“The police are looking into it,” Aidan said. “They’ll figure it out, but in the meantime, we don’t want you to be in the dark if something sinister is going on here.”
“Something sinister,” Caroline repeated. “That sounds crazy. You got the police involved?”
“We had to,” Aidan said, “based on Eleanor’s results.”
“Caroline,” Savanna said, “maybe, just until this all settles down, would you consider locking your doors please?”
Caroline stared at Savanna. “Nobody in Carson locks their doors. I have no idea where my house key is anymore. Do you really think that’s necessary?”
“We really do,” Aidan said. “Just as a precaution.”
She sighed, giving up. “All right. I’ll ask Lauren to start looking for my keys. I honestly haven’t locked my doors in decades.”
“Where is Lauren?” She’d promised Savanna she’d push Caroline to let her help out at the house more.
“She’s at Happy Family. She cancelled my delivery service. She got some wild notion that she should be doing all the shopping. Oh.” Understanding dawned on the older woman’s face. “It’s because of Eleanor, isn’t it? Oh, my. You’ve already spoken to Lauren about this, haven’t you? So how on earth am I supposed to know who I can trust?” She took off her glasses and set them on the table, her hand trembling slightly.
“Caroline,” Aidan said, standing and coming over to Caroline, “I’m sorry. We are both sorry. We didn’t mean to upset you. None of this is good for your health, and you have a whole team of people looking out to make sure you will be fine.” He met Savanna’s eyes over Caroline’s head, sympathy furrowing his brow.
“Very true,” Savanna agreed. “And other than locking your doors from now on, there isn’t a thing you should do differently. Worrying isn’t going to help. Listen, I wanted to work on where the sailboats should go in the mural today. Would you help me? I need your input.” She stood too, holding a hand out to the woman.
She looked up at them, from Savanna to Aidan. “Nice distraction technique,” she said wryly. “But yes. I want one of them to have the same sails Everett’s boat had.”
Aidan helped her up, and Savanna moved her new walker over to her.
“This thing,” she murmured, patting the walker, “is going in the trash the moment this boot comes off.” She glanced up at Aidan. “Until then, I know I’m stuck with it.”
With Caroline on the move, slowly, the poodles stretched in their sun spots on the kitchen floor and got to their feet, followed by Fonzie, leading the procession into the parlor. Caroline’s family had set up a twin-sized bed against the far wall, and a proper bedside table next to it, with everything Savanna imagined Caroline normally had upstairs in her bedroom: table lamp, small clock, a couple of hardcover books, her pill box, a bottle of strawberry-scented hand lotion, even a purple satin sleep mask.
“This is nice, Caroline.” Savanna gestured at the bed as they passed it on the way to the set of wingback chairs. “Your family thinks of everything.”
“That was Lauren, of course. She got a few of the grandkids over here and they set it all up, until I have my leg back in working order.”
The doorbell rang as Savanna followed Caroline and the dogs.
“Do you mind getting it, Savanna?” Aidan asked, carrying his black bag. “I want to check her blood pressure before I leave, once she’s settled.”
“Sure.” Savanna backed up, letting Aidan take her place behind Caroline. With the boot on, she wasn’t exactly steady; her gait made Savanna nervous. She watched Aidan’s hand hover a few inches behind Caroline’s back, a reflex measure just in case, as she turned to go see who among Caroline’s visitors would actually ring the bell.
The gentleman she’d met a week or two ago, Caroline’s art dealer, stood on the porch, along with a younger man she didn’t recognize.
“Mr. Thiebold, please, come in.” Savanna held the door open for him.
“Felix, please,” he corrected. “This is my assistant, Ryan. Caroline has us picking up a piece.”
“Of course. Why don’t you follow me? She’s not quite…mobile at the moment.” Savanna led the way to the back of the house.
“Felix!” Caroline clasped her hands together, leaning forward in her chair when she saw him.
Aidan had his stethoscope in his ears, the bell on Caroline’s arm, mid-check. He smiled and released the cuff, stepping back.
“Oh, my, I’m sorry.” Caroline looked up at him. “I’m supposed to be still. Try again, Dr. Gallager. I’ll be good, I promise.”
Aidan placed the bell of his stethoscope on Caroline’s arm again, glancing at the trio—the gallerist, his assistant, and Savanna. “One minute, and she’s all yours.” He put his head down, listening. Getting a valid reading this time, Aidan removed the cuff from Caroline’s arm and straightened up. “Still a little high. You need to take it easy. Sit, read, watch the paint dry,” he said, winking at Savanna at his own little joke. “Relax, Caroline. You’ve got one more week until you’re done wearing the monitor. I’ll be back to take all the equipment next week, okay? And do not overdo it on the leg,” he added, pointing to the boot.
She nodded obediently. “Yes, sir. You have my word.” Caroline glanced past him at Savanna and gave her a wide-eyed look.
Savanna laughed. “I’ll walk you out,” she told Aidan, leaving Caroline to talk to Felix. “I think,” she told Aidan once they were outside on the wide front porch, “you’re the only person I’ve ever seen boss her around effectively.”
He grinned. “It’s just the white coat.” He was wearing black dress pants and a crisp lavender button-down with sleeves rolled up, tie loosened now at the end of the day but still around his neck, along with his stethoscope.
“No white coat today,” she noted. “So it’s just you. You have magical powers when it comes to Caroline Carson.”
“Well, maybe it’s the threat of the white coat,” he said. “Whatever works. So, you’re staying for a bit to paint?”
“Yes. I haven’t gotten much done and I know she wants it finished for her party.”
“I love it. I guess I hadn’t seen what you’ve done until today. You’re very talented, Savanna.”
“Oh.” She shrugged. “Well, thank you, I appreciate that. I’m still a little rusty. I hardly painted at all in Chicago.”
“I’d never know,” Aidan said. “I think it’ll be beautiful when you’re finished. We’re lucky to have you.” he then clarified, “Teaching at the school, I mean. The kids are lucky to have such a well-rounded teacher. I know Mollie’s happy in your class.”
Savanna smiled. “I just love her. She’s such a little sweetheart.”
Aidan’s eyes lit up. “I think so, too. But I’m biased. Thank you.” He started to head down the front steps and stopped, turning back. “Wait, when is Caroline’s birthday again? A few weeks still, right?”
“First weekend in October,” Savanna said. “A little less than three weeks from now.”
“She should be in good shape by then,” he said, still in doctor mode. “I can probably graduate her to an ankle brace before that. I need to put it in my calendar.” He pulled out his phone, tapping the screen.
“October fifth,” Savanna offered.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” he said. “The youth event this weekend at the Carson Ballroom. Are you involved in that at all, through the school?”
“No, I don’t think so?” Savanna wasn’t sure what he was talking about.
“Mollie was reminding me this morning. It’s called Fall Fun Fest. The library and the ballroom have sponsored it the last couple of years. Saturday night…it’s not a big deal. They just have booths set up, used books for sale, activities for the kids, face painting, music. That kind of thing.”
“How cool! I guess I’ve been so preoccupied lately I must have
missed the information. The ballroom is the next block down from Fancy Tails. I wonder if Sydney knows,” she mused.
“She might. They usually try to get input and donations from local businesses. Anyway, I just thought maybe, since you’re the art teacher, the committee might have hit you up to help or something.”
Savanna shook her head. “Nope. I wish they had though. I’d have loved to help! I’ll see what my sister knows.”
“You should. It’s a nice event. I know Mollie and her friends are excited. Maybe I’ll see you there?” His tone was odd, Savanna thought, and that was a question, not just an offhand statement; one look up at him confirmed that. He was waiting for her response, keys in hand. Aidan wanted her there. Didn’t he?
A little zing shot through her and she felt her cheeks warm. “Sure,” she said. “I’ll definitely be there. It’ll be fun to see my kids outside of class. Thanks for letting me know about it!”
She watched Aidan’s car drive away. Had she misread that entire exchange? She hoped she hadn’t. Either way, she was glad he’d mentioned it to her. She’d ask Skylar and Nolan to come with her—it sounded like something her little nephew would love.
She went back into the house; the fall air finally held a chill, a welcome break from the too-warm, eighty-degree weather in early September. Caroline’s huge maple tree out front was all gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows now.
As she passed the living room just off the foyer, she spotted the young man who’d accompanied Felix, tying up a large, brown-paper-wrapped painting with string. In the parlor, she found Felix seated across from Caroline in the other wingback chair. He pressed a check into her hand, covering it with his other hand. “It was an excellent sale, Caroline. You gained about twelve percent above the purchase price Everett paid.”
“Wonderful.” She looked up as Savanna entered. “Savanna, you and Felix met the other day, didn’t you?”
“We did. Is that the Laurant you sold?”
“Yes,” Caroline said. “I know you loved it, dear.”
“I love all of them. But I’m glad to hear you’ve done well finding it a new home.”
“A private investor in Hartford fell in love with the pair.” Felix said, “That one and the one he bought in August. He was happy to pay top dollar. And”—Felix clasped his hands together, leaning forward—“I may have a buyer for one of your Sergei Minkovs.”
Savanna gasped; she couldn’t help it. Caroline and Felix both looked at her. “I’m so sorry.” She looked down, embarrassed. The Minkov in Caroline’s library was priceless. The last known value of that piece was over two and a half million dollars. She glanced up. “I just love that piece so much. I thought you were keeping it, Caroline?”
“I had planned on it,” Caroline said. She was clearly conflicted. “I didn’t know there was interest in the Minkov, Felix. We were focusing on the works I have by Laurant and Rothman.”
The gallerist nodded. “Absolutely, that’s my plan. I actually—”
“The Minkov in the library was Everett’s forty-fifth anniversary gift to me,” Caroline said. “I’m just not sure I can part with it, not for any amount of money.”
“It’s off the table. Don’t worry, I completely understand. I was actually speaking of the smaller piece you have in the dining room.”
“Ah,” Caroline and Savanna both spoke at the same time, and then laughed, looking at each other.
“I’ve never loved that piece,” Caroline said, relief in her voice. “I think that would be fine if you feel it’s a good deal. I haven’t heard anything lately from Everett’s other gallerist friend, Mr. Banfield, so have at it.”
“I’m still working on it. I want you to be careful who you trust, Caroline,” he said, reaching over to place a hand lightly on her forearm, his demeanor serious. “I don’t mind handling these sales for you. I’m seeing the interested party again on Friday, so I’ll let you know. And I’ll be sending Ryan next week to pick up your Rothman, the one that was hanging in the foyer, if you’re still on board with that plan? Different collectors, a married couple in Santa Rosa.”
Savanna shook her head. “You certainly must travel a lot. I know it can be the life of an art dealer, but you’re on both coasts in the same week. You don’t seem to mind.”
Felix gave a little shrug with one shoulder. “I love it. It’s the only work I know. I’m not cut out for anything else,” he said, tone humble as he ran a thumb over his knee on the crease in his slacks. “And I meet the most interesting people.” He smiled at Caroline.
“Likewise, Felix.” Caroline reached a hand out, and he took it. “We’re so fortunate Everett found you.”
Felix patted Caroline’s hand as he stood. “I really must go. Oh, paperwork, I almost forgot. Might I get the provenances, Caroline? For the Laurant today, and I’ll take the one for the Rothman Ryan will pick up next week, if you have it here.”
“I do, but the Rothman document is still filed away in Everett’s desk. Savanna,” Caroline said, “could I bother you to fetch the envelope on the credenza over there? That’s the certificate for the Laurant, I had Lauren get it ready.”
“I can get the other one,” Felix told Caroline, “if you tell me where to look.”
“Oh, don’t trouble yourself.” Caroline waved a hand. “My granddaughter will have it ready when Ryan comes back for the Rothman, don’t worry. I’ll make sure…as you can see, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be available.” She tapped the plastic walking boot for emphasis.
Savanna handed Felix the manila envelope with his name on it.
“Thank you.” He turned to Caroline. “I’ll see myself out. You be careful, young lady. No more accidents,” he scolded. “I want to see you looking lovely and safe and sound when I return with good news about the Minkov—the one you don’t love.”
Savanna took Felix’s seat in the wingback chair when he’d gone. “What a charming man.”
“He’s quite the gentleman, isn’t he? He’s such a good friend to help me out with the collection he and Everett built all these years. I’m sure he has more important things to do, but he never seems to mind visiting with me.”
Caroline looked comfortable and content, bad leg high in the air in her recliner, propped on pillows. Savanna imagined if Aidan was here to check her blood pressure now, it would be perfect.
Chapter Twelve
Savanna was the first to arrive at Fancy Tails and Treats on Thursday. She came into the grooming salon backward, carrying a deep-dish pizza from Giuseppe’s down the street. She crossed over to the gourmet treat side of the large shop and placed the pizza on the round red-and-chrome table, setting paper plates, napkins, and three Mary Ann’s Sodas next to it.
“Savvy?” Sydney called from the back.
Savanna went over and stood in the doorway to where the magic happened: Sydney was standing at a long stainless-steel table trimming a Shih Tzu mix. She put the electric clippers down and picked up small hairdresser scissors, snipping here and there to make sure the dog’s ears were trimmed evenly. The dog, for his part, stood perfectly still and stared at Savanna with a save me expression.
“Oh my gosh, what a cutie!” Savanna loved watching Sydney do her job. She would be terrible at it; she’d be constantly worried she’d accidentally hurt one of the dogs. Plus, there were so many that had special issues…hip dysplasia or diabetes or skin allergies. Sydney was cut out for this: she knew every animal on sight, gushed over them, loved them, and happily sent them on their way looking and smelling beautiful.
“I’m starving. What did you bring?” Sydney finished with the little dog and gave him a hug as she unhooked his collar and carried him over to his kennel.
“Pizza from Giuseppe’s. Veggie on one side, pepperoni on the other.”
“Yum! I can’t wait.” Syd deposited the dog in his little room, gave him a biscuit from her supply, and closed the hal
f door.
“Skylar’s running behind. She just texted,” Savanna said.
“She’ll be lucky if I leave her a piece. Ringo’s pick-up is in a half hour, just enough time to eat.” She untied her apron and threw it on the rack, then stripped her scrub top off, leaving a fitted pink tee underneath. She moved to the separate small sink against the back wall, calling over her shoulder, “Let me wash up and I’ll be right out!”
Savanna took a piece of the pepperoni and opened her pop; she’d chosen the root beer this time.
Sydney came zipping out of the grooming area, drying her hands on a clean towel, hair piled high on top of her head. She flipped the St. Bernard sign on the door to the “Closed” side and joined Savanna at the table. “Oh wow, this looks amazing.” She took a piece of the veggie side. “So, I know you don’t have much time either. Tell me what the heck is going on at Caroline’s!”
“Well, Aidan and I leveled with her and told her that she needs to be cautious. He didn’t tell her everything, like what drug they found in Eleanor’s system, but we tried to make sure she’d see why we’re worried. The whole thing is strange. And it’s still bothering me how that wine bottle just disappeared.”
“So, you and Aidan handled things, huh?” Syd opened her bottle of blueberry-flavored pop.
“She didn’t really believe us at first…but by the time he left, I almost wished we hadn’t tried so hard to convince her. She was a little shaken up.” Caroline was so astute. Telling her the truth was the only way to make her understand how important it was that she be cautious, but Savanna still regretted being the one to cause that fearful look on Caroline’s face.
“And you and Aidan are making sure she stays safe.”
Savanna set her pizza down and looked at her sister. “Um, yes.”
Sydney nodded. “I’m just wondering when ‘that cute Dr. Gallager’ became ‘me and Aidan.’”
Savanna’s cheeks burned. “Never. We haven’t become anything. He’s just around…a lot, I guess. Between Caroline’s and school, we run into each other.”
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