Mary placed the covered bowl of potato salad in the box she’d placed on the floor of the passenger seat and closed the door. Next came the dogs. Millie would be no problem. She loved going with Mary and would jump right in. How she was going to convince Ranger to come with her, she wasn’t sure. He hadn’t been thrilled when she’d picked him up. But he’d followed Millie everywhere all afternoon. Maybe he’d follow her into the car.
She wasn’t sure why she was doing this except Susannah had been insistent. They were going to a barbeque at her mother’s house tonight and Mary had to be there. She also had to bring the potato salad. Karl and Pat Bennington would be there, of course, and Susannah and Neil. Maybe this would be a good time to see if there was anything new on Mr Miller’s murder. Dan had been away all day and she supposed he had been with the special agents from the state. She couldn’t imagine what kind of person would shoot another one in the back, or why. Perhaps she’d find out something tonight.
As soon as she snapped the leash on Millie’s harness she started to do donuts on the kitchen floor. Ranger watched her in seeming wonder. He politely stood while Mary attached his leash and followed her and an excited Millie to the car. He hesitated a moment then followed her onto the backseat. Mary heaved a sigh of relief.
She pulled up in front of the Dunhams’ and Millie jumped into the front. She put her front feet on the side window and looked back at Mary as if to say hurry up. She knew exactly where she was. This was Morgan’s house. Ranger didn’t move. He sat straight up on the back seat, looking around but not with joy. Suspicion, or perhaps unease, seemed to fill him. Mary wasn’t sure what to do. Millie she could handle. She might tug on her leash a little in her eagerness to get to Morgan but that was all. What Ranger would do, she wasn’t sure. He had spent the night here but that didn’t mean it was home. Would he try to run off? Could she stop him if he did? Maybe she needed help.
Help arrived. ‘Are you all right, Mrs McGill?’
A young man appeared in the driver’s side window, a good-looking young man whose wavy brown hair fell in soft waves almost to the collar of his polo shirt and whose brown eyes had the longest lashes Mary could remember seeing on a man in a long time. It took Mary a moment but she recognized him and immediately forgave him for the start he had given her. She lowered the window a little. ‘Tommy Lowell. If you aren’t a sight for sore eyes. Do you know anything about dogs?’
Ranger’s face appeared in the back window and he greeted the newcomer with a deep bark.
Tommy backed up a step. ‘Who’s that?’
‘His name is Ranger. I don’t know him very well and I’m not sure I can get him and Millie into the house by myself. Can you take him? His leash is on his collar.’
Tommy Lowell didn’t look as though he thought taking hold of a large German shepherd was a good idea, but after a glance at Mary he carefully opened the back door, all the time keeping it between him and the dog.
‘Good doggie,’ he said, hope evident. ‘I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just going to take your leash so we can go inside. That’s a good doggie.’
Ranger looked confused. Having someone on the other end of his leash was nothing new to him, nor was getting in and out of cars, but this tremulous cooing seemed to make him nervous. However, when Tommy gave a small tug he hopped out of the car and stood, waiting for whatever was going to happen next.
Mary got herself and a bouncing Millie out and turned to Tommy. ‘I’m going into the Dunhams’. Do you mind bringing the dog in for me? Will I be making you late for anything?’
Tommy seemed to have relaxed now that he was in no immediate danger of being eaten. He grinned. ‘I’m going to the Dunhams’, too. Neil and Susannah invited me. They’re having a barbeque.’
Mary couldn’t repress a start of surprise. She had no idea they knew Tommy. He’d lived in Santa Louisa no more than a year before he left for England. Neil was older than him so they couldn’t have known each other from school and Susannah hadn’t gone to Santa Louisa High School. However, he had Ranger and there was plenty of potato salad. ‘Well, then, let’s get inside.’ She clutched the box securely to her chest and, with Tommy and Ranger following close behind, climbed the stairs and opened the front door.
‘We’re here and I need someone to come get this box before I drop it,’ she called.
Susannah appeared, looking adorable in white shorts and a striped tee. She took the box, greeted both dogs and smiled at Tommy. ‘Glad you decided to come. Neil owes me five dollars.’
Tommy blinked but immediately smiled when Neil appeared, a beer in each hand. He handed one to Tommy. ‘Come into the backyard. Dad’s getting the barbeque started. He declares there’s an art to it. I just dump in the charcoal and pour on some lighter fluid and let ’er rip. Not him. He and Dan fiddle around with it for an hour, getting it just right. We’re having hamburgers.’ They disappeared out the back door, followed by both dogs.
‘Is your mother home yet?’ Mary opened the refrigerator and looked around for room for her bowl. The platter of hamburger patties, another of corn ready for the grill, and a plate of already sliced cheese, onions, tomatoes and lettuce answered her question. ‘She and Pat in the backyard?’
Susannah nodded and handed her great-aunt a glass of white wine. Mary smiled and accepted it. After the last few days, relaxing over a glass of wine while someone else cooked dinner seemed like a fine idea. ‘Where did you and Neil run into Tommy Lowell? I didn’t know you knew him.’
Color ran up Susannah’s cheeks. ‘We don’t … That is … we didn’t but …’
‘But what?’ Mary took a small sip and leaned back against the counter, waiting while Susannah collected herself.
She wasn’t a girl who flustered easily – actually not at all – so why would knowing Tommy Lowell, or inviting him for hamburgers, turn her an interesting shade of pink?
Suddenly Susannah grinned. ‘Come on outside. Neil and I have something to tell all of you.’ She opened the refrigerator and took out two green bottles. Champagne. Next the cupboard. ‘How am I going to carry …?’
Neil appeared at the door. ‘Give me the bottles. You bring the flutes. Now that we’re all here …’ He grinned at Mary. ‘Come on out. Susannah and I have an announcement.’
A cold chill ran through Mary. She knew what they were about to announce. She’d been expecting it for some time. So, why was she feeling so … They were right for each other. They loved each other. Their families were best friends. But they were so young. No. They weren’t. Susannah would start her last year of college in the fall and Neil his last year in veterinary school. He had already made plans to set up a large animal practice through his father’s clinic and help him with the small animals as well. Susannah had been assured a job teaching science at the local high school. They were the same age she and Samuel had been when they married. So, why was she worrying? Well, she wasn’t going to. This was a good match and they were exactly the right age. She resolutely pushed herself away from the counter and followed Neil into the backyard, ready to toast the happy couple.
The news was greeted with delight but not surprise. Champagne glasses were passed and toasts were made. ‘Tommy is making our rings. That’s where we were this afternoon.’ Susannah glanced at Mary and smiled. ‘And, Aunt Mary, we want to use my great-grandmother’s diamond. Is that all right? Grandma gave it to Mother, but she and Dan opted for plain bands. Tommy will make a new setting but I thought …’
Mary was thrilled and said so. Her mother would have been as well. Her great-granddaughter would wear her diamond. A testimony to family. Tommy promised to show them all the design soon and invited anyone, who wished, to drop by the shop and see the work in progress. The wedding wasn’t to take place until next summer, after both graduations, so they could all relax and enjoy the engagement before the hectic preparation of a wedding started. Only Mary knew they wouldn’t. The preparations, or at least talk about the wedding, would begin tonight.
A bowl of guacamole was produced, along with chips, and the conversation gradually drifted off to other things.
Dinner was over, the debris cleared away and, by tacit agreement, they split into separate groups. Ellen, Pat and Susannah began to talk about wedding gowns, venues and invitations. Dan, Karl and Neil’s conversation seemed to range from dogs to baseball. Dogs interested Mary but baseball was beyond her. Besides, she was getting sleepy. She’d started to nod when Tommy pulled up a chair next to her.
Her head snapped up and she smiled at him. ‘I haven’t seen much of you since you returned from London. Did you enjoy your stay there?’
He nodded. ‘It was a great experience. The school was wonderful. I learned so much and I am now a certified gemologist.’
Mary had no idea what that was or that there was such a thing, but decided it made sense. You had to know something about gems if you wanted to be a jeweler or design jewelry. Being certified seemed to designate expertise. ‘Is your father certified as well?’
Tommy flushed. ‘No. My dad, well, he sort of taught himself. He knows a lot about gold and some gems but he’s never taken any certified courses. He’s really talented at designing jewelry pieces, though, and knows how to work with gold and silver.’
That took Mary by surprise. ‘But with all the things you have in the store, surely he must know about value and …’ She broke off as Tommy shook his head.
‘My mom does all the buying for the store. Dad’s not interested. He’s only interested in making jewelry and now in his We Buy Gold shop.’
‘Oh.’ Mary wasn’t sure what to say and they sat in silence for a moment, both watching the dogs. Millie lay at Mary’s feet, her head on Mary’s shoe, fast asleep. Ranger and Morgan lay side by side, replete after an evening of rough housing and a large dinner of dog food and left-over hamburger meat.
Soon Tommy asked, ‘Ranger. That’s his name, isn’t it?’
Mary nodded. ‘What about him?’
‘Didn’t he belong to the man who was killed at the fairgrounds?’
Mary nodded again.
‘What will happen to him now?’
Good question. ‘I’m not sure. He seems to have taken to Susannah and he gets along with Morgan, but she’ll go back to school soon and he can’t go with her. I don’t think Ellen and Dan want another dog. I’m sure the special forces members will take care of him.’ She wondered why one of them hadn’t claimed him before this, but then Ian Miller had only been killed yesterday and she was sure they were all busy trying to find clues as to who had done it. Someone would claim the dog, and soon.
‘I don’t know much about dogs but he seemed nice when I brought him in. Do you think he’d let me pet him?’
She looked at Tommy in surprise. ‘I don’t see why not.’ She examined the wistful look on his face. ‘You don’t have a dog of your own?’
‘No.’ There were a number of emotions wrapped up in that single word. ‘When Mom asked me to come back from England she said she needed me in the store. I didn’t really want to but I said I would. I thought I’d get my own place and was going to get a dog. Then she asked me to stay at home for a while. My dad hates dogs. I think he’s afraid of them.’ He paused as he watched the dogs. ‘It’s getting late. I’d better get going. Sure has been nice talking with you, Mrs McGill. It’s been a nice evening. I wish our family … My dad wouldn’t be caught dead barbequing a hamburger.’ He smiled at her and walked over to say his goodbyes to the rest of them.
Ranger raised his head. Tommy hesitated, took a step toward the dog, leaned over and stretched his hand out. Ranger touched it with his nose. Tommy abruptly turned and took his leave. Ranger watched him go. Morgan snored.
Ellen took the chair Tommy had vacated. ‘He’s a nice young man but certainly quiet.’
‘Yes. Do you know anything about his family?’
Ellen looked at Mary questionably. ‘Not much. Jerry’s not very friendly but Marlene’s nice. I’ve heard she’s the one who runs the store and does it well. That’s about all. Why?’
Mary sighed. ‘Just wondered. I don’t think he’s especially happy and wondered why.’
‘If I had to live with his father, I wouldn’t be especially happy, either. Do you want another glass of wine?’
‘I should go. It’s getting late.’
‘Not that late and I think Dan wants you. He’s making “come here” motions.’ Her eyes crinkled in amusement. ‘You might as well have another half-glass while you find out what he wants.’
Mary accepted a refill and let Ellen move her chair closer to where the rest of the group were gathered. That they had been discussing the murder wasn’t surprising. Dan held Mary’s glass while she settled herself and Millie, who decided Mary’s lap was more inviting than the concrete patio. She took her glass back, holding it a little high so Millie wouldn’t knock it out of her hand. ‘You wanted me?’
‘I did.’ He grinned. ‘We all did. You haven’t given your opinion on where the wedding should be held.’
Mary snorted. ‘There’s no need for any discussion. Saint Mark’s, of course. And Les will officiate. I’m sure he would be glad to perform the service in your backyard, if that’s what you want, but you’d never fit half the town in here.’
Susannah groaned. ‘I don’t want half the town. We thought a small wedding, just the families …’
‘So did your mother and Dan. It’s just not possible.’ She leaned over and patted Susannah’s hand. ‘It will be beautiful and you’ll be happy you had all those people later.’
‘When it’s all over?’
Mary smiled and turned to Dan. ‘That’s not why you cornered me. Is it something about Mr Miller? What we’re going to do about his dog?’
‘Yes. And I don’t know. Let’s take Mr Miller first. Yesterday morning, when you saw him in front of Lowell’s window, did he say anything else other than what you already told me? Did he do anything?’
Mary let her smile die away and thought back. ‘No. Just what I told you. Why?’
Dan made a grumbling noise, leaned back and took a long drink from his beer can. ‘No one knows what he was doing here. I hoped he might have said something that would throw some light on that.’
‘What do you mean? You said he was a special agent for the state. The people he worked with must know. He was investigating jewelry store robberies.’
‘Yeah. Only there has never been a jewelry store robbery in our town.’
Neil, who had been holding Susannah’s hand, let go and picked up his beer. ‘Maybe he had a line on the gang or whoever is breaking into these places and thought they’d be here this weekend to rob Lowell’s.’
Dan nodded slowly and set his empty can on the table. ‘Certainly a possibility but, if so, he didn’t let his brother officers in on it.’
‘Isn’t that a little odd?’ Ellen, who had been listening to this exchange closely, frowned. ‘If one of your people had a lead on a case you were working they’d never dream of not telling you.’
‘True,’ Dan said. ‘But evidently Miller was a bit of a loner. At least, according to Eric Wilson.’
Pat finished the last sip of her wine and twisted a little to look at Dan. ‘I thought that was some sort of unbreakable rule. You always have a buddy, always tell someone what you are working on. What about his partner? What about his friends? Didn’t he tell one of them where he was going and why?’
‘Eric Wilson was his partner and he says Miller didn’t have any friends. Guys he worked with but not friends. Says he was a cold fish. Aloof. Secretive. Didn’t open up to anyone.’
‘Not even his dog.’ Karl had been silent through most of this but that wasn’t surprising. Karl had been observing the dog. ‘That dog isn’t grieving, he’s confused.’
‘That’s not fair.’ Susannah almost bristled. ‘We saw him at the dog park several times. He was as nice as could be to Ranger. Made sure he had water and let him run wild with Morgan. I’m sure he loved him.’
Karl looked at her then at Neil.
Neil sighed. ‘He was nice to the dog when we were at the dog park, no doubt about that. He took good care of him but I’m not so sure about the love part. Ranger obeyed him, Miller expected that. He certainly didn’t abuse him but there was a sort of businesslike aura about their relationship. I think Ranger was probably loyal to Miller but I don’t think he loved him, and I don’t think Miller loved Ranger. Just a sense I got.’
Karl nodded. ‘Miller was undoubtedly good to the dog but Ranger isn’t going to die grieving for him. He’ll make the transition to another family just fine.’
‘What other family?’ Mary pushed Millie down and prepared to stand. It was time to go. ‘Did any of those people who came down here offer to take him home?’
Dan shook his head. ‘No. So, I guess Ranger stays here for a few days, at least. Besides …’
Ellen spoke up. ‘Dan thinks Ranger might be able to tell us something. What, I don’t know, but Jake hasn’t completely freaked out so I guess he can stay a while.’
The cat might not have, but Mary thought Dan had. That dog wasn’t going to tell anyone anything, but at least he’d be safe and, if how Susannah treated him was any indication, loved. She sighed. It was time she and Millie went home. They also had nothing more to tell Dan but Mary had a lot to think about. Tommy Lowell and Ranger were at the top of her list.