Left Fur Dead

by J. M. Griffin

  Hopeful that his sarcasm wouldn’t lead to outright anger, I gave him Arty’s notes.

  He took them, then opened a desk drawer and handed the Bible to me. “This Bible?”

  Nodding like a bobblehead doll, I stammered, “Y-yes, this is the one.”

  “Then why don’t you have a look, and then we’ll talk.” He fingered the notes and gave them a quick look while I delved into the Bible. A family tree was listed on an inside page set out for just that. I scanned them once and then again, disappointed that none of the names were familiar to me. I ruffled the pages, knowing Carver had already done so and probably had his crime scene people check for prints. If he’d come up empty, then why wouldn’t I?

  “I have someone chasing down the names. You sure you don’t recognize any of them?”

  He took the Bible and slipped it into the drawer, then slammed the drawer closed. Oh, my.

  “Didn’t I warn you about interfering? Have you forgotten there’s a killer on the loose, and that you could be a target? Look what’s been happening at your farm.”

  “Sheriff Carver, I know you’re upset, but I’ve been very careful. When I was at Arty’s house this last time, a man was lurking around my car when I came back. I hid in the bushes and waited for him to leave. He was dressed in a hoodie jacket like the intruder at my farm was, has the same build, too. And, when he spoke on his cell phone, I recognized his voice as the same man.”

  The teetering of his chair stopped when Carver brought his full attention to the topic and slammed both palms of his hands on the desk. “Have you lost your mind, Juliette? What if he’d seen you, what then? Did you get a look at his face?”

  I hadn’t and said so.

  Heaving himself out of his chair, Carver pointed at the door and yelled, “Stay out of police business, or I’ll throw you in jail. Now, get out of my office.”

  I didn’t waste any time making for the door. As I stepped over the threshold, I blurted, “Has there been any other news on Andrew Stone?”

  His face red, his hand came up and Carver pointed. “No, just get out.”

  For fear of being locked up, I nearly ran from the station. Officers turned to watch when I rushed past. They had probably heard Carver bellow at me. My head down, I kept on moving.

  Whose idea had this been, anyway? Oh yeah, that would be mine. Maybe I should listen to Bun’s advice more often. He was rarely mistaken. The entire trip to see Jack had produced nothing. I’d gotten to peruse the Bible, if only for a moment or two, but it didn’t matter, there wasn’t anything of use in it that I could find. I leaned my forehead on the steering wheel and took a few deep, calming breaths.

  Why hadn’t I believed Bun when he insisted Carver wouldn’t be all sunshine and roses? The rabbit had a bead on Carver, the way every animal could, by use of their senses. I’d have to own up, and it would be hard to admit he was correct, but then, he was, so why not let him bask in the knowledge? Bun never steered me wrong. I had to remember that.

  Before I returned to the farm, I stopped at the market and bought rolls, a roasted chicken, and a bag of mixed salad greens for supper. Though I had no appetite, especially after escaping arrest, I was sure Jess would be hungry.

  She and Bun greeted me at the door. Bun sensed my trip to Carver’s office didn’t go well, but he didn’t carry on about it. He snugged up to my ankle and murmured he was glad I was home. Jess took the grocery bags and unloaded them. Meanwhile, I cuddled Bun.

  “Shall we eat now? I set the table, thinking you’d be along any moment.”

  “Sure, has Bun eaten?” I set him aside and went into his room. Assured he had plenty of food and water, I went into the kitchen, washed my hands, and sat at the table.

  “From the look on your face, I take it things with the sheriff didn’t go as planned?”

  “That’s for sure. He ranted like a maniac over the fact that I had interfered in his investigation. Geesh, you’d think I committed an all-out crime. He wouldn’t even discuss what he’s found out.”

  Commiserating with me, Jess went into positive mode by pointing out that Sheriff Carver had his business to run and we had ours. She also mentioned the bookings for parties and spinning classes, and then exclaimed, “While you were out, you got a call from Mary Brickworth. Did you see her when she came to the open house? She was very excited over the rabbits, your educational programs, and is interested in setting something up at the library in conjunction with an author who’s coming in to discuss her latest children’s book that features a family of bunnies.”

  From under the table, I heard Bun moan. “Good Lord, don’t people know rabbits aren’t people? These authors make them out to be something from Walt Disney.”

  I asked Jess if Mary had mentioned anything else about the book.

  “She has a copy, if you’d like to see it. I think it’s great publicity for the library and the farm, not to mention the author. I don’t think she’s a local writer, though.”

  With all this positive talk, my appetite returned. We ate, talked, and ate some more, with Bun inserting his thoughts between our bites. For the most part, I ignored his comments, trying to keep the conversation light and focused on the rabbits.

  We’d finished our meal when Jess asked, “Has Lizzy been around at all?”

  “I haven’t heard a word from her. Her boss might have her working on another super campaign.”

  She shrugged. “I wondered since the wool-spinning classes begin soon. She promised to handle that.”

  “I’ll give her a call to remind her. I’m sure it’s on her schedule, she’s quite efficient. Have you set up an appointment to take your state license exam?”

  “Not yet, but I’m going to have to do it soon. I can’t afford to put it off.”

  “How many hours a day do you plan to be open? I know you mentioned appointments for afternoons mostly. Does that mean your off-site visits will take place in the morning?”

  “That’s what I hope for. With an afternoon schedule only, at least for now, I should be fine. There won’t be any evening hours unless it’s an emergency. Taking on too much, too soon can be a hazard, one that I’d like to avoid.”

  “You’re right. When I started Fur Bridge Farm, it was crazy until I reached a point where I got the farm under control. I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone. One step at a time is the best way to build your business, Jess. I’ll help all I can, just as you’ve helped me. If I’m busy, feel free to ask the students to give you a hand. I don’t mind at all.”

  * * *

  Life at the farm ran smoothly and quietly for a few weeks. Getting into a pleasant routine was odd at first. So much had taken place, I was unsure whether this was the quiet before the storm. Jessica had passed her license exam and was now Dr. Jessica Plain.

  A few parties were scheduled. I reached out to Mary Brickworth about the author book signing and then paused before hanging up.

  “Would you happen to know a puppeteer who could fill the gap left at birthday parties from Arty’s death? I only ask because parents are clamoring for more than me and the rabbits to entertain their children.”

  “You know, a sweet woman comes here to entertain the kids when we have summer and other school vacation programs. Wait one minute, I’ll get her phone number for you.” The line went quiet and then Mary was back, rattling off the woman’s name, address, and phone number.

  “Mention that I gave you her information. Good luck, Juliette, I think you’ll like Bailey.”

  “Thanks, Mary.” I hung up, read the phone number, and called Bailey Kimball.

  After I explained who I was and told Bailey of Mary’s referral, the conversation went well. I couldn’t gauge her age by the sound of her voice, but from the way she enthusiastically spoke of her puppeteering experience, I was sure we’d make a great team.

  “Can we meet? I’d like to get to know you better and perhaps see your puppets.”

  “Good idea. I’m coming out your way tomorrow and can drop by, if that would
be all right? Say around eleven in the morning? I have an engagement at the school later.”

  “I’ll be here. This way you’ll have a chance to see the rabbits, too. We’ll also be able to tell how well our entertainment styles will work out. See you tomorrow, then.”

  I’d set the phone in its charger and started across the room when it rang again. Bun, who had been silent up to now, hopped from his room.

  “Geez, isn’t anyone going to allow you time enough to feed me? I’m starving to death and fading fast.”

  I sighed at his dramatic tone and said I would be but a minute, but that he had already had a snack.

  “Do you think you can hang on that long, Bun?” I chuckled, and answered the call.

  One of the mothers I had booked a party with was on the line.

  “Hi, it’s Karen Sommers. I’m checking to see if you have had a chance to find someone to take Arty’s place? Not that it’s your responsibility, or anything, but I thought you might know of another entertainer who can accompany you, so you won’t have to handle the children all alone, but will have a break.”

  “As a matter of fact, I’ve had a referral from Mary Brickworth and will meet the woman in the morning to iron things out.”

  Her squeal of excitement deafening, I held the phone away from my ear. When the noise ceased, I said I’d be in touch by the end of the following day.

  “I’m so pleased. Can I tell the other parents about her?”

  “After she and I have had a chance to meet, yes, but let’s not be hasty in case she doesn’t work out.” Certain that I wasted my breath, I listened to her agree, knowing the phone calls would begin as soon as I hung up. Karen couldn’t keep anything to herself, which might be just what I needed to learn more about Arty and his antics toward the end of his life. Karen and her husband, Dr. Sommers, hadn’t attended the open house, which was a loss, because it could have saved a lot of snooping on my part.

  Food filled Bun’s dish and his water was replenished before I went to the barn to care for the rest of the rabbits. Halfway through the job, the school kids came in and took over the remainder for me.

  The phone in Jessica’s clinic was ringing when I opened the door. Jessica’s face held a harried expression as she answered the call. Scribbling information on a notepad, she checked her schedule and made an appointment.

  Not twenty minutes later, Jessica, Murphy, and his owner exited the examination room and Jess asked if I’d set a follow-up date for the dog. I nodded, took care of the appointment, and collected the fee. Jess invited another owner with a pet carrier into a different examination room. After Murphy was gone, I scooted into the empty patient room and gave it a quick clean. Each room was sanitized after each patient had been treated.

  A short respite took place around three in the afternoon. Jess and I flopped into seats in the waiting area of her clinic and heaved a sigh when Molly Perkins stepped into the room.

  “If you don’t need me any longer, I’ll be going. Ray already left, but I wasn’t sure if you needed a hand, Jessica.”

  Her smile wide, Jess accepted Molly’s offer and asked if she was able to work in the clinic at any other time during the week. I left them chatting and tended to my own business. A delivery truck pulled up to the barn doors. While the driver opened the truck’s overhead door, I slid one of the barn doors open to receive the goods I’d ordered earlier in the week.

  As a team, the driver and I unloaded bags of feed and bales of timothy hay. I took the bill of lading, signed off on it, and watched the driver depart. About to close the door, I saw Andrew Stone come up the driveway. He gave me a nod and turned in my direction.

  “Got your feed delivery, I see. I’ll give you a hand putting it away.”

  Before I could protest, Andrew had stacked a half dozen bags of rabbit pellets on the shelves where I stored them. I handled the timothy hay and we were finished before I knew it.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  He nodded and followed me into the house.

  The pot set to perk, we sat at the kitchen table, across from each other. He wasn’t one for small talk, but I had questions, and I didn’t hesitate to ask them.

  “Have you been keeping an eye on us?”

  “I have. Nothing going on, though. I guess the lock changes did the trick.”

  “Seems that way, but that raises another question, doesn’t it?”

  With a keen stare, Andrew nodded. “Uh-huh.”

  “Just so we’re thinking alike, what I’d like to know is, who gave the intruder the key or from whom did he steal it? Any ideas?”

  “I’m certain none of your staff would willingly let anyone have their key, whether they knew them or not.”

  I poured mugs of coffee and set them on the table. Andrew sipped his while Bun crossed the threshold of his room and entered the kitchen.

  “What is he doing here?”

  “Thanks for stopping by and giving me a hand with the supplies. Jessica’s got her hands full with the clinic right now, so I can’t count on her to come to my aid. The schoolkids are great, but they aren’t always around, either.”

  “Least I can do.” He slurped a mouthful of coffee and held the cup out for more.

  Unusual for him to stay very long, I took advantage of the opportunity, just as he knew I would. I caught the quick gleam in his eyes before he peered down at Bun.

  “This rabbit sure has the life. You take good care of these animals, you should be proud.”

  “I am. They get good care and are healthy because of it.” Bun deposited his plump bum next to my ankles and sniffed. What his sniff was about was anyone’s guess. I let it be.

  “Getting back to the key situation. Who would steal a barn key and how would they do it? Very few of the kids had keys before and only Jess and I have them now. I can’t figure it out.”

  “Have you considered who your employees have contact with? Take the high schoolers, for example.” Andrew sat back, thought for a moment, and then said, “Has there ever been a kid from their school who caused trouble for either of them?”

  “They’ve never mentioned it to me. They are great kids, popular, smart, both studied college-level classes, and graduated high school with honors. I’ve never heard a bad word about them. The same goes for Pete Lambert, my college student. Honors all the way, nice young man with a great future ahead of him. When it comes to my employees, I have lucked out. Never a spot of trouble, not ever, from any of them.”

  His smile stopped me talking. I clamped my mouth shut. “What’s so funny?”

  “You are. You were probably their best referral on their college applications, I’m sure.” He chuckled, another unusual thing about him. The stars must have been in alignment or something of that sort for me to have had a lengthy and interesting conversation with this loner.

  “You know, Jules, you do see the help through rose-colored glasses. I do think they are all super people, that you can always count on.”

  “Are you saying I don’t see them clearly, or are you agreeing with me?”

  “Agreeing, mostly. We’ve covered the students, so who does that leave?”

  I opened my mouth as the phone rang. Raising a finger, I took the call.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “Hello?”

  “Juliette, it’s Lizzy. I’m returning your call.”

  “Where have you been? We’ve missed you.”

  “I know, life’s been crazy these last few weeks. I haven’t forgotten about the spinning classes, don’t worry about that. How many students have signed up?”

  “We have a few, and others are interested in doing so but have questions I can’t answer. Could you come by later this evening to clear up a few questions?”

  Silence hung in the air for a second or two before she said, “Uh, sure, about seven, or maybe tomorrow morning would be better? How about around ten or so, tomorrow morning?”

  “In the morning, then. See you.” I hung up and sat at the table.


  “Something bothering you?”

  The conversation with Andrew had gotten under my skin, aided by the one I’d just had with Lizzy. Was I overreacting to something I had no clue about? Maybe.

  “I’m not sure. The only two left are Lizzy and Jessica. I’m positive Jessica would never give her key to anyone, let alone allow what’s been happening here at the barn to continue. She adores the rabbits.”

  Andrew pushed away from the table, stood, and zipped his jacket. “That would leave Lizzy. Thanks for the coffee.”

  “Thanks for your help.”

  He closed the door behind him without another word, sauntered across the field, and faded into the woods.

  “He’s an odd duck, a solitary figure, too. He sure has given us a lot to think about. Does he suspect our sweet Lizzy of being part of these terrible events that have taken place? Or is he casting doubt on her, so we won’t consider him a suspect any longer?”

  “I don’t know, but he does make a good point. After all, what do we really know about Lizzy?”

  “Fair enough, then. We know there’s a connection between Arty and Andrew. We’re both certain Andrew means us no harm, right?”

  “I know I keep waffling back and forth about him, but deep down, I don’t believe he’s our intruder.”

  “Now that is clear between us, let’s move on. Has Sheriff Carver mentioned if he’s looked into Peter Lambert’s background? I think he’s the only person, other than Lizzy, who hasn’t been investigated.”

  “I can’t accept the idea of Peter being capable of these crimes against us, or of killing Arty, either. He’s too shy, to begin with. A well-rounded person in my opinion.” I hesitated and with a shake of my head, I said, “Not that my opinion is worth much these days.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with your deductive reasoning. You willingly accept people for who they are, but you have a keen sense about them, too. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

  Bun thumped his foot on the floor, a sign that he meant business. Endearing as he could be, I knew he wouldn’t offer validation if he thought it wasn’t merited. I scooped him off the floor, then walked through the corridor and into the barn as Jess closed and locked the door of the clinic.