“That would be frightening for anyone. But tell me, have there been any other changes besides his eating habits? I see you haven’t been in town for that long, just a few months. Do you think he’s fully made the adjustment to his new surroundings?”
Gemma told her about the doggie door. “For some reason Rufus just doesn’t like it. But other than that, he was fine until…you know, the beach and the body.”
“Okay. Is he still playing with his same toys? Is he pooping the same? Doing the same routine things he’s always done?”
Gemma leaned against the table, wrapping her arms around Rufus. “It all changed that morning.”
“Hmm.” Dr. Song felt the dog’s throat and neck, checking for lumpy things. She shined a light in his eyes, looked in his ears. “This dog seems to be in perfect health. We’ll take a specimen anyway to detect any parasites that he might’ve picked up. But I have to say, I really don’t see any medical issues. He’s even up to date on all his shots. You’re a very responsible dog owner.”
“I try. He takes vitamins. I buy him a top-of-the-line dog food. Like I said, he was fine until the…incident.”
“Well, if he’s still playing with his toys…”
Gemma’s jaw dropped open as if she’d just thought of something. “Wait a minute. Oh. My. Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen his sock monkey since Sunday night or rather Monday morning. That’s his favorite. I mean Daffy is his backup, but he doesn’t go anywhere without Mr. Monkey. The last time he had it was when I took him out to pee that morning.” She chewed her lip. “I wonder…could he be missing that enough to completely shut down?”
Dr. Song smiled. “Could be. If Mr. Monkey is that important to him, it’d be like missing a part of him. But if you like, I’ll look him over, draw some blood, and make sure he’s got nothing else going on. I’d say he’s out of sorts for a reason.”
Gemma grimaced. “You’re gonna draw blood? Is that absolutely necessary? Because I sort of promised him this visit would be needle-free. How about we do this? Could you hold off on all those tests until I locate the sock monkey? I mean, I’d hate for him to go through all that if he’s just missing his favorite toy.”
Dr. Song grinned again. “Sure. You call the office if he doesn’t get any better. I’m here most days until eight.”
“Absolutely.”
Once they reached Gemma’s Volvo, she headed straight to the beach, driving through town over the twenty-five-mile-per-hour speed limit. She parked across the street from Lando’s house and got out, letting Rufus dash out of the car and down to the water’s edge on his own. But Gemma stayed close behind. “I know you had it during the first part of our walk. But then when you spotted Mallory, you must’ve dropped it when you started barking. The spot’s down here. Come on.”
Rufus dashed off to the left, heading back around the bend where they’d found Mallory. Sure enough, the dog began to bark.
She spotted a light blue, fat piece of fabric lying between two sand dunes. Gemma watched as Rufus wasted no time snatching up a dirty and soggy sock monkey.
She winced at the condition of it---smelly and dirtier than ever. “It’s amazing that I’m even considering letting you drag that thing into my car. Just know this, as soon as we get home it gets tossed into the washer. Don’t look at me like that, sport. That thing smells like dead sardines.”
A wave crashed on the rocks behind her. When she whirled at the sound, she caught an image---a brief snapshot in time---of Mallory fighting for her life, fighting with someone not very tall. As fuzzy and undefined as the image was, it caused her heart to race.
“What are you doing out here?” Lando asked, making Gemma jump.
She pivoted around to see him standing on a sandbank. “You scared me. We’re here to retrieve Mr. Monkey.”
Lando looked over and spied Rufus, his jaws locked around what seemed to be a bluish-gray, puffy sock. “So that disgusting object is Mr. Monkey?”
“In the flesh, so to speak. Uh, did you cross Gafford off your suspect list?”
“Not yet. I’m still checking his alibi but so far what he told me is on point.”
Gemma didn’t see any other way to work up to what she had to say so she blurted it out. “Mallory was arguing with someone that night, but it wasn’t Billy Gafford.”
Lando’s brow crinkled like an old man’s. “How do you know that?”
“I…uh…got a vision…just now. It didn’t last long, no more than ten seconds.”
Lando sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as if a pain refused to go away. He stood there staring out at the waves for several long minutes in silence. Finally he turned back to Gemma. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but Sunday night the fog rolled in before we went to bed. It was clear during the first part of the fireworks. That’s why they cut the show short. The fog began to roll in around nine forty-five. I checked with the weather service.”
“And your point would be…what exactly?”
“I’m not saying you didn’t see…someone…in your vision. I just wonder how you managed to see two people fighting when it was so foggy, so soupy that it was difficult to see the end of the pier.”
Not surprised that he’d question her about it, she spun around to face him. “Still a skeptic, huh? Okay. Fine. The person I saw was much shorter than Gafford with a much different build, much slimmer with slightly longer hair…but still a short cut that came to the chin area.” She stopped and frowned in thought. “And he might’ve been wearing some kind of pants other than jeans, khakis maybe.”
That part of the description sounded legit. “Did you see anything else?”
She bit her lip. “No, not yet, but I intend to keep trying just like I did before when things were fuzzy.”
He rocked back on his heels. “I’m not a skeptic, Gemma. It’s just that…by nature, I’m a detailed person who notices the little things.”
“Like what time the fog rolled in? I get that you have to ask because maybe the summer fog rolled in around the time she died. All I know is by two a.m., the marine layer had lifted. Unusual for this time of year? Maybe. I know for a fact it was breezy out and clear. I know because I could see the full moon so close it looked like I could reach up and touch it. Check that with the weather service and the Coast Guard.”
“Look, I wasn’t trying to make you mad. I think you should…keep at it…the vision. Your seeing McIntire and Bernal bury Collette broke the case wide open. If I’ve learned anything it’s that you have a knack. If there’s anything I can do to help you see more, let me know.”
Her face broke out into a wide grin that transformed her mood. She threw her arms around his neck. “I’ll do that. What do you have planned for this afternoon?”
“Not much. I’m helping Zeb out with a problem over on the Rez.”
“It’s good to see you two bonding after spending so many years competing with each other.”
Lando found that amusing. “Is that what we’re doing? Bonding? Since it seems he and Leia are really serious about each other---as in heading to the altar one day---the last thing I want to be is a problem.”
“According to Leia, it seems his parents have made a complete U-turn from the dark side like they’d hoped. Apparently, the Longhorn family wants to support their son’s decision. Imagine that. With a mother like mine, that’s either a freaking miracle or a Hallmark card.”
“We could’ve used some of that.”
“Tell me about it. Is Fortitude still on the bill for Saturday night at the Duck & Rum?”
“Sure. Why? You aren’t backing out, are you?”
“Nope. But I’d like to add a few songs from this Canadian singing duo I have on my iPhone. There’s one song in particular I’d like you to hear. We could rehearse at my house tonight.”
“Is that a euphemism for fool around?”
She linked an arm through his. “It could be, if you play your cards right. Tell me something. Why did you never teach me to play guitar? As much as
you were around my house, you never once tried to teach me.”
Lando looked taken aback. “Probably because you never showed the slightest interest. Besides, that wasn’t our thing---you liked to sing, and I accompanied you on guitar.”
“Yes, but I’ve rethought those piano lessons. I want you to help me pick out a guitar.”
“You don’t need to do this, Gemma.”
“I want to, unless you think I have no talent for it.”
He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Gemma, you’re a natural. Are you asking me to be your teacher?”
“I could ask Jimmy or Bosco, but what would be the point. You’re better than they are.”
“Now you’re just flattering me.”
“Is it working?”
He grinned. “Doesn’t it always?”
“So when is my first lesson?”
He blew out a sigh. “All right. Before heading to your place tonight, I’ll stop and grab my guitar.”
Glad to have her dog back in high spirits, she headed back to the shop. With a happy dog in tow, Gemma figured she should return the favor. The staff at Dr. Song’s office deserved a huge box of chocolates. That way, they’d all know how much Gemma appreciated their work with animals.
Like a whirlwind, she entered through the front door practically walking on air.
Lianne was behind the counter helping Suzanne Swinton pick out candies to put on her husband’s birthday cake.
Suzanne chatted with Lianne like she’d known her for years. “I thought what I’d do is put the candle down in each piece of chocolate. Buddy has such a sweet tooth now that he’s given up drinking. Who knew he’d do that to save our marriage. I sure didn’t. I thought for sure we were a lost cause.”
“That’s great news, Suzanne, congratulations,” Gemma offered as she started picking out an assorted array of chocolates and lining them up in a bright red carton for Dr. Song. “Be sure to wish Buddy a happy birthday from Coyote Chocolate.”
“Oh, I will. And don’t worry. Buddy and I don’t believe a single word that comes out of Louise’s mouth. Not since her daughter tried to make a move on my Buddy when we were taking a break.”
“She didn’t?” Gemma said, looking shocked.
“I’m telling you that hussy moved on him the same afternoon we split up. Can you believe that? Let me tell you everybody knows that woman was an S-L-U-T. Big time. Anybody says different, they’re lying through their teeth. And I’m not spreading a single rumor that isn’t God’s honest truth, am I right? Everybody in town knows that woman would sleep with anything wearing pants.”
“Suzanne’s not wrong,” Lianne chimed in with a grin. “Deep down people know what Mallory was like.”
Ecstatic to know she was getting through, Suzanne went on, “You know that old saying, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?”
“What does that even mean anyway?” Gemma asked.
Lianne nodded. “I’ve always wondered about that, too.”
“I’ll tell you what it means. You can’t ever expect anything good to come from a naturally evil thang like Mallory Rawlins. Mallory fit that saying to a tee.”
“No argument there,” Gemma said as she finished packing up Dr. Song’s care package. “I gotta run an errand. You tell Buddy I’m throwing in an extra half-dozen, milk chocolate bonbons covered in almonds especially for him.”
“You’re the best, Gemma,” Suzanne gushed. “Do you have plans tonight? Because if you don’t, Buddy and I would love to have you both come to his blowout party.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet, Suzanne, but Lando’s coming over tonight for supper and I’ve already committed to the menu.”
“Too bad,” Suzanne said, quickly shifting her focus to Lianne. “What about you?”
“Uh, same thing. I’m fixing dinner for my guy.”
“Well, maybe another time then. Let’s make a point to get together before summer’s over for a barbecue.”
A barbecue, thought Gemma as she dashed out the door. She didn’t really have the menu planned for tonight. She felt bad about lying to Suzanne, but she didn’t care to spend an evening listening to the couple’s bickering, which even during a reconciliation could get ugly. That said, she wished the Swintons well.
Gemma swung open the door to Dr. Song’s clinic, and spotted Ebbie sitting behind her computer on the telephone.
Ebbie looked up, surprised to see Gemma back so soon. Once Ebbie ended her phone call, she frowned. “What’s wrong with Rufus?”
“Not a thing. He found his sock monkey, and all is right with the world again. Here. These are for all of you. Just my way of saying thanks for being so great with Rufus.” Gemma set the bright red and gold box on the counter and opened the lid. “Chocolates make a great pick-me-up in the afternoon. They also go great with a cup of strong espresso in the morning. Enjoy.”
“Well, isn’t that sweet of you,” Ebbie cooed, turning from all business to a woman delighted about receiving a gift. Getting to her feet to retrieve the box, she took out a truffle. “What’s this one?”
“I think that’s Aztec Delight, a little on the spicy side, but not fiery enough to worry about.”
After one sample, Ebbie’s eyes closed, letting the flavor sink in. “Oh my, that’s good. I mean really good. I needed this to get through the afternoon.”
Corkie came up behind Ebbie and reached over to get a chocolate coconut cream for herself. One bite and her lips curved. “Delicious. What about that one?” she asked pointing to another.
“Nougat filling with caramel and sea salt.”
Corkie picked it up, bit into the soft shell. “Oh, that’s wonderful, creamy. You make these all the time?”
“Every day,” Gemma said, her face breaking into a proud grin at their reaction. For once, sheer pride in her work ran through her veins from head to toe. “Don’t forget to save some for Dr. Song.”
“She’d better hurry up and get out here otherwise there won’t be any left,” Corkie warned. “Trust me, these will be gone before we go home. Better if I go take the box back. Want to wait?”
“No, I’ve got to get back to the shop. You guys enjoy. And don’t be strangers. Stop by the store any time.”
“Thanks. We will,” Corkie promised.
6
Gemma got home from work in time to throw together one of her favorite summertime meals---her grandmother’s pasta salad. Gram always served it with grilled corn on the cob and veggies. Tonight, she planned to roll out the barbecue grill and try her hand at cooking outdoors.
She’d surprise Lando with a picnic in the backyard under the stars. What better way to begin guitar lessons than having a light meal and spending a summer evening outside.
Skewering veggies to a stick was her specialty. She alternated cremini mushrooms, slices of cut red pepper, green and yellow zucchini, and purple onion chunks until she had one complete kabob. After repeating the process three more times, she started on the marinade, a simple olive oil base with a healthy dose of fresh lemon juice and minced garlic tossed in for texture, topped off by sprinkling sea salt and ground black pepper into the mix.
At five o’clock she rolled the grill around to the back patio and texted Lando. Got an ETA yet?
She waited for a response, but when nothing came back a feeling of dread washed over her. She tried to tell herself this was what it was like being married to a cop, a cop who was always out there putting his life on the line every single day without fail.
But by five-thirty that stalwart notion began to fade. She tried to fight off the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong. It wasn’t like Lando to ignore her texts.
When the doorbell rang, relief spread through her entire body but that only lasted until she answered the door.
Zeb stood on the cobbled brick pavement, his brown eyes trying to hide the reason he was there.
“What’s wrong? Where’s Lando?”
Zeb reminded himself that bad news was like ri
pping off a Band-Aid, better if done all at once. “There was a shooting. He’s okay. But he wanted me to come and get you.”
“If he’s okay, why isn’t he here? Why didn’t he call himself?”
“Luke’s with him at the hospital.”
“Hospital? Is he in surgery?”
“Not yet. But they might be taking him in shortly to get the bullet out of his shoulder.”
Gemma felt like someone punched her in the gut. “Bullet? Let me grab Rufus, then plan to get me there as fast as you can.”
“That’s the idea. You should know that it’s my fault, Gemma. I’m the reason he got shot.”
“Oh, Zeb. I’m sure that’s not true.”
She hurriedly grabbed Rufus, encouraging him to hop into the back seat of Zeb’s squad car. Once she’d settled into the passenger seat, Zeb zoomed off in the direction of the hospital.
“Why do you think it’s your fault?”
“Because I asked him to go with me to serve a protection order on Ben Akin, a guy who’s been dodging me for a week. His wife was getting antsy that we weren’t doing anything to get the restraining order in his hands, so I asked Lando to be my backup so that if Akin ran out the back door, we’d have his apartment covered.”
“And this Akin had a gun?”
“A little twenty-two pistol that wasn’t listed in the complaint. Akin high-tailed it out the back door just as I thought he’d do, but when he spotted Lando, he already had that pistol out and fired. Got Lando in the shoulder. I reached the backyard as soon as I could, but Lando had already hit the dirt. I’m not sure how he did it, but he managed to get to that Colt Commander he carries and stopped Akin cold.”
“Lando shot Akin?”
“Yeah. The good news is Akin won’t be beating anybody else up or trying to kill them with a gun, least of all his wife any time soon.”
Zeb pulled up to the emergency room entrance and turned in his seat to stare at Gemma. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
She squeezed his hand. “We’ll talk about this later. Right now, I need to go see about Lando. But I’ll say this here real fast. Stop blaming yourself, okay? Just stop it. It wasn’t your fault or anyone else’s except Akin’s. Now, if you’re staying in the car with Rufus, make sure he behaves himself. That goes for both of you.”
Shadow Canyon (A Coyote Wells Mystery Book 2) Page 6