Bassets and Blackmail Read online

  Donna dropped back into her seat, shaking her head.

  Cafferty snorted. “Impossible. That wine has to be vinegar by now after being stored in the basement.”

  William smirked. “Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Our local wine expert believes it has value so next month I’m donating it to be auctioned off at the fundraiser for our local park. The proceeds will go to rebuilding the park’s gazebo.”

  Cafferty shook his head, disgust on his face. “You’re an idiot!”

  William stiffened. “There's nothing idiotic about charity.”

  “There is if you're giving away something valuable.”

  Both men glared at each other.

  Robert cleared his throat. Raising his glass, he stood. “A toast to fine wines and good taste.”

  Everyone but William and Cafferty raised their glasses. Patricia reached across the table and laid her hand on William's arm. He shook himself then picked up the bottle of wine and stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll return this to the wine cellar.”

  As William stood up, Cafferty shoved back his chair, saying, “Fine wine? This stuff isn't fine. It's dreck.” He threw down his napkin, jerked his head at Jessica, and stalked out of the room.

  Jessica plopped down her glass and hurried after him.

  William strode after them turning left at the door.

  No one said anything for a minute then James turned to Patricia. “You have a wine cellar?”

  Patricia grimaced. We have racks in the basement to hold our small wine selection. William calls it his wine cellar.”

  “I'd love to see it.”

  “Ask William tomorrow. I'm sure he’ll show it to you.”

  Jac, one of my best friends, sat next to Robert. “If William wants to build a real wine cellar, just call Dad. He'll help.” Her dad was a self-taught handyman who had been fixing up their house. He had helped William on several projects around the bed and breakfast.

  Patricia smiled. “Thank you, Jac. William and I appreciate all you and your dad have done to help out.”

  Jac nodded.

  Madeline Wells spoke to Patricia. “When will we start the mystery game?”

  Her friend nudged her. “Not now, Madeline.”

  Patricia waved Karen's admonishment aside. “It's all right. The game begins first thing tomorrow morning. While we've been eating, an envelope with your identities, a clue, and the game rules have been slipped under the doors to each of your rooms. We've hidden clues around the bed and breakfast for you to find. We'll assemble here over breakfast to clarify any questions you have then the game will begin.”

  Madeline smiled, nudging Karen, and stood up. “We'll retire now and wish you a good night.”

  Karen shook her head, wearing a bemused smile. “Thank you for a lovely meal, Mrs. Innsman. We look forward to tomorrow.”

  Madeline urged her friend to hurry from the room.

  Donna Dayton stared after the retreating women. Clearing her throat, she said, “We should go up to bed too. Thank you for a delicious meal.” She stood up, staring down at her husband.

  James gulped the last of his wine and rose slowly. He stared at the bottle sitting on the table in front of him.

  Patricia gestured to the bottle. “You're welcome to take the bottle up to your room, Mr. Dayton.”

  Donna frowned, but James grabbed the bottle with a “Thank you.”

  Together the couple walked out of the room and climbed the stairs.

  Jac stood and stretched. “I'll clear the dishes.”

  Shelbee stacked Robert's plate on top of hers. “I'll help. I want to check on the animals in the private kitchen too.”

  Patricia demurred. “You ladies don't have to help. You've already done so much.”

  “No problem,” Jac assured her.

  I patted Patricia's hand. “We love to help.” To Shelbee and Jac, I said, “I'll help clear then walk the dogs before I head home with Paw.”

  Robert stood, rounded the table, and pulled out Patricia's chair. “You, lovely lady, must rest. You've had a busy day.”

  “Robert,” Patricia said, “you are a true gentleman, but I still have lots to do for tomorrow's game.”

  “Not to worry, Patricia, we have it covered. The game plans are set, and the girls and I will take care of last minute details.”

  Shelbee, Jac, and I nodded. “We have it under control,” Jac spoke for all three of us.

  Patricia smiled. “Thank you, dears. I'll leave it in your capable hands and go find William.”

  She walked from the room and turned toward the basement where William was returning his bottle of wine.

  Robert glanced at me. “I'll help you walk the dogs.”

  I nodded, glad for the help.

  The four of us cleared the table, carrying dishes through the connecting door between the dining room and the B and B’s commercial kitchen. Once the table was cleared, we crossed the hall to the Innsman’s private kitchen where we were met by the animal brigade. Due to health department regulations, the B and B required separate kitchens to serve food.

  Paw, Samuel, and Bitsy greeted us in a chorus of barks and yips with wagging tails. Henry bayed, delighted to see us. Shelbee gently shushed them, concerned that they would disturb the guests. Kathleen, a long-haired, gray and black-striped tabby, wound around Robert's legs as Rascal sat tall and proud on the kitchen counter.

  As I bent to kiss Paw on his head and scruff his neck, he looked up and slurped my face.

  Jac and Shelbee laughed at me.

  Robert picked up Kathleen and cuddled her. “How is my little kotyonok?” Robert had Russian heritage and kotyonok, which meant kitten, was his term of endearment for Kathleen. “Have you had fun visiting your friends?”

  Mrrr.

  She nuzzled his chin.

  “I bet you miss your friend, Pedro.”

  Purr. Purr.

  Robert smiled as he caressed her fur. Pedro was Robert's talking parrot. Surprisingly, he and Kathleen were great companions.

  Shelbee picked up Bitsy. “Hey, Sweetkins. Did you and Samuel have a good visit with Paw, Henry, and the kitties?”

  Paw whined. Shelbee was working with him to get him to accept Bitsy since he hated Pomeranians. My big, tough Saint Bernard once had a neighboring Pomeranian who had terrorized him. Ever since Paw hated Poms. Now that Shelbee sheltered Bitsy, she and I were working to train the dogs to accept each other. The fact that they stayed in the kitchen without incident was a good sign.

  Bitsy came to live with Shelbee after events during our last investigation at a local dog show. Samuel, a mastiff, had been part of the dog show and was adopted by Shelbee. He leaned against her side, tongue lolling out in bliss.

  Rascal, his cream-colored fur and brown ears and tail gleaming under the kitchen lights, observed from a safe distance. Henry walked over and sat on my foot. He and Paw adored each other.

  Jac picked up Rascal and cuddled him. Rascal liked us but adored Jac. She scratched his chin.

  “Purr. Purr.”

  Shelbee placed Bitsy on the floor. “Well, guys, those dishes won't wash themselves.”

  I snapped on Paw's leash. “Robert and I will take the dogs for a walk while you start on the dishes.”

  Robert snapped leashes on Samuel and Bitsy. Both dogs wiggled, eager to take a walk. I snapped the final leash on Henry. He stood, tail wagging. Paw led the way, pulling me to the kitchen door. Once outside the dogs pulled on their leashes, headed for the garden out back.

  The Peaceful Dreams Bed and Breakfast sat on a hill on the south side of our town, Tranquil Valley. The house rose three stories into the early autumn sky. Darkness was descending, cloaking the house in shadows. Dormer windows jutted from the third-floor roofline where the Innsmans resided in their private apartment. A small bedroom for private guests and a storage room completed the floor plan.

  The kitchens, dining room, and living room took up the first floor. A beautiful, newly refurbished staircase ascended from the foyer u
p through the second and to the third floors.

  The second floor was designated for paying guests. The former master suite which was to the right of the second-floor landing contained a large bed plus an additional attached bath and sitting area. Thomas Cafferty and Jessica resided in this room.

  The Daytons were staying in the first room to the left of the landing across the hall from the room Karen Taylor and Madeline shared. These rooms shared connecting baths to their neighbor.

  The Daytons’ room connected to Robert’s. He was staying at the inn since there was room from a last-minute cancellation. The fifth room was unoccupied, due to unexpected minor repairs. Karen and Madeline were fortunate as it allowed them to have the connecting bathroom to themselves.

  Robert took a deep breath. “Ah. I do love the smell of autumn.”

  Samuel raised his nose, sniffing the air. A chittering sound came from a nearby maple tree. Samuel lunged toward the tree, Robert holding tight to the leash while Bitsy yipped and danced. A squirrel poked its head above the foliage, tempting Samuel to chase him.

  Fortunately for me, Paw regarded the squirrel with dispassion. Instead, he trailed a scent in the opposite direction of the tree.

  “Woo. Woo.” Henry bayed at the squirrel then swung his head to watch Paw. He turned back to the squirrel then put his nose to the ground and followed the same scent Paw was tracking.

  Samuel whined.

  Robert patted his back. “Sorry, Sammy, but that squirrel is out of reach. Best to ignore him.”

  Samuel growled at the squirrel then allowed Robert to tug him after Paw.

  “Yip. Yip.” Bitsy turned and followed Samuel.

  I trotted to keep up with Paw and Henry who were racing to find the source of the scent. Both dogs pulled me through the garden. “Easy, guys.”

  They halted at the base of a rhododendron. I heard rustling then a brown blur with a white cotton ball tail shot from under the bush.

  Both dogs lunged, knocking me to my knees.

  Robert grabbed the leashes before I lost my grip. He struggled to maintain a hold on all four dogs.

  A voice called, “I got it!” Donna Dayton ran to Robert's side and grabbed the leashes for Paw and Henry. Together they controlled the dogs.

  I stood and grasped Paw's collar. “Easy, big guy. That rabbit is long gone.”

  Paw gave a soft “woof” and stared pointedly at me. “Yes. It probably is my fault you didn't catch him, but you've had a good dinner. Far better than a rabbit.”

  He regarded me with skepticism clearly doubting my assertion. I gave him a big hug and he sat at my feet, wagging his tail.

  Henry continued to sniff the ground, letting out a soft “woo-woo.”

  I smiled at Donna. “Thank you so much. I'd hate to think how long we would have chased the dogs if they had trailed that rabbit.”

  Donna waved her hand in the air. “No problem. I used to have a bloodhound, so I know what you mean.”

  Samuel sniffed the ground around Robert's feet, but Bitsy stood up against Donna's leg.

  “Hi, there sweetie. Aren't you just adorable?”

  Bitsy yipped and wiggled at the compliment.

  Robert laughed. “Looks like you've made a friend.”

  Donna smiled down at Bitsy. “I'm honored.” She glanced up at Robert. “You are part of the murder mystery, aren't you?”

  Robert nodded. “Yes.” Tipping his head to me, he said, “We both are.”

  I demurred. “Robert is too kind. He has a major part to play. I have one line which suits me fine. Robert is the star of our local theater.”

  Donna bent to pet Bitsy. “Are you a professional actor?”

  “I used to be.” Robert shrugged. “Now I'm content to teach acting and produce when I can. The local theater is a pleasure to act in as is this murder mystery.”

  Donna stood up. “I don't suppose you would divulge any clues in the game.”

  “No way.” Robert winked. “That would spoil the fun.”

  A voice by the house yelled, “You are despicable. How dare you accuse me of that?”

  A second voice sneered. “I accuse you because it's true. You are too drunk to realize it.”

  Chapter 2

  Startled, the dogs lifted their heads, perked their ears, and stared through the growing darkness toward the house. Stars had begun to appear in the night sky.

  The male voices were familiar. One belonged to James Dayton. The other was Thomas Cafferty.

  Donna gasped. “Excuse me.” She hurried toward the men.

  “James,” she called, “what's wrong?”

  Paw stood, growled low, and pulled on his leash to follow Donna, as did Samuel.

  Robert tipped his head to indicate we should follow. I agreed and the six of us walked toward the voices.

  With slurred speech, James said, “Stay out of this, Donna. Cafferty, you're a piece of garbage. No one is going to believe what you say.”

  Cafferty ignored him and focused on Donna. “Ah, your lovely wife. Perhaps we should discuss her criminal failings instead.”

  James swung at Cafferty, punching him in the jaw and sending him staggering back. James staggered too from the force of his swing. A strong scent of alcohol wafted our way.

  Donna clung to him as she attempted to control him.

  Cafferty regained his balance and smirked. “You've just proven my point.”

  Paw pushed between the men with Samuel by his side. A low growl came from both dogs.

  Cafferty looked down and raised his hand as though preparing to strike the dogs.

  “Don't you dare!”

  He glared at my command but lowered his arm.

  Henry and Bitsy woofed and yipped but stood by my feet.

  Robert shifted to stand in front of me while facing both men, holding tight to the dogs’ leashes. “I suggest you return to your rooms and calm down.”

  Donna grasped her husband's arm. “We'll do that.” She nudged James back toward the French doors opening onto the garden.

  James protested. “I have more to say.”

  Robert swung his head toward James. “Not tonight.” Samuel and Paw remained focused on Cafferty.

  “Come on, James,” Donna urged.

  I whispered to her, “Will you be all right?”

  She nodded with a grimace.

  James sneered at Cafferty. “This isn't over.” Then wobbled alongside his wife as she led him into the house.

  Cafferty smirked. “Some guests are rude, wouldn't you say?”

  Robert looked him up and down. “Yes. I would.”

  Cafferty scowled. “I'd watch what I said theater man. We all have sins to be unveiled.” He addressed me. “Call off your dog before I report him to animal control for threatening me.”

  “Threatening you? Ha. You, sir, have not been threatened.”

  Paw growled and stepped forward a pace.

  Robert touched my arm. “Call Paw back, Clarissa.”

  “Paw, Samuel, come here guys.”

  Both dogs swung their heads toward me, then gave one final long stare at Cafferty before trotting over to me.

  Cafferty smirked, turned, and sauntered back into the house through the French doors.

  I made a mental note to be sure to close and lock the doors before I left for the night.

  “Are you all right?” Robert asked me.

  “Yes, but I wonder what that was all about.”

  He shrugged. “Who knows? I don’t like either man to be honest. Remind me to suggest Shelbee and Jac lock their door tonight.”

  “Good idea. We’d best get back and see if we can help in the kitchen.”

  Robert nodded and urged the dogs back to the private kitchen.

  Robert ushered me through the door as the dogs pushed ahead.

  Samuel rushed to Shelbee's side where she stood at the counter, pulling down a tin of cocoa.

  “Hey, sweetie, how are you? Did you have a good walk?”

  Bitsy ran to her and stood up o
n her leg, yipping excitedly.

  “Hi, sweetheart.” She blew kisses to the little dog as she measured cocoa into a cup. Holding up the tin, she asked, “Want some?

  “No. Thank you,” I said and glanced over my shoulder to see Robert shake his head in the negative.

  Kathleen and Rascal sat together on the kitchen island, observing Shelbee. Robert joined them and stroked Kathleen’s fur. Rascal head-butted Robert for attention and Robert obliged.

  Henry waddled over to his water bowl and took a long drink while Paw leaned against my side.

  I scratched his head. “We had some excitement outside.”

  Jac entered the kitchen with a bowl of leftovers in time to hear me. She opened the fridge door, asking, “What excitement? Did the dogs see Clarence?”

  “Who's Clarence?” Both Robert and I spoke at once.

  Jac, head and shoulders in the fridge as she rearranged dishes, giggled. “He's the rabbit who lives in the garden. Patricia named him Clarence.”

  Robert shook his head. “We seem to have a plethora of animals. Yes, the dogs did try to chase Clarence, but that wasn't the excitement. We met Donna and James Dayton and Thomas Cafferty in the garden.”

  “What on earth were they doing in the garden?” Shelbee asked.

  I shook my head. “I don't know what Donna was doing there, but James and Cafferty were having an argument. James punched Cafferty, although he almost toppled over because he was drunk.”

  Shelbee replaced the lid on the cocoa tin. “Cafferty was drunk?”

  “No,” Robert said. “James was.”

  Jac popped her head over the fridge door. “He drank an awful lot of wine at dinner and took that bottle up to his room.”

  “What did they argue about?” Shelbee asked.

  I shrugged. “I'm not sure. Cafferty said something odd, though. When Donna joined them, he told James that perhaps they should discuss Donna's criminal…” I turned to Robert. “What was the word?”

  “Failings.”

  Jac closed the fridge door. “I wonder what he meant by that?”

  I caressed Paw's ears. “I do too.”

  Shelbee sipped her cocoa. “Okay, you two. Let it go.” She pointed to me. “I see your mind working furiously.” She pointed to Jac. “And don't encourage her. We have a mystery game to prepare for and no time to start chasing another mystery.”