Bassets and Blackmail Page 3

  Robert coughed into his hand. I suspected he was trying to stifle a laugh.

  Jac saluted Shelbee. “Yes, sir. General, sir.”

  We all burst into laughter as the dogs joined in barking and yipping.

  I wiped tears from my eyes and shushed Paw. He stopped barking and fell against my side nearly toppling me. This was one of his demonstrations of love. But since he weighed close to two hundred pounds, he could physically push my short self around.

  Robert rubbed Kathleen’s ears as Shelbee and Jac quieted Samuel and Bitsy. Kathleen jumped down from the counter to rub against Robert's legs, leaving Rascal to watch us with a bit of disdain.

  I asked, “What more do we have to do in preparation for the game?”

  Robert said, “You have to check out your costumes and Shelbee and I have to hide the murder weapons.”

  “Murder weapons?”

  “Yes. We've already distributed some clues to the participants. As they follow those clues, they will have the opportunity to find more clues and murder weapons.”

  Shelbee enthused. “They're so cool. Hans Greble carved them.” She turned to me. “You know, the guy who sets up every week in the summer at the farmer's market.”

  I nodded.

  “Hans has a small shop where he makes cabinets and other wood crafts. He offered to carve wooden representatives of murder weapons. A knife, a gun, a wrench, and a bottle.”

  She walked over to the kitchen counter, gave Rascal a pat, and unzipped her tote bag. She pulled out the wooden weapons.

  Robert, Jac, and I walked over to join her, and she handed us each a weapon. I examined the gun. Its intricate detail was incredible. If not for the wooden texture of the object, it was easy to believe this was a real gun.

  Robert held up the knife while Jac examined the bottle. From where I stood, the bottle was carved with a label on it. Poison.

  We traded weapons back and forth.

  “These are incredible,” I said. “Hans is talented.”

  “He is,” Shelbee said. “The idea was all Robert's though.”

  Robert blushed. “We use props in the theater. I thought it would add a bit of realism to the game.”

  Jac nudged him. “Plus, you love to play a detective.”

  Robert laughed. “Yes. Those are some of my favorite roles.”

  I handed the weapon I was holding, the knife, back to Shelbee. “I thought you were playing a police officer in the game.”

  “I am. A police inspector. But a bumbling one. The real detectives, who solve the case, are the players. I just bumble around creating confusion.”

  I nodded. “Who plays the dead man?”

  “We have a dummy body prop from the theater. We plan to reveal the “deceased” tomorrow morning, then assemble everyone at breakfast and let them start the game.”

  I smiled. “I have a feeling some of them are already starting.”

  Robert looked at me with a quizzical expression.

  “Donna asked if you would give any more clues outside, remember?”

  He nodded.

  “And based on my conversation at dinner with Ms. Wells, I'd say she is already on the case.”

  Robert sighed. “I'm glad they are eager to play, but I better hurry prepping tonight.”

  Shelbee placed the weapons back in her bag. “Then let's get started. Jac and I will hide the weapons while you finish preparations with the body.”

  Robert nodded.

  I asked, “What can I do?”

  Shelbee shook her head. “You go home and try on your costume. Be ready to get back here early tomorrow morning.”

  “I could stay the night.”

  “No. The inn is filled up, and I know Paw will sleep better at home.”

  Paw woofed.

  Jac laughed. “See. He agrees.”

  I sighed. “Okay, but I've already tried my costume on half a dozen times. I know it fits.”

  “Do it again,” Shelbee said.

  Robert cuddled Kathleen to his chest. “Ladies, I'm going to take Kathleen up to our room. I'll see you all in the morning.”

  “Have a good night,” I said as I gave Kathleen a scratch behind her ear.

  “Meow.”

  Robert smiled and left the kitchen.

  Jac walked to the door, stopping to give Paw and me a quick hug. “I'm going to do a quick check of the inn.”

  “Check the French doors. They were open earlier.”

  “Will do.” Jac stepped through the kitchen door that connected to the dining room.

  Shelbee walked over and hugged me.

  “I'll walk you out.”

  I nodded, stepped to the kitchen counter to retrieve my bag, and gave Rascal a kiss. He head-butted my chin. I gave him one final kiss. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

  “Mreow.”

  Paw padded over. “Woof!”

  Shelbee laughed at Paw's possessive bark.

  “I love you too, jealous.” I caressed his ears then turned toward the door.

  We strolled from the kitchen through the dining room to the front door, Bitsy leading the way, tail curled over her back.

  Paw plodded along beside me while Samuel followed, snuffling the floor for any stray bits of food.

  Shelbee opened the door. Night had descended. “Are you sure you don't mind walking home alone? I could go with you.”

  “And walk back alone yourself? Don't be silly. This is Tranquil Valley.”

  “Yes, and you found a dead body in your neighbor’s shed plus solved Robert’s kidnapping. You find trouble.”

  I scowled. “I do not find trouble.”

  Shelbee huffed. “Fine. If you don't find trouble, then trouble finds you.”

  “Maybe, but you've been with me when trouble has shown up so how will you walking me home prevent trouble?”

  “Hmm. Good point.”

  “Besides, I have Paw. He protects me.”

  Shelbee shook her head. “He finds more trouble than you.”

  “Woof!”

  I laid my hand on his head. “You're a clever dog.”

  His tongue lolled out.

  “All right,” Shelbee said. “Get going. Call me when you get home, so I don't worry.”

  “I will.” I gave her a hug and tugged on Paw's leash. After Paw and I stepped through the door and Shelbee closed it, I heard the lock click in place.

  I pulled my flashlight from my bag but waited to click it on. A full moon bathed the area in soft light, bright enough to see by. Paw pulled on the leash and trotted ahead.

  The bed and breakfast sat on a hill to the south end of town. I walked down the front walkway and across the grass already damp from the night air. Paw reached the sidewalk and turned left.

  From this vantage point, I could see across and into the main part of town. All appeared tranquil as its name implied. Cars lined the streets in places and lights shone from a few houses and local restaurants. Everything else was dark.

  I switched on my flashlight and glanced at my watch. Eleven-thirty.

  We walked down the hill at a brisk pace and turned left. An owl sailed overhead and Paw gazed up at it in interest.

  “No. You can't chase him.” I spoke to hear my own voice.

  Goosebumps popped up on my arms as the night air chilled me. I'd left my jacket behind at the bed and breakfast.

  Clouds scudded across the moon, so I switched on the flashlight. A comforting circle of light illuminated our path. Paw, whose eyes adjusted to low light, trotted ahead. Paw stopped now and then to sniff at something only his nose could sense. He stopped by a bush to mark his territory. Fortunately, the bush marked the beginning of the park where dog deposits of a liquid nature were accepted.

  “Clarissa?”

  I jumped at the voice behind me and whipped around, brandishing the flashlight as a weapon.

  “Woof!” Paw's happy bark eased my mind.

  Chapter 3

  I shined the light on the face of the person in front of me.

&nb
sp; Lillian Hardcastle, a petite seventy-year-old with snowy white hair, frowned at me. She raised her hand to shield her eyes. The light glinted off her glasses. “Lower your flashlight!”

  “Sorry.”

  Paw pushed forward, trying to reach Lillian. I held tight to the leash, preventing him from jumping up on her. She reached out to pet Paw.

  “What are you doing out so late, young lady?” Lillian was a close friend of my uncle, the police chief of our town. She'd known me all my life.

  “Ms. Lillian, I could ask you the same thing.”

  “Hmph. You could, but I'm not answering until you tell me what you are doing walking alone out here.”

  I gestured to Paw who Lillian had continued to pet. He wore a blissful expression. “I'm not alone. I have Paw who is the best protection.”

  “Humph.”

  “Now why are you out here, Lillian?”

  She shrugged. “I'm looking for Saber.”

  “Your cat?”

  “Do you know any other Sabers?” She grumbled. “He's usually home by now.”

  I glanced at my watch. Five minutes to midnight.

  I sighed, knowing Shelbee would be phoning if I didn't call her soon. Yet I couldn't leave Lillian to search for her cat alone.

  “We'll help you search. Where does he usually hunt?”

  “I don't need your help,” she grumbled.

  “Lillian, you and I both know that my uncle would have a fit if he knew I walked off and left you out here alone.”

  She nodded reluctantly. “He hunts all over, but the park is his favorite place.”

  I sighed with relief. We were standing on the edge of the park. At least we wouldn't have to walk all over town to look for Saber. I hoped.

  “Your dog will scare him off.”

  I shook my head. No way was I going to walk Paw home and come back. “Paw won't scare Saber. I promise.” I didn't add that Saber had the disposition of a cougar with a sore paw. Much like his owner.

  She grumbled under her breath but started toward the park's interior calling, “Saber!”

  I followed with Paw who trailed scents on the ground as I peered under bushes and up into trees.

  Clouds scudded across the sky, intermittently obscuring the moon before its light burst forth to brighten the landscape. Bushes loomed in the darkness, and I tripped over dozens of tree roots. Lillian remained sure-footed as she tromped ahead calling her cat.

  Paw woofed excitedly and barreled to a nearby tree. I shined the light up to reveal a squirrel sitting on a limb. It chattered at Paw who barked back.

  “Now you decide to chase squirrels.” I shook my head while he gazed up at the squirrel, growling softly.

  The squirrel flipped his tail at us then scampered up the tree.

  Paw barked once more before sniffing the base of the tree and trailing as I adjusted my hold on his leash. It would be just my luck that he would wrap his leash around the tree.

  Lillian ignored us and bent down to look under one of the rhododendron bushes in the park. She stood up and called Saber. All I heard was the soft rustle of a light breeze and crickets chirping, but Paw raised his head.

  He woofed and dragged me to a pear tree laden with fruit. He stood up, placing his paws on the tree trunk.

  I heard a loud hiss amongst the tree branches.

  “Saber?” Lillian hurried up to me, shoving me aside, and searching the branches of the pear tree. “Saber, baby, is that you?”

  “Mreow.”

  “Woof!”

  “Hiss.”

  Lillian glared at Paw. “Hush, you, big galoot! You're scaring him.”

  “Lillian, he's trying to help.”

  “No, he's not. He's scaring my baby.”

  I tugged Paw down and back to my side. I knew there was no point in arguing with her, so I shined the flashlight into the tree branches.

  Saber sat on a limb about midway up the tree. He turned his head as the light illuminated him to avoid the reflection off his eyes. His black fur coat absorbed the light. Saber was about six years old and had faced many battles, evidenced by his torn right ear and scar on his cheek. His disposition matched his owner's surly attitude.

  Lillian pulled a bag of cat treats from her pocket. “Come on down, baby. Momma brought you your favorite treats. Yum! Yum!”

  She turned to me. “Turn off that light!”

  I switched off the flashlight and knelt to hold Paw, attempting to keep him quiet. I yawned. The sooner Lillian got her cat and I walked them home, the sooner I could get to bed.

  Lillian rattled the bag, calling softly to Saber.

  I heard a slight rustling and claws on bark. Paw whimpered, and I hushed him.

  Lillian said, “Good boy, Saber. Here's your treat.”

  “Purr. Purr.”

  Paw shifted in my hold.

  “Clarissa, turn on that flashlight. We need to get home. It's late.”

  I rolled my eyes before switching on the light.

  Saber cuddled in Lillian's arms, purring and nuzzling Lillian's chin.

  Paw pulled to get at the cat, but I held firm to him.

  I pointed the light to illuminate our path as Lillian and Saber walked on my right with Paw on my left. Paw settled and ignored Saber who looked down at him with a smug expression.

  Neither Lillian nor I spoke on our walk to her house. She lived on Curzon Street which was a small side street between the park and Main Street. We encountered no one on our walk home.

  As we passed under one of the few streetlights, I saw a glint of light reflect off Saber's neck. I stopped. Lillian continued a few paces then glanced back at me.

  “What?”

  I motioned her back to me.

  She tilted her head and stood with a frown on her face. I stepped up to her and pointed at Saber's neck where I now could identify the source of the light I'd glimpsed.

  Saber wore a new collar. It appeared to resemble a metal bracelet with sparkling stones embedded in each metal link.

  “That's a beautiful collar.”

  Lillian raised an eyebrow. “You okay, sugar? Feeling all right?”

  I stared at her. “I'm fine, Lillian. Just admiring Saber's collar.”

  She shook her head. “Saber doesn't wear a collar.”

  “Well, he is now,” I said, raising my flashlight to beam on Saber, who hissed and wriggled in Lillian's arms.

  Paw whined at Saber. I caressed his ears to calm him before he further upset Saber.

  “Easy, Saber, easy.” Lillian's hand brushed his neck as she struggled to maintain a hold on the cat. “What?”

  She caressed the cat's neck. “This isn't a collar.” She worked at something amongst Saber's neck fur, and the item popped free.

  A bracelet, the clasp flicked open, dangled from her hand. It glinted under the streetlight.

  “Where did you get this, Saber?” Lillian nuzzled him.

  Saber murped in reply, an innocent expression on his face.

  Paw stretched forward and sniffed at the bracelet and Saber growled low in his throat.

  I pushed Paw back, whispering for him to be good. The last thing we needed was for Saber to jump out of Lillian's arms and run away again. “We better get Saber home.”

  Lillian nodded as she stared at the bracelet. “Where could he have found this?”

  We resumed our walk and turned right onto Curzon Street.

  “I think the question is who put it on him.”

  “Saber won't let anyone but me touch him.”

  I sighed. “That's true, but this bracelet only closes with the clasp. I can't see Saber closing it around his neck.”

  Lillian frowned in thought.

  We stepped onto her paved front path and climbed the porch steps. When Lillian opened her front door, Saber jumped out of her arms and sauntered in. She closed the door behind him and turned to me. “What should I do about this thing?” She held up the bracelet.

  Momentarily speechless I stared at her. Lillian always knew wha
t she wanted to do, never asking anyone's advice.

  “Well?” She prompted.

  I reached for the bracelet and examined it. “I don't see any identifying marks, but I would advise turning it in at the police station. Perhaps whoever lost it will check there for it. Of course, you could advertise it as found.”

  “Maybe.” She chewed her lower lip.

  “I wouldn't worry too much about it.”

  “Who says I'm worried?” she asked, hands on hips.

  Paw woofed.

  “Oh, hush, you, big galoot,” Lillian said, but she caressed his ears and smiled at him.

  “Good night, Lillian.”

  She nodded, opened the door to her house, stepped in, and shut the door.

  Paw and I left the porch, strode down Curzon and turned onto Main Street. Within ten minutes, we were home.

  The phone was ringing as I stepped through the door after Paw. I unhooked his leash, slammed the door shut, and hurried to the phone.

  “Hello.”

  “It's about time.” I imagined Shelbee standing with hand on hip, toe tapping, as she spoke. “Where were you?”

  “Chasing a cat.”

  “Huh?”

  I laughed. “Mrs. Hardcastle was out looking for Saber. I helped her find him.”

  “See, I told you trouble finds you.” Shelbee's voice softened. “Was Saber all right?”

  Shelbee loved animals and had a real talent for working with them. Her pet sitting business flourished.

  “He was fine except that he had a bracelet around his neck.”

  Shelbee gasped. “Was he choking? You did take it off, right?”

  “Of course, and he's fine. It wasn't on too tight, but it is strange. How did he get a bracelet around his neck? There's no way he could have fastened it himself and Saber hates most people.”

  “That's true. Saber is his own cat. What did it look like?”

  “Gold metal links with a clear-colored stone in each link.”

  “Valuable?”

  I sighed and sat down on the floor, next to the table that held the phone. Paw lumbered up and plopped down next to me placing his head on my leg. “I have no idea.”

  “Hmm,” Shelbee said. “I don't like it, but at least Saber is okay. I'll call Lillian in the morning and urge her to keep him indoors for his safety.”