Left Fur Dead Read online

  Her paperwork in order, Lizzy asked a slew of questions, made stock and yarn suggestions, and agreed to generate advertising for the farm and shop. Happy with her willingness to get started, I agreed. Bunny popped into the room, took one look at Lizzy, and said, “She has purple hair.”

  I gazed in his direction, bent down and picked him up, and introduced him to Lizzy.

  Noticing my gaze and that of Bun, she remarked, “I have purple hair. Do you like it?”

  Dumbstruck, I wondered if she had heard Bun.

  Lizzy said as she scratched Bun’s head, “He’s adorable.”

  I went on to give her Bun’s history with his past family. “For some odd reason, they think he’s in league with the devil.”

  She lifted Bun from my arms and hugged him to her. “Nonsense, he’s simply intuitive. No other animal would stare at my hair the way he did.”

  “Another woman who appreciates my attributes.”

  Lizzy walked about the room with him in her arms, speaking quietly. Bun gave her his complete attention, and I left to make dinner.

  In the kitchen, I mixed spices, ground beef, and a few secret ingredients together for meat loaf, then set it to cook in the pan alongside carrots, sliced onions, and potatoes. I enjoy making one-pan meals. They’re easier for cleanup and tasty once the ingredients blend together.

  An hour later, Jess strolled in with Bun on her heels. “Lizzy has left for the day. Two of her friends stopped by to purchase yarn. Imagine? Two new customers on her first day.”

  I chuckled. “Did she call them to say she’d gotten the job?”

  Jess nodded and peered into the oven. “Is that meat loaf and veggies?”

  “It is. I left the biscuits for you to make.” I gave her a grin and walked into the living room. In the week she’d been living here, Jess had taken on her fair share of the household duties, for which I was extremely grateful. I was nobody’s maid, and thankful she didn’t think I was.

  After dinner, we checked in on the rabbits, did the last of the chores, and returned for the night. The living room was toasty warm, inviting conversation.

  “You’ll be graduating soon, won’t you?”

  Nodding, Jess glanced in my direction, then turned back to the blaze. “I’ve had offers to consider from large practices in the state. I’m reluctant to leave you without enough help to manage the farm and all it takes to keep it running smoothly. You do realize I have to consider these offers, though, don’t you?”

  “Absolutely, that’s as it should be. I’d expect nothing less. You’ve put in a lot of time completing your education.”

  She breathed deeply, then explained which veterinarian clinics had offered her a position.

  “Do I hear a but in there?”

  “I’d like to open my own clinic after I pass my state board exam.”

  It wasn’t surprising to me that she’d want to do so. She’d mentioned it a few times, just not lately. “Do you know where?”

  Setting her glass on the end table, Jess leaned on the chair arm and said, “Here, at the farm. You’ve got enough room for it, and I’d carry my weight with finances, rent, and all that. What do you think?”

  “We both should give it serious thought. Owning your own business comes with a lot of expense and responsibility. I know from personal experience. Insurance costs alone are enough to choke on. If you’re serious, then come up with a plan for the space you require, and let me know. Then, we’ll decide if it’ll work.”

  Her excitement was palpable, her smile enthusiastic, and I laughed out loud. That’s when the phone rang.

  I reached for the call, said hello, and listened intently for a minute or two. Bun lay at my feet staring up at me. I said, “I’ll be right down.”

  Her face a mask of concern, Jess asked, “What was that about?”

  “I’ll be at the police department. Jack wants to have a conversation. Gosh, I think I’m in trouble.” I petted Bun and readied to leave.

  “What kind of trouble?”

  “What did Jack say?” Jess asked.

  “He didn’t, he just asked politely if I’d come down for a chat.”

  “Uh-oh.”

  “You should have said it was inconvenient.”

  With a nod in his direction, I said I’d return soon.

  * * *

  The Windermere Police Department was of medium size in comparison to larger cities. With a population of fifteen thousand residents, Windermere was a hub of activity fueled by industry, both large factories and smaller home businesses. I considered my farm in the latter category.

  I parked in the first available spot and sauntered across the lot toward the station. I wanted Jack’s questions to be over with as soon as possible. I’d reached the door when I heard a voice behind me.

  “I can’t believe you’d think I would harm your stupid rabbits.”

  I whirled to face Rusty Cardiff. The overhead light showed craggy features. He seemed much older than I remembered. I guess prison ages people. It isn’t a country club, and New Hampshire prisons could never be called such, nor would their county jails. Those places weren’t for the faint of heart.

  My chin went up a bit as I stood my ground, while my stomach flip-flopped like a bowl of Jell-O. “What are you doing here?”

  With a cold glare, he said, “Probably the same thing you are.” He reached past me and opened the door, then strode into the building.

  The duty officer asked our business. Before Rusty could utter a word, I asked to see Sheriff Carver. He picked up the phone, murmured into it, then pointed to a nearby bench and told us to wait.

  There was only one bench. Neither of us wanted to sit near the other, so we sat at each end. Within a few minutes, Carver showed up, summoned us with a crook of his fingers, and turned toward a hallway. Uncomfortable as I was in the presence of a man I’d helped send to prison, I refused to scurry away from him. It would only let him know I was nervous, though I was sure he’d mistake it for fear.

  I slid a glance in his direction. His brown hair was cropped short, his clothing clean and pressed. He didn’t look like a former convict, but then, I’d never seen one, so my viewpoint might be skewed. His face held a closed appearance, as if he hid behind a mask of indifference.

  Carver ushered us into his office and took a seat behind his desk. We took the two seats in front of it. Wary of what was about to take place, I thought of Bun and my life at the farm, and my nerves stopped whining like a strident violin out of control.

  His stern features gave nothing away. Carver’s steady gaze was on us in turn as he said, “You’re both here to clarify a few things.”

  I raised a brow. “What things, exactly?”

  “You said you didn’t see the face of the man who broke into your barn, is that correct?”

  He was all business, no friendly smile, no bread from Meredith, nothing. Carver was direct, in search of chinks in my answer that might let Rusty off the hook or put him behind bars. Again.

  I nodded. “The man was running away from me. Due to the way he was dressed, I couldn’t tell if he was fat, thin, bald, or had a full head of hair. I stated this before.”

  With a dip of his head, he turned to Rusty and asked, “You haven’t been to the farm or near Juliette since you were released?”

  “That’s right. On the date this happened I was in Manchester, visiting my sister, Amy. She was in the hospital at the time. I know you checked my alibi, she told me. What’s this about, Sheriff?”

  “I wanted the two of you here to clarify we aren’t looking at you as a suspect. Juliette didn’t think you were the culprit and had no idea you had been released from prison early. It was a matter of police follow-through on the investigation of who might have an ax to grind where Juliette is concerned. I know there’s no love lost between the two of you, though she was certain you had nothing to do with the intrusion. Are we clear on that?”

  “As a bell,” Rusty remarked. “Are you finished?”

  I watc
hed Carver, saying nothing in response to his words. It occurred to me he might be playing a game of sorts. I couldn’t figure out what it might be, or why he’d do so. In my opinion, cops can be sneaky. For what reason? I have no clue.

  “I am. There will be no backlash toward Juliette over our investigation of your whereabouts, Cardiff, understand?”

  “I do. Good night.” He rose and left the room without a backward glance. I watched as he let the door close behind him.

  “Was this necessary?”

  “I thought so. He wasn’t very happy when we started poking around in his life. His sister was in the hospital, she’d broken her leg skiing. The shift nurses verified his visits as well. He stayed in Manchester for a couple of days until Amy was released. Are you worried that he’ll harass you?”

  “Not at all. I can handle myself if I must, and you’re only a phone call away. Besides, Jess moved into the house last week, so I’m no longer there alone.”

  “Glad to hear it. Meredith has been nervous over you living out there by yourself.”

  “She’s such a dear.” I readied to leave. “Give her my best, and tell her we have a new shipment of yarn arriving on Monday.”

  He heaved a sigh as we walked along the corridor and out the front door. I was about to be escorted to my car. So much for him believing I was safe from the likes of Rusty Cardiff.

  “That woman has more yarn than she needs now. I suppose this next bunch is alpaca or some fancy must-have yarn she’ll drag home and put away?”

  I chuckled, opened the car door, and said he’d better give her the message, or I’d call her myself. He gave me a pained expression and then glanced around the parking lot. “Fine, fine. You win.”

  The evening hadn’t turned out so bad. I wondered why Carver had thought he needed to make everything clear with Rusty and me present at the same time. Did he want to see how we reacted to each other? Was there another motive behind his actions?

  Neither Rusty nor I wanted anything to do with each other. The fact that he’d stayed clear of me after he’d left prison said a lot. Rusty hadn’t appeared to be angry or holding ill will, not like he’d been in court when he was sentenced. He’d ranted like a nutcase, leaving me rattled.

  With a sigh of relief for having gotten the meeting over with, I drove home. Two miles from the farm, I noticed a truck behind me. It was gaining on me. I accelerated, and my car shot forward, leaving the truck behind. At the driveway, I took a sharp right, slowed when the car fishtailed, and then drove into the yard. The truck went by, not braking or slowing in the least. Anxiety over another left-for-dead episode had reared its head, but not enough to leave me fearful, just cautious.

  The front door opened as I went up the stairs and onto the porch. Jess waited until I took my coat off before tossing a slew of questions at me.

  I folded my arms, waited until she stopped blathering on, and then said, “All is well. It was an interesting and somewhat curious meeting.” I poured a glass of wine for each of us, took it into the living room, and explained what had happened.

  When I stopped talking, Jess jumped in. “That must have made you uncomfortable. You haven’t seen him in years, right?”

  “Not since he was taken away. He wasn’t angry, that I could tell, and he doesn’t seem to have a grudge against me, either. At least I didn’t feel any animosity coming off him. I’d like to think he’s making a decent life for himself, and that trying his hand at kidnapping again isn’t on his agenda. As it was, I hadn’t been his intended victim back then. He’d been waiting for someone else. His attorney said so in court.”

  “At least Sheriff Carver cleared up any misconceptions for both of you. You haven’t been worried about Rusty showing up, have you?”

  “It had crossed my mind once or twice. I think if he’d been going to come by, he’d have done it sooner rather than wait until now. I refuse to live in fear. I’ve moved on and sense that he has, too.”

  “Let’s hope so.” Jess finished her wine and went to bed.

  I heard her footsteps on the stairs and her bedroom door close. I lingered, soaking up heat from the fireplace. Bun came out of his room, snuggled against my feet, and stared up at me.

  “Were you scared?”

  “No, only a tad uncomfortable. I think Carver wanted to see our reaction to each other.”

  “That could be a good thing. He now knows what to expect. Officers are sneaky like that, don’t you think?”

  I agreed. Hadn’t I thought that very same thing?

  “How do you like Lizzy?”

  “She’s interesting. Something is off, but I can’t tell what. She was very friendly, though. You know how intuitive I am.”

  Full of himself, too. “You can read people, no doubt there.”

  “I was thinking that since we have Lizzy on our crew, it would allow you and me to investigate Arty’s death. You haven’t forgotten we are going to do that, have you?”

  I shook my head.

  “Great, we should get started as soon as possible. Carver was right when he said a cold trail makes investigating more difficult. When do you want to begin?”

  “Let’s consider where to start. Even with Lizzy onboard, there’s work to be done every day. We can’t run off on a whim, Bun.”

  “I know, I’m just excited to be hunting a killer.”

  “I’d hardly call it that. But we will look into Arty’s background and ask around about his lifestyle very soon.”

  Satisfied with my answer, Bun twitched his ears in what I assumed was agreement.

  “Jess is gonna be our in-house vet, huh? I heard what she said earlier tonight.”

  “She’d like to set up a veterinarian clinic here at the farm after she passes her state exam. It’ll work out well for all of us, don’t you think?”

  “Where you gonna put her clinic?”

  “There’s enough space in the barn right behind the gift shop. I’d never considered opening it up as part of the shop or to increase the amount of rabbits we have here, so that could be where she probably wants to open her clinic. We both need to think things over and then discuss the matter. There’s time, she doesn’t graduate and become licensed for a while yet.”

  “She’s the best gonna-be vet I’ve ever come across. We’ll be most fortunate to have her so close by. It’ll be great, I feel it in my lucky foot.” Bun hopped toward his room, snuggled into his pillow, and sighed happily.

  I lowered the fireplace thermostat, slipped a wool sweater on, and went through the breezeway, into the barn. Everything was quiet. No intruder, no nervous rabbits, nothing. On soft-soled shoes, I took stock of the animals. That done, I included the shop in my rounds and flipped the light switch as I went in.

  A scrap of paper lay at the base of the front entrance. Not giving it much thought, I plucked it up, gave it a cursory glance, then tucked it into my sweater pocket. Lizzy had rearranged baskets and racks of knitting tools and yarn to draw customers’ eyes to the colors and texture. The beauty of it made me wish I had enough time to knit more than a simple scarf. She’d arranged my grandmother’s small spinning wheel off to the side of two armchairs grouped in front of the hearth. A small, rectangular table sat tucked between them, creating coziness. I smiled at Lizzy’s creativity and considered her a bonus to my business.

  A door lay off to the right, leading into a section of the barn I used to store what wasn’t immediately needed, some of it being furniture and boxes filled with belongings my parents left behind when they’d relocated. I surveyed the long, wide space that spread from the shop to the back of the barn. I imagined walls erected to section off treatment rooms for animals that would work for Jess’s needs.

  Closing the door, I glanced once more around the shop. A slight movement at one of the windows caught my eye. The interior lights cast a glow across the empty, silent yard as I cupped a hand at the corner of my eyes to peer through the glass into the night. Nothing moved, other than stray leaves that had refused to drop until winter set in
. They tumbled across the yard in the wind and rain. I shrugged and knew I was merely jumpy due to previous events that had taken place. Was my imagination running out of control? Had I become paranoid, and was I seeing danger lurking in every corner? Disgusted to think any of these questions were viable, I left the shop.

  There was only one thing to do to stop this feeling of angst that constantly haunted me. I’d have to find out who was behind Arty’s death and the break-ins and put an end to it. Bun would be excited to think we’d begin the search for those who had done us wrong. Hopefully, the sheriff wouldn’t get in my way while I solved Arty the Mime’s murder.

  Being uneasy all the time was annoying to say the least.

  “Has something happened? You appear upset.”

  I shook my head. Bun had been awaiting me when I’d entered the house. “Just my nerves worrying me.” I rubbed my hands over my face. “I’m tired of feeling this way. I’ve decided you and I should get started immediately on our investigation into what happened to Arty, what caused him to behave the way he did, and why someone is using his viewpoint to ruin my business and possibly harm the rabbits. By the way, I thought you went to bed.”

  Gleeful, Bun ran circles around the kitchen table. “At last, I thought you’d never see things my way. No more dragging your feet, hooray!” He stopped hopping and sat some distance from me, his head turned to the side a bit. Rabbits have a small blind spot directly in front of their nose and can’t see very well up close. Being far-sighted, they have a vision field of nearly three hundred and sixty degrees. All of Bun’s senses were exceptional.

  His expression made me smile until he added, “You know I’m always right about these things. I did go to bed, but couldn’t sleep. Glad I waited up for you. We’re gonna get justice for Arty.”

  With a groan, I picked him up, smoothed his soft, plush fur, and snuggled him tight against my chest.

  “Okay, okay, don’t get mushy. Just admit I’m right, and we’ll get started first thing tomorrow.”