Annette looked at Jed who said, “Jinny is that true? Did you try to go back to the North forest?”
She bowed her head, tears coming to her eyes.
Tabitha thought it was an act. She was beginning to understand that Jinny was a manipulator.
Jed frowned. “Did you try to go back to North forest?”
Jinny nodded. “I didn’t want Rupert to leave. I thought if he rescued me again, Tabitha would let him stay.”
Tabitha bit her lip. “I think we have a problem.”
Jed held up his hand. “Jinny, Rupert is Tabitha’s dog. We told you we’d get you a dog when you are a little older and a little more responsible.”
“But I want Rupert.” She folded her arms, stuck out her bottom lip.
When Tabitha tried to talk to her, she turned her back. “Go away.” Her little voice was hard.
“Okay.” Tabitha looked at Annette. “Do you want me to help with the dishes?”
There were tears in Annette’s voice. “I’m sorry. I think it might be best if you go.”
Suddenly Rupert was on his feet. He had been lying by the fire. He gave a loud bark, ran toward the door, then turned and jumped through the window. Glass flew everywhere.
“Rupert.” Tabitha jumped to her feet, her hand clutching her chest.
“Rupert.” She grabbed at the back-door handle but couldn’t get the door open.
“Push it. Push it.” Jed grabbed the handle and pushed. Tabitha was out the door, running around to the front of the house. She could hear Rupert barking hysterically.
A small black car was careening down the long driveway, it’s back end swinging side to side as the tires slid on the icy surface.
Rupert was standing at the edge of the lawn, barking loudly.
“Rupert are you okay? You crazy dog. You could have been killed.” He trotted proudly to her. She petted him, rubbing his ears and neck while she checked for cuts from the glass.
Annette followed by Jinny and Jeremy came out the front door. “Was he after you?” Her voice was angry.
“I guess so. You don’t have any enemies, do you?” Tabitha watched the car turn right toward the main road that would take it back to London.
Tabitha looked from Jed to Annette. “I’m sorry. I honestly thought I wasn’t followed. I used every trick I could think of to make sure I was clear. I wouldn’t put your family in danger for the world.”
Jinny came running out to Rupert. “Thank you Rupert for chasing away the bad guy. You were so brave.”
Jed’s face hardened. “I think we’d better all go back in the house. I’ll go get a piece of plywood to cover that window.”
Annette said, “I’ll get the broom.”
When they had finished dinner, Jed said, “Annette, go pack an overnight case for you and the kids. I think we’ll take your parents up on their offer for a few days.”
When Annette opened her mouth to protest, he shook his head. “Hurry. We’ll follow Tabitha as far as the turnoff to your folks house.”
He looked at Tabitha who stood horrified, looking from Jed to Annette.
Tabitha said, “Jed, I don’t think anyone will hurt your family, but I’m learning that I can’t go anywhere without putting either myself or others in danger..”
He shrugged as Annette left the room. “I’ll alert the police before we leave.”
When he saw the horrified look on Tabitha’s face, he added with a smile. “It’s not just that man. Like you I don’t think he’ll come back. I’d like to get Jinny away for a few days. Maybe that badger won’t interest her so much when she gets back especially since you need Rupert more than we do.”
“Thanks, Jed. I am sorry I put you in danger. I’ll pay for the window.”
He smiled. “I’ll let you do that. You’d better get Rupert’s things into your trunk. I’d like to get to Annette’s parent’s house before it gets dark. It would probably be safer for you to get to London before it gets dark too.”
He shook Tabitha’s hand, then gave her a hug. “I’m sorry about Jinny but it would probably be better if Rupert didn’t come back.”
It’s a good thing Courtney wants him to stay at Ghost Haven. I can’t leave him here any longer.
Without saying good-bye to the children, Tabitha drove away. “There goes another friendship.” She looked at Rupert. She didn’t think she’d be spending Christmas with Jinny.
Rupert stuck his head between the seats, licking her arm. She pulled over to the side of the road, turned and hugged him. “I’m sorry that I made Jinny feel badly, but you’ve been my dog since you were six weeks old. I know I didn’t get you until you were 12 weeks, but you were mine before then.”
Tears ran down her cheeks. “Besides Dad gave you to me and I can’t give you up.”
A few hours later, Tabitha pulled into her parking space. She got out of the car, taking a moment to stretch. Then she opened the back door. Rupert jumped out, stretched, then let her put his leash on his collar.
When they got to the door of Tabitha’s apartment, Rupert sniffed at the door, took a step back, then growled.
Chapter 30—Tabitha’s flat
Tabitha slowly stuck her key in the lock, then reached in her purse for her can of Mace. If anyone was in her apartment that shouldn’t be there, they were going to get sprayed. She was tired of playing Miss Nice Girl.
Before she could get the spray out, Courtney pulled the door open. “Tabitha. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.”
She lowered her voice. “But it’s a good thing you are.” She shuddered.
“London is here with a man from the Surete. They are waiting for you—something to do with Duval’s death, I think.”
Tabitha groaned. “I don’t think I can stand this.” She quietly told Courtney about the incident at Annette’s farm. “I need a break.”
Courtney stepped back as Rupert pushed past her. The ruff around his neck was puffed. Tabitha hadn’t ever seen that before. She grabbed for him but he ducked under her hand. He skidded to a stop in front of Marciano. He turned his head for a moment to look at London, but his total attention was on Marciano.
He didn’t growl or bark, he just sat in front of him, his eyes staring straight at Marciano’s face.
As soon as Marciano saw Rupert, he froze, his eyes wide, his jaw clamped shut, his hands shaking.
Tabitha and Courtney looked at each other in amazement. Rupert had never acted like that before. Tabitha tried to pull him away as London moved forward. He didn’t move. A stubborn 150-pound dog felt like he weighed in at 500 pounds. She could feel a silent growl reverberate under her hands.
Startled she dropped to her knees between them. “Rupert, baby what’s wrong?”
She realized that the dog was so upset that he was actually shaking. “Rupert, sweety.” She said petted him gently. “It’s alright. You know Charles. He’s your friend. Remember, you saved his life.”
Rupert seemed to relax a little as she petted his back while keeping him pressed against her. “Charles. Why don’t you introduce your friend to Rupert? It may make him calm down.”
Charles London reached over and let Rupert smell his hand. “See, boy. It’s me.”
When Rupert didn’t growl, he began to pet him “Rupert, this is Geraud Marciano. He’s a police officer like me. He wants to help Tabitha.”
Rupert seemed to relax even more. Tabitha gave a relieved sigh. Suddenly, Rupert pulled from her grip, knocking her to the floor. He jumped over her, shoving Courtney aside.
Barking like mad, he rushed into the studio. A man, dressed in black, with a black ski mask over his face, a big butcher knife in his hand, his hand on the Nutcracker painting was getting ready to shove the knife through the picture.
Rupert lunged for the hand with knife, his teeth closing around the man’s wrist. The knife dropped to the floor as the man tried desperately to shake Rupert’s grip. Quickly, he back pedaled toward the window. Arching his back, he flung himself at the glass.
> Tabitha screamed. “Rupert, let go.”
Rupert opened his mouth as the man crashed through the third story window to the pavement below.
Tabitha wrapped her arms around Rupert as London ran to the window. He could see the man lying sprawled on his back, his arms and legs out flung. He pulled out his phone as he ran from the room, Marciano on his heels.
Courtney came to kneel by Rupert and Tabitha, putting her arms around both of them. “Rupert, you are a hero. You’ve saved Tabitha twice today.”
She gave him a kiss on the forehead which he returned by licking the side of her face.
She leaned back laughing. “Thank you. I love you too.”
They knelt there for fully five minutes before Marciano came back into the room. “London has called Metro. The man is dead.”
Rupert looked up at him and woofed softly.
Tabitha grinned through her tears. “I think he’s telling you he’s sorry.”
Marciano grinned. “I accept his apology.” He pulled on a pair of latex gloves which it seemed to Tabitha that every policeman carried as a matter of course, then walked to the open closet door.
“It looks like he’s been here for a while. There is a piece of his ski mask on your painting.”
Tabitha got to her feet, hurrying to the closet. “Is my painting alright?”
Marciano tried to stop her from entering. He had put his hands out to grab Tabitha but at Rupert’s growl, he dropped them using his body to stop her.
“Your painting is fine.” He reassured her. He stepped aside so she could see for herself.
Inspector Jarret stepped into the room. He crossed quickly to the window to look down, then he turned to Rupert. “So this is the hero of the hour.”
He let Rupert smell his hand. Rupert sniffed it for a few seconds then licked his fingers.
He looked from Tabitha to Courtney. “Are you both okay?” When they nodded, he stepped to the painting, and wearing gloves, he examined the painting closely.
“It doesn’t look like it was damaged.”
“No.” Tabitha’s voice was shaky. “Rupert stopped him just as he was going to stab the painting.”
Detective Chief Inspector Parker slid into the room. “Who have you killed today?” His face was red, his hands shaking.
Jarret looked at him in distaste. “Miss Black is the victim here, not the perpetrator.” His voice was cold. “We have three witnesses to the incident including Detective Chief Inspector London.
Parker glared at Tabitha. “This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for Duval’s murder.” His voice was a snarl.
Courtney glanced at Marciano. His eyes bulged, his mouth was open, but no words came out.
Parker turned, stomping out of the room.
Jarret looked at Marciano and shook his head. London walked into the room. “Parker’s been here?”
“Oui. Tres en colere.” He looked embarrassed. “Sorry. He was very angry. He accused Miss Black of murdering Jess Duval.”
London nodded. “I know. I told Hinckley, but he’s not ready to turn on his golden boy.” His tone was bitter.
Jarret looked around. “It looks like most of the glass landed outside. I’d have someone board up that window.”
“That’s the second window I’m going to have to pay for today.” Tabitha’s face was white, her voice raspy with angry. “You guys had better find out who’s behind this or I’ll be in the poor house.”
After asking a few question, Inspector Jarret left. London looked at Tabitha. “I know you’re tired, but there is something we need to clear up.” He explained about the man who had been killed that morning.
“His face was completely obliterated.”
“Yuck! How awful.” Courtney gave an elaborate shudder.
“But how can I help you if his face is gone?” Tabitha didn’t shudder. She went ridged, her hands clinched in tight fists, her lips compressed so as to be almost invisible.
“We got his fingerprints.” London explained. “His name is Oliver Pearce.”
“I don’t know any Oliver Pearce.” Tabitha protested.
“You may not know him by that name. We want to show you Pearce’s picture. Maybe you can tell us who he is?”
“So why is this important?” Her tone was flat, like she hit the wall and couldn’t take anymore.
London looked at her sharply. But Marciano said, “He’s wanted in France in connection with a several jewel thefts.
Tabitha shook her head, then raised her eyebrows. “Okay.” Her voice was hesitant.
Marciano pulled a small folder out of his pocket. He handed it to Tabitha. She pulled the picture out of the folder, staring at it like she’d seen a ghost.
“You know who this is.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes. But his name isn’t Oliver Pearce. It’s Adolphe Pasqual.”
“You’re sure?” London wanted all the T’s crossed and I’s dotted.
“Absolutely.”
“Tabitha, remember the picture on your phone.” Tabitha looked at Courtney startled. “You’re right. I’d totally forgot that picture.”
She pulled her phone out of her pocket. She looked through her pictures. “I took this of Adolphe Pasqual the night we met in the deli. I was a little nervous about meeting him alone even though I’d arranged it so we’d be in a group of people. I took this while he was at the sandwich counter.
She showed them the photo. The man looked a little older and a little scruffier.
Marciano took back his photo and held it next to her phone. “It is the same man. I’d bet money on it.”
He leaned back with a sigh. “Well, my case is solved. I still don’t know where the jewels are. The odds are against our finding them after so many months.”
Tabitha looked at London. “Georgette told me that she found some expensive jewelry in lotion jars on Duval’s dressing table. I wonder they are some of the missing jewels.”
Marciano looked at London. “Can I see those jewels?” He turned to Tabitha. “Can you remember what pieces were found?”
Tabitha closed her eyes. “I didn’t see them. Georgette told me about them. I think she said two sets of earrings, a fancy necklace, tennis bracelets. I’m not sure about anything else.”
Courtney looked at London. “I wonder how well Duval’s flat was searched since Pasqual was still living there. Could he have hidden the jewels in his apartment? I’ve heard of wealthy women who hide their jewels in the freezer.”
London pulled his phone from his pocket. “Superintendent Hinckley, I’d like permission to bring l’agent Marciano from the Surete to the evidence room to see the jewelry found in Duval’s flat.”
He listened for a few moments. “He wants us to come to his office even though it is late. If you satisfy him, he will get you access to that jewelry.”
In just a few moments, Tabitha, Courtney and Rupert were left alone.
Tabitha leaned back in her recliner, Rupert’s head on her knee. “Court, I don’t think I can take much more of this.”
Chapter 31—Tabitha’s Flat
“I’ve got to get out of here. It’s not safe not for you, not for me, not for Rupert and not for my paintings.” Tabitha started to shake, the tremors traveling from her feet to her head.
Rupert got to his feet and barked, one loud, sharp bark.
Courtney hurried to kneel down by the recliner. “I agree. But how are we going to manage it. Neither Parker nor Hinckley will let you go.” Her tone was matter of fact, but soothing.
“I wasn’t planning on asking them.” Her tone was terse, almost openly hostile.
“Good.” Courtney said. “We need to figure out a way to get you to Ghost Haven without anyone knowing you are going. You’ll be in danger on the road.”
Tabitha nodded. “I have a plan, but a lot will depend on Cabot’s reaction. If I can get him on board, I think we can pull it off.” She started to explain her plan to Courtney.
Courtney got up when the doorbell rang
. “I hope that’s Rick with the plywood to cover the window. It’s getting cold in here, even with the studio door closed.”
She opened the door to let Rick, the big handy man enter. He was carrying a large piece of plywood, cut to fit the window opening.
“Sorry to be so long. I had to sweep up the glass from the man jumping from the window. Once the police took the body, I figured I’d better take care of it or someone would get hurt and I’d get blamed.”
“We understand, totally.” Tabitha said.
Once he was finished, Tabitha called Leland Cabot. “Leland, this is Tabitha. I don’t know if you heard but we had another break in.”
“Was the picture hurt?” His voice was so concerned.
Chuckling she said, “No. Rupert took care of him.”
“This is getting more than a bit ridiculous.” His voice was loud, angry. “What’s the matter with the police. First they won’t let me have my painting back and then they can’t stop the person who keeps coming after you.”
“I know.” Tabitha thought about Parker accusing her of setting up the break in. “I was wondering if you could visit me sometime tomorrow. I’d like you to see the last Nutcracker picture.”
“Just a minute. Let me check my schedule.” He put her on hold.
Putting her hand over the receiver, Tabitha looked at Courtney. “He’s checking his schedule. I hope he can come in the morning. I’d like to get the paintings protected.”
“I’d like to get you protected.” Courtney muttered. “I know the pictures are important, but so are you.”
Tabitha smiled wearily. “I agree. I just want this commission done. I’m tired of ballets, ballerinas, bullets. I’m ready for Christmas to come.”
“Tabitha?” Cabot’s voice resonated against her nerves.
“I’m here.” She said her voice shaking from weariness.
“My schedule is pretty full tomorrow. How about I take you and Courtney to breakfast?”
Tabitha sighed. “Sounds good. Will you pick us up or do we meet you somewhere.”
Cabot paused. “I’ll pick you up. I’m a little worried to have you out and about right now. It seems a bit risky for you.”
The Ghost Dances the Nutcracker Page 16