Pasture Postmortem (Mandy Bell DVM Series Book 2)

by Abby Deuel

  Lyle came bouncing down the hall, sniffing for her mother in the hospital. She found the right door and leaped on her mother's lap, sending Mandy into a groaning session.

  "Lyle, go easy. I know you're happy to see her. She is sick and needs gentle love," said Gillian. Lyle knew right away what Gillian had said, demonstrating her acknowledgment by changing gear from uncontrolled jubilation to calm cuddles.

  "Thanks, Gillian. I don't have the strength to control my own dog right now. This is not fun," said Mandy.

  "No pity parties here. You have to gain some strength to attend the pavilion ribbon cutting today which is in an hour. We have a wheelchair ready for you. I thought you might want to do some grooming before then. No offense, but you look like death warmed up," said Gillian.

  "Thanks for being honest. It's good to know that you don't bite your tongue," said Mandy. Lyle was licking her hands, making up for a few days without her. Gillian had placed the puppy on Mandy's lap for some well-deserved snuggling. "I will get my bag of bones out of bed and take a shower. Let me just bond with my two girls for a little longer. Anna has grown so much in just a few days. Thanks again for keeping watch of them for me."

  "You would do the same. They are no trouble," said Gillian.

  Lyle had crept up on the bed to be closer to Mandy. Her hind feet were still on the ground but the majority of her front half was wedged next to Mandy's body. She was taking turns licking Mandy and the puppy. It was quite a family portrait. Gillian, meanwhile, unpacked some clothes for Mandy from the bag that she had brought from her house.

  "OK, girls. Mom has to get cleaned up to be presentable for the big celebration. Go with Aunt Gillian. We will all be together again, soon," said Mandy, handing the puppy to Gillian who led Lyle out to give Mandy some privacy.

  "Do you need my help?" asked Gillian, as she was standing in the doorway.

  "I think I will be OK. Thanks for offering," said Mandy.

  "You know that the sign of a true friendship is when you can count on the other person to help with personal grooming and toileting in times of need," said Gillian.

  "Very true. Good to know that we have crossed over to that level of friendship. I might take you up on it another time. Thankfully, we can postpone such a time for a while yet," said Mandy, laughing but appreciative of what Gillian was really saying.

  Mandy got herself into the bathroom with the help of the rails mounted on the walls. Showering was another feat altogether. Luckily there were bars to hold on to so she didn't fall down. Her body was so weak that she took the quickest shower that she could while still accomplishing the goal of being presentable. She dried herself off slowly and methodically before donning the clothes that Gillian had brought. Gillian knew Mandy well enough to know that getting dressed up involved a clean pair of jeans and a sweatshirt without any stains on it or holes in it. Mandy was thrilled that Gillian hadn't decided to bring uncomfortable clothes.

  She looked in the mirror, noticing that her face was paler than normal. Her hair was a disaster zone so she just tied it back so as not to waste any energy on a lost cause. When she came out of the bathroom, Gillian was waiting for her with the wheelchair.

  "Feel better?" asked Gillian.

  "It was challenging but worth it. I do feel more like a human," said Mandy.

  "Good deal. Let's get this show on the road," said Gillian. "The plan is to be there for the ribbon cutting and then bring you back to rest. If you feel up to it, we have permission from Doc Tom to let you stay for some food. Myrna and Merv have put on a huge spread."

  "I haven't seen Doc Tom. Where is he?" asked Mandy.

  "He checks on you throughout the day and night. You are always asleep when he comes," said Gillian.

  "Ah," said Mandy.

  "What do you say. Are you ready to face your fans?" asked Gillian.

  "Fans? Let's take it one step at a time," said Mandy.

  "You know that you are the indisputable hero of the town right now," said Gillian.

  "I suppose I have finally found my people," said Mandy.

  The hospital was close enough to the pavilion site in the center of town that they could walk to the festivities. Gerry joined them to help push Mandy's wheelchair. Gillian had taken the puppy back to the clinic while Lyle was waiting patiently in Gillian's truck. As they passed the truck, Gillian let her out to join the group.

  Loads of people were gathering at the pavilion, which turned out extremely well. Adam, who had laid the concrete, had pulled it altogether, making it look like it had always been there. It would be large enough to have great gatherings, facilitating more festivals in the future of Crestview. The positioning of the pavilion was perfect since it was close to the fairgrounds and the town meeting hall. The crowd that was forming around the pavilion to admire its form and function migrated toward Mandy when they saw that she had arrived.

  "It's sure nice to see that you are upright and taking nourishment, even if you are in a wheelchair for now," said Barth. "I'm sure sorry about all of this."

  "Me too. This was not how I wanted things to turn out," said Mandy.

  Mandy surveyed the people around her. She perused the crowd for familiar faces including Hamish; Rhonda and Doc Tom; Ginny and her kids; Alex, Adam, and Zachary; Mrs. Bouvier; Sonya; Myrna and Merv; Dana, Finn, and Briar; the Warner boys; Larry; and the rest of the townspeople whom Mandy had grown to adore in her short time in Crestview. She felt lucky to have been accepted into the community.

  All of a sudden, everyone went quiet as Chief Larry cleared his throat. It was time for the main event of the ribbon cutting. Larry addressed the town in his most authoritative, serious voice.

  "Good morning all. Thanks for joining us for this momentous occasion. We would like to thank Barth Crowley for being here to cut the ribbon. Given the recent events in town, he is acting on behalf of the Crowley family. Without further adieu, I will turn over your attention to Barth," said Larry.

  "I would like to dedicate this structure to the people of Crestview who dropped everything to help save my cows from a tragic accident. I am pleased to say that the remaining cows will be boarding a truck tomorrow, headed to my farm. They would almost certainly not have made it had it not been for the entire town's efforts. I would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Bell and her assistant, Gillian, for leading the efforts to save my girls. To memorialize the town's efforts for future generations, this shall be forever known as The People's Pavilion. May you use it to embody the true meaning of a community by having gatherings frequently," said Barth, pulling a curtain to reveal a brass plaque that christened the name of the structure for all to see.

  The town clapped and whistled in support of Barth's speech. Anyone near Mandy gave her a warm hug, handshake, or pat on the back to show their appreciation. Mandy was overwhelmed with the love she was feeling from her fellow Crestviewians. She felt the need to counter Barth's speech with a few words. Since everyone was staring at her, it was not hard to get their attention when she started to speak.

  "Thank you so much, Barth, for your kind words. I feel strongly that we could never have achieved the results we did with your cattle were it not for the help of everyone here. I appreciate your family following through with the pavilion despite recent transgressions. I would also like to take this opportunity to take a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of a dear citizen of Crestview, Derek Thatch and his dog, Maggie. The sheep in heaven just got a devoted shepherd and Pyrenees to watch over them forever and always," said Mandy, bowing her head.

  All people attending the event ceased speaking to bow their heads in honor of Derek. A few people were shedding a tear or two. After an appropriate period of time, Mandy readdressed the crowd.

  "I think it is also a good time to announce that I have had such a positive experience in Crestview, despite a murder here and there, that I have decided to stay. I have purchased Derek's house and will be moving in as soon as we can get me out of this wheelchair," said Mandy, inciting a riot of
laughter. A wave of relief could be seen across a number of faces who were visibly thrilled to hear that Mandy would be making Crestview her permanent stomping ground.

  "Before we all adjourn to partake in the feast Myrna and Merv have prepared, there are two things left to do," said Larry. "One, we have to cut the ribbon. But before that, we should also acknowledge that Mandy's determination to investigate Derek's death led to justice being served. Thanks Mandy."

  Mandy was shocked to hear Larry publicly giving her an attaboy, considering his displeasure with her breaking all protocols and nearly getting herself killed. She decided not to split hairs but to accept his words graciously. She merely bowed in her wheelchair, saluting Larry as she did so.

  "And now for the ribbon cutting," said Larry, handing a giant pair of scissors to Barth.

  "Let's make this People's Pavilion final," said Barth, cutting the ribbon once and for all. People funneled into the new building, examining its every nook and cranny.

  Chapter 43

  With the formalities over, it was time to break bread as a town under the new pavilion. Myrna and Merv had spared no effort making sure that there was food to suit everyone's brunch cravings. There were sandwiches, sliders, fruit, pastries, biscuits, gravy, bacon, sausages, and eggs cooked a variety of ways. Mandy didn't think she had an appetite until she saw the tables of food.

  "Are you holding up?" asked Gillian.

  "So far, so good," said Mandy. "I think I might try to eat something."

  "Tell me what you'd like and I'll grab it for you. You should stay on the sidelines so no one bumps into your sore body," said Gillian.

  "Thanks. I will make sure Lyle stays out of the brunch thoroughfare," said Mandy.

  Mandy hardly had a chance to sit and observe before numerous people came up to congratulate her on her decision to stay in Crestview. Everyone was thrilled. Even Larry made an effort to make her feel welcome.

  People were in high spirits once again in Crestview. The murderer had been captured and was awaiting trial. Mandy had decided to stay. The town had a fancy new pavilion for festivities. There was a lot to be thankful for. The light-hearted tone of the brunch made Mandy feel proud to have been a part of making it happen.

  Lost in her thoughts, Mandy didn't notice Rhonda come up beside her.

  "I knew we could keep you here. You won't be disappointed in joining the Crestview family," said Rhonda, giving Mandy a hug.

  "Thanks, Rhonda. We can work on a girl's night as soon as I am out of this wheelchair and make plans for the future," said Mandy.

  "Deal. I will spearhead that," said Rhonda. Mrs. Bouvier was standing behind Rhonda, waiting her turn to welcome their new fixture to the town.

  "You know, we have lots to work on for the Christmas Mingler. I organize that event and I would love to get your input about the possibility of renting some reindeer this year. I think we should make this one bigger and better than last year," said Mrs. Bouvier.

  "I must be feeling light-headed. Did you say reindeer, as in real ones?" asked Mandy.

  "Sure did. There is this place that will bring them in for a festival. I thought you would be the one to know the logistics of that. I'll come talk to you when you are out of the hospital," said Mrs. Bouvier.

  "I'm not sure that sounds like a great idea. Maybe we can settle for a live nativity scene instead," said Mandy.

  "We'll talk soon, dear," said Mrs. Bouvier, not acknowledging Mandy's attempt to shoot down her idea. Dana and Finn moved up in the line to talk to Mandy.

  "Now that you are staying, we can expand our animal rescue efforts to more than just barn cats. We could network with other counties and make a little foster group," said Dana.

  "We can discuss that. I'm all for rescuing animals. We need to make a business plan to ensure that whatever we can provide will be solvent in the long term," said Mandy.

  "That's what I said," said Finn. "Dana sometimes gets excited about plans. We can be the grounding wire."

  "Let me get back into full energy and then we can get together on that," said Mandy. Dana and Finn acknowledged Mandy's response with a nod and then headed off toward the food line.

  "Man, you are popular," said Gerry. "I don't know which line is longer, yours or the food. I managed to get a little bit of everything. Here is your plate."

  "Thanks so much. I have worked up an appetite thinking about all of the projects everyone has planned for me already," said Mandy.

  "You'll learn. We like to keep everyone busy here. You may need to learn the art of saying the word 'no' to survive past your forties here," said Gerry.

  "I may need to take that advice," said Mandy. "Especially since I will have a farm, sheep, and a clinic to look after. What have I gotten myself into?"

  "You will love every minute of it. We need to get you moved into your new house before the snow starts. Moving in the dead of winter is not fun," said Gerry.

  "Very true. I am thinking next week, once I am cleared from Doc Tom," said Mandy.

  "You will have no shortage of people to help you move. Mark my words," said Gerry.

  Mandy surveyed the area, seeing both familiar faces and people she hadn't met before. She had chosen this town to build her life in. It felt natural to her to be in a small community where people worked together and played together. She couldn't wait for the events of the next few months. She would be busy between the Christmas Mingler, the farm, the clinic, and the German shorthaired pointer championship. As much as she wasn't one to stagnate, she might take the forced rest from her recovery to charge up for the coming events.

  THE END

  Synopsis

  In the second book of the Mandy Bell DVM Mystery Series, Mandy's life is action-packed from page one. First, her RV floods, waking her up. Then she finds herself in a sea of ailing cattle after a cattle truck has been struck by a train. Recovering from the drama of that disaster, Mandy then has to treat over ten dogs who all get overdosed with cattle pour-on.

  Trying to take a break from it all, Mandy takes Lyle, her constant companion and Border collie, to a friend's farm to frolic with sheep. Instead of a day off, Mandy discovers a dead body, which turns out to be the most mysterious death the Crestview police department has ever seen. Mandy's reluctance to stay in Crestview is pushed aside as she devotes herself to solving this potential murder.

  About the Author

  Abby Deuel is a practicing veterinarian in a small town in the Midwest. She worked in the Dairy farming industry in New Zealand before attending vet school there. After graduating and practicing as a mixed animal vet in the North Island of New Zealand, she moved back to America. Deuel served as a relief vet for several years, until she set up her own practice.

  While she pulls from real life experiences for some of the cases and characters for this series, everything is fictional. The only exception is that she too has a Border collie named Lyle that continues to serve as inspiration for upcoming books as well as being a constant companion.

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to thank my brood of wonderful animals for continuing to put ideas in my head for more books. The brood has grown now to 49 animals and bring me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I am not a hoarder, I just love animals. In addition, I would like to again thank Vivian McGeehon for being a sounding board when I needed help developing more ideas for this book. She is an unrivaled supporter and greatly appreciated. Thanks to my mom, Kane Deuel, for helping to edit this book, using her love of words and attention to detail. Thanks to Pam Boshers, Arletta Roe, and Sheila Booth for searching for typos in the final editing stages. Thanks to Britt Bailey for bringing Lyle to the cover in a creative and artistic way. Thanks to my clients whose continued words of encouragement made me feel like this hobby of writing that I enjoy results in books that readers enjoy reading. As a veterinarian, it's easy to believe that is what my life is limited to. It is nice to know that a side interest can be so enjoyable! Who knew I could write books?

  If you enjoyed t
he first book in the series, Farmcall Fatality, and this book, Pasture Postmortem, I encourage you to share and review them. I have learned so much about the writing world through cozy mystery forums and Facebook groups. You as the reader have a significant impact on an author's success. I now believe in reviewing and giving feedback about every book that I read to help support the other cottage industry authors out there. Not all authors need to have a fancy agent to succeed. Readers are who make authors succeed. Please support your favorite authors.

  Book One: Farmcall Fatality

  Published June 2014

  In this first book of the Mandy Bell DVM series, Mandy is summoned to a small Midwestern town called Crestview. A colleague and classmate from vet school has passed away and left her veterinary clinic and house to Mandy. While Mandy has always been a traveling vet in her motor home, she finds herself drawn to the Midwestern hospitality that the town shows her and her sidekick Border collie, Lyle. Unfortunately, on one of her farmcalls, she discovers a body that turns out to have been murdered. She is determined to solve the murder to clear the name of the quaint little town. She uses her own intuition and careful questioning of townspeople and clients to piece together the culprit at fault. Lyle is by her side through the whole book, including at the town's Halloween Hoedown, where she gets into trouble of her own. Read on to experience life as a small town veterinarian with a knack for solving murders.

  Book Two: Pasture Postmortem

  Published November 2014

  In the second book of the Mandy Bell DVM Mystery Series, Mandy's life is action-packed from page one. First, her RV floods, waking her up. Then she finds herself in a sea of ailing cattle after a cattle truck has been struck by a train. Recovering from the drama of that disaster, Mandy then has to treat over ten dogs who all get overdosed with cattle pour-on.