Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

by Roseanne Dowell

  “Oh, I don’t know. He’s mean, but I don’t think he’d do something that evil. Besides, it’s only the dogs that come from the vet that get sick. He’d have no way to know which dogs go to the vet. At least I don’t think he would.” Louise leaned her elbows on the desk. “I just don’t know what to think any more. Thanks for helping. I just hope you didn’t make him angrier than he already is.”

  Luckily for Bea, she worked in the office and Ed got his wish to walk some of the dogs after he hosed out the pens. Ethel fed the dogs and then joined Ed in the walks. It wasn’t often he spent time alone with Ethel. She and Bea stuck together like glue.

  “I’m sure Bea told you about Daisy’s visit.”

  Ethel pulled back and coughed. Her face couldn’t have gotten any redder. “Uh…yeah…umm…yes, she did.”

  He couldn’t help it, he laughed. “I know about the stakeout, Bea told me what happened”

  “Oh… uh… I see.”

  “Do you think Daisy will really sue?” Ed started walking again.

  “I really don’t know Daisy, so I’m not sure. Beatrice Lulu said Mabel would talk her out of it, but who knows. Beatrice Lulu said Daisy sure was mad.”

  “Mad is putting it mildly. When did Bea talk to Mabel?”

  “Oh dear, I didn’t know she hadn’t told you. Please don’t tell her I said anything.”

  “Mum’s the word. When did she talk to her?”

  “The day after Daisy showed up.”

  “I see and what did Mabel say?” How was Mabel going to prevent Daisy from suing? Sounded to him like the girl had made up her mind.

  Ethel hesitated. “I’m not sure exactly but Beatrice Lulu indicated Mabel was still trying to convince Daisy that Frank was cheating on her. Somehow, Frank convinced his wife that the video was manipulated.”

  “Hmm that’s interesting. I wouldn’t have thought Daisy was so naïve. Did she really think Bea knew how to do that?”

  Ethel shrugged. “I think that’s what Mabel is trying to prove. I don’t know. Mabel promised to keep Beatrice Lulu informed. She feels awful that she involved her.”

  Bea came running toward them before Ed could answer. Not that there was much of an answer. Ed hoped Daisy would come to her senses. He took hold of Bea’s arms before she fell. Bea wasn’t used to running. In fact, he couldn’t remember ever seeing her do it before. “Take a minute, honey pot. Catch your breath.”

  “I came out to find Adam, he wasn’t answering his pager and Louise needs him. Something about another batch of dogs coming in.”

  “We’d better get back then, if there’s another batch of dogs coming in they’re going to need help,” Ethel said.

  Ed handed Bea the dog he’d been walking. “You take him, honey pot, I’ll go find Adam. I think he’s in the warehouse.”

  What a day. With all the extra work of five more dogs coming in and all the paper work involved, Beatrice Lulu didn’t think they’d ever get to go home. Exhausted and tired, she wanted nothing more than to take a hot shower, slip on her flannel night gown, crawl under a blanket, and watch TV until bedtime. She didn’t even care about dinner. Ethel, of course, had other plans.

  “We have to work out. We’ve not gone to the gym for days.”

  “Not tonight, Ethel. I don’t think I could walk a foot on the treadmill, let alone ride a bike. You go ahead if you want. I’m going home.”

  “Now honey pot, you promised Ethel you’d work out.” Ed had the gall to smile as he said it. Was the man nuts?

  “Ed’s right,” Ethel said. “You did promise. Come on, it’ll be good for us. Get the blood flowing.”

  “Blood flowing! After the day, we had here? You don’t think walking these dogs got the blood flowing enough?” Where did her sister get all that energy? Of course, Bea gave in. She always did. She got in Ethel’s car while Ed drove theirs home. No point going home to change, she didn’t plan to do much at the gym. Fortunately, she kept one of her bathing suits and towels in Ethel’s car. She’d work out, swim a bit, then relax in the hot tub. The whirlpool would be just the thing to ease her aching muscles.

  After a quick workout, Bea headed for the whirlpool hot tub. Stumbled might be a better word to describe it. Walking became an effort. She stepped down into the pool. Cold water crept up her leg. Dang water sure was cold for a hot tub. Her foot slipped, and splat down she went. Frigid water spread over her. Shivering, she tried to pull herself up, slipped, and fell deeper into the water, got a mouthful, gagged, and rolled over. Finally, she pulled herself up to the top step and looked around for a button or switch to turn on the whirlpool, hoping that would warm the water.

  An older gentleman shuffled into the room. "Do you want bubbles?"

  Beatrice Lulu felt like an idiot sitting there, but too embarrassed to move. "No, I'm fine." Of course, she was far from fine. Freezing was more like it, and if the old guy would leave, she'd go herself.

  "If you want bubbles, just hit that switch." He pointed to the wall about ten feet away.

  Dumb place for a switch. "Thhhhanks." Her teeth chattered so badly it amazed her she got the word out. Lord, she was cold.

  The old guy stared at her for a minute, smiled, nodded, and praise God, left.

  An hour’s worth of bubbles wouldn’t warm this water. She got up, grabbed her towel, and wrapped it around her, glad for the warmth of the over-sized beach towel. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough. On the floor, next to the locker room door, laid a sign. ‘Hot tub out of order’. Would’ve been nice to see that before she went in. She picked it up and leaned it against the wall, maybe saving some other poor fool from the freezing water. Part of her was tempted to leave it, but her conscience wouldn’t allow it. Too nice for her own good sometimes. All she wanted right now was to go home. Hopefully, Ethel was ready.

  ***

  Poor Bea had looked exhausted, so Ed decided to make her a nice dinner. If he recalled there were a couple of nice steaks in the freezer. Ah yes, he pulled them out and set them to thaw. Granted they’d only be partially thawed by time she got home, but enough to broil them.

  If memory served, Bea bought some shrimp cocktail the other day and salad fixings. He grabbed two potatoes, gave them a couple of pokes with a fork, and set them aside, thank God for micro-waves. He found the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber for the salad, then found the mushrooms and green pepper. They both liked them sautéed in butter with a little onion on top of their steaks. It wouldn’t take long to sauté them and set them aside. Steaks didn’t take long so the more he prepared now, the quicker dinner would be ready. Bea looked like she could go right to sleep when he left her. After a work-out, he doubted she’d be any more awake. A good meal was what she needed. Knowing Bea, she wouldn’t even think about fixing dinner.

  Bea straggled in, looking the something the cat dragged in. She tossed the bag with her bathing suit and towel into the laundry room. “I’m going to shower.”

  “I’m making dinner. It’ll be ready by time you’re done.”

  “I’m really not hungry, Ed.”

  “Maybe not, but you need to eat. Go shower. I’ll have it ready soon.” Thankfully she didn’t argue, which surprised him. Usually when Bea made up her mind, you couldn’t change it. Maybe it was the aroma of onions, mushrooms, and green peppers that changed her mind. Glad now that he’d fixed them ahead of time, he turned the stove on low to keep them warm. With the potatoes in the micro-wave and steaks in the broiler, he set the table. Bea came out just as he set the salad on the table. He snapped his fingers and remembered the shrimp cocktail.

  He opened the refrigerator and looked for it. He could have sworn it was on the top shelf, but darned if he could find it. “Bea, where’s the shrimp cocktail.”

  “I put it on the top shelf.”

  “It’s not there now.”

  “I don’t know, Ed, look for it.”

  “I am looking for it. It’s not here.”

  Bea came in the room, none too happy. “I set it right there on t
he top shelf.” She bent down looked on the other shelves, moved stuff around and even looked in the vegetable drawers. Nothing. She looked on the door, nope not there either.

  Of course, he could have told her that. She stood, hands on her hips, tapping her foot, and stared at him. “If you didn’t eat them, and I didn’t eat them, it’s another thing disappeared.” She pulled open the drawer with the lunch meat.

  “I just bought a pound of ham and baloney. They’re gone, too. We did lock the door when we left this morning, didn’t we?”

  “Yep, and I unlocked it when I got home.”

  Bea backed up and settled into a chair. “Something mighty strange going on around here. Do you think we should call Callie?”

  “I guess we should. I can’t imagine how anyone got in with the door locked. I took the key from under the mat. There’s no signs of a break in. You don’t suppose we have a ghost, do you? Although I’ve never believed in them myself. Something really strange going on.”

  “A ghost?” Bea laughed. “And a hungry one at that. No, I think it’s human and from the way he’s eating, either very overweight or more than one.”

  “Let’s eat, we’ll call Callie after dinner.

  ***

  Ed picked up the dinner dishes. “You sit there and relax, honey pot. I’ll clean up.”

  “Excellent dinner, Ed. Thank you. But if I don’t move around I’m going to bust.” Bea picked up the serving bowls and set them on the counter. “I’m going to find that plushy blanket Ethel bought us. It’s going to be chilly tonight, and it’s too early to turn on the heat.”

  “Go ahead, I’ll load the dishwasher and clean up the kitchen.”

  What the heck? Bea stood on tiptoes and reached up to the top shelf. Nothing. She put it there herself last spring. “It’s gone, Ed.”

  “What’s gone?” Ed came into the hallway.

  “Check that top shelf, you’re taller than me.”

  Ed looked on the top shelf, not that he could see all the way back, but felt around. “Nothing there, honey pot.”

  “Time to call Callie, Ed. Now the blanket’s missing.”

  ***

  “We looked all around the house inside and out, Aunt Beatrice Lulu, not a sign of a break-in. Are you positive you locked the door?” Callie looked from her aunt to Ed.

  “I locked it myself and unlocked it when I got home.”

  Callie motioned Ed, behind her aunt’s back, to follow her into the living room.

  “Bea, why don’t you make some coffee?” Ed suggested.

  “I’d rather have tea if it’s not too much trouble,” Callie said.

  “No trouble at all.” Beatrice Lulu filled the teapot. Those two thought they were so clever. Callie had something up her sleeve. No matter, Bea would find out eventually. She always did.

  Ed followed Callie into the living room.

  “Can you go up to the cabin for a few days? I’m hoping with you gone, maybe we can flush ‘em out.”

  “You think it’s Butch, don’t you?”

  “I can’t rule it out. I’d just feel better if you and my aunt weren’t here.”

  “What about the house next door? Could he be staying there?”

  “We’ve been keeping a close eye on that house ever since Elmer Ludwig passed away and Mildred moved out. Didn’t want teenagers or vagrants taking up residence. Nothing happening there. I’ll sure be glad when your new neighbors move in.”

  “I don’t think Bea will leave. We’re volunteering at the dog shelter, and she’s pretty serious about it. She’s investigating something, and you know your aunt when she’s on a mission.”

  “Dog rescue? Aunt Beatrice Lulu? You’ve got to be kidding. Don’t tell me that cute little dog over there is yours. No way.” Callie sat on the couch.

  “Yep, Bixby’s ours, and Bea’s very attached.” Attached was putting it mildly. Sometimes he thought Bea loved that dog more than Floozy, and that was saying something.

  Callie set her notebook down. “Investigating, you say. Pray tell, what’s going on over there? And you’re involved how? Is this something I need to know about?”

  “Something’s making the dogs sick when they come back from the vet.” Ed sat in the chair opposite Callie. “Bea asked me to help out, so we’ve been volunteering. Your Aunt Ethel, too. I don’t think it’s anything criminal.”

  “I thought dogs went to the vet because they’re sick, not come back sick.”

  “They don’t come back sick. They get sick after they get back.” Beatrice Lulu came in and set the tea on the table. “Nothing you need to be concerned about.”

  “Thank you.” Callie picked up the cup and took a sip of tea. “I hope you find out what’s going on.”

  “So how are things going with you and that handsome husband of yours?”

  Callie grinned. A blush crept into her cheeks.

  “You’re pregnant!” Bea jumped up and hugged Callie almost spilling the tea.

  “Did my mom tell you?”

  “No, silly, your grin gave it away, not to mention that pretty blush. How are you feeling? When’s it due? Girl or boy? Or is it too soon to tell?”

  “One question at a time.” Callie laughed. “I feel fine. In about six months, and yes, it’s too soon to tell the sex.” Callie stood. “I hate to rush off, but I really have to go. I should have been home hours ago.”

  “Are you sure it’s okay to keep working?” Beatrice Lulu hugged her niece.

  “I’m fine. Really I am. But thank you for your concern.”

  “Maybe we’ll see you soon at one of the family dinners now that Gram is feeling better.” Bea walked with Callie to the door.

  “Not at her house, I hope. I told Mom it’s time for her to take over. Maybe you and my other aunts can take turns. It’s too much for Gram.”

  “You’re right. I’ll talk to my sisters about it. I miss those dinners. You take care and give William a kiss for me.”

  “Will do. Bye, Uncle Ed.”

  Ed hugged Callie and closed the door behind her. “You know, I’ve been thinking we should go up to the cabin for a week or so. It’s time to winterize it.”

  “The cabin? A week? What about the dogs? Ed, that’s too long.” Bea picked up the cups and carried them to the kitchen.

  “How about for the weekend then?”

  “A weekend I can handle.” Bea put the cups in the dishwasher and started it up.

  “Good, we’ll leave tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? I can’t be ready that soon. I have to shop for food and pack.”

  “Okay, Friday then.”

  “Friday’s fine. Right now, I’m tired. I’m going up to bed.”

  “Go ahead sweetheart. I’ll walk Bixby and be up soon.” Ed kissed Bea and got Bixby’s leash. As soon as he got outside, he called Callie to let her know they’d be gone the weekend.

  “I wish it was longer than the weekend, but I’ll take what I can get. Hopefully someone will show themselves while you’re gone. Thanks Uncle Ed.”

  Chapter 7

  “You’re sure they’re gone?” Just because Mark overheard a conversation about them going up to the cabin didn’t mean anything. He often misunderstood. As their grandmother used to say, ‘he wasn’t the brightest star in the sky’.” Gosh, he missed her. Missed them all, his parents, his aunt. Gone in a flash. Here one minute, gone the next. Stanley swiped at a tear. No time to think about them now. All they had left was each other. Uncle Otto didn’t want them.

  “Positive and they took enough stuff for a month.” Mark grabbed his knapsack. “Let’s go and I call shower first.”

  Stanley shook his head. “Hold on, be patient. Let’s make sure they didn’t forget something. All we need is for them to come back and catch us. We’ve got all day and maybe the whole weekend.” That kid and his impatience. Always ready to jump in without thinking. Poor thing was bored, no doubt about it. Keeping him entertained was difficult. Mark just didn’t get it. They couldn’t just go out and rent an apartm
ent. People were probably looking for them for one thing.

  “How long we got to wait?”

  “At least an hour.”

  “An hour, why so long?”

  “Don’t you remember, Dad wouldn’t turn back if they’d gone an hour, wasn’t worth it. Less than an hour sometimes he did. Depended what Mom forgot.”

  Mark dropped his knapsack and sat down. “If you say so, but I’m getting hungry.”

  “There’s still some peanut butter left. Make a sandwich.” Stanley tossed his brother the bread.

  “I’m tired of peanut butter.”

  “What makes you think you’re gonna find something better? They probably cleaned out their refrigerator.”

  “Fine.” Mark grabbed the bread, pulled himself up, and found the peanut butter. “I’m getting sick of peanut butter sandwiches. Why can’t we take some of the money we found and find a place to live, get some real food? Live like real people?”

  “I already told you why. For one thing, it’s not going to be easy for a seventeen-year-old to rent an apartment. Besides, you have to go to school. How am I gonna register you? I don’t have your birth certificate or custody papers. We’ll probably get arrested.”

  “So, we gonna live in this shed for the rest of our lives? It’s gonna get a lot colder pretty soon. We’ll freeze to death out here.”

  “I’ll figure something out by then.”

  “Maybe we should go back, Stan. I bet Uncle Otto is worried about us.”

  “Yeah, right. He probably doesn’t even know we’re gone. He didn’t want us. We cramp his style.”

  “At least we had a place to live, food to eat.”

  “You wanna go back, go ahead. Just don’t tell them where I am.” Dumb kid. Uncle Otto had his own life. Two kids weren’t part of it. Heck, he was out of town more than home. Half the time he forgot about them. When he did notice them, all he did was yell.

  Mark wiped his hand on his pants. “Can we go now? I really need a shower. You promised we’d be better off if we left. So far all we’ve been doing is hiding out and stealing food. How’s that better off? Even Champ don’t like it.”