by V. M. Burns
“Okay, what kind of work were you doing?” B.J. laughed.
Heat rose up my neck. “No, not me. I mean…I just felt like the owner, Dallas, well…he seemed a bit…well…”
B.J. laughed and gave me a playful shove. “Girl, I know what you mean. That Dallas is terrible. He’ll flirt with anything in a skirt.”
Monica Jill laughed. “B.J.’s right. He flirts with all the staff, the customers… everybody. I don’t know why Keri Lynn puts up with it.”
B.J. leaned close and whispered, “Well, I can guess why she puts up with it.” She winked. “But I certainly wouldn’t put up with it. If my husband flirted with women like Dallas does, I’d take my gun and shoot him.” She laughed.
Monica Jill got serious. “I think Keri Lynn does her own fair share of flirting.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“You saw that man in the tent with her at the dog show?”
I nodded.
“That’s Justin, he’s the chef at Pet Haven. He has the world’s biggest crush on Keri Lynn.”
“Does she like him too?” I frowned at the sound of my own voice, which reminded me of middle school.
Monica Jill looked down her nose at me in a way that said, “Are you serious?” “I think Keri Lynn likes men. She flirts and most of them know she isn’t serious. I mean, the woman is absolutely gorgeous. However, someone like Justin…well, it’s just cruel to flirt with someone like that.”
“Like what?” I asked.
“Someone who’s…simple, like Justin.” She sighed. “He’s naïve and extremely gullible. If he thought someone like Keri Lynn was interested in him, he’d fall all over himself to please her. I doubt there’s anything he wouldn’t do for her.” She reached out her hand and hurried to explain. “I don’t mean there’s anything really wrong with him, but he’s just…well, simple.”
“Sounds like Keri Lynn is taking advantage,” I said.
She shrugged. “Maybe, but we don’t know for sure, and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.” She shrugged. “Seriously, I love Pet Haven.” She looked at me. “How did Aggie like it?”
“She loved it.” I struggled to figure out how to get the conversation back to Dallas.
Dixie joined the conversation. “He seems pretty sleazy to me. Do you think he’s all talk?”
Monica Jill and B.J. both shrugged.
“Honey, no man could be as…in demand as Dallas Simpson thinks himself capable. I’m sure he’s all talk and very little action.” B.J. paused. “Although…”
“What?” I asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t like to spread gossip, but I noticed one of those pretty young things he has working there seemed a bit…overly friendly, if you know what I mean.” She looked pointedly at us, and we all nodded.
“Was it Heather?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Honey, most days, I’m doing good to remember my own name. I sure ain’t trying to remember any names I don’t have to.”
“Blond, young…perky?” I tried again.
She shrugged. “I guess, but I can’t say.” She squinted and tilted her head. “Why you wanna know? Don’t tell me you’ve got the hots for Dallas Simpson.”
“No. No. No. Absolutely, no.”
She folded her arms, gave a cynical smirk, and pursed her lips. “Uh-huh.”
I sighed and glanced at Dixie.
She gave a slight shrug and a barely perceptible nod.
“I think there’s something weird going on at Pet Haven.” I briefly told them about seeing someone murdered.
“Good lawd.” B.J. rubbed her arms. “That made the hair on my arms stand up.”
Monica Jill stood quietly.
I looked at her. “What do you think? I mean, we found her with a man in the tent in a compromising position, and he was definitely not her husband.”
Her face turned red. “I don’t think people should speculate about stuff like that. That’s how rumors get started, and murder isn’t anything to joke about.” She grabbed her purse. “Maybe people should pray for them, rather than spreading rumors.”
I was momentarily shocked by her response. “I’m not spreading—”
“Come on, Jac.” She gave her leash a yank and stormed out of the building.
We stared after her for several seconds.
Finally, B.J. said, “I wonder what’s got her panties in a wad.”
“I have no idea.” I stared from the door where she left to Dixie, who merely shook her head.
I had completely forgotten Dr. Morgan was still there until he spoke. “I think someone spread some pretty awful rumors about her husband about a year or so ago. He almost lost his job, and they went through a rough patch. So…”
I looked at him. “I’m sorry, but…”
He gave a curt laugh. “How do I know?”
“Well, yeah.”
He sighed. “I work with her husband, Zach, at the county.”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
He shrugged and then tipped his head toward us and walked out with Max.
“Honey, you didn’t know. I’m sure she’ll be as right as rain by tomorrow.” B.J. gave me a quick hug. “I live in the same subdivision with the Simpsons, but we rarely see each other. Next time I drop Snowball off for day care, I’ll pay better attention.” She hurried out.
I waited while Dixie turned out the lights and made sure the office was locked up. When she returned to the gym area, she turned to face Leia and Chyna, who were still lying in the middle of the floor. “Free.”
Both dogs stretched and slowly trotted to Dixie’s side.
We all walked out together. Dixie locked the door.
Once outside, the poodles wandered to the side of the building, where they found a patch of grass. They squatted and took care of their business. Unlike the well-trained standards, Aggie couldn’t be trusted off-leash. So I walked her over to the grass so she could join her friends. She sniffed until she found the perfect blade of grass and then squatted too.
Dixie opened the side of her RV, and the standards climbed inside. She closed the door and turned to face me. “Look, I’m sure Monica Jill will be okay. She’s not the type to hold a grudge for long. She’ll blow off steam, and then she’ll be her perky, annoyingly optimistic self in no time.”
“I hope so. I like her.”
Dixie smiled. “I like her too.”
I spent the entire drive back to the hotel beating myself up mentally for upsetting someone who had done so much for me. Not only had Monica Jill spent a great deal of time and money helping me find a house, but she had also been a friend to me. I thought about how just a short time earlier she’d prayed for me when she learned about the identity theft. I owed her an apology, and by the time I made it back to my room, I was determined I’d give her one.
At the hotel, I encouraged Aggie to take care of her business before we went inside, but she had other ideas. Instead of at least trying, she took the time to wander, bark at a passing squirrel, and play with a discarded paper cup. I gave up and we went inside.
I intended to immediately send an apology text to Monica Jill but got distracted when my phone rang. I looked at the picture that was displayed and smiled at the face of my son, David, even though he couldn’t see me. “David, how are you?” I glanced at my watch. “I thought you were in Milan. What time is it there?”
“I was in Milan, but I’m back in New York.”
David was a successful stage actor who was supposed to be on tour in Europe.
“Don’t tell me the play closed?” From the clippings he’d sent and the information I’d found online, it looked as though the play was very well received.
“The play’s doing well, but a pipe burst at the theater and everything’s flooded. So it looks like we’ve got a little time off while
they make repairs. I thought I’d come for a visit if you were up to it.”
“Of course. I’d love to see you.” I looked around the hotel room.
“Why do I feel a ‘but’ coming. It’s okay if you’ve got plans. Stephanie told me about your…friend.”
“Nothing like that. It’s just that I moved out of the house I was renting and I’m in a hotel, but I’d love to see you.”
We talked for several minutes and finalized the arrangements.
When I got off the phone, I was surprised when it rang again. This time it was Monica Jill. I took a deep breath before I answered. “Monica Jill. I’m so glad you called. I wanted to apologize for earlier tonight. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful or hurtful or start rumors. I was—”
“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean any harm.” She sighed. “I knew I overreacted the moment I pulled away, and I wanted to turn around and go back and apologize for getting in a huff, but I had some real estate stuff, and this is the first chance I got to call. I know your heart, and I know you weren’t trying to cause problems.”
“Thank you. I was just about to call and apologize to you.”
She tsked. “No need. I’m fine. Hey, apart from apologizing, the reason I called was because one of the Realtors I talked to was the listing agent for your house.”
I smiled at Monica Jill’s energy and optimism. Based on the news from my bank, it was encouraging to see she still considered it “my house.”
“I told him you might need an extension while you cleared up the identify theft situation with your late husband. And you’ll never guess what he said.”
I sat down on the bed and tried to brace myself. I couldn’t imagine what he could possibly say. “What?”
“Well, he’s real good friends with the owner. He said the house has been used as a rental, and he’s pretty sure the owner will let you rent the house while you work on the mortgage.”
I wasn’t expecting that. “Really?” I tried to mentally process that bit of news. “How much would he want for rent? Does he know I have a dog?”
I nearly dropped the phone when she told me the rental price. It was well below what I’d paid for my last rental. In fact, it was less than I was paying for the hotel.
The excitement in her voice bubbled over. “Yes, I told him all about Aggie. I told him what a cute, well-behaved little dog she is.”
“Why is the rent so cheap?” I couldn’t help wondering what was wrong with the house that he was willing to rent it for so little.
“Well, the owner is a doctor. The house used to belong to his grandmother. He’s been renting it for about two years since she had to go in a nursing home. So, he doesn’t need the money.”
“Everyone needs money.”
“He’s more interested in having someone in the house who’ll take care of it. Plus, you’ll have all of the utilities to pay. The insurance on an empty house is outrageous, and he doesn’t want to be bothered with the yard or any of the upkeep.” She hesitated. “Honestly, I thought you’d be excited.”
“I am excited. I just…I guess, I’m in shock. I wasn’t expecting it.”
“Well, girlfriend, if you want to rent it, it’s yours. You just say the word and I’ll call him back.”
I looked around and had a moment of panic when I didn’t see Aggie. She had been unusually quiet while I was on the phone. I walked around the side of the bed and found she had pulled my remaining pillow from the bed. She had ripped open a seam and was covered in feathers. I sighed. “Deal!”
Chapter 9
Monica Jill worked quickly, and by the next day, I had signed a rental agreement and had keys to the house. The owner had my check for the first and last months’ rent and a hefty pet deposit. Similar to my last move, Dixie turned on the Southern charm and worked her magic. My belongings were out of storage and transported to my soon-to-be new home.
Linda Kay was more than enthusiastic and told me to take as much time as I needed. By late afternoon, movers were hauling boxes and setting up beds and other large pieces of furniture. The house was organized chaos, and Dixie was the general. She gave orders and kept things moving.
Unlike my last move, I didn’t have to worry about Aggie or confine her to a crate. The large fenced-in backyard allowed all three poodles to remain outside through the bedlam and confusion. While they chose to remain on the deck the majority of the time with their noses pressed up to the sliding glass door rather than running around the yard, it was still a better setup.
David’s flight was scheduled to arrive at eight, so the guest bedroom and bathroom were the first things I set up. Monica Jill showed up with Jac late afternoon and brought food. The movers continued hauling boxes while we took a break to eat. The only flat surface that wasn’t covered by boxes was the patio table, so the three of us went outside.
I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I smelled the spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread she brought, along with a gallon of sweet tea. Thinking of everything, she also brought paper plates, cups, and plastic silverware.
I expected to have to fight off Aggie and the other dogs, but the moment she let Jac out, a fierce game of chase ensued. Jac took off, with three poodles in hot pursuit.
We sat and watched the chase and ate.
“That dog wears me out.” She watched Jac make a sharp turn and race around a tree. “We need a yard like this where he can run and play and get rid of some energy.”
“He’s just young,” Dixie said.
“He’s the same age as Aggie, and she’s not wild.”
Dixie chuckled. “Aggie is a different breed. Plus, she’s a female. Males are often more…energetic.”
“Well, he’s certainly got plenty of energy.”
We ate in silence for a bit. When we finished, Dixie brought out a large container of water for the dogs, which they lapped up eagerly.
Monica Jill packed away the leftovers and took them inside. When she returned, she called Jac, who rushed to her. She clipped his leash on. “He’ll sleep like a log when he gets home.” She smiled at her dog. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to Pet Haven.” She hesitated a moment and then turned to me. “I still think you’re barking up the wrong tree. I think Dallas is like one of those fancy show ponies. He’s playing the part of a gigolo. I think he worships his wife.” She shook her head. “I think it’s Keri Lynn who’s been unfaithful. I saw her with that chef, Justin, and they weren’t playing patty-cake.”
“When?” I asked.
“Actually, last week when I went to pick him up from day care. He was so excited to see me, he piddled on the floor. I went in search of something to clean up.”
“They made you clean it up?” I asked.
“No, but I wasn’t going to leave it for someone else to clean.” Monica Jill looked down her nose at me, but I merely shrugged.
Monica Jill continued, “When I walked by the employee break room, the door wasn’t closed. I thought I’d just pop in and get some paper towels. That’s when I saw them.”
“What were they doing?” I asked.
She smirked with a you-must-be-joking look.
“What happened?”
“They didn’t see me. I just closed the door and found the washroom.”
She sighed. “My husband’s cousin is one of the groomers. I’ll ask her if she’s noticed anything…unusual.”
“Be careful. I wouldn’t want—”
She waved away my protest. “I’ll be careful not to say too much.” She looked down. “I’ll be honest. I think you’re wrong. I hope you’re wrong.” She sighed. “Even if you’re right and he and Heather were cheating, it doesn’t mean he killed his wife. It just means he’s a low-down scumbag who doesn’t honor his marriage vows and cheats on his wife. That doesn’t make him a murderer.”
“Agreed, but I know what I saw.”
“But you s
aid you couldn’t see the person’s face. It could have been someone else.”
I thought for a moment. “It could have been.”
“But it wasn’t.” She sighed.
I shrugged. “I’m pretty sure it was him.”
She nodded.
We said our good-byes and I thanked her for the food and for helping me get out of the hotel and into a house, and then she left.
Red came by after work and helped unpack and move furniture. While he was placing the fancy dishes I rarely used at the top of the cabinets, he told me the latest news related to the case. “Forensics didn’t find much. The area had been cleaned with bleach and cleaned well.”
“Probably so he could hide evidence.” I handed him the silver serving dishes I’d only used once in my entire married life.
“Or maybe they used bleach to sanitize the area.” He put the silver at the back of the top shelf. “You’re never going to be able to reach this stuff. Are you sure you want to put it in here?”
“I should just give it to Goodwill. I never use it, and it will be one less thing I need to clean.” I sighed. “Although part of me wanted to hand it down to Stephanie when she gets married.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know your daughter well, but she doesn’t strike me as the type to use this kind of silver service.”
“You’re right.” I held out my hands and he took the silver items down and handed them back. I returned them to the box. “I’ll donate it to Goodwill.”
“Are you sure? This stuff is heavy. If it’s real, it might be worth some money. Maybe you should sell it.”
“Pshaw. Albert’s mom gave it to us. Given how she felt about me, I doubt very seriously she spent a wad of money on it.” I found the packing tape and secured the box. “Besides, this house doesn’t have much storage. I will need to downsize. Any word from the police from the dog show?”
He shook his head. “Funny, she was supposed to be at the show for three days, but apparently, she packed up her tent and cleared out in the middle of the night.”
I nearly dropped a glass and had to juggle to catch it. “Well, that’s suspicious, don’t you think? Before the police can get a good look at her, she scurries out in the middle of the night.”
