“Well, at least they caught those guys, considering they were heroin dealers.” Jill said.
“Well, they were the small fish in this operation. They used their businesses to launder the money, not sell drugs. They weren't involved in the big crimes, just local guys trying to make big money the easy way.” Mandy explained.
“Yeah and look at them now. I know it sounds corny to say, but crime just doesn't pay. And yet these guys get involved in shady schemes time and time again.” Jill said.
“Well, the problem is they're just not very intelligent or educated. They're small town businessmen whose businesses weren't doing well, and they thought they could do launder money to supplement what they weren't making in their day-to-day dealings. But it all went south.” Mandy said
“I'm sure you thought about this matter to some degree, and I've thought about it quite a bit and my feeling is, having a pet spa is not a business to go into. I'm exploring doing businesses on the web, maybe pursuing doing more websites and blogs for people, advertising more. But a brick and mortar business doesn't seem to be very profitable these days. You can make more money as a dog walker if you get the right clients.” Jill said.
“Yes, I meant to speak to you about it at some point. After this experience and seeing all it entails, as well as my conversations with Cynthia, it's not a good business, no matter how much you love pets. In the meantime, I'll upgrade my advertising regarding astrological charts and tarot readings and see how that works out. Again, this is something I can do, and it's easy and not dangerous.” Mandy explained.
“And Roger's web page, don't forget about that.” Jill mentioned.
“Yes, the site is now bringing in a little money with the web advertising on the page. Roger's followers are growing. I'm looking for better ways to market him. Maybe I'll start selling merchandise later on.” Mandy said.
Joanie came by at that moment with menus and her specials of the day.
“Here's the menu. The special of the day is apple bacon fritters.”
“Oh, sign me up for that, sounds like a great dish.” Jill said.
“And you Mandy, what are you going to have?”
“I'm just going to get coffee and pie. I ate a large breakfast and I'm not up to having a whole meal right now. But it sounds great, I'll try some of Jill's and order it in the future.”
“I'll bring you a piece so you could try along with you order.” Joanie said.
“That's very nice of you, sure, I'd love to try some, and I'm sure they'll taste great.” Mandy said.
Joanie went off in the direction of the kitchen while Mandy and Jill continued talking.
“You are aware of what you did with the Karen situation, don't you?” Jill said.
“Yep. I solved another murder I didn't want to solve.”
“Well, you wanted to solve it somewhat. You were looking at the notebook in all kinds of ways looking for an angle to the racket. In your conversations, did Fred ever mention the notebook?” Jill said.
“No, Agent Johnson said he wouldn't say anything to Fred. He made believe I was keeping it for him. Otherwise it might have created an uncomfortable situation between Fred and myself.” Mandy said.
“How is Fred doing these days?” Jill asked.
“Oh he's a much better space. I meant to tell you, the singing teacher is putting on a show for all the students, and Fred is going to do his bit. We've been invited to check out the show.” Mandy said.
“Oh that sounds fun. I remember Fred singing with his band back in the way. He had a nice voice from what I remember.” Jill said.
“Yes, I'm sure it will be a fun time.” Mandy said.
“So, how do you feel now that you solved Karen's murder?”
“I tell you, solving murders is not fun. This one I truly stumbled upon. And things could have turned ugly.” Mandy said. “Confronting murderers who are out of their mind, is not my idea of fun. But there again, the murderer fell right onto my lap.” Mandy said.
“When you called and mentioned the FBI, I said to myself, she found the killer.” Jill said laughing.
“Yeah, it's a good thing the FBI intervened at that moment. I would have been a goner otherwise. Agent Johnson knew exactly what to do.” Mandy explained.
“I met with Agent Brookdale when she came by to pick up the notebook. She was very nice, I brought her over to see Lana right away. She held and petted her for a bit, thanked me, and then she took off with the notebook.” Jill said.
“I spoke to her when she came to get Lana. She's very happy that Roger and Lana get on so well, and she's definitely reaching out to me in the future to cat sit Lana again. Right now, this money laundering case will keep them busy for a while, so she may not be able to take care of Lana during that time.” Mandy said.
Around that moment, Joanie brought their orders.
“Here are your apple bacon tarts. And here's your pie and coffee. I put a dish on the side with one of the tarts. Let me know what you think.”
“Thanks Joanie, it looks great.” Mandy said.
“This dish is not going to last long.” Jill had started to eat.
“Considering all the possibilities for income, I think we'll be fine for a while. There's still the money we made from the insurance reward. Our combined skills can bring in money in the meantime and there's plenty of time to investigate other opportunities or even trades. We may find something we really like and study that.” Mandy said.
“Yep, the world is our oyster.” Jill said, and they both laughed.
“Well, here's to us.” They clinked coffee cups and proceeded to eat their respective dishes.
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Murder at the Pet Spa Page 16