"After I was up and about, I noticed LC out on the deck curled up on the plywood I keep out there on a short table as shelter from the rain when there is a surprise shower. Everything seems normal".
Or is it?
I looked at the security bar on the deck door and it was down. I leave it attached at night, but not in the daytime.
I channelled Detective Skeeter for some assistance. The connection was faint but clear.
He asked:
Skeeter: Did you let LC out first thing this morning? You usually do.
["Don't think so"...]
Skeeter: Did you leave her outside last night?
["Don't think so"...]
Skeeter: Did you perhaps leave the basement door cracked open? You have been known to do that!
["Well, I'm sure I didn't. Ayla is inside and she desperately wants to get outside and she is inside standing next to me. But I ran down the stairs to check. Nope, the basement door is secured".]
Skeeter: Well, have you checked inside for LC?
["Well, duh, she's asleep on the deck"!]
Skeeter: Are you sure?
["Yes, I'm looking at her".]
Skeeter: Check the bedroom...
[Do you know what I found in the bedroom?
Are you sure?
Are you REALLY REALLY sure?
I found LC asleep in the middle of the bed!!!]
Skeeter: Tap the glass and snap a picture!
["?"]
Skeeter: Be prepared fer a surprize!
YIKES!
That sure isn't LC! Thanks Skeeter...
I quietly let LC out of the basement door and waited for her to detect the ugly mancat wannabe suitor of Ayla. The action was too fast to photo, but she did puff up huge, did her Tigger-bounce onto him, scared the tootsie-rolls out of him, and chased him the full length of the yard til he desperately clambered over the fence and disappeared across the lawns. She spent 10 minutes marching back and forth along the back fence, then came trotting home tail held high!
I encouraged Ayla and Iza into the bedroom and closed the door. LC got LOTS of HAM cubes all to her self and I gave her chin and ear scritchies for a half hour (her choice)...