by Alex Harris
Chapter 25
Summer and Chalcey dug through the manure in the corral cleaning up and getting ready for the evening feeding. “Summer, what are we going to do about the virus?” Chalcey had listened to everyone’s concern about the EHV-1 virus in Yavapai County and across the Southwest and was very concerned for Red, her POA Appy.
“Honey, Dr. Chris is going to let me know whether we should put Red in the parade or not. In fact, he is the one in charge of the Rodeo. If he says stay home, we do. I know this was your first year in the parade and opening ceremonies, but if he says stay home, we keep Red and Ruby, and Smokey home. It’ll be a week or two before the vets know what’s up with the virus. In the meantime, don’t take Red anywhere, not even over to Stephanie’s because we just don’t know where the virus is. Promise me?” Summer knew how much this year’s Rodeo meant to Chalcey and she was concerned that Chalcey might go off the reservation to meet up with Stephanie and work on their opening routine.
1Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) is a contagious viral disease of horses that can cause respiratory disease, abortion and occasionally neurologic disease. It is spread by 1aerosol (airborne) and fomites (feed, clothing, boots, hands, etc.). It hit Arizona and particularly Yavapai County hard causing the loss of numerous show horses.
Oriole and Fred arrived home to find dinner on the table. “Where’s Marlowe?” Fred asked.
“She called in and said she’d be home a little late for us to go ahead without her.” Summer responded.
“Fred, I’m really afraid of the virus getting our horses.” Chalcey expressed her concerns to her favorite father figure.
“I heard it is under control. In fact, I heard on the radio that the Rodeo was a go. So it looks like you’ll be able to ride in the parade right in front of us.” Fred put his arm around the tall redhead and kissed her on the top of her head.
“Summer and I got the chores done. I was thinking maybe we could all play some poker tonight.” Chalcey’s mood lifted as her concerns about the virus were alleviated.
“Have you been practicing?” Oriole asked as she put plates and silverware on the table. “You know Fred’s pretty good at cards.”
“Summer says I’m cut throat. Is that good or bad?”
Oriole laughed and looked to her grandmother. “Yes?”
“We play whenever you and Fred are working late. I can honestly say, I’ve taught her everything I know about the game.” Summer put bowls of fresh vegetables on the table along with chicken and dumplings.
“Being cut throat is good as long as you don’t buy into the philosophy as a way of life, Sweetie.” Fred helped himself to Summer’s mother’s favorite recipe.
“Any news on the case that you can share?” Summer asked the two detectives.
“More questions than solutions. Did you know there might have been a problem with Bobby and Lisa?” Oriole asked her grandmother who seemed to know everything.
“Lisa had mentioned she was getting the bum’s rush from Bobby for more money. I know she was very disappointed that he still wasn’t self sufficient. In fact, I thought I saw him the day Lisa died. I was downtown for supplies at the grocery store. I was dying of thirst and went next door to the coffee shop for something to drink and saw a guy talking to someone. I didn’t have my glasses on so couldn’t see either of them very well. But I had the feeling it was Bobby and Phil.”
“Summer. Why didn’t you tell us this a long time ago?” Oriole asked almost chastising her grandmother.
“I wasn’t sure and you know I try to stay out of things where your investigation is involved. Anyway, I can’t be sure it was either of them. They were at the far end of the restaurant and it was pretty dark.” Summer stood up to Oriole’s interrogation.
“What coffee shop was it, Summer?” Fred tried to lessen the mood and still get more information.
“The one in the Commerce Shopping Center. It must have been about 11:00. Jill and Mary were working that day. Who knows they might be able to tell you more.” Summer finished eating and began gathering dishes and bowls for the dishwasher.
“This case just gets more complicated.” Oriole whispered.
“Tomorrow we follow up on some of the stuff from today. Right now let’s get the cards out and see who the real cut throat is.” Fred wanted to put some distance between the job and the few hours of relaxation they had.
Chalcey got the cards and poker chips from the sideboard. Oriole finished clearing the table. Fred put the oil cloth over the table. Summer walked over to Oriole and put her arm around her.
“I’m sorry, honey, I never mean to make your life difficult.”
“I know. I'm sorry I yelled at you. Thank you for all you do for Chalcey and us. I love you Summer.” Oriole hugged her grandmother.
Chalcey dealt the cards and the game was on. Chalcey was up 30 chips when Marlowe opened the kitchen door. “Hi, Marlowe. You’re just in time to see me beat the pants off of everybody.” Chalcey guarded her run by not getting up to greet Marlowe.
“How about-“Hi Marlowe. How was your day? Young Lady.” Oriole chided her daughter who was caught up in the fun.
“Oh. Sorry. How was your day?”
Marlowe looked at Oriole and then Fred. “We’ll talk about it later. Looks like I’ve missed a great game. I’ll just grab a sandwich and watch.”
“Want me to fix you something. Chalcey has most of my chips. I’m out.” Fred pushed back his chair and poured Marlowe a drink. He could tell she was troubled, but not willing to discuss it in front of the whole group.
Marlowe took her drink and sandwich out to the porch and waited for Fred to join her.
"So? Want to tell me about what happened?"
"Am I that obvious?"
"No, I'm a trained investigator remember."
And Marlowe related the events of the afternoon.
