Trouble at the Kennel (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #9)(20)
“I wonder if when the dogs were let out she surprised the person who let them out, and she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“If that’s true, she really was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If that theory is correct, the person must have realized she’d seen him or her let the dogs out, and so that person killed Mary in order to conceal his or her identity.”
“Mike, was there any indication of bad blood between the manager and Mary?”
“Not that I could tell. She seemed to be genuinely devastated by Mary’s death. I really don’t think she knows anything. Why do you ask?”
“I was just wondering if there was any resentment on her part for Mary allowing the Pit Bull Sanctuary group to rent from her, because remember, it was one of those pit bulls who severely injured her dog.”
“No. I’d completely rule her out. From what she told me, it looks like someone didn’t shut the gate properly, and the dog got out.”
“Well, it is strange that at the same time and at two different locations gates or doors weren’t securely closed.”
“I see what you’re saying, but I honestly think it was just a coincidence and nothing more.”
“Okay, but I know how you feel about coincidences. You always say you don’t believe in them. What are your plans for tomorrow? Sounds like you’ve pretty much found out all you can from the people at the kennel.”
“It sounds na?ve, but I’m hoping someone who knows something will call me with a lead. It’s been in the papers and on the news. The news people and the papers specifically said if anyone had information regarding the case to call my office, and they posted my phone number. I’m hoping it helps. There’s no point in going back to the kennel. I’ve interviewed everyone who works there. Plus, there are a couple of other cases that need my attention. Going to Cuba set me back a bit, and although I’ve got an increased workload right now, I don’t regret a moment of that trip.”
“Good, because even with the murder we solved while we were in Cuba, it was a great vacation.”
“Kelly,” Mike said as he raised his eyebrows, “just because things kind of fell in place in Cuba, and you helped a bit in solving a murder, don’t get any ideas about becoming involved in this one.”
“Of course not, Mike, that’s your area. I’ve just been a little lucky.”
“Well, I know it probably doesn’t do any good to ask, but it will make me feel better. Please promise me you won’t do anything else on my case.”
“You’ve got it, Sheriff,” she said, mentally crossing her fingers behind her back.
CHAPTER 15
“See you this afternoon,” Kelly said to Mike the next morning as he left for his office. “I plan on being here most of the day playing dutiful housewife. There’s a pile of laundry I need to get to, and the house and yard need a little attention. Go get the bad guys.”
“Can’t promise I’ll get them, but I’ll sure try. I’ll probably give you a call later on and see how this group is doing,” he said, bending down and petting Skyy who was intent on untying Mike’s shoe by pulling on his shoelace. “Good luck with this one.”
Kelly spent the next few hours doing household work and watering the plants and potted flowers. She looked at her watch and thought surely Madison would be up by now. Kelly knew that Saturdays were usually sleep-in days for young people. Madison was in her late teens and in addition to being a student at the local cosmetology school, she worked part-time for Kelly at the coffee shop. Kelly well remembered when her son and daughter, Cash and Julia, were teen-agers. It was never a good idea for anyone to call the house before noon on the weekends. She picked up her cell phone and punched in Madison’s phone number. “Hi, Kelly,” the voice on the other end said.
“Good morning, or early afternoon, Madison. Do you have a moment?”
“I have plenty of time. I was just doing some homework, although now that I’m almost through with school, there’s not much of it. It’s more of a hands-on thing.”
“This won’t take long. I’m wondering if you know a young man named Ricky Anderson. He’s about your age, and I thought you might have gone to high school with him.”
Madison was quiet for a few moments. “Yes, I remember him. He was always kind of a loner and didn’t have many friends.” She laughed and said, “Not that I did either, but I’ve changed a lot in the last couple of years. From what I hear, I’m not so sure Ricky has.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, he was expelled from high school. I guess his father was really angry about it. He didn’t work or do anything for a long time. I heard his father threatened to throw him out of the house if he didn’t go in the Army or get a job. I understand he’s working at the Doggie Love Kennel. Oh, Kelly, that’s where you boarded your dogs, and that’s where the owner was recently killed, right?”
“Right on all accounts. Tell me a little more about him. Why was he expelled?”
“Remember when Roxie’s son was buying marijuana from some guy out at Brandon’s dad’s ranch and selling it to some of the kids at school?”
“Of course. How could I forget? There had been speculation for a long time that his father was growing it on his ranch. Why do you ask?”