Case of the Gold Retriever

by Erik Schubach

  Shut up.

  One thing Jess shared was that she was starting to look for a new place, since the lease she and Jane had signed when they moved in together, will be expiring in three months. The owner of the building decided to go condo with the building. Since it wasn't a rent-controlled structure, he was not renewing any leases and was just booting everyone to the curb when theirs expired.

  That was one sucky thing about Manhattan. I know I thrive there, but even I have to admit, that we have our unfair share of people who only think of their own bottom line. I just know for every poodle fart like Jess' landlord, there are three really standup people who make a living in the Big Apple a joy.

  I don't think Jane thought I knew why her finances were so tight, even with the sweetheart of a deal I was giving her on rent. She was still paying her half of Jessie's rent until her lease expired, so she didn't leave her ex high and dry when it had been both of them to sign the lease. I'd let Jane live rent free with me now that we were a couple, but her pride would take a hit if I offered. So I kept my mouth shut.

  My mind on the topic, I had asked Ker, “You have a place already?”

  She smirked at me. “Well, your room here tonight and tomorrow night.” She winked at mom. “Then the service has a subsidized studio at the Helux for me, three blocks from The Box.” Then she leaned in and looked around the rest of us at the table and asked, “In what world does it cost over a thousand a month for a studio even after the Air Force pays half?”

  The Box was what the recruiters called the, well, the box that was the armed forces recruiting station which looked almost like a posh shipping container was dropped right down in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Times Square.

  Jess chirped out with a smirk, “Welcome to New York City, Fly Girl.” Ok, NOW I could see the heat shared between the two. How had I missed it before? I worried they were going to sneak off to my old bedroom at any moment. Is this how heated things were between Jane and her? All attraction and lust before they accidentally fell in love?

  I pulled my mind off of it and took the time to really soak things in as we all started sharing the recent developments in our lives. I truly enjoyed these weekly family get togethers, and it caused a satisfied warmth to spread inside, seeing how our family was growing by leaps and bounds. Dad would have loved this. The sharing of all our lives made the void he once held in my heart, ache a little bit less.

  I shared that I was getting the financing to seal the deal for the studio upstairs to expand our apartment. Becky had rolled her eyes and prompted, “I swear Fin. You're too good to us. It seems like a lot of trouble to get more room. Why didn't you and Jane just take the place in the 855? Gar and I would have been happy in the smaller place.”

  I suppressed a shudder at that. Live where Cal's mom had been murdered? No thank you. Even they didn't sleep in her bedroom where the body was found. They slept in the guest room, which was the same size, they used Cal's former mom's room as an office and workout room.

  Before I knew it, it was time to head back home. Far too soon for my liking, but as it was, we wouldn't get back into the city until well after ten. We had spent more time than usual after dinner, listening to Kerry's exciting stories of her time overseas. Though she couldn't tell us everything about her deployment.

  Heh, my friend was a badass hero type lady.

  When we headed out and were loading up in the vehicles, Kerry moved to her bike. We gave her a questioning look. The blonde just gave us a smarmy grin as she tossed a helmet to Jess, who caught it deftly and grinned. “I got my own ride home girls.” She winked and put her helmet on and slid onto the bike seat behind Kerry and wrapped her arms tightly around her middle. Ker slapped the visor of her own helmet down as she started the bike.

  Then just like that, they were off, rocketing down the road into the streetlight illuminated dark, riding a wheelie as the Indian roared.

  Mom chuckled out with a wistful smile on her face, “Ah, young love.”

  I shook my head at the display then grinned and hugged mom goodbye, telling her, “See you next weekend, mom.”

  She nodded and shoved a plate with three pieces of apple pie into Jane's hands. I was jealous, Jane always got two slices and me one from my ma. I think it was part of her evil plan to marry me off to Jane. Woo her into the evil May family with sweets. Ooo, I hope it works!

  Then she hugged me, kissed my cheek, then repeated the process with Jane. “Now, you get our girl home safe, Jane dear. Love you, girls, see you next week.”

  We both intoned like dutiful children, “Love you too.” Then we loaded up to get on our way.

  Chapter 8 – Central Park Tails

  The next morning, I woke up to Jane straddling me in bed with mischief in her eyes. I smiled back, what a wonderful sight to wake up to. I could get used to this.

  Jane kissed me playfully. What's gotten into her? Well besides Tuesday being her birthday. My eyes widened along with my smile. Had she been serious last month when she teased that if I was still willing to have her by the time her birthday rolled around...

  I curled my toes and smiled into the next kiss. She rolled off me, leaving me in a panting state of want, “Time to get up pipsqueak. Time for us to walk the dogs before they explode all over your antiseptically clean floor.”

  Eeep!

  I watched her look demurely over her shoulder as she moved into the bathroom and shut and locked the door. Wait! She had distracted me again to get to the bathroom before me! I grumped out, “Jerk!”

  She chuckled in the affirmative and I looked at the boys as I stretched in Jane's tee shirt that I wore like a nightshirt. I preferred it over the cat pajamas my mother had bought me as a joke since the shirt smelled like Jane. Leather and lilac. Who would have thought such an odd combination would be so arousing?

  I loved the weekends. I sometimes got Jane all to myself like this one when she didn't have any pressing cases. She had a couple theft cases and the Broadway Cat case right now, no violent crimes in her caseload this week. Miracle of miracles. I hated how the murders, in particular, weighed on her. But she gave the dead a voice and found justice for them so I could live with it just like she did.

  When she got out and looking almost fresh after changing into some jeans and one of her signature tees, I rushed in with Cal and Goldie in tow. “Shoo guys, let me get dressed. Go see what Jane is up to.” Calvin just wound around my legs, so I gave him the lovin' he needed, making his rear leg scratch at the air when I scratched his neck by his shoulder. It was too cute. Then they dashed out into Jane's room on their way to the living room.

  I locked the door and then tried to tame my hair enough to walk the boys before I could shower and prepare for the day.

  Once we finally got outside in the spectacular fall air, I marveled again at the splendor of the city. Jane cocked her head and prompted, “What?”

  I shrugged. “Just happy.” She smiled and reached out to grasp my hand as she walked Goldie and Cal walked me as we entered the park.

  Then I sighed hevily when her cell started ringing. She begrudgingly released my hand, “Just a sec.” I nodded in resignation as she answered, “McLeary, talk to me.”

  I took Goldie as she moved to sit on a bench, then I and the boys gave her some privacy as they sniffed around for the best spot to do their thing. I told them, “Five to one, our day is ruined, and she has to go in.”

  Calvin looked up at me, cocked his head, and his tongue lolled out as his tail swished. “Yeah, that's what I thought, no takers.”

  I checked my own cell and was surprised to have a text from Kerry. She was still in town. Heh. And the landlord told her she could move her stuff into the studio a day early since the other tenant had already vacated. She... and Jess wanted to know if I wanted to check the place out with her to do the walkthrough for the damage deposit since Jess told her I was OCD enough to not miss anything.

  I'm not OCD! Ish.

  I chose t
o take it as a compliment. Besides... I texted Mable's real name to Ker with a yes, since Jane was approaching with apology already written all over her face.

  My girl said as she squinted an eye in pain, “They got the records for me on your hunch...” My hunch? She shrugged and shared, “All of the buildings the Cat hit had different window cleaning services over the decades but three of the services that had records going back that far found an overlap of three men who were at each site on the days of the burglaries.”

  Window washers! That's how the Cat was getting in. The boatswains or scaffolds that the window washers used. That's why there was never any sign of forced entry. Why would they even check the windows that high up, and likely the windows weren't even locked?

  I finished for her. “So you gotta go in and locate the three men and go interview them...” I leaned up to give her a peck on the lips. “Go. Be the hero. I got the boys. Ker and Jess texted and want me to help Kerry out at her new studio today anyway. My fuzzy minions here would love a field trip.”

  She just hesitated and shook her head at me in. “God Finnegan, you're a wonder. Jess would have thrown a tizzy.”

  I nodded, I've come to see that in our redheaded friend. I pointed out simply that, “I'm not Jess.”

  Her smile turned into that smug grin of hers as she almost purred out as she bent down to steal a proper toe curling kiss from me, “That, you are not. You're definitely one of a kind, Finnegan May.”

  She started walking off, giving me a show with a little extra swish in her hips as I tried to figure out if I should feel insulted or not, until she added, “And that's why I love you.”

  I bounced on my tiptoes, not knowing what to do with my hands as I blushed and replied to her as I smoothed out my skirt, “Love you too. Call when you know how late you'll be. I'll have dinner ready.”

  By the swishing tail and lolling tongue, I sounded like one of those 1950's Stepford housewives. Shudder.

  She waved a hand behind her back, and we watched her go to see if she... she looked back before crossing the street. I smiled because she always looked back.

  I glanced at the boys then my cell when it buzzed an incoming text again. I snorted at Jess', “What the hell woman?”

  I sent a smiley emoji and devil ears in response. Then snorted again at her, “Fair enough,” and I told the guys, “Mable is funny.” They agreed. I know because they wagged their tails.

  The rest of New York was waking around us. The unfortunate few who worked on the weekends rushing to their jobs, while others like me who were savoring their free day, sort of unfolded gradually out into the day. It was always something to see as the city got up to speed at a tenth the usual tempo. You could appreciate the layers of the living metropolis overlaying each other as it just sort of... became.

  I took a moment to take in the sights of Central Park to our right and the soaring city skyline on our left and froze... there was that old man again. I swear he was looking our way. I started to reach for my bag and realized I didn't have any food for the man today. Maybe I could give him the money to buy breakfast for himself. When I looked back up toward him, he was gone. Well nurtz.

  “Come on guys, let's get back home so I can get ready for the day.” I looked at Goldie and sighed. I was getting too attached, I knew. I wanted to wait till Monday, but Jane was right, if I didn't bring him to the Dog Rescue soon, I wouldn't want to and it would break my heart when I did.

  I crouched to be at his level when I told him, “And let's see if we can't find you a new 'forever home.'” I got a big ol' wet slurp for my trouble, which Cal thought was a great new game and he slurped my other cheek. Opportunistic boys. I giggled, and we headed back home.

  Texting my intent to the girls, I let them know it would be about two hours before I could join them.

  After getting ready for the day, I sighed when I clipped up the boys. I was really going to miss Goldie. But there are so many loving volunteers at Central Park Tails to spoil him rotten until he gets adopted, and I could visit with him until then any time I wanted. I really loved my dog rescue, it made me feel like I was accomplishing something to feel pride in.

  I glurked as soon as we exited the building as Cal strained at the leash. I had to roll my eyes. Right in front of the doors at the curb, was Jessie's sporty BMW E36 convertible, the girls leaning back against it in similar badass poses with their arms crossed over their chests. Dayum, they looked good and they knew it, judging by the grins chosen from the shit-eating category which they had plastered on their faces.

  My smile bloomed as we threaded through the foot traffic to them. Jess crouching to greet Calvin properly as I asked, “What are you two doing here? I told you I'd join you after one errand.” A part of me was ecstatic that they were still together. Jessie was a love 'em and leave 'em kind of girl, who usually kicked her conquests to the curb in the morning. She's got recreational sex down to an art form. But she must like Kerry if they were still hanging together and not looking all walk of shame-y with each other.

  I've had that awkward walk myself a time or two, heading home from a guy's apartment in my dating days before Jane. I know how you feel like everyone knows what you had done the prior night and are judging you.

  Hey! Stop smirking, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

  My red-headed friend shared a smirk with the blonde pilot and explained, “We've come to chauffeur you around. We'd be waiting for your slow ass forever otherwise. You really need a car Fin, instead of walking everywhere.”

  I shook my head and gave her my best smile as I bobbed from side to side, making my sky-blue sundress swish side to side. “That's what I got you for... MJ.” I had almost called her Red like Jane did. Would that be weird?

  She sighed and shared a look with Ker. “How can you argue with that much adorable?”

  My old best friend shrugged and admitted, “I never could.”

  Ok, I was blushing. I felt the burn but smiled as I looked at the car and said as I leaned in, “I would like to say one word.”

  They both looked over at me, and I said as I smirked at Kerry, “Shotgun.”

  Her eyes widened. I grinned, knowing I wouldn't be squished in the small back seat with two dogs. Take that, wench, and like it!

  Ker looked over at Jess who just held her hand up, shaking her head. “The runt called it. Back seat, Fly Girl.” They exchanged a heated look. Yup, they were deep in lust with each other alright. Should two models from the Amazonian Review be allowed to look so cute with each other?

  I may or may not have blurted out a squeak of laughter when Ker straightened the lapels of her flight jacket, opened the passenger door, and pushed the seat forward to slide into the back seat. “Whatever you say... Mable.”

  Jess shook an accusing finger at me which I parried with a smirk. Then called out, “Incoming,” as I had the boys jump in the back seat with my cocky old friend.

  As Jessie started walking around to the driver's side while I slid into the passenger seat, she muttered to me, “Now my car is going to smell like dog.”

  I defended as she slipped in and closed her door, “And Jane's back seat smells like a Vegas brothel now.”

  She actually blushed a little as she acquiesced to the assertion, “Touche.”

  I didn't even look back as I pointed back to say, “Wipe the smug look off your face, Ker-bear.”

  She blurted a burst of laughter. Then said, “Aw, man! Tempe!” After Jessie asked smugly, “Ker-bear?”

  Jess shared in a matter of fact tone, “Don't be fooled by the pleasingly innocent wrapper. Our Fin is pure evil.”

  I nodded emphatically. “And don't you forget it.”

  Kerry said in a thoughtful tone, “You really came out of your shell, Fin.”

  Jessie prompted as she pulled out into traffic abruptly, rolling down her window to flip off the cars that were honking at her, “Your rescue, short stuff?” Then she yelled out the window, “Hey, you don
't like it? Then get off the road!”

  I nodded in the affirmative and the blonde peanut gallery, who was having fun trying to keep two dogs off of her, prompted, “Your rescue? You own it, Finnegan?”

  As she finally got Calvin to lay down across her lap so Goldie couldn't get to her, I nodded, and Ker said, “Damn, it's just like fighting off guys at the bar with these two.”

  I smiled back at her. “But these boys are much cuter.”

  She nodded agreement.

  Then I shared, “Well technically Central Park Tails is Calvin's, I just run it because I'm his new mom.”

  At her creased brow, Jess said to the rearview mirror, “That dog is a millionaire.”

  Ker's eyes widened at that then quipped, “Is he seeing anyone?” Ok, even after all these years, she is still funny and sarcastic as sin. It was good to see that as much as things apparently change, some things are constant.

  I brought the girls in with us as I got Goldie 'checked in' for his stay. Unlike most kennels, the floor plan for Central Park Tails was set up to be like one big house. Tons of couches and dog beds in open spaces, dog doors out to the small yards. A couple isolation rooms in case we got temperamental dogs in who needed to be socialized, and even those rooms were set up like small bedrooms. I didn't want any cages in the place.

  Kerry's giggle was a joy when we passed through the double set of doors that were like an airlock as only one set could be open at a time to stop any dogs from escaping. The stampede of long hair dachshunds coming at us was just too cute for even the most badass of women not to smile at.

  Calvin and Goldie were in dog heaven as they all sniffed around each other, tails wagging and noses working.

  Ker prompted as she tried to pet as many of the wiggling wiener dogs as she could, “There are so many. Where did they all come from?”

  Jessie shared with a note of pride in her voice, “Finnegan saved them all. There used to be three times as many, but most have found homes.”