The time spent working with Olivia and Baymont had been soothing. This was what I did and who I was. This was the life I’d created for myself here, and I hoped soon Jake’s murder and Cash’s disappearance would be sorted out and life would get back to normal. I also hoped my ex-husband would tire of his pursuit and take himself back to Texas.
As I left the house, I hesitated a few minutes before getting in my car. Studying the surrounding area, I looked for the dark SUV, but didn’t see it. The neighborhood was full of houses with attached garages, and very few cars were parked on the street. I waited a few minutes. Nothing.
Now that I knew it wasn’t the Laguna Beach police who were following me, my nerves were even more on edge. Given all that had gone on, I knew in my state of mind, I very well could have imagined it. It isn’t like there aren’t dark-colored SUVs all over Orange County. Still better safe than sorry, right?
If I spotted the SUV, I would call immediately just like Malone had told me to do. Even if it turned out to be some soccer mom with a black SUV full of kids. So, I’d feel foolish. Wouldn’t be the first time.
After leaving Olivia Fletcher’s, I couldn’t resist. Her place wasn’t far from Cash and Jake’s neighborhood so I took a little detour and drove by the house. Still no dark vehicle, and I was plenty relieved by its absence.
Of course, I had to admit that after watching Little Sis, in my mind I’d concocted a whole international-intrigue scenario where a dangerous undercover spy had killed Jake and then had taken Cash. They were probably holding him hostage and making him work on their secret project. In my imaginings I was vague about the details of the secret project itself. Probably because I knew so few details about the world of computers.
I wondered if maybe the grumpy neighbor’s video cameras were angled in such a way he might have caught the spies dragging Cash from the house. Maybe there was something on video that would give my spy theory credence.
As I came to their block, I slowed. I noticed a “Cutting Hedge” van alongside the curb a few houses down and chuckled again at the name. I hoped Wayne was finding work. There were a lot of hardy good-sized bougainvillea hedges surrounding some of the properties, but I imagined many of the homeowners had regular services that handled those types of things. It had to be difficult for someone like him starting up a new business. And, bless his heart, Wayne wasn’t exactly Mr. Personality.
I paused in front of the grumpy neighbor’s fortress and looked to see if I could spot the cameras. I guessed they would probably be pretty small. Technology keeps getting smaller and smaller. Binoculars would have helped a great deal, but I hadn’t planned to drive by the area.
I glanced around at the other houses. Mr. “Cutting Hedge” down the street was unloading some tools, so it looked like he had found some work after all. Good for him.
As I turned back to Cash and Jake’s neighbor’s house, a shiny black SUV with dark tinted windows pulled into the drive. The garage door silently slid open, and the big vehicle drove inside.
Wait a minute. What if it was the neighbor?
What if it wasn’t only the cat the guy next door had objected to? What if he had fought with Jake like the reporter had said, killed him, and pushed him in the pool? What if he was the one who had been following me?
Suddenly, the tall, thin man burst out of his front door and charged toward my car, his face a dark red. I stepped on the gas and sped away, but in my rearview mirror I could see him yelling and shaking his fist.
My heart raced as I hit Malone’s number on my cell. It says a lot about the life I lead that I have a homicide detective’s number saved in my favorites, but at times like this I was glad I did.
Malone picked up right away, and I pulled over to talk to him. He told me they’d send someone to the house immediately. Needless to say, I didn’t share my secret spy theory which, in comparison to the clear and present danger of an angry man chasing me, seemed like sheer fiction.
I was done. I went directly home.
All evening I was on edge waiting for Malone to call. How could he leave me hanging like this? I had tons of questions. What had happened when they went to the house? What had the neighbor guy said? Had they arrested him for Jake’s murder?
Dogbert and I did a long walk around the neighborhood, but I made sure I had my cell phone, both for safety and because I was sure Malone would call any minute.
One of the things I love about being so close to the ocean is that even when you can’t see it you know it’s there. The evening walk calmed me a little. Dogbert stopped and sniffed and marked. We had a sort of companionable rhythm, he and I.
As we walked, I reviewed what had happened the past few days. Since the day I’d discovered Jake in the pool, it was like everything was in hyper drive.
Back home, I rewrote my list for the next day adding all the errands I’d bailed on after my close encounter of the bizarre kind. Then I took a few minutes to take care of one of the other items on today’s list I hadn’t gotten to earlier.
I settled in on the couch with a glass of sweet tea and dialed Diana’s number. I’d been wondering all day how she was doing.
She said she’d had a follow-up appointment that afternoon, and her doctor felt like by the weekend she could go back to her normal activities.
“That’s great news, but did you tell him what your ‘normal’ activities are?” I teased.
“You’re one to talk.” She laughed. “Say, I ran into your cousin when I was downtown for my doctor’s appointment.”
“You did?” I kept my voice neutral. “How is Mel?”
Diana hesitated. “Worried about you with your ex in town.”
“I can deal with Geoff.” Though, in a perfect world, he’d give up and go back to Texas, I mused.
I noticed my neglected houseplants and fetched a watering can from the kitchen. The ponytail palm was shedding, and I picked out the loose leaves. It might have had some feline help. The plant had been a gift, but I had checked it out with the greenhouse to make sure it was safe for pets.
“I don’t doubt you can, hon.” I felt her grin of confidence come as if she were in the room. She waited for a beat. “One more thing, Caro.”
“What?” I stopped mid-stride toward the tall bamboo in the corner.
“Melinda wasn’t wearing her engagement ring.”
What Callum MacAvoy had told me was true then. I’d hoped it wasn’t. “They’ve broken up before.” I reminded Diana.
“True.” She sighed. “You know I love you like family, right? So keep that thought in mind as I go sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“Go ahead.” I suddenly knew where this was going.
“It’s not any of my business, but you girls might think about how nice it would be to have each other to lean on in times like these.” Diana’s gentle suggestion was heartfelt, and I understood she said it out of love. There was just so darn much to sort out. I didn’t know where to start, and probably Mel didn’t either.
“I know what you’re saying, Di.” I swallowed hard. “I’m not sure we’re ready, but I appreciate your concern.”
We eased away from the topic, and I told her about Jake and Cash’s neighbor chasing my car. She agreed Malone should have called with an update. I promised to keep her in the loop, and she promised to take it easy with the “normal” activities. I smiled as we hung up and carried the empty watering can to the kitchen.
When my phone rang, I rushed to pick it up.
This time it was Sam, and I filled him in on the events of the day as well. Like Diana, he was concerned about my safety. I told him I’d call him with an update once I heard from Detective Malone.
The next time my phone rang, it was Mama Kat’s ring tone. I answered.
“Carolina, have you checked on those dates yet?” As much as we often don’t like to think we’re mirrors of our mamas, I knew she held a list in her hand.
“Sorry, Mama.” I yawned. “I haven’t had time, but I’m prett
y sure I can make work whatever date you decide on.”
“Now, missy, as much as I’m excited to see you, it’s not just your schedule I need you to check.” Mama sighed. “You’ll, of course, be bringing your young man.”
I’d be willing to bet Sam had never experienced an authentic Texas barbecue. At least not a Montgomery-style Texas barbecue. I was sure he’d enjoy it, and I was equally sure the Montgomery clan would welcome him. However, I wasn’t sure I was going to invite him to attend this one.
I didn’t know if Sam was ready for the drama that was my family. Or maybe I wasn’t ready, because once Mama Kat met Sam in person, well, there’d be no stopping that when-are-you-setting-a-date freight train.
Mama must have sensed my hesitation. “I’m going to email these dates to you right now.” I could hear the clack of her manicured nails on the keyboard. “There. You check tomorrow and let me know.”
We rang off, and I checked my now nearly dead cell phone to see if I’d missed any calls.
Nothing.
I plugged it into the charger, but I knew if I hadn’t heard from Detective Malone at this point, I wouldn’t hear from him until the next day.
Chapter Sixteen
AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, the first thing I did the next morning was call Detective Malone. I’ll give you one guess what I got. That’s right, voice mail.
On my way to the dog park, I stopped at the ARL to drop off the donations from Diana and pick up the dogs I’d promised to take along. Diana was such an avid supporter of the shelter and its support group, PUPS. She volunteered, she donated supplies, and, as I mentioned before, she fostered animals that needed special attention, like Barbary, the grumpy one-eyed basset hound who’d started out as a “foster” but who’d been with Diana for over a year now.
I was to meet Betty at the dog park at nine to work with Raider and thought I’d offer to take Pharaoh, the black Lab with me.
As I walked up, my arms full of supplies, Don Furry arrived at the same time, bringing in Pharaoh and an adorable Irish Setter.
“Hi, Don.” He held the door open so I could come through. “I thought I’d help get Pharaoh out for some exercise, but it looks like you beat me to it.”
“Yeah, sorry, Caro.” He ran a hand through his white hair. “I forgot you’d offered until I was already at the dog park. I hope you didn’t make a special trip.”
“No worries at all, Don.” I put the box down on a bench. “I had these supplies from Diana to drop off anyway.”
“I think my two buddies enjoyed the chance to run, and I liked getting a bit of fresh air myself before the heat of the day.” He shucked off his jacket. “How is our Diana doing?”
“She’s doing well, and according to her, she has the doctor’s permission to return to normal activities this weekend.” I took the opportunity to give the two canines a head rub. Beautiful dogs, both of them, and I wished for good forever homes for them. “I told her I wasn’t sure her doctor understood what her normal activities were when he gave her the green light.”
“Probably not.” Don laughed. “Give her my best when you talk to her. Hopefully we’ll see her next week. I’ll try to steer her toward desk duty.”
“Good idea, Don.” When I turned to go, I spotted Wayne at the counter in the outer office filling out some papers.
“Is the gentleman talking to Chelley finally getting his basset hound?”
“Yep, the hold period expires in two days for Cheeky, and he’ll be available for adoption. So, he’s filling out his papers and putting a hold on him.”
“Cheeky?”
“Yes,” Don chuckled. “Don’t look at me. Chelley started calling the hound Cheeky because she said he has these cute droopy cheeks, and it just stuck. Now she’s got us all doing it.”
“Hello, Wayne?” I went through and spoke to the man. “I’ve seen your company van out and about. You seem to be getting some trimming work around town.”
“Yeah.” Clearly he wasn’t the chatty type.
“So, you’ve decided to adopt.”
“I have to fill out these forms and wait a while more.”
The rescue had a strict policy to ensure that the pets were adopted into a safe and secure environment. They had to be sure the animals weren’t adopted by those who would use and abuse them, but they also had to protect against well-intentioned people who truly wanted to adopt but were unprepared to take care of their new family member.
I was glad the slightly overweight basset hound was getting a good home. I had been convinced he would be claimed by his owners.
The basset hound had been at the shelter for eight days, and we only hold pets for ten before we move them to adoption. So, he was soon going to be available.
“So you’re adopting Cheeky?”
“Yes, I used to have a basset hound.”
I remembered he’d mentioned losing a basset hound. I felt for anyone who had to deal with the loss of a faithful friend. I didn’t know what I’d do without Dogbert, Thelma, and Louise. Maybe that’s why I was so convinced Cash wouldn’t just up and leave his cat.
“Cheeky’s a great dog. He won’t give you any trouble at all. But he does need a little exercise.” I smiled at the guy. “He’s lost a couple of pounds since he’s been here but could stand to lose some more.”
He turned and gave me a hard look. Maybe he thought I was commenting on his size. I hadn’t meant to offend him but felt I needed to mention Cheeky’s health. The sweet basset hound was a little tubby and a lot lazy and truly needed to get out more.
“I’m sure Mr. Kemper will take Cheeky for walks,” Chelley interrupted. “Won’t you, dear?”
“Yes.” He turned his back to me and returned to his paperwork.
I gave Chelley a sorry-I-interrupted look and moved to leave. I needed to get to the dog park anyway.
It was good when there was a person waiting in the wings for an abandoned pet. It wasn’t always so easy, and often an older dog like Cheeky would be passed over for a cute little puppy.
I let myself out, slid behind the wheel, and exited the parking lot onto Laguna Canyon Road toward what many of the locals referred to as “The Bark Park.”
I’D ASKED BETTY FOXX to meet me at the dog park because I thought it would be best to demonstrate how Raider could get exercise without Betty exhausting herself. Or getting injured again.
I had no idea how old the spritely lady was, but whatever her age, I was concerned there was a real danger she could break something in a fall caused by such a large dog.
As I drove down the road to the park, my thoughts turned to Jake and Cash’s neighbor and the black SUV. I hoped to hear from Malone.
Suddenly a blue Mini Cooper passed me going way too fast.
Hey there, buddy. Way too fast. Probably some kid.
Heidi had acted like she didn’t know anything about what Cash and Jake had been working on. But I had the sense that though she liked to play at being an airhead, there was more than just empty air under those expensive blond highlights.
If they’d truly been in a legal battle as the process server had indicated, was it possible the other party had taken drastic measures to win? Or maybe that hadn’t been the intent, but there’d been an argument and Jake had been pushed into the pool.
Yeah, right.
There was the small matter of that electric cord wrapped around his neck. Hard to argue for an accident.
So, now we were back to the bad-tempered next-door neighbor. Or my spy theory.
The Laguna Beach Dog Park has no lot for cars, and so the parking is confined to meters along the canyon road in front of the entrance. I found a spot and parked my Benz, then reached in back for my bag. Up ahead I could see a woman pulling on a leash in an obvious attempt to remove a large barking dog from her very small car.
To my surprise it was the blue Mini Cooper that had passed me.
I quickly locked up and hurried forward to assist her.
Once I got close enough, I realized it
was Betty. “Come on, Raider. Come on.” She tugged on the leash, but the Saint Bernard just barked in response. Betty reached into her pocket and held up a treat, and all of a sudden the dog bounded from the car knocking her to the sidewalk.
Exactly what I’d feared. I moved quickly to Betty who sat on the walkway. She looked unhurt but a little dazed.
“Sit.” I took Raider’s leash from her hand.
“I am sitting, Carol.” The little sprite was decked out in pearls and silk pajamas. She must have a closet full of PJs and not much else. This set was highway-road-sign yellow. Her attire no longer shocked me. The bright-red eyebrows took a little more getting used to.
“Caro,” I corrected. “I meant the dog, Bertha.” Two could play at this name game. I took the package of dog treats from her hand. “We agreed no treats when Raider is behaving badly.”
“Betty,” she corrected and eyed me from her spot on the walk. “He’s not behaving badly.” She and the dog looked at me with equal reproach. His big head tilted as if he was trying to understand what the problem was.
“Yes, he is. He didn’t respond to your command, and he knocked you down.”
“Respond to my command? He’s not a minion; he’s my friend.” She brushed at the legs of her pajamas and moved to get up. “No wonder you and Cookie don’t get along if you think your friends are supposed to ‘respond to your commands.’ Geez Louise, lady.”
I offered my hand to help her, but she ignored it, straightened her pearls, and got to her feet. Awkwardly, but under her own steam.
Wow, this was not going at all as I’d planned. How could I get through to her?
“Betty, here’s the deal. We’ve got to help Raider understand that he needs to listen to you and respond to what you ask him to do.”
By this time the dog had circled around and stood behind Betty. His big doggie grin said, “That was fun. What now?”
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