A Scent of Mystery (A Luke and Bandit cozy mystery Book 2)

by Paul Regnier

  Additional evidence proved Larry was in league with Jimmy Bosko to steal the gems during the auction, and implicated him in the subsequent murder. Thanks to my video recording of him planting false evidence, and his inconsistent testimony, Carol was cleared of any connection to the crimes.

  Kenny was all too happy to offer Ellie a shoulder to cry on after the shocking discovery. It was especially difficult for her, given that Jimmy was her ex-fiancé and there were lingering feelings at play.

  As details emerged, it appeared that once Jimmy caught wind of the gemstones’ being on display at the auction, he knew they’d be vulnerable there. He planned the theft with Larry, who helped coordinate the timing of the fireworks and the smoke bombs near the gemstone booth. As struggling entertainers, they must have found some common bond of desperation and lack of funds.

  After the theft, Larry argued with Jimmy over splitting the profits. According to Larry, Jimmy wanted the lion's share since he was the one who nabbed the gems. Larry felt cheated, and told him so with the blade of a knife.

  Almost a week had passed since Larry was taken into custody. I sat with Mom at the breakfast table, sipping fresh coffee on a sunny Saturday morning. Thankfully the forty-eight-hour juice cleanse was long since over, and we were back to coffee, bacon, and eggs to start our day. Unfortunately, Mom had switched to turkey bacon to maintain her health regimen, which just goes to show that you can’t have everything.

  Bandit lay on the kitchen floor nearby, watching closely for any falling scraps.

  He let out a grumbling whine. I can’t believe you’re just gonna sit there and eat while I starve to death.

  I rolled my eyes at him. Are you for real? I already gave you a biscuit, and your bowl is full of food.

  It’s not full of bacon.

  This isn’t even real bacon. It’s half the taste. Believe me, you’re not missing much.

  Then I’m sure you wouldn’t mind giving your share to me.

  I laughed. Very clever, Bandit.

  “What’s so funny?” Mom sipped at her coffee.

  “Oh, nothing. Bandit’s begging for food over there.”

  She glanced at him. “Aw, he’s not begging. He’s lying there like a good boy. Aren’t you a good little puppy?”

  Bandit lifted his head and cocked it to the side.

  “Oh, he’s so precious.”

  “Don’t look at him,” I said. “He’ll make cute faces. He’ll trick you into giving your breakfast away.”

  Quiet. Bandit let out a soft whine. I’m working my magic here.

  “Well, maybe just a little.” Mom broke off a piece of bacon and tossed it to him.

  He snapped it out of the air and crunched away. Works every time.

  “See what you did?” I motioned to him. “You’re encouraging begging. This is bad training.”

  Bandit sat up, panting happily. He looked at Mom and gave a slight whine.

  I narrowed my eyes. Stop that. Bad dog.

  Hey, if you had my incredible sense of smell, you’d beg too. He lifted his paw and perked up his ears.

  “Oh, where’s my phone.” Mom looked around the table. “I need a picture of this cutie.”

  Bandit gave a soft woof. Pictures later. Bacon now.

  “Alright. One more.” Mom tossed him another piece. “There you go. That’s all for now.”

  Yummy. Bandit licked his chops.

  Kenny burst through the front door and jogged into the kitchen, carrying a brown box.

  “Special delivery,” he smiled.

  “Ooo, did they come?” Mom’s eyes lit up.

  “Oh, yeah.” Kenny set the box on the floor and flipped up the already open flaps of the box.

  “You peeked?” Mom frowned.

  “I couldn’t help it. I was too excited.” He pulled out a dark blue polo shirt with a white logo on the upper left. The logo was a magnifying glass looking at a crystal. Kenny pointed at the text that curved around the image in a perfect circle. “There it is. All official looking. Crystal Clear Detective Agency. Woo-hoo!”

  “I love it.” Mom grabbed the sleeve between her fingers. “And they’re so soft.”

  “Hundred percent cotton,” Kenny said.

  “Bummer.” I snapped my fingers. “I’m allergic to cotton. Guess I can’t wear them.”

  “Oh, quit it.” Mom pursed her lips.

  “Hey, these aren’t just for us to look good,” Kenny said. “Studies show branded clothing generates twenty-five percent more sales.”

  “What happened to good old trench coats.”

  “Would you wear a trench coat with this logo?”

  “No.”

  “Thought so. Oh, and check this out.” Kenny dug deeper into the box and pulled out a dark blue dog vest. “Had to special order this one but look how cool it turned out.” The Agency logo was printed on the side of the vest along with white text that read “K-9 Unit.”

  Whoa. Bandit stepped toward the vest and sniffed it. Now you’re talking.

  “Look at that,” Kenny said. “I think he knows it’s for him.”

  Well, duh. Bandit continued to sniff at it. Smells like vinegar but it looks pretty cool.

  “Wanna try it on Bandit?” I asked.

  He barked. Of course! What are you waiting for?

  Mom laughed. “Aw, I think he likes it. Put it on. I want to get a picture.”

  I wrapped the vest around Bandit’s torso and fastened it with the velcro straps.

  He stood at attention, his ears perked up. How do I look?

  “Boom!” Kenny said. “K-9 unit ready for action.”

  “Oh my goodness, he’s so cute.” Mom snapped a few photos on her phone.

  Cute? Bandit glanced at her. What’s she talking about? I should look tough. Maybe even dangerous. I don’t look cute, do I?

  You look super tough. Like a police dog. I smiled and ruffled the fur on his neck. Look out bad guys.

  Bandit licked my hand. Good. I can’t wait to walk around in this thing. Wait till Mr. Ruffington sees me in this. I’m fierce like a Rottweiler in this thing.

  “How many detective agencies have their own K-9 Unit?” Kenny motioned to Bandit. “I’ll have to add that to our brochures.”

  “We have brochures?” I asked.

  “Not yet. But I get twenty percent off with our business card order.”

  Bandit scratched at his vest as if it had fleas.

  “Easy, boy,” I said. “You’ll tear it.”

  Hm. It’s kind of itchy. And snug. And a little warm. Make that a lot warm. What’s the temperature in here? He craned his neck down and bit at the fastening.

  “Careful.” I nudged his muzzle away from the vest. “You’ll put holes in it.”

  I can’t breathe. He bit at the vest again. You put it on too tight.

  “Okay, hold on.” I loosened the straps. “How’s that?”

  Bandit shook. Weird. I’m all restrained. And my fur feels sweaty. Maybe I’m just not a vest kind of dog. He bit at the vest again.

  “What’s the matter?” Kenny said. “He doesn’t like it?”

  “I think it’ll be a once in a while thing.” I undid the straps and removed the vest. “Like when I get dressed up and wear a suit.”

  “You mean never?” Mom said.

  “Well, what crazy person invented a tie anyway?” I stood and reclaimed my seat at the breakfast table. “It’s a noose disguised as fashion.”

  “Oh, wait till you see our website,” Kenny said. “I’m putting the finishing touches on it today.”

  “This is so exciting,” Mom said. “And Mrs. Tornkey already hinted that she might want to hire us.”

  “Our first official case.” Kenny pumped his fist.

  “Really?” I took a sip of coffee. “What’s the case?”

  “Well,” Mom said. “Apparently books have been going missing in the library, but no one’s checking them out. They’re just disappearing.”

  My heart sank. “Stolen library books? That’s a c
ase?”

  She wagged her finger. “Ah-ah. You know what they say. There are no small cases, only small detectives.”

  “What’s our fee?” I lifted up the dog vest. “Because Kenny’s running up quite a bill over here.”

  Kenny shrugged. “It’s all a write-off.”

  “We didn’t discuss money,” Mom said. “She’s a dear friend and I thought we should ease into our first case.”

  “You have lots of dear friends in Crystal Falls. Should I get used to the term pro bono?”

  She grinned and waved me off.

  “Alright, I’m heading to the station.” I took a final gulp of coffee. “Wanna come, Bandit?”

  Bandit stood and wagged his tail. Of course. I love going places.

  I held up his dog vest. “Wanna wear this at the station? You’ll look like a real police dog.”

  He panted happily. Yes. Yes. Officer Wilson will be so impressed. She’ll probably give me extra treats.

  “Ooo, good idea,” Kenny said. “We need to get in good with the cops so they can hire us as consultants. Mrs. Cooper, can I leave these shirts here for now? I gotta head back into town.”

  “Sure, dear. I’ll take care of them.”

  “Where you going?” I asked.

  “Bakery. I’m meeting Ellie for coffee.”

  “Aw,” Mom said. “How sweet. That’s great, Kenny.”

  He frowned. “I’m not twelve. This is a mature get together between adults.”

  “Oh, well.” She put her hands up. “My mistake.”

  “I thought she didn’t want to see anyone for a while?” I said.

  “She didn’t,” Kenny said. “Had to take a break and process Jimmy’s passing. I’ve been helping her to work through it all.”

  “You running therapy groups now?”

  “No. I send uplifting texts.”

  “Aw,” Mom said.

  Kenny frowned at her.

  She cleared her throat. “I mean, oh, that’s thoughtful.”

  “So, now she wants to meet for coffee?” I said. “Wouldn’t that put you in rebound guy territory?”

  He crossed his fingers. “Lord willing.”

  “Well, whatever works for you.” I fastened Bandit’s harness on.

  Mom started cleaning the table off. “Tell Brooke I said hello.”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “And make sure you apologize for your crazy stunt that almost got you and Bandit shot. And thank her again for saving your life.”

  “I’ve already done that a hundred times, but yes, I’ll do it again.”

  She set the dishes down and pointed at me. “And even though we’re starting a detective agency, remember, the majority of our work should be done through computer research and phone calls. Promise me you won’t do anything foolish like that again.”

  I grabbed Bandit’s leash and headed for the front door. “I’ll do my best.”

  Kenny followed close behind.

  “You better,” Mom said. “Kenny, talk to him.”

  “You got it, Mrs. Cooper.” Kenny flashed a thumbs up and followed me out the door.

  Kenny went to the garage to start the lengthy process of preparing his Matrix-mobile for launch.

  I loaded Bandit into the Mustang, and within a few seconds we were driving into town. I put in a call to Officer Wilson on my way down. I had a surprise planned, and she promised to unlock Brooke’s squad car for me.

  When I got to the station parking lot, I took a few minutes to prepare Brooke’s surprise. Once I was finished, I tried to lead Bandit inside but he insisted I put his vest back on first.

  I attached the final Velcro strap and Bandit was back in his vest. “There. I put it on loose this time. How does it feel?”

  Itchy. He shook. And tight. I feel like I can’t breathe. How do those German Shepherds take these things?

  “Well, you sure you want to wear this?”

  I can deal with it while we’re in the station. I need to look like a real K-9 unit around the other officers. But once we get back in the car, please take this horrible thing off, okay?

  “Okay.”

  We walked into the station, Bandit holding his head just a little higher than usual.

  Officer Wilson was at the reception desk, typing away. She put her hand to her chest when she saw Bandit. “Oh, that is so adorable. I love it!”

  Adorable? Bandit glanced at me. I’m no puppy. I’m supposed to be fierce.

  She walked over and knelt down next to him. “Aren’t you the cutest K-9 unit in all the land?”

  No. The fiercest.

  She scratched behind his ear and glanced at the logo on his vest. “Detective agency, huh?” She arched a brow at me.

  I spread out my hands. “Apparently I’m good at solving crimes.”

  She chuckled and went back to her desk. “Just try not to get shot at next time.”

  “It’s part of our business plan.”

  She picked up her desk phone. “Brooke, can you come to the front please? Thanks.”

  Officer Wilson dug through her purse. “Now I wonder if I have any treats for Officer Bandit?”

  Bandit lurched forward and put his paws up on her desk. Ooo, yes. Treats! I should get double for wearing this vest.

  “Ah.” She pulled out a couple brown cubes. “Turkey flavor. How’s that sound?”

  Bandit barked. Works for me. Gimme.

  She laughed and tossed them to his awaiting jaws.

  Bandit chewed happily. I love her. She should get Cop of the Year.

  “Hey.” Brooke strolled up to us. “What’re you doing here?”

  “Got a surprise for you.” I smiled.

  “Kenny already pitched me on your detective agency.” She crossed her arms. “We don’t have any clown gem thieves in our case load right now, so I can’t hire you.”

  Officer Wilson laughed.

  “I do like Bandit’s vest, though.” Brooke patted his head. “Super cute.”

  Tough, not cute. Bandit looked at me. Is this vest giving off the wrong impression?

  Nah. You look great.

  “Can I show you something outside?” I asked.

  “Is it a van with your detective logo on it?”

  I smirked. “No, but knowing Kenny, that might not be far off.”

  “I can take a quick break,” Brooke said.

  Bandit glanced back at me. Can I stay with Officer Wilson?

  “Is it okay if Bandit stays here a minute?” I asked.

  “Oh, of course.” She scratched his cheeks. “He can stay with me all day.”

  Bandit licked her hand. Or at least until the treats run out.

  I opened the door for Brooke and walked with her into the parking lot.

  “So,” I said, “what’s happening in the mean streets of Crystal Falls this morning?”

  “We have a stolen bicycle up near Needle Pass, so you know things are really revving up. What’s the surprise?”

  “You’ll see soon enough. Do you like surprises?”

  “Not really.”

  “What? How can you not like surprises?”

  “I like to know what’s going on. I’m a planner.”

  “What if it’s a good surprise?”

  “I suppose. I’d rather prepare for it though.”

  “So, when your future boyfriend gets down on one knee and surprises you with a ring you’re not gonna like it?”

  Her eyes went wide. “Oh, Luke. That’s not the surprise, is it?”

  I laughed. “Hey, slow down now. I was just giving an example.”

  She let out a long breath and put her hand on her chest. “Oh, thank God.”

  “Hey, you don’t have to sound that relieved about it.”

  Brooke smiled and grabbed my arm. “Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just way too early to think about anything like that.”

  “Of course.” I stopped and motioned to her squad car. “Okay, here’s the part where I would’ve said ‘surprise’ but now I’m not so sure.
”

  In the passenger seat of Brooke’s squad car sat the giant stuffed bear I’d won at the silent auction. Officer Wilson had let me borrow a police hat and glasses that I put on the bear to complete the effect.

  “Oh.” Brooke held my arm tight, a smile overtaking her lips. “Is that my bear from the auction?”

  “Yes. Otherwise known as Officer Bearington. I forgot to go back and get him at the ring toss booth after all the craziness with the gemstone theft.”

  “Well, that was quite a night.”

  “You’re telling me. So, I had to track down Charlie Groves. He’s the kid that ran the ring toss. He didn’t want to give me the bear, even though I’d rightfully won it. Said something about prize claim time limits or some nonsense. Of course, when I told him you were a cop he suddenly became a lot more cooperative.”

  “Imagine that.” She grabbed my hand. “I love it, Luke. No one’s ever won me anything before.”

  “Well, that’s a crime right there ... So, even though it’s a surprise, you like it?”

  “Very much.” She nodded, squeezing my hand.

  “I think another crime would be if I didn’t take you out to dinner tonight.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yep. And since we’re right outside the police station, I should probably avoid any criminal activity.”

  “Agreed.” She let go of my hand and kissed my cheek. Her sparkling green eyes locked with mine. “Pick me up at seven?”

  “I’ll be there.”

  She flashed a warm smile and walked back toward the station. “And do me a favor?”

  “Sure. What?”

  “Try to stay out of trouble between now and then, okay?”

  “Me? When have I ever been in trouble?”

  She gave me a playful squint before walking back into the station.

  My cell phone rang. Kenny was on the other end.

  “Dude,” Kenny said. “I got our first case.”

  “Tell me it’s not the library book thing.”

  “Way better. Are you sitting down?”

  A thrill rose up inside me. Of course, it was due mostly to Brooke and the direction our relationship was taking, but also in no small measure to being involved in detective work. As crazy as it seemed, launching a private investigation team with Kenny, Bandit, and my mom had awakened something in me. Solving crimes to bring about justice made me feel more alive than any other career I’d pursued in my life.