"That sounds good." Buck actually seemed nervous. "We've been working on the new Meaty Boy formula. Jenny's a whiz at this stuff. She's going to be the Meaty Boy spokesperson once we finish. Imagine that!"
Bruno was barking from the back of the clinic. He was impatient to start his new life with the adoptive family who were picking him up today. He told Mary Catherine he'd miss her, but was anxious to be with children again. He'd stay if she asked him, but he hoped she wouldn't mind if he left.
She assured him he could visit and that she was happy he'd be with a family again. She didn't tell him she wouldn't miss his food bill. They might only be able to rescue small dogs for a while until they started receiving some larger donations for the clinic.
"Taste this." Jenny held out a morsel of dry dog food. "Too salty?"
"That's your job," Mary Catherine told her. "I'm sure you and Buck would rather feed each other dog food. Thanks anyway."
Jenny followed her back out into the foyer. "What's wrong with you? Are you mad because I took Buck away from you?"
"Took him away? Are you serious? I was hoping not to have to hurt his feelings."
"Whatever. You wanted him. I understand that. He wants me. I hope this won't affect our working relationship."
"Believe me, I never wanted him. You're welcome to him." Mary Catherine started up the stairs with Baylor at her heels.
"You're setting your cap for that private detective, aren't you?"
"If you're talking about Charlie, I guess you could say there's something between us."
Jenny laughed. "Bad choice, Mary Catherine. Buck is a much better catch."
"If you say so. I'm going up to take a nap. I hope you two can taste test Meaty Boy quietly down here."
Her apartment was in such a mess, she felt guilty calling Charlie's place bad. Of course, this wasn't her fault. Between getting hit in the head and the police looking though everything, there wasn't much left where it belonged. She sat down heavily on her red velvet sofa and called her housekeeper, who wasn't due for two more days. She convinced her to come early with the offer of a bonus.
"Well, that's done." She yawned and looked at Baylor who'd already settled down between the velvet and the chenille throw. "I need to feed Tommy."
She took out the turtle food and looked for the bowl on the kitchen table. It was gone. She tried to contact the turtle. There was no answer. She finally found the bowl on the floor but Tommy wasn't in it.
She looked around the room as much as she could with its war scene devastation. She couldn't find him anywhere. "I guess I'll put the food on the floor over here, Tommy. If you get hungry, I know you'll find it." She put a big platter with some water on it beside the food in case he started feeling too dry. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised that his bowl was overturned with everything that had happened.
Before she could get comfortable on the sofa (she wasn't going in her room again just yet) the phone rang. Charlie had already set up an appointment to meet with her cousin. "Can you be ready to go in twenty minutes? I'll swing by and pick you up."
She wanted to get this over with. She knew she needed to examine Cousin Bernard for Baylor's scratches as soon as possible. On the other hand, she really needed a nap and something to eat. Putting an end to what was wrong in her life won out and she told him she'd be ready. There was bound to be a blueberry muffin left and she could eat lunch later.
Mary Catherine put on a flowing pink caftan and matching sandals. She was careful with her makeup, mindful of the marks on her face. The large gouge in her forehead she left under a bandage. It was too terrible looking to show the world.
If she was right and her cousin was responsible for her pain and possibly permanent disfiguration, the man deserved to see the worst. She wasn't happy going out like that, especially with the new understanding between her and Charlie. She smiled at herself in the mirror. "I guess you've still got it."
Baylor had something to say about that. His comment wasn't something she cared to dwell on. Naturally he was jealous. He'd been the only important male in her life for two years. He'd get over it. No matter how close she and Charlie became, they'd never have the bond she shared with Baylor.
The cat jumped up on the sink, rubbed up against her and meowed. She kissed his nose. "You have nothing to fear there. You and I are together forever."
Finally dressed, Mary Catherine waited outside for Charlie. He was right on time and helped her into the truck. "You look great," he said. "Are you ready for this?"
"Yes. You notice I left Baylor here. I don't want him howling and screeching like a mad thing. I don't know how he'll react when he sees my cousin."
Charlie agreed with her assessment. "I called Angellus to let him know what we're doing. He can't exactly offer backup, but he promised to be close by in case we need him. I've got him on speed dial."
They drove up Chestnut Street past the New Hanover Public Library. Her cousin lived on Third Street, about two miles from Thalian Hall. Mary Catherine and Charlie talked about visiting the hall, which was a favorite place for musical productions and other community events.
"It's haunted, you know." Mary Catherine recounted a visit with a medium who'd pointed out all the cold spots; places where ghosts walked.
Charlie laughed. "Finding things is about all the paranormal activity I can handle in one lifetime." He reached for her hand. "Or at least I thought it was until I met you."
She had goose bumps from the encounter and spent the rest of the trip thinking about the two of them together. Charlie wasn't as rich or successful as her other four husbands had been and she might not even marry him. But he was interesting and he made her feel alive again in a way she hadn't for years.
Bernard Caldwell lived in an old, gray stone two-story that had towering fir trees in front of it. Charlie parked on the street, squeezed her hand, and they walked up the sidewalk to the house.
After Charlie rang the doorbell, Mary Catherine almost walked away. She didn't know if she wanted to confront this man. She wished she'd brought her little pearl-handled revolver. Maybe then she'd feel safe. That might've ensured he would never hurt her or Baylor again.
The door opened and she was surprised to see her handyman, Bernie, who'd been working on the building. "You!"
"I can explain, Mary Catherine," he said. "Please come in."
He walked ahead of them and Charlie whispered to her, "No scratches."
"Maybe" She followed her cousin into an elegant sitting room. "We'll see."
Hello Mary Catherine!
You probably don't remember me, but we met in San Francisco years ago. I've called your show a few times. You always have good advice. I've talked to you before about my goldfish, Fergie. He's doing much better now with his new tank. We both wanted to say thanks and wish you a great day.
TWENTY
"You SEE, I'VE BEEN more concerned with the structure of the building," Cousin Bernie said. "I knew it was in disrepair when my mother was alive."
"Why didn't you just say so?" Mary Catherine demanded. "Why all the sneaking around? And you had your lawyer offer to buy it!"
"I won't lie to you. I was hurt that she left the building to you. It's not a terribly valuable piece of property. The city will never allow much commercial building down there on the river. But she hadn't seen you in years. I didn't even know you existed. I'm sorry I didn't simply come by and introduce myself. It would've made things much easier."
"But you weren't in my bedroom rummaging through my things looking for the deed to the property?" she asked him.
"No, my dear." He laughed. "I could've, I suppose. But I had no need. I know that building inside and out. I wanted to have a look and see what was going on there and what kind of shape it was in. I think the structure's sound. I'd like to have it checked out by a building expert."
Mary Catherine wasn't sure what to say. She'd been so sure this was the answer, only to have it turn around on her like a pleasant, well-meaning snake. A thought s
truck her. Baylor would never forgive her if she didn't check every contingency. "Would you mind if I look at your arms?"
Charlie and Cousin Bernie both stared at her. "What's up?" Charlie asked.
"It's a simple request," she continued, ignoring him. Please don't let him be involved in this. "May I look at your arms?"
"I suppose so." Cousin Bernie shrugged and looked at Charlie again.
She got up from her sunny window seat and approached her cousin. She had to know if Cousin Bernie's arms were scratched. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt so there was no way to tell unless he rolled up his sleeves. She hoped she wasn't right. If her cousin was concealing the scratches, he might get unexpectedly violent again. Charlie was right behind her if she needed help. She had to be brave enough to know the truth.
She stood close to him and reached out her free hand to slide up the sleeve on his blue knit shirt. There were no bandages and no sign of scratches.
"Mary Catherine?" Charlie asked. "What are you doing?"
She moved the sleeve all the way up Cousin Bernie's arm. Baylor would never forgive her if she wasn't thorough. There was still nothing. She did the same thing to the opposite arm. Still nothing.
If Baylor was right and he'd scratched her attacker's arms enough to generate all the blood they found on him, there would have to be some sign of it on Cousin Bernie. Or he wasn't the person in her apartment.
A long-haired calico cat scooted into the room, skidding to a stop behind the baby grand piano in the corner. She looked out from one leg of the piano and stared at her.
"Hello!" Mary Catherine turned her attention from the man to the cat. Obviously she was wrong about her cousin. Someone else had been in her apartment.
She walked over and scratched the cat behind the ears. The animal purred and immediately began telling her everything she knew about what went on in the house, at least from her point of view. It was a well-run house except for the occasional mix-up in her food. The cat adored the man who frequently gave her tuna and she allowed him to share her bed every night.
"Well there's no arguing with that." She turned away from the young cat and smiled at her cousin. "I'm sorry. I was wrong about you.
"That's really amazing!" Cousin Bernie said. "Suzy doesn't let anyone pet her except me."
Charlie laughed. "Didn't I tell you? She talks to animals. I thought it might run in the family."
Cousin Bernie furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean she talks to animals?"
"I mean she talks to animals. They understand her. She has a radio show. I'm sure this was all in my report."
Mary Catherine turned to him. "You did a report on me?"
"It was before we met. I didn't know you then. I haven't filed another report since then. Ask him."
Cousin Bernie nodded. "He's been lax in that regard. I thought he was slack. I guess he was smitten instead."
"I know it's hard to understand," Mary Catherine began. "I haven't known many people who could believe it without proof. I can ask Suzy something only you'd know, if you like. I'm not crazy about parlor tricks, but I'll do them when necessary."
"Please." Her cousin waved his hand. "There's no need. My mother had the same ability. She could communicate with all kinds of animals from cats to lizards. Everyone knew about her. She wasn't on the radio but she was well known in Wilmington. I think if you take a look in the archives of the Wilmington Star, you'll find an article about her."
Mary Catherine sat down abruptly in an upholstered chair. "But my mother wasn't that way. I remember trying to talk to her about it. She acted like she thought I was crazy."
"I'm afraid I can't have my mother do parlor tricks to prove it" Cousin Bernie smiled. "But I grew up knowing it was true. Maybe that was what caused the feud between our families. And possibly why my mother left you that building."
"I don't believe it." Mary Catherine got to her feet and paced the floor. "All these years. I could've spoken with her. We had so much in common. Somehow the gift missed my mother and came to me. This is wonderful!"
"I'm glad we had the opportunity to talk. And I'm sorry I approached this in such a bad way. I didn't know what you were like" Her cousin got to his feet. "I hope you'll consider me your family. I think the two of us are all we have left. Maybe we can have dinner together and look at family pictures."
She hugged him, crying. "Of course! That would be incredible! I never expected to find family here. Thank you."
"Nothing to thank me for." He hugged her back awkwardly. "I hope you'll consider my home as yours for as long as you live here. Suzy already loves you."
The little cat was nuzzling her ankle as the two cousins hugged. Not as mindful as she probably should've been about her makeup, Mary Catherine wiped the tears from her face and reached down to pet Suzy.
"This is great." Charlie interrupted the family reunion. "But it leaves us out in the cold as far as knowing what's going on."
"Why don't you start at the beginning, as you would have if you'd been sending me those reports I paid for," Cousin Bernie said. "Maybe I can help."
Over sweet tea and cheese biscuits (Mary Catherine was thrilled to find out there was food) they explained everything that had happened at the house and clinic. "I'm afraid Charlie's right," she mourned. "You were our only suspect."
"What about this other event you were involved with?" he asked, giving Mary Catherine the last cheese biscuit. "Could that have these repercussions?"
As though on cue, the front door burst open. Angellus came through the doorway, weapon drawn, looking for trouble. "Is everything all right?"
"It's fine." Mary Catherine paused with the cheese biscuit halfway to her mouth.
"You were supposed to call me," Angellus growled as he put away his gun.
"Sorry." Charlie shrugged. "I forgot."
"So no attacker here?" Angellus looked at the cousin.
"I'm sorry." She introduced the detective to Cousin Bernie. "Thank you for checking on us. Everything seems to be under control."
"Except we lost our suspect," Charlie reminded her. "We're back to square one."
Her cell phone rang. It was Colin. "You have to come over here right away," he said. "Something terrible has happened."
He babbled for a few more minutes but she couldn't understand what he was talking about. When he finally paused for breath she asked, "Where are you?"
"I'm at Aunt Ferndelle's house. Come as fast as you can."
She closed her cell phone and smiled at the three men. "I'd like to stay but there seems to be another crisis in Colin's life." She went on to explain to her cousin who Colin was. "Here's my phone number," she told him with a last hug. "Let's be sure to keep in touch."
"Here's my phone number." He handed her a business card. "I plan to see you soon for that dinner. It was wonderful finally meeting you as myself."
"No more skulking around," she warned with a laugh. "If I need someone to work on the building, I'll hire someone."
Mary Catherine walked outside with Charlie and Angellus. She was amazed and grateful things had turned out so well.
Angellus walked toward his car, a plain, gray Chevy. "Sorry to break up the party but I was afraid you two were in over your heads when I didn't hear from Charlie."
"That's fine." She smiled. "Thanks for checking on us. I hope Bo-Bo is doing well."
He looked uncomfortable. He would never be comfortable with what happened that night. "Yeah, well, he's okay, I guess. Any more potentially lethal meetings you have planned?"
"Not unless you call Colin's weekly meltdown potentially lethal." Mary Catherine opened the passenger side Suburban door. "But I'll be sure to call you if something comes up."
Charlie helped her into the truck as his cell phone rang. "Damn. I forgot all about that. I hate to ask, but could I drop you off and swing back by after this appointment? I think I have a new client."
"Don't worry about it," she assured him. "I'll have Colin run me back home." "
I don'
t mind coming back."
"It's not a big deal. You can swing by the clinic later, if you have time."
"Okay. Thanks."
They talked about what had happened with her cousin and agreed he was a strange man to approach the problem as he did. "But strange sounds like it runs in my family. I'm really glad he told me about my aunt. I'll have to look up that article. I wish my mother would've been that way."
Ferndelle Jamison's home (soon to be Colin's home, Mary Catherine imagined) was only a short drive away. Charlie pulled the truck into the driveway just as Mindy was getting out of her car. "Looks like you have company," he said.
"It must be a major meltdown. Thanks for the lift"
He surprised her by leaning closer and kissing her lightly. "I'll see you later."
She slid down out of the truck, but her feet never touched the ground. She loved being in love. There was nothing else like it, de spite what Baylor would have to say on the subject. "I see he called you too," she said to Mindy as Charlie left.
"Yeah. I had to find someone to cover for me at the station. I hope it's nothing serious. Colin sounded frantic on the phone. He was supposed to meet with his lawyer about finally inheriting the estate"
"But when doesn't Colin sound frantic?" Mary Catherine asked as they approached the house. She recalled her initial feelings about the mellow old manor and how wrong they'd been. It hadn't proven to be a safe haven for Ferndelle or Tommy. She hoped it would be better for Mindy and Colin.
She noticed her producer was wearing a long-sleeved green sweater. It was a sultry, 95-degree day. She'd never known Mindy to be cold natured. The question she and Charlie had been asking for the past week took center stage in her mind: Who stands to benefit from Ferndelle's death?
It suddenly occurred to Mary Catherine that Mindy stood to gain from Ferndelle's death as well as Colin's going to prison. Colin thought Mindy hadn't known he was fooling around with Charlene. But what if she had? What if all of this was payback for Colin's indiscretion?
The Telltale Turtle (The Pet Psychic Mysteries) Page 20
