Valdis shrugged, watching Anani start to groom the kitten when Trahearne set it down, still purring. The gentleness the cat expressed must have made the kit feel safe, because she mewed and snuggled up to him.

"I'm not officially on duty," she replied, "I just thought I'd look into it since there aren't many white, fluffy and small animals around. Not that the Sentry would arrest my cat on kidnapping charges.

"But, seeing as how the kit is quite happy here, I don't see a reason to return her, legal or not. Besides, I doubt the seller will make an official report."