Tailing Trouble, page 5
Ally planted her hands on her hips. “No, why would I be?” Then it dawned on her. “Is this why Hilda Green blames me for her daughter’s death? Come on, Noah, don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m just covering all bases,” he said, although she could tell he wasn’t happy to be talking to her about this so-called incident at all. Noah was smart; he’d never see a simple disagreement as motive for murder.
The previous sympathy she’d felt toward the grieving mother faded. Her eyes narrowed. “Let me guess, Hilda Green is the city executive, and she’s best friends with the mayor, and the mayor hires the chief of police, who told you to consider me a suspect.”
The flash of guilt in Noah’s eyes confirmed her suspicions. “I don’t consider you a suspect, Ally,” Noah said firmly. “But you are right that the mayor is putting pressure on the chief to get this murder solved as soon as possible. And they insisted I follow up on the argument that took place here.”
“Stupid,” Ally muttered, shoving a wayward curl away from her face. “Okay, fine. You asked, I answered. Do you need anything else?”
“No, other than the usual,” Noah said.
The usual? Her heart fluttered. “I … don’t know what you mean.”
“The usual,” he repeated. “I need you and your wily grandfather to stay away from my case.”
She rolled her eyes, angry at herself for thinking he’d meant something personal. “Good-bye, then.” She turned and marched back into the house, doing her best to ignore Noah’s keen gaze boring into her back.
* * *
Harriet’s impromptu lunch was delicious, but Ally left quickly afterward, using the dogs as an excuse. Which was valid, since she had both Roxy and Domino to worry about.
“I’ll come with you,” Gramps said stubbornly.
Even though she knew what he really wanted was to talk about the case, she gave in. Mostly because sitting at home by herself wasn’t much fun.
And being with Gramps was never boring.
“Okay, spill it,” Gramps said once they were back in her Honda.
“It’s nothing,” Ally downplayed her brief conversation with Noah. “Just the city exec and the mayor putting pressure on Noah to solve this thing.”
“Well, then, that detective of yours should let us help,” Gramps declared. “We worked well together this past summer.”
She slanted him an exasperated glance. “I don’t think that’s how Noah remembers it.”
“Hrmph.” Gramps waved his hand. “It was Hilda Green accusing you, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.” She blew out a breath. “But Noah knows she’s off base. It’ll be fine. Once she gets over the initial shock, I’m sure Hilda Green will realize she was wrong.”
“Did you tell your detective Hilda Green might be covering up for her daughter?” He snapped his fingers. “Maybe Hilda knew Pricilla was doing drugs but didn’t do enough to get her into rehab.”
Pricilla’s slender white outstretched arm flashed in her mind. “She wasn’t using drugs, Gramps. There were no signs of needle marks in her arms and no other reason to believe drugs were involved. Just because Rosie mentioned the possibility doesn’t make it true.”
“Okay, then, if the robberies are connected to Pricilla’s murder, we need to understand the motive. Why did the perps need money?” Gramps asked.
“Doesn’t everyone want more money?” Ally countered. “It’s not like there has to be a specific reason.” She pulled into the parking space behind her clinic. “Enough talking about murder and mayhem. I’ll help you inside, then I need to take care of the dogs.”
She took Domino out first, wincing at Roxy’s dark, reproachful look. She walked Domino down Main Street, or rather Domino walked her.
“Heel,” she shouted, tugging at his leash. She should have taken him out back, as people were staring at her. It wasn’t as if the ill-mannered dog belonged to her. But remembering how Molly’s owner had walked out on her scheduled grooming appointment because Ally couldn’t control the dogs made her doubly self-conscious.
“No, heel!” She shortened Domino’s leash and used all her strength to keep him at her side. After a few minutes, he seemed to calm down, although his nose was constantly working, taking in all the interesting scents.
Ally’s right arm was aching by the time she returned to the clinic. In comparison, Roxy was a dream, trotting alongside her, but she knew it wasn’t fair to hold Domino to Roxy’s standards. Domino was the product of his owner’s being too busy with twins to give him the care and attention he deserved. She wasn’t an expert at training, but Domino sure needed help. The poor dog didn’t even seem to understand the basics.
“Ally? Some Patsy woman called about a puppy. She thinks he’s hurt and is bringing him in,” Gramps announced when she had both dogs back in their side-by-side kennels. They seemed better behaved when they were together, which helped her feel less guilty.
“Patsy’s the dog, Gramps. Wendy Granger is the owner.” At least he’d gotten one of the names right. “Thanks for letting me know.”
Ally hurried to double-check the exam room, relaxing when she found it as clean as she’d left it. When Wendy Granger had discovered her Lab Patsy was pregnant with puppies who were half Great Dane, she’d nearly gone off the deep end. But Patsy had delivered the puppies just fine, and they were all in very good health. Despite Wendy’s fears over the entire birthing process, which Ally had participated in, staying for several hours in the Granger house during the whelping, she had become quite enamored of the pups.
The bell to the clinic rang. “Dr. Winter? I think Bandit hurt himself very badly,” Wendy said dramatically.
“Let’s take a look, shall we? This way.” Ally took Wendy and the Labradane puppy into the first exam room. “Tell me what happened.”
“He was playing on the sofa, and he rolled right off!” Wendy’s eyes were large with concern. “I heard him yelp, and he wouldn’t put any weight on his left front paw.” Tears sparked in the woman’s eyes. “Do you think it’s broken?”
“From a fall off a sofa? I don’t think so, but let me examine him.” Bandit was all black with perky ears that were a cross between a Lab’s and a Great Dane’s. Ally gingerly pressed on Bandit’s wounded paw, but the dog didn’t cry out in pain or try to nip her. In fact, he leaned down and ran his sandpaper tongue over the back of her hand.
“Poor Bandit,” Wendy murmured. “First his new home fell through, and now this. How will he ever find a home with a broken leg?”
Ally glanced at her. “I didn’t realize his new family backed out. What about the other pups?”
“They all have homes and will be ready to leave by the end of the week. Except for Bandit.”
“Well, the good news is that his leg isn’t broken,” Ally assured her. “He’ll probably baby the paw for the rest of the day, but he should be fine by morning.”
“Really? So—he won’t need surgery or anything?” Wendy asked, her gaze hopeful.
“Positive. He’ll be just fine.” Ally scratched the pup behind the ears. “He’s so cute, I’m sure he’ll find a home.”
“You said you’d help me find them good homes, Dr. Winter,” Wendy said with a hint of reproach in her eyes.
It was on the tip of Ally’s tongue to remind Wendy that she wasn’t the one who had made the poor decision not to get Patsy spayed; therefore, finding Bandit a home wasn’t her responsibility. But the vet in her couldn’t stand the idea of the puppy ending up at Jeri Smith’s shelter.
“And I did find one of the pups a home,” Ally countered. “Misty Allen is taking one, right? She lost her Lab a few weeks ago and sounded very excited about the puppy.”
“Yes,” Wendy agreed.
“And I still have my sign on the counter, announcing free Labradane puppies to anyone interested.” Ally had tried to convince Ellen Cartwright to take one for her daughter, but despite how much ten-year-old Amanda loved animals, constantly bringing in strays for Ally to care for, her mother steadfastly refused to take a puppy or even a cat. No animals of any kind were allowed in that woman’s house.
As a real estate agent, Ellen Cartwright believed all homes should look like a showcase at all times. Unfortunately, puppies tended to make a mess.
“Keep trying, will you?” Wendy asked, gathering Bandit into her arms. “I can’t keep him, no matter how much I’d like to.”
“I’ll do my best,” Ally said. She left the exam room with Wendy following.
“How much?” Wendy asked, pausing at the front desk.
Ally printed an invoice with only the very basic exam fee, feeling bad about charging Wendy at all, considering the pup was fine.
Thankfully, the woman didn’t blink an eye. As Ally ran Wendy’s credit card, the door of her clinic opened and Noah Jorgenson walked in.
“What’s the puppy’s name?” Gramps was asking, scratching the little guy behind his overly large ears.
“Bandit,” Wendy said. “Do you know of anyone looking for a puppy?”
“Detective Jorgenson here might be interested,” Gramps said, putting Noah on the spot. Gramps’s blue eyes gleamed with amusement. “A dog named Bandit is perfect for a cop.”
“Oh, I—uh,” Noah stammered.
Ally couldn’t help but grin. She’d tried to get Noah to adopt Roxy in June after the boxer’s owner had been murdered, but getting Noah to take a puppy would be even better.
“See how cute he is?” Wendy thrust the puppy into Noah’s arms. Flustered, he looked down at the animal. “Oh look, Detective, Bandit already loves you.”
The dog squirmed and licked Noah’s chin. Noah’s eyes pleaded with Ally to help him out of the situation.
“I don’t think Detective Jorgenson’s schedule is conducive to having a dog, Wendy, but we’ll keep looking. Bandit will find a home, you’ll see.”
Noah mouthed thank you as a dejected Wendy took the puppy from his arms.
“I’ll hold you to that, Dr. Winter.” Wendy picked up her credit card and receipt and stalked out of the clinic.
“You owe me one,” Ally said to Noah.
Noah nodded slowly. “Dinner Saturday night?”
She was stunned speechless but managed to nod.
“Hey, I think you also owe us information on Pricilla’s murder,” Gramps protested. “Got any suspects?”
“Don’t push it, Oscar. See you later, Ally.” Noah turned and left, leaving Ally wondering what on earth she’d wear for their date—then, belatedly, why he’d come to the clinic in the first place.
Chapter Five
Later that evening, Ally walked Domino around town, working hard to keep him at her side in an effort to train the poodle. When she finished with Domino, it was Roxy’s turn. Along the way, she called her friend Erica Kirby, whom she had known since high school.
“Hey, Ally.” Erica spoke in a hushed voice. “Good timing. I just finished putting Tommy to bed.”
Ally glanced at her watch, surprised to see it was already eight thirty. Walking two dogs was giving her twice as much exercise, which was a good thing, as she could use the extra activity.
“Is this a good time to chat, or do you want me to call you later?” Ally knew Erica juggled working part-time as a hairdresser at the Bluff Salon in town with caring for her two kids, Tommy, who was two, and LeAnn, who was five. Her husband, Jim Kirby, ran a construction company that he’d taken over from his dad. Jim was good friends with Noah, and they’d had a great double date a few months back.
At least she’d thought it had gone well. But when she hadn’t heard from Noah after, she’d assumed he wasn’t interested. Until yesterday when he’d told her about his mother’s health issues.
“It’s fine, although I’d love to get together for lunch sometime soon,” Erica said. “We haven’t gotten together in weeks.”
“I know,” Ally agreed. “Listen, I don’t want to keep you too long, but I’m dying to tell you. Noah asked me out to dinner on Saturday night.”
“He did?” Erica squealed with excitement, then quickly lowered her tone. “Oops, that might have woken Tommy. Wow, Ally, that’s great news. Any idea where he’s taking you?”
“No clue,” Ally admitted. “I’m kinda nervous. I mean, when the four of us were together, there was plenty to talk about. If it’s just the two of us …” Her voice trailed off.
“Stop it, you’ll be fine,” Erica chided. “Don’t sell yourself short, Ally. You’re a super-smart veterinarian, which is really impressive.”
Ally didn’t feel nearly as successful as Erica made her sound, but she appreciated her friend’s effort. “Yeah, except Noah tends to see me at my worst.” She distinctly remembered an incident where she had cat diarrhea all down the front of her white lab coat and staining her red shoes when Noah had unexpectedly shown up. The memory still made her cheeks burn. She shook it off with effort. “How about we have lunch Sunday? I’ll fill you in on the deets.”
“I’d love that,” Erica said enthusiastically.
“Don’t say anything to Jim,” Ally cautioned. “I don’t know how much he talks to Noah these days.”
“I won’t,” Erica assured her. “I think they see each other after work once in a while, when they can make the time. Jim’s company has been super busy.”
“Noah’s been busy with the Electronics and More store robbery too,” Ally said. “Okay, lunch on Sunday.”
“Can’t wait. Bye, Ally.”
Ally found herself grinning like a fool as Roxy did her business. She cleaned up after the animal and headed back to her apartment.
Sleep didn’t come easily, her brain circling around and around between Pricilla’s murder, Hilda’s wild accusations, and her date with Noah.
The next morning, Roxy woke her at six sharp. Ally groaned and went through the same routine of taking Roxy and Domino outside in separate trips. By the time she’d showered and changed, her cell phone was ringing.
Recognizing Gramps’s number, she grimaced and braced herself for more shouting. “Hey, Gramps.”
“ALLY! WHAT TIME ARE YOU PICKING ME UP?”
Friday was usually Tillie’s day to play receptionist, but that wasn’t an option with the widow’s newly broken arm. Normally she didn’t mind company, but she’d already had Gramps here two days in a row. Three would be pushing it. Despite his determination to play amateur detective, she knew he tired easily. “Maybe another time, Gramps.”
“TODAY!” he insisted. “I HAVE A PLAN.”
Uh-oh. Gramps having a plan was not a bit reassuring. She sighed and rubbed her temple. She could refuse to go get him but feared Gramps would just wheedle a ride from someone else.
“I’ll be there soon,” she said, caving under the pressure.
“OKAY!”
Ally shoved her phone into her pocket. She took Roxy down to the clinic to put her in the crate next to Domino. The two dogs rubbed noses through the wires and tried to lick each other.
“If you behave,” Ally said in a stern tone, “I might let you both out at the same time.”
Domino whimpered, and Roxy let out a sharp bark. Deciding to take that as agreement, Ally headed out the back of her clinic to her car.
The WBWs were in the kitchen with Gramps when she arrived.
“Tillie, how are you holding up?” Ally asked.
The woman’s smile was wan. “I didn’t sleep well, but otherwise I’m fine, dear. Thanks for asking.”
“Tonight I’ll make you herbal tea to help you relax,” Harriet said, bustling around the kitchen. She looked at Ally. “Are you hungry? I can pull out something for breakfast.”
“No thanks, Harriet.” Ally steeled her resolve to stay away from Harriet’s cooking. “Ready to go, Gramps?”
“All set.” He nodded and struggled to his feet. Ally handed him his cane, then put a hand beneath his arm for extra support.
“I called your doctor,” Ally said as they headed outside. “He really thinks physical therapy will help.”
“Bah.” Gramps scowled. “Shows what he knows.”
Ally suppressed a sigh. Once Gramps was situated in the passenger seat, she slid behind the wheel. “Okay,” she said as she headed back to the clinic. “What’s your plan?”
“I want you to take me to the big-box store where the robberies took place.” Gramps grinned. “I think we should check out the scene of the crime ourselves.”
At least he doesn’t want to go to the weeping willow. Ally didn’t want to go anywhere near the place where she’d found Pricilla’s body. “I guess that would be okay.” She glanced at the time. “We’ll head over there now. I think they’re open.”
“Great, thanks. Have any clients coming in today?” Gramps asked.
Ally shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m sure things will get better.” She could only hope.
The parking lot outside Electronics and More had more cars than she’d expected to see, since the place had just opened for the day. As she drove up and down aisles to find a spot close to the store so Gramps wouldn’t have to walk too far, she hit the brake, bringing the Honda to an abrupt halt.
“What is it?” Then Gramps saw it. “That’s Pricilla’s car.”
“Yes.”
The rusty brown Dodge sat in a spot that was blocked off with orange cones. Yellow crime scene tape was draped around the vehicle.
“Do you think she was strangled in the car, then dumped at the lakefront?” Gramps asked, his nose pressed to the passenger side window.
“I don’t know.” Ally shuddered at the horrible image that popped into her mind.
“Why do you think her car is here?” Gramps asked. “You said Pricilla didn’t work here at the store, right?”
“She didn’t. I think she worked in the kitchen of the café, maybe as a dishwasher or something. I’m not sure why Hilda arranged for Pricilla to clean the Legacy House too.”
Gramps frowned. “Yeah, it’s interesting, since Pricilla hated cleaning, not to mention she wasn’t very good at it.”
He had a point. Ally released the brake and continued searching for a parking spot.
“This is fine,” Gramps said, waving a hand. “I can walk.”
