by K E O'Connor
I lifted my chin in greeting and hurried over to her. “Councilwoman Buster, glad you could make it. As you can see, nearly everyone’s here.”
“I was hardly going to miss my own event, despite getting stuck in awful traffic, which is why we’re late. I wanted to be the first here,” she said sharply. “Brutus! Don’t do that to the driver’s leg.”
I watched as a poodle got frisky with the limousine driver. “Did you have a good journey?”
“It was fine.” Mavis’s gaze scanned the crowd. “So, who’s here?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find out,” I said. “The contestants are being a little... difficult to handle.”
“They’re high maintenance,” Mavis said, “just like their dogs. You need to be strict with them. Give them orders and be firm about it. They’ll obey if you’re strict enough. Sit, stay, beg.”
“Thanks for the tip,” I said.
Mavis’s phone rang in her purse. She pulled it out and sighed. “I need to take this. Look after the dogs.” She handed me three leashes before striding away.
I stared at the poodles, who looked up expectantly as if waiting for me to perform a trick for their entertainment. “Hello, dogs. I hope you’re well-behaved.”
The one called Brutus lurched away and started barking. The other two jumped to their feet, and one of them wrapped the leash around my legs.
“Sit. Stay. Stop barking.”
The dogs ignored me as I tried to keep control and not fall on my face.
“Do you need a hand?” Nick appeared by my side and took two of the dog leashes from me.
I untangled myself from the remaining leash. “Thanks! These are Mavis’s dogs. I hope she’s not expecting me to be her dog sitter along with everything else. These three are trouble.”
Nick pulled a handful of dog biscuits from his jacket pocket and threw them on the ground. “This should do the trick.”
Instantly, the dogs stopped barking and running about and gobbled up the treats.
I grinned. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Stool won’t be happy that he’s losing his dog treats.” Nick inclined his head.
I looked over to see Stool with a grumpy expression on his face as he sat a short distance from the chaos.
“We could use him,” I said. “How are his herding skills?”
“You want him to round up the dogs?”
“The owners. They’re like a bunch of overexcited children. I need to tell them where they’re staying, but all they do is fuss around their dogs and chat with each other.”
“Let’s deal with them together.” Nick winked at me. He drew in a deep breath. “Everybody, pay attention.”
Several people turned and looked at him, but the chaos continued.
“Hmmm, they are tricky, aren’t they?” He lifted a finger. “I’ve got just the thing.” Nick strolled to his car and returned a moment later with a loudspeaker. He raised it to his lips. “Everybody stop talking. You need to come here and find out where you’re staying unless you all want to sleep on the beach.”
It took a few minutes of bustling around and dogs barking, but finally, an orderly line formed in front of me.
“Thanks, Nick,” I said quietly as I rapidly ticked off people’s names and directed them to their accommodations.
“Happy to help.” He touched my arm, and a warmth spread across my cheeks.
I looked away and focused on my clipboard. I couldn’t get distracted by Nick being all manly and obliging.
“How’s everything going?” Mavis bustled over. “I hope my boys have been behaving themselves.” She took the leashes from Nick and me.
“They had their moments,” I said.
“They’re feisty dogs,” Mavis said. “I got Brutus, Poseidon, and Nero when they were pups. I’ve always taught them to think for themselves.”
“Which must be a challenge when you want them to stop doing something,” Nick said.
Mavis arched a thin painted-on eyebrow. “My boys listen when I issue an order. They know better than to disobey me.”
I decided not to ask what kind of unusual punishment Mavis inflicted on her poodles. No wonder they were so tense. “I don’t have you on my list of accommodations. Have you made your own arrangements?”
“Yes. I rented a house. I want my boys to have plenty of room to exercise. I know where I’m going. My driver will take us there.”
“You! Woman with the clipboard.”
I looked up to see Paul and his pug hurrying toward me. “Is something wrong?”
“I don’t have a king-sized bed.”
I pressed my lips together. “Did you request one when you made your booking?”
“I shouldn’t have to request something so basic,” Paul said. “My needs are simple. I must have a large bed. Ernest needs plenty of room to spread out.”
“Paul, it’s lovely to see you here.” Mavis’s tone suggested she thought the exact opposite.
He glanced at her and smirked. “Mavis.”
“Has Ernest recovered from his little stomach upset?” Mavis asked slyly. “I recall him vomiting over a judge at the last show.”
Paul glowered at her. “That wasn’t his fault. Ernest has a sensitive stomach. Someone fed him something he was allergic to.”
“It’s such a pity,” Mavis said. “I was certain he’d win the trophy. Better luck this time.”
“Keep away from my dog.” Paul jabbed a finger at Mavis. “I don’t trust you. I bet it was you who fed him that tainted chicken.”
“As if I’d do such a thing,” Mavis said. “I don’t need to hobble the competition. My boys are born winners.”
“They look like they need a trim.” Paul’s disapproving gaze roved over the poodles. He sniffed loudly. “One of them smells funny.”
Mavis’s nostrils flared. “How dare you? My poodles are perfection.”
Paul took a step closer to Mavis. “You aren’t winning this contest. This is all about Ernest and me.”
Mavis bared her teeth. “Not if I have anything to do with it.”
Ernest yipped and yanked free from his leash. He backed away, and his beady gaze darted around.
“Paul,” I said. “You might need to look after Ernest.”
“He’s fine,” Paul said, still encroaching on Mavis’s personal space as they engaged in a staring contest.
Ernest yipped again before turning and racing away toward the sea.
“Stool, fetch.” Nick gestured to the retreating pug.
Stool raced after Ernest, his missing leg not slowing him down.
Paul finally noticed Ernest had made a run for it. He turned, and his hand went to his mouth as he let out a squeak. “Don’t let your mangy dog hurt my little Ernest. He’s a gentle soul.”
I glanced at Nick. Ernest looked more like a tyrant to me.
“Stool’s just rounding him up,” Nick said calmly. “We don’t want Ernest to get in any trouble, do we? Remember, there are zombies around.”
I watched with wide eyes as Stool cut in front of Ernest and blocked his escape. They danced around each other for several minutes before Ernest turned tail, and Stool herded the dog back to us, nudging him with his nose every time he made a dash in the wrong direction.
“Wow! I had no idea Stool was so good at rounding up escapees,” I said.
Nick shrugged. “He does learn some things I teach him. He’s a good dog.”
Paul shook his head. “That’s not a real dog.”
My head whipped around. “What do you mean?”
“That poor excuse you have for an animal,” Paul said. “If he’d been my beast and lost a limb, I’d have put him to sleep.”
My skin tingled with fear at the fierce look in Nick’s eyes as he turned and stepped into Paul’s space. “Say that again.”
Paul’s head jerked back. “I simply meant that it was kinder to the animal. He can’t have much of a life with only three legs.”
Nick leaned forward un
til their noses were almost touching. “Stool has the best life with me. He’s an incredible dog. He’s strong, and smart, and brave.”
Paul stepped away and cleared his throat. “And missing a leg.”
“That’s not important,” Nick said.
“You’ll never be able to show him looking like that.” Paul gulped loudly.
“And for that, I’m grateful,” Nick said. “It means I don’t have to spend any time with you.” He turned as Stool arrived back with Ernest.
Paul picked up the snub-nosed dog, who was wheezing with exertion, and cradled him in his arms. “Are you okay, baby? The big mean dog didn’t hurt you, did he?”
Nick sucked in a breath, but I stepped in front of him before he did real damage to Paul. “Everything’s fine. Stool was just helping. He’d never hurt another dog.”
Paul grumbled under his breath. “I need my bed sorted out.”
“I’ll look into it for you,” I said. “Go back to the bed-and-breakfast for now. I’ll be along shortly to see if the bed can be changed.”
Paul glowered at us before striding away, cooing over his dog.
“Ernest is an embarrassment. His owner even more so,” Mavis said. “Out of control. Nothing like my dogs. Come on, driver. Let’s go to the house.” She nodded at me before walking to the limo.
I caught hold of Nick’s arm and led him to a quiet spot. “Are you okay?”
“I almost punched him.” Nick growled low in his chest. “He had no right to say anything bad about Stool.”
My grip tightened on his arm. “It doesn’t matter what Paul thinks of Stool. We both know he’s amazing. We both love him just as he is. Neither of us would change a thing about him.”
Nick glanced at Stool, who sat waiting patiently for us. “Well, I wouldn’t mind if he broke wind a little less often.”
I laughed. My heart swelled at how protective Nick was of Stool. He was devoted to that dog. Any man who loved animals the way Nick did always made me a bit weak in the knees.
I dropped my hold on Nick’s arm and stepped back. I turned my attention to Stool. “You’re such a clever boy. I’ll have to fix you a special reward meal for rounding up that little terror.”
Stool barked and wagged his tail.
Nick blew out a breath. “Just keep me away from that idiot and we’ll be fine.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said. “I have a feeling Paul will be as much of a handful as his naughty dog.”
“Unfortunately for you,” Nick said. “Do you want to borrow my loudspeaker for the rest of the event?”
“Thanks. I’ll keep it handy in case this lot gets rowdy again.”
His smile was crooked as his gaze rested on me. “You’ll do a great job.” He nodded before turning and walking away with Stool.
I watched Nick go, my heart thudding. What was going on between us?
Shaking my head, I turned back to the contestants. It was time to get everybody settled in and get this dog show started.
Chapter 5
After an hour of owner wrangling and avoiding pampered dogs, who spent too much time getting their own way, I finally escaped for a ten-minute break.
Mavis had insisted I open the venue where the show was being held, the town hall, so everyone could become familiar with the layout and make any adjustments before the event began in the morning.
The moment I’d opened the doors, the contestants had arrived and started poking around. I hadn’t had a second to myself since then.
I skidded to a halt as I stepped outside. Twelve zombies stood there staring at the building.
I glanced around, my nerves jangling. Archer would have his team in position by now. They’d see the zombies lurking. These zombies were at risk.
I hurried over. “Hey, everyone. What brings you here?”
“The dogs,” a zombie said.
“You don’t need to worry about them,” I said. “You must have missed the news that we’re serving extra-large portions of food at the shelter for the next few days. An all-you-can-eat brain buffet. Doesn’t that sound delicious?”
Several of the zombies shuffled around and grumbled in appreciation.
“And, if you head to the harbor, we’ve got food carts serving liver pie. All free. Just for you.”
Lips smacked together. I was winning them over.
“You can have all that on one condition.”
“What’s that?” another zombie asked.
“You must keep your distance from the dogs,” I said. “I understand they might be a temptation, but they’re off limits.”
“Smell good,” a male zombie said. “So many of them.”
I didn’t recognize this zombie. He must be new to Zee Town. I gently caught hold of his arm and guided him away, gesturing for the others to follow.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Anthony.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Cassie.”
He stopped walking and stared at me. His gaze went to my scarred palm. “Cassie March?”
I nodded.
He reached for my palm and stroked the scar. “You’re special.”
I shook my head. “Just your average person. Come on. Let’s get you fed.”
“Not dog?” Anthony asked as I tugged him away.
“You’ll have to make do with your liver pie for now. And a pie doesn’t run away when you try to eat it.”
The group of zombies followed me as I led them to the harbor. The last thing I needed was a big group of zombies lurking around outside the town hall. It would make the contestants, and possibly the dogs, panic. If a dog freaked out and made a run for it, it might stir the zombies into action. If that happened, Archer and his crew wouldn’t hesitate to shoot. No one shot at the zombies on my watch.
Once everyone was happily eating their free food, I headed back to the town hall. So much for a break.
There was nothing I could do but pull back my shoulders, ignore my aching feet, and head into the town hall for an evening of stress and fur balls.
***
“Tell me again.” Paul Diamante stood in front of me with his hands on his hips. “We have the agility rounds, then we do speciality breeds, then what?”
I rubbed my forehead, trying to disperse the throbbing ache. It was almost midnight, and the dogs and owners were all leaping about in the town hall, still full of energy and buzzing with ideas for how best to show their dogs.
“Obedience trial and then novelty slots.” I’d told Paul this information three times.
“You should get rid of the novelty nonsense. That’s for amateurs.”
I shook my head. That was the part I was most looking forward to, ordinary, gorgeous, happy dogs bounding around and being cute. “Mavis insists everyone gets a chance to take part.”
Paul snorted. “And there will be plenty of time for changing between trials? Ernest is entered in three events.”
“I’ve factored in thirty minutes between activities.”
“That might not be enough. Your facilities are small, and Ernest has an extensive wardrobe.”
“Every dog gets the same space,” I said. “We have the dedicated area for the show room, we have the areas for the dogs to be groomed and prepared for entering the show ring, and we have the relaxation area where people go when they aren’t on show. Just like Mavis wanted.”
“Mavis wouldn’t know how to run a dog show if her life depended on it,” Paul said. “She should have called on my expertise.”
“You’d have helped? I didn’t think you were friends.”
“Enemies in the ring only, sweetie.” Paul winked at me. “Sometimes, show business needs a little fire to keep the fans happy.”
I wasn’t sure what that meant. I discreetly brushed dog fur off my black pants. “Let’s just try to enjoy the event. This is a first for Zee Town. There’s no reason to get too competitive.”
“There’s every reason. Mavis has stolen three trophies off me. She’s not having a fourth.”
“When you say stolen...”
“Her wretched poodles keep beating Ernest. It’s not right that they’re compared to each other. We’re in completely different leagues. Pug dogs are a speciality breed and have a unique temperament.”
I was tempted to say short, mean, and snappy, but Ernest was within earshot, and I imagined he was quick to take offense.
“That’s the reason we have three judges,” I said. “They’ll keep everything on the level. Mavis said they’re experts.”
“Ronald and Fleur aren’t bad,” Paul said. “Let me tell you a few things about Claire. She’s the one you need to look out for. Did you know—”
“Paul! Dripping poison into Cassie’s ear already?” Mavis appeared by my side.
“I’m setting her straight on a few things.” Paul looked down his nose at Mavis.
“Ignore Paul,” Mavis said. “Be a good girl and look after my boys for ten-minutes. I need to visit the powder room.”
“Mavis! I can’t keep looking after your poodles.” It was the third time this evening she’d offloaded her dogs on me.
“They like you. You’re so good with them.” She patted my cheek and hurried away before I had a chance to protest any more.
“She’s got you in her pocket already,” Paul said sharply.
I shook my head as I tried to stop from being tugged off my feet by the three excitable poodles, who wanted to play with the other dogs.
“Look after Ernest as well,” Paul said. He threw the leash at me.
“Do you need the powder room, too?”
“What else? I’ll be five minutes.” Paul dashed away.
I stepped on Ernest’s leash before he made a run for it. “No, you don’t. You stay right there.”
Ernest tugged on the leash as he tried to escape.
I inched my foot forward, preparing to grab the leash before Ernest bolted again. The poodles tugged and squirmed just as Ernest flung himself in the opposite direction.
With a squeak of alarm, I pitched backwards as I lost my balance.
A pair of strong arms grabbed me from behind and kept me on my feet. “What’s going on here?”
I looked up to see Archer next to me, a broad grin on his face as his arm remained wrapped around my waist.