See Something, page 21
My personal rush order by then had to be getting Ranger Rob’s Rodeo in shape for the show’s debut just a week away. The script for the show consisted of a series of events, reality-show style, rather than dialogue. Rob and Katie didn’t have to memorize lines. They were each expert at staying on topic and involving their studio guests—Rob’s “little buckaroos.” Each show would have a theme and, hopefully, a worthwhile message for young viewers.
The theme we’d planned for the first show was “Our Animal Friends,” giving us a chance to introduce Prince Valiant and Paco. Katie had offered to bring Percival to the studio too.
Wow! What if we could get June and her trainer to do a guest spot?
I’d make a few calls later and try to set it up. Meanwhile, Officer Marr and I stood at the window in Rhonda’s office, watching the lot, looking for Rob’s truck. He’d planned to pick Katie up from the hospital first, then get Paco from the vet, and then drive straight to the station.
“Here he comes,” Marr said, pointing. “Don’t worry. I’ve told Rob to stay in the truck until I get down there to escort them into the building.” He dashed for the stairway leading to the lobby.
Would a single police escort be enough protection from a man who was clearly mad enough, devious enough, sick enough to aim an automobile at a tiny woman, to wrap a bleeding man in plastic and leave him to die in a trash bin, to terrorize me in my own backyard, and now in my workplace?
CHAPTER 37
Rob, Katie, and Paco, accompanied by the overall-wearing police officer, crossed the parking lot and entered the studio without incident. Katie was greeted with gentle hugs and loving well-wishes from just about everybody in the building. Paco, only slightly favoring the injured leg, enjoyed head pattings, ear scratchings, and probably way too many deftly palmed doggie treats.
If Katie was suffering any ill effects from her injuries, it didn’t show in her performance. She didn’t attempt to put Paco through his paces though, because the vet had said he should have a couple of days to rest. After checking out his new doghouse, Paco sat beside me on the kiddie bleachers, seeming to listen intently to Rob and Katie’s patter. All was well onstage and the rehearsal didn’t seem to require any input from me at the moment. Officer Marr was close by, just a short dash through the bull chute away, should any trouble arise, so I gave Paco an extra pat and left the brightly lighted set.
Once back inside the comparative privacy of my glass-walled office, I tried to piece together the events of the past twenty-four hours—at least the events that had so impacted my little corner of the world. The man had hidden a stolen bicycle behind our garage, but hadn’t damaged or defaced our property. He’d signed for a package I needed for my work, but hadn’t opened it or harmed it in any way, let alone planted a bomb in it. Why had Alfred J. Pridholm—if that was his real name—selected me as a target for his chilling pranks, if pranks were what they were? I knew it had to have something to do with Emily, but what?
This train of thought was getting me nowhere. I opened the briefcase, pulling out my copy of the spiral-bound presentation I’d prepared for Mr. Doan. I’d promised a PowerPoint demonstration to go along with it and hadn’t even begun work on that. The plastic-bagged notebook Emily had returned to me slid out of the case, along with the poly-covered brochure. Good. It would provide a convenient place to make notes for my PowerPoint project—and to get my mind away from disturbing thoughts.
Picking up a purple WICH-TV pen, I opened to the first page. The blank notebook wasn’t blank after all. Emily had written something in it—a series of numbers, decimal points, and commas. I squinted at the page. The numbers meant nothing to me—but why should they? Emily was an accountant. I was a B-minus business math student. I flipped through the rest of the pages, making sure there was nothing else written in it.
Okay. I’ll tear out that page, give it back to Emily, and get busy on my own project.
Ever so carefully I removed the page, put it aside, and concentrated on Ranger Rob’s Rodeo, with all its color and fun and excitement—its cute clown, beautiful horse, wonder dog, and bright blue bull chute.
I scribbled away in purple ink, quite happily filling page after page with partly formed thoughts, some badly drawn but understandable to me—staging suggestions, a couple of carpentry projects for Chester, even some doggy costume ideas for Paco. This was exactly the way I’ve always liked to work through any creative process. Get it all down on paper and sort it out later.
A tap-tap on my door broke my concentration. Somewhat annoyed, I looked up to see the smiling face of Captain Billy Barker on the other side of the glass. I hurried to let him in. I’ve always liked the jovial old fisherman, and besides that, he was about to become a major sponsor of Ranger Rob’s Rodeo.
“Welcome, Captain Billy,” I said. “Here to check on the progress of your new show? I think you’ll be pleased. I know I am.”
“I’ve heard good things about it so far,” he said. “I know it’s going to be great. Actually, I’m here to get an idea of the size of the space involved. Want to see if my miniature train—engine and caboose—will fit. I understand there’s going to be a transportation-themed show.”
“That’s on the drawing board, along with lots of others,” I promised. “Let me put this stuff away and we’ll go on over to the soundstage. They’re already rehearsing the debut show. Animal friends.”
“Sounds good,” he said, watching me shuffle papers into a pile. He pointed to the single page I’d put aside to return to Emily. “Planning a fishing trip?”
Huh?
“Fishing? No.” I frowned, puzzled. “Why?”
He tapped the page with one finger. “LORAN bearings. Must be somebody’s honey hole, right?”
Loran? Honey hole? What the hell is he talking about?
My confused expression gave me away.
“A honey hole is fisherman’s lingo for a favorite fishing spot.” He smiled kindly and spoke slowly, as if talking to a kid. “I guess you’re too young to remember LORAN. It stands for long range navigation. It’s a system we used to find our way around on water before they came up with GPS.”
“I see—sort of,” I said. “So that’s what those numbers and dots and commas stand for? Somebody’s directions to someplace on the water?”
“Yep. You catch on fast.”
“A friend wrote it in a notebook,” I said. “I guess maybe she’s a fisherman.”
“If she’s ever going to find that spot again, she’ll need to convert it to GPS,” he said. “It takes special software. I can do it if you want me to.”
I didn’t know how Emily would feel about it, but I knew I’d sure like to know what it meant. “Would you? I’d appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he said. “I’ll just copy it down.” I pushed my pad of sticky notes and the purple pen toward him. “Might even use it myself,” he said with a broad wink. “I’m not above fishing somebody else’s honey hole.”
Putting my program director hat back on, I gave Captain Billy a good tour of the soundstage. Chester helped with measurements for the engine and caboose while Rob and Katie enthused about the possibility of repeating their long-ago “Cannonball Express” routine for a new generation of little buckaroos.
An hour or so later, Captain Billy thanked me for the tour, promised to get back to me with the new GPS data soon, and went upstairs to “talk money” with Mr. Doan. Back in my office, I retrieved my papers once again from the overworked top drawer and got back to work on my plans for future Ranger Rob shows.
Once again, there was a brisk tap-tap at my office door. Rhonda smiled through the glass and held up a small pink Neiman Marcus bag. “Come on in,” I called. “It’s not locked,” I added, immediately realizing that perhaps it should be.
“Your friend Louisa dropped this off for you,” she said. “It was open so I peeked. Hope you don’t mind.” She put the bag on my desk. “Looks like a stack of real estate business cards with a rubber band around them. You looking for a house? Like, do you and Pete have plans you haven’t told me about?”
“No, nothing like that,” I said honestly, and maybe a little regretfully. “My aunt and her girlfriends are working on a little—um—real estate project and I’m trying to help them out.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed. “Well, good luck with it. How’d it feel to be field reporter this morning during all the excitement? You looked as good as ever. Like riding a bike, huh?” The bicycle reference was unfortunate considering my recent experience, but I was glad she thought I’d done all right. Rhonda doesn’t mince words and if she’d thought I’d lost my touch, she’d have let me know, politely but firmly.
“Something like that,” I agreed, “and thanks.” This time I locked the door behind her, and as soon as she’d left, I dumped the contents of the pink bag onto my desk and removed the band. Almost all of the cards showed photos of beautiful waterfront homes, all with perfect landscaping and even a few with yachts parked in the foreground. I was surprised that these cards represented the Angels’ idea of “less expensive” real estate. I guessed that meant under a million dollars. I fanned them out in a colorful half-circle. What was I looking for? What did I expect to find? I picked up the first card on my right, grabbed a piece of copy paper, divided it into two columns, and wrote down agent names and phone numbers. I went through the stack that way. By the time I’d gone through half of them I’d already seen one number come up several times, each with a different agent attached to it. I was on to something here. I knew it and my excitement level began to rise.
Was one person using a dozen different names, or were there a dozen people working the same scam? If it was a scam. I felt as though I had the proverbial tiger by the tail. What was I supposed to do with it?
Another tap at the door, and like a kid who’d been caught reading comic books in study hall, I swept the cards into the top desk drawer and looked up to see Katie and Officer Marr. I smiled a welcome and hurried to let them in.
“Glad to see you’re keeping it locked up, Ms. Barrett.” Marr stood back and let Katie enter the office first.
“How are you feeling, Katie?” I asked. “You looked as good as new at the rehearsal.”
“Oh, a few little aches here and there. No biggie.” She waved a white-gloved hand. “What I wanted to talk to you about is the plan for me to stay at your house for a little while. Is it true that I can bring Percival and Paco too?”
“Absolutely,” I told her. “My aunt and I are looking forward to all three of you joining us.”
“Will O’Ryan mind? I know he likes Percy, but how does he feel about dogs?”
I repeated something Pete had said to me earlier in the day. “We’ll see.”
CHAPTER 38
Katie wanted to go to her house to get some clothes and to pick up Percival, but Marr quickly vetoed that idea. “I can’t be in two places at one time,” he stated flatly. “Can’t watch Ms. Barrett and you if you’re in two different places. Give Rob a list of what you want. He can drop off the cat and your clothes and stuff at Ms. Barrett’s place. I’ll take you and the dog with me and we’ll follow Ms. Barrett home. That’s the way it has to be.”
Katie looked as though she was about to argue, but closed her mouth and spoke a soft “Okay.”
It was a logical solution. My gorgeous car is a two-seater. Room for Katie but not Paco. Marr said he often rode with a K-9 dog for backup and Paco was more than welcome to ride with him anytime. Rob readily agreed to pack whatever Katie wanted in her navy-blue suitcase and to remember to bring Paco’s food, Percy’s litter box and his special diet cat food. It was clear that Rob was familiar with Katie’s house and knew where everything was. He kissed her on the cheek and told her that she needn’t worry about anything.
Except maybe being murdered by a homicidal prankster.
I shook the bad thought away.
“Katie needs to change back into her street clothes,” I said, “and I need to check out with Rhonda. If you get to my place before we do, Rob,” I told him, “just ring the front doorbell. My aunt is expecting you.”
As it turned out, Rob and Percy did arrive on Winter Street before we did. As soon as I’d parked the Vette in the garage and stepped out the side door onto the flagstone path, two cats ran out to greet me—one big yellow striped one, and one small black-and-white one. Percival had obviously been welcomed to the family. Minutes later Katie and Officer Marr joined me on the garden path, with Paco straining so hard at his leash when he sighted the advancing felines that Marr reached over and took the leash from Katie’s hand.
“I’ll hold him, Katie. Does he normally chase cats?”
“Of course not. Stay, Paco,” she said. The dog immediately stood stock still, watching Katie as though waiting for his next command. Marr handed her the leash. “Guess you can handle this,” he said.
“Paco is just happy to see Percy, that’s all.” She narrowed her eyes, peering at O’Ryan. “I think that’s all.”
I was sorely tempted to say “Stay, O’Ryan,” but knew better. Cats don’t take commands, even when they understand perfectly what you want them to do. Especially when they understand perfectly what you want them to do.
O’Ryan turned his back, tail straight up in what I believe is the cat version of a very rude gesture, walked slowly and regally back to his cat door, and disappeared inside. Percival looked back and forth a couple of times, then followed O’Ryan back into the house.
Crisis averted? I hoped so. “Come on, Aunt Ibby is expecting us. Would you like to come inside and meet my aunt, Officer Marr?”
“Sure thing,” he said. “She’s a friend of my mom’s.”
I pulled the key chain from my bag, selected the back door key. Before I could insert it into the lock, the whole thing slipped from my grip, falling with a clunk onto the granite step. Embarrassed by my clumsiness, I muttered an apology, and wiping the key against my vest, tried again. It slipped easily into the lock and we were in. O’Ryan was nowhere in sight as I knocked on my aunt’s kitchen door. “It’s me, Aunt Ibby,” I called. “Katie and Paco and Officer Marr are with me.”
“Be right there,” she answered. “Rob and I are having a nice little visit.” I heard the click of the lock and the three of us, plus dog, piled into the kitchen. Rob hurried across the room to Katie’s side. Paco nuzzled his hand. “Ibby, this is Paco, the wonder dog,” Rob said. “Paco, sit and shake hands with Ibby.” Paco approached my aunt, and offered his uninjured paw.
“How sweet,” she said. “What a good dog.” She accepted the paw, then turned to Officer Marr. “You’re Jimmy Marr,” she said. “I haven’t seen you since you were a boy. Your mother is so proud of you.” She faced Katie. “Katie, dear, please sit down. You’re just out of the hospital. How are you feeling? I have the guest room all ready for you. Rob has already put your things upstairs, and Paco and Percy’s food is in the pantry along with O’Ryan’s. Would you like to go upstairs now and take a little nap?”
“Thank you, Ms. Russell,” Katie said. “I’m fine for now.” She looked around the kitchen. “Did Percy come in here with O’Ryan?”
“Neither of them came back after they went outside to greet you. Maybe they went up to Maralee’s apartment. The little scallywags seem to enjoy chasing one another up and down those stairs.”
Katie looked distressed. No sense in having her worry about her cat. She’d been through enough lately. “I’ll run up and get them,” I offered, pulling open the kitchen door and stepping out into the back hall.
I didn’t have to go far to find the scallywags. They were right across the hall in the laundry room. O’Ryan lay on the floor beneath the ironing board, looking the picture of innocence, while Percy was stretched out, sound asleep on my blue blouse. I noticed that a litter box had been discreetly placed in a corner beside the dryer. I picked up the black-and-white cat gently. “Come on, sleepyhead,” I said. “Your mom is waiting for you.” O’Ryan lay motionless, his green eyes following me. “You can stay here if you want to,” I told him. “That dog is still in your house.” He closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.
Katie was clearly delighted to see Percival, and the feeling was noticeably mutual as she reached for him, cuddling him close to her face. Conversation momentarily halted while celebratory purring and face-licking took place.
“Well, looks like everything’s under control here,” Officer Marr said. “Good to meet you, Ms. Russell.” He gave a brief salute in my direction. “See you two ladies in the morning.”
“Good to see you too, Jimmy,” my aunt said. Katie lifted one of Percy’s paws and made him wave. Cute.
I opened the kitchen door and walked with Marr to the back steps. “Thanks for bringing Katie and Paco. I really appreciate all you’re doing for us.”
“My pleasure,” he said. “See you in the morning.” He started down the path, then turned and pointed. “Don’t forget to lock up.”
“I won’t,” I promised, thinking of how much trouble I’d caused so recently by not taking that simple action. I pushed the lock button and went back to Aunt Ibby’s kitchen—through the door I’d just left ajar.
No need to get paranoid about it. I was just across the hall. Once inside, I pushed that lock button and rejoined the group. My aunt had just invited Rob to join us for dinner. “Nothing fancy,” she insisted. “Hot dogs, macaroni salad, and iced tea. An indoor picnic. Apple pie for dessert. I’ve already invited Pete. Around seven?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Katie said. “Please stay, Rob.”
“You don’t have to twist my arm,” he said, “but Katie, darlin, you need to rest a bit. Want to go up and take a little snooze before dinner? I’ll take a ride over to the stable and check on things and see you later.”
