Mimi Lee Gets a Clue

by Jennifer J. Chow

  Then they stood in the doorway, watching us while I placed Marshmallow in the back of the car. Josh waited until I’d finished and then opened the passenger’s side door for me. As I got in, I saw Dad give him a thumbs-up.

  Josh started the engine, and Ma began shouting from the doorstep.

  “What’s she saying?” he asked me.

  I rolled down my window.

  Ma flapped her hands in an urgent manner.

  Josh peeked over at me. “Is she saying, ‘Go, Stan’? Did she mix up my name with an old boyfriend of yours?”

  “No.” I laughed. “She’s saying, ‘Gostan.’ Like ‘go astern’? She wants to tell you the street is clear and you should back up now.”

  “Interesting,” Josh said and started reversing. Ma beamed.

  We drove down the street, and Josh said, “How did Family Game Night go? Do you think they like me?”

  “You’ve definitely won them over, what with bringing the snack mix and letting Ma take the money jar.” I paused. “Ma approves for certain.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  I smirked. “She started using her Manglish on you.”

  CHAPTER

  thirty-one

  MY PERSONAL LIFE seemed to be on the upswing. Alice had job stability now, and my parents approved of Josh.

  I hoped I would get a lucky break in the Russ Nolan case as well. Detective Brown might have been too distracted to give me immediate grief, but like a bloodhound, he wouldn’t stop unless I provided him with other quarry. So I decided to return to the scene of the crime.

  As we parked in the familiar neighborhood, Marshmallow groaned. “Not again, Mimi. We probably haunt this place more than Russ Nolan’s own ghost.”

  I shushed him and said, “I’m still looking for answers.”

  We walked up to the humble-looking house. Though the porch still creaked, the new renter had added a lounge chair and a potted plant in a stand to make the home look more inviting.

  Henry, once more decked out in his newsboy outfit, opened the door and beamed at us. “Visiting the neighborhood again?”

  “We happened to be close by.”

  He looked at Marshmallow and spoke. “No more running into people’s yards, I hope.”

  “Thankfully not,” I said.

  Henry hooked his fingers under his suspenders. “Quite a few pet owners must live nearby. I saw a young woman pass by a few minutes ago with two pups. They looked just like the one you had the other day.”

  “Chihuahuas are a popular breed. How are you settling in here?” I gestured at the chair on the porch and said, “You’ve been adding some nice touches.”

  “Inside as well.” He shuffled to the side, and I peeked past him.

  “The place looks great,” I said, and it did. The house appeared more organized than before. Even the carpet seemed fluffy after the recent steaming. “I’m curious. Did the previous tenant leave behind anything in the house?”

  “The house came furnished, not that it matters much to me. I’m a simple guy. A place to lay down my head is all I need.”

  I coughed. “Did you happen to get a stocked pantry? Some owners do that as a courtesy.” After my tour, I already knew the answer. Would he see through my ruse?

  Henry looked behind him, as though using his X-ray vision to peer through the kitchen cabinets. “Actually, yes.”

  “That’s great.” I patted Marshmallow’s tummy. “Poor guy’s hungry. Do you have any canned tuna? Or maybe cereal?”

  He cocked his head at me. “I think there’s rice and beans.”

  “No cereal? I’m surprised. It’s usually a basic staple.”

  “I said the same thing to Kevin, the owner. He told me the previous tenant didn’t eat cereal, so he hadn’t bothered to purchase any.”

  “Well, it couldn’t hurt for me to ask.” I stroked Marshmallow. “But as you can tell, he won’t be starving to death anytime soon.”

  Marshmallow narrowed his eyes at me. I smiled back at him.

  So it turned out that Russ Nolan didn’t eat cereal. This made the empty shredded wheat box from the trash bin appear even more out of place.

  Marshmallow poked his head in the doorway and sniffed the air.

  “Do you smell something?” I asked Marshmallow.

  “That’s cute,” Henry said. “I hear pet owners sometimes talk to their animals like they can understand them.”

  I’d forgotten the old man was listening. “Oh, yeah.” I nodded. “Marshmallow looks so intelligent, you know.”

  “I am intelligent,” Marshmallow said. He swiveled his head back and forth and took a deeper whiff. “I definitely smell orange. The same citrus scent I’ve noticed on . . .”

  I also sniffed the air. “Nicola,” I mouthed.

  Henry peered at my lips. “What was that? I didn’t turn up my hearing aids. You’ll have to speak louder.”

  Actually, I did smell something. But not oranges. “Flowers?” I asked.

  Henry adjusted the cap on his head. “Yes. Actually, I was about to go next door when you came by.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded, shuffled around the corner, and reappeared with an enormous bouquet of lilacs. “I’m looking forward to meeting my neighbors, starting with the girl next door.”

  “We won’t keep you, then.” I made to leave, but Marshmallow curled up on the lounge chair outside. “Oh, I’m gonna stay to watch this,” he said.

  Henry noticed Marshmallow’s reluctance to move. “Sit for a spell if you wish.”

  “Good luck,” I said as Henry grabbed his cane and moved with care over to the home next door.

  From the edge of the porch, we could spy on Shirl’s house without being seen. Henry shuffled up her driveway, and I turned to Marshmallow.

  “Did you really smell orange?” I asked him.

  “The same smell as her breath mints.”

  “She must have come in the house recently.”

  “Perhaps when we went to see Shirl to retrieve the bracelet . . .”

  Aha. When we had finished talking with Shirl, we hadn’t been able to find Nicola. She had told me she’d “taken a walk.” Had she strolled inside Russ Nolan’s house? And for what?

  Marshmallow flicked his paw toward the house next door. “Show’s about to start, Mimi.”

  Henry used the bottom of his cane to knock on Shirl’s door. Then he stood up straight, clutching the bouquet in his hand.

  The door flew open, and Shirl said, “I’m not buying whatever it is you’re selling.”

  Henry didn’t flinch at her harsh words but presented his bouquet. “These are for you, miss.”

  Shirl took a step back. Then she grabbed the flowers as though she thought Henry would reconsider his offer. She brought them up to her nose and spoke above the fragrant arrangement. “Who are you?”

  “I’m your new next-door neighbor, Henry.” He pointed our way, and I ducked out of sight.

  “The new renter, huh? I’m glad you’re not here to borrow something from me.”

  I came out of hiding to watch them interact.

  “No, I’m here to be of service to my neighbors.” Henry gave a charming little bow.

  Shirl looked like she felt a mix of emotions, a feeling somewhere between startled and amused.

  “I look forward to seeing more of you,” Henry said.

  She nodded and closed the door, but with a gentle click.

  From the lounge chair, Marshmallow yawned. “What a letdown. I thought maybe she’d slam it in his face.”

  “See,” I said, pointing to Henry as he started coming back in his slow gait. A big smile spread across his face. “That’s what happens when you’re nice to others, Marshmallow.”

  When Henry returned, he paused on the porch and huffed. “A gem of a woman.” />
  Marshmallow gave a soft hiss.

  “Shirl is definitely an original,” I said. “Thanks for letting us take a breather.”

  “Any time, and feel free to visit again when you’re in the area.”

  “I would love to.” Given his bowing ways, I almost wanted to curtsy for him. I decided to shake his hand instead.

  As Marshmallow and I started heading back to the car, I spied the dog walker Henry had mentioned before. On closer look, though, I recognized the woman half-running down the sidewalk.

  Instead of walking her two dogs, though, she seemed to be dragging one by the leash and holding the other limp puppy in her arms.

  I rushed to meet her. “Zel,” I said. “What’s the matter?”

  CHAPTER

  thirty-two

  MAGNUS’S NIECE STRUGGLED to maintain control of both puppies at the same time. I took hold of the leash of the healthy dog. Little Sparky lay in her arms, and the other dog was Tigre, leader of the Chihuahua pack.

  Sparky wiggled in her arms and gave a sharp bark.

  “He feels a stabbing pain near his knee,” Marshmallow told me. His eyes locked onto the pup.

  Zel’s eyes glistened with moisture. “I was taking the two of them for a walk, but then the tiny guy yelped in pain. He started dragging his leg.”

  “It’s the genetic knee problem getting worse,” I said.

  “Can you give me a good referral?” Zel asked. “You must have medical contacts in your line of work.”

  “Stay,” I told Tigre. Then I let go of his leash and searched through the contacts on my phone. “Dr. Exi might be able to help.”

  “Please call right now,” Zel said.

  I dialed the vet’s office. After telling them it was an urgent matter, I managed to squeeze in an appointment for the late afternoon.

  “May I borrow Sparky for the day?” I said. “I can take him to the vet for you. It’s near Hollywoof.”

  “Sparky, huh?” Zel stroked the top of the puppy’s head. “What a fun name. And it would help us if you took him. Let me just double-check with my uncle.”

  She texted him and got quick approval.

  I motioned to Tigre. “Do any of the other dogs feel poorly, Zel?”

  “I don’t think so . . . at least not in the same way.”

  “Given Russ Nolan’s track record,” I said, “it may only be a matter of time.”

  Zel frowned. “Uncle Magnus and I have only ever dealt with healthy dogs. Would people be willing to take on these sick puppies?”

  I peered into Sparky’s soulful eyes. “I’d like to think so. In the meantime, though, we still must help them somehow.”

  She nodded and handed the tiny Chihuahua over to me.

  Back at Hollywoof, while I waited for the time to pass until the vet appointment, I paced the store. I was grateful, though, to know that Marshmallow could voice Sparky’s every need. I lent the tiny Chihuahua the softest dog pillow bed I could find. Marshmallow even gave Sparky his coveted sunny spot before the window to better rest.

  After I wrapped up with a few clients and it came time to see Dr. Exi, I grabbed one of Indira’s designs. I did feel pretty stylish strapping Sparky to my chest in a glittering golden pouch.

  At the vet’s office, they took us to the examination room right away.

  Dr. Exi tutted while he examined Sparky. “It’s not terrible, but I am out of ketamine and need to special order some to numb his pain. By the way, your pouch is an excellent idea. Puts less stress on his bones.”

  “Sparky isn’t the only puppy I’ve seen with this problem,” I said. “In fact, Russ Nolan bred a lot of Chihuahuas who have the same genetic issues, and they all need help.”

  Dr. Exi’s face somehow grew paler than usual. “You need medicine for a lot of puppies? That won’t be cheap.”

  I wondered if Magnus might cover the cost. But he’d indicated that he didn’t want to keep the puppies too long, so I doubted that he’d be interested in making such a huge financial investment.

  As an animal lover, if I had the money, I would do it in a heartbeat. But I didn’t have the extra resources. I needed to find a person with a big heart and a big purse. Someone invested in charitable efforts who could really feel for the puppies’ plight.

  A name popped up in my head: Lauren Dalton. And, though I didn’t know her entire schedule, I knew exactly where she’d be tonight.

  * * *

  • • •

  I made sure to get to Downward Doggie early. With Marshmallow by my side and Sparky cuddled in my puppy pouch, I marched into the yoga studio with confidence. A few familiar-looking ladies came and greeted me as I waited for Lauren to show up.

  When a frazzled Lauren finally arrived, she walked Sterling in. The dog seemed healthy, but Lauren looked out of sorts without Nicola around. She kept pulling on her spandex outfit, seeming uncomfortable in the clingy fabric.

  On seeing me there, she did a double take. “Mimi, have you adopted a new dog?”

  “Oh no. I’m borrowing Sparky for the day. Actually, I have a favor I wanted to ask you. I know you’re a very giving woman and a fellow pet lover.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tammy and a few other doggie moms walk into the classroom.

  “This is one of Russ Nolan’s puppies,” I said. “He apparently bred quite a number of them. Though somebody is taking care of the abandoned Chihuahuas for now, he can’t for much longer. And the puppies are all starting to have knee problems.”

  Lauren let out a small gasp. “Those poor babies.”

  “You love dogs and . . .” According to Nicola, Lauren had the time, since she’d canceled a few charity events. She might not be super generous toward assistants, based on her treatment of Nicola, but maybe she’d be on board to help the pups. “The vet I spoke with said he could give them ketamine, but it’s too expensive for me to fund. Would you take on these puppies out of your generous nature?”

  “You mean, pay for their medication?” She pursed her lips. “I’m not sure I can endure unnatural chemicals flooding their delicate bodies.”

  “But what other option is there?”

  Marshmallow touched my leg with his paw. “How about asking her for something she actually believes in?”

  I gave him a puzzled look and saw his eyes flicker to Sterling.

  “I’ve got another idea,” I said. “Acupuncture has worked wonders for Sterling. Maybe you could connect the puppies with your specialist? Help them through a more natural method.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Sterling’s acupuncturist is so good. I absolutely trust her work, and I’ve been wanting to send her more business.”

  “If we stabilize their health right now, maybe the puppies will have a better chance of getting adopted.”

  She tapped her lip with a polished nail. “Class is about to begin. Let’s talk more afterward. By the way, do you think your doggie will be able to participate?”

  I looked down at Sparky, nestled in the gold pouch. “He’s sleeping right now. Maybe when Sparky feels better—after some acupuncture.”

  Excusing myself, I went to the back, where I saw Tammy already seated. Kale, looking listless, was slumped at her feet.

  I greeted her, but Tammy seemed lost in thought. Deciding to give her a few minutes of peace, I watched the yoga-ing puppies and their owners. I saw ladies on their backs trying to balance doggies on their upturned palms and bent knees.

  Then I turned to Tammy again. “How is Kale doing?” I asked.

  She didn’t answer me, and I nudged Marshmallow with my foot. I knew he could get answers. Marshmallow snuck over to Kale and meowed at her. The puppy whimpered back.

  “Not doing so good,” Marshmallow said. “She can’t wait for the surgery to happen.”

  I turned to Tammy and raised my voice to get her attention.
“You don’t want to stay home tonight? Kale looks very weak.”

  Tammy fidgeted with the handle of her metal-studded bag. “I needed to get out of the house.”

  Of course she did. Being in the middle of a divorce situation must make for a dreadful living arrangement. And despite her cropped tanks and bling sandals, Tammy couldn’t actually turn back time to the sweeter beginning of her romance.

  Nodding at Marshmallow, Tammy asked, “Who’s your vet?”

  Without thinking, I said, “Dr. Exi.”

  “Oh.”

  Indira entered then, the last of the ladies to arrive. She rolled in a large suitcase, with no doubt a ton of merchandise inside.

  Spying my soft doggie carrier, which matched her own, she gave me a smile and sat down next to me. “Who have you got in there?”

  “Sparky.”

  “Huh. He looks a lot like Ash.” Her own little pooch popped up from her white silk pouch.

  I shrugged. “Yeah, well . . .”

  “Thanks for wearing my design. Did you adopt him?”

  “Um, it’s a short-term foster,” I said. Really temporary. One day only.

  Marshmallow jumped onto a chair near Indira and looked at Ash, and they started chatting away.

  Indira covered her ears. “An off-key dog and cat choir.”

  “Who said cats and dogs don’t get along?”

  Their duet stopped short, and Marshmallow sprang onto my lap. I startled. The chair wobbled but stayed put.

  Marshmallow gave me an intense stare. “Guess what I just found out? Ash saw what was in the cereal box the day Indira became her new owner. She said Russ Nolan kept stacks of rectangular green paper in it—printed with large numbers and people’s faces.”

  CHAPTER

  thirty-three

  ASH MUST HAVE spied stacks of money. Wads of cash stuffed into an empty cereal box. In fact, hadn’t Russ Nolan paid Kevin Walker with money on hand to compensate for the undisclosed dog breeding activity? And bribed the volunteer at American Dog Makers with moola, too?