How to Leash a Thief

by Cat Clayton

  That’s not fair, you dumb birds! I can’t swim!

  My cell phone buzzed, signaling a text from Daniel saying he wasn’t mad. I jumped when I heard footsteps on the summer grass crunch behind me. I whirled around to find Officer Jackson and a little dog—a Yorkshire terrier to be exact—standing behind me.

  “S’up buttercup,” he said.

  His silly nickname was growing on me, not that I wanted to admit it. “You startled me.” I managed a smile.

  Jackson walked beside the blanket and that’s when I noticed his dog with the raspberry highlights was the same one Agent Welton had brought in the other day. Taffy.

  “I guess you’re dog-sitting for Special Agent Welton?” I asked.

  Jackson smirked. “She’s mine. And, I take it if you’re calling him an agent, you know he’s a Fed.”

  I nodded in response. In a million years, I wouldn’t have taken Jackson for a small dog person, a Yorkie at that. The world’s full of surprises.

  As his doggy sense must’ve alerted him, Cuff whirled around and raced over. Taffy, my love! I never thought I’d see you again! Come! He barked at her. Let’s chase birds! Taffy trotted after him, her silky hair blowing in the breeze.

  “I have to say, your little guy’s pretty cute,” Jackson said.

  Hearing that come out of his mouth struck me funny. A mean, lean, fighting machine, who’d probably seen a lot of horrible things during his time overseas, and he used the word cute.

  “Yeah, but don’t let him hear you say that.” I chuckled, feeling myself relax a bit. “Taffy, if that is her real name, is pretty adorable herself. You know, her coat was matted and shaggy. You must groom her more often.” I pointed to an open space on the blanket. “Join my pity party.”

  “That’s her real name. I, um... sort of acquired her. Long story. I’ll have to rely on you for proper grooming skills.” He sat, careful not to put his running shoes on the blanket. “I figured you’d tell me to get lost.” He propped his elbows on his bent knees, giving me a sideways glance.

  I shrugged. “I don’t think I have much fight left in me.” I wondered if his acquisition of Taffy had anything to do with his being dumped after he’d returned from overseas. Although what Caylee told me the other night was hearsay.

  “Somehow, I doubt that,” he said, chuckling. “You did a serious job on Nick’s face today.”

  “Ugh.” I felt my face flush. “Don’t remind me. It was definitely not one of my finest moments,” I said.

  “I thought it was kind of hot.” The huskiness of his voice made my pulse quicken.

  I stole a quick glance at him as he watched the dogs. His chiseled cheeks were tanned a deep bronze. His square jaw peppered with dark stubble gave him the rugged appearance of the desert soldier he once was. He turned, his eyes on mine, holding me prisoner. His mouth tugged into an easy smile.

  “What?” he asked.

  Cheeks blazing, I broke eye contact. “Nothing.” My stomach tightened.

  “For what it’s worth, I hate seeing you get the raw end of the deal,” he said.

  “Thanks. I totally wigged out, though. Not to mention I embarrassed my father.”

  “Eh, I would’ve done the same thing in your shoes. Except, I would’ve punched the shit out of him. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Besides, he had it coming,” he said.

  He had a valid point. Nick was far from innocent. “So, how long had they... I mean, do you know how long he’s been cheating on me?” I asked.

  Staring out over the water, Jackson remained quiet. He lowered his gaze, pulling at a loose thread on the quilt. “It’s really none of my business.”

  I figured he would say something to that effect. He didn’t seem the type to spread anyone’s business, friend or foe.

  Cuff and Taffy had finally given up their goose quest and sprawled out on the lawn for a doggy snooze. Taffy curled into a ball, and Cuff on his back, all fours in the air.

  Ah, this is the life. Cuff’s thought drifted my way.

  “It’s okay. I’m sure you have to stick to some kind of man-code of secrecy thing. I get it. But, it would help me find some closure in a way.” Once I said it, I wondered if I wanted to hear the truth. Maybe it was best not to know.

  “Trust me, I’m not keeping secrets for him,” he said and let out a heavy sigh. “Shit, I don’t know. For a while, I’m guessing. But you can’t take that for a fact. I just got hired on. But I heard from some other guys around the department that that’s why he had to transfer out of the Wallerton County Sheriff’s Department last fall. Word is, he couldn’t keep his pants zipped over there.”

  The last tidbit of information punched me in the gut. I wished I’d known it before I got my heart involved. Maybe I should’ve read the signs. His recent irritation with me. The flowers I never got. The phone number in his pants pocket with the initials S.P. Yeah, obvious now. Stacia Peacock. I’m such an idiot.

  “God, I feel so stupid,” I said.

  “Don’t,” he said, his voice kind. “He’s the dumbass.”

  Even though his last comment made me smile, I tried not to analyze it. It was nice to have him on my side. My cell phone buzzed beside me. I swiped it open and read a text from Pop.

  I hate writing this, Steels, but thought you needed to know. Nick called. He says you need to pick up the rest of your things by tomorrow. So sorry, sweetheart. Love you.

  My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. Nick wanted me out for good. I sat there, seething at the fact he didn’t have the nerve to call me on the phone himself. He owed me a face-to-face explanation, one I doubted I’d ever get.

  Slipping my phone into my back pocket, I sucked in a breath. “Well, it’s official. Nick wants me out. Permanently.” Not sure why I spilled the news to someone I’d recently met and wasn’t sure I even liked.

  “Sorry,” he said. “You’re better off.”

  Nick didn’t deserve me. I wanted to believe that. I really did. I struggled to fight back tears.

  “Hey.” Jackson nudged me softly. “He’s not worth it.”

  I nodded.

  “I have a beer in my fridge, and I’m a pretty good listener,” he said.

  His fridge? His house? “I... um, I don’t know.” My heart said, Go, but my head spun in vicious circles, screaming, No! “I don’t think that’s a good idea given the circumstances.” But it wasn’t like he asked me to hop into bed. It’s only beer. I tried to convince myself.

  “I don’t see the harm with two people having a drink together,” he said.

  I managed a smile. “Rain check?”

  His usually dark, mysterious eyes softened. “Sure, some other time.” Looking a bit wounded, he glanced over toward the dogs, who’d both woken from their slumber and were back to chasing the mother goose, who’d ventured back onto shore.

  “Well, it’s getting late,” he said. “I guess it’s time we headed home. I have an early shift in the morning. It’s the Schirmack funeral and I’m guessing we’ll be short-handed around the station.”

  “Oh, that’s right,” I said. In all the chaos this week, I’d forgotten about Flora’s services. Picking up the rest of my things from Nick’s would have to wait; Daniel and I both planned on attending on behalf of the shop.

  Cuff and Taffy whizzed past us in a blur.

  Save us, Chiquita! It’s gonna eat us!

  Mama goose waddled past us, her wings stretched out, hissing like a devil. She chased them across the green lawn, straight to the Bug, where they ducked under the car, hiding behind the front tire. She honked a few times and then retreated to her goslings near the water’s edge.

  We laughed easily, as we both got up. I shoved my socks into the boots, deciding to walk barefoot to my car. I shook out the blanket, and we moseyed out the park’s entrance. I glanced around. The Bug was the only vehicle parked on the street. I didn’t see his Camaro or his bike.

  “Do you guys need a ride home?” I asked.

  “Nah, I live a few blocks up. I fi
gured Taffy would enjoy the walk. I’m not good with this whole dog thing yet. Maybe you could offer me a few pointers,” he said.

  “Sure,” I said, smiling. I wondered what he meant by not good with the dog thing yet. Their relationship must be new, I guessed.

  At the car, Jackson snapped his fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. We didn’t lift any prints from your shop. The perp must’ve been wearing gloves. We’re still trying to find the murder weapon. I collected a few items from the apartment above your shop, and I’ve tagged them as evidence down at the station. We will see if we can get anything. If not, I’ll return them once the investigation is over.”

  “What about the black car?” I asked. I appreciated him filling me in on some details.

  “The Buick came up registered to a William Clemons, so we’re checking into that lead. Agent Welton mentioned he’d stopped in and questioned Ziggy, and I’m guessing that’s why his name was on the back of the Bill of Sale,” he said.

  “Makes sense,” I said. “But can I ask why the special agent brought your dog into the shop the other day?”

  “I’d taken her to the vet that morning, so she was up at the station with me. Welton asked if he could take her on an errand, promised her a doggy treat, so I obliged. I figured he must like dogs, and I knew she would enjoy the outing. I didn’t find out until after he’d returned with her groomed that they’d been in to see y’all. By the way, nice job on her.” He smiled, his left cheek dimpled slightly. “Although the pink highlights will take time getting used to.”

  “The highlights are raspberry and Daniel’s handiwork. Ever since I took over running the shop and hired him, I have done very little grooming. He’s actually a hair stylist and super talented. He does mine, too.” I fluffed my red tufts as I opened the passenger door.

  “I like the red,” he said.

  “Thanks.” Nick hardly ever said nice things about my appearance, and I don’t believe he ever liked my fire engine red hair.

  Jackson peeked under the car. “I think it’s safe now. You two can come out,” he notified the dogs.

  Are you sure the giant, honking bird is gone? With a furtive glance for any sign of danger, Cuff scrambled from behind the tire and leaped into the car, Taffy scurried in after him.

  I turned back to Jackson on the sidewalk. “Looks like your pup wants to go home with us,” I said, chuckling. It felt good to laugh.

  Oh, Chiquita, you’re giggling. You know what that means. You’re falling for the dude.

  Am not. I shot Cuff a sideways glance.

  Jackson reached out and pulled something from my hair, his hand lingered as if he wanted to touch me again, and then he lowered it to his side. “Just a leaf,” he said.

  I felt my pulse quicken. Attempting to squash the sudden awkwardness between us, I changed the subject. “Hey, I got a call earlier. At the shop. And it sort of freaked me out.”

  “Who was it?” he asked, a concerned expression appeared on his face.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. The number was unknown, but they were angry, threatening. Said I was gonna get it.” I shivered despite the lingering heat in the air. “If you don’t mind me asking, has anyone questioned Mr. Peters?”

  It was looking more and more to me that Mr. Peters was the guilty party. He had means, motive, and opportunity. And he was most definitely hiding something. The only thing I couldn’t figure out is where he’d hidden the dogs and why.

  Jackson nodded. “I’m on it. But seriously, you need to watch your back until we catch the perp. No more sleuthing around on your own,” he said.

  “Who, moi?” I said, trying to downplay the situation. “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself.”

  “After seeing what you did to Nick today, I know. But this person is dangerous, and he or she won’t think twice if you get in their way,” he said, his tone serious, yet soft. “Promise me you’ll stay out of it?”

  Unlike when Nick said these kinds of things, I didn’t feel belittled by Jackson’s request. I felt protected, cared for. “I understand, and I will be on the lookout, but don’t ask me to make a promise I may not keep,” I said.

  “Well, at least you’re honest about it,” he said, shaking his head. He leaned in close. Very close. He gazed down at me, a fire burning in his eyes.

  I inhaled the sweet scent of lingering cinnamon and felt his warm breath on my skin. And then, before I knew what was happening, his lips caressed mine, soft and gentle. I sucked in a breath, not wanting the moment to end, my heart fluttering. His hands wrapped around the back of my head, wild fingers in my hair, and he pulled me into him, his chest hard against my body. With more hunger than before, he kissed me deep and desperate and I felt it all the way to my toes. My entire body melted and a little moan escaped my mouth.

  He quickly broke away, dragging his lips across my cheek to my ear, where his ragged breathing made me weak in the knees. He buried his face in my hair and sighed. “I’m so sorry.” His arms held me with a fierceness I’d never felt before. “I didn’t mean...” he exhaled. “Shit, I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

  My lips still burned from his touch; they ached for more. I wanted him to hold me like this forever. “It’s okay,” I said into his neck, inhaling his warm scent. I closed my eyes, not sure what to do next.

  He abruptly pulled back and his soft eyes hardened again. Dark and mysterious. “No, that was way out of line. And it won’t happen again,” he said and turned away, stepping back up onto the sidewalk. “I gotta go. Please be careful.” He whistled for Taffy, who promptly hopped out of the Bug and to his side. He gave me a flippant wave and strode down the sidewalk, Taffy prancing behind him.

  I stood there, watching him walk away. Although I couldn’t help feeling confused by his hasty retreat, somehow, I knew his dismissive attitude wasn’t about me, but him.

  Wow, that was some kiss.

  “No kidding,” I said to Cuff. “I’m still seeing stars. And hey, what about you and Taffy?”

  Oh, Chiquita... she is my sun. My moon. And my stars.

  My phone rang as we got into the car. The number of the phone Pop had given Gertie scrolled across the screen. I swiped it to accept the call. “Gertie? Is everything okay?”

  “I was checking on you. Your dad told me about Nick. You all right, baby girl?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I’m fine,” I said. “I’ll be home soon. Thanks for checking on me.”

  “Alrighty, see you when you get home,” Gertie said and disconnected.

  I peered in the rearview mirror and caught sight of Jackson disappearing around the corner of Main Street. I sighed and turned the engine over.

  Chiquita, you can’t afford to get all caught up in the moment. You’re like a sitting duck out here. The killer knows you’ve been poking around, and according to his latest phone call, you’re likely to wind up dead if you aren’t careful.

  “Well, thanks for putting it so eloquently,” I said.

  Now, could you step on it? I got a bone in the backyard calling my name.

  Chapter 21

  The next day, I sat in the Bug dressed for a funeral I didn’t want to attend. Especially when half the people here still probably thought I had something to do with Flora’s death.

  Cuff panted, sitting on the seat next to me, listening to my conversation with Daniel on the phone.

  “Have you completely flipped your lid?” he said. “I can’t believe you turned his invitation down! What is your major malfunction?”

  “I know. Call me crazy,” I said.

  “You’re worse than crazy. You’re completely off your rocker, sister!” he said.

  “So, I’m sitting in the parking lot at Slater and Sons for Flora’s funeral. Did you forget?” I asked.

  “Oh fiddlesticks, yes, I forgot! I’ll put the closed sign up and be there in two,” he said and disconnected the call.

  While I waited on Daniel to arrive, I thought about having to retrieve the rest of my belongings. Accepting the re
ality of my breakup with Nick, sadness washed over me.

  “This really sucks,” I said to Cuff.

  Cuff blinked at me from the passenger seat. You’re better off without him, Chiquita.

  I heard tires squealing, as Daniel’s Miata zoomed into the parking lot and pulled into an empty spot not too far from the Bug. He wasn’t kidding when he’d said he’d be here in two.

  “You ready for this?” I asked Cuff and opened my oversized sling bag.

  Let’s get this show on the road.

  He hopped into my bag and I climbed out of the car, carefully adjusting the bag so his little body perched comfortably on my right hip. Perfect canine concealment.

  I spotted Gertie and Pop walking toward my car. Jeez Louise. What on God’s green earth... where had she found a lavender party dress with giant sky-blue and banana-yellow hibiscus flowers? This wasn’t a Hawaiian luau.

  Cuff pushed his head through the opening at the top of my bag, panting. Sheesh! Forget the dress. She has your boots on again. The combo is horrid!

  “Remind me to hide them when we get home later,” I told him.

  Daniel met up with us and his eyeballs popped out of his head when he took in Gertie’s attire.

  I couldn’t help but stifle a giggle.

  Pop, dressed in his nicest suit, put a finger to his lips and shook his head, signaling to us not to say anything about Gertie’s choice of wardrobe. We didn’t have time for her to go home and change. So, without a peep from anyone, our motley crew made its way inside the funeral parlor to pay homage to the late Flora Schirmack, the baker extraordinaire.

  ADORNED WITH FLORAL arrangements of every size, shape and color, the father and son trio who ran Slater and Sons Funeral Home had done an amazing job on the parlor. Although I could do without the blend of flowery scents coupled with the noxious aromas of old lady perfumes. The combination resembled bug repellent and antagonized my allergies. I pinched my nose and resisted the urge to sneeze.

  Then, I spotted the cheerful, small tripod table arrangement Daniel had ordered on behalf of Scrubadub. He had superb taste.