by Rosie Sams
Grabbing a lead and a thick coat Melody opened the door. There was a chill in the air and she pulled the coat tightly around her. Winter was definitely here. As they set off down the street Melody had no particular place in mind. It just felt good to be moving and to be doing something. Though it was cold, the sidewalk wasn’t slippery and she felt quite safe. Traffic was light at this time of year without the influx of tourists but she nodded to a few people she saw walking.
Smudge was enjoying herself too, sniffing at this and sniffing out that, wagging her little stump of a tail as she led the way. Melody wasn’t sure if it was Smudge and habit or if her own subconscious had taken over but suddenly Smudge stopped and they stood outside of the Delicately Delicious Bakery, her bakery!
A flush of guilt warmed her skin and she thought about turning around and rushing straight home. If she went in, the girls would think she was checking on them. But then again, if they saw her there and she didn’t go in then they might think her ignorant. Before she could make up her mind the door opened and Smudge ran inside.
Melody smiled at the exiting customer and entered the shop to find Smudge behind the counter and already tucking into a butter cookie.
“Hi, Melody,” Leslie said from behind the counter, tucking a stray wisp of blonde hair back under her pink hairnet. Then she turned to Kerry, a petite woman with a black pixie bob and dark eyes, who sat on a stool just behind her, and held out her hand. “I told you she would never make the week.”
Kerry laughed. “I don’t think I ever took that bet. Just like you, I knew Melody couldn’t stay away. I’m never sure if it’s our wonderful company or if she loves the work too much. Either way, both of us knew she would never stay away for a whole week.”
Melody held up her hand in surrender. It looked like Kerry had been on the coffee this morning as her speech was going at 100 miles an hour and no one else could get a word in edgeways.
“I don’t even know how I got here,” Melody said with a shrug of her shoulders. “I just started off walking Smudge and then here we are.”
“I’ve done that a million times,” Kerry said. “When I first started working here the second morning I drove to my old job and it was only when I got there I realized where I was. I think I did it all on automatic.”
Leslie ducked under the counter and gave Melody a big hug and it was only then that Kerry stopped talking and came and did the same.
“Why don’t you come in the back and share a muffin and a coffee with us,” Leslie said. “You can then see that everything is under control and have a break. Then, one of us can drive you back.”
“I’ll take the coffee and the muffin,” Melody said, “but I didn’t come to check on you. I have every confidence in you both. And I don’t need a ride back, the walk will do me good.”
Soon, Melody was sitting in the break room with a lovely raspberry and white chocolate muffin and a cup of hot, strong coffee.
“You should be more careful,” Leslie said. “What are you now, 37 weeks?”
“No, I’m only 36 so that is four weeks away from giving birth. I really don’t need wrapping in cotton wool.”
“I bet Alvin thinks you do,” Kerry said. “Besides, I’ve been looking up some statistics and not all births are at 40 weeks. In fact, the most common time to give birth is anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks and I believe you are now 36 weeks and five days.” She raised her eyebrows, wiggling them and smiling before continuing. “So, you are actually just two days before the most common time to give birth.”
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll go at least 40 weeks,” Melody said chuckling at her friend. “You know me, being at home is just… it’s just so difficult.”
“We know, Leslie said, “it’s killing you.”
The two partners laughed and Melody couldn’t help but join in. They knew her only too well. For the next 15 minutes, they chatted about what the bakery had on and how they were coping. One of the girls would go through to the shop every time the doorbell rang. Melody was proud to see that they were doing so well and she began to relax.
Leslie sat down again and took a quick sip of her coffee. “Come on, Melody, what is really wrong?”
Melody let out a big sigh. “Don’t get me wrong, I really want this baby.” Her hands absentmindedly went to her massive belly. “The problem is… it changes everything. I loved my life and now it’s all going to be different. I loved working here, I loved my time with Alvin.”
At their feet, Smudge gave a surprisingly big bark.
“Don’t worry,” Melody said, “I wasn’t going to forget you, Smudge. I love my time with Smudge and I loved solving the mysteries that we ended up getting into… now all that is gone.”
“It doesn’t have to be gone,” Kerry said. “Things will just be different. You will be back working here quicker than you know it. You’re lucky, you can bring your baby with you.”
That put a smile on Melody’s face for Kerry was right, she could.
“Your life with Alvin is only going to get better, you are a real family now and you have other priorities. You may not see them now, but you will do. Your work will be the same but different, your home life will be the same but better, things between you and Smudge are never going to change. You will love that little dog forever.”
Melody smiled and nodded but then she realized they’d missed something. “And my mysteries?”
The two girls shared a look and Melody knew they were concerned for her. How many times had she cornered a murderer on her own and nearly paid the price?
“Maybe it’s time to hang up your magnifying glass, at least for a while?” Leslie said.
Smudge rubbed her nose against Melody’s leg and suddenly she found herself nodding. Maybe it was, at least for a little while. After all, the mystery of birth was about to come her way, maybe that was enough mystery for now.
Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Four
Once more turning down the offer of a lift, Melody and Smudge left the bakery. Even though she was relaxed and confident that the girls had everything in hand, she still felt out of sorts. Maybe even a little more so… they were managing so well without her!
Head down, she walked along the street, letting Smudge lead the way. She was so engrossed in her own maudlin mood that she almost bumped into Smudge when the bulldog stopped and sat on the sidewalk.
Melody looked up to see Lola Ramsey standing before her with a big grin on her face. Lola was an ex veteran who had suffered a severe head injury and was left with PTSD and a strange… ability. She believed she could hear dogs. Over the last few months, Lola had changed a lot. When Melody first met her she jumped at everything and was afraid of the voices she heard. Afraid that people would think her crazy. With Melody and Smudge’s help, she had learned to cope around other people. Only Melody knew of her ability, though she still wasn’t sure that it wasn’t all in Lola’s head. But if it was, Lola had an uncanny knack to understand because Melody was sure that the things she said Smudge said were exactly what the Frenchie was thinking.
With long black hair and striking grey eyes, Lola was a beautiful woman and as she gradually put on a bit of weight she was losing the gaunt appearance that had plagued her when they first met.
“Are you okay?” Lola asked as she bent over to pick Smudge up. The Frenchie snuggled up to her face giving her lots of kisses.
“I’m fine,” Melody said rubbing her aching back. “Have you thought any more about getting a therapy dog?” Melody asked.
“I have, but the waiting list is so long and there are people who need them much more than me.”
“Why don’t you come back to my place, we can have a coffee and a chat?”
Lola nodded and Melody was surprised at how pleased she was. Was she really unable to cope with her own company for just a short time?
They chatted as they made the short walk but then pulled up short as the sound of angry voices drifted around the corner. They were nearly back to Melody and Alvin’s place and Melody
recognized the voice of a local realtor, Tracy Alderson.
They rounded the corner to see Tracy searching in a big shoulder bag for something. Her brown hair was slipping out of its bun and she looked flustered and hot. “He’s only asking for a small reduction,” Tracy said in a voice that was almost pleading.
Melody spotted the couple she was arguing with. They were on the doorstep of the Dowlings’ house, Bonnie and Scott Dowling lived only a few doors from Melody and Alvin but they had never really got on. As far as Melody knew, no one in the area liked them that much. They seemed to think they were better than their neighbors.
Scott was a short man who always seemed to be angry. He had short, black hair and an even blacker beard and a permanent tan. His wife was a contrast, with a sharp, blonde bob, shaven at the back, and very pale skin. Her voice was a little shrill for Melody’s liking.
“Small reduction,” Bonnie said. “You call that small?”
“An insult is what it is,” Scott added.
Melody watched Tracy run a hand through her hair and she felt really sorry for the realtor.
“Don’t think of it that way,” Tracy said. “The negotiation of a house sale is like a dance. There is give and take and an ebb and flow to the talks. You have to appear to move towards your partner if you want it to be a success.”
“Pfffff,” Bonnie blew out.
“Ridiculous,” Scott said. “You never should have chosen this woman.” Now he was turning on his wife.
“Oh, it would be my fault, everything is.” Bonnie turned and ran back into the house followed by Scott who slammed the door in Tracy’s face.
The realtor seemed to crumple and for a moment Melody thought that she might cry. Having to help, she called out, “Would you like to join us for a coffee?” Now the words were out they seemed totally inappropriate but Tracy looked up with a big smile on her face and nodded.
“That is so kind,” she said as she came over, still searching in a big patchwork leather bag. “I just can’t find my car keys.”
“Leave it here, I only live there.” Melody pointed. “I’m sure your keys will turn up when you’ve sat for a moment or two.”
Tracy let out a big sigh of relief. “You are a lifesaver, Melody.”
Melody smiled and introduced her to Lola.
Soon, they were at Melody’s. Lola made the coffees and they sat around the kitchen table. Melody struggled to her feet to grab some cookies from the cupboard.
“I could have got them,” Lola said.
“I need to keep active,” Melody said.
“How long?” Tracy asked.
Melody shook her head and sighed. “Oh, ages, another four weeks yet.”
“It will go quicker than you know,” Tracy said but Melody doubted that.
“What was wrong with the Dowlings?” she asked, wanting to change the subject.
Tracy sagged a little and picked up her coffee. “They are difficult clients. I have an offer, it’s a good offer from a man I believe is serious. His name’s Raymond, Raymond Wheat, and he is genuine but the Dowlings won’t budge… not even a little. Normally, I could let them think it over but I really need this sale by the end of the month. My job might depend on it.”
“Oh, Tracy, I’m so sorry,” Melody said.
“I guess it is just the business, I just seem to have had a run of bad luck and it is dog eat dog and I could be out of a job.”
“The Dowlings should be more sympathetic to you,” Lola said.
“Thank you.” Tracy was searching through her bag again and she came out with the keys and a hard candy. Stripping the wrapper off, she popped the candy into her mouth and then dropped her hands down by her side.
Smudge jumped off Lola’s knee and ran around to sniff Tracy’s fingers.
“I guess she likes your sweets,” Melody said.
“They are mint chocolate. I’m so sorry, would you like one? I tend to eat when I’m down.”
“No, thank you,” Melody said and Lola shook her head.
“What will you do now?” Melody asked.
“I will go back to Raymond and see if he will make another offer. If not I fear he will move on to another property. Thank you for listening, I will get back to the office and give him a call.”
“Good luck,” Melody said as she showed her to the door.
Melody came back to see Smudge lying across Lola’s lap. “I hope she gets the sale.”
“Me too, she seems nice.” Lola was stroking Smudge between the ears.
“She really likes you,” Melody said.
“She likes everyone,” Lola replied and then looked down at Smudge and smiled.
“What did she say?” Melody asked.
Lola laughed which was so good to see. At one time she would have been terrified of that question. So afraid that she would be locked away for being crazy.
“She says that she likes me best after you and Alvin. I’m not sure if I believe her but it’s good to hear. She also says that I should get a doggy.”
“Why don’t you?” Melody asked and Smudge gave a little yip of agreement. “It doesn’t have to be a therapy dog, just some company.”
“I would take Smudge in a heartbeat.”
Smudge rolled over on her knee exposing her belly for rubs, her little pink tongue sneaking out of the corner of her mouth.
They both chuckled.
“The thing is,” Lola said, “I’m thinking of moving on soon. Jake has been great but it’s time to get back to my own life and I don’t yet know where I’ll end up or if I’ll even be allowed a dog.”
“Lola,” Melody said a touch of exasperation sneaking into her voice. “You have your inheritance. Wherever you go you could use a little of it to make sure that you were comfortable.”
“I guess.” Lola shrugged. “I just feel that my life needs a purpose.
“I’m not going to push you into anything, but having a dog could give you that. I know it’s only a small thing but when you have a dog you have to get up, you have to take care of it. To walk it and feed it. In a small way, it stops you from giving in.”
Smudge gave a little woof.
“Even I know that means she agrees,” Melody said with a laugh.
“I just wouldn’t know where to start. Part of me agrees with you. I think it would do me so much good and it would help when the dreams come. I’m going to miss Jake and all the help he’s given me.”
Melody nodded. Jake Chesterton was the veteran that Lola was staying with. He was a good man who had once been homeless when his own PTSD got the better of him. Now he worked for the VA and had stepped up to help when Lola was accused of murder.
“Why don’t we visit the local shelter? I know the owner, Courtney Clyde. If you find the right dog for you, you will know it.”
“That is a sentiment worth a toast,” Lola said and they clinked coffee cups.
Melody decided not to tell her that she had first got to know Courtney after a murder; after all, there couldn’t be another murder, could there?
Chapter Two Hundred Seventy-Five
“Honey, I’m home,” Alvin called as he walked through the door.
Smudge was already waiting for him and was scooped up into his arms and covered in kisses as he came through to the kitchen to find Melody removing a pot roast from the oven.
Alvin put Smudge down and rushed to his wife's side, taking the heavy pan off her. “You shouldn’t be lifting this,” he said while taking the pan and kissing her cheek all in one smooth motion.
Melody laughed. “I’m not ill, Alvin!”
“I know, I know,” he said, ignoring her glare, “but you can still take it easy. I’m here to help you… let me do the heavy lifting.”
Melody sat down at the table and folded her arms. “You can wait on me all you want. I will sit here and not move.” She gave him a wink to soften the words but she was getting fed up with being treated like an invalid.
Alvin sensed her mood perfectly and began to talk about
his day to Smudge. The little bulldog sat next to him as he carved the roast and served the vegetables. Melody couldn’t help but laugh.
Soon, the meal was ready and Alvin put Melody’s on the table first and then put Smudge’s bowl down giving her a quick rub on the white smudge on her back that she had been named after. Smudge sat waiting until Alvin told her to get it. Then he put his own meal on the table and sat down.
For a while, they ate and talked about nothing, but Melody could tell that he was itching to say something. In the end, she could take it no more. “Come on, out with it!”
Alvin put down his knife and fork and wiped his mouth.
Melody wanted to be mad with him but how could she be when he looked so cute. With his soft brown hair that had grown a little long and developed a kink and his soulful brown eyes, he could get her to do anything.
“I heard from Kerry and Leslie that you had been into the shop,” he said.
A flash of anger and betrayal cut deep into Melody’s heart. Why would the girls do that? “I went for a walk. Either Smudge took me there or we ended up there on automatic. It wasn’t deliberate.”
“I’m not telling you off and they didn’t tell me, Wilbur had called in on his lunch break and they got talking.”
Melody relaxed. Wilbur, one of Alvin’s deputy’s, was courting Leslie. For a moment she groaned, these hormones were getting the better of her. “Sorry. I really did just end up there and it was just a walk. I met Lola on the way back and the realtor, Tracy. Melody told him of the troubles at the Dowling household and Alvin frowned.
“Don’t get involved. I’ve heard that the Dowlings are in real financial dire straits. They need every penny they can get from that sale. Who knows what they would do?”
“Really.”
“That’s what I’ve heard. No way can they settle for less than the asking price and they might even cut Tracy out altogether, saving her commission. Either way, I think it will get… unpleasant. Do me a favor and keep out of this one.”