Dead Man's Hand

by Lorraine Bartlett

  All of the supplies, in addition to the vet bill Katie had paid, were making for some fairly expensive “free puppies.” It was almost enough to make her consider taking Vance and Rose up on their offer to help foot the vet bill. Almost.

  Katie parked behind Wood U, since the girls had told her Ray had agreed they could foster the puppies until they were adopted. Afraid the girls might drop the box if they carried it inside—and also wanting to confirm that fostering was really all right with Ray—Katie carried the staggeringly heavy box of puppies into the building.

  “Dad, come look!” Sadie cried as she closed the door securely behind them.

  Bending to put the box on the floor, Katie heard a low rumble of laughter. She looked up to see Ray standing in the doorway of his workshop.

  “Let’s move them into the front,” he said, picking up the box. “There are too many dangerous things for them to get into back here. I can keep an eye on them if they’re in the front with me.”

  “That’s a good idea, Dad,” Sadie said, “but we’re going to be watching out for them, too.”

  “Yeah,” Sasha added, “and we need to feed them now. Those poor little things must be starving.”

  “I’ll leave you to it,” Katie said, with a slight smile. “If you wouldn’t mind, would you please check with Rose, Vance, and Nick—and possibly Seth—to see if they’d like a puppy before giving them away? At least three of the four have already expressed a desire to have one.”

  “Of course,” Ray said.

  “Girls, would you mind helping me get the supplies from the car?” Katie asked.

  Ray smiled at his daughters. “I’ll do that. You two get your guests settled in.”

  An awkward silence fell between Katie and Ray like a heavy blanket. She wanted to say something—needed to say something—to alleviate the tension.

  “Thank you for fostering the puppies,” she said.

  “Thank you,” he said. “Those dogs are the first things my girls have bonded over since—well…in a long time.”

  “Ray, I have to tell you something,” Katie blurted before she changed her mind. “I don’t think we fooled anyone at the poker game that night.”

  “What do you mean? Sure, we did.”

  “We didn’t. In fact, I’m fairly certain we both made fools of ourselves.” She resisted the urge to add that for Ray, it was doubly so because he got sloppy drunk. “Phyllis knew all along. I don’t think Connor Davis knew, but he found out when Nick and I were at his sister’s house.” At Ray’s befuddled expression, she flicked her wrist. “That’s irrelevant. But the girls and I saw Gina Solero at the vet’s office, and not even she was surprised when she heard my real name.”

  “Maybe Phyllis told her,” Ray said.

  “Maybe.” She decided it was best not to go into the entire story of what had been going on with Phyllis, Jimmy, the Soleros, and Connor—especially since he was dating the lead investigator who’d already told Katie to mind her own business and to stay out of her way. “I’m probably being paranoid for no reason.”

  He nodded. “You’ve been under a great deal of stress. Hopefully, Carol will catch Jamie’s killer, and you can feel at ease again.”

  “Has she mentioned how the investigation is going?” Katie asked.

  “Nope. We try not to talk business when we’re together.”

  Katie opened the trunk, got out the sack of dog food, and handed it to Ray. There were two additional bags, and she decided to pile those on him as well. She’d paid for the stuff—the least he could do was carry it inside.

  She closed the trunk. “Thanks again, Ray. See you later.”

  Katie got back in her car and drove away. As she pulled around to Artisans Alley’s south lot, she knew one thing beyond the shadow of a doubt—she wasn’t being paranoid, and Carol had discovered nothing in the way of real information to aid this investigation. There was no way Ray wouldn’t “talk business” when the case involved someone he knew and that had occurred right under his nose.

  The whole idea of Carol being ineffectual rubbed Katie the wrong way. She expected far more from the woman. That Ray didn’t seemed wrong on way too many levels.

  When Katie returned to her office at Artisans Alley, she was immediately besieged by Rose and Vance.

  “What did the vet say?” Rose asked.

  “Any idea what breed these puppies are?” Vance asked and allowed Rose to take the seat next to Katie’s desk. “I spoke with Janie, and she’s excited. We’re going to surprise VJ.”

  “The puppies are most likely an Australian shepherd mix,” Katie said. “They’re between eight and ten weeks old, so they’re ready to go to their forever homes. However, the vet thought it might be best to have them fostered together for a week to ten days in order to let them recover from their ordeal of being abandoned.”

  “Where are they now?” Although Rose had asked the question, Vance clearly wanted to know the answer as well.

  “They’re at Wood U.” Katie retrieved a peppermint from the jar on her desk. “The Davenport girls are fostering them. I made sure they know to ask both of you and Nick before giving any of the puppies away. I got them puppy collars in different colors at the pet shop, so you can easily distinguish which one you want and pick it out from the litter.”

  Rose stood and looked at Vance. “Let’s go see our babies.”

  He grinned. “After you.”

  Katie smiled as they filed out of her office. She didn’t know whether or not Rose had spoken with Walter about the puppy, but she got the impression his opinion didn’t particularly matter. Good for Rose. And yet … Rose spent most of her days at Artisans Alley. A dog—particularly a puppy—needed supervision, and the Alley was no place to have a puppy underfoot. If Rose and Walter did get together, would Katie lose her best cashier? Would Rose choose to stay home with a puppy rather than be with her friends and colleagues?

  It was a subject that needed to be brought up.

  Next, Katie called Nick and relayed all the puppy information to him, and by the time they ended their call, he and Don were also on their way to Wood U. If nothing else, Ray’s foot traffic was about to increase.

  The phone rang. Expecting it to be Seth, she picked up her phone and looked at the screen.

  It wasn’t Seth. It was Margo.

  “Hi, there,” Katie answered. “Please tell me you aren’t calling because you’re also in the market for a puppy. I’ve nearly given all of them away.”

  Margo laughed. “Hardly, dear. I am watching the front desk at Sassy Sally’s, so Nick and Don can go make their pick, though.”

  “How much cajoling did Nick have to do to convince Don?”

  “Very little,” Margo said. “I believe Don is so relieved Nick dropped the idea of fostering a child that he jumped at the opportunity to adopt a dog instead. I hope they know what they’re getting into. My friend, Bethany, got a puppy recently and said it was very much like having a new baby in the house—sleep schedule, potty training, puppy-proofing the home.” She scoffed. “Thanks, but no thanks. I value my independence too much to get a pet.”

  Margo had never had a pet for as long as she’d known the woman, and she hadn’t been thrilled with the fact that Katie and Chad had a cat. But Katie knew Margo hadn’t called simply to tell Katie she didn’t want a puppy. How could she tactfully ask why she’d phoned?

  “I’m glad Nick and Don have enough confidence in you to leave you in charge,” Katie said, “but they’d better not leave you too long, or else they’ll have to give you a discount on your stay.”

  “Oh, I’ve already told them that you and I are going to look at that Victorian House at four this afternoon. In fact, I was calling you to make sure you hadn’t forgotten.”

  Katie had, but she wasn’t about to admit it. “Of course not. Maybe we can grab dinner afterward.”

  “That would be great, dear. I’ll see you then.” Margo paused. “Oh, and I’m sure you’ll go home and shower and change after your bi
g puppy adventure this morning…”

  And there was the Margo Katie had come to know and tolerate…love was a strong word, but she was working on it.

  “Fear not. I won’t smell of urine or anything worse,” Katie said. She sure didn’t need to shower or change clothes, either. And she wasn’t going to mention that to Margo, either.

  “Do you want me to drive to the house?”

  “You know the area better than me, so yes, please.” She gave Katie the address. Katie could look it up on Google Maps before they left for their adventure.

  Impossible as it seemed, Katie was getting used to the idea that Margo might be a daily presence in her life. The idea both pleased and repelled her.

  Which of those two emotions would gain prominence?

  Only time would tell.

  Chapter 38

  Katie had only just finished her conversation with Margo when Seth returned her call.

  “Hi,” he said. “I got your message, and I’m on my way to Artisans Alley to see the puppies.”

  “How close are you?” she asked.

  “Almost there.”

  “The Davenport sisters have appropriated the puppies. Can you meet me at Wood U.”

  “Sure thing. I’ll see you in a couple of minutes then,” Seth said and the connection was broken.

  Katie grabbed her jacket, left her office, and headed over to Wood U. When she arrived, she waited outside for Seth. Soon after, he drove up and parked.

  “Hey, there,” Katie said as Seth got out of his car.

  “Hey, yourself,” he said. “So, are they adorable?”

  “Eh, if you like wiggly fluff-balls with cottony heads and puppy breath, I guess they’re okay,” she said blandly.

  He laughed. “They sound perfect.”

  Together, they walked inside the shop, where they found Vance, Rose, Nick, Don, and the Davenport sisters all crowded into the shop, admiring and playing with the pups.

  Rose cradled a puppy wearing a pink collar. “I’ve named her Lily.” She nuzzled the tiny beast. “Two flowers in the garden…that’s what we are.”

  “This is Buddy.” Vance walked over to show Seth and Katie the little boy he held. Buddy wore a black collar and was the largest of the litter.

  “He’s gorgeous,” Seth said.

  “Our little darling is Ru.” Nick brought the puppy wearing the yellow collar over to show Seth. “She’s the runt of the litter, but we know she’ll make a splash.”

  “She already has!” Don laughingly pointed out the damp spot on Nick’s shirt.

  Nick rolled his eyes. “She was simply overexcited to meet me. I nearly peed when I met her, too. So we’re even.”

  Laughing, Seth looked down to see a puppy wearing a green collar sitting by his feet. He bent and picked him up. Cradling the dog like a baby, he looked down into its dark brown eyes. It gazed back at him adoringly. “Is he spoken for?”

  Seth had asked the question casually, but Katie could hear the hope in his voice.

  “Not unless you don’t want him,” Sadie said. “If you don’t, then Sasha and I are going to keep two.”

  “Uh, wait a minute,” Ray interjected.

  “I want him,” Seth said. “I definitely do.” He turned aside and spoke softly to the puppy. “You and I were meant to be together, Oran. Oran is an Irish name, and it means green. Green was Jamie’s favorite color. You’re my little Oran.”

  Tears sprang to Katie’s eyes, and she had to turn away. Although she was happy all the puppies had so quickly found loving homes, she was most delighted for Seth and Oran.

  And then Carol Rigby had to sweep into Wood U and ruin the moment.

  “What have we here?” she asked, her voice dripping with contempt.

  As Sadie and Sasha cast baleful looks in Carol’s direction and moved closer to each other as though to protect their puppy from Cruella De Vil, Ray exclaimed, “Look what was found behind Artisans Alley today. I believe my girls are in dog heaven!”

  “Oh, how sweet.” Carol’s tone didn’t exactly match her words. “I’d love to hold one, but I haven’t taken my allergy medication today.”

  “Then maybe you should go outside,” Sasha said lightly. “This one is ours, and her name is Belle. Only Sadie and I are holding her right now.”

  The girl ignored her father’s warning glare, and her sister openly defied it.

  “Yep,” Sadie said. “It’s too bad you’ll be sneezing your head off in a minute. Maybe you should go outside because Belle has four siblings.”

  “I think I’ll be all right for a moment or two,” Carol said icily. “How did these orphans find their way from Artisans Alley to Wood U?” She looked pointedly at Katie before turning her attention back to Ray.

  “We went shopping at the Alley and they were in the vendors’ lounge,” Sadie said.

  Sasha lifted her chin. “Then we went with Katie to take them to the vet and to the pet shop, and now Dad says we can foster them for a few days until they’re ready to go to their forever homes.”

  Carol managed a smile that more closely resembled a grimace, and pressed the back of her hand against her nose. “How very nice. Katie, may I speak with you outside for a moment? My allergies are starting to kick up.”

  “All right.” After sharing a glance with Seth, Katie followed Carol out the door. “What can I do for you?”

  Carol’s expression was downright menacing. “You can stop trying to interfere with my relationship with Ray.”

  Katie’s eyebrows rose. That was not what she’d expected Carol to say. She’d thought the detective would warn her off the investigation again or maybe ask her some additional questions about Jamie. She hadn’t expected Carol to give her the stay away from my man speech.

  “I have no clue what you’re talking about,” Katie said. “I’d never butt into your relationship.” Silently, she added, If Ray wants you, he’s welcome to you.

  Carol scoffed. “Oh, really? Then why are there five puppies that were found outside your establishment in Ray’s shop?”

  “They’re there because Sasha and Sadie want them there,” Katie answered. “I must admit, however, that having someone abandon puppies behind my building is not at all unique. It happens all too often.”

  Carol’s eyes narrowed. “Just know I’m watching you. I see you trying to win over Ray’s daughters and turn them against me, and I’m well aware you’re making every excuse you can to visit him.”

  Katie threw up her hands in mock surrender. “You got me. Ray and I plotted to spend the night at his place so he and I can take turns getting up to take the puppies for their bathroom breaks. They’ll have to go out every two hours.”

  The color rose in Carol’s cheeks. “You’d better be kidding.”

  “And if I’m not, what are you going to do—arrest me?” Without another word, Katie turned and marched back into Wood U.

  Carol didn’t follow.

  “Is everything all right?” Seth murmured to Katie when she returned to stand beside him.

  “Absolutely,” she said.

  Sasha caught her eye and gave her a triumphant grin. The girl seemed to have scored two victories today—she’d gotten herself a puppy, and she’d found a new way to torment Carol Rigby.

  Katie smothered a laugh.

  “Dad, take another picture of Sasha and me with Belle to send to Sophie,” Sadie demanded. “She’s going to be so jealous!”

  “I bet she’ll come home this weekend just to see her,” Sasha added, before smiling for the photo Ray snapped with the camera on his phone.

  “Maybe we should send Belle back to college with Sophie until winter break,” Ray teased. “That would be a nice thing to do, wouldn’t it?”

  “You are so not funny,” Sasha fumed.

  “As much fun as this all is,” Katie said, “I, who will not be adopting a pup, have work to do. I’ll see you all later.” Katie said, gave a wave, and headed for Artisans Alley. She had plenty to keep her occupied before she had to meet
with Margo at four o’clock.

  “I’ll bring Oran right back,” Seth promised the girls. “I need to speak with Katie privately for a moment.”

  They stepped outside onto the aslphalt and Seth urged her to walk with him a few steps away from Wood U.

  “What did Carol want?” he asked. “Did she have any new information about Jamie’s murder investigation?”

  “No,” Katie said. “Or, at least, if she did, she wasn’t sharing it with me. She wanted to warn me away from interfering in her relationship with Ray. Apparently, she thinks I conjured those puppies up out of thin air to give the two of us an excuse to interact.”

  “Well, if you did, I appreciate it.” He kissed the top of Oran’s furry head and then smiled when the puppy yawned. “Are you interested in interfering with her relationship with Ray?”

  “Not in the least,” she said. “And as much as I hate to admit it, I’d probably have never known about the puppies if Vance hadn’t found them.”

  “I’m glad Vance found them, too. By the way, I looked into Connor’s flower shop—the business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week.”

  Katie’s mouth dropped open. “Isn’t that interesting.”

  “Yeah, the guy needed money and Jamie didn’t give it to him.”

  “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  Seth’s gaze dropped to the puppy still resting in his arms. “I absolutely hate what I’m thinking.”

  Yeah. So did Katie.

  Chapter 39

  Later that afternoon, Margo called Katie to remind her of their appointment with her Realtor.

  “I have a couple of things to finish up here at Artisans Alley, and then I’ll drive over and pick you up,” Katie said.

  “I’ll be ready.” Margo gave a nervous giggle. “I’m thinking this house might be the one.”

  Katie still thought a five-bedroom Victorian was far too big for Margo, but she kept her opinion to herself. She didn’t want to burst the woman’s bubble. Besides, maybe Katie could change her mind when she saw the house—or perhaps Margo would.