I held out another, and the Goldie took another step toward me, his nose inches from the treat. His nostrils flared, and he crouched, his butt wiggled as he barked once, his tongue lolled to the side. He looked so cute and goofy. I shook my head. “No, I'm not tossing it to you.” I offered it to Calvin who, I swear had a doggy grin as he wolfed it down.
I started fishing in the baggie again, and the Goldie stood. I again held it out to him, and he timidly moved close enough to snag it from me. I had him hooked now. He barely even tasted it as he seemed to swallow the treat whole, and didn't back off, looking at me expectantly. I did an evil laugh in my head, thinking, “I've got you now, baby puppy!”
Hey stow it, I was gaining his trust, so shush.
I took out another, and he brightened but then looked at Calvin when I gave it to him instead. The next one I offered Goldie, just out of his reach and he moved even closer to gobble it up. On his next turn, I rested a hand on his head and started giving him some good lovin' with ear scritches and jowl rubs.
I looped the leash around his neck on the next one and then once I had him secure I dumped the entire baggie on the ground in front of the two pups. As the two professional treat gobblers went to town, I took out Jarvis' harness, it was the only one big enough to fit the big boy, and I harnessed him without any resistance then clipped the leash to the harness in triumph.
“There, that wasn't so bad, now was it?” I slipped the loop of the leash handle first through Calvin's leash handle then over my wrist so that Goldie wouldn't be able to yank the leash from me. I'd do a superhero pose with flags waving in the background, but that would just be silly... that, and I had no flags.
Then once they checked the ground thoroughly with their sniffers to be sure they got all the treats, they decided to engage in the canine greeting ritual as I looked around the little space. I saw some freshly dug up earth under the bushes and nodded. This was not only where the dog had been roughing it, but this was where Goldie had found the ill-gotten booty, ill booten gotty?
I gave the universe a toothy smile and felt a little smug. I just found what Jane was looking for. And this time nobody threatened my life and nobody died. Ha!
I crouched to give the boys some attention as I looked the new rascal over. He looked to be a little starved, but otherwise pretty healthy. His nails weren't overly long so he couldn't have been here more than a few days. Still, I wanted a vet to check him out to make sure he hadn't picked anything up out here like ticks or parasites.
I said as I tugged the leashes once. “Let's get going guys. We'll give Jane a call and let her know where she can find the 'crime scene.'” Was it a crime scene? No crime had really been committed, just the illicit stolen items had been hidden there. So was this a 'drop'? A 'cache'? A 'Fin watches way too much TV'? Heh. I chuckled to myself as the boys led the way back around the path to the irregular stone stairs.
I started to fumble with my phone to call Jane; I was not going to be arrested again; as the boys hopped over the rail at the top of the stairs and they pulled me forward, tripping me up to spill out into the park. I dropped the phone to catch myself as I fell and my shoulder bag spilled out over the upper path.
Grr. I told the overexcited fluff monsters, “Great job, boys.” I reached for my phone, and I noted a sickly looking old man with sunken cheeks, grizzled grey hair, and wearing of all things, an ill-fitting trench coat. He had been walking our way until I emerged gracefully, not, onto the path. He froze and was looking at the contents of my spilled shoulder bag from twenty feet away. His eyes went from the dogs to my purse, looking surprised.
I hurriedly just scooped everything into the bag and stood to scurry off with the boys in the direction the mounted officer had gone earlier. I glanced back, and the man was staring at me, looking unsure as he looked around the area quickly.
I will not be mugged, I will not be mugged, I will not... I glanced back, and the man was gone. Whew. I told my minions, “See? The power of positive thinking.”
I looked at my phone then back to where the old guy had been. I decided that first I needed to get to a more crowded space or home first. I glanced at Goldie. “Let's get you checked out, shall we? I'd feel a little safer calling call Jane from the vet with us carrying all these jewels.”
We headed over to Saint Bartholomew's Pet Clinic on Broadway, just a couple blocks away. As soon as we slid through the door like a couple liquid dogs pulling a stylishly dressed walker, the man at the reception desk of the posh veterinary clinic looked up, and a smile bloomed on his face.
The veterinary assistant slash receptionist was quite sigh-worthy. I squeaked as I almost bounded up to the desk playfully, “Hiya Ken.” I reflected on the ironic fact that he even looked like a Ken doll, so his parents named him well.
He got a flirty smirk on his face as he offered me his familiar greeting, his teeth sparkling white. “If it isn't the lovely Finnegan May, dog walker extraordinaire. How can Saint Bartholomew's be of service to you today?”
I struck a playful pose then said as I handed the leash over to him at the little swinging divider at the end of his desk. “Park rescue. Can you have Doctor Hartman check the silly guy out? He's a bit malnourished. And if you could blip the big boy's chip to let me know where I can drop him off with his parents?”
He winked at me and said as he tapped the sign-in form. “You got it, oh savior of wayward canines.” He smirked and shared to my embarrassment, “Everyone is still speaking of the Great Finnegan May Weiner Exodus.” Oh lord, shoot me now. They've named it? I felt myself blushing as the heat spread down my cheeks.
I pointed a finger menacingly at the chuckling man and then shook my head. With a smile I started filling out the form on the clipboard and heard him telling Goldie, “You stink a little boy, let's first get you groomed and cleaned up and checked for ticks before the doctor takes a look at you. You'll enjoy the deep tissue massages Elise gives.”
I grumped under my breath, not for the first time, “I want a deep tissue massage.” That's why I loved this place, the dogs were pampered and spoiled here. It was well worth the premium price.
I finished up and then relaxed a bit as he came back out, absently waffling his hand as he almost asked, “Two to three hours, give or take.”
I nodded. That was perfect, it would give me time to get back home for the meeting with Mr. DiAngelo at four.
I nodded at the man then waved as we headed to the door as he finished, “We'll call.”
I looked over my shoulder a little demurely and said, “Byeee Ken.”
He gave me a wink as I headed out onto the walk with Cal. I silently congratulated myself for not whacking someone on the sidewalk with the out-swinging door this time. I can learn... eventually.
I felt that odd pang of guilt that I had flirted with the man. I always felt almost like I was cheating on Jane when I did, but I flirted with everyone. It was sort of who I was, and I've found that I was an equal opportunity flirt as I realized my friendly banter with the women I knew was actually flirting too. I had never noticed that little fact until after I met Jane and she got my motor purring every time we argued.
Realizing that your sexuality is different than you had always assumed can be a bitch and is kind of jarring at times. But I think I actually felt some sort of weight lifted from me the day I had come to terms with it. I'm... happier now.
I pulled out my cell again as we headed home. I'd usually bring us back through the park for that, but that old guy had creeped me out a bit with how intently he had been looking at us. I found myself smiling smugly as I hit my speed dial number one. Huh, I don't even remember when Jane superseded mom for that coveted position.
She answered on the first ring, “McLeary, speak to me.”
I almost sang out to her, “Someone knows where the money was buried.”
She asked with suspicion coloring her tone, “Finny, what did you do?”
I retorted in my best Bronx accent
, “Hey now copper, I didn't do nuttin'.” Then said more carefully. “I just found and followed the wayward Golden Retriever.” I paused. “Oh yeah, you might want to send someone home to pick up the bag full of jewels and gems Goldie traded me for some food. Just make sure they don't arrest me... again.”
Her instant amused reply was, “You hadn't been arrested.”
“Yeah because I'm lucky you walk fast with those big cop feet.”
She snorted and said, “Ok, I'll send Officer Garcia.” Oh good, I liked Jorge. She added with a tinge of frustration, “You have to stop doing things like this. Leave the police work to the police.”
I grumped, feeling put out, “It isn't like I planned this. I just wanted to find the doggie before your goons ran him off to doggie jail.”
There was a bit of silence on the line then I heard her sigh out, “Of course you were. And I suppose you didn't turn him over to Animal Control.”
I challenged, “Saint Bartholomew's.” Silently daring her to say something about it.
She sighed again. “Of course.” Then with a tinge of humor, she added, “You're just lucky I'm so fond of you. So where, pray tell, am I going?”
Ha, I win. I said as the tips of my ears heated at her compliment, “The bushes behind the base of the Ramble Cave.”
I could see in my mind's eye, her nodding as she went into cop mode, likely jotting it in her paper notepad before typing it on her computer. “Got it. See you at home.”
I blushed again and squeaked out, “Ok, see you for Girl's Night.”
I was about to hang up when she added, “And Finnegan.”
I smiled at her using my full name. “Yes?”
She paused and said in almost a whisper, “I love you too.” Then she ended the connection as I stared at the phone in shock.
Relief and warmth flooding through me as I smiled at Calvin and said in a silly voice, “Hear that boy? She loves me too. I didn't make an ass of myself this morning after all.” We skipped the rest of the way home, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
Chapter 5 – Hectic Afternoon
By the time we arrived home, a black and white was already parked in front of the building. Hmm... why do they still call them black and whites when they were white and blue now? Just some left over lingo from another time?
I noted the officers weren't sitting in the cruiser. I glanced around and didn't see them anywhere, so headed inside. I dropped Cal's leash as I checked the mail. He went loping up the stairs, and I watched as his tail disappeared around the corner. Must have been someone up there. He usually waits for me otherwise.
As soon as I reached the wider hallway on the second level, I saw the two familiar uniformed officers at my door and had to grin. Garcia was crouched, scratching Calvin between the eyes while the ever stoic Officer Kennedy leaned with his back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.
I had to smile at the silver-haired officer, he wasn't as gruff as he seemed. I got him to smile and wave a couple times back when Jane had them looking after me when Tanya McKnight was at large. They called it a protective detail... I called it babysitting.
Jorge looked up as Kennedy pushed himself off the wall to stand tall. I waved awkwardly from the hip to the two men and called out, “Hi, guys.”
Kennedy took his uniform hat off and tucked it under an arm as he said, “Miss May. Detective McLeary sent us to get some evidence, a dog, and a statement from you as to how you came upon the evidence?”
I nodded as the other an stood, a big grin on his face as he greeted me. “Finnegan.”
I inclined my head and felt a bit of blush at his attention. He looked like a boy to me, with his clean-shaven babyface, though I knew he couldn't be more than a year or two younger than me. I pushed my curls back over my shoulder and said, “Jorge. Officer Kennedy.” I really did need to ask his first name.
Then I said as I slipped between them to unlock my door and let Calvin flow in like a liquid canine, “Come on in. I got the evidence, and am more than happy to give my statement, but even if I had the dog here, there is no way you'd be taking him.” I gave the toothiest of defiant grins, which turned to a sheepish one when I realized that the last time I gave that grin, I got arrested at Columbia University after setting all the lab animals free.
I shared, “He just found the stuff, it isn't like you can question him.” I pointed at them with my finger next to my eye in dare.
Kennedy actually chuckled at me as they moved in behind me. Garcia offered with a shrug, “Yeah, she said you might say that, but it was worth a try.”
I said as I placed my shoulder bag on its labeled peg by the door and then crouched to unclip Cal and hang his leash up. “Detective McSnarky isn't the boss of me. If she wants to argue the point, she knows where I live.” I gave my best argumentative chipmunk pose as I smoothed my skirt.
I caught a snicker from Garcia. The whole department was scared of my girlfriend, she was, what did they call it at the station? A real ball crusher? They were amused that I wasn't intimidated by the sultry extra from a Xena Warrior Princess episode.
Reaching into my shoulder bag, I pulled out the plastic bag and offered it to them. Kennedy just grunted, and Jorge pulled out a large clear evidence bag from a belt pouch and held it open in front of me. That was just silly, not like there'd be any fingerprints left on it, it being buried and all. Well except mine now of course. I dropped the bag in, and he quickly sealed the evidence bag and then he wrote on it.
By the holy tug rope, where were my manners? I made an ushering motion toward the sitting area as I motored to the kitchen. “Have a seat gentlemen. Can I get you something? Coffee, soda, apple juice?”
They hesitated at the last one and Jorge cocked his head in question. “What? Apple juice is good. Shut up.”
He chuckled out, “Yes ma'am,” then he looked at Kennedy as they made their way to the couch with an inquisitive Calvin following his head cocked and tail wagging. The younger officer looking to take his cue from the seasoned veteran.
Kennedy gave me an appreciative smile and inclined his head as he said, “Coffee would be divine, Miss May.” I cocked an expectant brow at him, and he deflated a little and looked at his hat in his hands as he corrected, “Finnegan.”
Boys are easy.
I beamed at him. Jorge held up two fingers, and I nodded and started a pot. The young Hispanic officer said with a smirk as they watched me work, “So, you've a line on the Broadway Cat?”
I rolled my eyes. “If by a dog trading me bags of booty for food, then yes. If you mean I have any clue as to the Cat's identity, then not so much.”
Kennedy lightly slapped the back of the young man's head.
Then the silver-haired man surprised me and opened the leather binder he was carrying and turned on a tablet computer which was secured inside it. I would have thought him to be more old-school like Jane and use a paper notepad.
He saw my surprise and the man suppressed a smirk, but I could see it playing around on his stoic face. “So, Finnegan. How did you come into possession of this evidence?”
As I relayed the events which had transpired, the coffee finished brewing. I fished out some oversized disposable coffee cups from the upper shelf which I had tidily labeled 'Disposable Cups,' thank you very much. And I'd appreciate if you wouldn't mock my unhealthy relationship with my labeler.
Stop grinning.
Whatever.
Then I filled the two disposable cups, and my 'Walkers do it doggy style' mug, placed them on a tray, and made my way over. I sat the tray on the coffee table and gathered my skirt under me and sat on the loveseat, taking my mug. The officers took their cups and inhaled the steam for the scintillating aroma in tandem.
Kennedy raised his cup toward me then took an appreciative sip. I smiled and then answered the follow-up questions he had, his thick but nimble fingers typing, taking down everything I said on his pad. I glanced at the time on my cell, I had
ten minutes before I had to meet the building owner upstairs.
I felt a little bad because they both caught me doing that and they sat up a bit as Kennedy said, “Thanks for the coffee, Finnegan,” he held his cup up in salute as he stood. “We've taken enough of your time. If there's anything else we need, I'm sure McLeary can do a followup.” Hey! He smirked as he looked toward the bedroom doors! The dirty old man!
My cheeks burned as I shook a finger playfully at him while Jorge chuckled. I muttered to Calvin, “Men.” Which got smiles from said men.
I stood and walked them to the door. I think I surprised them when Kennedy offered a hand and instead I gave the boys quick hugs before shooing them out. I locked the door behind them, repeatedly, then tugged it to make sure it was locked. I giggled. “Take that you grumpy old copper.” They really were nice men, and I admit I'm not the most cooperative person at times.
I looked around and cleaned up the place a bit. I know it may look sterile to you, but I can always see things that need attention. It's one of my curses.
I glanced at the time. “Gah!” It was two minutes till four. I blurted, “Come on Cal, time to face Mr. DiAngelo.” I grabbed his leash and unlocked the door, locking it... a few times after us, then we headed up the stairs to the third floor as I clipped Calvin's leash on.
As soon as we emerged into the narrower hall that closely mirrored the one on the first floor, we saw the building owner standing at the end of the hall, looking at his watch. I sighed at the passive aggressive man, we were right on time and he knew it. Cal whined once, and I whispered, “I know, boy. Me too.” The man was opportunistic and thought I didn't know how he always got me to pay my unfair share of building maintenance.
Case of the Gold Retriever Page 5