Case of the Gold Retriever

by Erik Schubach

  She nodded and said as she told Jess, “Susan was the second cutest girl in our class.” Why was she looking at me, and why was Jess smirking? And what did I usually do with my hands? I felt so awkward as Cal and I moved faster past the ladies while I smoothed down my skirt and shoved my loose curls back over my shoulder.

  I was so telling Jane the girls were teasing me. Wait, no, she'd join them.

  Shut up.

  A block later we arrived at the glitz and glamour and weekend crowd of the place in Manhattan that has no equal, Times Square. We were all such shameless tourists for the next few hours. And I am embarrassed to admit that I had a blast. The only thing that would have made it better would have been... I texted Jane, “Miss you.”

  I got a little heart emoji back. See? My jerk cop knows how to melt me. It must kill her, being such a stone-cold badass who sends her girlfriend little hearts. I loved her for it.

  Jess sighed by mid-afternoon and looked over at Kerry and said, “We better get a move on if we want to be back in the city at a decent hour.”

  I cocked my head similar to the way Calvin was doing, and she explained. “Gotta get the Fly Girl back to your mom's to pick up her duffel.”

  I pointed out to Ker, “You don't have any furniture. Why not stay at mom's until you get some?”

  She chuckled. “My stuff will arrive from Texas tomorrow. I'm sure I can find a place to crash in the city tonight.”

  I almost offered Jane's room since she slept in my bed, but then I realized I was in danger of igniting into flames between the heated looks Jess and Ker were giving each other over my head.

  I summed thing up succinctly with a well thought out, “Oh.” They chuckled, and Kerry was actually blushing a little. God, they were cute together. I would kill Jessie if she messed things up.

  The redhead in question said, “Let's get Finny back to her place before she turns into a pumpkin.”

  I smirked and said, “I reiterate, I have shotgun.” I could probably walk the mile to my place faster than we could get to the car and she could drive me there. But... I enjoyed having human companionship during the day like this. I only got Jane during the day when she wasn't working a case.

  On the short drive back, a question came up in my head. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate with Jess there, but Kerry hadn't brought it up in all the stories she had shared so far of her life after leaving New York. “Was there anyone special in your life after Liberty?”

  She poked her head between the seats to smirk between Jess and me as she said, “Oh there were lots of special somebodies.” She gave a suggestive look, and that got Jessie smirking too.

  I muttered to Calvin who had crawled into the front seat to sit on my lap to look out the windshield, “Just great, there's two of them now.”

  She smiled then shrugged as she settled back into the cramped backseat. “Not a lot of time for anything serious when you move around from duty station to duty station so much. Not to mention it wouldn't be fair to anyone I was seeing.” There was an odd tone to her voice at that.

  Then she reached forward to slap Jessie's shoulder, “There was this one woman in a bar in Qatar, she could do things.”

  I put my hands over my ears, “La la la, I can't hear you!”

  That... didn't work. And I was blushing profusely by the time they dropped Calvin and me off at home. They had just shared hookup after hookup, trying to outdo each other. Mother fluffer, it was getting hot in that car.

  I grumped out to them as Cal, and I got out, and Kerry got out to move to the front seat, “You ladies, are no ladies.”

  Ker tilted her head and gave me almost a mothering look and extended her hands, fingers wiggling. “We're just messin' with ya Tempe. Cuz we love ya.”

  I sighed and went in for some good huggin', I mean, hugs are like a warm drug you know. And I know drugs, some bad guys had drugged me a while back. I thought I had lost my ass since I couldn't feel it.

  I mumbled into her jacket as she squished me, “Hate you.”

  She chuckled and released me and said, “Se ya later, Fin. I'll give Mom-ish a hug for you.”

  I beamed a smile at that. I forgot that's what she used to call mom. She was at our place more than her own and mom had virtually adopted her back then.

  She slipped back into the car, and I blinked when she and Jess leaned in to share a quick kiss as she shut the door, then I was waving from my hip as I brushed some of my loose curls over my shoulder with my other hand. They waved back and then the honking, cussing, and middle fingers started flying as they pulled into traffic as only Mable could.

  That... was fun! And those two deserved each other. Evil wenches. I swung side to side to make my skirt swirl and Calvin made cute wuffing sounds in his excitement. I gave him a silly doggy smile, and we headed in, thoughts of what I was going to make Jane for dinner on my mind.

  To my delight, she was already home when we stepped in. She smiled up from the couch, where she had case files strewn all over the coffee table. I eyeballed her for breaking the rules again. She started automatically gathering them up as she said, “Hi Finny, good day out with the girls?”

  I nodded as I hung everything up on their proper pegs by the door, letting Calvin run to greet her in that same excited way in which Border Collies do everything. “Those two have no shame. But besides that, I got to make a list today, so it was an awesome day.”

  She chuckled. “Only you, Fin.”

  What? Making lists is fun. Stop looking at me like that.

  I asked, “And your day?” I lifted an apple juice from the fridge in prompt.

  She cocked her head a bit in thought and said, “Juice is fine.” Then shared, “Pretty boring legwork, tracking down the window washers.”

  I fished a beer out of the crisper which I had labeled 'Jane's Contraband.' When she said juice, she meant barley juice. Her little joke, since I generally kept the apartment alcohol free.

  I flopped down in a silly manner beside her on the couch and leaned into her to rest my head on her chest as she took her beer. She chuckled, “Jess can be... intense.”

  I pointed out, “They are two peas in a pod. I swear they were made for each other.”

  I rotated my head as she draped one arm over my shoulders and shrugged as she said in a happy tone, “This is something new for Red. She's finally met someone who can keep up with her.”

  Calvin decided that the floor was not the place to be so joined us on the couch even though prime rule number one was, no dogs on the furniture. Which he has taken from the first moment I brought him into my life to mean, all dogs on furniture. It's a language barrier thing.

  I prompted, “Any luck?”

  She smirked and said in humor, “I can't share details about an ongoing investigation, you know that Fin. But no. One of the men died of liver disease four years ago. One retired to Florida with his wife but did a phone interview with me. I don't like him for it, as he is living off of public assistance, and why would he leave the money and gems behind?”

  Then she leaned us forward and opened the top folder before settling back. “That leaves Barnabas Sheffield. I wasn't able to reach him and dropped by his place. The building super said he had suffered a massive heart attack in Central Park almost two weeks back and was in intensive care.”

  She shrugged and went on, “When I went to the hospital, I found out he left the hospital three days ago against medical advice. Nobody has seen him since.”

  Then she grabbed the television remote and turned on the news as she said absently, “I like him for this. The man doesn't have a single bank account, yet he still pays all his bills like clockwork, with cash. Everyone seems to like the man. He turns seventy-four this year.”

  Heart attack? I hoped the man was ok. I know he's a criminal and all, but he never hurt anyone, it seemed that was the MO of the Broadway Cat. In and out silently and quickly while the residents were out. Never broke anything, never threatened an
yone. Always left a thank you card.

  I asked absently, “What will happen to him if he is the Cat? I mean, he's over seventy. Any prison sentence is likely a life sentence for him.”

  She shrugged and said firmly, “The law applies to all of us, no matter the criminal's age, health, race, disposition...” Then she smirked at me as she added, “Nor how cute they are.”

  I growled, “Jerk cop. I'm not a criminal.”

  “You have a record.”

  “Expunged, thank you very much.”

  She leaned down, heatedly, and I melted as she gave me a series of whispering kisses. “Serial foot stomper.”

  “Hey, I'm small but fierce. Right, Calvin?” He cocked his head at me, ears perked and tongue lolling. “You're no help boy.”

  I tickled my way out of her grasp and said, “Let me start something for dinner. Chicken cordon bleu sound good?”

  She said as she lifted her beer to her lips, “Whatever you make will be divine. I kind of like being spoiled. Though the men at the station tease me endlessly about it.”

  I smiled and prompted at the irony, “How did the madeleines and chocolate chip cookies go over?”

  This made her chuckle. “You have a couple more marriage proposals and a request for macaroons. I swear you're going to fatten up the whole department. And it was noted that the trays were labeled quite nicely.”

  What? I like to cook. And label things. Sue me.

  We talked about our days, and she seemed genuinely amused at the ladies antics. I found it revealing that she genuinely wanted Jess to be happy. I think she still feels guilty about their breakup, even though it was Jessie who did the breaking. It made me, I don't know... proud of Jane?

  After dinner we took Calvin on his last walk for the night, then I wound up cuddled into my Detective on the couch as we watched a little television. I looked up as I realized just how comfortable I was. It took a few seconds before a smile started spreading across her face. She asked without looking, “Finnegan?”

  I shrugged and shared, “Just memorizing your face.”

  She exhaled, and her eyes twinkled. I fish lipped as I stretched up to her and she finally broke and gave me a heated kiss for my silliness. Then I whispered to Calvin as I snuggled into my girl, “Hey Cal, tell the cop I love her.”

  She chuckled. “And Cal, tell the shrimp I love her too.”

  The silence that followed as we just shared our time in each other's company felt like such an intimate act to me. I'm not even sure when I fell asleep, snuggled into her warmth.

  Chapter 10 – Window Washer

  The next day went spectacularly, Jarvis had a sneeze-free day, telling me that fall was finally upon us if the pollen count was that far down. Then later, when it was the girls' turn for their walks, Princess seemed a little put out that our golden retriever friend was not with us. This made me think of Goldie for the tenth or twentieth time that day.

  As soon as we were done walking the girls, I asked, “So what do you think Sir Fluffy toes? Should we go see how Goldie is getting along in his new digs? We have to bring Hercules to the groomer at four.” Cal was agreeable to that course of action, so we headed through the park to Central Park Tails.

  I had to smile at the fact that all my client's humans knew my walking schedule and knew to schedule any vet or grooming... or therapy appointments in the afternoon. I had them trained well. Not to mention these extra side trips helped me to pay off my apartment faster, helping me complete my new seven-year plan that much quicker.

  Speaking of... my lawyer slash cousin, Pollyanna, had texted earlier. She worked with the bank and Mr. DiAngelo on the paperwork for the financing of the studio. She'd drop by tomorrow to have us sign everything to finalize the sale. This was so exciting, I couldn't wait to start the renovation.

  I had a surprise for Jane. I was going to have a second balcony constructed in the new master suite to match the one she loved to use so much in our living room. It was one of the concessions Mr. DiAngelo made since I was buying the building new machines for the laundry room.

  I chuckled at all the odd wheeling and dealing we made to seal the deal. We Manhattanites are an odd bunch, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The people here embrace my own oddness and see me as one of their own.

  I shivered at the wind as we got to the other side of Central Park. I was going to have to start wearing a jacket during the day.

  The thought had me grinning. Becky and Garrett were going to drop by later tonight to drop off my birthday gift for Jane. They have been hiding it at their place. I have no delusions that a police detective would find anything I might be hiding in our place.

  I had Beaumont’s custom make a black leather jacket for Jane to replace the one I commandeered from her as my own. Well, she did sort of give it to me when she was grinning at me wearing hers. Beaumonts was the premier high-end clothier for security and law enforcement individuals.

  I had given them the jacket I had for sizing and they asked a few questions about her gear, like was it a right or left-hand shoulder holster, was it a revolver or semi-automatic. They explained that they asked so that they could allow some room on the proper side to allow for better comfort when she was armed. I hadn't thought of the fact that her weapon may be uncomfortable under an off the rack jacket. These guys were apparently worth the extra cost, and I couldn't resist adding the little JM monogram embossed into the bottom hem of the leather.

  I hope she likes it.

  I had to smile when we finally entered Central Park Tails, the pups were happy to see us. They stampeded toward us, and Calvin was nervous for a second, stepping back a step until he saw the shin-high wiener dogs weren't going to swarm over him and eat his flesh from his bones... in teeny tiny bites. Making puppy gnawing sounds... So, I have an imagination, sue me.

  But by the holy tug rope, it was so cuuuute, especially when he decided he wasn't going to die from terminal nibbling and his tail swished freely as he reintroduced himself to the pack.

  I had to grin when Goldie came loping over. I crouched and fluffed his ears as the little ones tried to get into my lap. This was Finnegan nirvana. I wished I could stay here all afternoon. “How you doin' boy? Settling in?” I looked the question to Ralph, who was moving over with the shepherd mutt, who I hear, was getting her forever home today.

  He smirked. “I think the little ones believe he is their deity with his flowing gold hair and goofy doggy smile.” I giggled then asked since he wasn't in one of the isolation rooms and was in general population. “Fixed?”

  He nodded, and I exhaled in relief... wondering if it were even possible for a golden retriever and a doxy to mate. They would be goofy looking puppies if they can. I know this is a question I should have asked when I had him checked out with the vet. I'm slipping.

  That is the one rule of dog rescues in the Big Apple, all animals must be sterilized, so we didn't wind up with a stray dog epidemic. But it looks like Goldie's parents were responsible dog owners and had that little problem taken care of.

  All the doxies here had to be fixed, which made them all pet quality instead of show dogs. Which is why they were taking so long to be adopted. But we had already found two-thirds of them forever homes.

  The breeding problem was also a rule of dog walking. Never ever walk the boys with the girls unless at least the boys were fixed, like my Calvin. It prevented all sorts of awkward questions when dogs had mutt litters unexpectedly and saved the walker an untimely firing.

  I asked as I watched three other volunteer dog walkers come in with leashes and harnesses. They were all grins when Calvin's swarm of lowriders turned to them and attacked with wagging tails and lightning fast tongues.

  Francine waved, “Hey Fin.” I blushed gave her an embarrassed grin in response. I loved all the volunteers that came in to show the dogs some good loving attention and walked them. This assured that each puppy got at least one walk in the park a day.

  I just w
ish the other walkers would stop treating me like I was someone important. It has been going around since the first time I sent out a Broken Leash to find Calvin's mom's murderer. My ex, Raife, says that it made them all feel like they contributed to something good. Then I go and get myself kidnapped, and they all came to my rescue.

  I gave Goldie one last good side thumping and stood and said to all the dogs and people around the space, “We gotta get home to start dinner cooking. See everyone later...” Then I added as I looked at the puppies, “Hopefully not all of you.” I wouldn't rest until each, and every one of them had a new home.

  A chorus of “Bye Fin,” came to me from the talk-y, human-ish ones of the bunch. Then the comedy of errors of trying to get into the vestibule without any dogs slipping in began. I was giggling on the sidewalk when Calvin and I finally made it out.

  I smiled down at my cohort in crime, which got him cocking his head and his tail swishing behind him. “Let's get home boy. We can start something simmering for dinner before we have to go grab Hercules for his beauty appointment.” I pointed at my handsome boy. “Don't tell him I called it that, he has his macho dignity to maintain.” The little Pomeranian was such a boy.

  I grinned at a text from Kerry as we made our way into our building, “You're drafted to help me unpack all my shit tomorrow, I was just informed here at The Box that the movers have arrived.”

  I shot back, “Ok, but I only have a couple hours after I walk my girls, and I have to be home. Tomorrow is Jane's birthday!”

  She shot back a smiley emoji then a string of characters. I tried to make sense of them, then I realized they were umm... pictorial. And I looked at the stairs and blushed. She was so bad!