Dogs Don't Lie

by Lisa Shay

  I filled them in on what happened at the first place and how Ben and Craig almost got caught. Then I did a quick recap of the Adamses’ property.

  My friends stared—no, gaped—at me.

  Her hazel eyes wide, Gracie muttered, “Whoa.”

  Shaking her stupor, Sam stood. “Okay. You’re coming over. I want details. I’ll be home by seven thirty. Bring ice cream—chocolate chip. And chocolate sauce.”

  Chapter 22

  Gracie and I arrived at Sam’s with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a big bag of mini M&M’s. With a fire blazing in the hearth and full bowls, we curled up on the couch, ready to discuss the day’s events.

  Sam licked chocolate from her little finger and asked, “So what’s next? You go with Ben and Craig to the other properties and see what’s going on at them?”

  “I don’t know. Nothing for now—at least not the next couple days. Ben’s going to be busy investigating the robbery in Medford this afternoon.” Stirring, I had the mixture smooth, all chocolaty and dotted with candies.

  Gracie pointed her spoon at me. “Okay. Ben’s busy, but maybe we could—”

  “Wait a minute.” I frowned at her. “Last night you told him how you tried to talk me out of going back to the Green Springs property again. Why the change?”

  “That was at night.” Gracie waved a hand, dismissing her previous objections. “I’m talking about during the day.” Her eyes narrowed. “You still have the addresses, don’t you?”

  “She gave everything to Ben.” Sam shook her head before Gracie could ask. “And no way. I’m not asking my cousin for anything else.”

  “Yeah, I did.” I fought back a grin but lost the battle. “But I also might’ve kinda made copies of the important stuff.”

  “There’s my girl,” Gracie cheered and gave me a high five. “Tomorrow’s out for me, but Friday ’s good.”

  “Come on, guys. You aren’t serious. I mean, it could be dangerous, like Ben said.” Sam frowned. “I don’t want to see either of you come into my emergency room—or worse.”

  “I get it, Sam,” Gracie said as she nodded. “But we’re just going to take a drive in the country.”

  “No. You’re taking a risk going places that might be guarded by people with guns who will shoot at you, and big dogs that bite first and don’t bother with questions.” Sam turned her pained expression on me. “Even if you can talk with animals, Kallie, a trained guard dog will just attack. It’s what they do.”

  “Sam’s right.” I said. “So far, we’ve been lucky. We don’t know what’s out at the other three places.” I glanced at Gracie and then Sam. “But I keep seeing John and Eva Adams. They believe they still own the property on Madrone Canyon—the land that once belonged to his great uncle. I know they have memory lapses, but if John had sold the land, I believe he would’ve remembered.” Biting my lower lip and holding back anger, I shook my head. “They were friends with my grandparents. I feel like I should do something.”

  “You have, Kallie. You shared what you learned with Ben. He knows more because of what we—no, what you—have done.” Gracie patted my arm. “He’s working on this, and so is Craig, and they’ll get it straightened out. R and A will pay for what they’ve done.”

  “When?” A smirk pinched my lips. “Without proof of some kind, Ben’s got nothing. I worry the Adamses won’t live to see justice, and I worry about the other victims. Do they even know what’s happened to them, or do they feel helpless to fight against it?”

  “We should talk to them like we did the Adamses.” Sam’s eyes narrowed. “Find out what they remember and how it’s impacted them. Maybe that’s where we’ll find the proof Ben needs.”

  “I agree,” Gracie said. “We should talk to the other families. But …”

  “What?” I peered sideways at Gracie.

  “Shouldn’t we know as much about the land and what it looks like as we can? Then go to them and check our information against theirs?” Gracie paused, staring at the carpet. “I don’t know … it can’t hurt to just have a quick look. Could it?”

  “You already know what I think. We should see if there are new buildings with locked doors full of shoe-type boxes and rubber mallets on tables.” It was my turn to stare at the carpet.

  “And you know what I think.” Sam focused her gaze on me. “It’s not only dangerous, but at what point do you lose Ben’s trust by going too far and not listening to his warnings? He’s really trying, Kallie. You could get him in trouble, along with yourself.”

  “I guess I don’t see the harm in driving on public roads, and as long as there aren’t any no-trespassing signs posted, I’m not doing anything wrong.” I took a deep breath and let my shoulders slump. “I do understand what you’re saying, Sam. I don’t want Ben to get in trouble, and I certainly don’t want anything to happen to us. This reminds me of Einstein’s quote: ‘The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.’”

  Sam and Gracie stared at me.

  “I know. Dramatic. But with all the hate and wrong in the world, I’d like to know I did something, even if it was just helping an old couple find a little justice.”

  “Wow, Kallie.” Sam continued to stare.

  “Sam.” Gracie turned to her. “Don’t you remember—in college, our first year together, our English comp professor? He was bullying those two boys? Kallie stood, walked to his little podium, stared him in the eyes, and demanded he stop. He did and apologized to the boys and the class.” Gracie smiled at me. “This is just who our Kallie is.”

  “Oh yeah. He tried to tell everyone he was just kidding. No one thought he was funny.” Sam slumped against the couch cushions. “Maybe it’s the chocolate high talking.” She sighed. “Okay. Fine. I’ll go, if for no other reason than to keep you two out of trouble.”

  “Yes!” Gracie high-fived a semi-enthusiastic Sam.

  “Thanks, you guys. And the minute anything starts to look iffy, we’re outta there.”

  Sam glared. “Promise?”

  Crossing my heart and holding up my right hand, I nodded. “Promise.”

  “Good.” Gracie pulled her legs under her to sit cross legged on the couch. “Okay. Like I said, Friday’s good for me. How about you, Sam?”

  “Friday works, but remember your promise—nothing dangerous.”

  “If the wind so much as changes direction, we’ll leave.” Gracie scraped the inside of her bowl for any remaining candy. “So where are we going first?”

  “Well, I guess we need a plan.” I got up, grabbed my pack from the counter, and returned to the couch. Balancing my bowl on one knee, I dug for the copies I’d made. “Here. The next is out toward Williams.” I entered the address into my phone and waited, frowning when the directions flashed onto the screen. “This could be tricky.”

  Sam sat up straight, an edge in her voice. “Why?”

  “Nothing, really. It’s actually closer to the California border. Not sure we’ll get any cell service out that far.”

  “Oh. Well, we won’t stay long. No sightseeing hikes this time. Just go in, check it out, and leave.” Sam’s attention darted from Gracie to me. “Okay?”

  “Sure.” Gracie nodded.

  We watched a little Netflix and ate more mini M&M’s, and then Gracie and I left.

  “Okay,” Gracie said once we were back in the car. “What’s really going on? The whole this could be tricky, thing.” She swept a short strand of dark hair behind one ear. “Your reaction had nothing to do with cell service.”

  “Well … I grimaced, “There is the possibility of running into actual drug operations. Because we—the other vets and I—travel around the county, we’re notified of areas to be, uh, cautious in. That’s all.”

  “And you don’t think this is a problem?” Gracie tilted her head, hazel eyes wide, and stare
d at me.

  “No. I mean, yes, but we’re going during the day in a plain vehicle, and we don’t look like cops.” I smiled and put as much cheer in my voice as possible. “In fact, we’ll look totally harmless.”

  “And how will we accomplish that?”

  My smile turned to a frown and I wrinkled my brow. “I don’t know. I’m still working that part out.”

  The next morning, I took Ariel for a walk in the fog. We didn’t go far, since it was too cold, and I didn’t have a sweater for her.

  Tara was there when I got back.

  “Hi, Tara. Is Jim gone?” I searched the living room and didn’t see him.

  “Yes. He had classes. And …” Lips pursed, she stared at the floor. “There won’t be any more surveillance shifts after I leave tomorrow.”

  “Oh. Okay. I understand.” My stomach did a little flip.

  “Kallie, just because the higher-ups cancelled this detail doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. I still believe you may be a target. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, about this whole land-scam thing and why anyone would focus on you. It didn’t make sense.” Her expression hardened. “But not anymore. There’s something off about R and A. Ben knows it. I’ve read his reports.” She shrugged. “And about what you do … Well, I’m starting to believe. Maybe they already know what Ella and Ariel have shown you, or maybe they’re just afraid you’ll find out. Either way, you need to be careful.”

  I nodded, the impact of her words catching up. “Wait. What do you mean they might know what Ariel and Ella showed me? How would they know? Unless …”

  Tara stared into my eyes. “Exactly.” She moved closer and took my shoulders. “Don’t trust anyone.”

  “But—”

  “Not anyone, Kallie.”

  “Ben?”

  “Yeah, he’s okay. In my spare time, and without anyone knowing what I was doing, I did some digging.” She shook her head. “He’s too new to get involved with fishy dealings here—unless he brought something with him from Portland and I didn’t see any red flags that’d make me think he’s not who he says he is. I think he’s a good, honest cop.”

  My heart squeezed in my tightening chest. “Craig?”

  Staring at the floor, she shrugged. “Just be careful. No one knows, but I’m looking into this myself, and it’s bigger than just this county.” She pulled out a kitchen chair and sat.

  I took a seat next to her. “What’s going on? I mean, with the properties? Is it drugs?”

  “I don’t think so—not directly. I’m looking into water and mineral rights, anything worth the risk they’re taking. Some have water rights, but nothing worth stealing for. As for mineral rights, who knows? Maybe there’s gold but, again, probably not enough and too costly to mine.” She looked at me and smiled. “I’m not going to stop digging. R and A’s up to something and if people I work with are involved, I’m going to find out.”

  “There may be people at the county level involved.” I took a deep breath and continued. “A friend who works at the planning department said a detective met with an employee there to ask about the properties a few months back. Nothing ever came of that meeting even though, according to my friend, it was obvious something illegal was going on.”

  “That makes sense. R and A would need someone there to cover up any noticeable errors or omitted information.” She raked fingers through her short dark hair. “I just don’t get it. To have this many willing to take the risk, there must be a huge payout in the end.”

  “I’ve been to two of the places, and they aren’t much, other than being rural and off the grid. There has to be more—something I’m not seeing.”

  “Maybe, but you need to stop looking. You’re on your own now, Kallie. Remember, be careful. No evening walks. Keep your doors and windows locked. And don’t trust anyone, at least not with everything you know. Hold back a little.” Reaching in her pocket, Tara took out a business card and handed it to me. “I’ve written down all my numbers. Call me anytime.”

  “Thanks, Tara. And don’t worry.” I let out a big sigh. “I will.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes.”

  My phone buzzed on the table, and I snatched it up before the ringtone began. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

  “Kallie, have you heard from Jeffrey?”

  “Jeffrey? Oh, the college professor. No. Why?”

  “Oh, no reason. Just curious. He seemed like a nice young man.”

  “Yeah. He did. Mom? Can I call you back? I’m busy.”

  “Doing what? You aren’t back at work, are you?”

  “No. But I’m in the middle of something. Hey, I’d like to take you to lunch if you’re free.”

  “That sounds lovely. How about at that little Italian place in Jacksonville? One o’clock?”

  “Great, Mom. See you then.” I switched the phone off and covered my eyes with both hands. “It’s just a lunch,” I muttered.

  Tara chuckled. “Moms. Gotta love ‘em.”

  Not wearing a dress, but not in jeans and a T-shirt either, I arrived early and got a table. I ordered a Dr. Pepper and picked up the menu. They did have hamburgers, but what the heck—I’d get the lasagna.

  Mom swooped in at one sharp, dropped into her chair, and panted out a hello.

  “What’s wrong? You’re out of breath.”

  “I’m fine. I ran into an old friend. We started chatting and I lost track of time.”

  “You’re allowed to be a little late, Mom.” I handed her a menu. “Who?”

  “What, dear?” The menu trembled in Mom’s hands.

  “Who was the old friend?”

  She avoided eye contact as she waved the question away. “You wouldn’t know them—more of an acquaintance than a friend. Just wanting to know about this silly animal-communicating business. I just don’t understand why you took such a class, let alone use it.” She raised the menu, blocking my stare. “What are you having, Kallie?”

  “Oh.” Mom didn’t approve of the last few days, with a dead body and all the police involvement. It just had her worried. But if what I did helped in the end, she’d understand. “I’m having the lasagna.”

  “What? Not a hamburger?” Mom’s chuckle still sounded a bit shaky. She took a few deep breaths and lowered the menu, staring at me. “Your sister had another checkup.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “She’s fine.”

  “Is the baby?” My voice hitched.

  “Everything’s fine.” Unsuccessful at keeping a grin from spreading across her face, Mom looked out the window.

  “What is it?”

  “Really, Dani should be the one to tell you. It’s her surprise.” Mom’s grin burst into a full-on smile.

  “Surprise?” I scowled at her. This was good news, so what— “She’s having twins?” Now I was smiling like a goof.

  Mom almost jumped up and down in her seat. She took my hands in hers and squeezed. “Now, if she asks, I didn’t tell you.” She giggled. “But, yes—boys. They think identical. Please, Kallie. Act surprised when she tells you.”

  “No problem, Mom. I think I can do that.”

  Chapter 23

  “So that’s it?” Grimacing, Gracie stared at me. “No more protection, no surveillance?” She shook her head, her attention on the pancake she was flipping. “Well, you and the fur babies can come stay with me.”

  “How can they do that to you?” Sam opened the fridge and took out milk, butter, and a bowl of crushed strawberries. “What did Ben say?”

  “I haven’t talked to him. He’s probably busy with all the robberies. News said there was another bank hit yesterday afternoon.” I set plates and napkins on the table. “An old homicide just isn’t that critical. And thanks, Gracie. But for now, I’m okay here. I don’t want to move Ella and Ariel around too much unless it’s
necessary.”

  “I still don’t see how they can just stop so suddenly,” Sam grumbled.

  I chuckled while I placed a knife, fork, and spoon on each napkin.

  “What?” The word was a chorus sung by Sam and Gracie.

  “Okay. What if the body found in Eagle Point isn’t Smith’s? What if it’s older than they think—maybe even an ancient Indian burial? What if Whedon is just a runaway husband, and he finally told his wife where he was? She got mad, trashed the house, and then decided to take the kids and leave. What if the property exchange is just that—nothing hokey or shady going on at all? And what if there’s nothing illegal happening on those properties? For all we know, they’re making ready-to-bake cookie packages to sell at Christmas.”

  Gracie brought the full plate to the table and sat down. “Do you really believe that?”

  “No.” I dropped into a chair and stabbed the top pancake with my fork. “I guess not.”

  “Eat.” Sam pointed at my plate and then Gracie’s. “We need to get moving if we’re checking out another property today.”

  Gracie and I stared at her.

  “What have you done with our Sam?” Gracie asked, pouring melted butter on her pancakes. She grinned. “I think I like this new, confident, and commanding version.”

  Sam smiled around a mouthful of berries and swallowed. “Hey, if the police aren’t going to get to the bottom of this, we will. It’s our Kallie these people are messing with.”

  I set my fork down and glared at this brave new Sam. “Okay. Who are you?” I smiled. “And thanks, Sam.”

  We took Gracie’s car, since I’d used my truck at least twice in these outings, and we’d used Sam’s once. Besides, Gracie’s had an in-dash GPS.

  “It’s getting foggy.”

  I looked up from my phone and out the side window. “Hmmm. I don’t think it’ll be a problem. In fact, it may be helpful.”

  “Yeah. We’ll be invisible.” Gracie snorted.