clinic. Nobody knew anything about me other than that I wore this collar with the blue stone. It’s a lapis lazuli, actually. After a couple of weeks, Dr. Emily gave me a clean bill of health. She called Mimi who brought her grandson Sam to meet me. Love at first sight, of course. Just as planned.
M: I love your lapis lazuli stone. It’s appropriate for you since it’s the stone of wisdom and truth. But back to your voice. It seems odd that you sound so old for a young cat.
TAU: (I notice he slightly shakes his head and rolls his eyes.) Odd to you, maybe. One secret: when we are up for an assignment, our age is deliberately adjusted. It was deemed important that the new Tanner cat be a kitten. By, the way, this isn’t my first rodeo, lady.
M: Wait. What?
TAU: Like I said, I’m this age because it works best for my human. Sam is a young child who doesn’t speak. Doesn’t it make sense for him to be matched with a non-verbal, young cat? So far, this assignment hasn’t required me to speak. I get the job done silently. But that could change.
M: I need a minute to process this.
TAU: (Turns cocks his head to meet my gaze.) You surprise me. Of all people, writer lady, you should understand this.
M: (I manage is a slow headshake. Finally, I find words.) You’re a lot more complex than I first thought, Tau.
TAU: Well hello to that surprise! Look. Mystery is a requirement in this assignment. Being Sam’s familiar is only part of this job. Everybody in this town needs someone like me. For now, it’s on me to know everyone’s business. Do you honestly think that dog will be of any help?
M: You mean Brett’s dog Rex? He’s a sweetheart.
TAU: Yeah. Whatever. Everybody loves the Goldens. Loveable floppy dogs. Pffft! While they are fetching balls on the beach, I’m helping humans save themselves from themselves.
M: I’m certainly glad you straightened that all out for us.
TAU: Now, now. Let us cats be the snarky ones, okay? Surely you should know that Sam’s life will be challenging. And complicated. He’s nonverbal. He’s a brilliant artist. And as if that wasn’t enough for a kid to carry around, he’s a freaking Draiocht wizard. What a combination. His family is supportive and loves him dearly. Mimi, his great-grandmother, is a respected witch and wants him to flourish. After his parents’ nasty divorce, his mother, Andie, is finally getting her life together. Even though she’s also a witch, she still has a hard time getting a grip on the boy’s magical gift. And as for his grandmother, everyone knows Rhea has a heart of gold. But the flighty spirit of an old hippie. Good thing she has Alika with her.
M: You certainly will have your hands—I mean, paws, full. At first, Alika wasn’t excited to be with Rhea, but now they are inseparable. How about you? So far meeting your expectations?
TAU: I’m okay with it. Except when that dog’s around, I’m the center of attention in Sam’s world. Aside from that, I’m pleased.
M: Good to hear that! I’ll check back to see your progress with Sam. I’m sure there will be more stories ahead.
TAU: You can bet on it.
***
There hasn’t been one Caterview that went in a predictable direction. As usual, the cats are right. As the author, I should have known about all their past. But Tau arrived in Baga Shores with very little fanfare and no history. You heard more about him today than anyone else has, including me! These felines are something else!