Twenty-Five

The closing time for the adoption event finally arrived. Not the closing time for my stores, though.

Once more, diligent Dinah was the one to talk to the members of the crowd who were left. She thanked them for coming, told them that treats of both the canine and human variety were still available for purchase, and reminded them to watch for the next Mountaintop Rescue event to be held here at Barkery and Biscuits.

“Of course, you don’t have to wait for one of our special events,” she concluded. “Mountaintop Rescue is open regular hours during the week and weekends, and they’re always taking in wonderful animals who need new homes—as well as finding new families for those under their care. Like you, maybe.”

I grinned as the remaining folks there applauded her, and I joined in, too. So did Billi and Janelle, the other staff member who remained in the Barkery.

I hadn’t seen Silas and Wilbur leave, but I no longer saw them anywhere. Francine Metz was still in the Barkery, though. “This was wonderful,” she said. “Check the Knobcone News for a feature about it that we’ll be publishing soon.” The pretty and dog-loving editor gave a curt nod that indicated she was serious, then she smiled. “Like I said earlier, maybe one of these days I’ll head to Mountaintop Rescue myself. I think a pup is in my future.”

This time when I applauded, it was for Francine. “Wonderful!” I said. “Just let Billi know when you’re ready, and she’ll introduce you to some of the most wonderful rescue dogs ever. A lot of great ones wind up at Mountaintop Rescue.”

“I’m counting on it. In fact, I’m starting to take notes to write an article about my entire process once I’ve adopted someone.”

“What a wonderful idea.” I’d assumed she would do this, and it could certainly be helpful to Mountaintop Rescue. “And you can always come to the Barkery for healthy treats, and take your new darling to the Knobcone Vet Clinic for exams and shots, and—”

“Enough!” Francine waved her hand that held her tablet. “I’ll want all your ideas eventually, but it’s too soon now.”

“Got it.”

She left, then, and for the next half hour Billi and her Mountaintop Rescue crew got the animals and their supplies back in the van to take back to the shelter—for now. Each of the people who’d filled out an application had promised to visit the shelter over the weekend and give Billi any further information she needed to determine if the proposed adoption was a good match.

My fingers were crossed that every one of them would work out.

I purposely hadn’t scheduled a shift at the vet clinic that day, since I’d already taken a lot of time from my stores—but the event had been absolutely worth it, particularly since there was a good chance that all the rescues had found new forever homes.

Including, hopefully, Prince and Duke.

The shops remained busy until closing time, and I had to send a couple of my assistants into the kitchen to do a little more baking, primarily for the Barkery. But no one minded. And we all shared our impressions and stories about the adoption event and our excitement about how successful it had been.

“Billi needs to bring more dogs next time,” Dinah said as we got ready to close the shops. “More pups can find new homes.”

“Right,” I said. “This time the focus was on—”

“Prince and Duke.” Dinah had removed the apron and now stood there in her casual clothes, including a Dogs Rule T-shirt. “Anyway, I’m happy for the pets. And I can’t wait to see how the stories on TV and in the newspaper portray them and our event.”

I was looking forward to it, too. That was my intended plan for that evening, at least concerning the TV news. I would look online to see if Francine had posted a story on the Knobcone News website, but I figured it was more likely to appear tomorrow in the paper—and I intended to buy a hard copy, or several, to save.

I wasn’t the only one who wanted to see what Silas said, as it turned out. I told Reed about everything, and he was happy to watch the news segment with me. Janelle had already told Neal that she intended to watch it and that he was welcome to join her.

And so we all headed to my house. Neal picked up some pizza on the way home, while Janelle went to retrieve Go. Reed and Hugo arrived a little after the others, but that was fine. I set my television’s DVR to record the local news, both the early and late versions.

We walked our dogs. They got along well. They’d seen a lot of each other, after all, and none was particularly aggressive.

Then I got the dogs treats from the kitchen, and all the humans went in to pick out their pizza and drinks—wine, beer, or water. Next we adjourned into the living room, where I turned on the TV.

It was late enough that there’d already been a half-hour segment of the news, but since I’d set it to record before we walked the dogs, we could watch it from the beginning. Soon we were all sitting on my living room’s fluffy old beige couch, or on the matching chairs beside it, with the dogs lying on the floor near us.

I used the remote to tune in, then to speed through the beginning till I got to the part about the adoption event. Sure enough, Silas dominated the screen. He was shown interviewing my customers and other people who’d just come in to see what the event was about. He talked to the cops and to Mayor Sybill and to the Holpurns—which was interesting, but nothing particularly stood out as useful.

Silas also talked to the Banners, and to the Lesiter family who’d put an application in to adopt Henry’s dogs. He sat down on the floor where the cat crates were and meowed at them. He held out his arms for the other dogs Billi had brought in, including the basset hound mix. I wished I’d gotten their names. Maybe I still would.

The dachshund snuggled onto Silas’s lap, and the newsman said nice things as he petted the friendly dog.

Which somehow set my mind reeling as I recalled something.

Something that hadn’t seemed important at the time, and yet …

The segment was soon over and I let the news continue so everyone could still watch it.

But my mind wasn’t there—not entirely. I probably was just creating a mountain out of a molehill … but I needed to ponder it, at least overnight.

And maybe I’d figure out what to do about it.

The next day, I still hadn’t determined the best way to handle it—to do my research, as Dinah would put it.

But I had to do something, as quickly and safely as possible. If I was right, the results could be far-reaching. But my idea was just too bizarre to have a basis in reality … right?

Well, I had to follow up on it to at least be able to eliminate it from my thoughts.

I didn’t let Reed know, though. We went through our usual regimen of his getting up early with me and walking our dogs, then he left for home while I got ready to head to my shops. We went out to our cars together with Biscuit and Hugo. Neal, Janelle, and Go were presumably still sleeping.

“So—I know you don’t have a shift at the clinic today,” Reed said, standing near my driver’s door with me. “Interested in getting together this evening?”

“I’m always interested,” I said with a smile, and the long, sweet kiss we shared only underscored why I wanted to get together with him that night.

“Are you okay?” he asked, staring with what looked like puzzlement into my eyes. “You seem—well, stressed.”

“I’m fine,” I assured him, glad in some ways that we were close enough that he could read my moods, but I didn’t want to discuss anything about what I was thinking. Not yet, at least.

He gave me another kiss, still appearing concerned, and I gave him another hug. Soon Biscuit and I were on the road, driving to the shops.

With my mind continuing to swirl.

As I started the baking, I considered the best approach to take. I’d keep it casual, and just observe the reactions of the person I’d zoomed in on.

We opened the shops at seven, as usual. Since it was Saturday, my assistants were Dinah and Frida. Dinah kept shooting me strange glances as I worked with her in the kitchen and then the Barkery, as if she could tell something was going on in my mind.

Reed had noticed too, of course. I directed myself to remain calm and normal, and hoped that I was succeeding.

At just as little after nine, I went into my office and called Billi. “When is that wonderful family who’s adopting Prince and Duke coming in?” I asked.

“The Lesiters? They’re really eager. I told them they could come in at eleven. I’ve got a few more questions for them but nothing momentous. I’ve got a feeling this one will work out.”

“Wonderful,” I said. “I’ll try to be there. And I’m hoping to get Mountaintop Rescue some additional publicity about this amazing situation.”

“Great!” Billi said. “See you then.”

Hopefully she would continue to consider it great. I made my next call to Silas Perring. It apparently wasn’t too early for the news anchor to be at work today, since he answered right away. “Yes, Carrie?” He apparently had my number programmed into his phone, though I’d had to look his up.

I told him that the wonderful result of yesterday’s adoption event was most likely coming to its conclusion today. “I saw your story on TV last night and thought you might like to do a follow-up. You spoke with the Lesiters and maybe already know they’ve put in an application to adopt Prince and Duke. The adoption will be finalized at eleven this morning, at Mountaintop Rescue, and I’m going to be there. Not sure about Francine Metz. I’ve talked to her but haven’t let her know this timing yet.”

“I’ll be there,” Silas said. “No need to tell Francine. She’ll do her own follow-up later.”

“Maybe.” I planned to stay in touch with Francine about the autobiographical story she was thinking of writing, about adopting a pet. If she wanted to get in touch with the family adopting Prince and Duke, for a story on them, she could always check with Billi.

I had one more call to make, a different kind of follow-up with my detective friends. And then I hurried through the kitchen to my shops to keep busy till it was time to go.

I left for Mountaintop Rescue about ten thirty. I had every intention of getting there early. I left Biscuit in the Barkery in the care of my assistants.

“My fingers are crossed that all goes well in Prince and Duke’s adoption,” Dinah said as I left.

“Me too,” I responded, not mentioning the other, related matter that was making me head to the shelter.

I drove, since I wanted to get there quickly. Mimi let Billi know of my arrival, then sent me up to her boss’s office.

“I’m delighted you’re here,” Billi said. She wore one of her frilly tops over jeans and, as always, looked very pretty despite not being dressed formally. “I know you care about what happens with Prince and Duke. I think the adoption will work out fine.”

“I hope so.” I paused. “Have you heard any more from Tula Schulzer? Is she still trying to get her brother’s dogs?”

“No. I’m not sure what that little squabble was about in your store, but I think I made it clear that she’d have to qualify like anyone else to adopt them—and that it was doubtful I’d approve her. And with this wonderful family so interested, I know where those dogs should go.”

“I agree,” I said. “I’m looking forward to the pups going home with their new owners—especially those cute twin girls.”

We chatted for a little while longer, then headed downstairs. This time, Billi wouldn’t take the cockers into one of the usual adoption rooms decorated like nice, though small, living rooms. I’d been in some before, but not often. They were good locations for potential adopters to get to know their new family members a bit better. But too many people were going to be present for this.

“Would you like to wait in there anyway?” Billi asked me once we were on the ground floor.

“No, I’ll wait in the reception area.” I’d already told her I had invited Silas to film the situation—and also the detectives because I had some questions for them.

Billi seemed puzzled about the latter, but I didn’t explain. I could tell her more later, depending on how things worked out.

I’d asked Silas to arrive a little early so he could film when the Lesiters arrived and their likely cute emotions when they saw Prince and Duke again. Sure enough, he soon walked into the reception area with Wilbur close behind him.

“Hiya, Carrie,” Silas said, standing next to the tall reception counter where Mimi watched us. As always, the nice-looking news anchor was impeccably dressed. But once more, he had overdone his cologne. “So this is supposed to be an emotional human interest story I’m here for, right?”

“That’s right. The family who was at my stores yesterday is hopefully getting approval to adopt the two dogs owned by Henry Schulzer. Their kids are cute, and so are the dogs.”

“I prefer real news, but the story on your adoption get-together yesterday got a lot of views and comments, so this should, too.”

“Great.” I hoped it would have another result, as well—assuming I wasn’t trying too hard to solve the murder by making up odd scenarios in my mind.

Well, I’d see.

I saw the door open behind Wilbur and heard some excited kid squeals. They’d arrived! I moved around Silas to greet the Lesiters, all four of them.

Little Cate and Candy’s matching brown hair was pulled back into ponytails, and they wore T-shirts that said Dog Love over their denim capri pants. Cute—of course.

Their parents appeared somewhat frazzled. Because of the girls’ behavior—or because they worried about whether this adoption would go through? Maybe both.

Billi came into the waiting room then. “Hi,” she said to the Lesiters. “Please come upstairs to my office so we can go over a few things, and then we’ll bring the dogs out for you. I think everything’s looking good.”

“We certainly hope so,” said Mrs. Lesiter.

“And once we bring them out and this gang gets together with them, that’ll be a great time to film it,” Billi said to Silas, who just nodded.

Billi directed the Lesiters to precede her up the stairs. At the top, she turned to look down at me, her expression somewhat quizzical. I still hadn’t told her all that was on my mind. Well, she’d find out soon, one way or another.

I just smiled and nodded at her. Then, hearing a noise, I turned to see Detective Bridget enter the reception area door. “Good morning,” she said to Mimi first, then to the rest of us. Her face, too, appeared quizzical—and not particularly happy. She didn’t know what I was anticipating here, either.

But at least one of the detectives had come.

“Hi, Detective Morana,” Silas said, holding his microphone out to her, Wilbur filming beside him. “What brings you here today?”

“Just a short visit to the area’s only pet rescue facility. We check things out here often.” That was what Bridget said into the camera, but the next look she aimed at me, once the camera pointed downward, was less pleased.

If I was wrong, I’d have to apologize for wasting her time. But if I was right … well, we’d just have to see.

We chatted a bit about nothing. Well, not entirely nothing, since the topic was mostly rescue animals. All of us seemed to support the adoption, even Bridget and Wilbur the Wise. Or at least it appeared that way, as the news crew and detective seemed eager to find something to talk about while we waited.

Soon, Billi came down the steps with the Lesiters behind her. One parent held the hand of each of the girls, which was a good thing on that somewhat steep stairway.

“So how are we doing?” I asked Billi, meeting her at the bottom.

“We have a go, here.” Pleasure radiated from her smile, and I grinned back.

“Fantastic. Are we going into a meeting room then after all?”

“No, let’s go outside to the patio.”

I let the others follow Billi more closely, observing everyone’s attitude. The Lesiters all appeared thrilled. Silas looked determined, and Wilbur amused. Detective Bridget’s face was unreadable, but I still didn’t get the sense she was particularly happy.

The patio area was just outside the back door, near the enclosures where the residents were housed. The ground was an easily cleanable cement, and someone had brought out a few folding chairs.

I remained standing, and so did the others with me. Billi hurried to the other side of the patio and into the kennel area. Soon she returned with Prince and Duke, and the little girls squealed and hugged them. Their parents, arms around each other, just watched with huge grins on their faces.

“Are you filming this?” I asked Silas.

“Sure. I’ll interview them in a minute.”

I watched as Wilbur maneuvered in a circle around the clearly thrilled family, keeping his camera aimed at them. Silas remained a short distance away, just watching.

“Everything looks great,” Billi said, joining me.

“I’m so glad to hear that.” I waited for a few minutes, then approached Silas, who still hadn’t begun his interview. “Why don’t you get down on the ground with those kids and their new dogs?” I asked. “That would be a really moving scene on the news.”

“That’s okay. I’m not dressed for getting on the ground. I can dub in some background info later.”

Interesting. And maybe a bit corroborative of what I was thinking. But it wasn’t enough. I doubted Silas would hold back from getting on the ground, no matter what he was wearing, if the story was titillating enough. He’d gotten on the ground for the dachshund, after all.

Of course, this story was a cute human interest one, nothing dark and dirty, or real news. Silas could actually hold that attitude—no particular taste for the fun stuff, but anything for a hard-tuned story.

Still … I couldn’t let this end there.

“I understand,” I said, then hurried over to where the two little girls were hugging their new pets. “May I borrow Prince for just a minute?” I asked. “I want to make sure he gets his picture taken.”

“Okay,” said the child holding Prince—Cate?—as she released him from her hug. I immediately picked the small golden dog up and carried him directly to Silas. I held him out toward the reporter, noting that Wilbur was filming this.

Immediately, as Prince neared Silas and came within sniffing range, he growled, then barked.

“Oh my,” I said. “It’ll be hard to interview him this way.”

“Get him away,” Silas spat. “I don’t like dogs, and they don’t like me.”

I glanced over his shoulder. Good. Bridget stood there, observing. An expression of interest lit her face. Did she understand what I was doing? I figured she did. She was one smart detective.

“But you were holding the other dogs up for adoption at the Barkery on your film segment last night. That little dachshund and the basset hound mix and you seemed to get along just fine. You were even hugging them.”

I glanced up again to make sure Bridget was listening to this. Did she get what I was attempting to point out?

Both of Henry’s dogs had growled when they were near Silas during the adoption event, although I hadn’t attributed it to Silas at the time. But now … now Prince was doing it again.

Did that prove Silas was the killer? No, but it was something to check out.

People at the resort had said they’d heard Henry’s dogs barking. At the killer?

At Silas?

“Some dogs and I get along okay,” Silas amended. “But not all. And I was trying to get good footage before. I definitely don’t like dogs.”

Especially when they identified you as a killer?

At least the groundwork had been laid for an investigation into Silas.