I stepped outside with Jac right behind me, and Tammy locked the door. She smiled at Jac. “I expect to rent the store any day. I do have another interested party, so if you want it, please let me know as soon as possible.” She ignored me and briskly walked up the street.
I wondered why she didn’t have her car and where she was headed, but then Shelbee, Samuel, and Bitsy joined us.
“Whose car are we taking?” Shelbee asked.
I shook myself from my thoughts. “I don’t have my car with me.”
“We’ll take mine,” Jac said as she motioned down the street.
“And you’re going to tell us all about why you’re looking at the store under my apartment,” Shelbee told her.
“Of course.”
We climbed into Jac’s car, and I caught Jac up on everything that I had told Shelbee.
Jac focused on the road but lifted one hand from the wheel and motioned for me to continue with the explanation of why we were going to the church and what had happened at the theater.
“Bruce and I were at the thrift shop. Somebody had broken in, but they only scattered clothing everywhere, so I don’t know why the thrift shop was of interest to the thief. But Harry called the thrift shop to tell Alma to send us over to the theater. When we got there, Saber was behind that wardrobe in the hallway.” I turned back to Shelbee. “You know the one, in the hallway where they store some of the costumes.”
Shelbee nodded.
“And behind the wardrobe with Saber was a young boy.”
“What?”
“A boy?”
“Yes. I guess he’s about five years old. He said his name is Taylor. He’s not sure where his family is. Apparently, he was staying at the theater because he has nowhere else to go. And he’s the one who broke into the church and stole food. Harry wanted to call protective services, and to my knowledge he has, but Lillian took charge when she and Mark arrived at the theater looking for Bruce and me. Lillian took Taylor to the church so the church ladies could feed him. When Mark, Bruce, Paw, Saber, and I went to the church, the pastor told us to leave Taylor with him and he would try to work out a deal with protective services.”
Shelbee leaned forward from the back seat. “Did he break into the thrift shop, do you think?”
“I asked him that, but he said he didn’t. He did try to get food from behind one of the grocery stores, but there was nothing in their dumpsters. That’s why he went to the church. I think he’s telling the truth.”
Jac turned into the church parking lot. “So what happened with Lillian, Mark, and you guys after you left Taylor at the church? And why is Paw still here?”
“Paw refused to leave Taylor.”
My voice must’ve betrayed my resentment at my dog deserting me for Shelbee placed a hand on my shoulder and said, “Paw knows when somebody needs his help. He still loves you best, you know.”
I nodded. “I admit to a pang of jealousy. But you’re right. As for what we did, Lillian and Mark wanted to question Charlotte’s artist boyfriend. They set out ahead of us, and we were following them thinking that they were going to the studio.”
Before I finished speaking, Jac and Shelbee were both shaking their heads in the negative.
Jac said, “The artist studio is closed today.”
“Yes, we discovered that when we arrived there and saw the sign. But we had lost track of Lillian and Mark, so I don’t know where they are now.”
We got out of Jac’s car and walked into the church. One of the church ladies directed us back to the pastor’s study. We peered in the door to find the pastor and Uncle Harry sitting in overstuffed chairs while Taylor was sleeping on the sofa, Paw on the floor below him, and Saber curled up by the boy’s head.
Shelbee whispered to us, “Who knew Saber could be so loving?”
I wasn’t completely surprised because Saber had befriended a little girl in my last investigations. It was good to see the cat was friendly to others besides just Lillian.
Pastor Matt and Harry looked up as we stepped into the room. Paw lifted his head, gazed at me adoringly then lay back down and continued his guard duty. From behind us, I heard the clack of heels on the stone floor and a familiar voice.
“Harry?” Alma called. “Are you here?”
Taylor awoke and sat up, rubbing his eyes.
Harry stood up and called, “Back here.”
Alma approached, hugged me, and stepped into the pastor’s study. “You were very mysterious on the phone,” she said to Harry.
“I need a favor,” he said, waving at the little boy. “He needs a temporary home for a day or two, and I would like us to be that home.”
Alma walked over to Taylor and knelt in front of him, displacing Paw who stood up and slurped her face. She pushed him to the side murmuring, “Not now, Paw. Hello Taylor, my name is Alma. I’m chief Harry’s wife. We met at the theater. Would you like to spend a few days at our house?”
Taylor grinned and nodded his head. “Yes. Especially if I don’t have to go to that child services place.”
“Good. It’s settled,” Harry said.
Once again, I was astounded at how easily Alma could accept any challenge. Behind us, the click-clack of footsteps approached, and I turned to see who it was. A tall, mocha-skinned woman dressed in a burgundy skirt and jacket walked toward us.
Harry exhaled, “Ms. Peabody,” just above a whisper.
The woman stepped around us and into the study. “Is that the boy you reported to us?”
Harry spread his feet in a solid stance and crossed his arms. “Yes, it is, but circumstances have changed, and I need to keep him here for further questioning.”
“You indicated in your phone call that the boy may be an orphan. That falls under child protective services and it’s my job to take custody of him.”
Pastor Matt stood up as did Paw, who took a protective stance in front of Taylor. Samuel, sensing the tension, skirted the woman and took a protective stance next to Paw, his bristles rising. Saber hissed long and loud.
Harry ignored the pets and addressed the woman. “Like I said, Amelia, I have need of the boy here for a few more days. A woman has contacted our offices regarding the boy, and she claims to be his grandmother. I see no harm in him staying here under my care until we can determine whether the woman has a valid claim.”
“That’s not how we do these things, chief.”
Someone pushed me roughly to the side and burst into the room. Lillian, for it was she, squared off against Ms. Peabody with her hands on her hips. “Leave the boy alone. I know how you child protective service workers are. You don’t care about the kids.”
The woman bristled. “That is not true. We take the care of the children seriously.”
Shelbee, Jac, and I stood eyeing the combatants. Shelbee cuddled Bitsy in her arms.
Mark strolled in behind us and propped his shoulder against the wall, choosing to observe.
Ms. Peabody stepped toward Taylor. “I’m taking him. Now.”
Lillian stepped into Ms. Peabody’s pathway. “No, you’re not.”
Taylor cried, “I don’t want to go.”
Paw and Samuel growled while Bitsy yipped and Saber hissed.
Pastor Matt murmured, “Amelia be reasonable.”
Everyone talked over each other to the extent the conversation was indiscernible.
“Shut up! Sit down!”
Harry’s commands shocked the humans into silence, and the dogs sat down at Harry’s command.
So did the pastor.
Chapter 19
Silence reigned in the room.
“Amelia, as chief of police I can detain the boy a few more days about the break-in at the theater and church. And I’m going to do that.”
Pastor Matt protested, “Oh, I don’t know about. I don’t want to –” but Harry waved him to silence.
From behind us, Mark said, “Child protective services does a lot of good work. It would be a shame if an article appeared in the pape
r indicating that they were heartless and questioning their work.” He stood examining his fingernails and not looking at Ms. Peabody.
She glared at Mark then glanced around the room. “Two days, Harry. I’ll give you forty-eight hours. Then I’m coming back for the boy.” She turned on her heel and Shelbee and I parted to let her through.
Once she was gone, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
“Come on, Taylor,” Alma placed her arm around his shoulders. “We’ll go to my house.”
“Can Saber come too?”
“Why don’t we leave Saber with Miss Lillian? He’s her cat and I’m sure she would like to spend some time with him.” Although Alma loved animals, I had a feeling she didn’t want to fight with a recalcitrant feline.
Lillian picked up Saber. “You can come visit Saber tomorrow. Right now, he’s coming with me.”
Saber twitched his tail, but then settled comfortably in Lillian’s arms.
Taylor reached up and stroked Saber’s back. “I’ll see you tomorrow, kitty.”
Saber head butted Taylor’s hand and licked his thumb.
The boy giggled. “That tickles.”
Taylor hugged Paw and whispered to him then allowed Alma to escort him out of the room.
Shelbee, Jac, Samuel, and Bitsy followed Alma out of the study.
Mark walked slightly behind Lillian, out of range of Saber’s reach.
I snapped on Paw’s leash and Harry clasped the pastor’s hand. “Thank you for all your help.”
Pastor Matt inclined his head. “Always happy to help.”
Harry ushered Paw and me out of the study to the church entrance, but before we stepped outside, he placed a restraining hand on my arm. “Stop by the station tomorrow and tell me everything you’ve learned today, okay?”
I stood up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, uncle.”
“Woof.”
Harry bent down. “I’ll see you tomorrow too, big boy. Take good care of her,” he said as he ruffled Paw’s ears.
Once outside, he strode to his car where Alma and Taylor were waiting
Mark stood with his hands in his pockets. “So where do we eat? Oliver’s?”
Shelbee shook her head. “We can’t eat there because animals aren’t allowed.”
“Why not drop them off at Clarissa’s?”
Lillian scowled at Mark. “I’m not letting my baby alone with those dogs.”
I jumped into the conversation before Mark and Lillian could start fighting again. “The animals need to eat too, so why don’t we get takeout from Oliver’s and eat at my place.”
Jac open her car door. “Good idea.” She handed her keys to Shelbee. “Why don’t you and Shelbee and Lillian take the dogs and Saber to your house while Mark and I go to Oliver’s and pick up the food?”
Lillian grumbled under her breath then stomped to the front passenger door and got in with Saber.
Shelbee looked to me. “Looks like you’re riding in the back with the dogs.”
I grimaced. Sitting with three dogs in the backseat was going to be a tight fit.
As we loaded the dogs in the car, Jac took Mark’s arm and walked to his car, their heads bent in conversation. I knew Jac would know what to order for Shelbee and I as we dined together. Lots of times. Apparently, Lillian wasn’t concerned for she hadn’t voiced an opinion on what she wanted to eat. As I slipped into the back seat next to Paw, who sat by Samuel with Bitsy on the other side, Shelbee asked, “Where’s Bruce?”
“He’s probably still at the station. When we get home, I’ll call there and see if we can catch him and invite him to dinner.”
Shelbee shut the door, got in the driver seat and started the car, slamming her door. She backed out of the church and we were on our way.
Shelbee parked in my driveway beside Bruce’s car. Bruce sat on the top step of my front porch. As soon as I stepped out of Shelbee’s car, Paw hopped down and ran to Bruce, his big fluffy tail waving languidly. I grabbed a towel off the floor that Shelbee had suggested Jac carry in her car and wiped the drool off the seat that Paw and Samuel had left behind. By the time I was done, everyone was standing on my front sidewalk or on the porch waiting for me to open the door. Bruce had a key to my house, but he usually chose to wait to enter until I was there. I passed everyone and unlocked the front door, allowing Lillian and Saber in first. Paw trotted past me, heading straight for the kitchen, where he gulped mouthfuls of water. I left the others in the living room and went into the kitchen to the pantry where I kept his food, opening the door. I wrestled out the huge bag of dog food that Paw liked. Samuel and Bitsy hurried to the food, sniffing it and pawing at the bag.
“No!” Shelbee admonished them. She reached in for the spare dishes I kept for when her dogs visited. I retrieved Paw’s empty food dish and scooped him a cup of food while Shelbee filled the other two dishes. The dogs eagerly fell onto the food, munching away happily. Saber sat in the kitchen entrance and meowed piteously
“Easy, Saber,” Lillian bent and rubbed down the cat’s back. “Mommy will get you something.” Lillian skirted the dog food bag and grasped a can of tuna off the shelf in the pantry. As she turned back to me, she asked, “Can opener?”
I pointed to a drawer near the sink. While she opened the tuna into a bowl Shelbee had handed her, I retrieved glasses off the shelf and went to the refrigerator for a pitcher of tea. After filling glasses, the three of us returned to the living room, letting the dogs and cat enjoy their meals. Bruce gratefully accepted his glass and gulped down half of it in one swallow.
“Tough afternoon?” I asked.
He nodded. “The guy I took to the station, his name is Darrell Summers, was difficult through the whole process. What did you do after I left? Did you find Ned Turner?”
“No, I didn’t.” I filled him in on everything that happened, from meeting Laura to finding out that she was at the park, all the way up through the church and Ms. Peabody.
“I hope that Taylor will be fine,” Shelbee said as she stretched in a yoga pose behind the couch.
Bruce swallowed another healthy gulp then set his glass down. “I was there when Harry received the call from the woman. She sounded eager to meet Taylor. I think there’s a good chance that he does have a family.”
“I want to meet this woman,” Lillian said.
“She is supposed to come tomorrow to meet Harry,” Bruce said. “Let’s let him meet her first before we go in and frighten the woman.”
Lillian huffed. “I’m not going to frighten her, just impress on her the importance of taking care of her grandson.”
Shelbee snorted from behind the sofa as she lunged forward into a pose. “Lillian, with all due respect, when you impress on someone you can be quite intimidating.”
“Sure. And the three of you can’t act that way when you’re encountering a murderer and questioning suspects?”
I refrained from answering her, and Bruce changed the subject.
“Where are Jac and Mark?”
Shelbee stood up and moved into tree pose. “They’re getting our food so that we can have our meeting here.”
Bruce’s stomach grumbled. “I hope they bring something for me too.”
“Don’t worry, detectiveman,” Lillian laughed. “Jac will bring you something.”
“And I want to know whether she’s really thinking of opening a store,” I said as Paw sauntered into the room and jumped up on the sofa, stretching out with his head in Bruce’s lap.
Bruce stroked Paw’s fur as he raised an eyebrow. “Store?”
“Yeah, what are you talking about?” Lillian added.
“Shelbee and I met Jac and Tammy Williams at the empty store under Shelbee’s apartment. Jac seemed serious about renting the store, but we never found out why.”
“Why not?” Lillian asked.
“Because we were catching up with Clarissa on the investigation,” Shelbee said, bending forward and touching her toes.
The dogs barke
d and ran to the front door, waving their tails, and in Bitsy’s case, turning in circles.
“That’s Jac and Mark,” Bruce commented.
I pushed the dogs back from the front door and opened it to let them inside, their arms loaded with carryout bags from Oliver’s restaurant.
Jac headed to the kitchen with Mark, all three dogs following her, delicious smells wafting from the bags. While Lillian set the dining room table with silverware, Shelbee lay out plates and Mark poured himself a glass of tea, handing the pitcher to Bruce to refill his glass. Jac sorted the food and set out the carryout boxes on the table and I added napkins at each place. Once the food was arranged, we sat down and spent several minutes satisfying our appetite.
Paw came to my side and placed his chin on my leg, staring up with big eyes and begging for a treat.
“Remember what the vet said,” Shelbee admonished me. I stared down into my dog’s sweet brown eyes and placed two meatballs on a napkin, putting them on the floor for him. Shelbee tsked me, but I saw her slip a few bites of her chicken to Samuel and Bitsy.
Shelbee pointed her fork at Jac. “Before we start, I want to know why you were looking at the store under my apartment.”
Jac wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I’m about to be laid off.”
I gasped. “But you’re the hardest worker there.”
“Thank you for that. I must admit to feeling a little down, but the company is in financial trouble, and they’re getting rid of nearly all of us. Dad said he thought I should start my own business since this is the second company I’ve worked for that has laid off its employees.”
“Benfield is in financial trouble?” Bruce asked.
Mark coughed. “They lost the contract with that out-of-state company. Ridgemont.”
Jac nodded. “And they needed Ridgemont because they have been going into debt the last few years.”
I turned to Bruce. “Don’t you have some dealings with Benfield?”
“Yes. I have a connection to them in one of my investigations. They were on the periphery, so I didn’t check into their financial situation, but now, I’m going to have to.”
“Were they involved in illegal dealings?” Mark asked, his reporter instincts on high alert.
Canines and Crime Page 13
