Who Killed the Neanderthal

by Cheryl Zelenka

  “Guess what we’re gonna do today?”

  Bosco gave Sadie a look of distrust while Willow ran for her bed and tucked her nose under both paws. Sadie went to the closet and pulled out a tiny black and white court jester outfit for Bosco, and a large mask with a bow tie and clown hat for Willow.

  “Time for dress up!”

  Bosco ran for the bed but Sadie caught him just as he was about to duck under it. She tucked him under her arm and plopped him on top of a chair where she proceeded to dress him. Willow was grinning from ear to ear as Sadie tucked his front legs into the outfit. When Sadie finally released the feisty Maltipoo, he had lost a good measure of his feistiness. Hopping off the chair, he ran to Willow’s side.

  “Oh, the humiliation! The horror! Honestly, Willow-Cake, do humans understand what a blow it is to a dog’s ego when they’ve been dressed in a ridiculous outfit?”

  Before Willow could answer, Sadie plopped a clown mask with a red nose and a silly hat on the yellow lab. After the bow tie was added to her collar, Willow walked to the closet to hide. Observing her reflection in Sadie’s mirror, she barked at the clown dog looking back from the depths of the mirror. Bosco rolled his eyes and left Sadie to comfort his sister.

  When Mark rang the doorbell, a freakish clown dressed in a green and yellow outfit that said, GO DUCKS, waved him into the house. Sadie laughed at his big red floppy feet and together they searched for the MIA Maltipoo. With Willow’s help, he was quickly located. They found him hiding behind a rocker in the living room.

  Glaring at Willow, he muttered Traitor!

  Bosco-Bill, did you really think we wouldn’t find you? Your costume may be black and white but it sticks out like a meaty bone in a bowl of milk.

  Bowing his head, Bosco tucked his tail between his legs and succumbed to the leash in Sadie’s hand. Mark attached a polka dot harness to Willow. The whole pack of clowns then loaded into Mark’s Honda CRV and drove to Sixth Street where the parade was about to begin.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Everyone Loves a Parade, Right?

  Mark and Sadie, with whip cream in hand, made pretty poo-pies out of the numerous horse droppings on Sixth Street. Bosco trit-trotted beside Sadie, smiling and wagging his tail at the kids perched along the curb. He didn’t make eye contact with any of the other dogs, hoping to avoid biting remarks in regards to his costume.

  Mark was desperately trying to keep up with Sadie. His big floppy clown shoes were a hit with the bystanders, but a challenge to maneuver. He had already tripped twice, both times falling on his keester and losing his grip on Willow’s harness. Each time, Willow had patiently nudged him to his feet then roamed the sidewalk giving kisses to near-by children.

  Looking over her shoulder to make sure Mark wasn’t too far behind; Sadie threw him a wave then did a little jig around a horse dropping. She was having a blast. For a time, she was clowning around with her favorite dogs and a very handsome bachelor. A bachelor who just so happened to own prime beachfront real estate. All of her dates with Mark had been amazing and so enjoyable. He recently made good on his promise to wine and dine her at the very chic Portland restaurant, Le Pigeon. They both enjoyed the unique and delicious gourmet dessert, Foie Gras Profiteroles with Caramel Sauce. The Shawn Colvin concert at the Britt Festival was super fun, and she was looking forward to their date next week in Ashland. He had promised her prime seats for Hamlet in the outdoor Shakespearean theatre. He really is the perfect Renaissance man.

  Sadie almost stepped in a large pile of manure while she was daydreaming. To the glee of several children, she stooped over the droppings and sent streams of whipped cream flying. “Delectable! Who wants a slice of Poop-Pie?” Groans and giggles from the delighted children rang out, making Sadie’s heart sing. Tossing some candy in their direction, she moved ahead to find her next culinary opportunity.

  When Sadie had moved past G Street, she ran out of whip cream. She tossed the spent bottle in the nearest trashcan and waited for Mark. Before whipping out her last can of whipped cream, she noticed Willow on the other side of the street visiting with some kids. Her tail was wagging fiercely. Sadie stopped in the middle of the road to smile at her sweet yellow lab.

  She saw Mark do a tap dance for some spectators who appreciated his oversized shoes. Seeing that her gaze was in his direction, he yelled an apology for Willow’s escape. Sadie flapped her arms and shook her fanny at him, signaling everything was cool. Then grabbing Willow’s lead, she backed up. Disappointed children who had welcomed her lab’s affectionate kisses groaned their objection. Sadie continued her backward duck walk while throwing Tootsie Rolls in their direction. Taking one last step before pivoting forward, she nearly tripped over a large dog with golden fur.

  When she recovered her balance, she was but 10 inches away from Burt Welton’s nose. Looking at the golden fur-ball beside him, she was surprised to see it wasn’t Maxi. Bosco, not at all intimidated by the Otterhound’s size, made it his business to protect Sadie from further stumbles. Growling, he stared the big hound into total submission. Noticing the maleness of the dog, Sadie concluded it was either Bubba or Baron.

  “Well, hi there Burt! I didn’t know you were marching in the parade.”

  “Ha, neither did I! Mary called this morning and asked if I’d pick Bubba up at her sister’s house and walk him in the parade. She wanted to advertise her Otterhound breeding business and stir up some curiosity. Unfortunately, her hands were full consoling Sarah. Chef La Compost was in a car accident last night.”

  “Yes, I heard. It’s such a shock.”

  By then Mark had caught up to Sadie. Introductions were made while Bosco continued to sniff Bubba, still spread eagle and flat on his back. Poor boy. “I think Bosco’s a bit of a bully.” She called her guardian off and gathered him in her arms. Slowly, Bubba returned to his feet.

  “Silly white puff ball. He doesn’t consider his size a disadvantage. Unfortunately, I fear his attitude will prove to be a liability someday.” Burt reached out to give Bosco a pet, but the little court jester growled and tried to nip him.

  “I’m so sorry, Burt. He’s a grumpy little man and slow to warm up to adults. He loves kids, though.”

  “That’s okay, Sadie. He’s just letting me know who you belong to.”

  Sadie wished Burt good luck in the Hydroplane races set for the following day and moved forward with Mark by her side. Together, they waltzed around several plops of horse pucky and topped them off with the last of their whipped topping.

  As they neared the parade’s end, just shy of Riverside Park, Mark tripped a third time. Again, Willow ran off to greet her fans, or so Sadie thought. Over in the crowds she heard the nursery rhyme Ring a Round the Rosie. But instead of Ashes, Ashes, she heard, “Clowns, Clowns, they all fall down!”

  Sadie recognized Dora and Timothy as the songsters. Willow was with them, so she turned her attention to Mark. Slipping out of his clown shoe attachments, latched to the front of his tennis shoes, he muttered, “These things are going to be the death of me!”

  “Aw, hang in there, Mark!” Sadie helped him to his feet. “We’re nearly at the end of the parade. Remember, I’m treating you to lunch. You can have as much Indian Fry Bread as you want and a dozen corndogs, if your tummy will allow it. You’ve been such a good sport!”

  Squaring his shoulders, he put his arm around Sadie’s waist and walked her to the other side of the road. Dora and Timothy both whipped their smart phones out and frantically snapped pictures. Poor Mark, I hope they didn’t catch his fall.

  As Sadie greeted Dora, Timothy abruptly whipped out a green tennis ball and threw it in the middle of Sixth Street. A golden ball of fur, off in the distance, appeared to grow larger and larger by the second. Soon they saw Bubba running pell-mell past them, his leash flying in the wind. He retrieved the ball with ease then turned tail to hand his prize over to Burt.

  “Always the detective, right O’Cleary?” Sadie felt uncomfortable with Mark’s hand around her waist but made herself s
tay put.

  “Absolutely!” His eyes noted Mark’s possessive stance.

  “So, now we know it was Bubba who caught our attention Thursday night. Mary wasn’t at the park and the Chef told me Sarah went to catch the firework display. Hopefully, the DNA evidence report on the three Otterhounds will be waiting for us when we return to the police station…after we have some lunch.” Mark’s grip on her waist tightened while he quietly listened to their conversation.

  “Right.” Timothy took in Sadie’s costume. He needed every bit of self-control to refrain from laughing at her Oregon Duck clown outfit.

  “But how did you know an Otterhound would be in our parade?”

  “I didn’t, but I had a feeling one might show up. Gotta trust your gut, Ms. Sunshine. Always, trust your gut.” Again, he took in Mark’s alpha-like posture.

  Stressed by her conflicting emotions for two very different but equally wonderful men, a disturbing heat from within escaped from the pours of her face. Rapidly, it moved down her neck and back. Flushed, she prayed the hot flash would finish its mischief quickly.

  Sadie gently pulled free from Mark and bent down to place Bosco back on the ground. Then, moving to give Dora a hug, she linked arms with her best friend and led the group over the bridge and into Riverside Park. Mark grabbed Willow’s lead and stood to his full height then trudged beside his rival, who was a full head shorter.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN: The Chase

  True to her word, Sadie bought Mark whatever he wanted for lunch. Dora and Timothy wandered off to get corndogs and BBQ, so Sadie grabbed Mark and her dogs and then headed in the opposite direction. They all agreed to meet back at the picnic area in 30 minutes.

  Sadie was pleased to discover that Mark not only appreciated fine gourmet food, but also fried pickles, Kettle Corn, fry bread, and chocolate-covered pork rinds. She was pleased he appreciated both gourmet meals and junk food. The embers within were still heating her inner home fire, so she opted for a snow cone instead of the fried pizza.

  While Mark and Sadie walked in the direction of the snow cone trailer, Bosco and Willow intently listened to their conversation. Willow had fallen in love with the retired oceanographer a few months back. He was their caregiver when Sadie spent her girl’s weekend up in Portland, enjoying a Garden show. It took a few days for Bosco to overcome his disappointment about missing out on the fun, but in the end, Mark succeeded in winning him over too.

  The two dogs had been on pins and needles ever since Sadie mentioned she liked Mark and Detective O’Cleary. At first, they were worried she’d make a mess of things and toss the wrong man aside. The doggie duo decided it was their duty, as her guardians, to help her pick the right guy. So, they both agreed to give Timothy a chance. They didn’t want Sadie throwing away a perfectly delicious bone until she was certain her other bone was meaty enough to gnaw on for a lifetime.

  “Mark, I know I can trust you with the inside scoop of this investigation. The man selling snow cones is Scott Moore and he’s a murder suspect. Pop thinks the world of him and his wife, Laurie. They’re neighbors and he goes to their house every week for dinner. But they have a real motive for killing Larry Phibbs, and the murder weapon was found in the snow cone trailer.”

  “Oh man, are you sure you still want a snow cone, Sadie? What would the health department say about that piece of information?” Sadie gently punched his arm and continued.

  “Anyway, Larry was harassing Laurie at work. She was Chef La Compost’s sous chef. I guess he made some advances and she turned him down flat. He got mean after that. The stress during work hours caused her to miscarry, which led to depression, and eventually, she quit her job.” Mark shook his head in disgust.

  “We have several other suspects, but I wanted to fill you in on Scott since we’re heading over there now. Keep your eyes open and tell me if you see anything suspicious.”

  Bosco and Willow were intrigued. The parade had been fun, because kids are always fun, but thepark field trip was turning out to be amazing. Not only were there incredible scents and food tidbits everywhere, but they also had a chance to help Sadie on a case.

  We have skills that can help her!

  Yes, we do! Agreed Willow, as she went after the remnants of a hot dog that had escaped an overstuffed trashcan.

  Out of the blue, Sadie stopped in her tracks.

  “What’s wrong?” Mark raised one of his eyebrows, a trick Sadie found irresistible.

  “The trailer’s gone. The snow cone trailer is…gone!”

  She ran over to the Cotton Candy vendor and asked if he knew anything about the snow cone trailer pulling out. He told her that Scott just left.

  “He hitched up his trailer and left about 2 minutes ago. He might be in the parking lot below. You can probably still catch him, if you hurry. Are you family? Didn’t he tell you he was gonna take the trailer to Ashland for the Britt Festival?”

  Sadie thanked the man and ran down the slope, heading toward the parking lot below. Mark and the dogs chased after her. Sure enough, Scott was heading toward the exit. Without thinking, Mark let go of Willow’s leash. She took advantage of her freedom and ran past Bosco, woofing, Hi, Ho, Silver and Away! Her silly clown hat slipped off her head but her clown mask remained plastered to her face. Bosco, never one to miss out on some action, if he could help it, broke free from Sadie’s grip and followed after his sister. In no time at all he was by her side. They reached the parking lot just as Scott made his way onto East Park Street. The dogs chased after the trailer, ignoring Sadie’s cry to “heel and come.”

  “Oh Mark. My babies are in traffic! They could get hit by a car chasing after that trailer.” Sadie felt like someone had gripped her heart and squeezed it into smithereens. She ran down to the parking lot yelling over her shoulder, “Go tell Dora. Get her to drive around and look for them! I’ve got my cell phone. Call me when you’ve left the park.” With that, Sadie ran like an Olympian. She turned left on East Park Street and saw the trailer at a stoplight. Willow and Bosco were in the middle of the road and cars were all around them. Panicked, Sadie ran towards her fur-kids yelling over and over, “Come! Bosco and Willow, come! Come here!”

  ***

  Bosco-Bill, are you thinking what I’m thinking?

  If you’re thinking a murder suspect is on the run, then yes, yes I am.

  And, needed following, right?

  Willow coughed as the exhaust from the snow cone trailer puffed out black fumes. The red light once again turned green and Scott inched his truck forward. Honking cars were all around the canine pair, yet Willow and Bosco remained focused on the escaping suspect. Scott turned left onto Cowstream Road and headed east. The dogs did their best to keep up. Although the speed limit was under 40mph and Scott’s truck had seen better days, the distance between them gradually grew more and more. After 5 minutes of hard running, the trailer turned down a dirt road.

  Bosco, it’s really hard to see through this mask, but I think the trailer just turned right. Let’s cut across the field.

  Bosco barked out his agreement and together the court jester and clown raced through the field, cutting their distance in half. Although the trailer was still some distance ahead, the dirt road slowed its progress and allowed the dogs to maintain the chase. Bosco noted the passing oak trees and older homes ahead.

  Does this neighborhood look familiar to you, Willow-Cake?

  Willow turned her eyes to the right and to the left.

  Maybe. It’s kinda hard for me to see, remember?

  She then put her nose in the air and sniffed. It certainly smells familiar.

  I’m sure we aren’t in Ashland yet, and this dirt road isn’t gonna lead us to the Britt Festival. Bosco bobbed his head in agreement.

  Hey, I think I know where he’s headed. We’ll need to keep a careful watch when he parks. I suspect he has to make a quick stop before disappearing for good. When he does, I’ll get that mask off your face, Willow-Cake.

  That would be wonderful! And, I’ll
play tug-of-war with your outfit until it comes off too.

  Bosco thought fast, remembering the last time Willow played tug-of-war with his hoodie. That’s okay, Willow. My costume is actually pretty comfortable and I might need it tonight. You know how easily I freeze, especially now, with my new haircut and all.

  The trailer took another right turn then slowly disappeared from sight.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Enough Time for Three Cancer Sticks

  Sadie was trying really hard to remain calm. For over an hour, Dora and Timothy had searched the surrounding area looking for her runaways but with no luck.

  Mark also searched from his car but had similar results. Bosco and Willow had simply disappeared. She chased after them for nearly 10 minutes, but they quickly disappeared from sight. Her pups were long gone by the time Mark picked her up. They drove in the same direction the trailer had headed, but soon had to give up the chase since there were so many road exits Scott could have used.

  Mark drove Sadie home so she could change out of her clown costume. He made coffee while she showered then changed into capris and a purple top. Coming out of her bedroom, she walked into the kitchen. Meeting Mark’s compassionate look with her own tear filled eyes, she practically ran to his open arms. She needed someone to assure her that everything would be okay.

  “Sadie, youknow Bosco. He’s beyond smart. He’ll find his way home and Willow will be by his side. They’ll be okay.” Rubbing Sadie’s back, he let her cry for a minute then pulled her out to arm’s length and said, “Let’s pray. We’ll ask God to send your fur balls home soon.”

  “And free from injury,” she added while wiping away her tears.

  ***

  Sadie met Dora and Timothy at the police station after posting LOST DOG posters throughout Riverside Park. Mark promised to hang posters in town and even more along the route Scott had traveled with his snow cone trailer. Sadie then called the Humane Society and several dog rescues. She told them about her escape artists and asked if they would keep an eye and ear open for any news regarding her fur-kids.