by Rosie Sams
“It was good, Lola came to see me, we had a nice walk and she told me how much Smudge loves us both and is looking forward to our new little one.”
Alvin kissed her lips and ran his hand across her belly. There was hardly a bump as of yet but it still filled her with warmth. At her side, Smudge gave a little bark and scratched at Alvin’s legs.
Alvin pulled back and picked up the little bulldog kissing her cheek and rubbing her belly. “I love you too, Smudgeypudgey.”
Melody groaned at Alvin’s latest attempt to find a nickname, but Smudge just kissed his cheek before wriggling so much that he put her down on the floor. She ran to her bed and grabbed her favorite squeaky green frog toy. Giving it a big squeak, she tossed it into the air and it landed at Alvin’s feet.
“I guess that means you’re hungry?” Alvin said and turned back to stir the chili in the pan. “Don’t worry my two... possibly three… favorite girls, dinner will soon be served.”
“Don’t get too excited, don’t get your hopes up, it might not be a girl,” Melody said as she hugged him from behind while he continued to stir the chili.
“I don’t care what it is, I don’t even care if it’s a squeaky frog, it will be our squeaky frog and we will love it just the same.”
As if in reply Smudge picked up her own squeaky frog and ran around the kitchen squeaking in such a frenzy that it filled the house with noise.
Alvin and Melody laughed as they both began to relax into the evening. Soon the table was set, the chili was served, and Smudge had her own meal ready and waiting. As a family, they sat down to eat, and little by little the conversation turned to Melody’s day.
“There was one order that is causing a bit of controversy,” Melody said.
“Oh good, you know I like controversy.” Alvin winked as he grabbed the last piece of garlic bread to clean up the last few smears of chili.
“I’m not so sure you’ll like this one,” Melody said as she then continued to explain her encounter with Franklin Reid and Kerry’s claim that Kirsten had done something underhanded to keep her GPA up.
Alvin chewed his lip for a moment, nodding his agreement. “It might not be all gossip,” he said. “I remember a time when Kirsten was seen in the company of a young teaching assistant er… let me think… oh, yes, it was Victor Glass. I remember Wilbur telling me about him. He has this expensive silver lighter and he makes a big show of lighting his slim cigarettes. Wilbur had to ask him to stop once because he was doing it in the movie theater and that was when he noticed that he was with Kirsten. I remember him calling me because she was underage. So, just my thoughts, but this might not all be gossip.”
“What happened? Was he…?” Melody couldn’t ask any more and she shuddered.
“No, not that we could work out. He said that it was just a treat for her exceptional work, but when I asked around the school they weren’t sure what it was for. However, I looked into it and we never saw that they were together again. There was never any evidence of wrongdoing and he was warned about being seen with students. In the end, we couldn’t find anything and my gut said he wasn’t the sort to abuse her. There was a note made but nothing came of it. Me or one of my officers checked in with him every now and then and nothing… so, who knows?”
“Well, now you’ve got me thinking.” Melody pushed her plate aside and moved her chair back; as she did Smudge jumped up onto her knee. Cuddling the little bulldog close she began to wonder if she should look into this.
“I know that look,” Alvin said. “You’re thinking of investigating, of poking around to see if you can get to the heart of the matter… don’t deny it, I know you too well.”
Melody shrugged, she couldn’t deny it, it was exactly what she was thinking.
“Please, don’t go stirring up trouble, there were never any additional incidents where Kirsten and Victor were seen together so it could’ve been just a coincidence. There’s no reason to spoil the girl's graduation party because of it. Also, the last thing I want is for you to put you and our unborn child at risk by seeking out trouble.”
Melody laughed. “Okay, I agree. After all, if there is any trouble you know it will find me.”
“Ohh, you are the most stubborn…”
Smudge jumped off Melody’s knee and ran around the table. Sitting in front of Alvin she gave a sharp yip. She was obviously taking Melody's side.
“So, now you’re ganging up on me,” Alvin said while he tore off a piece of his garlic bread and tossed it at Smudge. The Frenchie jumped into the air and caught the tasty morsel before curling up at his feet and chewing her prize.
“It looks like she forgives you,” Melody said, as she hoped Alvin would forgive her if he found out that she started looking into Kirsten’s past.
“She always forgives me,” Alvin said. “Well, Smudge, just make sure you keep an eye on Melody if and when trouble rears its ugly head again.
Smudge gave a little yip of agreement.
Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Four
The week flew by as a few more graduation party orders came in and Melody, Leslie, and Kerry prepared as many desserts in advance as they could. As often happened, Hiram Green of the Happy Frog restaurant was working on many of the parties as well. This made it doubly easy because they worked well with Hiram, both parties understanding what the other needed.
Melody had made a few discreet inquiries but had found nothing to indicate that Kirsten had done anything untoward. As the day of the party dawned, she put her doubts behind her and looked forward to making it a wonderful event.
The van was packed and soon Melody, Kerry, and Leslie were unloading and carrying the treats into the Reid’s home. Smudge was in the van; Melody had parked it in the shade and the van was refrigerated to keep the desserts cool. Melody was expecting Smudge to stay there for most of the day. She would nip back and make sure that she was okay, giving her plenty of walks in between.
However, Sandra Reid, Franklin’s wife, took one look at Smudge and asked if she could get her out of the van. Melody readily agreed and soon Smudge was playing with the family’s Pug, a cute little dog called Elvis. It looked like Smudge was certainly going to enjoy the party.
As Melody paused to watch the two dogs race around, she caught a glimpse of a girl standing to one side. Being spotted, the girl nipped behind a big rose bush with the most magnificent candy-striped blooms. The girl was dressed in a beautiful A-Line light pink dress with big pink flowers on it. It was stunning, but it was not the dress that caught Melody’s attention. The girl looked nothing short of miserable. It was then that Melody realized she must be the graduate.
Melody looked around and she could see that nobody seemed to have noticed Kirsten. Putting down her last tray of desserts, Melody crossed the garden and skirted around the rose bush. It was obvious that the girl was hiding, but Melody couldn’t leave her in such despair. Slowly, she approached her.
“Hey, I’m Melody, how are you doing?”
Kirsten spun around to face Melody. Long black hair fanned around a pale and tear-stained face. Big brown eyes made her look so young and innocent.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Melody said. “I can understand how overwhelming this party must be; if there’s anything I can do just let me know. I know some people don’t care for such a fuss as all this.”
Melody knew she was talking too much, but her words seemed to relax Kirsten and at last, the girl nodded.
“My parents don’t fall into that category,” Kirsten said with a shrug. “I didn’t really want a party; after all, what is there to celebrate?”
Kirsten’s comments made Melody wonder if she was nursing some guilt about her graduation status and her prospects for the future. However, though originally she had wanted to find out some dirt on the girl, now, having met her it was the last thing she wanted.
“Well, I’m happy to lend an ear if you need someone to talk to,” Melody said. “It can be just between me and you.”
“Than
k you for that, I’m not used to people being kind,” Kirsten said.
The sound of her mother’s voice sharp and commanding rang across the garden. Kirsten jumped.
“Kirsten! Kirsten, get out here and prepare yourself to receive your guests,” Sandra bellowed.
Kirsten shrugged once more at Melody before turning and walking away from the rose bush. Melody waited there a moment longer and watched the girl as the guests started to arrive. Once no one was looking in her direction, Melody made her way back to Leslie and Kerry. That was when she noticed Victor Glass coming in.
“The party might prove far more interesting than we expected,” Melody whispered to Kerry and Leslie.
Soon the party was in full swing and for a while Melody was busy. Even so, she kept an eye on things and she could see that Franklin and Sandra were basking in the compliments about their daughter’s achievements. The school’s principal, Richard Jeffries, stated loudly that Kirsten deserved every inch of her success and the wonderful party that celebrated it. However, the guest of honor was nowhere to be seen and Melody started to worry.
Excusing herself, she went out into the back garden and found Smudge, intending to take the bulldog for a walk. Smudge, however, was having so much fun with Elvis, her new friend the pug, that Melody decided to hang outside the house for a few moments. She could keep an eye on the dogs and take in a breath of fresh air.
Stepping around the corner, where it was quieter, she leaned against the wall. It was lovely to watch the two dogs racing around and then flopping down in the grass to rest, before racing around again. Melody wished she had that energy herself as she chuckled at the two pals.
As the dogs took a rest, Melody heard the voices of Kirsten and a young man behind her, the voices were raised and Melody thought about leaving them to it, but instead, she took a few steps closer. There was another rose bush and a large rhododendron between Melody and Kirsten. As Melody peeked through the bushes she could see that it was Victor Glass that Kirsten was arguing with.
Though she wanted to turn away she was drawn to the conversation.
“You would not even have this party had I not intervened on your behalf,” Victor said. “I expect you to honor your end of the agreement.”
“You did me no favors,” Kirsten said before turning and fleeing back to the front door and then, no doubt, back to the party.
Victor shrugged and shook his head. There was a malicious smirk on his face as he pulled a silver lighter from his pocket. With an exaggerated flourish, he lit a slim cigarette and then turned and walked away.
Melody couldn’t help herself, she followed, sneaking around the bush she watched as he went through the Reids’ gate and approached a pond adjacent to the property. There was something about him that drew her and she decided to casually walk over and say hello. As she skirted the rhododendron, Leslie’s voice stopped her dead.
“Are you out here, Melody?”
With one last look at Victor, Melody turned back giving Smudge a quick pat before she went back into the party. Whatever Victor was doing was not her problem and as long as Kirsten was okay she had a job to do.
Still, taking one last glance back she couldn’t see Victor through the bushes. She wondered what the man would do? Would he create a scene and spoil this special day?
Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Five
Soon the party was in full swing and Melody and her friends were rushed off their feet. As often happened, Hiram Green of the Happy Frog restaurant, was on his own. Melody and her friends helped him serving and preparing food before taking care of their own desserts.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the party, Franklin and Sandra were basking in the adulation but Melody hadn’t seen Kirsten in some time. Part of her wanted to check on the girl but another part of her knew that it was none of her business and maybe she should let her be.
Kerry was drinking cup after cup of strong coffee and had been dancing with some of the guests as the night carried on. From time to time Melody nipped out and looked after Smudge. The bulldog had had her food and was resting curled up next to Elvis ready for Melody to take her for a walk.
“Just give me five minutes,” Melody said, scratching Smudge behind her ears before nipping back inside. Leslie and Kerry had taken a break. Melody took it on herself to tidy up all the empty dishes and to rearrange what food was left. It didn’t take her long and she carried the empties back out to the van. That done she decided it was time for Smudge’s walk. Grabbing the lead from the van she went back to find Smudge.
When she saw Elvis sitting at Sandra’s feet and Smudge nowhere to be found she started to panic. There were some awful tales about dogs being stolen and for a moment her heart was in her throat and she reached for her mobile. Her handsome husband and Port Warren’s sheriff, Alvin Hennessy, would be here in an instant if he thought Smudge was in danger. However, before she could dial, she spotted Smudge standing at the Reids’ gate.
“What’s up, Smudge?” Melody asked.
Smudge spun in a circle and gave a little yip before staring back at the gate. Melody could see that the bulldog's hackles on her back were slightly raised and she was on full alert. Deciding to follow the Frenchie’s lead, she clicked the leash to her collar and opened the gate.
Smudge pulled towards the pond and with a chuckle Melody let her lead. Then she recalled seeing Victor Glass standing smoking in that direction. Was he still there? Melody couldn’t see him and presumed he had returned back to the party. How she hoped he wouldn’t cause any trouble. Though Kirsten hadn’t been at her party much Melody didn’t think she deserved any scandal.
“Steady,” Melody said as Smudge pulled her down towards the water. “You can’t need to drink, there was plenty out for you.”
Smudge gave a little yip and pulled forward sniffing along the edge of the bank. It was dark and the moonlight glinted off the water. Melody found herself thinking what a romantic place it would be to have a picnic and she wondered if she could persuade Alvin to join her one night.
“What do you think, Smudge?” she asked.
Smudge whined and pulled her right to the water’s edge. The little bulldog was sniffing left and right, left and right, and then with a determination, she set off to the left.
Melody always trusted Smudge but now the lake no longer seemed romantic but a little isolated. Though she could still hear the music from the party it was muffled and the lake was so secluded no one would be able to see her. Turning, she tried to guide the bulldog back to the party.
Smudge was having none of it and pulled her around the lake. Melody was always so surprised at how much strength the little dog had when she was determined. The ground was a little slippery, the grass short and it gave her little purchase in the neat black shoes she always wore when on a job. Suddenly, Smudge stopped.
“About time,” Melody said. “You really can be a naughty little girl at times.”
With a chuckle, she noticed that Smudge was staring down at the water. Looking into the silvery depths herself, Melody suddenly understood. Surely, this couldn’t be happening; something was in the water and she soon worked out what it was. As a ray of moonlight touched the surface, Melody let out a high-pitched scream.
Chapter Two Hundred Sixty-Six
Pushing aside the thought, not again, Melody once more reached for her phone. This time she dialed home and Alvin answered almost immediately. Quickly, Melody explained what she had found and Alvin told her he would be there very soon.
“I think you should go back to the party,” Alvin said.
Melody shook her head, though she knew he could not see it down the phone. “I should stay here, we don’t want anyone messing with… well, with the body.”
“I would much rather they mess with the body then mess with you,” Alvin said. “You would be much safer back at the party, just hang on a moment.”
Melody heard him put her on hold and knew that he would be calling the station, she also knew he would already be on
his way and it would only take him a few minutes to get here. Smudge was at her feet for the moment, but she whined and pulled as if she too wanted to go back to the party. “Wait just a minute,” Melody said to the dog just as Alvin came back on the line.
“I can’t hear people, are you back at the party?”
“No, not yet.”
“We’ll do it now, for me, please, and for our child.”
Melody chuckled at his concern already. “Okay, I will go back to the party, but if anyone sees me coming back from here, I may even be in more danger?”
Melody heard Alvin draw in his breath and the cruiser he was driving speed up.
“I’ll be there any minute, go back and be with Kerry and Leslie but don’t tell them anything. If anyone asks you just say you were walking Smudge and nothing else. I love you.”
Before Melody could say the words back she knew that Alvin had hung up and that he would be here any minute. Feeling nervous, she glanced around but there was no movement and surely, Smudge would have let her know if anyone was there. “Come on, pup, let’s get back to the party,” Melody said as she turned to walk away. At first, she wondered if Smudge might be difficult. When the little Frenchie had her nose on the clues it was hard to get her to back down, but to her surprise Smudge turned and walked back as if nothing had happened.
Melody was soon back through the gate and into the garden. There was no one around on that side of the house and as she turned the corner she watched to see if anyone was looking. Making out that she was looking for Kerry and Leslie she scanned the crowd, but no one seemed to be staring at her. With a sense of relief, she spotted Leslie and made her way across.
“Where’s Kerry?” Melody asked, suddenly worried for her friend and partner.
“She’s over there, dancing, look.” Leslie pointed across the crowded garden and into the dining room. Sure enough, Kerry was bopping away to the music along with half a dozen other people.