“Snooping,” she said at last. “I found a back door into the CCD system.”
“A back door?” His eyebrows had soared and his blue eyes were laser sharp.
“A password, to be more precise.”
James waited for an explanation and when it didn’t come, he pressed, “And how exactly did that fall into your hands?”
“Old fashioned legwork. I have time on my hands now, so I followed CCD employees to the park and observed. You’d be surprised how many people use their dog’s name as their password.” She grinned at him. “It was easier than I expected.”
James blinked a few times, flashing blue on and off. “Are you saying you essentially hacked into the system and poked around till you found this property purchase in the City’s name?”
She picked through the grass looking for a four-leaf clover. “I’m not proud of it.” Pulling out a few, she examined them and then let them drop. “Well, maybe I am. A little. Technically I’m still on staff, I guess.”
“Huh.” James ran his hands over Rocky’s fluffy coat, apparently digesting everything. She kept picking clover, waiting for his verdict. The longer he was silent, the faster her fingers plucked at the grass.
Finally she couldn’t stand the suspense. “I’m sure our Mafia strategies come as a bit of a shock.”
He nodded and then shrugged. “Mayor Bradshaw was completely underhanded in his dealings with Hannah, so I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that he’s up to no good in other ways. Do you think there’s deep corruption in City Hall?”
“Yeah, although we don’t know the full extent of it. This is the biggest issue we’ve discovered. If we can get proof, Evie thinks it may be enough to oust the mayor.” She double-knotted her sneakers. “More importantly, we need to find the pups that are still MIA.”
James stuffed the rest of his sandwich back into the bag, uneaten. “I’ve lost my appetite.” He stared down at the fairground, filled with happy families enjoying the beautiful day. “I thought country life would be… sweeter.”
“It’s still sweet,” she said, smiling. “You just need to know where to bite.”
He got to his feet and offered his hand. “Okay, let’s go sniff out some political rot.” Picking up the trash and Rocky’s leash, he added, “It can’t be worse than tripe.”
“Sadly, there are worse smells than tripe and the mayor is behind some of them.”
James didn’t say much as he drove the 10 miles to the site Kinney had identified. She left him in peace, feeling sad about destroying his beliefs about his hometown. She’d had years to adapt to the political waters heating up and barely noticed she was boiling. For James, it was pretty much instant scalding. He really wanted to see the best in everyone and everything and she liked that about him. Hopefully that quality wouldn’t be totally crushed in the jaws of Dog Town.
The address led them to an old farmhouse with half a dozen large outbuildings. From a distance, it looked abandoned and even derelict. Unlike the other sites, there were no obvious signs of renovation.
“Looks like this lead’s a bust,” James said, as she peered out the window with binoculars.
“Not necessarily.” She handed him the binoculars. “Look way back on the property. There are a dozen big trash bins and they’re all full.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” he said, raising the binoculars. “The place looks abandoned.”
She took the binoculars back and stared a little longer. Finally she nodded. “I see a pink and white bag sticking out of the fullest bin. Unless I’m much mistaken, it’s from Dr. Barkley’s Organic Puppy Food.”
James took another look while she searched for the brand on her phone. She showed him the dog food and he nodded. “Looks like it.”
“I think one of those outbuildings is now a kennel,” she said, scanning repeatedly, hoping to pinpoint which one.
“Do you want to go closer?” he asked. “We can walk down there and take a look.”
“No.” She lowered the binoculars, feeling red rings around her eyes from pressing too hard. “I mean yes, I sure do. But if you look above the light on the largest building in the middle, you’ll see a security camera. Where there’s one, there’s more.”
James looked again. “The City’s getting smarter.”
She nodded. “Which means we need to get smarter, too. For once, I’m going to stand down and ponder before acting. I’m trying to retrain myself. I can be too quick off the draw sometimes.”
He laughed. “Ya think?”
Slapping his arm lightly, she said, “Drive. Find us a nice spot to watch the fireworks and traumatize my dog.”
There was a little park on a hill just high enough to offer a fantastic view of the Wolff County fairgrounds. The place was empty now that darkness had fallen, so all the picnic tables were vacant. James found two old blankets in the back of his SUV. He spread one over the table with the best view. When they were settled, he draped the other around their shoulders. On his right, Rocky gave a heavy sigh and lay down on his side on the stony ground. Whiskey was alert on her left, ears forward as he sniffed the air. She unbuckled her belt and looped his leash through it. If he tried to take off, he’d have to drag her along. There was no way she’d risk losing him if he bolted into the night.
As they waited for the fireworks to start, Kinney felt a nervous prickling inside. She didn’t know if it was worry about Whiskey, or proximity to James. Warmth was seeping around her and somehow pulling her closer. With a great effort, she pulled herself away. She couldn’t afford to get lulled into a trance by James’ magnetism. Without the helpful reek of tripe, she couldn’t miss his woodsy scent. There was nothing strange or exotic about that smell. It was seductively simple and comforting. She realized in a flash that she’d needed comforting for a very long time. But tonight, she needed to stay alert. This was not the time to float away on fluffy cedar clouds.
“Why a Tibetan mastiff?” she asked suddenly.
James sat up a little straighter, perhaps shaking off the same spell. “I’m not sure. I liked the look—the big fluffy bear. But I think it was more their self-possession. I visited a couple of breeders and the dogs just seemed full of quiet confidence. Like they know their place in the world and are happy with it.”
“That’s exactly what I see in Rocky, especially now that he’s settling in. It makes sense that he needed more security and routine. His breed probably likes predictability.” She looked down at the splayed-out dog. “He did so well today. You must be proud.”
James nodded, pulling the blanket a little closer and bringing her with it. “I want him to be happy. Now it feels like things are falling into place.”
He slipped his arm around Kinney under the blanket and she fell into place, too. It seemed like a natural fit, like that missing piece of a puzzle. This time she didn’t resist.
The first explosion made them all jump. Well, all except Rocky, who didn’t move a muscle. Whiskey was on his feet, and his mouth opened in an anxious pant.
Kinney took a deep breath and… did nothing. She didn’t say a word to calm him or even move from her spot. Instead, she took slow, easy breaths, knowing he could sense her calm. A bright shower of color appeared overhead and while she looked down, Whiskey looked up. She could see blue and red reflected in his eyes. But his tail came up gradually to its normal relaxed position. His mouth closed. And ultimately, he sat. Still alert, but calm.
The next explosion, he looked up at her and she met his eyes, smiling. “All good, buddy.”
Staring up again at the shower of sparkling lights, she turned back to James. “Are they making fireworks bigger these days?” she asked. “They were never like this when I was a kid. And of course they’re rarely allowed in Dog Town out of respect to the dogs.”
James shrugged. “These are pretty tame compared to New York City.” He turned and grinned at her, his eyes still bright in the sparkling light. “But I like them better here.”
She grinned back at him. �
�Oh yeah? Are they sweeter?”
“Let me get back to you on that.” Pulling her even closer, he leaned down and kissed her. She opened her eyes for just a second and saw bursts of fireworks all around him—explosions of red, white, blue and even green. When he pulled away, he said, “Yeah. Definitely sweet.”
“Like champagne,” she said. “It really goes to your head.”
“But no hangover,” he said. “And it’s safe to drive.”
Laughing, she let his warmth pull her even closer. “Be sure to kiss responsibly.”
Chapter 19
The sun forced its way through the trees only to glance off the bronze chow chow and dazzle Kinney’s eyes. It reminded her of the fireworks the night before and her face suddenly warmed. She looked down at Whiskey, tied to her belt, and then pinched her arm. There was a time for kissing and a time for business. In fact, there was really no time for kissing right now, and the sooner she pushed that to the back of her mind the better.
“Kinney, it looks like you’re getting sunburned,” Evie said, raising her camera. “You should be wearing a hat.”
Cori sized Kinney up and then turned to Evie. “What are you doing here, and with a camera no less? Who invited Evie?”
“I did,” Bridget said, leaning against the chow chow. “We need political insights, Cori. Evie’s more than proven her loyalties.”
“Well, put down the camera.” Cori paced with her gloved hands balled into fists. “Mafia meetings used to be top secret, just the core five. Now it’s a free-for-all. That’s no way to run a vigilante group.”
Bridget continued to give Cori the calm smile that usually soothed the tiny trainer’s jangled spirits. “The group has grown because the problems in Dorset Hills have grown. No one has joined us without being thoroughly checked out.” She pushed off the chow and faced Cori. “I think we’ve been incredibly lucky to gather so many like-minded women to share our load.”
Cori grunted, but her fingers gradually unfurled till the orange flares showed again. “We need to have confidentiality agreements or something.”
“Well, I trust everyone here to use her judgement,” Bridget said looking around.
The small clearing was pretty much full. Remi, Sasha and Evie sat on the base of the statue, while Duff, Ari, Maisie, and Nika perched on an old log on the other side. Mim, Hannah, and Flynn Strathmore, the artist, had also made their first appearance at a chow chow Rescue 911 meeting. Kinney had been in and out for years, but it was true this was the largest attendance they’d ever had. Unlike Cori, she felt buoyed. Working in the CCD, she’d often felt lonely and isolated. Now she felt well-supported in her efforts to do the right thing for pets in Dog Town.
“I wouldn’t mind so much if it weren’t here at the chow chow,” Cori grumbled. “This place is almost sacred.”
Kinney pushed herself off the trunk of a huge oak tree. “Would it help to know I did full background checks on everyone here?”
There was a ripple of protest throughout the crowd. “You didn’t,” Evie said.
“Of course I did. That’s what I do. We need to rely on each other, and I don’t like surprises any more than Cori does.”
Cori reached over and gave Kinney a gloved high five. “Yeah, it does help. Can I get a copy of their files?”
Kinney laughed and shook her head. “Classified, but I will tell you about some information I hacked out of the CCD technology system yesterday.”
She shared the story of finding the disguised kennel in Wolff County. “We didn’t go near it because of security cameras. I needed to brainstorm with you guys first.”
“Who’s ‘we’?” Cori asked, eyes narrowing.
“James and I,” Kinney said. “We were at the Wolff County fair desensitizing the dogs so I figured we could take a look.”
Cori planted her hands on her hips, orange flares prominent. “You decided to share this with James Pemberton first, instead of us?”
“Like I said, we were already there.” Kinney crossed her arms against Cori. “Are you questioning my loyalty? Because I will share my file with you. My rescue credentials match yours.”
Cori crossed her arms, too. “No way, no how.”
“Kinney. Cori. Settle.” Bridget came toward them. “Everyone’s getting edgy with the stakes rising.”
“She shouldn’t be blathering to James,” Cori said. “He’s a big question mark.”
“Not to me,” Kinney said.
“All of us share with our partners from time to time,” Bridget said. “And all of us hold things back when we need to. That system has been working fine. We understand the meaning of discretion.”
“He’s not her partner,” Cori said. “He’s just some rich guy I paired her up with in the Miracle Makeover Program.”
“That rich guy happens to be my brother.” Hannah’s voice was light but she added, “And I notice you have no problem using my farm for Mafia purposes.”
“That’s enough, Cori,” Bridget said. “It’s hard to see things change, but if there’s anything we’ve learned in our years together, it’s how to adapt.”
Raising her camera, Evie tried to lighten the mood. “Maybe Bridget isn’t the only matchmaker in our circle,” she said, grinning. “Because I think that Wolff County fair outing was a date.”
Kinney glared at her. “What I want to know is how the 911 meeting I called turned into a debate about my loyalties.”
“And your love life,” Evie added.
Kinney turned her glare on Cori. “You’re the one in bed with the City with your training program. Maybe you’re losing your objectivity.”
“I can play both sides just fine,” Cori said. Her hands were fisted again and her face flushed, too. Kinney didn’t remember seeing that happen before.
“People, people.” Remi got up from the base of the statue. “You’re upsetting Leo. He wants to help but he doesn’t know which one of you to choose.”
Kinney stretched out her arms. “I’ll take him. I could use a big dose of beagle.”
Bridget clapped. “Look, all of us are nervous. Maybe this problem feels bigger than we can handle. But I’m quite sure we can figure it out… working together.” Turning to Kinney, she said, “I called the 911. I didn’t realize you had, too.”
“You did? Why? What’s happened?”
“This morning I paid my usual visit to Animal Services to see whether any dogs had come in. Like you know, I adopt as many dogs as I can to foster or rehabilitate them myself. The staff give me first dibs because they know I can do a better job of placing them than they can. It makes them look good. Our little system works and no one’s complained so far.”
“What changed today?” Kinney asked.
Bridget took a deep breath. “When I arrived there was the most gorgeous bearded collie pup you’ve ever seen. Looked like a purebred. Naturally I tried to snap him up, but the staff said he was ‘on reserve.’ No matter how hard I pressed, they wouldn’t say more.”
“You think he’s targeted for the City’s puppy project,” Kinney said.
“Well, something is off. I know these people well and they were definitely acting guilty.”
Cori’s hands relaxed again and she said, “Can we steal the puppy before someone else does?”
“Not easily. They moved him to a back room to get him away from me.”
“That means someone else is coming to pick him up,” Cori said. “We’ve got to do something.”
Kinney put Leo back in Remi’s arms. “I’ve got an idea. Bridget, you’re with me. We’ve got to make a stop at my place, first.” She glanced back at the clearing as she left. “Stand by, everyone. If all goes well, we’ll deploy later today and it’ll take the full team.”
“I don’t think this will work,” Bridget muttered, leading Kinney into the Animal Services building on the outskirts of Dorset Hills.
“It won’t if you get jittery,” Kinney said. “Calm down and act like this is life and death for this puppy. For all we know, i
t might be.”
Bridget took a deep breath and plastered on a smile. “Hey, guys,” she called, walking into the adoption area. “I hope you don’t mind but I brought a friend to meet the bearded collie pup. She’s never seen one before.”
A tall, bearded man looked Kinney up and down. “I know you.”
She gave him a bland smile. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’ve been told I look like every girl next door.”
“No, I’ve definitely seen you… on TV. Aren’t you the one who crawled into that culvert on Craven Road to save the Jack Russell?”
“Ah, yes,” Kinney said, smiling for real. “That was me. Stinky awful rescue with a dead possum up the pipe. I bet you’ve done even worse.”
“A few times, I guess. Yeah.” Looking back at Bridget, he said, “We’re under orders to keep the puppy quarantined. But I’ll give you five minutes. For the rescue hero, here.”
Kinney reached out and shook his hand. “Thank you so much. We rescuers need to stick together.”
They sat in the small visitation room intended for prospective adopters to meet available dogs. When the bearded attendant brought in the puppy, Kinney squealed and held out her arms. At the same moment, Bridget rose and followed the man out, trying to convince him once more to let her adopt the dog. “I have the perfect home for her, Tom. I don’t see why you won’t let me take her.”
While they argued, Kinney examined the squirming pup up and down. Before long, Bridget had annoyed Tom enough that he came back to collect the pup. “It’s out of my hands. Seriously. I could lose my job.”
“But she’s perfect.” Bridget hugged the puppy. “It’s not often I fall so hard for a dog, you know that. Will you at least let me give her a pretty collar? So the new owners will know she was loved?”
He shook his head. “Whatever. It’s not like you to be so… girly.”
“Newsflash, I am a girl. And I know for a fact that you fall for some dogs more than others, too.”
Bold and Blue in Dog Town: (Dog Town 9) Page 16