Dog Gone

by Shannon Esposito

  As we made our way through the side yard, between the houses, my pulse picked up speed. Feeling paranoid, I glanced behind me to make sure Angel wasn’t there. She wasn’t.

  We strolled around a large, two-story lanai cage with a pool and spa nestled inside. And there it was. Floating in the canal under a wooden roof was the blue and white Bowrider.

  I stopped for a second, glancing around. No movement so I pushed my trembling legs forward until we were standing in front of the boat. “I can’t believe it. Think we really found the boat, boy.” I snapped a few pics of it with my cell phone.

  “Can I help you?” A woman’s voice called from behind me.

  I whirled around. A blonde woman in a blue maxi dress, her arms crossed, was staring at me from the screen door of the lanai.

  “Oh,” I said, shoving my phone back in my pocket, my heart now in my throat. I looked down and grabbed Buddha’s collar. “No.” I let out a fake laugh. “I got him. My dog. He just took off.” I pulled Buddha with me as I headed back toward the side yard. “I got him. Thanks.” Glancing down I saw the curious look Buddha was giving me, like, “Yeah, Mom, I know how to walk on my own, why are you pulling me?”

  The woman didn’t move. She just watched us until we disappeared back around the corner.

  After I thanked the universe when my car started, we drove out of the cul-de-sac in a puff of gray smoke. “Do you think she saw our car?” I was talking out loud, but Buddha was listening, so it didn’t really count as talking to myself. “Yeah, she probably did. Does Georgy know what I drive? Was that woman suspicious enough she’d even mention my little visit to Georgy?” Well, only time would tell. For now, I had to get these photos of the boat to Salma. It proved Georgy was involved or at least his boat had been.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  That evening we went to Talia’s for the dinner party. I pushed aside my worries about Georgy’s boat and if he’d find out about my visit. Salma said they’d look into it so it was out of my hands.

  Besides, a new gratefulness was blooming in me as we gathered around Talia’s table. I had so much love for these people, my heart was practically bursting. The way we’d all come together to help find Ginger. I felt like I’d finally found my place in this world. They say you can’t pick your family, but I don’t believe that anymore. These people felt like family to me.

  Ginger was under the table, a white ball of fur curled up at Talia’s feet. Talia said she hadn’t left her side. Ginger had even greeted us at the door with Talia. Though she’d given me her squeaky frog and as I stroked it and told her what a beautiful baby it was, she’d cocked her head and woofed at me.

  Talia had laughed then and said, “It’s okay, Elle, she’s done with her false pregnancy. It’s a toy again.”

  So, I’d chucked it across the tile floor and was happy to see her scurry to retrieve it, tail wagging.

  Buddha lay under the table, too, sprawled out between Ginger and my feet. I’d toed off my shoes and rested my bare feet on his back.

  Talia raised her glass of champagne. Tonight, she looked like the Talia Hill we all knew from the movie screen, wearing a gold mini-dress and makeup, her flaxen hair fixed in a complicated up-do, her smile radiant. “I’d like to make a toast.”

  We all quieted down and smiled expectantly at our hostess.

  “To you brave, selfless people who helped bring my Ginger back home. I am eternally grateful.”

  “Cheers,” we all said, clinking glasses around the table.

  “And to Ginger,” Hope added. “And Holly, who I’m sure is smiling down at us right now, glad her sister is home where she belongs.”

  Talia’s eyes were a glassy, bright blue as she gave Hope a loving smile and clinked her glass. “Thank you. I’m sure you’re right.”

  Marcel brought in a large silver plate of appetizers and winked at me. “Bon appetite.”

  As we each helped ourselves to the shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, and other offerings, Beth Anne asked, “Hey, Devon, is there any news on the investigation into Eva Gold? Have they searched her house yet?”

  Devon swallowed and then shook his head. “Not yet. Still working on the warrant.”

  “The police really think Eva Gold was involved and poisoned her own nephew?” Talia asked, as she added some tiny pickles to her plate.

  I nodded, scratching Buddha with my toes. “That’s one theory. Though, I didn’t get a chance to tell you guys. I went to her brother, Georgy’s, house today and he has a blue and white Bowrider there, just like the one used in the first ransom hand-off debacle.”

  “Really?” Talia sat up straighter. “So, he may have been in on it with his son? Though, that would mean he poisoned his own son. Doesn’t seem likely, does it? Are the police looking into it?”

  “I hope he didn’t do it. But yeah,” I said. “I sent Salma ... Detective Vargas some photos of the boat.”

  “Lord, if he did it ... poisoned his own son. I mean, that’s pretty hard core,” Beth Anne said, her face stricken with horror.

  “Being poisoned by his aunt is almost as bad,” Devon said.

  Lulu stabbed a coconut-crusted shrimp, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I actually thought Leo Gold was cute. Am I destined to be attracted to violent men?”

  I winced as I thought about how I’d almost set her up with him. I’d have to make sure I ditched that phone number and never mentioned it. “Devon will do a thorough background check on the next guy you date, don’t worry,” I teased.

  She waved her fork. “No more men for me. Unless this baby is male. Then he’ll be the man in my life.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be too busy to date anyway. Word is already getting out around the island about your amazing menu at Café Belle, Lulu, congratulations,” Beth Anne said, beaming a dimpled smile at her.

  Lulu was glowing. “Thank you kindly. You know I never thought I’d like working in someone else’s kitchen but Chef Pierre is a gem, and I’m learning so much from him. It’s a good situation for now. Less responsibility and pressure for sure.”

  “Speaking of that.” Talia rang a tiny bell and Marcel entered with a sly smile and a large, gold shopping bag. He handed it over to Talia. She grinned at us with a new flush to her cheeks. “I wanted to thank each of you for your kindness in caring about Ginger. I don’t know you all very well, but I tried to make each thank you gift something special, and I will be offended if you don’t accept it.” We all shared a curious look as she dug into the bag and handed Lulu a gold envelope.

  Lulu looked embarrassed as she accepted it. “Talia, you really shouldn’t have.”

  Talia shrugged playfully. “But I did, so open it.”

  Lulu glanced around and then tore open the envelope. As she read, her eyes widened and then grew damp. “I can’t.” She was shaking her head, her spiral curls swaying, but her eyes stayed glued to the paper. “I can’t accept this, Talia. It’s too much.”

  “Nonsense.” She waved her off. “Like I said, I’ll be offended if you don’t accept it.”

  “But Wallace & Hersh. They are the best of the best ...” she was still struggling. She looked at me, her eyes panicked and handed me the paper. I read:

  Wallace and Hersh will be handling your lawsuit over the restaurant now. All expenses paid. They will get your restaurant back. Their contact information was listed.

  Tears sprang to my eyes, too. I glanced up at Talia and saw nothing but determination and affection. Then I handed the paper back to Lulu. “Let her help you. She wants to.”

  Lulu sprung out of her seat and hugged Talia. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “You’re very welcome. I’ve known them for years. They never lose.” A happy Talia pulled the next gifts out of the bag as Lulu floated back to her seat, one hand cradling her belly.

  Hope and Beth Anne squealed like school girls as they each held two tickets to a private red carpet celebrity event. “Oh, Talia ... how fun! This is fantastic. Thank you!” they gushed.

  “
Devon Burke,” she cocked her head. “You were the hardest. What to give a man that seems to have everything he needs?”

  Devon glanced at me and threaded his fingers through mine. With a smile that could charm a snake, he said, “I do indeed have everything I need.”

  “Well, please accept this anyway.” She handed him his own envelope.

  He opened it and read it. Then read it again. “Is this for real?”

  “Sure,” she said, obviously pleased with his reaction. “He’s a friend of mine. He’s done headshots for me.”

  “What is it?” I leaned closer, trying to read the note.

  “Only a private dinner invite with the most incredible photographer of our decade, Bowen Jay Jones. The man’s a bloody genius. Old school. No post processing.” He seemed years younger suddenly, the weight of his parents’ murders, for that moment, lifting from his shoulders. “How did you know?” he asked.

  “What? That you were a photographer before a private investigator? The internet, of course.” She laughed. “Now ... for you, Elle. I’m afraid you are going to have to wait until after dinner for your gift.” She rang the bell again. When Marcel appeared, she said, “Have them bring in dinner, please.”

  It was a typical Christmas dinner American-style with honey-glazed ham and turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, five different types of roasted vegetables and salads. In the end, we were all stuffed and warmed by red wine, conversation, laughter and gratitude.

  After Talia tried to stuff us more with an apple pie, which made everyone but Lulu groan, I glanced at the time. “We really should be heading home,” I said reluctantly. “Petey probably needs to go out by now. This was an amazing evening in every way, though. Thank you, Talia.”

  She led us to the door, Ginger following her like a white shadow. Instead of stopping at the threshold, though, she continued outside to the driveway.

  “And this, Elle,” she said, “is your gift.”

  Stunned, I stood there staring at a shiny new, pale green VW convertible Beetle with a large red bow, letting her words sink in. It was the cutest car I’d ever seen. It looked like it had a glossy, cotton candy shell. My head was the first body part to move. I shook it as the girls squealed and went to check it out. “No, Talia, I can’t accept that. It’s too much.”

  She wasn’t listening. She opened the passenger door and laughed as Buddha jumped in. “Someone likes it.”

  I finally got my feet to move. “Buddha get down,” I said, approaching the little convertible. When he just stared at me with that squinty-eyed, tongue-hanging happy expression, I folded my arms. “Traitor.”

  Devon came up behind me and rubbed my lower back. He knew the struggle I had with accepting any help or gifts from anyone. He whispered in my ear, “Like you told Lulu, accept it. She wants to help.”

  Hope and Beth Anne were now gushing over the inside of the car. “Look, it has a little flower vase!” Hope called from the driver’s seat.

  Talia came over and gave me a stern look. “Elle, you were instrumental in getting Ginger back. This is the least I can do. Please accept it. I can’t have a friend, who helped get me through one of the worst times in my life, drive around in a smelly, noisy car.”

  I felt myself softening. “I don’t deserve this, Talia. I didn’t do anything to deserve this and really, you don’t owe me anything.”

  Talia threw her hands up. “It’s just a car, Elle. It’s not like I’m giving you an Oscar.” She put her hands on her hips and a gleam appeared in her eye. “If you don’t accept this, I’ll take it back and buy you a Mercedes. And if you don’t accept that, you’ll wake up one day with a Lamborghini in your drive.” She held up the keys, letting them dangle in front of me. “You don’t know how stubborn I can be.”

  Feeling my shoulders fall, I finally smiled. “I’m starting to get the picture.” I held out my hand. “Fine. Thank you but really, you shouldn’t have.”

  “But I did, so get your butt in that driver’s seat and start her up.”

  I breathed in the new car smell as I slid into the leather seat. The engine purred instead of coughed. The top slid smoothly back with a touch of a button. I could get used to this.

  “Green is definitely your color.” Talia leaned down and gave me a hug. “You do deserve it. But you can throw in a private lesson for Ginger if it will make you feel better.”

  Buddha barked excitedly.

  We laughed. “I think he just said it would please both of us.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  It was the first day I found myself relaxed enough to enjoy the Christmas decorations on the island. The fifteen-foot Christmas tree in the lobby of the Pampered Pup no longer felt like a giant pine-splinter in my spirit. Everyone seemed to be in a great mood in the doga classes, though I may have been projecting.

  I still needed to find Devon a present, since my idea of getting him testimony from Alex went all kinds of sideways. He seemed really pleased with his date with the famous photographer. Maybe I could get him a print from the guy. What was his name? I’d have find that envelope or ask Talia. We had a doga lesson planned for tomorrow night. Tonight was my lesson with Sunny and her pacifier-loving pooch.

  “I still can’t believe this is ours,” I said to Buddha as I opened the car door. The new leather smell drifted out, mingling with the oily, parking garage smell. Adjusting the rear view mirror, I startled as I caught a glimpse of Angel.

  Twisting around frantically, I swept my gaze over the backseat. Empty. She wasn’t there. Was that my imagination? “Did you see Angel?” I said aloud.

  Buddha just licked his lips, his eyes locked on mine.

  A tiny current of anxiety ran through my holiday cheer. “Well, either way, I’ll just be extra careful.” I started the car, letting the purr of the engine calm me down. “Careful of what though? That’s the question.”

  Devon was down on the beach with Petey when we got home. I walked down to join him. It was dusk so the water was dark, but the sound of it lapping at the sand soothed my jangled nerves.

  Petey play-bowed in front of Buddha and they started a game of chase.

  “Hey.” Devon greeted me with a kiss. I didn’t realize how cold my face was until I felt his warm lips. “Got some news.”

  I smoothed down his thick hair, blown wild from the wind. “Yeah?”

  He slipped his hand in mine. “Eva Gold’s dog groomer has contacted me. Says she’s got some information about Leo’s death. She’s agreed to come to my office tonight. If what she says connects Eva to Leo’s death, Salma can get an arrest warrant and bring Eva in, while they search her home.”

  I squeezed his hand. “That’s great.”

  He leaned back and stared at me. “I know that look. What’s wrong?”

  How could I tell him there might be danger, without telling him about Angel’s visits from beyond the grave? Her visit meant I had to be extra careful, so I’m glad he didn’t ask me to be there tonight when he met this dog groomer. But, what if her visit meant he was going to be in danger? After all, it was Angel’s visit last time that saved his life.

  I couldn’t believe I was about to say this, considering I knew Salma had feelings for Devon but, “Can’t you get Salma to come to your office while you talk to this dog groomer? For back up?”

  There was still enough light left that I could see the confusion surface in his eyes. “Afraid she’ll attack me with a grooming brush?”

  I released his hand and rubbed my arms vigorously. The western wind was picking up and dropping the temperature. “I’m serious.”

  He brushed my hair out of my face and studied me. “You’re concerned?”

  “Yes.”

  He stepped forward and took over rubbing my arms, then kissed the top of my head. “Salma isn’t available tonight but I’ll be fine.”

  Leaning into his chest, the frustration bubbled up. He wasn’t taking my concern seriously, which meant he might not be as alert as he needed to be. “Just p
romise me you’ll be on the lookout for anything ... an ambush or her leading you into a trap.” I tilted my head back and looked into his eyes so he could see I was dead serious. “Anything your intuition tells you isn’t right, you get out of there. I mean, for all we know, Eva could be using this woman to get you alone.”

  He nodded but looked more like he was amused at my concern.

  I narrowed my eyes. “I’m serious, Devon.”

  He watched me for a moment and then kissed the tip of my nose. “You’re right. She’d most likely be more loyal to her employer than me. I’ll be careful. Promise.”

  “Thank you.” I checked my phone. “I’ve got to go. Private lesson with Sunny and Leona tonight.”

  “The dog with the pacifier? How will you ever keep a straight face?” He grinned.

  “I’m a professional.” I wrapped my arms around him. Not laughing at her dog was the least of my worries. “I’ll text you as soon as I’m done and you better text back.”

  I had every intention of going to spy on his meeting with Eva’s dog groomer and watch his back when I was finished, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I should get done just around the time of their meeting. That tiny jolt of apprehension ran through me again. Then again, maybe I should just stay away. I groaned. What to do? I stuck my fingers in my mouth and whistled. Buddha trotted over and stared expectantly at me. “Come on, Buddha. Time to work.”

  ***

  Sunny seemed very excited about our lesson and, to my relief, Valentino wasn’t there. She moved the coffee table aside, and we spread our mats out. I had Buddha stretch in front of me to demonstrate, but it took Sunny a good ten minutes to get Fiona to cooperate. She wanted no part of sitting on the mat.

  “It’s fine, just let her come to you when she’s ready,” I said, when I saw Sunny getting frustrated. “Meanwhile we’ll do some gentle twists. Put your right leg out straight, bend your left knee and cross it over your leg like this.”

  Now that Sunny wasn’t trying to get Fiona to sit on the mat, the little dog actually trotted over and began to sniff it. Her long bangs were pinned back with a red barrette between her ears.