Paw and Order

by V. M. Burns

  She shook her head. “No. She’s been through a great deal of trauma. We were hoping to question her about her medical history, so we delayed putting her in a coma. Plus, the police wanted to question her. However, I no longer have that luxury. I have put her into a coma to help her brain heal so the swelling can go down, but there are no guarantees.”

  We asked a few more questions, but the doctor wasn’t able to give us many answers. The only thing we knew for sure was that Mrs. Huntington would be in a coma for at least a week or more so it was unlikely that she would be asking for me or anyone else for quite some time.

  When we left the hospital, neither one of us was feeling up to dog training. In fact, Dixie called Beau and told him not to bother bringing Chyna or Leia down the mountain for class. We stopped by the Mellow Mushroom and ordered two pizzas and then picked up some beverages and headed to the dog club.

  Everyone was already there by the time we arrived. Dixie explained that she wasn’t up to teaching tonight and asked if anyone would mind if we skipped class. She promised to add an additional class or refund one week of the class fee. Of course, no one was interested in the refund.

  Stephanie touched my shoulder. “Are you okay? You look pale.”

  I nodded. Something about the compassion in her eyes triggered a nerve and I started to weep.

  Stephanie hugged me while I cried for poor Mrs. Huntington who was lying in a coma with no one to speak for her.

  Eventually I took a deep breath and pushed away. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

  “It’s okay. I’m sorry I was such a brat earlier.”

  “You weren’t a br—”

  “Oh yes I was. I was embarrassed and angry, and I took it out on you and Joe and neither one of you deserved it.”

  “I shouldn’t have interfered. It’s just that I’m your mother and you were dating a man who was connected to a double homicide.” I stared at her. “I was worried for you. I wouldn’t have done it for any other reason.”

  She smiled. “I know.”

  I took a deep breath. If confession was good for the soul, then I might as well make a clean breast of everything. “However, I am dating a TBI Officer and…well, Red had already run a background check on Eli. In fact, regardless of what happens between you and Eli or Joe…I’m pretty sure he’s going to run background checks on everyone you and David become involved with.”

  Stephanie shook her head. “It’s invasive and probably unethical and possibly illegal without probable cause.” She smiled. “However, I know he’s only doing it from a place of love and concern.”

  We hugged, put the dogs outside and then sat down at the picnic table with the pizza, beer and peach wine coolers that Dixie picked up at the liquor store.

  B.J. bit into a slice of pizza. “So now will you tell us what happened?”

  Dixie and I took turns filling in the details.

  “Good lord, I’ll have to make sure to add her to the prayer list at church,” Monica Jill said.

  I updated the group on the information I had from Red. I tried not to keep glancing at Stephanie while I shared what I’d learned about Eli Goldstein’s father, Ivan Bradington and Clarence Darling.

  Dr. Morgan was also giving Stephanie a strange look. Eventually, he cleared his throat and said, “I wasn’t sure if I should say anything or not, but in light of what we’ve learned already, I feel like I should.”

  Stephanie frowned. “If you know something that will help, please…go ahead.”

  Dr. Morgan nodded. “I’m not sure if it will help solve the murder, but Mai,” he blushed. “Mr. Lowry’s gamekeeper mentioned that she had seen Eli Goldstein with Fiona Darling in a very…compromising position.”

  Stephanie colored but reached out and patted Dr. Morgan’s hand. “It’s okay.” She took a deep breath. “I had a lot of time alone today to think about the situation and the bottom line is, I don’t really like Eli Goldstein.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief.

  Dixie smiled. “Thank God.”

  Stephanie laughed. “That’s a strong reaction.”

  “I’m sorry, dear.” Dixie reached across and patted Stephanie’s hand. “I didn’t even get a chance to tell your mom, but earlier today I went by Signal Mountain Loan and Trust. I have a friend who works there and I asked her about Archibald Lowry’s Trust. She wasn’t at liberty to give me specific information, but…she did tell me that there might not be as much money in the trust as there was at one time.”

  “Sounds like somebody had a hand in the cookie jar,” B.J. said.

  Dixie nodded. “That’s the exact impression I got too. In fact, she indicated,” she leaned forward and whispered, “off the record of course, that I might not be able to buy a dog leash with what was left.” Monica Jill sat with her mouth open.

  “Close your mouth, you’ll catch flies,” B.J. joked with her friend.

  Monica Jill put both hands on her face. “You have got to be kidding. Who could have done that?”

  Stephanie glanced down. “I think I have a pretty good idea.”

  We all stared at her.

  She took a deep breath. “I didn’t want to believe it, but all of the evidence was right there in front of us. Eli Goldstein was the trustee. He had access to the trust. He’s the only one who could have taken the money out.”

  I got a flashback and this time rather than flitting away, it stayed. “That’s what bothered me when I talked to Mrs. Huntington.” I stared across at Dixie. “Remember when I told you she said Eli Goldstein had told her she was getting five thousand dollars in the will.”

  Dixie nodded.

  “Well, the will Stephanie showed us indicated he had left her ten thousand dollars.”

  Dixie smacked the table with her hand. “That’s right. I remember now.”

  “That low-down dirty…thief,” B.J. said.

  “I’ll bet he told all of the beneficiaries they were getting less than what Archibald Lowry intended and then he pocketed the money.”

  Dixie stared at me. “I don’t think Fergus Kilpatrick would take too kindly to being swindled out of money he felt entitled to.”

  My brain refused to even imagine how Fergus would react.

  Stephanie shook her head. “I knew there was something about Eli Goldstein that just wasn’t right. He’s handsome, but…”

  I stared at my daughter. “You’re not terribly disappointed, are you?”

  “Of course not. If I’m honest with myself, I think I was just flattered by the attention. He was a boost to my ego and…maybe a small part of me wanted to make Joe jealous.”

  “Thank goodness.” I took a deep breath.

  Stephanie laughed. “He’s handsome, but not very bright. I mean, he kept trying to convince me that all those red hairs on his clothes were from Lucky.” She smirked. “Lucky didn’t even like him and certainly wouldn’t have been that close to him.”

  “I’m so glad you picked up on that. I meant to mention it, but you were so upset and then I got the call about Mrs. Huntington at the hospital and it completely slipped my mind.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, I put two and two together when Joe mentioned he saw Eli making out with a redhead.” She shrugged. “I had to admit, that Eli wasn’t faithful.” She sighed. “Although he was certainly very handsome.”

  “Hmmm he sure is handsome, but that’s not the kind of man you marry. That’s the kind of man you fool around with.” B.J. laughed. “Nah, you want someone you can count on for the long haul. Someone like that police officer of yours. Now, that’s a real man.” She gave Stephanie a playful shove that made her smile. “Plus, he’s mighty good to look at too.”

  B.J. and Monica Jill joked with Stephanie about her abundance of nice-looking men which put color in her cheeks and a twinkle in her eyes. For the first time since she arrived, she looked happy.r />
  When the joking subsided, we got serious.

  “Okay, so we know Eli Goldstein can’t be trusted, but that doesn’t make him a murderer,” Dixie said.

  It doesn’t, but between the red hairs, the poison, the bank robbery and the attempts to nab Rex, it’s all starting to make sense. The pieces of this puzzle were finally starting to fall into place. I had a plan that just might tie up the final loose ends.

  Chapter 20

  It didn’t take Red as long as I thought it would to agree to my plan, probably because there wasn’t a whole lot to it and virtually nothing he could do to stop it. Once he was on board, he quickly set about trying to make sure the auction was surrounded by police and as safe as Fort Knox.

  I spent Friday morning running errands in preparation for the auction and got so busy I almost missed my spa appointment. It wasn’t until Aggie scratched my leg in her efforts to extract a treat that I remembered. Stephanie was ecstatic when I told her that I made an appointment for her too.

  We hurried to the salon and indulged in a few hours of pampering and indulgence. When our feet were soft as a baby’s bottom and my nails were dipped and painted a pale pink, I was ready to tackle just about anything.

  We went home to shower and prepare for the big event. I thought Stephanie planned to wear the sexy red dress she bought, until she came out of the guest room wearing the beautiful navy-blue dress. She looked stunning.

  I put on the dress I bought for the occasion and waited. Dixie and Beau arrived on time in the RV and Stephanie and I, along with Aggie, Rex and Lucky all climbed inside.

  Dixie looked lovely and elegant. Only a close friend would notice the strained look in her eyes and the habit she had of twisting her wedding ring when she was nervous.

  “Do you really think this will work?” She asked.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot.”

  She nodded. “You’re right.”

  Beau eased the RV into the staff lot beside the museum and we unloaded our pack.

  The two standards and Lucky were so well-behaved that there wasn’t much to worry about where they were concerned. Dixie had groomed the big dogs and placed red bows in their ears. They looked regal and smelled lovely.

  One of my earlier errands involved dropping Rex and Aggie at the big box pet store for a bath and trim. Aggie had removed her ribbons in between leaving the pet store and our arrival home, but I had a fancy harness dress and a rhinestone leash, so she looked cute, despite her best efforts. Rex was fluffed to perfection. He had a bandana around his neck when I picked him up, but I had other plans for this little silver boy. I replaced the bandana with the jewel studded collar that Archibald Lowry gave him. I added a new electronic tracking square, which I bought with a matching rhinestone leash. Lucky’s coat was beautiful and when it was brushed out thoroughly, it glistened. Aggie had a fancy black rhinestone collar that shone like diamonds.

  Inside, the museum was elegantly decorated, just as it had been one week ago today. However, in addition to the decorations, catering and string quartet, there was another section of the museum which was hosting the items up for auction. I spotted Linda Kay almost immediately. She was wearing a long black dress with a sheer overlay that was set off with rhinestones around the neck and the cuffs. She sat on her scooter near a table laden with champagne glasses. She and her husband both loved dogs, so getting her to agree to allow a few well-trained dogs in the museum hadn’t been hard. In fact, she and her husband brought their dog, Dingo, who was black and brown with a few white patches on his body and around his muzzle. He looked like a mix of beagle, hound and a little terrier thrown in for good measure. Dingo lay on his back, four paws in the air while Linda Kay scratched his exposed belly and talked to Jacob who was looking dapper, compression boot and all.

  Monica Jill arrived wearing a stunning light blue dress with a diagonal ruffle that zig zagged the left side of the dress and made her look even slimmer and taller than she already was. The three-inch heels didn’t hurt either. Next to Monica Jill was Addison, in a simple yellow dress and ballet flats.

  When she got a glimpse of our pack, she hurried to pet the dogs. “They look so cute and soft.” She leaned down and Aggie proceeded to lick every surface of her face.

  “Addy, I’m so glad you were able to come and help us with the dogs.” Dixie reached down and gave the girl a hug.

  “I love dogs and I was so excited with Miss Monica Jill asked me.” She looked over at Monica Jill. “I just wish you had brought Jac.” She pouted.

  Monica Jill shook her head. “No. We are only bringing well-behaved dogs tonight.” She chuckled. “I love that dog, but…no way would I trust him in a place like this.” She glanced at Dixie. “Not yet, anyway.”

  Dixie gave her a smile and then nudged me. “What a difference a week makes.”

  I followed her glance and saw a confident Dr. Morgan arrive along with his German shepherd, Max. He was wearing a black suit and looked nice. However, the twinkle in his eyes was more than likely caused by the fact that on his arm was Mai Nguyen.

  I spied Red and Joe standing in a corner. He must have felt my glance because he looked across at me. He whispered something to Joe and then sauntered over. When he arrived, he greeted everyone and then leaned down and gave me a quick kiss and whispered, “You look amazing.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.” I had been confident of my plan yesterday. Now, I was filled with doubt. “Do you think this will work?”

  He shrugged. “I hope so.”

  Joe and Turbo stood near the door. Joe was dressed in jeans and a jacket and was clearly there for security rather than as a guest. Turbo was wearing his vest which indicated he was working.

  After a few moments, Red beckoned for Joe to join us.

  Reluctantly, he and Turbo joined our small group. “Hello.” He greeted each of us, but his eyes lingered the longest on Stephanie. “You look…beautiful.”

  “Thank you.”

  After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, she turned to Red. “I know Joe’s working, but can I have a word with him?”

  Red nodded his consent.

  Joe looked worried.

  “Come with me.” Stephanie and Lucky waltzed over to an empty corner while Joe and Turbo followed.

  We shamelessly watched the two and after a few moments were all pleased to see a smile break out on Joe’s face followed by the two embracing and then sharing a passionate kiss. “Aww,” the women all said at the same time.

  “Great. Now, my security is going to be distracted,” Red joked.

  I gave him a playful elbow and he laughed.

  At that moment, Mary and Fergus Kilpatrick approached our group. Fergus stared at Rex. “Well, hello there.” He reached out a hand to pet Rex and I forced myself to resist the impulse to pull him away.

  Rex submitted to the petting, which I’m sure he felt was his due.

  “Have you come to hand him over?” He reached for Rex and this time I did pull away.

  Fergus gave a fake laugh. “My wife just loves that dog and it would break her heart to have to give him up, but I’m sure we can resolve this like civilized people and come to terms that will be agreeable to everyone, without involving the law.”

  Mary Kilpatrick had been drinking champagne during the entire conversation and staring at Red with a come hither look in her eyes. At her husband’s words, she stopped staring long enough to glance in Rex’s direction. “Oh yes, I just love her. She’s so cute.”

  Addison giggled. “Rex is a boy.”

  Dixie mumbled. “Wisdom oft comes from the mouth of babes.”

  I frowned. “I’m not familiar with that quote. That’s not Shakespeare, is it?”

  She shook her head. “Game of Thrones.”

  I nodded. “Fitting.”

  Eli Goldstein, dressed fashionably in a black suit
with his hair pulled back into a man bun, joined our group. “Ah…if it isn’t my favorite people.”

  The dogs all growled and we each increased the hold we had on our animals.

  He chuckled. “What is it about these dogs? They just don’t seem to like me.” He shook his head. “Is it my cologne?”

  He reached out to pet Rex, but a rumble from the two standard poodles and Aggie made him withdraw his hand.

  Fergus glanced at Eli. “I’ve just been explaining to Mrs. Echosby how attached Mary is to the little…guy. Maybe you can—”

  Stephanie returned to the group, hand in hand with Joe and followed by Lucky and Turbo. “Mr. Kilpatrick, I’ve made it clear through your attorney,” she nodded toward Eli, “that my mom has no intention of giving up her dog. If you continue to harass her, then I’ll be forced to file a restraining order against you.”

  Fergus Kilpatrick’s eyes flashed and his jaw hardened. He lifted a finger as though to point it in Stephanie’s direction and in less than a split second, Joe and Turbo were in front of Stephanie.

  “I sure hope you weren’t about to point that finger toward the lady.” Joe gave the older man a cold hard stare. His body was tense and the edge in his voice made the hair on my arms stand up. He had flipped the switch and was one hundred percent cop.

  Even Turbo sensed the change in his partner. His body shook from the pent-up nervous energy and it was clear that one word from Joe would send him flying at Fergus Kilpatrick’s throat.

  After what felt like forever, but was only seconds, Fergus Kilpatrick lowered his hand.

  Eli gave a nervous laugh. “I think my clients need a moment to cool down.” He guided Fergus and Mary away by the arm. Before he left, he turned to Stephanie and looked her up and down like a piece of meat. Then he grinned. “You look nice,” he said, then walked away.

  After he left, I heard Dixie let out a sigh and only then did I release the breath I was holding.

  Joe turned to Stephanie. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She shivered. “I just can’t believe I ever thought that louse was attractive.”