Sit, Stay, Slay

by V. M. Burns

  I gave Dixie a nod, indicating she should explain. “Hounds and Heroes is a nonprofit organization that trains retired racing Greyhounds as service dogs for military veterans. Ever since the passage of Amendment Thirteen in Florida, I heard they’ve been swamped.”

  B.J. held up a hand. “Wait, what’s Amendment Thirteen?”

  Dixie took a deep breath to slow herself down. “Amendment Thirteen is a law that bans Greyhound racing in the state of Florida, which was the largest Greyhound racing area in the entire United States, with eleven of the seventeen active dog tracks. Concerned citizens and dog lovers have been trying to get Greyhound racing banned for decades, and now it’s finally happened.” She sighed. “Fortunately, or unfortunately, that means finding new homes for all those dogs. I’ve heard there could be as many as eight thousand Greyhounds that were racing in Florida, and over seven thousand were at race-schooling farms.”

  Red whistled. “That’s a lot of dogs. What happens to them now?”

  “That’s the big question. Greyhound rescue organizations are looking for families to adopt and re-home them. Plus, groups like Hounds and Heroes are training them to help military veterans, but it’s slow work, and there are never enough trained volunteers to help.”

  Joe raised his one hand that wasn’t clasped by Stephanie. “Turbo and I would love to help, if we could.” He glanced down at Turbo, who was not wearing his vest that indicated he was working, so he was free to roll on the floor with Chyna and Leia.

  “Can I help too?” Mai said. “As a former gamekeeper, I certainly have experience with animals, and I spent two years in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.” She glanced around. “Plus, I want to help.”

  “Absolutely, I think all three of you could help,” I said, looking from Dixie to Joe to Mai. “It’s a worthwhile cause, but there are bound to be different people to question, so see what you can find out.”

  Dixie nodded. “The dog show world is pretty small. There are bound to be people who knew both Brittney and Naomi.”

  Before we left, Red cleared his throat. “There’s one thing you should all know.”

  Everyone turned to look at him. I was sitting closest, so I was the only one who saw how tightly his jaw was clenched and the way his scar pulsed.

  He took a deep breath. “I was able to stall for a bit, but someone is determined to hang this murder on Dixie.”

  She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.

  “There’s pressure from the top to make a quick arrest.” He looked around. “I’ve got a long track record with the Bureau, and my boss made it clear that was the only reason he was allowing me to drag my feet. Basically, he’s given me one week to find the real killer, or they will take me off the case and arrest Dixie.”

  There was a flash of fear in Dixie’s eyes and a cloud of sorrow over Red’s, which ignited a flame inside me. I sat up straight. “Then I guess we better get busy finding the real murderer.”

  Chapter 15

  We spent a few minutes fine-tuning our plans, but I wanted to get off the mountain before it was too dark. I said my good-byes to Dixie and Beau, who were both extremely grateful. Then we started the ride swap. I suspected an invisible hand had been involved, but I didn’t bother to extract an answer from Red or David. Instead, I agreed to the recommended swaps and made my way outside. Stephanie left with Joe. Madison had ridden to Dixie’s house with Red. She must have known that we’d gladly give her a ride home, if needed. Or perhaps she and David had prearranged her ride off the mountain. It didn’t much matter to me either way. When Red asked if he could drive me home, which would allow David and Madison to ride together, I didn’t argue. As a native of the area, he was adept at mountain driving, and as long as I didn’t have to tackle that mountain, I was good.

  Our procession down the mountain provided lights, something severely lacking on the mountain at night. Joe and Stephanie were at the front of the line, followed by David and Madison, and Red and I brought up the rear. Theodore Jordan must have lived on the mountain, since he wasn’t in the caravan. As a mother, I wanted to know that my children were safely off the mountain, which forced me to keep my eyes open, despite my overwhelming desire to squeeze them shut.

  Red must have sensed my concern. “You can close your eyes. I’ll let you know when everyone is safe.”

  I sighed but shook my head. “I can’t. I need to know they’re all safe.” I took a deep breath, gripped the door handle, and forced myself to watch our descent.

  “You know, Lookout Mountain isn’t really that steep. There are mountains out west that are much taller.”

  “If that’s meant to comfort me, it isn’t working.” I stole a glance in his direction and then refocused my mental energy on willing our car to stay on the road and not go careening over the side.

  He chuckled. “It’s actually a really beautiful drive if you would just relax and enjoy it.”

  “Dennis Olson, I need you to stop talking and focus on the road.”

  He didn’t say another word until we were safely off the mountain and on the highway heading back to my house.

  I released my grip on the door and took several deep breaths to steady my nerves and slow down my racing heart. “Are you sure that Stephanie and David—”

  “They are both safely off the mountain.”

  I took a few moments to collect my thoughts before I glanced at him. “I’m sorry.”

  Even in the dark car, I could tell he was smiling. “It’s okay. I know you’re not a big fan of our local mountains.”

  “I know you’re used to it, but I don’t know if I can ever get used to driving up there.”

  “If you had the right motivation, I’m sure you’d be able to do it.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know what that motivation is because I honestly can’t see myself ever making that trip.”

  Once we were on the interstate, it didn’t take long to get to my house. I wasn’t surprised to find that neither of my kids were there. In fact, I suspected it would be late before either one of them came home.

  Inside, I rushed to let Lucky, Aggie, and Rex outside so they could take care of business. When they were done, we sat on the sofa in the living room. Aggie danced around on her hind legs until Red picked her up and petted her. I scooped up Rex, and we scratched and cuddled the poodles. Lucky glanced at the door, as though looking for Stephanie, but eventually lay down on the rug at my feet.

  “Did you know Joe was coming tonight?”

  “Not until he was in the car and halfway there. He told me he was coming and offered to stay at a hotel, but I assured him my guest room was available.”

  “This house isn’t as big as the rental.” I looked around. “Maybe I should look for something a bit larger? I’m scheduled to close at the end of the week. So I could still back out.”

  He shrugged. “Is that what you want? I thought you loved this house.”

  “I do love it.” I looked at the vaulted ceilings and ugly 1980s architecture that dated the house but also gave it tons of character.

  “Then you should buy it. There’s plenty of room for you, Aggie, and Rex. It’s not like Stephanie and David are moving in.”

  “No.” I released a long sigh. “No matter how much I’d like them to.” I leaned my head on Red’s shoulder. “I do miss them.”

  “I never had children, but I’m sure that’s natural.” He reached one arm around my shoulder, which Aggie wasn’t thrilled about.

  “You’re right. Besides, it’s not like I could live close to both of them anyway. Stephanie’s in Chicago and David’s in New York. I don’t suppose that will change anytime soon. Besides, I love Chattanooga. I love the weather and the people. I love being close to Dixie and my new friends like B.J., Monica Jill, Dr. Morgan, Mai, Jacob, and Linda Kay . . . and you.” I gave him a poke. “Wow. I have friends.”

  “Yes, you
do.”

  “No, I have good friends.” I twisted so I could face him. “When I met Miss Florrie on that train after meeting with Stephanie and Albert and learning that he not only wanted a divorce, but he wanted to bring his bimb . . . ah, new girlfriend into our home, she got me thinking I needed to find my happy place. When I got home, I remember thinking I had no reason to stay in Lighthouse Dunes. I didn’t really have friends . . . not good friends. I didn’t like the house, and there was nothing keeping me there.”

  He leaned over and kissed me. “I am really glad you met Miss Florrie and that you came in search of your happy place.” He gazed at me, and I could feel the heat rise up my neck. He leaned over and kissed me again.

  After a few minutes or hours, he pulled away. “I better go. Steve Austin won’t be happy that he didn’t get to come with me.”

  We took a few additional moments to say good-bye, and then I watched him drive away before I closed the door.

  Dating a member of law enforcement had resulted in a couple of very practical gifts, including a home-security system and locks that allowed me to provide my children with entry codes rather than keys. I made sure the doors were locked and the security system engaged before heading off to bed.

  I took care of my nightly routine. When I was finished, I had to squeeze into my bed, which was full, with Lucky, Aggie, and Rex already claiming their spots. I wasn’t sleepy and lay there thinking about what I’d learned.

  Dixon Vannover was a womanizer, and if he was toying with the emotions of Naomi Keller and her daughter, then I could easily see one of them wanting to strangle him. However, would either he or Brittney want to murder Naomi?

  Warren Keller was another bad egg. The more I learned about him, the more I could understand why someone might want to murder him, but what would make him want to murder his wife? Could he have found out about her extramarital affairs? He might be a shark when it came to business, but did that make him a murderer?

  June Vannover certainly had a reason to want Naomi Keller dead. In fact, perhaps she came to the dog show specifically with murder in mind. But did she follow through with it?

  Brittney Keller’s syrup protest seemed cruel, but a little syrup was a far cry from murder. Could she have hated her stepmother so much that she’d strangled her?

  Ultimately, my mind went back to Naomi Keller. She had managed to infuriate a lot of people in a short period of time at the dog show.

  How many other people had she angered?

  Chapter 16

  Despite my best efforts to sleep, I found myself wide awake late into the night, or rather early into the morning. I refused to admit that my sleeplessness had anything to do with Stephanie and David. The fact that I was able to sleep once I knew they were both home safely was most likely a coincidence.

  When my alarm went off, I lay in bed and hoped I could catch another thirty minutes of sleep. Unfortunately, Aggie was having none of it. As soon as the alarm went off, she was wide awake. She stretched out every muscle in her body and then shook herself so hard the entire bed moved. If Rex hadn’t already been awake, he certainly was now. Knowing he’d have to go potty now that he was awake, I rolled out of bed and scooped him up quickly and hurried to the back door. When Stephanie came home, she had quietly opened my bedroom door, and Lucky had slipped out around two this morning. So I only had the poodles to worry about.

  Normally, I would leave the dogs outside while I took my shower and dressed for work, but today I decided coffee was more important. I put an individual cup into the machine, and within minutes, I could feel the caffeine pumping through my veins. I often wondered who first thought of grinding coffee beans and pouring boiling water over them, but I was eternally grateful.

  When Aggie and Rex had finished, I turned to let them in the house, but the door opened, and Lucky bounced out. He made his way down the stairs and found a nice patch of grass near one of the multitude of trees to squat and take care of his business. I glanced around and saw Stephanie come outside with much more energy than I would have thought for a woman who had only had about four hours of sleep. However, she too was drinking the magical elixir of life, so that might have had something to do with it.

  She sat and sipped her coffee for several moments before she turned to me. “I can watch them if you want to get ready for work.”

  I slurped back the last of my coffee and then went inside to shower and dress, which I knew wouldn’t take long. The museum wasn’t exceptionally formal, and I didn’t interact with many of the patrons. However, I generally wore a nice pair of slacks and a blouse rather than a suit, so getting ready didn’t take a ton of time. My makeup routine was simple, and today was a day to pull my hair back into a clip rather than fuss. By the time I was dressed and ready for my second cup of coffee, I found David and Stephanie both outside.

  “You two are both up early.”

  David grunted and continued to sip his coffee.

  “I’m going to be your chauffeur today,” Stephanie said. “If that’s okay with you.”

  “Perfectly fine, but I thought you got a rental?”

  “I’m giving it to David.” She flushed slightly. “Between Joe and Theodore Jordan, I don’t think I’ll need it.” She turned to face me. “Is that what you’re wearing?”

  I glanced down at my outfit. “What’s wrong with it?”

  She paused way too long before responding. “Nothing . . . it’s just . . . well, a little . . . casual, don’t you think.”

  “The museum is casual. I won’t see anyone today, so no need to get fancy.”

  She gave me another look that made me ask, “What?”

  “Nothing. It’s just with your hair like that and . . .” She gestured at my outfit. “You look a bit frumpy.”

  Frumpy? I tried not to take it personally, but frumpy? I sat for a few moments and then got up and went back inside. This time, I pulled out a skirt and sweater set. I curled my hair and took extra time with my makeup. This time when I walked out, I got a thumbs-up from my daughter and a whistle from my son.

  “This just seems like overkill when no one will see me except Linda Kay and Jacob.” I sipped my coffee, which was now lukewarm.

  “Well, you know you look good,” Stephanie said, “and that’s the important thing.”

  I asked Stephanie if she was going to be okay working with Dixie’s attorney.

  She smiled big. “I just love Mr. Jordan. He is so incredibly nice. Did you know he was involved in the civil rights movement? He actually marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Her eyes sparkled, and for a brief instant, I saw the little girl I’d raised who was a crusader for justice.

  “I didn’t know that about him, but I’m not surprised. You know, Beau and Dixie were pretty radical in their day.” I took a sip of coffee. “I did my small bit toward fighting for equality too.”

  My children looked at me with surprise and a tinge of skepticism.

  “Really?” David asked.

  “Really. Although I wasn’t old enough to participate in the civil rights movement, but in college, Dixie and I protested everything from damage to the ozone layer to the university’s divestment from companies that supported apartheid.” I thought back on my days as a rebel and couldn’t help smiling. “I remember walking around with my sign yelling, ‘FREE SOUTH AFRICA!’ What I don’t understand is why you two are so surprised?”

  They exchanged glances, but then David said, “I guess you never really think of your mom as some tough militant.”

  “I was hardly a militant. Although Dixie did get arrested for staging a sit-in in the university president’s office.” I watched the shock register on their faces. “I had a midterm and was supposed to relieve her afterward, but by the time I got there, the police were dragging them out, and I never took my shift.”

  David shook his head and then turned to his sister. “Now I know where y
ou get it from.”

  Stephanie leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “I love you.”

  I was happy to know that my children were proud of me, but even happier to know that I could still surprise them. We chatted a little longer, but I still had work to do. So I finished my coffee, and Stephanie shoved her thick hair under an LDPD baseball cap she must have snagged from Joe and then drove me to work.

  Stephanie pulled into the lot next to Da Vinci’s and parked. “I told David I’d bring back some pastries.”

  I picked up an apple tart, kissed my daughter, and walked the short distance from the bakery to the museum.

  I was surprised to see that Linda Kay was already at her desk when I arrived. “Good morning. You’re here awfully early.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. I have a meeting with some of the board members. If you’re not too busy, maybe you’d like to join us.”

  “Of course. Is there anything you want me to prepare? I have the financials ready, but—”

  “Just bring your wonderful self.” She smiled.

  Nothing I said could entice Linda Kay to share what this meeting was about. This wasn’t the first time she’d asked me to attend a meeting with her, but usually she gave me a heads-up so I could come prepared. She hadn’t mentioned wanting to make a large purchase that would require the board’s approval. However, I knew she wanted to make some alterations to the older section of the museum, which had been the Hopewell family home. I decided that must be what she wanted me for.

  I went to my desk and hurriedly ran a few reports showing that the modest alterations Linda Kay had mentioned to me earlier would bring more visitors to that part of the museum and would pay for itself in two years through increased attendance. When Jacob tapped on my door and told me that Linda Kay was ready, I had what I felt was a stellar presentation prepared.

  Even though Linda Kay had a conference table in her office, the board met in a conference room in a secluded area on the main floor.