By all accounts, the woman was disliked with a lust for power that she cruelly wielded in her favor. What had Paul Richland seen in her? Why would he take interest in a mean-spirited and brash woman like Evelyn?
I stood still, my hand on the doorknob to the kitchen. Had they been involved? Or was that how it seemed to a young woman who waited on them at the restaurant? Had the episode been misread? Hmm.
CHAPTER TEN
Day three of the rabbit show started with Bun and me conversing with rabbit owners, using Fur Bridge Farm and Jessica’s vet clinic as segues. It worked well until I realized odd looks came our way. Maybe I had pushed too hard for answers that people were reluctant to give.
I hurried to the game room, ready to take my place on the platform when Vera Benedict caught hold of my sleeve and tugged me aside.
Soft voiced, Vera said, “Stay away from the competitors. It will appear that you’re choosing favorites. While this is your first time in this position and all, I insist you refrain from contact with them.”
“I see, you’re right. I hadn’t really given that a thought. The rabbits are so beautiful, I’m drawn to them. It won’t happen again, Vera, I promise.” The entire time I talked, my concern grew over how I would garner information on Evelyn if I couldn’t speak to rabbit owners.
Vera accepted my word before saying the games were about to begin and left me to take my seat. The first round of games went off without a hitch. We took a break while employees readied the room for the next event. Bun and I went into the foyer only to be approached by Jack Carver.
“Were you getting a lecture from Mrs. Benedict? You didn’t look too happy.”
“Bun and I made the mistake of visiting the rabbit owners. I wanted to promote Jessica’s clinic and the farm. My attention could be misconstrued as showing favoritism when I’m a judge.” I shrugged a shoulder and rolled my eyes. “She’s right, I guess. I’m new at this and it could be seen in that light.”
“It could also be seen as information gathering, and not just by me, but by the guilty.”
“Okay, okay, I get it. You said my part was over. That’s good enough for me. Some of these owners give me the shakes. Especially after those two women went at each other. Criminy, I was shocked by their unprofessionalism.”
With a narrow-eyed stare, Jack said drily, “I bet.”
“I’ve got to get back to the games. See you later.”
The day proceeded with onlookers’ cheers, high spirits, and shouts to their favorite rabbit to win. All said, the games were eventful for everyone but me. Afraid I wouldn’t achieve my goal of catching Evelyn’s killer, I tried to concentrate on the rabbits, their wins and losses. By lunchtime, Bun and I were ready for some privacy outside where we would eat.
On our way out, Bun asked, “Will you give Brody that grant paperwork?”
I was swift to veer in the direction of Jim’s table where he watched people idly shop. I caught his eye and offered him the grant packet.
“Ah, thank you for returning this.” He tucked it into a section of his briefcase and closed it. “You’ll hear from us within a week or so, we meet next Wednesday.”
“Great, thanks for the opportunity. I appreciate it.” I bid him good day and sauntered away with my fingers crossed.
We took the same bench as before to eat lunch. Bun busily munched on his hay mix, fruit, and veggies. His food and water containers full, I was confident he wouldn’t babble. It’s annoying to be mistaken as often as I was.
“I was thinking, we should take a ride to Evelyn’s house. You must know where she lives.”
I chewed a mouthful of tuna fish sandwich and wondered why we hadn’t done that right after Evelyn’s death.
“It was only a thought.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Strands of hay waved about before they disappeared as Bun steadily chewed. It reminded me of slurping spaghetti noodles as a youngster. The utensils and supplies repacked, we walked the grounds awhile before we went inside.
Crossing the foyer, I was stopped by Stephanie Driscoll, a rabbit owner, who asked in a quiet tone if I would accompany her to her rabbit stand. When I asked what was wrong, she told me she didn’t know, but I should go with her. Wary, I followed Stephanie, filled with angst over what she wanted. We arrived to find her rabbit, a crowd favorite and multiple winner of the games, sprawled across the bed of hay in his cage.
Advising her to stay with the animal, I went to notify Vera. We rushed back to the stand.
Vera peered at the rabbit and then stepped away from it. “I think we should get a veterinarian in here to examine this rabbit. I’ll put a hold on the games until we get this straightened out.”
“I can recommend my vet. Jessica Plain can tend to this.”
“Call and ask her to come here right away.” Vera gazed at people who had stopped to gawk. “Move along, there’s nothing to see.”
Much to my surprise, they dispersed. I called Jess, asked her to come as quickly as possible, and gave her a description of the rabbit’s condition.
“I’ll be there shortly.”
While we waited, I asked Stephanie a few questions about the rabbit to save Jess time before the examination. His breathing shallow, the animal looked peaceful. Fearful of touching him, lest he be infected or contagious, I kept my hands to myself. I had to think of Bun and my own animals’ welfare first and foremost. Any germs I brought home could prove detrimental to their health.
Jessica, escorted by David Murphy, examined the rabbit thoroughly. “I don’t see signs of external injury. I recommend blood tests to find out more.”
Given permission, Jessica opened the satchel she kept for house visits, and used a syringe and empty test tubes to draw vials of blood as Stephanie, Bun, and I watched. By this time, Stephanie wrung her hands.
Jess turned and said to Stephanie, “Bring the rabbit to my clinic, I can care for him better there while the tests run. I’ll wait for you outside.”
“Okay. I’ll be right with you.”
I took Jess aside and murmured, “Do you think he’s seriously ill?”
She shrugged. “I won’t know until I have test results. I’ll be in touch.”
Murmurs in the room ran rampant. I spoke loudly to capture everyone’s attention.
“The tests results should be in soon and we’ll be notified immediately. Until then, please keep your rabbits caged.”
Owners milled around, opinions between them spoken in undertones. It was impossible to hear what was said, and I couldn’t very well intrude without arousing suspicion.
An hour later, my cell phone rang, which silenced conversations. I listened to Jess explain Stephanie’s rabbit had been drugged, not poisoned. He would be fine but unable to participate in any further games. I glanced to my right. Vera had returned and stood at my elbow.
“I think you have a desperate rival among the group of owners, Jules.”
“I’ll pass that on to Vera. She’s right here with me.”
“Take care, you’ve ventured into treacherous territory.”
“See you later.” I ended the call and whispered Jessica’s findings into Vera’s ear.
Vera walked to the center of the room. She turned in a complete circle to study each owner and announced the test results. Waiting a moment for the news to sink in, she then said, “If the person who committed this crime doesn’t come forward, the police will speak with each of you upon their arrival.”
Many rabbit owners stared at the floor and nervously shifted from one foot to the other. The arrogant, hoity-toity group sniffed their disapproval and then turned away, while others, less well-off, appeared horrified by the accusation that one of them was to blame. I guessed it hadn’t occurred to them that the rabbit hadn’t taken the drug by himself. Appalled at the cruelty of drugging a rabbit, I began to ask questions.
Vera, who had been adamant that I should steer clear of these people, stood aside to let me continue my interrogation.
My effort to
get a sense of where each entrant was, who they were with, or if they had any alibi at all, was met with dismissal. Emphatic in their right to not answer me, the well-heeled owners seemed to view my interference as they would a pesky fly, and shooed me away.
Annoyed to no end, and horrified that an animal as sweet as a rabbit would be treated in such a heinous way, I warned them.
“If you don’t answer my questions, you’ll have to explain your actions to Sheriff Carver.” I made certain I was heard and understood by all. Even though I surmised Carver hadn’t yet been called, and my and Vera’s threats were empty, only we knew it.
The owners had closed ranks, and grudgingly responded to my questions. Staffers and helpers alike insisted they hadn’t seen anything unusual going on. Disappointed by it, Vera gave them a narrow-eyed glare as we left the room.
“You did very well in there. I’m impressed, Juliette.”
“It didn’t amount to much, though, did it?” I leaned closer and whispered, “Has Jack Carver been called?”
“I believe he’s on his way. This sort of situation not only damages the image of our shows, but also puts honest sportsmanship in question. To think a contestant would harm a rabbit to win a prize is unacceptable.” Her phone beeped. Vera rolled her eyes and griped, “I’ll talk to you later, I have a call to make.”
We parted ways. Bun and I veered toward the game room. I’d left my sweater and the small pillow I carried for Bun on my chair while we had lunch.
We walked the empty corridor. I heard my name whispered and turned to see who it was. The young salesclerk, Colin, who had spoken to me after the altercation between the two women, furtively beckoned me into one of the curtained-off areas. Curious, I followed him.
He stepped close to whisper, and I bent toward him to listen. “I know who tranquilized the rabbit. I also know who killed Miss Montgomery.”
I stared into his face, but his attention was on what was behind me as he backed away.
“Watch out, watch out,” Bun warned, too late.
I was shoved hard from behind, and my arms flailed. Unable to catch my balance, I fell forward and struck my head on the corner of a wooden crate. Pain seared through my head, and all went temporarily dark. Dazed, I lay still with my eyes closed and listened to Colin argue with another man as they rushed off.
“Jules, wake up. I need you.”
I thought I had heard Bun, but, fuzzy-headed, I wasn’t sure. Footsteps receded. Hoping they were truly gone, I peeked through my eyelashes, saw I was alone, and rose. I staggered, unsteady on my feet. The area looked the same, except Colin and his ally were gone and so was Bun. The realization hit me like a brick. Frenzied, I searched behind crates, in corners, and called Bun to come to me. I was alone, all alone.
It took some doing, but I made it to the game room and reached for the door handle when the door swung inward. Wobbly, I fought to stay upright. Sheriff Carver reached out and grasped my arms. He led me to the nearest seat.
“What happened, Jules? ” He pushed my hair from by forehead and whistled. “That’s quite a lump you’ve got there. You should see a doctor to make sure you don’t have a concussion.”
I brushed his hand aside, and asked, “Maybe later. Have you seen Bun?”
Jack shook his head. “Can’t say that I have. I was looking for you, though. Vera mentioned you went in this direction when she saw you last. Tell me what happened to you.”
I went over the attack, then asked if he was sure he hadn’t seen Bun.
“This has something to do with Evelyn and the tranquilized rabbit. Otherwise, why would I be attacked? They must have taken Bun.”
“Who took Bun?”
“Colin and his sidekick. Didn’t you hear what I said? I came to and heard them argue. Colin was upset over the attack, his pal told him to shut up, that they had to get going. When they were gone, I searched and called for Bun. He wasn’t there. He wouldn’t go far, especially without me.” The more I said, the more I believed Bun’s life was in jeopardy.
“Stay calm, it won’t do any good to fret. He’ll be fine. He’s undoubtedly scared and has hidden somewhere. Focus on the events from when Jessica took the rabbit to her clinic right up to now. Tell me every detail you can remember, including smells, sounds, everything.”
As much as I wanted to search for Bun, it might be more helpful if I did as Carver asked. The possibility that I’d remember an insignificant detail prompted me to comply.
With the game room empty of people, rabbits, and most importantly rabbits competing, I gave Jack as accurate an account as possible of what took place. “I can’t think of anything else, other than I will never even entertain the idea of ever being part of an event like this.” I glanced at the sheriff. “Things are always different behind the scenes, aren’t they?”
“That’s for sure. You got a good taste of it, too. In competitions such as these, you’ll find most owners are vicious when it’s time to win. Their worst tendencies take over and cause everyone grief. I’m sorry you got involved.”
I ran my fingers through my tangled hair and slumped in the chair. “I have to find Bun. I can’t leave until I do. Thanks for being here, Jack.”
We walked the corridor, side by side. I peered into every room, behind each curtained-off area, and softly called Bun. There was no response. My anxiety grew over his disappearance with each passing moment. I drew a deep breath, let it out slowly, and did it again to keep from losing what little perspective I had left.
By the time we entered the huge foyer, Jack’s annoyance over my insistence that Bun had been kidnapped was evident. He hadn’t thought Bun was special, but Jack was unaware of Bun’s brilliance, how shrewd and canny he could be.
My look centered on Jack, I said, “I have some business to attend, I’ll see you later. Thanks again, Jack.”
“You aren’t going to search this entire arena for that rabbit, are you?”
My nerves tensed. In a snarky tone, I asked, “And if I am? What are you going to do about it?”
“Not a thing. Just watch your back, Jules, you might not be so lucky should there be a next time.”
“I will. Do you plan to find the man who attacked me?”
“It’s on my agenda. Right at the top of it.”
“Know this, if I find who has taken Bun, and he’s been harmed in any way, they will pay dearly for their mistake.”
“I didn’t hear that. Now get going.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The crowd had thinned while awaiting the test results on Stephanie’s rabbit to come in. Once they were known, arrangements were made to complete the games. The day would be longer than any one of us had anticipated.
A passing judge mentioned we would commence in a half hour. I nodded and kept on walking. With so much ground to cover, thirty minutes wasn’t enough time. Booth attendants busily prepared their rabbits for the next attempt to win. Chances had increased due to the absence of Stephanie’s rabbit.
I asked each attendant if they had seen Bun and measured their answer for the truth in it. No one had seen him. I was told a few of the owners had already left for the game room and I could catch up with them there. Walking on into the vendors area, I asked the same question again and again. I’d reached Jim’s booth to find him unavailable, but asked the clerk instead. He hadn’t seen any rabbit running around free. I kept going.
Concession stands had few customers and meant I had a chance to speak to each one without much of a wait. The clock ticked on, my time almost at an end while my nerves whined as would an unhappy violin. I’d reached the last stand, asked about Bun, and expected the same answer. I was told a man holding a crazy rabbit had crossed the foyer at a near run. My pulse zinged into overtime with excitement. I was on the right trail.
“What direction did he take?”
“I’m not sure. You lose track once they pass through the archway. He could have gone anywhere. Sorry, Miss.”
“Thanks anyway.”
The games wer
e announced. I didn’t waste time getting to the room and took my seat. I wiped sweat from my forehead and winced. The sheriff was right, I did have a whopping egg. Lucky for me I hadn’t split the skin wide open. That would have created another problem I had no patience or time for. As much as I didn’t want to see a doctor, I knew I should. Ever since my car accident a few years back, I’ve tried to avoid doctors and hospitals.
Focused on the animals, each contender did their best. They were praised and applauded for their hard work even if they hadn’t won. A ribbon was awarded to the winner and I scanned the crowd directly across from me, noting a shift in a few onlookers. Money changed hands. I made sure I could identify the bookmaker before I looked away.
A break was called to rest the rabbits before the last two contests. I sent a text to Jack asking for an update. A second later, my phone rang.
“I have men searching for the man who ambushed you and his cohort. I believe they took your rabbit because you asked one too many questions. What you’ve done since I cut you from the investigation wasn’t as subtle as you thought. It’s futile to deny it, Jules. I doubt the rabbit will come to harm. Back off and let me do my job, okay?”
“Okay.” The line went dead. Under my breath I swore to keep an eye out for Bun and the two culprits. At least Jack had taken me seriously.
My mind flew in multiple directions when I considered why Bun was taken. Sure, the sheriff thought it was due to my nosiness, and he could be right. What if the attack and Bun-napping was a ploy to turn my focus away from Evelyn’s death? If that were so, these guys wanted me to unravel and go nuts in search of Bun. Which I had done to a lesser degree than they hoped.
Could Evelyn’s disagreements be the reason for their involvement? Why would they steal Bun? As though erasing a blackboard, I cleared my mind, and focused on the Bun-nappers. The only reasonable answer was to redirect my attention. That way, I wouldn’t badger people over Evelyn. Why? Because Colin and his partner had their own agenda, that’s why.
The room filled with onlookers, and rabbits were readied for the contest, which consisted of tunnel running, obstacle jumping, and included another test that I couldn’t remember. By this time, I couldn’t care less what went on, I simply wanted Bun back.
Who's Dead, Doc? Page 9
