by Rayna Morgan
“Warned him about what? Rod’s under the impression that Nolan is good at pulling in new accounts.”
“He’s a hit with customers, all right. Especially the women. I warned him, it’s better to set appointments when the hubby is home. He had better things to do with his nights so he insisted on calling on housewives during the day.”
“Did that create problems?”
“A customer complained Nolan spent time with his wife talking about more than termites.”
“Why didn’t you fire him?”
“He was on notice I wouldn’t tolerate another complaint. He left before another incident occurred, but it was only a matter of time until it happened.”
Lea’s next call was to Paul. He answered on the first ring.
“You’re calling in the middle of the day. Either something is wrong at home or you want something.”
“You hang around Tom too much. It makes you suspicious of people’s motives.”
“No, it’s from hanging around my wife. She’s a detective, you know.”
“I see.”
He sang the lyrics of a Stevie Wonder song. “I hope that’s the reason you called.”
She laughed. “Besides calling to say I love you, I have a small favor.”
“I knew it.”
“You do background checks when you screen your client’s job applicants, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“You must have run a check on two cousins you recommended to Rod Turner.”
“I remember them.”
“Can you tell me what you found?”
“What’s it worth to you?”
“Bringing home a pizza for dinner tonight.”
“You’re on.”
She listened to the clicking sound of tapping on a keyboard.
“There was a drug incident at a place where Sal worked in high school, but the boy was never accused.”
“Why did suspicion fall on Sal?”
“There were reports of drugs in the boy’s environment.”
“Would you please explain?”
“The boy’s father left when he was young. Sal’s mother turned to other men and drugs. The police visited the home on a neighbor’s complaint. They found the mother in a bad way, passed out cold. There was no food in the house, but there was a stash of marijuana and pills. It was obvious the children weren’t being cared for. Whether the minors were on drugs was undetermined.
“They put Sal in foster care while the mother went through rehab. After he returned home, Juan kept watch over his cousin to make sure the cops wouldn’t find another reason to tear the family apart.”
“Has Juan’s supervision of his cousin worked?”
“As far as I know. There were no complaints during the time Sal worked for my client. In terms of your case, there was never reason to doubt the young man’s honesty.”
“Did the sketchy background influence your recommendation or the employer’s decision to hire Sal?”
“I verify employment and provide background information. My clients decide what to do with my findings. In Sal’s case, the client was willing to forego any concerns in light of Juan’s willingness to vouch for him.”
“Why were they laid off from your client’s employ?” Lea asked.
“The economy forced a downsizing. The Gomez boys were victims of last-in, first-out. It was no reflection on their performance.”
“What were the results of your assessment?”
“Juan is protective of his cousin. I warned him about the drug incident. He promised to keep an eye on Sal. As far as I know, Sal’s had no problems since Juan took him under his wing.
“Personality-wise, they’re opposites. Besides mentoring his young cousin when his uncle took off, Juan helped raise his own siblings when his mother got sick. Sal is the carefree, happy-go-lucky one.”
“I don’t mean to put you on the spot…”
“Yet, you always do. You’re asking for my opinion, aren’t you?”
“Please.”
“I don’t doubt Juan’s trustworthiness. I consider him incapable of cheating an employer.”
“What about his cousin?”
After receiving Paul’s answer, she disconnected and added notes to her file.
Her final call was to her father.
“Are you at your desk?”
“Where else would I be?” he answered, testily.
“Do me a favor. Pull up public records on the five names I give you.”
“What are you looking for?”
“Criminal history, financial problems, that type of thing.”
“Things an employer examines before hiring.”
“In this case, it’s after the fact.”
“Unfortunate for your client. What’s it worth to you?”
“Doesn’t anyone do anything for free?”
• • •
By the end of the day, Lea had a clear picture of her client’s business. Her thoughts turned to Rod and his employees as she made her way back to the office.
His view of the crew as a big, happy family is misplaced or naïve.
With the back stabbing I witnessed, the only family his staff resembles is a dysfunctional one.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Thoughts whirled through Warren’s mind as he stared at his computer thinking about Sam’s request to reopen his daughter’s case.
What clue did I miss the first time I worked the case?
Did I misread a sign?
Which lead did I neglect to follow up?
A paw on his knee made him jump.
Gracie sat at his feet, a leash dangling from her mouth.
He turned off his computer.
“You’re right, girl. It’s time for a walk.”
He looked at Spirit.
“Let’s drive over to Polly’s house and walk around her neighborhood. I doubt someone has kidnapped Cleo. Maybe Spirit can draw her out of hiding or lure her away from whatever mischief she’s up to.”
Spirit wagged his tail, eager to help.
He scribbled a note and dropped it on Lea’s desk, and hung the Closed sign on the door.
• • •
When they arrived, Warren opened the back door of the car.
“Okay, you two. You know what we’re here for.”
The dogs jumped out.
Warren hooked a leash to Gracie’s collar and reached in the back seat.
“Where are those poop bags? I know I have some in here.”
By the time he found the bags and the second leash, the retriever was gone.
All he saw was a white blur scooting around a house in the middle of the block.
“Spirit, come back!” he yelled.
Gracie pulled on her leash, eager to follow.
“All right, girl. Lead the way.”
Warren nearly stumbled as Gracie pulled him along the sidewalk.
They rounded the corner of the house where Spirit disappeared.
There, lying on a rug in a wooden dollhouse was a dog answering Cleo’s description.
Warren pulled the folded picture out of his pocket for verification.
“It’s Cleo, all right.”
The dog heard its name and perked its ears.
Warren tried to coax the animal out.
“Let’s get you home. If you aren’t spayed, you may be in more trouble than we think.”
He looked at Spirit. “At least, you can’t be blamed.”
A small girl ran out of the house. She stopped when she saw Warren.
Her eyes darted between the doll house and Warren.
“It’s all right. I’ve come for the dog.”
She ran screaming into the house.
“Mommy, mommy. There’s a strange man in our yard.”
“For crying out loud!” Warren muttered. “What trouble am I in now?”
A woman wearing an apron stomped into the yard.
“Who are you?” she demanded. “What do you want?”
“I’m here about the dog in your dollhouse.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We don’t own a dog.”
The little girl covered her eyes with her mother’s skirt.
“Beg your pardon, ma’am.” He pointed toward the small wood structure. “Look for yourself.”
The little girl cried. “I didn’t take it, Mommy. It came here on its own.”
The woman laid a hand on her daughter’s head. “What are you saying, sweetie?”
Tears rolled down the girl’s face as she looked up at her mother. “Please, Mommy. Can I keep it?”
The woman stroked the girl’s hair. “Let go of Mommy. I need to find out what we’re talking about.”
Encouraged by Spirit’s presence, a small gray dog wearing a sweater appeared at the door of the dollhouse. A pink bow adorned the dog’s topknot, but there was no collar.
The woman kneeled to look closely at the dog. “So this is where dinner leftovers have been going.”
When she stood, she introduced herself to Warren. “I’m Mary Taylor. This is my daughter, Eve.”
“Warren Conley. A private detective hired to find the dog.”
“If I had known the dog camped out in my daughter’s dollhouse, we would have tried to find its owner.”
She turned to her daughter. “You should have told me, Eve. See the trouble you’ve caused?”
Her mother’s words caused more tears.
“I only meant to help.” The girl pointed at the dog. “She was hungry.”
Warren looked at the child, recalling when his own girls were young. Caught in similar misdeeds, Maddy stomped her foot on the ground, declaring scolding unfair. Lea, on the other hand, displayed tears like this young girl, softening Warren’s heart.
“It’s all right,” he told the child. “But I must return the dog to its owner.”
He stooped to pick up the animal and leaned closer to the girl.
“I notice the dog’s collar is missing. Was she wearing a shiny necklace when you found her, Eve?”
She looked at him through tear-stained eyes. “No, sir. Only the sweater and the bow.”
“Thank you for giving the dog a safe place to stay and feeding her.”
He stood to face her mother. “Your daughter has the makings of a responsible pet owner.”
The woman smiled and patted the girl’s head.
“I have one question,” Warren continued. “It’s important I locate the dog’s necklace. Someone may have encountered Cleo before she found your yard. Have you noticed strangers? Anyone who doesn’t live in the neighborhood?”
She puzzled for a moment. “Let me think. From time to time, a homeless man sleeps on the bench by the bus stop. And there’s a kid who cuts through the neighborhood on his way to the skateboard park. I can’t think of anyone else. The streets are quiet. Not much through traffic. However, you might ask Clarence.”
“Clarence?”
“He’s our neighborhood watch guy. He walks around wearing a green vest or driving through the neighborhood in a blue Ford. The bumper sticker on his car says ‘You Are Being Watched’.”
“Okay, thanks.”
He winked at the girl. “Maybe the owner will bring the dog for a visit. Would you like me to ask?”
Eve beamed. “Yes, please.”
• • •
Warren drove by the park at the entrance to the subdivision. As Mary Taylor reported, a homeless person sat hunched over on the bench.
His hair looked dirty and unkempt like his beard. A faded, green army jacket covered a stained T-shirt. His jeans were old and shredded at the knees. The frayed cuffs ended inches above his bony ankles.
Warren approached slowly, not wanting to startle the person.
The man raised his head. His face was etched with weariness.
“Don’t worry. I’m leaving.”
Warren sat beside him. “No need to go.”
The man leaned back without asking what Warren wanted. “You wouldn’t have a cigarette, would you?”
“I don’t smoke. Neither should you. It’s bad for your health.”
“There are things worse for my health than smoking.”
Warren glanced at the meager collection of belongings at the man’s side.
“I’m looking for my dog. Maybe you’ve seen her. A little gray poodle.”
The man shook his head, avoiding Warren’s eyes. “I can’t tell one breed from another.”
“You could tell my dog from the sparkly collar she’s wearing.”
The man shifted. “I stay away from dogs. Some are unfriendly with strangers.”
Before leaving, Warren took out a card and a five-dollar bill. He pressed them in the man’s hand.
“Give me a call if you see the dog or the collar. I’d like to get them back.”
The man opened his hand to check the denomination on the bill.
“Not enough for cigarettes,” he grumbled.
• • •
A block away, Warren spotted the person he was looking for.
The man wore a white polo shirt covered by a reflective vest. Across the vest were the words ‘Neighborhood Watch Volunteer’.
Warren parked the car.
“You guys wait here,” he told the dogs.
He called out as he jogged to catch up with the man. “Clarence.”
The man turned swiftly, assuming a martial arts position.
Warren stopped on a dime and held up his hands.
“Mary Taylor down the street suggested you might help.”
Clarence looked around as though expecting the stranger to have accomplices.
“I’m alone,” Warren added, to put the man at ease.
Clarence crossed his arms across his chest. “What do you want?”
Warren explained his situation.
“Did you see the dog before it took up residence in the Taylors back yard?”
“I know every dog in the neighborhood. I keep an eye on all of them and their owners to make sure the mutts are on a leash and not pooping all over.”
“You aren’t fond of dogs.”
“Can’t stand ‘em. I’m a cat man myself. To answer your question, if I saw the dog loose, I’d call Polly.”
“Then you know Cleo.”
“I know she’s a dog that’s spoiled rotten.”
“Cleo was wearing a collar when she went missing. I don’t suppose you’ve seen one lying around anywhere.”
“If there was a tag attached, I’d call the number on the tag. Otherwise, I’d throw it out.”
“I doubt you would have thrown Cleo’s collar away.”
“Like I said, I haven’t seen the collar, the dog, or Polly.”
He turned away. “If you don’t mind, I’ll finish my rounds.”
Warren stood aside. “By all means. I’ll leave you to it.”
• • •
The skateboard park was a few blocks away.
When he arrived, he parked the car and checked the dogs.
Cleo nestled in the back seat with Spirit.
“I guess you won’t mind waiting a few more minutes before I take you home.”
A lone skateboarder rolled up and down the ramp.
A girl sat on the adjoining wall, tapping a cell phone. She had shaggy hair, a nose ring, and skinny legs that went forever.
Warren watched as the skateboarder glided effortlessly up and down the curved walls. When his board finally flew out from under him, he slid to the bottom of the bowl.
Warren hollered. “Hey, kid. You got a minute? I want to talk.”
The boy ran up the wall and pulled himself out.
As he got closer, Warren saw acne scars on his face and two tiny rings over one eyebrow.
“You lookin’ to sponsor a rider?”
“No, nothing like that.”
The boy looked disappointed.
“You look good enough to work up to that level some
day.”
The boy flashed a smile.
“I’m looking for a lost dog. That’s not quite right. I found the dog, but I’m looking for the dog’s collar.”
An expression crossed the boy’s face which Warren couldn’t read.
“The only dogs around the park are strays lookin’ for food. They don’t have collars.”
He kicked his skateboard up in the air and grabbed it with his hand.
“I gotta get back to my practice.”
He trotted away before Warren could give him a card.
• • •
When Lea showed up at the office, Warren told her about returning the missing dog to its owner.
“Way to go, Dad!”
“Don’t cheer yet. The collar is still missing.”
“Doggone it!”
“The answer lies in figuring out which of the people I talked with is lying.”
“Stick with it. I know you’ll collar the right man.”
He waved her away and answered a call from Barbara.
“How was your day chasing bad guys?”
“There’s something to be said for retirement. I’m exhausted.”
“You’ll recover. Besides, exercising those gray cells keeps you young.”
He didn’t bother to tell her his only exercise that day had come from chasing dogs.
“Will you be home in time to play rummy before dinner?” she asked.
“I’m looking forward to it. A game of cards and a gin and tonic.”
“See you soon.”
Lea walked past his desk.
“If you don’t mind my saying, Dad, you look tired. Dog-tired!”
He chuckled in spite of himself. “Very funny.”
CHAPTER NINE
Maddy was in the kitchen when she heard a knock at the door.
“I’m here,” Tom hollered as he entered.
Large pillows on wood floors in front of a fireplace, the sweet aroma of lavender-scented candles, and soothing seascapes on the walls provided a welcoming refuge.
When Maddy appeared, he held up a bottle of wine.
“Shall we walk to the beach to watch the sunset?”
“I’d love to.”
She handed him two paper cups from the cupboard. “Take these and I’ll get a blanket.”
The ocean was a stone’s throw away, past four other houses on the lane.
They climbed over the short seawall.