Trouble at the Kennel (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #9)(10)
“Of course, Kelly. If you think something is important, I’m sure it is. This is an area I know nothing about. I’ll have to rely on Mike and the homicide detectives from the sheriff’s department. I just hope they find out who did it, and he or she is arrested. I know it’s still too fresh for me, and I’m probably in shock, but something seems very strange about the whole thing.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I’ll talk to you in a couple of days. If you’re going back to the kennel and Mike’s still there, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything about Skyy. It’s probably better if he heard it from me.”
“I promise. Again, Kelly, thanks.”
CHAPTER 8
Kelly fed all three dogs with Lady and Rebel getting their regular dried kibble dog food and Skyy getting a special puppy food Noelle had brought. She spent a couple of minutes looking at the American Kennel Club papers Noelle had given her. They confirmed what Mary had said, the dog had an exceptional lineage. Now it was just a matter of getting the puppy acclimated to her surroundings and getting the other two dogs to accept the new puppy.
At six that evening Mike called. “Mike, I’m so glad to hear from you,” Kelly said. “What’s happening? Have you found out anything?”
“Not really. I’ll tell you about it when I get home. I’ve got about another hour of work to do here at the kennel. Volunteers found the last two dogs, so all of them have been accounted for. Mary’s death was on the early news and several people have already come to the kennel to get their dogs. One even said she didn’t want her dog to stay in a place where a murder had been committed. I don’t know what the future of the kennel is, but a business person never wants a murder to occur on their premises. Why don’t you go ahead and eat without me? I’ll fix something for myself when I get home.”
“No, I’ll wait for you. I’m just putting things in order after being gone so long and figuring out what I need to get done in the next few days.” She didn’t mention that taking Skyy to the coffee shop and putting her in the pantry storage room for a few days until she got used to the coffee shop was a pretty high priority for her. “Bye love, I’ll see you soon.”
An hour later, Kelly heard Mike’s car pull into the garage. She looked over her shoulder to make sure Skyy looked as cute as she possibly could. She took a chilled glass of wine out of the refrigerator for Mike, hoping it might soften him up a little before he saw the latest addition to the family.
“Hi, sweetheart, figured you could use this after the day you’ve had,” she said, walking into the garage and handing him the glass of wine when he got out of his car.
Mike took it and looked at her appraisingly. “Kelly, I hope you never develop a penchant for poker. You’d lose every time. First of all, the guilty look on your face gives you away, and secondly, you’ve never brought a glass of wine to me as I’m getting out of my car. You haven’t had much time to get in trouble, so what’s going on?”
“Well Mike, it’s kind of like this. Can you suspend all judgment for a couple of minutes and just enjoy the moment?”
“I could if I knew what was going on. Want to tell me?”
“Umm, I don’t think so. Why don’t you stand here for a moment with your eyes closed, and I’ll put your wine glass on the work bench. OK?”
“Sure, if that’s how you want to play this. What are you doing?”
“Just stand there, and I’ll be right back in just a minute” She returned with her back to him and said, “Close your eyes and put out your hands.”
“Kelly, I’ve had a very long day, and I’m not particularly in the mood for games. Okay, my eyes are closed, and my hands are out.”
She carefully placed the soft ball of fur in his arms and held hers under his so he wouldn’t drop Skyy who immediately started licking his face.
“What the devil?” he said opening his eyes and looking down at the puppy. “Where did this come from?”
“This is named Skyy, and she was Mary’s puppy. Come on in, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Kelly told him about her visit from Noelle and five minutes later he looked at the puppy that was now lying on his shoe and said gruffly, “Kelly, you know I’m not happy about this. I thought we’d decided that two dogs were enough.”
“Well, that’s not exactly true. You said you thought two dogs were enough. I don’t recall me ever saying that, however, I’m sure this is only a temporary thing. We’ll just keep Skyy until we can find a new home for her.”
Mike reached down and picked up the puppy. “Poor little thing. She must wonder what’s going on, first with a new owner last week and now new people this week. That’s a lot for a little puppy to take in, although it does seem like Rebel and Lady are pretty good with her.”
“They’re being excellent. I’ve always had a theory that housebreaking and training a dog is much easier when there’s an older dog to act as a role model. So far Skyy hasn’t had an accident in the house and hasn’t even tried to chew on something other than the chew sticks and toys Noelle brought with her.”
“Well, at least that’s good news. Speaking of which I think she should go outside. I get nervous when a puppy starts moving around.” He took Skyy out to the back yard while Kelly finished preparing dinner. Rebel got up and accompanied them. A few minutes later Mike returned. “Mission accomplished. Think Rebel’s a good influence on her.” Kelly turned towards the sink so Mike wouldn’t see the smile that had broken out on her face. He’s already beginning to come around , she thought.