Who's Dead, Doc? Page 3

  “It seems that you’ll be attending the rabbit show, am I right?”

  “Petra has been entered as a contestant. Why?”

  “I’m short staffed for the next couple weeks and could use eyes on everyone and ears to the ground while you’re there. As a rabbit owner and farmer, you’ll be in a perfect position to see and hear things we officers can’t. What do you say, will you give me a hand or what?”

  Fearful this was a gambit to see if I planned to look into things on my own, I hesitated. Thinking fast, I said, “I’m not sure I’ll have the time. Petra will need a lot of care and gentle handling while I’m at the show. What is this really about?”

  “Like I said, I have two men on vacation and another was injured in a foot chase. He tore his Achilles tendon and is out of work for who knows how long. I’m not crazy about asking for your help, but frankly, you’re the best bet I have to discover whatever there is that can aid in my investigation. It’s apparent Evelyn had issues, she was mean-spirited, threatened folks and what not. She had enemies, lots of them. What do you say? I’m not joking here, I mean what I’ve said.”

  “In that case, I’ll help. I don’t want to end up in a situation like the last one, though. I’d never been so scared in my life.”

  “I understand that, Jules. You’re not to take any chances, or get into trouble, either. Keeping your eyes open and ears to the ground would go a long way in finding who committed the murder.”

  “Okay, we have a deal.”

  “Great. I hope I don’t regret this, but it’s the only solution I could come up with in these circumstances. Thanks for agreeing and for the coffee. I should get home, Meredith will be waiting.”

  As Jack drove away, I gathered the cups and tray and went into the kitchen. Bun sat near the kitchen table, his ears upright and his whiskers all jittery. He had heard. Again.

  “He needs us, doesn’t he? He can’t do without our services, huh? I thought as much. He now realizes what a dynamic duo we are.”

  “I’m sure you’re aware of his reason for asking us to snoop. Don’t get all puffed up and overconfident with a sense of how great we are at detecting. It will only come back and bite us in the behind.”

  “I know you like to keep a low profile when it comes to our abilities, but really, you have to admit, we are very cool.”

  With a chuckle, I pointed to his room. “Time for bed. I’ll check the other rabbits and return shortly.”

  “Okay, if you need me, just give a yell.”

  The rabbits slumbered as I walked the aisles taking care not to disturb them. At the moment, all was well at Fur Bridge Farm. I gave a last look around before entering the gift and yarn shop, which was neat as a pin. A few handspun hanks of washed and dried yarn awaited winding. I set up the winder and swift to get started. The hank lay uncoiled across the countertop, ready to be mounted onto it. I gently wrapped the hank onto the swift that resembled an umbrella without its covering. Once it was set, I threaded the yarn onto the winder and began the process. There have been customers who prefer electric winders, but I’ve found hand cranking offered more control over how the yarn ended in a ball. After I’d completed rolling the hanks, I tucked the cushy balls into separate cubbyholes that held the same colors and type of wool.

  Luscious-colored yarns were soft against my fingertips, leaving me to wonder why I didn’t take time to knit or crochet. With the amount of work the rabbits were, I wouldn’t give them up for anything and knew I wouldn’t have enough time to devote to knitting. I turned to the bank deposit and paperwork Molly had left for me to handle.

  Her day in the shop had been profitable between sales and registrations of new students interested in the art of wool spinning. Once the deposit was ready to go, I gave the building a once-over to make sure all was well, and then promised myself to spend time with Molly as she taught the students the basics of spinning and wheels. She’d taken a crash course from one of her mother’s friends, which had been a godsend to me and the farm. The more she engaged the students, the more her guidance in class was talked about, which drove novices in to see what it was all about.

  Once in the house, I checked on Bun and prepared to drive into Windermere to make a night deposit at the bank. It was a relief that I needn’t drag Bun along, he was fast asleep.

  With an effort to make little to no noise at all, I crept from the house and headed into town. It was fairly late, with few cars on the road, leaving me to scoot up to the night deposit box and slip the pouch inside it.

  The ride home went smoothly. I turned into the drive and parked the car in its usual spot. Stars hung in the sky like tiny lanterns and the moon’s face was clearly defined. I sat on the porch until mosquitoes discovered I was there. I made a hasty entrance into the kitchen for fear of being eaten alive by the tiny vicious bloodsuckers.

  Walking past the phone, I noticed the message light blinked on and off and pushed the button to play the message. The voice belonged to a woman who said she was following up with people who had entered their rabbits for the show.

  “My name is Vera Benedict, and I’m the senior organizer for the upcoming rabbit show. I hope I’m not calling too late, but since Evelyn has passed away, my workload has doubled. My purpose for calling is to ascertain whether you definitely will or will not be showing your rabbit, eh, Petra.” Papers crinkled in the background before she left her phone number and asked that I call her in the morning.

  From the tone of her voice, the harried manner in which she spoke, I assumed she wasn’t happy to have Evelyn’s work added to her own. It was understandable, this type of venue took careful planning and a crew who would carry their own weight. Not long ago I’d held an open house here at the farm to drum up business for me and Jessica. It had been quite a task, and we had been exhausted at the end of the day. I couldn’t imagine setting up a slew of days, staff, entertainment, vendors, and all the rest of what was needed.

  * * *

  As the sun rose on Monday, so did I. An early start allowed me to address the many issues of being a farmer, even though I use the word farmer lightly. I didn’t farm in the grower sense of farming. I raised rabbits instead, and though the job is fulfilling, the work is full-time. Fortunate enough to have a small, part-time staff, I had to be flexible concerning their schedules. They were teenagers, after all, and in school. Jason Lang, the newbie, had taken over where Ray Blackstone had left off. A bright young man of sixteen, he was responsible and took his duties to heart. He liked the rabbits and they responded to him. Rabbits are sociable animals, and even the rescued rabbits that had been brought to me were happy with him. His thoughtful manner brought a positive response from animals and humans alike.

  Molly had the most experience of the two. She worked hard, and had entered night classes at the same college Jessica had gone to for training as a veterinarian. Pleased with the way Molly had stepped up after the debacle we’d had earlier in the summer, I hoped her paycheck matched the amount of work and enthusiasm she exhibited. I didn’t want to lose her if I could help it.

  Jessica arrived as I fed the rabbits and cared for them. She pitched in to help, saying her first appointment wasn’t until nine o’clock. Surprised, I asked why.

  “Mr. Lindstrom has a dentist appointment. He likes to bring Ringer in early, but couldn’t change his dental visit. His appointment starts a crazy day that will go on until late this afternoon. I’m swamped. Maybe when Molly comes in she’ll be able to reschedule appointments so I won’t be backed up if an animal has an emergency. I’m so terrible when it comes to appointments and that end of the business.”

  “I’ll do my best to be available should you need me. Just give a holler, okay?”

  She nodded and started to empty fecal trays. Of all the tasks I handled, it was my least favorite. But then, who would enjoy it? She must have caught my look because she grinned and said, “Stop dragging your feet and get over here. The sooner we get this over with, the better. I know how much you dislike this but it must
be done. Isn’t that what you preach to the help?”

  “You’re right. It goes much faster when there’s someone to give me a hand. Thanks for that. I appreciate it.”

  We worked steadily for at least an hour or so to get rabbits set for the morning. Then Jess and I cleaned up in the sink after removing our heavy work aprons. She went toward the clinic and I said I’d make breakfast if she hadn’t had any. She gave a thumbs-up and went on her way.

  We’d eaten, I had fed Bun, and then Jess and I sat on the porch in the cool morning air, sipping coffee.

  “Jack came by when I was out with Bun yesterday. You’re never going to guess what we talked about.”

  “Don’t tell me, he wants you to stay out of his investigation or else.”

  “Wrong. He heard that Petra was going to be in the show and said that while I’m there, I should see what I can find out about everyone involved with it and how Evelyn was viewed by all and sundry.”

  “You’re joking. He did not ask you to help him. I don’t believe it for a second. Why do you really think he wants you on his team? He’s always adamant about you staying out of police business.”

  “I know, I thought the same thing. At first I thought he was trying to catch me out about giving in to Carina’s request. I didn’t mention her and he didn’t either, so it’s safe to say he doesn’t know about it. He’s very interested in Evelyn and her background, how she handled contestant owners and fellow workers, and what people thought of her. Jack is of the opinion that Evelyn wasn’t a very nice person. I could have told him that, but knew better than to say a word. I finally agreed to ask around without looking like a sleuth.”

  “That should be interesting to watch. When you get into that mode, it’s evident you won’t stop until you achieve your goal.” Jess checked her watch and leaned back in her chair, rocking slowly. “You will be careful, won’t you?”

  “I promise. After what happened to us this summer, I’ve learned a thing or two about safety. By the way, Petra is doing well with her tricks and acrobatics. She’s so funny. I saw her do a few things at the birthday party Saturday. The kids cheered her on. Our training might pay off yet.”

  “Let’s hope so. She’s been so cooperative, even if she does get a snack when she gets the hang of what we’re trying to teach her. She’s quite smart.”

  Bun, who had nosed his way out by through the unlatched screen door, came forward, his ears straight up.

  “I’m pretty darned smart, too, you know. I could have learned those tricks in half the time, that is, if I’d wanted to. Not wanting to be a show-off, I felt it better that Petra be the one getting the kudos.”

  Leaning down, I ruffled his fur. “Bun’s pretty smart. It’s too bad he isn’t going to enter the contests to win. I know he could have managed to take home the winning ribbons. Petra will, though.”

  Sprawled on the porch, Bun watched a plump bumblebee flit from one flowerpot to the next in the unhurried way bumblebees have. “I’m like the bee. He surely has superpowers to find the best flowers and get the most out of each one. He’s brilliant. I have the same ability. Mine include far more important things than prize winning and adoration from a crowd of strangers. That’s not what I do. Mystery solving is what I specialize in.”

  Unable to make a snide remark about how humble he could be, I held back my laughter and gave his ears a light tweak. He eyed me for a second before he followed the bumblebee’s progress. I’d made a comment without uttering a sound, and knew I’d hear about my actions later.

  The sun was rising higher by the moment, meaning we had to get back to work before long. I cleared our breakfast remains while Jessica went into the barn to ready Petra for her morning workout. The dishwasher full, I pressed the start button and was about to join Jess when the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Good morning, this is Vera Benedict. I hope I haven’t disturbed you. I will be in town today and wondered if we could meet to go over a few things. I realize this is your first show, and want you to get the most out of it.”

  Quick to sum up my responsibilities for the day, I agreed to meet and invited her to the farm. Vera asked for directions. Once we set a time, she hung up and I went to work.

  Ecstatic when going through her paces, Petra had gotten quite good at fence and hoop jumping, along with racing to the finish line. Her long fur ruffled as she ran. It was beautiful, silky, and so very soft. I’d have to let Molly know she couldn’t be shorn until the event was over. If Petra was a contestant in a beauty pageant, I was certain she’d win first prize.

  Jessica offered Petra treats after she completed each thing on the list while Bun watched with a running monologue. You’d think it was a horse race, not a rabbit competition. I petted Petra after she’d leapt over the final hurdle.

  In the playground with the other rabbits, Bun ran through the clear tunnel that wrapped around the barn walls and out through a thin trapdoor to the outside tunnel into another playground outside. Racing through it gave the rabbits much needed exercise. They were never just left in their cages, not here. It was one of the reasons Fur Bridge Farm had a great reputation.

  A knock sounded on the gift shop door. I hurried to let Vera in and welcomed her to the farm. She gazed at the yarns, goods, and spinning wheels set up for class, then asked if she could see the rabbits. Knowing her intention was to see if they were well cared for, I gladly invited her in. Walking through the barn, we discussed the rabbits, their care, and then Vera focused on the playground that led into the exercise area.

  Tall, gangly, and frazzle-haired, Vera had a bold personality, and her love of rabbits was as apparent as mine. A frank woman, she didn’t miss a thing. Zoned in on Petra, she asked if she could pet her. I fetched the rabbit and handed her over.

  “She’s quite wonderful. Is this the rabbit you have entered?”

  “Yes, we’ve been training her to handle the rigors of the competition.”

  “Your reputation precedes you, Juliette. I can see why your rabbits are so popular. They have everything they need, including comfort and love. It’s written all over your face.”

  It’s the first time I’d been complimented by someone who adored these critters as much as I did. “Thank you, they are wonderful and keep Jessica and me quite busy.”

  Entering the barn, Jess reached out her hand and shook Vera’s. I introduced them and mentioned Jessica’s clinic just off the gift shop.

  Talking about the clinic as she led Vera into the waiting room, Jess explained, “You’re welcome to take a tour. Mine is small with a couple of examination rooms and this waiting area. I’ve only been open for business for a short while, but I’m quite booked up with appointments. As a matter of fact, here comes the next patient.” Greeting the dog and her owner, Jessica said good-bye and led them into a room.

  We returned to the gift shop, sat, and talked about the show. Vera went over the rules, the setup, and how competitions were held. There was no doubt her organization skills were amazing. I made a few notes on a pad I’d taken from the counter and when there was a brief lull, I said, “I am so sorry about Evelyn’s unfortunate death. I know she worked with you and the others to make the show the best it could be. You must miss her.” Okay, so it was a gambit, so what? I wanted to know how Evelyn was thought of by those who worked closely with her.

  “Thank you for those kind words. Evelyn didn’t deserve to die, but she was a mean-spirited woman who treated the show’s participants and workers poorly. Even the vendors weren’t fond of her.”

  Startled a bit Vera’s outspokenness considering she’d only just met me, I realized she was indeed frank. Our meeting ended when Vera received a phone call and talked while she left the shop. As I turned I noticed Mrs. Slade and her dog walking along the path from the clinic. She said hello and opened the SUV’s passenger door for Lady to jump in. With no other patients waiting, I went to see Jessica.

  “How did the meeting go?”

  “Vera is an interesting p
erson. I was taken aback by her when I offered condolences over Evelyn’s death. As Sherlock Holmes would say, ‘the game is on.’ Vera told me how the people who work at these shows and those who participate in them didn’t like Evelyn. I guess she was quite rude and rotten to everyone. I know she threatened me at Carina’s, so I shouldn’t be surprised her attitude ran over into other areas of her life.”

  We walked into the barn, returned the rabbits to their cages, and I scooped Bun off the floor.

  “That was enlightening for you then, and it’s a great place to start your investigation. Was Evelyn married?”

  I shrugged and said, “I’ll ask Carina, she must know. I’ll give her a call later.”

  With a glance at her watch, Jess said, “Got to get back to the clinic, I think my next patient is about to arrive.”

  “Sure, let me know if I can help in any way.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  “We could always find out where she lived and check it out by being sneaky and such. If she isn’t married. I heard that woman, Vera whatshername, say Evelyn was beastly to others. I’m sure someone wanted her dead, if not lots of people. We might have our work cut out for us.”

  “I thought so, too. After Vera made it clear how much Evelyn was disliked by so many, it seemed a reasonable assumption. Luckily, I’ll be there with Petra, that way I won’t look weird if I ask questions.”

  “I don’t mind going with you.”

  “Having to handle Petra will be enough. I’ll engage the entrants by walking the show floor with her in tow. She doesn’t mind being carried, which is a plus.”

  His disappointment evident by the drooping of his ears, Bun’s whiskers jittered a bit before he admitted it would be difficult to deal with him and Petra at the same time.

  We went into the house. I gave him some fruit and veg to snack on and filled his water tray to keep him occupied while I called Carina.

  She answered on the first ring.

  “Hi, Carina, it’s Juliette. Do you know if Evelyn was married?”