Bassets and Blackmail (A Dog Detective Series Novel Book 2)

by Sandra Baublitz

  I tightened my grip on the leashes. “They are well-behaved.”

  Dana nodded.

  Lillian stepped close to the woman. “I have some questions for you.”

  I groaned. Lillian wasn't approaching this subtly. To my surprise, Dana dropped her gaze to the ground.

  “What questions?” she mumbled.

  “You know very well what questions.” Lillian crossed her arms. “Why is Joan lying about losing her bracelet?”

  Dana lifted her chin in defiance. “What business is it of yours?”

  Lillian shook a finger in the woman's face. “It became my business when that bracelet ended up around my cat's neck.”

  I guessed Dana’s age to be mid-fifties and yet she was cowed by Lillian. “I'm sorry Saber got involved. Is he okay?”

  Lillian's expression softened. “He's fine. Thank you for asking. Now, why is Joan lying?”

  Dana shifted from foot to foot. “She wanted to punish Cal.”

  Lillian hmphed. “Why would Joan want to punish her husband.”

  Dana pushed up her sweatshirt sleeves. “He gave Joan the bracelet for her birthday.”

  “So?”

  “She discovered at the hairdresser that he gave a more expensive necklace to his secretary. Carla was getting her hair done, too, and she was bragging about it. Joan was furious. She met me in the park afterwards and claimed if he didn't love her enough to give her the more expensive gift then she wasn't keeping it. She was so mad that she dropped it in the flower bed by the gazebo and scraped mulch over it. Later, she found out that Carla lied. The necklace was a fake one, and Cal hadn't given it to her. She'd bought it herself to make David Kemple jealous.”

  Paw lay down next to me, sighing as if to say humans were confusing.

  I agreed.

  Dana shrugged. “She went back to get it, but it was gone.”

  Lillian snorted. “Seems she got what she deserved. Why didn't she admit it?”

  “She didn't want Cal to find out. Please, Lillian, you can't tell Cal about this. Joan will be furious with me.”

  “Joan's an idiot.”

  Samuel whined, restless to be moving. He nudged Paw who stood up and shook himself.

  “Dana,” I said, “we'll keep Joan's secret. I'll speak with Uncle Harry and inform him that the bracelet belongs to Joan.”

  Both Dana and Lillian began to protest.

  I raised my hand to forestall them. “No crime was committed. The bracelet is at Seth's jewelry store.”

  Dana gasped. “That's where Cal bought it.”

  Lillian grumbled. “No crime. Saber could have been injured with that bracelet around his neck.”

  “I know Lillian, but Joan didn't put it on him. Perhaps you could speak with Joan about donating to one of the animal charities.”

  I nodded to Dana. “Tell Joan she can pick up her bracelet from Seth. With luck, he won't have called Cal yet.”

  “I'll do that right now.” Dana turned to Lillian. “I'll suggest a donation to Joan. If she won't do it, I will.”

  Lillian nodded once, and Dana jogged past us.

  Pursing her lips, Lillian grumbled, “Joan needs her backside kicked.”

  I touched her shoulder. “She lied, but she didn't commit a crime. Kara is the one who put the collar on Saber.”

  “I know that,” Lillian said. “I can't blame the dear girl either.”

  I smiled. “Lillian, I think you are a softy under that hard exterior.”

  She hmphed.

  A squirrel scampered onto the trail, and Samuel jumped up, lunging at it.

  I tightened my grip, feeling pain in my shoulder.

  Lillian pulled two dog treats from her pocket and waved one in front of Samuel.

  The squirrel scampered into the trees. Samuel continued to strain at the leash until Paw nudged him as he took one of the treats. Samuel sighed and accepted the other dog biscuit.

  I released my breath. Thank goodness Samuel relaxed at Paw's actions.

  “Come on,” I said. “I've got to find Harry and tell him to release the bracelet.”

  “And we've got a killer to catch.”

  I stumbled at her words. “We?”

  Lillian raised an eyebrow. “Of course, we. You didn't think I'd leave you to face a killer alone.”

  I thought about how to dissuade Lillian. No easy feat.

  As we drove back to town, I racked my brain for a way to convince Lillian to go home. She was a stubborn woman, and every idea I thought of was quickly dismissed.

  I stopped at the police station and went in to speak to Harry. If anyone could change Lillian's mind, it would be him. But the desk officer informed me Harry was unavailable. I left a note for my uncle telling him about the bracelet and asking him to tell Seth to release it to Joan.

  I returned to the car and drove to the B&B. As I accelerated up the hill and turned right into the inn's parking lot, I glimpsed Henry trotting down the sidewalk with Patricia and William. I stopped the car and Lillian rolled down her window.

  “Are the officers finished?”

  William bent down to the window. “They are with us. Bruce was talking with Officer Heldman when we left.”

  Patricia leaned down and began to speak, but Henry woofed, interrupting her.

  Paw and Samuel pushed up behind Lillian's seat. “Woof! Ruff!”

  “Paw! Stop that!” I put the car in park and turned in my seat, grabbing his collar. I pulled him back as Lillian covered her ears, complaining, “Noisy mutts.”

  “Samuel! Paw! Quiet!”

  William fussed at Henry.

  The dogs quieted, and Paw sat down with a sheepish look on his face.

  I turned back to face the open window. “Sorry. What were you saying, Patricia?”

  “Shelbee and Jac offered to clean up after we served a buffet breakfast. Karen ate and then went out. Her room is cordoned off, and she said she couldn't face entering that room again.”

  “I can't blame her. Did she say where she was going?”

  Patricia flexed the hand holding Henry's leash. “She didn't say, but I'd be surprised if she willingly stayed with us tonight.”

  Lillian pet Henry as he stood up against the car. “Can you offer her another room?”

  “Maybe.” Patricia tilted her head at me. “If Robert doesn't mind moving?”

  “I'll ask him,” I said as I put the car in drive. “See you later.”

  They waved as we drove through the lot to park near the back.

  Lillian rolled up her window. “Would you stay in Karen's old room?”

  I shuddered. “Not a chance.”

  I parked near the walk leading to the kitchen.

  The dogs jumped out of the car after Lillian.

  Shelbee and Jac were strolling toward us as we rounded the corner of the house.

  Bitsy pranced along behind Shelbee.

  Paw growled low in his throat at the sight of the little dog, but Samuel padded over and nudged her with his nose. She sniffed at his feet and danced on her hind legs, delighted to see him.

  Paw whined, and I pulled him close to me.

  “We're going for groceries,” Shelbee said as she scratched Samuel's back.

  Jac picked up Bitsy, motioning to the Pomeranian. “Figured she could use some attention and a walk.”

  “Is Robert or Mark still here?”

  “No,” Jac said. “Bruce told Mark to leave. Mark argued, of course, but the officers came in and ordered him to go.”

  “And Robert went to the theater since the mystery game was canceled. He said if we need him we're to call.” Shelbee took Samuel's leash from me. She nodded to the house. “Bruce is the only one left.”

  “Okay,” I said. “We'll go see him. Oh, by the way, do you think Robert will trade rooms with Karen?”

  Jac scrunched up her face. “I'm not sure the police are finished yet.”

  “They're still collecting evidence?”

  “No,” Shelbee said. “But it's cordoned off, and O
fficer Heldman forbade anyone from entering the room. He wouldn't say when Karen could go back in. She wept when he told her.”

  Jac nodded. “And she's left the B&B. We don't know where she went.”

  “Patricia mentioned it. Harry will want to know about that.”

  “Bruce told Officer Heldman and he informed Harry.” Shelbee chucked Bitsy under her chin. “We'll see you later.”

  Lillian stared after them as they disappeared around the side of the house. “Why doesn't Paw like the little dog? What do you call her? Bitsy?”

  Paw whined.

  “It's a long story. You remember the Englishes who used to live next door to me?” She nodded.

  “They had a Pom like Bitsy who barked and bit at Paw when he was a puppy. One day she leaped out of the bushes at Paw and landed on his back, scrabbling with her claws. Paw's hated Poms ever since then. Some he tolerates better than others. He’s better with Bitsy now than when they first met, but it’s slow going.”

  “How can you tell them apart? Don't all Poms look the same?”

  “Don't all black cats?” I retorted, reminding her of Saber.

  “Of course not!”

  We entered through the personal kitchen door and walked to the foyer. Bruce stood by the front door shaking Officer Heldman’s hand. Heldman inclined his head to Lillian and I and left. Bruce closed the door and crossed his arms. “How did it go?”

  “That's what we want to know.” Lillian copied Bruce's stance with arms crossed.

  “We spoke with Dana. Joan is the one who buried her bracelet.” I unhooked Paw's leash since he was straining to greet Bruce.

  Paw ran over to him, tail wagging.

  Bruce scratched Paw's head, saying, “Hey, big guy.” He looked up at me. “Why?”

  Lillian answered. “Because she's a ninny. Let's sit down.” She led the way to the living room and sat on the sofa facing the windows.

  I sat next to Lillian. “Joan was mad at Cal.”

  Bruce took the opposite sofa with Paw, who stretched out with his head on Bruce's leg. “Cal?”

  “Her husband. Apparently, his secretary bragged that he had given her an expensive gift. Joan felt slighted and threw the bracelet he'd given her away, burying it at the gazebo.”

  Lillian snorted. “She's an idiot.”

  I ignored her. “She went to retrieve it after she discovered the secretary lied, but by then Saber had found it and Kara put it on him as a collar.”

  “You told Harry?” Bruce caressed Paw's shoulders. My Saint wore a blissful expression.

  “He wasn't available when I stopped at the station, but I left him a note to ask Seth to turn over the bracelet to Joan. I suppose I could talk to Seth myself.”

  “Don't bother,” Bruce said. “Seth won't do anything without Harry's approval.”

  Lillian fidgeted in her seat. “What happened while we were gone?”

  Bruce scratched his jaw. He'd changed clothes but hadn't shaven. Dark stubble bristled on his face. “Mark Carter showed up and badgered me for information. I argued with him until Harry's officers arrived. They sent him away with a statement.”

  My stomach growled, and I blushed. “What about Karen?”

  Bruce grunted. “You need some breakfast. Shelbee and Jac set out a buffet.”

  “Let's eat,” Lillian said as she stood up.

  Paw lifted his head at the mention of food. “Woof.” He sat up, jumped off the sofa, and led the way to the commercial kitchen.

  I grabbed his collar. “You can't go in there. No dogs allowed.”

  He whined.

  “I'll take him.” Bruce held Paw back. “We'll wait for you in the other kitchen.”

  I nodded and ushered Lillian to the food.

  “I wondered why they had two kitchens,” Lillian mumbled to herself. “Seems silly to me.”

  “I know, but the health department has strict rules. Besides some guests don't like pets.”

  “Fools, if you ask me,” Lillian said as she selected a slice of toast.

  We loaded our plates and crossed the hall to join Bruce and Paw.

  Paw crunched on his kibble, lifting his head to watch us sit at the table.

  We ate in silence for a few minutes until Lillian waved at Bruce. “Tell us the rest.”

  “Karen was questioned first and then she left. She refuses to go back to her old room. The police wouldn't let her move her stuff.”

  “Shelbee told us the room is cordoned off,” I said before taking a bite of eggs.

  Bruce nodded. “It is. Heldman questioned the rest of us. William and Patricia left with Henry after giving their statements.”

  “We met them as we returned.” Lillian drank her coffee. “Where's Rascal?”

  “The cat?” Bruce shrugged. “In Patricia and William's apartment, I think.”

  “Hasn't anyone checked on the dear boy?” Lillian set down her mug and pushed back her chair. “I'm going up to check on him.”

  Bruce protested. “I can't let you go into the Innsman's room.”

  Lillian faced Bruce with hands on hips. “Then go with me. But I am checking on him.”

  I put my hand on Bruce's arm. “Go with her. She can bring Rascal down here and feed him.”

  Bruce hesitated, prepared to argue his point, but Lillian marched to the door and pushed it open.

  “Do you want to wrestle an old lady?” I asked him.

  Bruce scowled then got up and followed Lillian out the door.

  Paw left his food dish and propped his head on my knee.

  “Lillian won the argument.” I rubbed his ears.

  He closed his eyes and sighed.

  A knock on the back door startled me.

  “Woof! Woof!” Paw ran to the door.

  I pushed him aside with my leg while holding his collar with one hand and opening the door with my free hand.

  Sam Jenkins, one of the town's mail carriers, held out a fistful of mail. “Hey there, Clarissa. Didn't know you were staying here.”

  “I'm helping the Innsmans for the weekend,” I said as he bent forward and scratched Paw's head.

  “Hey, big fella.” Sam looked up at me. “I heard about that guy dying. Are you investigating?”

  “No. Harry is.” My detective adventures were well-known, but I didn't want to reveal a current one.

  Sam smiled and winked at me. “Got it. Hush. Hush. No problem. I won't say a word.”

  He handed me the mail. “Give this to Patricia. There's a letter from her sister she'll want to read.”

  He walked away, whistling in an off-key.

  I closed the door. Letter? I snapped my fingers and Paw tilted his head to watch me.

  Chapter 20

  “We need to find Karen,” I said to him.

  “Why?”

  I jumped and turned.

  Lillian held Rascal in her arms, staring at me with a curious expression.

  “Where's Bruce?”

  “Right here,” Bruce said as he stepped into the room.

  Lillian turned to him. “She says she needs to find Karen, but she hasn't told me why.”

  “Because Karen had a letter in her coat from Cafferty requesting she meet him here. I want to know why.”

  “How'd you know she had a letter?”

  Bruce answered Lillian. “Because we searched the room before Harry showed up.”

  Lillian laughed. “Good job.” She kissed Rascal. “Okay, boy, let's get you some food before we go find Karen.”

  Lillian opened a drawer. “Now where is the can opener?”

  Behind her back, Bruce waved his arms at me, mouthing “Keep her here.”

  I grimaced. “Lillian...”

  “I'm going with you, Bruce Sever.” Lillian scowled at him over her shoulder. “Either you wait for me, or I will follow you.” She grinned toothily at him. “Unless you want to tie me up and lock me in a closet.”

  Bruce blanched.

  “Lillian,” I began, but she cut me off.

  “Same
goes for you, Clarissa.”

  I sighed. “I was going to tell you that the can opener is on the counter. The electric one. Rascal's food is in the cupboard to your left.”

  She hmphed as she opened the cupboard door.

  “Mreow.” Rascal rubbed his head against Lillian's chin.

  Paw whined.

  “You ate your food.” I clipped on his leash. “Let's walk in the garden.”

  Lillian cast a suspicious glance my way.

  “We won't leave without you. I promise.”

  Rascal nudged her chin. “Meow.”

  Paw watched the cat but turned and followed me when I tugged on his leash. I grabbed a sweater from the hook by the door. As I turned the knob, Bruce said, “I'll go with you.”

  Outside Bruce took the leash from me as I pulled on my sweater.

  Paw sniffed the grass, meandering back and forth. We wandered to a cluster of bushes where Paw watered the ground. He scratched the grass with his back feet, sending clumps of soil and grass at us.

  “Paw.” I laughed at his antics.

  “He's acting like a dog today.”

  Paw shook himself and leaned against my leg.

  “Any idea where to find Karen?” I asked.

  “No.”

  “Maybe we should wait for her to return.”

  Bruce rubbed the back of his neck. “If she returns.”

  “You think she won't?”

  He shrugged.

  “All her stuff is here, including her purse.” I frowned. “Is her car in the lot?”

  Bruce held up a finger, indicating for me to wait. He jogged around the side of the house.

  “Woof!” Paw ran to follow, jerking at the leash.

  I held on, barely keeping up. We passed Lillian as she stepped outside.

  “Hey!” She said.

  I skidded around the corner of the house.

  Paw ran between Jac and Shelbee, their arms full of groceries.

  I slammed into them.

  We tumbled to the grass in a tangle of arms and legs.

  I lost my grip on the leash, but Paw turned back to leap into the fray.

  We pushed at Paw who pounced on us in play. Food scattered across our legs and rolled across the grass.

  “Sit!” Shelbee commanded.

  Paw sat.

  Lillian picked up his leash and shook her head at us. “You three remind me of the Three Stooges.”