Left Fur Dead

by J. M. Griffin

  I put my hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “There’s nothing to worry about. As a matter of fact, since we found him squatting and agreed to let him stay, there hasn’t been one incident at the barn. Maybe he’s our lucky charm. What do you think, Jessica?”

  “You’re probably right. Besides, it’s your property, and you make the rules. I’m okay with him being around since the sheriff is undoubtedly keeping his eye on things. I noticed a cruiser going by around the same time every night when I return from class.”

  I gaped at her while the teakettle filled with water. “You never said a word.”

  “I thought you knew.”

  “Well, I do now. Tea anyone? I have a box of Tastykakes to go with it?”

  Lizzy and Jess agreed to the idea. We went into the living room and made ourselves comfortable.

  Lizzy moaned, while Jess and I groaned over our aching backs. It had been a long week of preparation for the crowd I expected to attend our event. If no one showed, I’d be as devastated as the other two women would be. I stopped that line of thinking and turned it into a positive instead. If no one showed, there’d be enough food for an army, and I wouldn’t have to cook for a week or so.

  A tray filled with teacups, a teapot, and various Tastykakes sat between us on the coffee table. We’d sipped, snacked, and chatted for an hour before Jessica asked if I’d give her a hand in the clinic. Lizzy remarked she’d be on my doorstep at the crack of dawn to make sure every detail had been tended to, and then she left for the day.

  In the clinic, Jessica and I set out clipboards with forms for those who might be interested in filling them out and bringing their pets in for a checkup after Jessica graduated and opened the clinic. Molly Perkins, nearly finished with high school, had generously offered to monitor the clinic while the open house was in full swing.

  While we set about closing the clinic and the shop, Jessica asked if Ray Blackstone and Peter Lambert would be in attendance.

  “They both offered to come in and give us a hand to get the rabbits squared away for the day. Pens and hutches still need their usual maintenance and bunnies have to be fed. I was happy to hear they’d be able to help. Fred did an astonishing job building the clinic and doing extra painting and whatnot to make it ready for tomorrow. I thought for sure you and I would be burning the midnight candle to get the walls painted and the stock put away.”

  A furtive movement to my left caught my eye as we entered the barn. In slow motion, I reached out and tapped Jessica’s arm, slightly tilting my head in that direction when she looked at me. Instantly, we split up and each took a side of the barn, moving as quietly as possible. The rabbits weren’t nervous, which left me to wonder if I had been mistaken to think someone had entered the barn while we were in the clinic.

  We’d reached the end of the rows and found Andrew Stone lounging against a stack of hay bales. He nonchalantly watched us approach and then stood up straight.

  “You left the doors open, Juliette.”

  “I know.”

  “Anyone could have entered and done harm to your animals.”

  Jess watched him in silence, then asked, “What are you doing here?”

  “Checking the place out. I saw someone hanging about last night and wanted to make sure the place was safe.”

  “Have you been watching over the farm?” I asked.

  “Not at first. I’d been fishing at the lake about two weeks ago and saw someone messing about in the place where that dead body was found. They were hunting for something, but apparently didn’t find it. Another time, I noticed you and the rabbit were there, searching the grass. That’s when I became suspicious of the other person and figured he might be the one who broke in here on occasion. It’s none of my business, but you’ve been fair to me, so I thought I’d return the favor by keeping an eye out.”

  My heart pounded, my pulse raced, and my anxiety started to grow. Who had been searching Arty’s deathbed besides Bun and me? Why hang about? Again.

  “When I motioned to you earlier, you didn’t acknowledge you’d seen me. Is there a reason for that?”

  “I’m not looking for friends. Like I said, I wanted to return the favor since you’ve done right by me. Nothing more.”

  “Good to know. Thanks. Did you recognize who scoped out the place where Arty was found?”

  “I have no idea who it was. I haven’t met anyone in town, and don’t care to.”

  “I see, well, thanks for looking out for us. I appreciate it.”

  He gave me a brief nod and left the barn. I locked the door behind him and said to Jess, “Let’s give the place a once-over.”

  We set off in opposite directions once more, took our time, and walked each aisle. We checked window locks, hutch clasps, and took stock of the rabbits before we met at the front of the barn where the double doors were already latched and secure. There was nothing left but to feed the animals again before the day ended.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The caterer arrived on time. Lizzy had flown up the driveway as though riding a broom instead of driving a car, and Jessica directed my two helpers on the rabbits’ needs. Bun stood at my heels and insisted the day would be splendid. The sun was bright, and all would be well at Fur Bridge Farm, as far as Bun was concerned.

  I leaned down, snatched him up into my arms, and nuzzled his ears. Enthusiasm among the crew was on the rise, the air filled with excitement. We all seemed in tune with one another. This event would move on greased wheels, I was sure of it. All was ready when the first few cars arrived.

  Peter Lambert was the parking guru for the day, waving people into spots for their cars, which reminded me of parking at Disney. Satisfied with how he handled the traffic, I focused on welcoming everyone and asked them to sign the guest register set up at the double doors.

  A warm current of air filtered in and warmed the barn. It promised to be a splendid time. I crossed my fingers and continued my role as hostess. Many of my former customers arrived with children in tow. Playing with their bell toys, and having a grand time, the rabbits entertained the children. Ray Blackstone handled the kids and rabbits as well as I did, leaving me impressed. When Sheriff and Mrs. Carver walked in, Meredith immediately stepped into the yarn shop. I grinned when I heard her squeals of joy over the luscious colored yarns. Standing next to me, Jack shook his head and crossed his fingers.

  “Hoping this isn’t going to cost you too much, Jack?”

  “If only,” he replied before being drawn into a conversation with a man from the city council.

  On it went until I thought my feet would give out, my face would crack if I had to smile one more time or redirect shoppers to the yarn shop and recommend the clinic tour. The response to my open house was so much more than I had imagined it would be.

  I felt a yank at my skirt and looked down to see Emmy Sounder, a third-grader at the local elementary school.

  “What can I do for you, Emmy?”

  She leaned in close and whispered, “There’s a strange man in there. He’s kind of glaring at the rabbits, Miss Bridge.”

  The smile on my face froze. “Thank you, Emmy. Why don’t you go play with the rabbits while I go see this person?”

  She nodded and went to the rabbit pen where Ray showed her our angora rabbit. It took a second or two for me to figure out the man had disappeared. The back door stood open, gently swaying in the breeze. I knew for certain it had been closed and locked when we’d opened for business. I glanced up and down each aisle, took stock of the rabbits, and realized their hutch doors were secure except for those who were in the pen.

  Seconds later, Peter Lambert was at my side. “Is everything okay, Jules? You’re looking a bit frantic.”

  “Everything is fine. Emmy Sounder told me she saw a man lurking over here. I think he made her nervous. Could you and Ray keep your eye on the aisles, so the kids don’t wander unaccompanied by an adult?”

  “Sure thing. We’ll stay vigilant. This affair is going too well to
allow anyone to spoil it.”

  I gave him a nod and moved toward the breezeway entrance where Bun hovered.

  “Are you okay?”

  I plucked the rabbit off the floor and turned my back to the crowd. “All is well,” I whispered. The last thing I needed was for Bun to scamper off and incite the children. I placed him in the pen and removed one of the other rabbits.

  Handing her to Ray, I asked that he take her to her cage. She’d been out for quite a while, and I didn’t like to have the rabbits become too excited. Some stimulation was fine, but they responded in kind when kids became boisterous.

  I leaned toward Peter and murmured, “Keep the kids under control, okay? I don’t want the rabbits overwhelmed by them.”

  “Will do. Why don’t you take a break and go into the shop for a while?”

  With a smile, I walked toward the door, glanced back, and saw Peter charming the children by holding Bun so they could pet him. Of course, Bun would love the attention and most likely deny the fact later.

  The shop was half filled with shoppers and lookers. Those who wanted to see the clinic were going in that direction. Jessica waved as I made my way toward her. Molly Perkins held a registration book to collect names and information from those who were interested in being contacted when the clinic was ready for business. She then handed out information packets on services that would be available.

  “How’s it going in here?”

  “We’ve taken names of those who would like appointments or house calls when the clinic is up and running and I have my license. I’m astonished at the interest we’ve gotten. This was a great idea.” Jess stepped close and whispered, “I’ll be glad when it’s over. I’m dead on my feet.”

  “That’s a given. Have you had a snack or beverage?”

  She shook her head.

  “I’ll bring you two something, I’m sure Molly could use refreshments right about now.”

  “Thanks, that would be great.” Jess turned to a woman who had stepped up beside me.

  “Hi, Mrs. Colleri, how are you and Oscar doing?”

  I’d walked away and didn’t hear Mrs. Colleri’s comment. Upon reaching the refreshments table set up to the left of the fireplace, I loaded a plate with finger sandwiches and slices of fruit, and then poured two glasses of punch. On my way back to the clinic, I noticed a couple in the farthest corner of the room having a heated discussion.

  Wondering what it was about, I deposited the food and drinks into Molly’s capable hands and made my way through the line of customers waiting to pay for their goods, and went toward Mary Parker and her husband Bill.

  “I’m so glad to see you, Mary, and of course, you too, Bill. How long have you been here?”

  Her face flushed, Mary swiftly nodded her greeting.

  Diplomatically, Bill said, “Not long. This is quite a party you’ve got going. Great idea, Juliette.”

  They’d switched from cranky behavior to being amiable so quickly, I was almost caught off guard. But then, I had approached the married couple with a welcoming attitude. “Have you seen the clinic? Jessica has done a wonderful job setting up her business, and this entire affair has been a great success.”

  Bill nodded. “We took the tour, albeit briefly. I’d have thought Jessica would want a larger space for her business. So many people in the area have pets and farm animals.”

  “She’ll be making house calls for cows and horses, you know, large animals that won’t fit in an exam room.”

  Mary piped up. “We’ve made an appointment for our son Jackson to come in and possibly give her a hand. He has a year to complete his school project before graduation next spring and this would be a perfect venue for him.”

  Hoping I’d hidden my surprise, I asked, “He’s interested in veterinary medicine?”

  “Oh, no, he just wants something easy to fulfill his volunteering obligation for a year.”

  “How nice.” Not. Jess would see through him in a minute, but I would stay out of it, no matter what. We made the job look easy, though it was far from that.

  “Our daughter, Ginger, will be six years old in two weeks. I wondered if you’d like to bring your rabbits to her party?” Mary asked.

  I gave Bill a quick look and told Mary that I’d be happy to call her on Monday to make arrangements.

  “It’s not going to be the same without Arty the Mime, is it, Juliette?” Bill asked with an odd expression on his face.

  Curious, I said graciously, “He will be missed by many, I’m sure. His was a grand act and children liked him. It’s too bad he’s gone.”

  Warming to the subject of Arty the Mime, Bill laid his hand on my shoulder. “You found his body, didn’t you? You poor thing, what a shock that must have been for you.”

  I inclined my head and agreed. “Quite shocking.”

  “Have the police made any headway investigating his death?”

  I shrugged. “I have no idea, but Sheriff Carver is here, you might ask him.”

  “Mm, I might just do that.” Bill craned his neck and scanned the crowd. When his gaze settled on Carver, I watched him walk off without saying a word to Mary or me.

  Looking tense, Mary waved a hand toward the refreshment table. “I haven’t had a thing since we arrived and would enjoy some of that punch.”

  “As would I, let’s have some, shall we?” It was an opportunity to dig into their knowledge of Arty. Why would I miss that?

  A bit taken aback that she couldn’t get rid of me, Mary recovered quickly and walked toward the table.

  “Have you thought of getting a rabbit for Ginger? They make wonderful house pets.”

  “I can’t imagine cleaning up bunny poop. We don’t have animals, Bill doesn’t think people should have pets. He’s of the opinion all animals should live in the wild.”

  “He and Arty must have agreed wholeheartedly on that. It was Arty’s favorite subject, toward the end of his life, that is,” I remarked, and handed Mary a glass of punch.

  Her eyes widened. “I didn’t know that. He certainly wasn’t his usual self the last few times we met.”

  “When was that exactly?”

  Wariness filtered into her eyes and she sipped her punch.

  “I only ask because Arty was very ill. Did you realize that?”

  “N-no, maybe Bill did, but I never thought for a moment he was unwell.” Thinking for a moment, Mary said, “Now that you mention it, he was oddly out of sorts and ranted a bit about, uh, things.”

  “What sort of things?”

  Seemingly embarrassed, she looked away from me, then back and murmured, “He’d rant about your farm and the rabbits. I never heard him mention them until two months ago. Was that when he became sick? What was he suffering from?”

  “He had brain cancer. Sheriff Carver told me the other day. Sad, really. Arty was a great entertainer.”

  “Bill was friendly with him, more so than I. I have enough to keep up with between Jackson, Ginger, and my job at the park.”

  “That can be stressful. So, when did you last see Arty?” Like a dog with a bone, I wasn’t about to give up the chance to find out as much about Arty’s personal life as I could.

  Nibbling a sandwich, Mary moved toward the pastry end of the long table. Cassi had refilled plates with goodies and had poured more punch into the huge urn. I turned the spigot and refilled our glasses.

  “I can’t remember for sure, but I believe we saw him a week before he died. I was at the supermarket. Bill had gone into the hardware store across the parking lot. When I brought out the groceries, he and Arty stood near our car in conversation.”

  “About what, do you remember?”

  Her discomfort apparent, she set her glass and plate on the table. I figured any moment Mary would take flight.

  Gazing across the room, she shook her head. “I have no idea what it was about. Bill seemed put out, and Arty was angry. That’s all I can tell you.” Checking her wristwatch, she said, “I must be going, Jackson has a baseball ga
me later that I must attend. You’ve done a great job, Juliette. I look forward to having you and the rabbits at Ginger’s birthday party. If you happen to know of anyone else who might take Arty’s place to help entertain the children, let me know when you call me.”

  I nodded and watched the woman rush across the room. Furtively, she leaned close to Bill and said a few words. Then the couple left abruptly without a backward glance. Their behavior intrigued me. When I called to discuss Mary’s plans for her daughter’s party, I would try to get her to tell me more. If she had nothing to hide, why would she be so nervous?

  The crowd began to dwindle within the next hour or two. Our success boosted my spirits. While Carver and his wife chatted with Lizzy, Jess glanced toward me. I crooked a finger to summon her from the other room and we joined the small group at Lizzy’s counter. Carver and Meredith greeted us with smiles and congratulations on our function before they took their leave.

  As they reached the door, Lizzy called to them. “Mrs. Carver, you’ve forgotten a bag.”

  Meredith hurried forward while I walked over to Jack.

  “Did you know Bill Parker was a friend of Arty’s?”

  He nodded.

  “His wife had the jitters when I asked her about the last time they’d seen him.”

  “You just can’t help yourself, can you, Jules?”

  His wife returned to his side.

  “My deputies will remain until all the guests depart. Feel free to tell them whatever you, or your help, heard or saw that seemed off.”

  His words were more of an order than a request. I agreed that we’d include his officers in our conversation.

  The last couple bid us farewell as they left the farm with their little tykes in hand. The rabbits were soon in their cages, fed and watered, and given timothy hay as an extra treat. It wasn’t long before Bun was at my feet, yammering on and on. What he had gleaned when eavesdropping would be a matter for a later conversation. I couldn’t very well talk to him now, and knew he was aware of it. He stopped his monologue when I offered a narrow-eyed look, pointed directly at him.