by Abby Deuel
Mandy couldn’t quite figure out Dennis. He was relatively friendly, but also fairly mysterious. She would definitely have to look into the relationship between him and Anna better once she had figured out this murder. For now, that didn’t have a spot on her agenda.
The softball game continued, with neither team gaining any ground against the other on the scoreboard. Mandy managed to have a pretty nice hit to center field, which enabled her to get to second base. However, the third out of the inning occurred before she could make it to home plate. The sun was becoming less intense, but it had already had its effect on Mandy so she decided to join the onlookers and sit with Lyle. That way she would see if any gossip was flowing through the crowd with regard to the murder.
Gillian and Hamish were sitting with Lyle so Mandy made herself a spot with them. Also in the stands was Fred, decked out in his cheer leading outfit. It was not clear which team he was actually cheering for as he had a costume featuring both team mascots. Apparently, he was spreading cheer equally. The rest of the crowd was following his lead, providing ample encouragement to the players, regardless of their team.
“Nice moves, Dr. Bell,” said Gillian.
“Thanks, but I think I am going to sit the rest out. Any more news on the murder?”
“I’ve been listening around. So far, nothing,” said Gillian.
“Me neither. This is one tricky little town,” Mandy said.
“It grows on you,” Gillian said.
“Well, the murderer is making no mistakes, whoever it is.”
The game concluded with a tie. The point of playing was to bring the town together, not really for a winner so everyone seemed content with the ending.
Mrs. Bouvier stood on the pitcher’s mound to address the crowd, “Great game, everybody. You’ll be able to catch the highlight photos in the paper tomorrow. And now, it’s time for everyone to clean up, dust off, and head to the finale of the evening, the dance. Don’t forget, it is the live music that will make this year really shine. So put your dancing shoes on and be there or be square, pun intended!”
“Are you guys going to go to the dance?” Mandy asked Gillian and Hamish.
“We always go. We don’t necessarily dance. It’s fun whether you sit on the sidelines or not,” Gillian replied.
“Well, I suppose I will see you there then,” Mandy said.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mandy and Lyle wandered down the street with the rest of the crowd. Anyone who didn’t live within walking distance to their house hopped in their car. It seemed like the whole town was on the move so as not to miss out on the dancing. Mandy took a quick opportunity to peruse her list of suspects and motives in the quiet of her RV.
One fact she knew was that whoever did it was not a stranger to Buck, given that there was no real struggle at the scene and he was shot from the front at close range. Also, the murderer was most likely a man based on the size shoe print found at the scene. There may have been a debt involved in the motive. A love quarrel may have been a motive since he had been known to be a ladies man.
For suspects, first there was Jim Moore. He was a bit of a loner with no alibi. His passion for darts may have fueled a need to be the reigning champion in the community. He definitely seemed interested in the recognition associated with that title.
Then there was Dennis. He had only been in town for a short time, visiting Fred. He had some kind of secret Mandy could not figure out. He really wanted the personal items of Anna’s and was getting a bit pushy about getting them. She wasn’t sure if there was a link between the obsessive crush he seemed to have on Anna and the murder. He also acted a tad cagey around her. Then she couldn’t forget the strange tan line on his wrist and his clammy response when she pointed it out to him.
Mandy recalled the story of Howie who had been humiliated by Buck. She wrote down his name and then any relative of Howie’s who might want revenge for what Buck had done to Howie. It wasn’t a strong clue, but it was worth writing down in case it connected to something else later on.
Barney Saunders, owner of the general store, had to be considered. Even though Mandy hadn’t met him yet, she knew that there was a competition in the community between him, Buck, and Jim for the title of best shot. In a masculine world, maybe Barney had wanted to oust his opponent. Or maybe there was more to the dart league than she knew. She never did get a chance to talk to the boys in the Inn that night.
A love quarrel may have been at the center of the motive. She hadn’t come across anyone who claimed to be in a relationship with Buck, though several people had mentioned that he was a ladies man. Even a jealous husband or boyfriend would need to be considered.
She also put an entry entitled unknown on the list. So new to the town, she could have missed an important thread that she still needed to keep her eyes and ears open for. Mandy figured she shouldn’t zero in on anyone, yet.
Now that she had made a little time to work on the murder, she also made a list of things that she still needed to do. First, she needed to bump into Barney Saunders and find out a little more about him. She also needed to head over to the rifle range to see if she could find any more clues there. She needed to know more about the death of Jim Moore’s wife and the relationship between Buck and Dennis and Anna. She also had to check more into Howie’s tormentors and protectors. And finally, she hoped she could have a dinner meeting with Gerry to try to inadvertently discover some clues from him, this time without an emergency interruption.
With a plan in mind, Mandy decided she’d better get ready for the dance. If she wasn’t there, she wouldn’t hear the end of it from the community. She took a quick shower and put on her favorite long denim skirt, moccasins, and a snap button down shirt. Since the sun had really gotten the better of her during the game, she still felt warm but knew that she would get cold later so she tucked a wool jersey in her things she’d be taking. Mandy poured herself a large glass of water to chug down since she was feeling a little dehydrated after such a busy day. Lyle was curled up in her favorite chair in a tight little ball with her tail over her head. Her ears were twitching and legs paddling. A soft whimper could be heard from her as she slept.
“Puppy dreams,” Mandy said. “I bet you are chasing that softball from today that I wouldn’t let you have, little girl.”
One eye opened and stared at Mandy, as if making contact in agreement.
“You don’t have to come to the dance if you want to take a nap,” Mandy said to Lyle.
On cue, Lyle leapt up from her deep slumber and sat by the door.
“I guess that’s a no to napping, huh girl?” Mandy asked Lyle.
Lyle’s bushy tail wagged in response.
“Well, let’s get going then. Do you need a snack before we go?”
Lyle went and sat in front of her bowl. “Another clear response from the smartest Border collie ever. Here you go, sweetheart,” Mandy said as she poured some crunchies into Lyle’s bowl. Crunch, crunch, crunch. Lyle always ate her kibbles in three bites each. Mandy found it to be a soothing part of her life’s routine.
Finished with the snack, Lyle followed Mandy down the three steps of the RV and into the crisp Fall air. They wandered on down the road, Mandy still deep in thought about the murder.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The music could be heard before Mandy even approached the building. She knew this was going to be high-paced jubilation since the town had been mentioning the Hoedown in every conversation since she arrived. Hopefully she could find a few quiet moments to collect some more clues for the murder of Buck Dawson. As she entered, there was joy in the air. People were dancing in unison while the band filled the room with traditional country music. The caller had the whole crowd jiving to the talented fiddler.
Rhonda waved her over to where she was standing on the sidelines. Mandy approached her, “Hi, Dr. Bell. How are you at dancing?” asked Rhonda.
“Oh, I’m not too shabby. I would rather gain some more clues on the murder although I might accid
entally dance in the process,” replied Mandy.
“I didn’t hear that.”
“I didn’t say it,” said Mandy.
The dance was coming to a close and everyone was making a line in the refreshment area before the next dance began.
“Who is that young man over there?” asked Mandy.
“That’s Howie. He’s the retired bull rider.”
“I’ve heard of him. I’d like to talk to him. But first I want to watch who is close to him. I heard that Buck played a few pranks on him. I want to see who takes a protective role for him here.”
“His parents are the people standing behind him in line. They are probably his closest onlookers. Although I think the whole town keeps an eye on him. He makes a living doing yard chores for people around town and delivering mail sometimes. He does a very good job because he is strong as an ox. Very trustworthy,” Rhonda explained.
“I think I might go introduce myself. Do they have any pets?” asked Mandy.
“Howie has a little Chihuahua named Rosie. She follows him everywhere but she must have stayed home tonight. Not all dogs are like Lyle and can come to the dance. The town seems to have taken a real shining to the new vet and her sidekick,” Rhonda smiled as she spoke and her cheery dimples showed in her cheeks. Mandy thought in some ways Rhonda reminded her of a happy little gnome.
“Thanks for that. I think I will head over there now. I’ll catch up with you before the night ends,” Mandy said, with genuine warmth in her voice.
Howie was standing with his parents, sipping punch from a plastic wine glass. “Excuse me, I’d like to introduce myself. We haven’t met yet but I am……” Mandy started.
“Dr. Bell,” Howie finished her sentence. “I have seen you when I am collecting leaves. I wondered about your dog. What is her name?”
“Lyle. And yes, she is a girl. You are very observant. How did you know she is a girl?”
“I heard someone say that she was,” said Howie.
Howie’s parents appeared, one each side of Howie. “Hi Dr. Bell. How are you this evening?” asked his mom.
“Good. I’m a little full, to be honest, after lots of baked goods but happy to be here. I was just introducing myself to Howie. I understand he has a Chihuahua named Rosie,” said Mandy.
“Well, yes he does. I am Pat and this is my husband, Howie’s father, Aaron. We are pleased to meet you. I hope you are settling in well to the town,” said Pat.
Pat was dressed in a stylish lilac sweater set with pearls and a long, flowing skirt. Aaron and Howie were both wearing freshly ironed khakis and plaid button-up shirts. The family looked very tidy and clearly watched out for each other. While Aaron wore penny leathers, Howie did not hide his love for the rodeo, wearing a large belt buckle and some fancy cowboy boots.
“I’m pleased to meet you three as well. I heard that Howie does a bit of yard work and I was wondering if I could hire him to help me clean up Anna’s place. The leaves have been piling up and I don’t want a fire out there,” Mandy said.
Howie’s eyes lit up.
“Dr. Bell, can I speak to you for a moment?” Aaron asked. Meanwhile, Pat led Howie to the line to get another cup of punch.
“Sure,” Mandy said.
“I don’t know if anyone has told you. Howie was in an accident in the bull ring some years ago. He lacks a little cognitive function as a result of a brain injury. He leads a very normal life, though he can be very innocent and therefore taken advantage of. I am not suggesting that you will do that to Howie. I just want to be sure you understand that he has the mental capacity of a child,” Aaron said.
“First, I am sorry for his injury. I had heard about it and I think it is horrible that anyone would take advantage of him in any way. I have no intention of doing that. I would, however, like to treat him like an adult and allow him to work in exchange for money,” Mandy said, with as much restraint as possible. She knew Aaron had Howie’s best interest at heart but she found it difficult not to feel a tad on the spot.
“Thank you. That is all that we ask. We treat him like the wonderful son that he is while trying to prevent unnecessary exposure to the cruelties of life.”
“I understand entirely. I can’t believe anyone would hurt him,” Mandy said. She saw Aaron make eye contact with Pat and give her a nod. She figured this indicated that she was passing their preliminary test.
“You’d be surprised. That nasty Buck Dawson was always playing pranks on Howie. I can’t say that we will see Buck in heaven on the other side. He was a bad seed,” said Aaron.
“I see. What sorts of things happened, if you don’t mind my being nosy?” asked Mandy.
“He would sneak up and sabotage the gear Howie uses to do his yard work. We got to the point where we had to lock everything up at night and check it all before Howie used it. Not only was it not funny but it could have resulted in an injury for poor Howie.”
“That is very cruel. I guess you guys are safe now from that torment.”
“We are,” Aaron said as he signaled that Pat and Howie could join them.
Mandy wondered if Aaron could vouch for his whereabouts on the night Buck was murdered. Before she could get a chance to inquire, Howie was back.
“Can I help her Dad?” asked Howie.
“I don’t see why not,” Aaron said, placing a loving arm around Howie.
“You will be able to meet Rosie, Dr. Bell,” said Howie, trying to contain his excitement.
“Indeed I will. I look forward to it. We can arrange a day that works for you,” replied Mandy.
“We are both retired so we will help coordinate with you. We help by driving Howie and coordinating the bookings. I will give you a call at the office.”
“Sounds wonderful,” said Mandy. The music started again and the caller asked that everyone who wanted to participate in the next dance take their places.
“Are you going to dance, Dr. Bell?” Howie asked.
“Sure. I will try this one. You’ll have to help me. I’m a bit rusty,” said Mandy.
“We can all look after each other,” Aaron said as they started over to the stage.
Mandy could see that this family was very close. She wondered what lengths Aaron would take to make sure Howie was safe. She would have to find out if he had any experience with a gun.
The night carried on with many dances and breaks for refreshments. The punch was non-alcoholic so there was no display of disorderly conduct. This made Mandy happy because all too often, she had seen a fun evening end in a brawl. This town was so different, except one person in the town did murder someone in cold blood.
She was enjoying the dancing so much that she didn’t manage to interview anyone else. Even Larry and Gerry were letting their hair down. Gerry managed to dance his way over the Mandy several times throughout the night. Mandy had to admit that it was nice to have someone quietly interested in her, though it was too soon for her to even go there.
At the last pause of the evening, Rhonda zoomed over to Mandy. “How did it go with Howie and his family?”
“Good, Howie is going to help clear the leaves from around Anna’s house,” Mandy said.
“What a great idea. Any luck with the answers you needed? I don’t want details,” Rhonda said.
“I have some more sleuthing to do, but thanks for your help.”
“The night is dwindling. I need to get home to check on the puppies. I will see you later this week,” Rhonda said, showing her dimples again.
“Sure thing,” said Mandy. As the crowd was dissipating, Lyle stuck right by Mandy, clearly ready to go to bed after a very full day. “Alright, little girl, let’s get home to bed,” Mandy said to Lyle.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sunday morning Mandy and Lyle slept in to recover from the activities of the previous day. Even though they got a late start, they had a few things they wanted to accomplish. Mandy started by nourishing her body with fresh pancakes. The RV smelled delightful. Lyle could not resist the temp
tation of the sweet syrup aromas. When Mandy was getting a second cup of coffee, Lyle made a beeline for the last few bites of Mandy’s breakfast.
“Lyle, get down,” Mandy said sternly. “You know you always get some but you have to wait for me to finish.” Mandy had some extra batter so she whipped up a few more pancakes. She could only eat one more so the rest were for Lyle. When they finished, Mandy cleaned up the kitchen and set the dishwasher to run. Then she hopped in the shower and dressed for the chilly day ahead. Meanwhile Lyle stretched out on the dashboard to soak up the sunshine peeking through.
“Ok, Lyle. We need to get some maintenance done around here. We have a lot to consider with the murder investigation. However, if we don’t get some laundry and shopping done, we won’t be much use this coming week, will we?” Lyle lifted her head but made no attempt to move from her warm spot in the sun. “Guess I am on my own then?” As Mandy put a jacket on and grabbed the laundry, Lyle rose from her nap and met Mandy at the door. “Alright, come on then.”
They stepped out of the RV and walked to the clinic. Closed Sundays, it would be nice and quiet to accomplish a few tasks. Mandy first fed Emma and Jimbo, who were circling her feet maniacally, as if they may starve to death if they didn’t receive crunchies immediately. Neither cat was thin by any means. Anna had clearly become trained by their hunger demands just as Mandy was now reinforcing their obsession. Once they inhaled their breakfast, Emma curled up on the cat cozy on the counter and Jimbo took his position in the window to monitor the birds outside. Lyle snuggled up on the office chair at the front desk. For a long, tall dog, she could curl up in the smallest little ball.
Mandy moved the clinic laundry over so she could start some of her own laundry. Lyle came bouncing in to the laundry room to check on Mandy. She dropped a ball in the pile of laundry for Mandy to throw should she be so inclined.
“Not right now, Lyle. I still have a few more things to catch up on,” Mandy said. Lyle huffed and puffed her cheeks before retreating from the laundry room back to her chair at the front of the clinic.
