The Case of the Caged Cockers

by B R Snow

  “Even better,” Josie said. “I’ve always wanted to get a firsthand look at you working your magic.”

  “Then it’s a date,” Perry said, getting up out of his chair.

  “I can’t wait,” she said.

  Josie pulled him close and gave him a long hug, then gently held his face with both hands and gave him a soft kiss on the lips that lingered just long enough.

  I settled for a handshake.

  I was lucky to get that.

  Torn between wanting to get his hands on Captain and his hands all over Josie, the guy was toast.

  We left him sitting behind his desk staring off into the distance and walked outside into a snowfall that was threatening to turn heavy. We climbed into the car where Jackson was sitting in the backseat flashing a huge smile.

  “What are you grinning at?” Josie said.

  “I’ve always wanted to get a firsthand look at you working your magic?” he said, laughing.

  “Hey, don’t start,” Josie said. “And in case you didn’t notice, it worked like a charm.”

  “Was that a little smooching I heard at the end?” Jackson said, unable to stop laughing.

  “Shut up,” Josie said. “I just needed to make sure the deal was closed and that he wouldn’t back out.”

  I snorted.

  “Josie, that guy will be there even if he has to walk,” Jackson said.

  “I would have thought you’d be thanking me,” Josie snapped.

  “Oh, I am,” Jackson said. “You were wonderful.”

  “Jerk,” Josie said, then looked over at me as I turned toward the highway that led south. “Where are you going? I thought we were going to have lunch in the city.”

  “I’m worried about the snow,” I said. “I’ll buy you a late lunch at the Water’s Edge.”

  “Okay,” she said. “But pull into that gas station up on the right. I’ll need a snack for the ride.”

  “Let me guess,” Jackson said, still chuckling. “Because playing a tart always makes you hungry?”

  “Jackson?” Josie said.

  “Yes, Josie?”

  “At times like these, do you know what I like best about you?”

  “No. What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  Chapter 23

  I checked in on Sammy and Jill who were playing with all the puppies in the living room. We’d decided to bring all of them, including Captain, up to the house for the evening and I watched them chase and roll over each other then headed back into the kitchen. I sat down next to Jackson and watched Chef Claire as she headed our way carrying steaming bowls of French onion soup. She served everyone then sat down and smiled at Jeremy Tompkins, the FBI agent who was sitting across from her. Agent Tompkins had spent the afternoon installing listening devices in various sections of the Inn, and he’d proven to be both thoroughly professional and personable. As such, we’d invited him to join Jackson and Detective Abrams as our dinner guests. Since the three men arrived an hour earlier, Chef Claire had been smitten with the young agent from the FBI.

  Josie and I both thought Agent Tompkins was cute, and after interacting with him we were impressed by how smart he was. But he didn’t get either of our motors running, so we focused on the prospect of French onion soup, followed by beef tenderloin wrapped in a garlic-horseradish-tarragon crust. An enormous tray of roasted vegetables was in the oven, and the smell of rosemary and freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.

  But Chef Claire had more on her mind than dinner, and her interactions with the Agent Tompkins had gone from a coquettish smile to overt flirting, much to the chagrin of Jackson who sat next to me brooding and staring down at his untouched bowl of soup.

  “If you’re not going to eat that,” I whispered. “Feel free to slide it my way.”

  “Back off. I’m going to eat it,” Jackson said, protecting his bowl with both hands. “I’m just waiting for it to cool off.”

  I watched Chef Claire who continued to hang on every word and laugh at everything Agent Tompkins said then looked at Jackson.

  “I don’t think that’s going to happen, Jackson,” I said.

  “Suzy?”

  “Yes?”

  “Shut up.”

  Detective Abrams worked with way past the melted mozzarella and crusty bread topping into the soup. He sipped a spoonful and murmured something I couldn’t hear over the racket Josie was making as her spoon rattled incessantly against the ceramic bowl.

  “Hey, Miss Piggy. Take human bites,” I said, laughing. “You’re going to wake up the whole neighborhood.”

  “This is so good,” Josie said, not even bothering to look up, or slow down.

  “How do you like the soup, Detective Tompkins?” Chef Claire said.

  “How do you like the soup, Detective Tompkins?” Jackson muttered under his breath.

  Josie and I stopped eating long enough to glance at Jackson.

  “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot, Jackson,” I whispered.

  “It’s incredible,” Agent Tompkins said. “And please call me Jeremy.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad you like it, Jeremy,” Chef Claire said.

  “Don’t make me get the hose,” I whispered to Chef Claire.

  “Shhh,” she said, brushing her hair back from her face.

  “I’d love to get the recipe if you wouldn’t mind giving it to me,” Agent Tompkins said.

  “Not a problem at all,” Chef Claire said. “Remind me to write it down for you before you leave.”

  “That’s great. Thanks,” Agent Tompkins said, glancing around the table. “I can’t wait to make it for my fiancé. She’s going to love it.”

  Crushed, Chef Claire sat back in her chair and stared down at her bowl.

  “How about that, Jackson?” Josie whispered across the table. “A reprieve from the governor.”

  Jackson scowled at her then smiled to himself and started working on his soup.

  “Are we good to go tomorrow?” I said.

  “Absolutely,” Detective Abrams said. “We’ve got listening devices installed in the reception area, the condo area, and all the exam rooms. If Dr. Long says anything the least bit incriminating, we’ll get it. And we’ll be there to keep a close eye on things.”

  “Do you really think the three of you need to be there?” I said.

  All three men paused to look up from their soup and nod.

  “You guys have done enough,” Detective Abrams said. “And I’m still not very happy that you decided to pay Dr. Long a visit without telling me. Or that Jackson went along with it.”

  “You want to try stopping these two once they’ve made their minds up?” Jackson said.

  “No, you got a point there,” Detective Abrams said, shaking his head. “And I’m impressed that you figured out a way to buy more time on the fly, Josie. Telling him you wouldn’t be back in town until tomorrow was a stroke of genius.”

  “Thanks,” Josie said, barely breaking rhythm.

  “She was in the zone,” I said, laughing.

  “And smooching,” Jackson said, smiling across the table at Josie.

  “Just wait, Jackson,” she said. “You’ll get yours.”

  “So, Agent Tompkins,” I said. “Has the FBI confirmed who’s behind the stealing of the tech secrets?”

  “The FBI can’t confirm or deny anything at this point. We don’t comment on active cases.”

  “But you’re here,” I said, smiling at him.

  “Yes,” he said, wiping his mouth. “And that should tell you pretty much everything you need to know.” He smiled and pushed his bowl away. “Wow. That was incredible, Chef Claire.”

  “I’m glad you liked it,” she whispered, collecting the empty bowls.

  I got up to help her and followed her to the sink.

  “Are you okay?” I said to her.

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” she said. “I should have known better than to get my hopes up.”

  “Well, I know someone who’s pleased by the news,” I sa
id, nodding at Jackson who was hunkered down over his soup busily catching up before the main meal was served.

  Chef Claire glanced at Jackson and then removed the tenderloin from the oven. The aroma took my breath away, and I took a step backward. Chloe trotted into the kitchen and sniffed the air.

  “Sorry, Chloe,” I said. “It’s all people food.”

  She barked once to show her displeasure, then rubbed herself against my leg. I picked her up and carried her back into the living room. Jill and all the puppies were worn out and napping in front of the fire except Tripod who was insisting that Sammy continue their game of fetch. I set Chloe on the floor and she and Tripod starting playing with each other.

  “I can’t believe how well he’s doing,” I said to Sammy.

  “Yeah, he’s amazing,” Sammy said.

  “You’ve done a great job with him, Sammy,” I said.

  “Thanks.”

  “Josie and I will give you guys a break in a bit so you can eat,” I said.

  “It smells amazing,” Sammy said.

  “Yeah,” I said. “And I better get back in there before Josie gets too much of a lead.”

  I headed back into the kitchen and filled my plate. We ate in relative silence, pausing only to make casual chit-chat or commend Chef Claire on the food. Finally sated, I pushed my plate away and congratulated myself on the foresight I’d shown by wearing sweatpants to dinner.

  Before you judge me, I need to point out that they are very stylish sweats.

  “Who’s ready for dessert?” Chef Claire said.

  “I could eat,” Josie said.

  I groaned but felt compelled to ask.

  “What are we having?”

  “I made cannoli this afternoon,” Chef Claire said.

  “What kind?” Josie said.

  “Like it matters,” I said, laughing.

  “Chocolate hazelnut,” Chef Claire said.

  “Oh, I love those,” Josie said, giving Chef Claire a golf clap.

  Chef Claire held the tray in front of Josie, and she grabbed two. The men settled for one each and then the tray stopped in front of my face. I stared at the powdered sugar-covered treats then looked up at Chef Claire.

  “You’re killing me.”

  “It’s the holidays,” Chef Claire said, laughing.

  “So everybody keeps reminding me.”

  I took one of the cannoli and sighed when I bit into it.

  “What time should we be here tomorrow?” Detective Abrams said.

  “We open at eight, but the staff starts rolling in around half past seven,” Josie said.

  Detective Abrams nodded, stood, exhaled loudly.

  “Chef Claire, I have to tell you that’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had,” he said.

  “Me too,” Agent Tompkins said, also getting up from the table.

  “Thank you,” Chef Claire said, glancing at Jackson who was also now standing.

  “Fantastic,” Jackson said, barely managing to make eye contact.

  “Ladies,” Detective Abrams said. “Thank you for a wonderful evening. And we will see you in the morning sometime before eight.”

  We waved goodbye and watched them leave. Moments later, a parade of seventeen puppies, led by Chloe strolled into the kitchen followed by Jill and Sammy.

  “Evening pee time,” Sammy said.

  “That’s adorable,” Josie said, staring at the conga line of puppies crossing the kitchen floor.

  “I’ll take them out,” I said, opening the door. “You guys better sit down and eat before Josie gets her second wind.”

  “Funny,” Josie said, heading for the sink. “Chef Claire, grab a glass of wine and relax. Maybe you can find a movie for us. It’s my turn to do dishes.”

  I followed the puppies outside to the snow-packed lawn. It was cold, and they didn’t waste a lot of time taking care of business. Chloe herded them all back inside, and I was just about to close the door when I heard a noise coming from the Inn. I listened closely, then headed back into the kitchen.

  “I think there’s somebody down at the Inn,” I said to Josie who was loading the dishwasher.

  “Check the alarm,” she said, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

  I walked into the living room and noticed that the alarm had stopped working.

  “That’s odd,” I said.

  “Maybe the power’s been cut,” Josie said.

  “You think Dr. Long decided to show up early?” I said.

  “Maybe,” Josie said. “But knowing Perry, my guess is that he sent his representatives.”

  “We need to get down there,” I said.

  “Yeah, we’ll go in the back,” she said, grabbing her coat. “You got your key?”

  “Yeah,” I said, pulling a hooded sweatshirt over my head. “You think we should call Jackson?” I thought about my own question before shaking my head. “On second thought, let’s make sure we have a problem first. You know how Jackson is when he thinks we’re getting out of control.”

  “Good idea,” Josie said, nodding. “Chef Claire, we need a favor.”

  “Sure,” she said.

  “We might have some uninvited guests down at the Inn. We’re going to head down, but if you don’t hear from us in five minutes, would you call Jackson and ask him and Detective Abrams to swing by?”

  “You got it,” Chef Claire said, checking her watch.

  “And tell them to come in quietly with no lights,” I said. “They’ll understand what that means.”

  “Okay, but be careful,” Chef Claire said.

  We headed out the door and down the path that led to the back of the Inn. On the back porch, we stopped to listen but heard nothing. I slid the key into the lock and slowly opened the door that led directly into the condo area where all the dogs appeared to be sleeping.

  “Dark,” I whispered as I slowly crept forward.

  “Your powers of deduction continue to astound me,” Josie whispered.

  “Shhh,” I whispered.

  As we passed the condos, a few of the dogs stirred, and Josie and I paused long enough to let them smell and lick our hands. When they had settled back down, we slowly moved forward through the darkness. Outside the storage area where we kept dozens of fifty-pound bags of food and other items we used on a daily basis, we saw two flashlight beams in the window of the swinging door that separated the reception area from the condos.

  I grabbed Josie’s arm and pulled her into the cramped storage area and closed the door behind us.

  “That’s your plan?” Josie whispered. “Hide in the supply closet?”

  “Shhh,” I whispered. “I’m just buying a little time.”

  “That’s right,” Josie said. “Chef Claire will be calling Jackson in a couple of minutes.”

  “And you thought I didn’t have a plan,” I said.

  “Nice try,” Josie said. “Well, if we’re going to be stuck in here, at least scoot over a bit. My head is jammed against a shelf.”

  “I can’t move,” I said. “It’s really cramped in here.”

  “Hmmm. That’s strange. I don’t remember it being this confined,” Josie deadpanned.

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing,” Josie whispered.

  But I could tell she was stifling a laugh, and I managed to get one of my arms free and smacked her on the shoulder.

  “Ow,” she said. “What was that for?”

  “For making that crack about my weight,” I whispered.

  “I didn’t say a word,” she whispered, then grabbed my arm. “You hear that?”

  “What is that?”

  “It sounds like scratching,” Josie said.

  “Oh, no,” I said. “Did you remember to close the door on the way in?”

  “I thought you did,” she said.

  The staccato scratching on the other side of the door continued.

  “It’s Chloe,” I said, slowly opening the door and catching a glimpse of the two flashlights that were at the far end o
f the condos and heading our way. Through the dim light, I looked down at Chloe who was sitting on the floor staring up at me.

  “Come here, girl.”

  Chloe scurried into the storage area. I closed the door and did my best to reach down and pet her. Josie groaned as I tried to make room and I gave up.

  “Whoever it is must be looking for Captain,” I whispered.

  “Shhh,” Josie said. “I can hear them talking.”

  “I don’t see any puppies at all,” the first man said. “These are all grown.”

  “Yeah,” the second man said. “And get a look at this guy.”

  We heard a familiar low, guttural growl.

  “Rocky,” Josie whispered.

  “He’s huge,” the first man said. “Rottweiler, right?”

  “Yeah,” the second man said. “Think he bites?”

  “There’s only one way to find out,” the first man said. “Stick your hand in there.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  Rocky’s growling intensified.

  “They must be shining the light in his eyes,” Josie whispered. “He hates that.”

  “Whoa,” the first man said. “Look at the size of this guy.”

  “Tiny,” I whispered.

  “He’s a Great Dane,” the second man said. “My cousin used to have one.”

  “Did he bite?” the first man said.

  “Nah, he was very friendly. Go ahead, pet him.”

  “No way,” the first man said. “Let’s just finish checking the rest of these cages and get out of here.”

  “They’re not cages,” I whispered. “They’re condos.”

  “I gotta say,” the first man said. “These dogs live pretty well. My bedroom at home isn’t this big.”

  “Just wait until you get a look at the size of your prison cell,” Josie whispered.

  “Hey, I’ve got an idea,” I whispered.

  “What is it?”

  “No, never mind,” I whispered. “It might put Chloe in danger.”

  “Suzy, I doubt if they have plans to shoot any dogs,” Josie whispered. “They’re here to steal one.”

  “I guess you’re right,” I said. “Okay, who knows if it will work, but it might be worth a shot.”

  I reached down and was finally able to get my hand on the top of Chloe’s head.