by Cat Clayton
Peering at the mess on the floor, I wanted to say something regarding her lack of organization skills, but Mama always said it’s bad manners to kick someone when they’re down. Literally. I closed my eyes and counted to five before I pulled the old bat to standing. I collected and repacked her belongings in her purse and handed it to her. A large section of her eye-lifting, tight updo had come loose in her tumble and hooked out like a cow horn.
She huffed as she snatched the purse from me and fiddled with her skirt. “Did you find out how much longer?” Her right eye twitched.
“Oh, yes. Daniel said it’s possible he’ll finish by 11:00 AM, but if not, he’ll bring Pop-Tart to you at the library.”
“Well, in that case, I’ll go on back. He can bring Pop-Tart.” She shuffled to the door with her belongings in tow, a section of her red skirt stuck in the backside of her underwear.
I covered my mouth with my hand. Oh... this is too good to be true, I thought.
She paused at the door, turned, and sneered. “I’ll write your assistant a check when he drops off my dog. Oh, and if you’ve changed your mind about hanging one of my flyers, I can send one with him too.”
Muffled through my fingers, I said, “His name is Daniel. A check will be fine. And, no I haven’t changed my mind yet.”
She marched out the front door, granny panties on display.
As the door rushed closed, I burst into a fit of laughter.
“What’s so funny up there?” Daniel hollered.
“Quick! Y’all come look! You’re not gonna wanna miss this!”
They both dashed into the lobby, a wet Pop-Tart in Gertie’s arms, Charlie and Cuff skidding in behind them.
Daniel gasped, placed both palms against his cheeks, and stood in front of the picture window. “Did you... how... why... oh my gosh, what is that?”
Chapter 15
“Well, I’d say it’s almost a full yellow moon!” Gertie said, slapping her knees.
“With a devil’s horn!” I joined in on the knee-smacking.
“Y’all are just wrong.” Daniel grabbed Pop-Tart from Gertie’s grasp. “C’mere, little one. Let’s go back and get you finished up with a cute green bow. You’ll forget all about seeing your mama’s behind.”
Daniel snickered as he trotted down the hallway.
“I knew you couldn’t hold it in for too long!” I yelled after him.
Gertie and I settled at the counter.
“I believe she finally got what was coming to her,” Gertie said, winking a denim blue at me.
I chuckled. “Does this mean from now on I have to be respectful to her?”
“Might be best.” She peered over at the computer screen. “If she’s elected City Manager, she’ll make our life a living hell, you know?”
“It’ll take everything I have in me, but I’ll try.”
Pop and Stoney breezed in the front door, her smile radiant. Remembering our plans, I realized why her face lit up the lobby. Lunch with Lloyd. Pop’s disgruntled expression was no surprise.
“Promise you and Jackson will stay in eyesight of them the entire time.” Pop grumbled under his breath.
Stoney continued smiling. “He’s been pouting about my lunch date all morning.”
“It’s not a date. Quit calling it that,” Pop said.
“Relax, Pop. I’m only kidding you,” Stoney said.
I jumped from the stool and ushered him to the front door. “We’ve got this. She’ll be fine. I’ll have eyes on her at all times. Now, go home. Chill out. Or maybe you could go visit Ms. Stella.”
He turned, blushing. “Are you meddling?”
“No way!” I held up my hands in defense. “The thought never crossed my mind.”
“Mine neither!” Gertie said and snorted.
“Goodbye!” he said and pushed through the door, shaking his head, and jumped in the Jeep.
The three of us girls sat up front, discussing Stoney’s therapy session.
“Being with the group is so therapeutic for me,” she said, rubbing her belly. “I’m the oldest one there. I thought at first I’d be uncomfortable, but I’m not. With what I’ve learned with my therapy sessions, I feel I have a lot to offer the younger ones. You know?”
“It’s so good to hear,” I said. Seeing her gain strength and confidence amazed me.
“Now, if we can get your father to back down a little, life will be pleasant around the house,” Gertie said.
Not five minutes later, my cell phone rang. The house phone number showed on the screen.
“Speaking of,” I said, swiping to answer. “Hello, Pop.”
“Is Stoney right there?” he asked, his voice urgent.
“Yep.” I glanced at her on the stool next to me.
“Can you go in your office or outside please?” he asked.
Whatever he had to tell me wasn’t good. I put a finger to my lips, letting them know to stay quiet.
“Okay. What’s up?”
“Well, I got home and found the damn seventh gift. I’m just glad Stoney’s with you and didn’t have to see it.”
“What is it?”
“Baby sleeper sets. The sicko wrapped each one individually and left them under the big oak tree out front, Steels.”
“Send me a photo, then call Jackson. What about the camera? Did you get anything?”
“Yes, but he must’ve seen it. The son-of-a-gun wore a black ski hat pulled down low and avoided looking at the camera. I know this though, he’s short. Well, at least he appears short in the video footage. I’m headed to have a meeting with Becker. I’ll show the footage to him. And yes, before you ask, I’ll keep my temper in check.”
“He’s getting bold to leave one during the daytime.” I eyed Stoney and Gertie, reaching for my locket. “All right, let me know how it goes.”
“Too bold. Talk to you later, Steels.”
He disconnected.
Stoney shook her head. “It’s more baby stuff, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
Pop’s text came through, and I opened the pictures. One image showed the front yard tree lined with small wrapped presents around its trunk, and one photo of the typed message, the C, handwritten.
On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, seven baby sleepers, six baby booties, five teething rings, four baby hats, three baby rattles, two tiny mittens, and a teddy bear in an oak tree. Love, your Secret Santa
“What is it this time?” Stoney asked, her eyes troubled.
Without showing the photos, I passed the information along to them.
Stoney gasped.
Gertie clutched her chest. “My son is going to come unhinged over these gifts.”
“He’s meeting with Chief Becker. He’ll be fine.” I glanced at the time on my phone. “Stoney, we will be late meeting Lloyd. We need to go.” I sprinted to my office, grabbed my purse, and patted Cuff on his head.
“We’ll be back. If you need anything, Gertie and Daniel are here.”
Okay, Chiquita.
Still shaking from viewing the disturbing images, I said goodbye to Daniel and Gertie. I looked at Stoney. “You okay to walk down to the café, or would you rather drive?”
“A walk will refresh us,” Stoney said, sliding off the stool. Her stomach seemed to have grown since I last paid attention, and it protruded from her long, thin body. She gave new meaning to the phrase all baby.
“He’s driving me nuts. I’m not as fragile as Pop thinks I am.”
I offered her a reassuring smile. “I know, which is why I didn’t run out of the room like he asked me to do when he called. We will figure this out. Together, as a family.”
As we strolled down the sidewalk, she said, “Steely, despite what you may think, I’m not looking forward to seeing Lloyd.”
“You’re not? Why?”
She shook her head. “One, I don’t want to see what Pop did to Lloyd. I’m afraid I will be so angry. And two, we discussed my situation in group today. Everyone agrees that
seeing Lloyd isn’t healthy for me right now. I need to tell him today.”
Do I confess and tell her I’d already spoken to him? Will she be angry with me? Oh, dear, I was in a pickle. But honesty was the best policy.
“How much trouble would I be in if I told you I already discussed this with him?”
“With Pop?”
“No, Lloyd,” I confessed.
“You spoke to Lloyd? About me?”
I stopped her. I could see Jackson and Lloyd waiting for us under the outdoor canopy at the café. “Look, I went to see him after they released Pop from jail. Lloyd refused to press charges, and I wanted to thank him. And, inevitably we talked about you. He assured me he isn’t sending the gifts, and he didn’t peek in your window.”
“I could’ve told you that,” she said, giving me the look she usually saves for Pop. One where her eyes narrowed, her lips pursed, and the way she sucked in her cheeks made her face even thinner.
“He expressed how much he cares for you, but he agrees backing off is the best thing for you right now.” I offered her a hopeful smile.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Good, this’ll make our last meeting easier on me. I was so dreading it.” Stoney turned toward the guys and started in their direction. “C’mon, Steely. I’m ready.”
Witnessing the number Pop did on Lloyd’s face brought tears to Stoney’s eyes. I admitted it was difficult to look at. After we separated, Jackson and I sat at a corner booth, sharing a large bowl of Mrs. Orsack’s homemade chicken noodle soup. Jackson also ordered a side turkey and cheese sandwich. I peeked over at Stoney and Lloyd sitting across from us in the busy restaurant. They both looked unhappy and held hands across the table. People stared, and I wanted to shout at them, tell them to stop.
“She’s okay, Steely,” Jackson said, nudging my spoon. I’d forgotten I left it in the bowl, my fingers still attached.
“I know. But this is hard on her, and she’s been through so much already. I feel for her, ya know? And look at all the gawkers. I’m irritated and mad and scared. Did you know Pop got home to find another gift for her? He said he’d call you. He also plans on heading to see Becker.”
He shook his head. “He didn’t. What was it this time?”
I showed him the photos. Using his thumb and index finger, he enlarged the pictures, sighing.
“What about the cameras he installed?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Pop said it appears from the footage he caught, the guy seems short. Also, it seems the guy saw the camera before it took an image of his face, pulled his hat down, and stayed clear of facing it. He’s good.”
He took my hand and squeezed. “Look, he’s gonna slip up, eventually. And, when he does, we’ll catch him.”
I searched his eyes for promise and certainty, but I knew it was unfair to demand either from him. Yes, he was law enforcement, but he wasn’t in charge, and he didn’t call the shots.
I squeezed his hand back. “Thank you. I know you’re doing what you can to help.”
“Anything and everything within my power,” he said.
WHILE STONEY AND LLOYD stood melded together in a goodbye embrace, Jackson and I waited at the corner. I glanced across the road and noticed Ziggy’s brother, Earl, watching us, his large-framed body partially hidden by a used car. I waved. He tipped his baseball cap in our direction, turned, and sauntered into the trailer with a swagger to his stride.
In all the chaos this afternoon, I’d forgotten to tell Jackson about my thoughts on Kramer. “So, I don’t believe Kramer is the one sending her the creepy gifts. He’s in jail.”
“Not for long. He’s being charged with dealing, but he’s lawyered up, and he’ll be out on bond this evening.”
“Yeah, but what I’m saying is it couldn’t be him leaving the creepy gifts because he was in custody last night. Right?”
“Unless he had someone else leave it for him while we detained him.”
The thought of Kramer arranging someone else to deliver his twisted gift disturbed me. When I noticed an upset Stoney heading our way, I switched gears and put on a cheerful smile.
Puffy-eyed and sniffling, Stoney approached us. “Well, it’s done. Whatever we were, is over.”
I put an arm around her shoulder. “You okay?”
She sighed. “I will be. The saddest part is Lloyd is my friend. And I don’t have many.”
“You’ve got me,” I said, squeezing her close.
“And me,” Jackson said.
“I know. Thank y’all. I’m ready to go back to work now. Maybe the animals will make me feel better.”
I LEFT DANIEL IN CHARGE of the shop and the afternoon grooms. Pop dropped off Patches and Virgil on his way to see Chief Becker, and Stoney wanted to stay to help with the grooming. Fur therapy she called it.
Jackson and I needed to get in one last practice run before the Reindeer Stampede. Cuff insisted on accompanying us, telling me he needed to gear up for the run. Jackson ran home to change into his running clothes and grab Taffy. I tossed on a sweatshirt, a pair of yoga pants, and my tennis shoes. With Cuff wearing a cute sweater, we headed over to the park to meet the other half of our team.
We started out at a swift walk, doing laps around the park, the dogs trotting ahead. After three laps, we switched to a slow jog, increasing our speed every half lap. My lungs protested the faster we went. I needed a puff.
“Hold up!” I slowed to a walk. “I need my inhaler.”
Jackson jogged in place while I tamed my hyperactive lungs. I gave the cartridge a quick shake and took two deep puffs and slipped it back into my pocket. I gave Jackson a thumbs up.
“Better?”
I nodded and set off at a slow jog again. “If you need to run ahead, feel free. This cold air is doing its best to kick my butt.”
“You’re doing fine, buttercup. Take your time.”
We finished our laps, and Jackson walked us back to the shop. He gave me a quick kiss at the door, and he and Taffy ran home. He had the evening shift.
Stoney sat at the front counter, cutting bandanas for bows. Strips of red, green, white, and teal sat piled in front of her. Something in her eyes and expression differed from earlier. Tranquility? She glanced up from her work and smiled when I opened the door.
“Hi, baby sister,” she said.
My heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t called me that since, well, before she left us all those years ago.
“Hi, there! You seem better.” I approached the counter and Cuff scooted past me and headed to the back.
Stoney sighed. “I am. I called my therapist and told her I met with Lloyd and wouldn’t be seeing him anymore. She said she’s proud of me, and by making this decision, it’s obvious that I’m healing.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” I said, picking up the long strips she’d already cut and placing them in the half-gallon glass jar on the counter. “And I’m glad you’re feeling better about it all.”
“It’s best,” she said, patting her belly. “I’ve got myself and this little one to take care of right now. And besides, who says we can’t reacquaint ourselves when I’m done with therapy. Right?”
I didn’t think a reacquaintance between Stoney and Lloyd would thrill Pop, but why spoil her good mood?
“Sure, you never know what the future holds.”
A loud clatter came from the back. “You little shit! Let it go!” Gertie’s raspy voice shouted.
Daniel’s laughter cackled.
I pointed to Gertie’s swear jar. “Push it over here. She’s been doing so well, but my pie fund is low.”
Stoney slid the jar my way and chuckled. “I wonder who she’s talking to.”
“Knowing Gertie, it could be Daniel or any of the dogs.” As I rounded the counter, Cuff and Virgil skidded out of the groom room, playing tug-of-war with a towel. “I’m guessing these are our culprits.”
Virgil backed down the hallway with the towel in his huge muzzle. Cuff yanked on the othe
r end, growling and wagging his tail.
I am the one who took it. It’s mine! Cuff shook his head as Virgil dragged him into the lobby. I heard the cotton fabric tear.
In the groom room, Daniel was brushing Patches’s silky black-and-white coat to perfection. Gertie stood next to a table, folding clean towels. She frowned when she saw me.
“Do you know what your little stinker of a dog did?”
I crossed the room and set the swear jar on the table next to her. “It’s only a towel. And you owe the swear jar.”
She tossed her hands on her hips. “Only a towel? Well, they cost money. I realize your generation doesn’t understand, but money doesn’t grow on trees!”
Good grief, I thought. “I never said it did. Now, pay up.”
Reaching into her apron pocket, she grunted and whipped out a dollar. She shoved it into the jar. “It’s not fair you raised my swears to a dollar each.”
“Well, you haven’t learned your lesson yet, and besides, pie is expensive.”
Hearing a snicker, I turned toward Daniel and caught him covering his mouth, his entire body shaking from laughter.
“Are we amusing you?”
“You two are always amusing!” he said, tying a green bandana bow around Patches’s neck. “How was your run?”
“Brutal.”
“Exaggerate much?” Gertie snapped.
I glanced back at her and found her grinning.
“I’m only playing with you!”
I raised an eyebrow. “Good, because I was about to say, I don’t see you out there running.”
“I don’t run. I waddle,” she said and snorted.
The front door’s bell jingled, and I heard Pop’s baritone voice. “Well, I guess I better go up front and make sure those two get along.”
“Okay. Take pretty Patches with you. She’s done. Gertie and I need to clean up the stations,” Daniel said.
Patches followed me out to the lobby, and she joined the two others playing.
“Hey, Pop!” I sat down on the stool next to Stoney’s. “How was your meeting with Becker?”
“Hello, girls.” His troubled expression concerned me. “Well, after I showed him the security footage, he made a few phone calls to the Houston Police Department. He’s bringing in a sketch artist to work with Stoney.”