“What are you doing here? The park isn’t open today. You’re trespassing.”
Startled, I opened my eyes and gaped at a short, stocky woman with frizzy gray hair that poked outward from under her hat. It looked as if the hair had received a few extra volts of electricity. I wondered if I’d entered the realm of fairies and mythical creatures.
The woman’s bulbous nose, wickedly puckish lips, and mean glare from the muddiest brown eyes I’d ever seen, sat in a once round face that held flabby jowls. Her arms were short, as were her legs, and her fingers were a might stubby. While she wasn’t a dwarf, she didn’t seem too far from it. Again, I feared I was in the land of the fey, except I don’t believe in fairies.
I leaped from the bench and said, “I’m so sorry, I was waiting for my friend to call and let me know she was ready to leave her meeting with Alvin something-or-other.” Yeah, I was rattled.
Her gaze narrowed as she said, “Then I guess you’d better be off to meet your friend.”
In my haste to leave, I stumbled a few times while leaving the wooded land to find the path once again. I broke into a full-on run and headed toward the parking lot, where Bailey probably awaited me.
A minute or so later, I saw the park grounds and noticed Bailey standing near the path’s entrance.
With a wave of her hand she walked toward me. We met halfway and before I could say a word, she began to ramble on over the possibilities this event could provide for the two of us. Since it was a subject I had wanted to discuss with her, I tucked my recent episode away without mentioning it and entered the conversation as she drew a breath. We seemed to agree when it came down to entertaining.
Our ride home included a stop in Windermere for a sandwich and discussion of the hop.
“I wondered why the committee hadn’t invited me. Thanks for the recommendation, Jules.”
“When I received a call from someone named Della Meeny, I mentioned your name to her. Della gave your name to Alvin. I’m glad you were invited. This could work out well for both of us.”
We ate lunch and talked over the value of our participation. I set my glass on the table and asked, “Would you be interested in doing a rabbit-themed puppet show as one of our gigs? I know you offer two shows when we work at a party together. The hop might initiate more party reservations for us. What do you think?”
“We’re on the same wavelength today. I had the same thought while speaking with Alvin. We could come up with something, I’m sure. By the way, did you realize Alvin had whiskey of some sort in his glass of soda?”
I snickered. “The smell hit me right away when the breeze came through the tent and picked up the scent. Alvin must be quite a tippler to be drinking so early in the day.”
“You’re right, but each to his own is my motto.”
“Mine, too.” I glanced at the time and said I had to return home.
Bailey dropped me off at the end of the drive to the house. I wanted to walk the long road in. Birds chirped and flew across the fields bordering the drive as my attention turned to the woman who had approached me in the park’s clearing. Who was she? Why was she so rude and what was she doing there?
Chapter 2
Ecstatic that I’d returned home, Bun hopped around my ankles until he was out of breath.
“I think I need more exercise. I’m winded from all that jumping around. Whew. I’d never win in a hop ‘til you drop contest. What took you so long? I thought you might have become involved in an adventure without my guidance.”
“I know better than to do that.” I should be so lucky, but then cut the thought short. Bun was invaluable to our investigations. I looked down at his handsome black and white face and smoothed the fur on his head and ears.
“I had the weirdest thing happen to me while I waited for Bailey to finish her discussion with Alvin Peterson.”
“Ooh, it sounds mysterious. Tell me, tell me.”
His glee brought a smile to my lips. Bun was as excited about the hop as I was. It would be an adventure for us, somehow or other, especially after what took place earlier today.
I quickly explained my experience at the park and described the woman.
“You aren’t making this up, are you?”
I crossed my heart and said, “No word of a lie. She startled me so badly that I flew off the bench and rushed into the woods after she told me to leave. She was weird.” I went on to explain how rude and obnoxious her behavior was.
“We’re not too far from being weird ourselves, Jules. I’m a telepathic talking rabbit, and you even talk back to me. How’s that for weird?”
Bun’s lips pulled up a bit and his nostrils wiggled a tad, which I took as a sign of humor on his part. “So, how did you handle the situation?”
“For one thing, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I opened my eyes and saw her. She was aggressive and seemed quite fearsome, too. I think the fact that she took me by surprise caused my reaction.”
“See? You need to take me with you everywhere so I can protect you from the likes of the oddballs you run into all the time.”
While Bun often accompanied me, I couldn’t always bring him along when I had errands to run, though I didn’t mention it. “Did you have a snack this afternoon?”
“Molly gave me a fruit and veg pod when the other rabbits had theirs. I ate in the barn, then went outside to run myself ragged. You know how much I enjoy the outdoors.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I think Molly is coming through the breezeway. I can tell by the softness of her footsteps.”
I met her at the door and asked if everything was okay. She assured me all was well as she entered the kitchen. “I just had a call from Mrs. Carver. She’d like to bring a friend to class this evening. We’ve had one cancellation for this class. I don’t mind if Mrs. Carver’s friend would like to come, but I can’t promise her a regular seat if she wants to spin. What do you think I should do?”
“Just what you said. If Meredith’s friend wants to join an ongoing class, we can order another spinning wheel. Just let her know she’s filling an empty spot in tonight’s class.”
Relief flooded Molly’s face. “I hoped you’d say that. I wanted to be sure, is all.”
“Thanks for checking with me first. I wouldn’t want to find the woman is interested and then say there isn’t a place in the class for her. If you think you can handle an additional student, then tell Meredith to bring her along and explain the situation.”
“Okay, I’ll be leaving for a while, but I will be back before class time.” Molly started toward the door and then turned back. “Jason has finished for the day, the rabbits went outside for their exercise, then were fed and watered. Everyone is back in their hutches.”
“Terrific. Later, I’ll put away the order that surely arrived while I was gone. Thanks, Molly.”
“Oh, not to worry, Jason and I handled that, too.”
Grateful for their thoughtfulness, I walked alongside Molly through the breezeway with Bun at our heels. In the barn, I found everything in order. When we went into the shop, I realized Molly had created a wonderful display of the new yarn. The hanks of wool to spin lay curled into rounds that reminded me of colorful bird nests.
“These are beautiful and also inviting to the touch. Good work.”
“I couldn’t help myself. The wool is so soft and pliable, I just had to make coiled rounds from them. When I stepped back to view them, it seemed I’d had the right idea.”
She gathered her handbag and promised to return before the students arrived.
“She’s a very special human, don’t you think?”
“Why, yes, I do. We’re fortunate to have Molly and Jason on our staff. They take great care of you and the bunnies, and rightfully so. Now, I have to go figure out what to make for supper tonight. I think Jessica is staying, so it won’t be just sandwiches.”
“Jess doesn’t mind sandwiches. I heard her say so just this morning.”
“Really? Then mayb
e soup will be on the menu, too.”
The door behind me opened and Jessica asked, “Talking to Bun again?”
“Of course, he’s always ready to listen.” I gave her a wink and asked if soup and sandwiches would be good enough for supper.
“Sure, I’m not fussy. How did you and Bailey get along with Alvin Peterson?”
“He’s an interesting fellow. We discussed a bunch of topics before he honed in on Bailey. While they chatted, I walked the path and ended up in one of the forest clearings. The park custodians have added tubs of flowering plants and cleaned the benches for people to rest. I noticed there was a slew of wildflowers growing along the edge of the clearing. I was so relaxed, I almost fell asleep.”
“Some of those flowers might be poisonous. I know there’s a huge patch of lilies of the valley that grow near the bottom of the hill. I stay far away from them. Now, tell Jess about the grouch who scared the wits out of you.”
I stared down at Bun, raised an eyebrow, and then asked Jess, “What time do you want supper? Today is your long day, isn’t it?”
With a nod, Jess said, “Around four-thirty or five o’clock should be fine. That way, I’ll be ready for my first evening appointment at six-fifteen.”
I listened to the grandfather clock strike three. “Okay, I’ll get started, then.” The day had flown and for the life of me, I had no idea where it had gone. With soup and sandwiches for supper, I could take time to write out ideas for themed events Bailey and I might attempt. If we worked out a coordinated angle, we could offer ideas for children’s parties.
“Jess sure is busy lately. She looks tired.” He toddled off while I considered Jessica’s state of being. I hadn’t noticed she was tired, though we didn’t see much of each other like we did before she opened the clinic. I’d have to ask and see what I could do to lighten her load.
My notes made for Bailey to consider, I stirred the soup and finished setting the table. Jess strode into the house and checked the contents of the kettle before she plunked into a chair. “Is that vegetable soup and chicken salad for supper?”
“It is, along with a loaf of crusty boule bread.” I set the container of chicken salad on the table and then ladled soup into our bowls while Jess poured glasses of ice water.
Sliced bread, piled with delicious chicken salad, was tasty. We ate until there was nothing left. Never one to miss a meal if I could help it, I leaned back, chewed my last mouthful, and took a long look at Jessica.
The light shadows under her eyes showed something was going on that she hadn’t mentioned. I wondered why.
“You look a little tired. Are you okay? What can I do to help you out?”
“I’m overbooked and haven’t had a minute to change my schedule. I’m exhausted. We both know that’s not healthy. I need a helper at least a few hours a day, but it seems I don’t have enough time to address that either.”
“Would you mind a piece of advice?”
“Go ahead. I could use some.”
“First, change the appointments. That will give you extra time to address patient file notes before the next patient arrives. If you don’t, this will only get worse.”
Jess rubbed her hands over her face, massaged her temples, and said, “I should have done that a month ago. Instead, I put it off, thinking I’d get to it, but didn’t.”
“You’ve assisted me so often, the least I can do is help you figure out a solution. You can’t go on like this. Have you thought of getting a vet student to work for or with you?”
“I had considered it. I’m starting to earn decent money, but can’t afford to add a vet or a student right now. Remember how I said almost the exact thing to you because you were so tired and overworked when you started with the rabbits? Your answer then was the same as mine is now.” With a sigh, she leaned her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her hand.
“Have you spoken to your mother about the need for a receptionist? You have mentioned she’s adept at office work, and now that she’s retired from her job, she might want to give you a hand.”
“My mother volunteered to do that, but I thought I could handle it, so I put her off. Maybe I should ask her. If you realize I’m exhausted, she will, too.” Jess pushed her chair back and then said, “I think I’ll call her tonight. Thanks, Jules.”
As Jess began to clear the table, I motioned her away and said she should make that phone call. Once she left the kitchen, Bun popped his head out of his room and said, “Well done. I told you she was tired, didn’t I? Good thing I noticed, huh?”
“Thanks, and yes, you have an eye for what I don’t always see.” I had to agree and tried not to let him see me roll my eyes toward the heavens at being reminded of his abilities.
The dishwasher ran while I checked and settled the rabbits and then went over the list of ideas for upcoming entertainment engagements. I sat on the stool in the shop with Bun wandering the room at his leisure. The fireplace warmed the room, and Bun plunked down on the rug in front of it. He sprawled with his front legs stretched forward, and his hind legs straight out behind him. It was comical to see him that way and I snickered.
Suddenly, I heard him say, “I’m very comfortable. Thank you.” His manner a tad snooty, I almost laughed aloud, but knew better. Bun tended to become insulted by things humans wouldn’t.
“It looks that way from here. I wish I could stretch out on that rug.”
He responded with a tiny snort that I let pass and scribbled on the notepad. Molly flew into the room as the clock struck six. I stared at her as she threw her jacket onto the hook in a way I could never manage. Her handbag landed on the countertop, and she began to set the room up for everyone on her schedule.
I shoved the pad aside and asked what she wanted me to do. She gave me instructions while we finished organizing the spinning wheels. Students entered the shop. They always sat in the same seats, which amazed me because I couldn’t figure out how they knew which spinning wheel was theirs. Maybe it didn’t matter, since all the wheels were the same brand and style.
Molly greeted each one of them by name as they came through the door. She leaned toward me and whispered, “Thanks for helping me.”
I nodded. Bun crossed the room once everyone was seated and said, “That’s a large group of students.”
I picked him off the floor and tucked him under my arm. “I’ll leave you to it, Molly.”
“Wait a minute. I have a question for you.”
“Okay.”
“Let me get them started. Then I’ll be right with you.”
Meredith arrived with her friend in tow. I greeted them both and welcomed the newcomer.
Meredith, always a ray of sunshine, petted Bun’s head and asked how I was.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“I heard you’re going to help with the Hop ’Til You Drop event. I’m on that committee. It’s going to be a great day.”
“I’ll be at the scoop and stash station. Several of us will hide the Easter eggs for the kiddies to find.”
Her expression changed. I couldn’t tell whether she thought that was good or bad. Her voice cool, she said, “Yes. . . uh, Della Meeny is handling that particular part of things.” She turned her back to the class and whispered, “Watch your back, Juliette.”
Before I could respond, Meredith walked to her seat and offered an apology for keeping everyone waiting. I waited for Molly and set Bun on the floor. “Stay with me,” I whispered.
His ears twitched as he hunkered down next to my ankle. Molly worked her way from one student to another, watching as they started their projects, and then she beckoned to us.
At the counter, she withdrew a binder that held pages upon pages of the types of supplies used in spinning and weaving. She opened the book to a particular bookmarked page and pointed out two items she wanted for the shop.
One was a smaller version of the spinning wheel like those already in use. The other item was a weaving loom. Neither piece was cheap, not even close to it,
but the quality was outstanding. I knew the owner of the company that sold them. Handmade from the best wood possible, they were worth the cost.
I said, “Let me see what I can do.”
Her head bobbed up and down. I left her to teach, tore the top sheet of notes off a paper pad, and went into the house with Bun.
“What does she want you to buy this time? I saw you study the page she pointed out. Whatever she wants must cost a lot, huh?”
In the kitchen, I took out the bank statements that had arrived two days ago. I hadn’t opened the envelopes and did so now. I scanned the accounts and realized I had more than enough funds to pay for what Molly wanted. There was no doubt the potential income outweighed the cost.
Molly tended to be frugal when shop spending came into play. If she asked for something, it was because she knew it would pay for itself in the end. I’d let her know I’d place the order before she left for the night, and said to Bun, “We can make this purchase. I wouldn’t buy something cheaper from another vendor when I know Stephen Morton makes his products by hand and doesn’t scrimp on materials.”
As I answered the phone, Bun went into the living room and nestled in front of the gas fireplace.
Della Meeny was on the line. Her voice as harsh as a rocky mountain slope, I tried to envision what the woman looked like, but couldn’t.
“I take it you’re all set for this weekend?”
“Yes, of course. I said as much to Alvin today.”
“He doesn’t always tell me stuff, so I wanted to check with you. Will the rabbit be there?”
“He most certainly will, unless there’s a problem.”
“No, no, that’ll be fine. I guess your friend Bailey will be entertaining the rug rats?”
Unimpressed by her name for the kids, I agreed that Bailey would be there and that children adored her puppet shows.
“Huh, well, it’ll keep them out of our hair. I’ll see you bright and early on Saturday. Don’t be late.”
The line went dead before I could utter a sound. I put the phone in its charger and joined Bun in the living room.
Hop 'Til You Drop Page 2
