They were meeting at a diner that had become one of their more regular haunts. Finch was uncharacteristically late, and the others had already settled into their booth to enjoy a cup of coffee when he finally arrived.
Finch apologized for his tardiness, stating "I was compelled to stop and render assistance to a poor unfortunate as I was en route" and with that he pulled a rather bedraggled calico kitten from his coat pocket and placed it on the table. (Reese took the staffs unflappable acceptance of the kitten as further proof of Harold's probable ownership of the establishment)
As the kitten lapped at the cream Fusco had poured into a saucer, Carter cooed "He's such a sweetie! He looks just like momma's old cat. Poor thing finally passed last month."
"Really?" Finch remarked innocently. "Perhaps your mother could see her way to providing some shelter for our homeless waif. I don't think I could spare the time to take care of a kitten, as looking after our Mr. Reese occupies far too much of my time."
Reese rolled his eyes at the dig but said nothing, merely sharing a knowing glance with Fusco.
Apparently the Pet Fairy had struck again.