Canines and Crime Read online

  About the Book

  Life is ruff. Then you die.

  Tranquil Valley's park committe is hosting a fundraiser to restore the town's beloved gazebo. At the event, aspiring author Clarissa Hayes and her pet detective Saint Bernard meet David Tanner, a fellow town resident who admits to a troubled past that he has worked hard to rectify. He seems like a nice guy.

  Then he's murdered.

  Now Clarissa and Paw, dog detective, along with their human and animal friends are on the trail of a killer. Could it be Tanner's estranged wife who scratched out his existence? Her artist boyfriend? The local cafe owner who makes pawsome treats and was dating Tanner? Or someone seeking revenge from his past?

  As the gang hunts for clues, will they find the killer? Or will the murderer unleash a trap from which even Paw can't dig out?

  A Dog Detective News

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  Visit Sandra Baublitz on Twitter, Facebook and her website.

  BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

  SHORT STORIES:

  The Mystery of the Blue Dolphins

  The Mystery of Aunt Carol’s Disappearance

  The Mystery of the Body in the Shed

  The Mystery of the Missing Bear

  The Mystery of the Missing Actor

  A Dog Detective Short Story Collection (1-5)

  NOVELS:

  Mastiffs, Mystery, and Murder

  Bassets and Blackmail

  Canines and Crime

  A Dog Detective Series

  Sandra Baublitz

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  FBI Anti-Piracy Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, and people are the imagination of the author and fictitious. Any resemblance to actual people (living or dead), places, or names/businesses is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated.

  CANINES AND CRIME

  Copyright © 2020 Sandra Baublitz

  Author website: www.sandrabaublitz.com

  Cover art by SwoonWorthy Book Covers

  www.bookcover-designs.blogspot.com

  V1

  Created with Vellum

  For our loyal readers.

  May you be well during this difficult time.

  “Dog Detective Rule #3: Two are better than one at finding clues. Even if one is a human.”

  - The Dog Detective

  Contents

  Cast of Characters

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Review Request

  About the Author

  Other Books by Sandra Baublitz

  Cast of Characters

  Clarissa Montgomery Hayes - Freelance writer and amateur sleuth. Owner of Paw. Bruce’s girlfriend. She's solved murders before. Can she do it again?

  Paudius Pernivious (aka Paw) - Clarissa's Saint Bernard. He's a loyal dog with a nose for clues.

  Bruce Sever - Clarissa's P.I. boyfriend. He loves Clarissa but hates to see her involved in murder investigations.

  Shelbee Van Vight - One of Clarissa’s best friends. Animal-lover and respected pet-sitter. Owner of Samuel and Bitsy. She'll help in solving the mystery.

  Samuel - Shelbee's mastiff. Best friends with Paw. He'll help sniff for clues.

  Bitsy - Shelbee's Pomeranian. Rescued in one of Clarissa’s previous murder investigations. She and Paw still don't get along.

  Jacqueline (Jac) Weldon - One of Clarissa's best friends. She'll help collar the killer but does she have a secret of her own?

  Robert Roberts - Local actor. Friends with Clarissa, Shelbee, and Jac. Owner of Kathleen and Pedro. Does he know anything about the suspects?

  Kathleen - Robert's gray and black striped cat. She is calm, cool, and collected.

  Pedro - Robert's parrot. He and Saber are not friends.

  Lillian Hardcastle - Elderly friend of Clarissa's. Owner of Saber. Outspoken. She's determined to solve this murder mystery with or without Clarissa's help.

  Saber - Lillian's black cat. He's as stubborn and grumpy as his owner. His mousing skills are put to the test.

  Mark Carter - Local reporter and owner of the Tranquil Valley Times. He and Lillian love to bicker. Can they find the killer too?

  Harry (aka Uncle Harry) - Chief of police of Tranquil Valley. Clarissa's uncle. Tries to stop Clarissa from investigating because he fears for her safety.

  Alma (aka Aunt Alma) - Harry's wife and former secretary. She is involved in many good works around town. Has she uncovered a mystery too?

  Victim

  David Tanner - Clarissa thought he was a nice man. He had a dark past but had made amends in later life. Then why was he murdered?

  Suspects

  Charlotte Tanner - Estranged wife of David Tanner. Has a new artist boyfriend. Would she kill her husband and why?

  Ned Turner - Artist. Boyfriend to Charlotte. Was he jealous of David?

  Tammy Williams - Local realtor. Chair of a local charity. Would she kill David to get his house or money?

  Sam Davis - Young man vacationing in town with his wife. Does his past intersect with David's?

  Laura Davis - Wife to Sam. What does she know about David's past?

  Harriet Bonaparte - Owner of Harriet's Eats, the local cafe. She was friends with David. Or was she?

  Church Ladies

  Violet Meadows

  Marcy Holt

  Elise Black

  Karen Hunter

  Harriet's Eats Waitresses

  Marie

  Lois

  Theater Personnel

  Jon Kenyon - Director

  Jill Kent - Actress

  Mrs. Booksteen - Clarissa's friend. She helps out at the thrift shop.

  Taylor - A young boy. He has a mystery of his own. Does it connect with David Tanner's death?

  Edith Compton - She claims to be Taylor's grandmother. Is she?

  Ms. Peabody - Works for child protective services.

  Police Officers

  Banks

  Barnes

  Heldman

  Police Staff

  Cheryl

  Margaret

  Hal McFarlane - medical examiner/coroner

  Mr. Bishop - Lawyer. He reads David's will. What surprises will he reveal?

  Mr. Kempton - Gardener at the park.

  Molly Hannon - Postmistress.

  Cassie Reynolds - Manager of th
e artist's co-op and studio.

  Chapter 1

  “When you murder someone, do you feel guilty?”

  I paused with a fork of cake halfway to my mouth and smiled at the man sitting next to me.

  David Tanner drummed his fingers on the cloth-covered table. He was a tall, broad shouldered man in his late fifties with a full head of salt and pepper hair.

  “That depends.” I grinned then popped the cake in my mouth and chewed. Once I swallowed, I said, “In my book, no. In real life, probably. Of course, I’ve never murdered anyone.” I sent a wicked grin his way. “At least, not that I would admit.”

  David guffawed, drawing curious glances our way. “Clarissa Hayes, you are too much.”

  David and I were table mates at an outdoor tea party to celebrate Tranquil Valley’s first park fundraiser. Tranquil Valley, the small town in southern Pennsylvania where I lived with my faithful Saint Bernard, Paw, had a lovely park for its residents. Recently the town council had deemed it necessary to refurbish several of the park features including the wooden gazebo and duck pond. To raise funds, the town was hosting a tea party in the park.

  Paw woofed and wagged his tail. He had taken an immediate liking to David when we sat down together an hour ago.

  David smiled down at Paw, who was stretched out by my feet. Since the park allowed dogs, the council had invited owners to bring their pets. I wished my friends, Shelbee and Jac, could be here, but Jac had to work and Shelbee was out of town. So was my boyfriend, Bruce.

  Robert Roberts, our local famed actor, was here and had brought his parrot, Pedro. Kathleen, Robert’s gray Tabby twined in and out of people’s legs.

  “David,” I said, “why did you ask about guilt and murder?”

  He sighed and ran his hand over his face. “Because I feel guilt.”

  I gaped at him.

  He nodded. “Guess you didn’t hear the gossip. Everyone’s talking about my past.”

  “Your past?”

  “Yeah.” He stared at his plate.

  “David, if you don’t want to discuss it, that’s fine with me.”

  He turned to look me in the eyes. “Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a while.” He paused then nodded his head. “No. I want to tell you. I used to drink - a lot. Too much. One night I drove home drunk from a bar and hit a guy. Killed him. Young man. Had his whole life ahead of him.”

  David stared off into space. Finally, he continued, “Never drank a drop again. I put my past behind me when I got out. Now,” he shook his head, “someone’s told everyone about it.”

  He looked in my eyes. “I feel the guilt every day, Clarissa. I don’t need to be reminded of it. I did my best to make amends for my careless actions.”

  I placed my hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, David.”

  Paw sat up and leaned against David’s legs.

  “Thank you,” he said to me. “And thank you, boy.” He pet Paw who delighted in the attention.

  A bouquet of paper flowers appeared in front of my face.

  Robert stood beside me, dressed in a cape and top hat. “Hello, lovely lady and kind sir. Would one of you be kind enough to watch Pedro?”

  “Woof.” Paw stood up when he saw his friends.

  David laughed. “No, boy, Robert doesn’t mean you.”

  “Robert,” I said, “I didn’t know you are a magician.”

  “Neither did I, but I got roped into playing one.”

  David motioned to Pedro. “Doesn’t he go with the act?”

  “No. Pedro talks too much and bites the props.”

  Pedro voiced his opinion. “Stupid tricks. Stupid tricks.”

  “See.”

  David and I laughed while Paw woofed at Pedro.

  David reached for Pedro. “Come here you feathered fiend.”

  Pedro preened at his words.

  Robert left and headed for the temporary stage assembled to the left side of the tea tables.

  Across the park, Aunt Alma waved to me. David saw her too. “Looks like Alma is waving for you.”

  “You know her?”

  “Yes. One of the nicest ladies I know.”

  I smiled. “She is that and my aunt.”

  David twinkled at me. “I know. She talks about you all the time.”

  “I better go.” I placed my hand on his shoulder. “It was a pleasure meeting you, David.”

  “You too.”

  “Woof.”

  David scratched Paw’s ears, earning him a big grin from Paw and a grumble from Pedro. “You too, boy.”

  “See you around, David. You too, Pedro.”

  I stood up, grasped Paw’s leash, and weaved through the crowd to Alma’s side.

  Alma hugged me then bent and caressed Paw’s ears while murmuring endearments to him.

  Paw’s tongue lolled out in bliss at the attention of one of his favorite people.

  I glanced around as Alma spoke to Paw. Robert was pulling a stuffed rabbit from his top hat to the delight of a crowd of children. Parents stood watching and laughing as well. I recognized friends throughout the milling crowd. Mr. And Mrs. Booksteen were conversing with Mrs. Carstairs and her nephew, Jason. More visitors were entering the park including a young couple who were headed our way.

  Alma straightened. “Quite a crowd. Between the ticket sales and the donations left at the Council booth, there should be plenty of money to fund park renovations.”

  I glanced over at the Council booth. A line with five men and women waited to offer a donation or buy t-shirts the park had printed for sale.

  “I agree, but I hate to see the old gazebo change.”

  “True,” Alma said, “but the floor is weak. Someone is going to fall through one day and hurt themselves.”

  “I hope the refurbished one retains the original character.”

  The young couple I had noticed strolled up to us and stopped by Alma. The young woman spoke first. She wore her long, blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. A beautiful flowered sundress highlighted her tall, slim figure. “I hope we aren’t interrupting.”

  Alma smiled. “Not at all. Have you met my niece?” She gestured to me. “Clarissa, meet Sam and Laura Davis.”

  I extended my hand to Laura. “Nice to meet you.”

  She took my hand in a gentle hold. “Nice to meet you too. Is that your dog?”

  She gazed down at Paw in rapture.

  “Yes. This is Paw. You can pet him.”

  Laura reached out with a tentative hand and Paw nuzzled it. She giggled.

  I extended my hand to Sam.

  He grasped it in a firm grip. Nodding to Paw, he said, “He’s a friendly one.”

  “Yes. He is.”

  Alma waved to one of her friends. “Sam, Laura, let me introduce you to Tammy Williams. She’s our local real estate agent.”

  To me, Alma said, “Sam and Laura are on vacation but are thinking of moving here.” She gestured to the couple. “Sam, Laura, follow me.” Glancing back, Alma said, “I’ll be right back.”

  I nodded even though Alma was striding away with her back to me.

  Sam strode after Alma while Laura followed, throwing wistful glances back at Paw.

  “He’s converted another one.”

  I turned around at the sound of my Uncle Harry’s voice. My uncle was chief of police of our small town. And Alma’s husband. Both were in their fifties and neither had been married before. I was happy to see them happy.

  “Paw has that effect.”

  Harry grunted. “He’d make the perfect criminal. Too lovable to get caught.”

  “Woof!”

  Alma joined us and leaned up to give Harry a kiss.

  My uncle blushed. “Alma!” He admonished.

  “Oh, hush,” she chided him. “We’re married now.”

  Alma had been Harry’s secretary.

  Harry grumbled. “Playing matchmaker?” He nodded to the young couple Alma had introduced to me.

  “No, sweetheart. They’re alread
y married and thinking of moving here.”

  “Humph. Better not be criminals.”

  Alma rolled her eyes. “Sweetheart, not everyone is a criminal.”

  He humphed again.

  Alma glanced at me. “What did you think of David?”

  I stared at her in confusion then realized she meant David Tanner. “I liked him.”

  “Good. I do too. The man has tried to make amends for his mistakes. Did you know he sent money every month to the parents of the young man he killed? They spoke in his favor at his parole hearing. He doesn’t deserve the gossip going around town.”

  “Who started it?”

  “I don’t know, but I liked to find out and set them straight.”

  Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Now, Alma, you can’t solve everyone’s problems.”

  This time Alma was the one to humph. “Maybe not but gossiping irritates me.”

  “Besides, that poor man has been through enough with that vile woman leaving him.”