Bruce knelt by me. “You okay?”
“I'm fine.”
He helped me to my feet.
“We're fine too,” Shelbee said as she sat up and surveyed the damage.
Bruce extended a hand, wearing a chagrined expression.
Lillian supported Jac as she stood up.
Canned goods mixed with oranges and apples lay scattered across the grass. At our feet, broken eggs dripped from their carton coating oatmeal spilled from its container.
Paw sniffed at a package of ground beef. “Woof!” He licked and chewed at the wrapper then whined as Lillian and I hauled him away from it.
Shelbee stared at the mess with hands on hips as Jac retrieved the ground beef. “Well...I guess it's back to the grocery store.”
She and Jac began cleaning up as I said, “I'll pay for the damaged items.”
Jac smiled. “Patricia will appreciate it.”
Bruce said, “Her car's in the lot.”
“Whose car?” Shelbee asked as she stacked canned goods in a pile.
“Karen's,” I said.
“We passed her as we drove home,” Jac said. “I'll get a shovel to pick up the oatmeal and eggs.”
Shelbee nodded.
“Wait!” I said as Jac was leaving. “Where did you see Karen?”
Shelbee waved Jac on. “She was sitting on a bench outside the coffee shop.”
“How long ago was it?” Bruce asked as he reached into his pocket.
“Five maybe ten minutes.”
Bruce withdrew his car keys. “Let's go.”
I nodded. “Sorry about the mess,” I said to her.
Shelbee shrugged. “When Paw's around, mischief happens.”
“Woof!”
Bruce had the car running when Paw and I got there. I opened the back door, Paw jumped in, and I followed. Bruce accelerated out of the lot and turned left, speeding down the hill.
He braked when he came upon a slow-moving car. There was no passing on this stretch of the road. Bruce tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as we crawled along.
“We'll find her,” I said. “She hasn't any money or identification. She won't get far.”
Bruce grunted out a “Maybe.”
The driver ahead flicked on their turn signal and turned into the parking lot reserved for the park.
I peered through the windshield as Bruce turned down Curzon then left onto Main. As we passed my house on the left and the pet shop on the right, I watched for Karen. As we neared the coffee shop, I saw her sitting on the bench outside.
“There she is,” I said pointing.
Bruce parked by the curb in front of the hardware store across the street.
I opened my door and Paw jumped out onto the sidewalk. I scurried after him, holding tight to his leash, then slammed the door.
Bruce waited for us in front of the car, took my hand when we joined him and ushered me across the street.
Karen sat with her head bent, deep in thought. She glanced up with a weary expression when our shadows fell across her.
“What do you want?” she asked.
Tear tracks stained her face. She absently wiped at them with a crumpled tissue.
Paw dropped his head in her lap and gazed at her with big brown eyes.
She caressed his head with slow strokes. “Why would anyone kill her? She was a kind, good person.” Fresh tears trickled down her cheeks.
I sat down beside her while Bruce stuck his hands in his pockets, gazing at the sky.
“I don't know, but we’re trying to find out.” I pondered how to ask her about the letter we found.
Bruce cleared his throat. “If you want the murderer found you need to be honest with us.”
Karen jerked her chin up and glared at him. “I have been honest.”
“Not completely,” Bruce said.
I sighed to myself. Bruce pushed too hard.
Karen stiffened beside me and appeared ready to stand up and stalk off, but Paw's head on her lap held her in place. “What are you insinuating?”
Before Bruce could answer, I said, “We found the letter from Cafferty.”
She gasped. “You had no right to go through my things.”
Bruce crossed his arms. “We had every right. A killer is on the loose.”
Karen slumped back against the bench. “I know,” she said in a weak voice.
“Did you kill Cafferty?” Bruce asked.
“No.”
“But you did come to meet him,” I said.
She nodded but didn't say anymore.
“Why? What secret did he threaten to reveal?” I shifted on the bench.
“Our affair. It was years ago. I still don't know how stupid I could have been. I thought I was in love with him. He could be charming when it suited him.
“I waitressed at the coffee shop across from the bank where Thomas Cafferty worked. I was young and foolishly fell in love with him. Each day he'd eat breakfast and flirt with me, charming me with his wicked grin. I had no idea he was married. Our affair lasted six months; then he tired of me.”
She gazed across the street, lost in thought.
A car crossed the center yellow line, angled toward us, and stopped at the curb. Jac sat behind the wheel, and Samuel stuck his head out the back driver-side window which was rolled down. The passenger door opened and a scowling Lillian got out, slamming the door. She stomped around the car to the sidewalk and waved for Jac to leave.
Jac shrugged and with a sheepish smile to me she drove off.
“Yip.” Bitsy's head poked above the bottom of the driver's window before Jac drove away.
I held up a hand to stave off Lillian's rant.
Karen shook herself. “I never heard from him again until I received the letter threatening to reveal our affair if I didn't meet him here.”
“Why contact you now?” I asked.
“I have a thriving real estate business. My success has landed me lucrative contracts. One of them is for a million-dollar property that Cafferty wanted. He was blackmailing me, threatening to reveal our affair unless I arranged for him to win the bid on the property. A bid that was substantially lower than the property was worth.”
“So?” Lillian said. “What's the big deal? An affair isn't a crime. They happen all the time.”
Karen frowned. “It may not be a big deal to you but to the people I deal with it is. My reputation is above reproach and it must stay that way. Besides, Cafferty was married to Eleanor Gistal when we had our tryst. The Gistals are wealthy and vindictive. If they found out I was one of Thomas's paramours, they would ruin my career.”
“Did you kill him?” Lillian asked.
“No.”
“What about Madeline?”
Karen stiffened in offense. “Certainly not. Madeline is—was—my friend. I need to know who killed her as much as you do.”
I touched her arm. “Did Madeline know about your affair and the letter?”
“No. I was too embarrassed to tell her.” Karen sobbed. “And it's my fault she's dead.”
Bruce jerked to attention.
My mouth gaped. “What?”
“Are you confessing to her murder?” Lillian asked.
Karen whipped her head up, on a strangled sob. “What? No! I would never harm her.” She lowered her head. “Not intentionally.”
Her paused stretched long enough for Lillian to say, “Then why is her death your fault?”
“Because I was a coward to face Thomas alone. When I received his letter, I researched Peaceful Dreams and found out they were hosting a murder mystery. Madeline loved mysteries. She'd dragged me to several games in the past. I could never understand her fascination with them. She'd even search for clues as soon as we got to the events.”
She stared over at me with red-rimmed eyes. “It was easy for me to convince her to come with me. If I had been braver, I would have met Thomas by myself, and she wouldn't have been here. She wouldn't have been killed.”
Karen wept
into her tissue.
Lillian shook her head and spoke with a tinge of exasperation in her voice. “Stop blaming yourself. You had no idea a murder would occur.”
Karen hiccupped. “I should have voted to end the game instead of supporting Madeline's choice.”
Paw whined and raised a paw to Karen's knee.
I loved that my friend showed compassion. “The game may not have anything to do with Cafferty and Madeline's deaths.”
“I agree.” Bruce studied Karen. “I suggest you go back to the B&B.”
“I won't go back in that room.”
I placed a hand on her arm. “I’m sure Robert will trade rooms with you. Once Harry releases your old room, my friends will move your belongings to his room.”
“What about Madeline's things?”
Bruce rubbed the back of his neck. “Harry should release anything that he feels isn't connected to her death.”
Karen nodded. “I'm tired. I'll sit here for a while then I'll walk back. It's peaceful here.”
Bruce jingled his car keys.
I stood up. “We'll go now. If you need someone to talk to, I'd be happy to listen.”
Karen squeezed my hand then released it.
“Come on, boy,” I said to Paw.
He dropped his paw from her knee, lifted his chin, and stood up. He gazed at Karen a moment then turned and trotted by me as we crossed the street.
Lillian marched by me, grumbling, “This time you aren't leaving me behind.”
Bruce opened the front passenger door and bowed to Lillian, who snorted at his actions. While she got in, Paw and I scrambled into the backseat.
Bruce cranked the engine, pulled out into traffic, and drove a block before making a U-turn back toward the B&B.
“Do you believe her?” he asked.
Lillian answered. “Yeah. I do.”
“I agree,” I said.
“Now what?” Lillian asked.
Bruce tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. He jerked the wheel to the right and parked in a vacant spot along the sidewalk near my house. He stared over his left shoulder, out his window.
I turned, glancing out the rear window, wondering what he'd seen. On the opposite sidewalk, Donna Dayton strolled with the Innsmans, Henry trotting ahead with his tail in the air.
“Now we talk to Donna,” Bruce said. He turned off the car and opened his door while watching her.
Paw jumped across me, eager to get out the back-door Bruce held open for me.
By the time I got out, Lillian stood waiting. Bruce took Paw's leash and ruffled his fur. He pointed to Henry. “Look, there's Henry!”
Paw turned his massive head as he followed Bruce's hand. “Woof! Woof!” His joyous bark alerted Henry who strained at his leash. “Woo! Woo!”
Paw ran to the basset, Bruce jogging to keep up.
The Innsmans waved, but Donna ignored us, her arms wrapped around herself.
Paw and Henry met nose to nose and sniffed each other. Their tails wagged at a rapid pace.
From across the street, William chuckled. “I see Henry's made a faithful friend.”
Lillian accepted my escort to cross to Bruce.
I smiled at the dogs. “Paw is the friendly sort.”
Paw and Henry sniffed an enticing scent and tracked it along the sidewalk.
Patricia hugged Donna with one arm. “We're walking back to make breakfast for Donna.”
William glanced at Bruce's car. “Are you going somewhere?”
Bruce thought fast for he said, “We're dropping Lillian off, but we stopped to pick up cat food.” He gestured to the pet shop two doors down.
Patricia raised her eyebrows but didn't contradict Bruce.
Lillian crossed her arms but didn't correct him. Lillian was a well-known frugalist to the locals. No way would she buy high-priced cat food like the pet shop sold. Fortunately, Donna didn't know this fact.
I stepped behind them and moved to Donna's side. “Are you all right?”
Donna lashed out. “Do I look all right?” She sighed. “Sorry. I’m worried about James.”
“Uncle has to hold James because he threatened Jessica.”
Donna bent her head. “I know,” she whispered. “But Jessica provoked him. She's accusing James and me of murder. I know he has a temper, but he wouldn't harm anyone.”
Patricia dropped her arm from Donna's shoulder to search her pockets. She withdrew a tissue and blew her nose. “Allergies.”
She threw the tissue in one of the trash cans set at intervals along the sidewalk. “Jessica is grieving. Some people lash out when they're hurting.”
Donna scowled. “She didn't love him. He was a sugar daddy to her.”
“Why would she accuse you and your husband?” Lillian asked.
Donna glared at her. “Because Cafferty poisoned her mind. He ruined us before and he was determined to do it again.”
“How?” I asked.
She blinked at me. “I'm not sure, but after his fight with James, we're certain he planned to discredit us.”
Lillian snorted. “Sounds like he was a mean snake.”
Donna nodded. “He was.”
Patricia adjusted the sleeves of her sweater. “Let's get you some breakfast then you can find a lawyer for James.”
Bruce handed Paw's leash to me. “We'll see you back at the B&B.”
“See you there,” William said as he escorted Patricia and Donna away, Henry lagging.
Paw whined to see his friend leaving.
“Well?” Bruce asked when they were out of hearing range.
“Donna wants Harry to release her husband. She claims James wouldn’t hurt anyone and that Cafferty was intent on destroying her and her husband’s reputation.”
Bruce rubbed his jaw. “Harry won't release James because he threatened Jessica.”
“Do you think he hurts Donna?”
“Maybe.”
Lillian hmphed. “Do you two brilliant detectives know what you're doing?”
Bruce ignored her sarcasm. “I'm going to the police station.”
“I'll come with you.”
“Me too,” Lillian said.
“Wait,” Bruce said. “One of us should return to the B&B.”
I crossed my arms and lifted my chin. Paw gazed back and forth between Bruce and me. “And who will that be?”
Lillian laughed. “You, young man, are in trouble. But this time I'll help you.” She grasped my arm. “Come on, Clarissa. I'm hungry. We'll go to the B&B.” She whispered in my ear. “That's where the murders took place. Better chance to solve them at the scene of the crime.”
Paw stood between Bruce and me in a tense stance. I looked down at my dog who picked up on my displeasure with Bruce.
I relaxed my arms. “All right. We'll go to the B&B.” I pointed at Bruce. “But you will tell me everything you find out.”
Bruce nodded with a slight smirk that I wanted to wipe off his face.
I knew what he was doing. He figured James or Jessica was the murderer and I would be safe at the B&B.
He handed his car keys to me. “I'll see you later.” He bent to kiss me, but I turned my cheek.
Whistling to himself, Bruce sauntered down the sidewalk toward the station.
“Come on,” Lillian urged me across the street to the car.
“Woof!” Paw ran to the car and hunched down.
“Mreow!”
“Saber?” Lillian crouched to peer under the car.
Paw pushed his head forward. I grabbed his collar afraid that he would knock Lillian over by accident.
Lillian shoved Paw's shoulder. “Get back you, big galoot! You're scaring my baby.”
“Hiss!” Saber assured us that he wasn’t scared just displeased.
I opened the front driver side door and threw in a dog treat. Paw regarded it with his head cocked to the side. “Come on boy. Please get in the car.”
He stared at my pleading eyes then rippled his shoulders as if shrugging. With one powe
rful leap, he jumped onto the front seat and chomped on his treat.
I slammed the door on him.
“Here Saber. Here Kitty. Come to Momma.” Lillian wiggled her fingers at the cat who remained hidden.
“Mreow?”
“Yes. Come here. That old dog is in the car.”
Saber slowly poked his head out and gazed from right to left. Once assured it was safe, he strolled to Lillian and rubbed against her knee.
Lillian swooped him up in her arms, kissing the top of his head. “Good boy.”
She showered more kisses on the cat who closed his eyes and smiled smugly.
I shook my head at Lillian's behavior. Who knew someone with such a crusty demeanor could be so loving to a cat. I grasped her elbow, assisting her to stand.
Lillian spoke while her nose was buried in Saber's neck fur. “Don't shake your head at me, missy. You're just as bad with Paw.”
I smiled. “That's true.”
I gazed around the area. Traffic was light this time of day. No cars passed us, which was good because I didn't want Saber to startle and jump from Lillian's arms.
What were we going to do about him? Would Paw ride with Saber in peace?
“I'll walk with Saber.” Lillian broke through my thoughts.
“No. It's too far to the B&B or your house.”
She harrumphed. “I walked to the B&B from home the other day. I may be older, but I'm active.”
I hesitated.
Lillian nudged me with her shoulder. “Go on. We'll meet you there.”
I hesitated then shrugged and opened the driver's door, pushing Paw to keep him inside.
“Woof!”
“Hiss!”
I jumped in and slammed my door before cat and dog could interact.
Lillian moved to the sidewalk and walked away. When she was far enough ahead that I felt Saber wouldn't be startled, I cranked the engine.
I drove slowly past her and accelerated up the hill, turning onto Curzon Street, passing Lillian’s house. I hoped she would go home, but I doubted it. I turned left on Park Lane and within minutes turned right into the B&B’s parking lot and slammed on the brakes.
Chapter 21
Mark Carter stood in the middle of the lot staring up at the building.
He jumped out of the path of my car and waved me forward. I pulled up alongside him and rolled down my window.
Bassets and Blackmail (A Dog Detective Series Novel Book 2) Page 17
