Left Fur Dead

by J. M. Griffin

  The regular coffeepot perked, and water boiled in an electric teapot, though the food and punch were gone. I invited my employees to have a cuppa of their choice and brought bottled water from the small refrigerator in the main barn, before requesting the deputies join us. Coffee was handed out, tea was steeped and poured, and everyone found a place to relax.

  Our beverages were nearly gone before anyone spoke up. I’d waited, not wanting to push them into saying things they weren’t comfortable with. Ray Blackstone was the first to say he’d enjoyed the day.

  “The kids were kind to the bunnies and interested to learn about them, too. This was a good idea, Jules.”

  “I think so, too,” I said. “Did you hear any gossip or complaints?”

  “Just one family seemed a little out of sorts,” Ray answered with a shrug. “I don’t know what their problem was, other than the kid’s mother being negative about rabbits being unsanitary. I schooled her on how clean they are and said we have only their best interests at heart.”

  I smiled, as did Jessica. Ray was a huge fan of the rabbits, and I was sorry he’d be leaving. “Thanks, Ray, we’re going to miss having you work here with us.”

  Embarrassed by my admission, Ray finished his water in silence. Lizzy jumped in to offer her take on what had happened in the shop. “I’m dead on my feet, honestly. Customers were quite willing to wait in line, and the sheriff’s wife bought a ton of stuff.”

  That said, Lizzy giggled and then became serious. “There was one episode that left me a little unnerved. A woman came up to the counter demanding to see Bun, she was determined to see him for some reason. Cranky bird, that one. Fearful she’d make a scene, but not knowing why, I said he wasn’t available.”

  “Can you describe her?” Deputy Printer asked, and made notes when she did.

  It was then I realized the woman in question was Margery.

  I felt a soft body quiver near my feet and picked Bun off the floor.

  “I love Lizzy for saving me from the likes of that miserable woman.”

  “Thanks so much, Lizzy, for not telling her where Bun was. Even though he spent most of his time in the barn, Bun wasn’t always in the pen with the other rabbits.”

  “Her attitude was terrible. She gave me the willies, but I refused to let her near Bunny.” Lizzy reached out and smoothed the fur on the top of his head.

  His tiny sigh tickled my sense of humor. This rabbit was just too human for words. I glanced at the others and asked if they wanted to share their impressions of the day. Each person, other than the cops, gave their opinions.

  Noticing the help was ready to leave, I said, “I appreciate everyone’s assistance with this event, it couldn’t have been done without you. Thanks.”

  Before long, only Jessica and I remained. Lizzy had willingly scooted out the door on the heels of the others, including the deputies. I mentioned Bill and Mary’s conversation to one of the officers before he left. He said he’d give the information to Jack.

  Jess insisted on helping me clear away the tablecloths. She cleaned the coffeepot, while I washed the punch urn and swept the floors. It’s surprising how much debris is tracked in on people’s shoes. Bun watched us from the doorway.

  “I’m getting hungry. How long before you’re finished, Jules?”

  As Jessica locked the clinic door, I went about checking all else and then scooped Bun up in my arms. “I’ll be in the house feeding Bun. Supper should be ready soon, I started dinner in the Crock-Pot this morning,” I called over my shoulder.

  “I’m coming,” Jess answered, running to catch up with us. She set the table while I tended to Bun.

  Ready to serve supper, I heard a knock on the door. I set the Crock-Pot lid in place and opened the door. Andrew Stone stood on the doorstep.

  I invited him in and asked if he’d eaten. He shook his head. “I’ll eat when I get back to camp.”

  Jess piped up. “Nonsense, Jules always cooks more than we can eat. Take a seat while I get your place setting.”

  After he’d washed his hands, Andrew took the chair Jess indicated.

  The smell of pot roast, potatoes, onions, and carrots made my mouth water. I’d not had a decent thing to eat all day, nor had the help, including Jess. I figured Andrew’s usual menu wasn’t as good as this fare, either.

  Jess chewed the tender roasted meat, rolled her eyes, and swallowed. “This is delicious. I hadn’t realized I was so hungry.” She leaned back in the chair. “It’s been a long day.”

  “Sure has.” I chuckled and refilled my plate with a second helping. Andrew looked at us in turn and nodded in agreement. I handed him the platter when I’d finished with it. Our plates heaped with food, we took time eating our second helpings. Jessica nibbled a roll and waited until Andrew had swallowed a mouthful of potatoes.

  “How are things going at the campsite? The nights must get chilly.”

  “It’s not bad. I have enough blankets and the tent is treated to keep the wind out, for the most part, anyway.”

  Done with supper, I set the coffeepot to perk and brought a plate of cookies to the table.

  “Sorry about the dessert, I didn’t have enough time to make anything today.”

  Andrew didn’t comment, but Jess chuckled and pulled the plate toward her. “These will be fine.” She took two oatmeal raisin cookies and set them on her napkin after sliding her dish aside.

  I noticed Andrew had eaten the last of his dinner and contemplated the cookies, but shook his head when I offered the plate. “No, thanks. I’ll have some coffee though, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure thing.” I filled cups and brought them to the table with sugar and cream.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  A ware of Jessica’s interest in Andrew and his past life, I waited for her to pry. Surprised when she didn’t, I heard Bun say, “I think Jessica is curious about this guy. He’s an odd duck, and she should stay away from him, for her own sake, if not for ours.”

  Jolted from my own thoughts, it was as though Bun had read my mind. I’d been witness to Andrew’s reluctance to discuss his background. He insisted on privacy, and I willingly honored that, even if others didn’t. Sheriff Carver and Jessica were determined to dig into Andrew’s life.

  “You should have a talk with her later. Jess ought to mind her business and not badger him. He has problems to work through, I can feel it in my bones.”

  I pushed my chair back from the table and turned to Bun, who backed into his room. I scooped him off the floor and whispered, “We’ll take a walk later. Until then, eat your dinner, Bun.” I set him in front of his hay.

  I closed his door and returned to Jess and Andrew. Seated again, I asked, “Andrew, what brought you by?”

  “I guess you realize it wasn’t for a hot meal, although, it was tasty. I noticed a man hanging about the farm a few nights ago. He was focused on the comings and goings.”

  Startled, Jessica jumped into the conversation. “And you waited until now to tell us this?”

  I raised a hand a bit to stop her from speaking. She got the message.

  “Is there more to this?” I asked.

  “I’d gone to the lake to fish, and saw the same man poking through the grass in search of something. He didn’t realize I was there. He kicked at the ground, ripped some of the grass out, and swore out loud. In the end, he came away empty-handed.”

  My elbows on the table, I cupped my hands around my coffee mug and stared into the vestiges of the brew. When I looked up, his stare held a glint of interest. At least, that’s what it looked like. I wasn’t aware of anyone lurking about the farm, nor was the staff. If they had been, surely, I’d have heard about it.

  I gave Jess a keen look and asked if she’d known about someone surveying us.

  “No, I’ve been too busy to pay much attention to the farm’s surroundings, sorry.”

  It had been a long day. I wanted to walk with Bun, but with this news, I was tempted to stay home and lock the doors. Foolish, I know.
Fear never served any purpose, other than making one into a victim, that is.

  “Can you describe this guy?” My nerves jangled with anticipation as he gave his impression of the man’s height and weight. Disappointment struck deep when Andrew said he hadn’t seen the man’s face. He’d been wearing a hooded jacket, with the hood concealing his head and face.

  “What color and make was the jacket?”

  “Black. I’m not fashion conscious. I have no idea what brand the jacket was. Could have been any kind, I wasn’t close enough to see if there was a brand name on it.”

  “Could he be the same person who ran past your campsite not long ago?”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t get a look at him then. Because you’ve treated me fairly, I wanted to let you know you’re being observed. Don’t ask me to become involved in your troubles, though.”

  “I didn’t, I haven’t, and I won’t. You needn’t worry about that.”

  I knew my retort was sharp, sharper than I’d meant it to be. There was no reason for him to get tangled up in my problems. The last thing on my agenda was to enlist his help.

  With that settled, Andrew made a hasty exit. Jessica, surprised at my response to him, gawked at me in silence. From the other room, I heard Bun remark, “I guess you burned that bridge. If he had considered helping you, he certainly won’t now.”

  “Do you mind cleaning up? I’d like to take Bun for a walk before dark.”

  Agreeing to the request, Jessica got started. I grabbed the sling from its hanger and opened the door to Bun’s room. He scampered into my arms and patiently waited for me to help get him into the sling.

  “I’m so happy we’re going out. Some fresh air will get rid of your foul mood.”

  My foul mood? When had that happened? Because I was testy with Andrew, I was in a foul mood?

  Outside the front door, I broke into a run. Not the usual jog; a full-on run. Bun never liked it when I ran flat-out. This time, he wisely kept his annoyance to himself. I slowed a bit and then eventually jogged, decreasing my speed until I had worked off my aggravation.

  “Feeling better now?”

  “I guess.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the lake if it doesn’t get dark too soon. I don’t want to return in the pitch-black of night, my flashlight is at home.”

  His head protruding from the sling, Bun craned his neck to see me. “What’s the plan once we get there? Are you going to see if you can find what that man sought?”

  “Exactly. I’m sure Jack has had a crew of forensic people down here searching the grounds. He’s thorough when it comes to that. When I was run off the road and left for dead, the crime scene crew went over my car inside and out looking for clues. They found fingerprints on the passenger-door handle that turned out to belong to Rusty Cardiff. It was an important piece of evidence that helped put Cardiff behind bars.”

  We’d reached the road leading to Lake Plantain. We veered off onto the beach, then made our way to the spot where the ground was matted with crushed and uprooted clumps of grass. Gouges in the ground showed where someone had dug deep and kicked bits of earth away. I set Bun on the ground.

  “You look over there and I’ll start on this side. Maybe we’ll have better luck finding what this guy wanted, unless he was after what we found. It sure is messy here.”

  “That it is. My paws are getting dirty, you know I don’t like that.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll wash your feet later. Now, get moving.” I waited until Bun went off on his hunt before starting my own.

  Within a half hour, the sun had begun to set, and the sky grew dim. Darkness would soon be upon us. We’d found nothing, and began the trek home. A tad disappointed, I didn’t say so. If the searcher hadn’t found what he was looking for, then maybe the sheriff’s team or Bun and I had. Carver would never tell me if they had come up with any evidence, though it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

  “At least we’ve enjoyed the fresh air, and it is peaceful. After the crowd at the barn today, I relish this.”

  “Me too. I thought I’d be trampled a couple of times and had to hide under Lizzy’s counter. She has very nice legs, you know.”

  Too much for me to handle, I burst into laughter and started a slow jog home. Sheriff Carver’s empty car idled in the driveway. I peered at the window and saw Jess talking with him.

  “Looks like we have company. I wonder what he wants? Could be he needs our help after all. What do you think?”

  “I think we should dig into Arty’s life a bit more. Carter’s visit presents a perfect opportunity.” I glanced down at Bun. “Do me a favor and keep your words of wisdom to yourself until we’re alone, okay? I can’t answer your questions and keep a civil conversation going with anyone when you interrupt.”

  His body stiffened, and he gave me a haughty glance. “If you insist. I’ll be in my room, all alone, with no one for company, and will keep my brilliance to myself.”

  Not giving in to his attempt at emotional blackmail, I gave him a gentle squeeze and thanked him.

  In the kitchen, I released Bun, wiped his paws free of mud, and watched him scamper into his room. Carter sipped coffee, while Jess drummed her fingernails on the table. I flopped into the nearest chair.

  “Good evening, Jack. Guess you didn’t get enough of our company today, huh?”

  “Everything okay out here?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Thought you might be having difficulties after the minor upset you had earlier.”

  I took the coffee Jessica poured for me and sipped it while trying to figure out if she had called him about the man Andrew saw watching us. Before I could come up with an answer, Jessica spoke up.

  “I called him. Don’t be angry, Jules. It’s important that we’re all on the same page where this intruder is concerned. The man Andrew saw could very well be the same one who’s been giving us a hard time.”

  I glanced from her to Carver. “There was no upset. Andrew mentioned someone has been watching what we’re doing. That is disconcerting, but I expect it under the circumstances. I don’t believe for one moment that our intruder is coming by on a whim. I’m certain he plans his visits.”

  “I see you’ve given this some thought. Just so we get things straight, it wouldn’t be a good idea for you to take this person on by yourselves. It’s a police matter, just like the murder of Arthur is. Don’t take chances, either of you.” His eyes flicked to Jess and then to me.

  “Where did you get that idea?”

  “I know you better than you think I do, Jules. As for Jessica, she did the right thing by calling me. It’s imperative that you two are careful. While you might want to take this intruder on, I recommend you don’t. Remember what happened the last time you two scuffled with him.”

  The moment had come to ask if any evidence had been found after Arty’s body had been removed. I nodded in agreement to his warning and placed my cup aside.

  “Okay, if we’re being frank, I have a question for you. When your crime scene people searched the ground where Arty was found, did they find anything of value in your investigation?”

  His hands resting on the table, Sheriff Carver appeared taken aback. Why? I had no idea, but I wanted to know more now than ever. “Well?”

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “I went walking earlier and ended up at the lake. I noticed the ground was torn up and clusters of grass had been ripped out. I wondered if it was your people who did it.”

  “We didn’t, but the area was well searched by the SOC team.”

  “They’re very efficient, so I wondered, is all. Did anything come to light that would help in the case?”

  He shook his head slowly, never taking his gaze from mine. “Do you want to tell me if you found anything? I’m sure you and the rabbit gave it a good going-over.”

  “We did, but found nothing. Have you made headway in the murder case?”

  “We’re considering a few suspects, but so far, th
ere’s no progress.” He heaved his plump body out of the chair and donned his hat. “If you have anything else to share, or the intruder returns, give me a call.” He walked toward the door, wished us good night, and left.

  Waiting until he’d driven away, I took in Jessica’s sullen face without saying a word. Though it rankled me to no end, she’d been looking out for us by calling Jack.

  “I know you’re thinking I ratted you out. You had no plans to tell Sheriff Carver what Andrew shared, I know you didn’t. I was only trying to help. . . .”

  “I’m not upset. You did what you thought best, let’s leave it at that.” I left the table and added our empty cups to the dishwasher. There was no sense in being aggravated by what Jessica had done, and it had given me a chance to question Carver.

  The hours had flown. My trip to the lake had taken longer than I’d thought, topped by Carter’s visit. That meant the rabbits hadn’t been checked for the night. On my way through the breezeway and into the barn, I flicked light switches as I went. All was quiet, and the rabbits snoozed. Jess had followed behind to check one half of the barn while I did the other. We met at the shop door and went inside to find it neat as usual.

  Our trip through the clinic was also brief. Relieved to find things quiet, we turned toward the house, chatting softly. Jessica bid me good night and climbed the stairs to her bedroom. Tired, but thinking over the day’s and evening’s events, I opened Bun’s door. He came forward, rubbed his head on my ankle, and followed me into the living room.

  Sprawled across the sofa, I tucked an arm behind my head.

  “You heard?”

  “Of course. You aren’t angry with Jess, are you?”

  “A little put out, but not angry. Her heart dictated her actions, what more can I say?”

  “Not everyone is as brave and strong-willed as we are. I’d be surprised if she stays with us much longer. Things sure have been crazy lately.”

  “True, and she does have her own apartment. I think you’re right, though. You were mindful of Carter’s conversation?”

  “Indeed. He’s befuddled by the lack of evidence in Arty’s murder, don’t you agree?”