Heir of the Dog

by Judi McCoy

  “Maydeen and Alan McGowan. You’ve met them before.”

  “Uh . . . no.”

  “They were at my Easter brunch.”

  “But I wasn’t, remember?” Instead, she’d attended a breakfast thrown by one of Viv’s coworkers.

  “Oh . . . well . . . my Memorial Day celebration, then?”

  “Sorry, didn’t make that one, either.”

  Georgette frowned. “Hmm, now that we’re counting, it appears you’ve missed more of my get-togethers than I thought.”

  “Don’t change the subject, Mother. Who are those people?”

  “Alan’s a founding partner of a huge law firm here in the city. He and his wife have known Stanley for ages.”

  “Then they’re the judge’s friends.”

  “We were passing acquaintances, but now that I’ve married Stanley, they’re my friends, too,” she corrected.

  “And the tall guy?”

  “Ah, so you noticed.” Georgette gave a knowing smile. “Isn’t he adorable?”

  “Since I only have a side view, I wouldn’t know.” Though the sight of his molded butt and broad shoulders held promise. “Who is he?”

  “Kevin McGowan, their son. He’s an attorney, too, by the way, and heir to a fortune. Come along and I’ll introduce you.”

  “Lawyer joke! Lawyer joke!”

  Ignoring Rudy’s plea, Ellie took her mother’s hand. Georgette was in such a hurry, she tripped over Rudy and righted herself with a hmmpf of disapproval. “Oh, you brought your dog.”

  “See what I mean? She doesn’t want me here.”

  “You did say Rudy was invited. If he’s not welcome, I’ll be happy to leave.”

  “No, no.” Georgette patted her artfully tousled hair. “But do try to keep him out from underfoot.”

  “How about if I put him the corner and tell him to stay? I’m sure Corinna has something to keep him occupied.”

  “She did mention a trip to the pet store this week. There she is.” Georgette nodded toward the dining room. “I’ll ask her while you settle him somewhere . . . out of the way.”

  “How about I go play in traffic?” Rudy snarled as Ellie led him to a sunny area of the living room. “Maybe that would make the old bat happy.”

  “If Corinna doesn’t have something for you to snack on, I promise we’ll leave. If she does, you need to curl up here and be good. Deal?”

  “I’ll try, but it’s gonna be tough. Seein’ all these legal types brings to mind about a dozen lawyer jokes.”

  Ellie played along to keep him quiet. “Okay, I’ll listen to one. Shoot.”

  Rudy gazed at the carpet, as if thinking. “Okay, here’s a good one. Why are animal testing labs starting to use lawyers as subjects?”

  “I haven’t the faintest idea.”

  “Because lawyers will do things even rats won’t try.”

  She stifled a giggle. “That is so bad.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He curled into a comfortable position on the plush white rug. “If that woman gives me one of them lousy Nylabones, I’m outta here.”

  Georgette returned and handed Ellie a white cashmere throw. “He can sit on this, and I’ll have Corinna take it to the dry cleaners tomorrow.” Then she passed over a cloth napkin. “Corinna said this was his.”

  Ellie unwrapped the napkin, and Rudy licked his muzzle. “Yum, yum, yum. A Beefy Bone. I love those things.”

  “Good.Then you’re all set.”After arranging the throw, she set the treat in front of him. Standing, she smiled at her mother. “Remind me to tell Corinna thanks.”

  “Fine. Now come along.”

  Georgette again took her hand and practically dragged her across the room, leaving Ellie to wonder what was up.

  “Kevin McGowan. Why is that name so familiar?” asked Vivian over a late-night snack of Häagen-Dazs in Ellie’s kitchen. “I’m sure I’ve met him or heard some gossip about him somewhere, but I just can’t place the name.”

  Ellie helped herself to another spoon of Caramel Cone. “Beats me where. Unless you’ve been arrested and haven’t told me about it.” Kevin McGowan was her mother’s maiden attempt at matchmaking, which had shocked Ellie to her core. Was she really that pathetic or needy a daughter? “I got the idea he specialized in criminal law, but we didn’t discuss his cases or anything.”

  “Describe him again. Maybe it’ll jog my memory.”

  “He’s over six feet, with black curly hair and sexy gray eyes.” Kevin was also charming and a good listener, and he seemed inordinately enthused when he heard where she walked her dogs. “He wasn’t the usual buttoned-up lawyer type. Instead of a suit, he wore white slacks and a dark green open-collared golf shirt—no logo—and a pair of Italian leather slip-ons, but nothing flashy.”

  Viv scraped the bottom of her carton. “Anything else?”

  “He has very white teeth. Looked like veneers, but I’m no expert. No jewelry except a Rolex, and he isn’t a smoker, thank God. That would have been the big no-no for me.”

  “Sounds like you think he has dating potential.” Viv grinned. “You’re sure he knows you’re a dog walker?”

  “Positive. Seems he lives near Museum Mile, so he knows the area I walk. He was even interested in Rudy.”

  “The guy had more raging pheromones than I care to remember,” groused the Yorkiepoo from under the table. “Just like you-know-who.”

  “How did Rudy like him?”

  “Fine. He even accepted an ear scratch.”

  “So you got the impression Kevin is an animal lover?”

  “I did, though he doesn’t own a pet. Said his job makes it too difficult to devote the time needed to care for one. But he asked questions about my charges, as if he really cared.”

  “Sounds like he’s worth a second look.” Viv swallowed the last of her ice cream. “Will you say yes if he asks you out?”

  “I guess so. I haven’t had a free dinner in a while.”

  “With any luck, it’ll develop into more than food. A little bedroom activity might be exactly what you need.”

  “Just let me get through a dinner first, please. I really don’t want to think any further than that.”

  “And who knows, if this thing with Gary and the will goes sour, you might be needing his services.”

  “Oh, yeah. That’ll be a real conversation starter. ‘So, Kevin, I’ve been arrested for murdering a homeless man in Central Park. The cops think I did it because he left my dog all his worldly possessions.’ ”

  “I take it you’re going to the bank tomorrow?”

  “That’s the plan. But, eventually, I’ll have to go back to Gruning and tell him about it. Besides, I have a few questions of my own that need answers. I want to hear if they’ve gotten any leads or found the murder weapon. That sort of thing.”

  Vivian stood and set her spoon in the sink. “Remember what I told you about being careful. If Sam finds out you’re working the case, he’s going to lock you up and throw the key in the East River.”

  “We’ve been all over this. Sam has no right to an opinion, and I don’t owe him any explanations.”

  “Hey, don’t get angry with me.”

  Ellie propped an elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm. “Gary was my friend. I want to find the person who did this as much as the cops. If I had more free time—”

  “I thought you were hiring a helper?”

  “I’m giving it serious consideration.”

  “Good. Going to try the colleges, like I suggested?”

  “I guess I could. Problem is, what with going to the bank and all, I don’t know when I’ll manage it.”

  “It’s important, so make the time.” Viv headed for the hallway. “You and your charges want to take a final trip around the block with me and Mr. T?”

  “Mr. T? So you’re finally coming around.”

  Viv heaved a sigh. “I had to. Whenever I called him Twink, he stared at me as if I were a flea. The little shit.”

  “He may be a sh
it, but he’s your shit,” Ellie reminded her. “And you love him.”

  “Yeah, I do. So, you up for a walk?”

  “Just give me a few minutes to slip on my shoes and clip leashes on the herd.” She nodded toward Cheech and Chong, sitting upright in their designer doggie beds. “I’ll meet you out front.”

  Chapter 5

  PAWS IN MOTION IS LOOKING FOR

  a part-time employee for their dog-walking service

  Hours flexible, salary negotiable

  MUST LOVE DOGS

  For details, call the number below

  Ellie tacked a flyer on the bulletin board in the Lerner Hall bookstore at Columbia University. Last night, after returning from her walk with Viv, she’d quickly put a job sheet together on her computer, and she left the house extra early this morning to take them to a few of the local colleges. She’d written her name and phone number on a row of fringes at the bottom of the page so interested prospects could tear them off and call her.

  Plenty of people registered for summer courses, and students usually needed extra money. If she lined up a couple of responsible young adults as assistants, she wouldn’t have to squeeze her personal business between scheduled walks. Her client list had grown over the past few months. When word got out about Bibi, the Goth-girl dog walker, and her involvement with the man who had stolen Buddy, Ellie acquired several of her charges, and most of them expected two walks a day. Coupled with her original daily doubles, her workload was, to put it simply, overworked. With a helper or two, she might even be able to take a sick day or go on vacations without worrying about her customers.

  Now finished with the help wanted postings, she was going to catch a cab to a new client’s apartment and come to an agreement on her dog’s schedule. After that, she would gather the other canines in the Cranston Arms, including an adorable snow-white poodle Hilary Blankenship had just purchased. The woman was going through a difficult divorce, and since Ellie knew exactly where Hilary was coming from, she’d been giving her a hand training the new puppy.

  “Miss! Excuse me! Miss!”

  Ellie turned to see if she was the “miss” in question.

  Huffing and puffing, an older man jogged to catch up. “Is this yours?” he asked, holding a ticket from her sheet.

  “Yes. Do you know someone who might want the job?”

  “Name’s Milton Fenwick. I’m retired, but I like dogs.” He squatted and held out his hand to Rudy, who sat like a statue by her side. “I was roaming Columbia thinking I’d take a course or two to keep busy, but dog walking might be more fun.”

  “It’s a great job,” she agreed when he stood. “Do you have questions?”

  “How about I ask the questions?” Rudy ruffed.

  “It says ‘hours flexible.’ What does that mean?”

  Ignoring Rudy’s cranky observation, she said, “It means I walk dogs in several building south of here, so we’d have to figure out which would be most convenient for you. If I hire you, we’ll go over the schedule, and you can choose the shifts you think would work best.”

  Milton ran a hand over his full head of gray hair. He didn’t appear old enough to be retired, but she knew some people made their money and stopped working, then grew bored and needed something to keep them busy.

  “Would I have to do anything else, like take a couple hours of instruction?”

  “In a manner of speaking. You need to be insured and bonded, so I’d accompany you on the walks while I waited for the bonding firm to send their approval, and you could learn how I take care of my charges. After that, you’d have your own route.”

  His florid face grew redder. “Bonded and insured? Why’d I need that?”

  “It’s required in this city, and the customers feel better knowing you’ve been checked out. You’ll have a key to each apartment, which means you’ll be on your honor to respect their personal space and privacy.”

  He glanced at Rudy. “And are they all small and easy to handle, like this guy, or big and unwieldy? I see some walkers toting those pony-sized pooches, and it looks difficult.”

  Rudy stood on his hind legs and growled. “Easy to handle? I’ll show you easy to handle!”

  Milton jumped back, and she jerked Rudy’s lead. “Enough!” She smiled at the frowning man. “I only walk small dogs, and though none of them are difficult, some can be a handful, as you can see.”

  The older man pulled his baggy chinos up by their belt. “Uh, okay. I’ll call you.” He took a few steps backward before turning and, with a wave of his hand, hurrying away.

  “I didn’t like that guy,” Rudy groused as Ellie hailed a taxi.

  “Lately, you don’t seem to like anyone. What’s the problem with this man?”

  “He was worried about getting investigated by the bonding company, which says he might have something to hide . . . like a criminal record.”

  “Getting bonded is very personal.” She opened the cab door and let him hop inside ahead of her before giving the driver the address. “Not everyone wants to be checked out by strangers.”

  “Maybe so, but still . . . It’s this business with Gary that gives me the willies. Every stranger I see is a suspect.”

  “He was simply a nice retired gentleman, nothing more.”

  “Are you gonna hire him?”

  “The ball’s in his court. He has my number, and he knows what the job entails, so he has to call me.”

  Minutes later, they entered the Cranston Arms, stopped to visit her new client, a woman named Mariette Lowenstein and her dog, a hefty pug named Sampson, and told her they’d return after they picked up the other dogs. Then she and Rudy took the elevator to the fourth floor and Hilary’s apartment.

  “Please be nice to Cuddles,” Ellie reminded Rudy. “He’ll learn by your example.”

  “Yeah, sure. I just love havin’ my ears bit and my butt sniffed six ways to Sunday. It’s a real treat.”

  “Cuddles is a puppy, full of energy and dying for attention. Surely you remember what it was like to be young?”

  “Barely. I had to spend a month in the big house waiting for you, and I didn’t have anyone spoiling me while I hung out.”

  Rudy, she realized, was almost as good at piling on guilt as her mother. “Cuddles is a great companion for Hilary. She’s going through a rough spot and needs his support. Ours, too.”

  The door opened, and she frowned. Hilary’s red-rimmed eyes and runny nose were evidence of her unhappiness. “What’s wrong?” Ellie asked, leading Rudy into the apartment.

  Shaking her head, the tall, slim woman pressed a crumpled tissue to her lips. “I can’t—can’t talk about it.” She sniffed as she waggled a finger, indicating Ellie should follow her.

  “Is it Cuddles? He’s not sick, is he?”

  Hilary dropped onto her barge-sized sofa, and Ellie took one of the matching chairs. The furniture in the apartment was high-end and arranged with a decorator’s flair. It was evident the Blankenships had money, and not just because they lived on the Upper East Side.

  “Cuddles is asleep in his crate, the little darling. I took him for a walk about two hours ago. I’m glad you’re here because he should be waking soon, and I simply cannot appear in public looking like this.” She dabbed at her shiny nose. “You’ll take him out for me, won’t you?”

  Ellie checked her watch before answering. “If he’s up in the next fifteen minutes, yes, but remember what I told you. Cuddles is your responsibility. I’m just here as an advisor. Puppies need to do their business every hour, two if you’re pressed for time. And he should always go out after he’s played hard, eaten, or just awakened from a nap. It’s the only way to train him properly.”

  Hilary nodded, then blew her nose. Dressed in a tired-looking fuchsia silk pantsuit and faded Prada pumps, she resembled a wilted rose desperate to retain its petals. With her patrician looks and faintly lined skin, she appeared to be in her midforties. Ellie knew the woman was in the throes of a wicked divorce because Stanley had told h
er that Mr. Blankenship was a hedge fund manager who had no intention of sharing his fortune with his soon-to-be ex.

  “Please forgive me for this overly emotional display,” Hilary said with a sob. “Richard’s lawyer just informed my lawyer that I must produce receipts for everything I buy in order to coordinate the amount Richard will be offering in support.”

  “And you don’t have receipts?”

  “I have them, but it’s an insult, forcing me to hand them over as if I were out to steal from my husband. I earned a good part of our money when we were first married, and he certainly knows my expenses.”

  “You worked during your marriage?”

  She straightened on the sofa. “I put Richard through school as a legal secretary until he got his MBA, and I continued the profession after we wed. My salary helped pay the rent and, later, gave us money to invest. I only quit after he was able to get investors involved in his new venture and made his enormous salary. Then, when his father died, we were able to buy this place. I thought we were happy but—but—”

  Fresh tears ensued, and Ellie waited while the woman calmed herself. Why did everything always have to boil down to money? Her own divorce would have been much more civil if the D hadn’t been so cheap and so unrealistic about their finances. And how come men always screwed the women who’d supported them during the bad times?

  “I did whatever he asked, whenever he wanted. Now he’s trying to humiliate me,” Hilary continued, her voice wavering.

  Ellie sighed, admitting the woman’s hassle sounded a lot like the one she’d had with the D—except for the “enormous salary” part. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  Hilary bit her lower lip. “If things go the way my husband wants, I’ll be lucky if I keep this apartment. I need a job.”

  “A job? Really?”

  “Don’t be stupid, Triple E,” said Rudy. “This dame isn’t responsible enough to walk her own dog, never mind one of ours.”

  “You’re being silly,” Ellie told him.

  “I’m perfectly serious,” said Hilary.

  “I’m sure you are,” Ellie added, giving Rudy a glare.

  “You’re a working woman. Do you know of someone who might be looking for help?”