Hidden Secrets

by Jannine Gallant

  “Leo’s just over a hundred pounds. He’s been hard to place since he isn’t overly friendly. But he’s pretty well-behaved. If you’re looking for a loyal dog that will protect your friend, this one would be ideal. As long as she takes him for regular walks, the space issue shouldn’t be a problem.”

  The man reminded Quentin of a used car salesman trying to unload a lemon. But something about the giant mop appealed to him. “I assume he’s housebroken?”

  “Definitely. He also obeys basic commands and walks well on a leash without pulling, at least not too hard.”

  The dog had to weigh as much as Paige. Quentin wasn’t sure who would be walking whom. He took a moment to wonder if she’d kill him for foisting this giant fleabag on her. He’d go with his gut, and his gut was telling him Leo and Paige were meant to be.

  “I’ll take him.”

  “You will?” The man’s brows shot up in surprise.

  “That’s great. This big guy deserves a good home. Let’s go deal with the paperwork before we bring him out.”

  An hour later, Quentin drove through Siren Cove with Leo sitting on the front passenger seat of his Jag. The window was partway down, and his dreadlocks flapped in the chilly breeze. Better than putting up with the smell. Paige’s new dog needed a bath. Quentin had stopped at the pet store to buy a giant bag of dog food, a couple of bowls, a collar and leash, and dog shampoo. He figured if he showed up with the required supplies, Paige was less likely to send him and Leo packing.

  Taking the corner into his neighborhood, he eyed the dog, who eyed him back with supreme skepticism. His odds of getting bitten while bathing the fur ball were probably better than even, but a clean mutt would make a better first impression than a dirty, stinky one. And if he did get chewed on, at least Leo was current on his shots. Quentin had the bill to prove it.

  He parked in his driveway and got out. Across the street, Keely turned cartwheels on the lawn in front of her house. Coco, her white and tan Papillion, frisked around the girl, emitting shrill yaps. Quentin could only hope Leo wasn’t hungry because the miniature dog looked like a snack. After grabbing the bottle of shampoo, he slammed the door and walked around the front to let the big guy out. Holding tight to the leash, he headed toward the side of the house where a hose was curled near some shrubs.

  “You got a dog!” Keely practically flew across the street with Coco in hot pursuit. “Can I pet her, Quentin? What’s her name?”

  “His name. Leo’s a boy.” He drew in a breath as the huge dog sniffed Keely’s small one. Thankfully, there was no growling by either party. Apparently Leo got on well with other dogs. “You can pet him, but let him smell your hand first.”

  Keely did as instructed, her silvery-gray eyes sparkling with excitement. “He’s kind of funny looking, like a lion, and he smells bad.”

  The dreadlocks did resemble a mane. “I’m going to hose him down before I take him to Paige. Leo will be her dog.”

  “I bet she’ll love him.” Keely danced in a circle, her long blond ponytail swishing. “Can I help you wash him? I’m good at giving dogs baths.”

  “Sure, but I’m not too certain how he’ll like getting wet. Stay back until we see.”

  The dog behaved amazingly well throughout the ordeal. He didn’t look thrilled, but he didn’t try to bite anyone. It took three towels to get him semi-dry, but in the end, Leo smelled much better. Quentin and Keely, however, were both soaked.

  “Tell your dad and Nina I’m sorry you got so wet.”

  “Daddy’s at work, and Nina is painting. Me and Coco will go dry off.”

  “Thanks for your help.”

  “You’re welcome. Bye, Quentin.” After hugging Leo, she ran across the street and disappeared inside.

  Feeling like he was leading a small pony, Quentin tugged Leo toward the door. Once inside the house, he left the dog to his own devices and ran upstairs to change. Ten minutes later, they were back in the car on the way to Paige’s store. He parked on the street and unloaded the food and other paraphernalia before letting the dog out.

  “Cross your toes this goes well, bud, or it’s back to the shelter for you.” The dog let out a low woof Quentin hoped indicated cooperation. After heaving the bag of food over his shoulder, he gathered up the rest of the crap and gave the leash a tug. “Let’s do this.”

  The bells jingled over the door as they entered the store. Behind the counter, Mindy’s eyes widened as Leo dropped onto his butt to scratch.

  “What an . . . unusual looking dog. Did you bring him down from Seattle, Quentin?”

  “Nope. He’s a Siren Cove specialty. Is Paige around?”

  “She’s in the storage room. Uh, you and your pal can go on back, I guess.”

  After setting down the food bag, Quentin gave the leash a tug, and the dog followed him through the rows of antiques. He smiled at two older women browsing near a shelf filled with china. The customers gave Leo a wary look as he passed but didn’t run screaming from the shop. Considering that a good sign, Quentin paused in the doorway to the back room. Paige glanced up from sorting through a bin beneath her work bench, and the smile on her face morphed into a round oh of amazement.

  “Who’s your friend?”

  “Leo. He’s going to keep you company and scare away bad guys. I don’t like the idea of you here alone without protection.”

  She rose slowly to her feet, never taking her eyes off the dog. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Not in the least. I picked him out at the animal shelter an hour ago. Leo is all yours.”

  “He’s as big as a moose. He’ll destroy more merchandise than a dozen ‘bad guys.’ I like dogs, but I don’t have time for one.”

  “You mentioned getting a puppy. The advantage to Leo is he’s already house trained. No poop piles on your carpet.”

  She turned her narrowed gaze on him. “Take him back.”

  Leo let out a low moan and dropped to the floor.

  “You hurt his feelings. The poor guy has been at the shelter since August in a cold cell with no one to love him. You couldn’t be so cruel.”

  “Damn it, Quentin!”

  “Look at those sad eyes. How can you resist that face?”

  “I can’t even see his eyes through the fur. What the heck is he?”

  “A Puli and Giant Schnauzer mix. He has character, and he loves women. Men, not so much. So far, he’s tolerated me. Your customers weren’t afraid of him since he doesn’t look threatening like a Doberman or Pitbull, but the guy at the shelter said he’ll be very protective.”

  She let out a long sigh as she came forward to rub Leo’s ears. In response, he leaned against her leg. She staggered beneath his weight.

  “See, he already loves you.”

  “Jerk.”

  “Hey, what did he do?”

  “Not the dog. You. You know perfectly well I won’t return him to the shelter, not after the sob story you gave me.”

  A relieved smile formed as Quentin reached across the dog to give her a quick hug. “I was counting on that. You two will get along great, and I’ll sleep better at night knowing you have backup with sharp teeth.”

  “Let’s hope he doesn’t bite my customers by mistake.”

  “I’m pretty sure he’s smarter than that. I’ll go get his stuff, then take him upstairs. Do you have a few minutes to spare?”

  “Let me finish what I was doing, and I’ll come on up.” With a nod, Quentin prodded Leo to his feet. “Let’s go, boy.”

  The dog followed him after a couple of tugs, and they climbed the stairs to Paige’s apartment. Leaving him to sniff the room, Quentin ran back down and collected the food and other supplies. By the time he’d put the kibble in the pantry, Paige entered the apartment. She went straight to the big brute and scratched his ears. Leo moaned in response.

  “He’s not the best-looking dog on the planet, but he seems sweet. You should have asked before you committed me to a decade plus of dog ownership. How old is Leo, anyway?”

/>   “Three.” Quentin shut the pantry door. “Maybe, but I was afraid you’d say no, and I want you to be safe. Did that asshole steal anything really valuable?”

  “I finished the inventory a little while ago. What’s strange is he didn’t take anything. I called Chris, and he said maybe we interrupted the thief before he had time to find whatever he was after. His theory is there’s a specific item he saw and wanted. I have some pretty valuable pieces scattered in among the fifty-dollar vases.”

  “Then I guess you got lucky.”

  “Definitely. I just hope he doesn’t return.”

  “If he does, you can sic Leo on him. So, you’re doing okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” When her phone dinged, she pulled it from her pocket and frowned. “Mindy’s texting me. Difficult client. I’ll see you later, okay?”

  “Sure. I’ll give Leo some food and water and then take off.”

  She reached the door and looked over her shoulder. “We’ll talk more about sharing dog duties. Bye, Quentin.”

  His smile dissolved. Apparently he and Leo would be seeing a lot more of each other. With a shrug, he filled the dog’s bowls, patted his big head, and left the apartment. Nearing the bottom of the stairs, a loud male voice drowned out Paige’s quieter tones. Several customers browsed between clusters of furniture, but the man near the storage room door talking to Paige looked familiar.

  “You’re welcome to look around on your own, Senator LaPine, but you can’t go in the employee only areas.” She pointed to the sign posted beside the door. “I’m also happy to help you locate something specific.”

  “My sister said you have a good selection of girly crap women like to put on shelves. I’m looking for something expensive for my wife.”

  “A Christmas gift?”

  “More like a peace offering.”

  “Your mother had a lot of nice glassware and crystal. I’m surprised you didn’t pick out a few items of hers for your wife.”

  His mouth twisted. “Believe me, Virginia would prefer to have something that wasn’t my mother’s. The two have never gotten along well, but they both love antiques.”

  “If you’ll come this way, I’ll show you a few things your wife might like.” As she passed Quentin, Paige gave him a pained look.

  He repressed a smile as he headed toward the door. With a wave to Mindy, who was manning the front counter, he left the shop. He wondered what their State Senator had done to piss off his wife. Based on a few comments made by his brother-in-law while they were cleaning out the shed, the man was something of an egomaniac.

  And that reminded him he needed to take the fishing pole and spear out of Paige’s van and put them up on the restaurant wall. At least he hoped they were still in her van. As he climbed into his car, which still smelled faintly of wet dog, he decided the chore could wait. He’d make her the dinner he still owed her after the previous night’s fiasco, work out a custody arrangement for Leo, and ask her about the fishing gear tonight. Humming beneath his breath, he started the engine and pulled out onto the street. The day promised to be a good one.

  Chapter Eight

  Wearing heavy-duty rubber gloves, Paige pulled the branding iron out of the cleaning solution and swore. The top curve of the S had deteriorated past the point of repair. She’d been afraid that might happen, but leaving rust clinging to the surface hadn’t been an option.

  Good thing I didn’t pay Zeb much for that piece. She dropped it into the barrel she used for trash. Metal clanged against metal.

  From the old blanket she’d placed beneath her work bench, Leo raised his head and let out a low woof.

  “Sorry. Did that clamor disturb you, boy? Better get used to lots of noise around here.”

  After rinsing the solution from a fireplace poker and shovel, she removed her gloves and carried the set of tools out to the show room. Rounding a tall grandfather clock, she smacked into a sturdy shoulder and wobbled precariously.

  “Careful of the suit.” Mason LaPine grabbed her arm to steady her. He eyed the poker. “I don’t need any holes in my pants.”

  “Sorry, Senator. I didn’t realize you were still here.”

  “I had to leave earlier to take a phone call, but I came back after a quick lunch. I’ve decided to buy that Fabergé egg for my wife.”

  “Excellent choice.” Inside, she did a happy dance, but outwardly she maintained a serene expression. “The ornament is up front near the counter, not back here.”

  “I was just looking around . . .” His voice trailed off, and he pointed to a white marble cat. “Wasn’t that statue my mother’s?”

  “Yes, it’s a beautiful piece.”

  “I remember getting yelled at for touching it.” He turned his back on the shelf. “I’ll take that egg, now.”

  “Certainly.” She hung the shovel and poker on a rack next to a butter churn—minus its plunger. The glue she’d used to repair the base of the cracked dasher should be dried by now.

  LaPine cleared his throat. “I’m in a bit of a hurry.” Paige resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she led the way toward the front of the store. Now he’s in a rush? Carefully, she lifted the ornate Fabergé egg from its stand and carried it to the counter. “Please wrap this for Senator LaPine and ring up the purchase, Mindy.”

  “Of course. What a beautiful piece. Your wife will love it, Senator.”

  “Let’s hope,” he grunted.

  With a final smile, Paige returned to her work room and bent to scratch Leo’s ears. “Score! That sale will keep you in dog food for a while.”

  After putting on her gloves, she pulled the andirons out of the solution in the soaking tub and studied them. The rust was gone, and the finials had cleaned up beautifully. She’d double her money on the pair.

  When the landline extension rang on the wall next to her, she tugged off one glove and answered it. “Old Things. This is Paige.”

  “Miss Shephard, Zeb Stillwater here. I know we talked about setting up a time for you to come out to the farm again, but . . .” Irritation laced the congenial man’s tone as his voice trailed off.

  “Is there a problem, Zeb?”

  “You could say that. My grandsons don’t believe I know the value of my own collection, which apparently means you’re trying to cheat them out of their inheritance.” His voice grew even gruffer. “Since those two are all I have in the way of family to keep me company in my old age, I’m going to pass on selling anything more. Let them deal with the lot when I’m gone.”

  Her heart ached a little for him. “I certainly don’t want to come between you and your family, Zeb.”

  “I appreciate your understanding. You’re a lovely young woman.”

  “And you’re a real gentleman. Thanks for calling.”

  “You bet. Have a nice day.”

  When he hung up, she returned the receiver to the cradle. “Well, that sucks.”

  “What sucks?”

  Paige glanced over when Mindy paused in the doorway. “A terrific source just dried up.”

  “That’s too bad. What’s with Senator LaPine? The man was acting kind of strange.”

  “My guess is a guilty conscience. He must have done something pretty awful if he needed to sooth his wife’s ruffled feathers with a Fabergé egg.”

  “No kidding. Oops, the door bells are chiming. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Paige cleaned the andirons and took them out to the shop, where she posted price tags on all her new acquisitions before returning to the storage room. Pausing in front of an armoire she’d acquired from Lola Copeland, she fisted her hands on her hips. The solid oak cabinet weighed a ton. Maybe if she took out the shelves and drawers, she and Mindy would be able to move it with a little help from Quentin the next time he stopped by. The shelves were easy to remove, but when she pulled out the bottom drawer, something rattled.

  “That’s weird.” The drawer was empty, but the interior space wasn’t as deep as she’d expected. “I wonder . . .” Paige felt along the ed
ge until her fingers encountered a groove. Giving it a tug, she pulled out a false bottom. “Well, what do you know? The man wasn’t lying.”

  A packet of baseball cards and a dozen comic books rested in the shallow space. In addition, several polished stones, a few Playboy magazines, and a silver letter opener were hidden in the drawer. The handle of the opener was fashioned in the shape of a naked mermaid. Apparently Baird Copeland had a healthy appetite for nude women when he was a teenager.

  Leo stretched out on the blanket and rested his nose on his paws to stare at her, and Paige’s heart melted a little as she met his wary gaze. “I guess I should tell Baird I found his baseball cards. Eat crow, so to speak. Every now and then, I do make a mistake.”

  Like believing she wanted a cute little puppy instead of an older dog. After a couple of hours spent with Leo, she wouldn’t trade him for anything. The big, silly-looking brute needed her, and right now, being needed felt pretty damn good. Not that she intended to express that particular sentiment to Quentin. She’d rather apologize to Baird Copeland, and that was saying a lot.

  After searching through a pile of business cards on the work counter, she pulled out the one belonging to the lawyer and picked up the phone to dial his number. When his office assistant put her on hold, she gritted her teeth. Maybe she’d actually growled beneath her breath because Leo stood up and leaned against her leg. Burying her fingers in his dreadlocks, she wondered why no one had ever told her that petting a dog could ease away tension.

  “What can I do for you, Ms. Shephard?” Baird’s forceful tone replaced the easy listening music playing in her ear. “I don’t suppose you found my property, which you claimed not to have.”

  “Actually, I did. You can hardly blame me for not knowing those cards were concealed in the false bottom of a drawer.”

  “I thought I checked . . . never mind.” His voice grew less aggressive. “Was anything else in there?”