Who's Dead, Doc? Read online

“No, she was single. Why do you ask?”

  “Just wondering. Knowing that leaves out the possibility of her being killed by her spouse. I’ll be attending the upcoming rabbit show that’s scheduled to take place here in Windermere, and have found out Evelyn, who worked for the show organizers, wasn’t liked very much. There’s a chance she might have pushed the limits of her power too far and was killed because of it. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “Do that. Thanks, Juliette.”

  I set the phone down and looked down at Bun, hunched at my feet, awaiting confirmation of whether the woman had been married. I said she hadn’t.

  “Then the show is the best place to look for the killer. I do wish I was going. Maybe if I hadn’t refused to . . .” “Don’t think about that. You never would have

  “Don’t think about that. You never would have liked being a contestant. You’d be unable to use your superpowers to investigate if you were exhausted from all that would be demanded of you. If I can somehow take you with me, then I will.”

  Skipping around the room, Bun came to a stop when Sheriff Carver knocked on the door.

  “Hm, I wonder what he wants now.”

  “Me too,” I murmured, and answered the door.

  “Hey, Jack. Come on in. Coffee?”

  “No, thanks, I stopped by to make sure all is set for you to attend that rabbit show. You will be going?”

  “Petra is ready to compete, and I’ve decided how to chat up the other contestants and the vendors. The help shouldn’t be a problem either. I’ll figure it all out when I get there. Oh, the organizer and I met this morning. When I offered my condolences for Evelyn’s death, she told me how viciously she’d treated everyone at those shows. I guess she wasn’t popular with anyone. I don’t think I would enjoy living that way. What makes people cruel, Jack?”

  “There are many reasons, but some folks just like to push people around and use their power to do it.”

  “Oh. Well, we’re ready for this little adventure with Petra and at least I won’t have to put up with Evelyn.”

  He eyed me for a second, ran the brim of his police hat around in his hand, and then softly asked, “Did she try to boss you around at the party?”

  “Be very careful in answering that question.”

  “Not at all. She never came near the rabbit pen or the children, for that matter. I have no idea why she showed up at all. She was just there when I arrived at Carina’s.” Hoping I sounded as innocent as a newborn kit, I watched Jack’s reaction closely.

  “Those furry little critters do keep you busy.”

  I noticed Molly and Jason had arrived, and said, “I have to get back to work. If this investigation thing is going to take place, I have to ask if the high school kids can work extra hours.”

  “I’ll see you around, then, Jules.” He put his hat on and left.

  Bun and I went to greet the help. They were chatting and grinned happily when we caught up with them.

  “Jason has a request,” Molly blurted.

  I looked at him and raised a brow. “What?”

  “Can I work more hours? My classes are only half days, and I could use the experience, and the money. I really like this job, Jules.”

  It was as though manna from Heaven had dropped at my feet.

  “I’m pleased to hear that. I wanted to ask both of you to help me out by working extra hours.” I raised a hand when Molly opened her mouth to speak. “It would only be temporary for you, Molly, unless you want more hours. If you can’t take on anything extra, I completely understand.”

  I turned to Jason. “You certainly can have more hours. Why don’t we go into the shop and figure what works best?”

  Jason grinned. “Thanks, Jules, I appreciate the opportunity.”

  Her face beaming, Molly said, “Me too. College is expensive and my parents can’t afford the extras I need for my classes. Thanks a lot.”

  Scheduling their hours was easier than I had anticipated. They made note of their new schedule, and then went to work.

  Before I left the shop, I asked, “Molly, do you think you could fit one more person into one of the spinning classes?”

  She thought for a minute before checking the student list and looked up with a grin. “Who wants to join the fun?”

  “Meredith Carver.”

  “She’s such a nice lady. Spends a fortune here on yarn and oddments, too. I’ll call and let her know there’s an opening.” Counting the spinning wheels, Molly nodded with a look of satisfaction on her face. “We have one that isn’t being used. Mrs. Mason had to drop out. She and her husband leave for Italy sometime this week and they’ll be gone for at least a month. Meredith has perfect timing.”

  With that agreed upon, I left knowing Molly was more than capable of handling just about anything that came her way. I would make sure she wasn’t in over her head with all the responsibilities she’d taken on.

  * * *

  Four days before the rabbit show began, Jessica walked into the kitchen, her face filled with concern.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Come take a look at Petra.”

  I followed Jess into the barn and watched her take Petra from her cage and put her on the table that held a weight scale. Petra sneezed, her eyes were as runny as her nose, and I was sure she had a common bacterial respiratory disease, better known in rabbit circles as the snuffles, that can be treated with antibiotics.

  “Would that be a case of the snuffles?”

  “It would. You know what this means, don’t you, Jules?”

  A voice from behind me said, “She won’t be competing.”

  “She won’t be competing?” I repeated Bun’s words with disappointment.

  “No, it’s important that she begin treatment right away and be made as comfortable as possible, so she can get well. No playing with the other bunnies until she feels better.”

  Disheartened by Petra’s circumstances, I agreed with Jessica. “Okay, I’ll call Vera and let her know Petra can’t attend the show. Let’s get her started on medication, and I’ll do what I can to make sure she’s comfy.”

  “Deal. I knew you’d feel that way, and that you were looking forward to the show and Petra’s chances of taking the show’s best ribbons. Sorry, Jules.”

  “It isn’t anyone’s fault. She’s come down with, um, uh . . .” I snapped my fingers a few times, searching my brain for the answer. “An ear and sinus infection?”

  With a broad smile, Jess nodded. “I’ll run tests on her to make sure she isn’t having an allergic reaction to something. I really don’t think she is, but we should be certain.”

  Jess removed Petra from the table and took her into the clinic. I sanitized the table and then followed Jessica, as did Bun. Jess was far enough ahead to not hear me, so I whispered, “You should remain here. She might be contagious and I wouldn’t want you or any of the other rabbits to become infected.”

  He backed away, turned, and ran up the walk toward the house. For once, Bun had taken me seriously. I wished that would happen more often.

  In the examining room with Petra, Jess had begun to draw blood, then check Petra’s eyes, tear ducts, and nasal passages. She stepped back, placed her equipment in a stainless steel bowl, and washed her hands thoroughly.

  “She must be kept away from the other rabbits. If she tests positive for the infection, she could spread it to the others, or we could by passing the bacteria through handling her and then touching the rabbits. We could also carry it on our clothes. I’ll set her cage up in the last cubicle, away from the others, and we’ll make sure she doesn’t pass this on. That is, if she’s infected. If it’s only an allergy, then she can be left near the others.”

  “Thanks, Jess. I appreciate your being on-site. It makes things easier all the way round.”

  “The test results should be ready soon, so feel free to wash your clothes and disinfect shoes, scrub your hands well, and get on with whatever you were about to do.”

  Hoping and pr
aying Petra had simply developed an allergy, I did what Jessica advised and left the building through the shop entrance, then entered my kitchen by way of the front door. I undressed and tossed the lot, including my sneakers, into the washing machine, then showered and changed into a new set of work wear as well as a pair of fresh shoes. Never let it be said that I put my rabbits in danger of becoming ill. They were too dear to me for that.

  From Bun’s room, I heard, “Is it safe to come out now?”

  “It is. We won’t go near Petra until we have her test results. I’ll go into the barn to start feeding and cleaning, and will avoid Petra’s cage. I want you to stay in here, okay? All equipment and the tunnels will be washed down before the other rabbits are allowed out of their cages.”

  His ears drooped. “I hope Petra will be okay. She’s a fine rabbit and Molly really loves her. I’ll do as you ask, but tell me what Jessica says.”

  Walking into the breezeway, I said over my shoulder, “I will.”

  Glad it was still early, I got started and worked feverishly to catch up. Usually, the rabbits are fed, and their cages are freshened up by now. I hurried through the cleaning process, after filling water bins and handing out lettuce-wrapped food pockets. The rabbits jumped toward them as I hooked each one to individual cage ports. I added timothy hay and food pellets as I made the rounds.

  By midmorning, I had finished the first part of rabbit care. Since Bun would be lonely, I went into the house, made a pot of tea, and sat on the porch with him at my feet. The phone in my hand, I dialed Vera’s number.

  “Vera Benedict, how can I help you, Juliette?”

  “Hi, Vera, do you have a minute to talk?”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I have to withdraw Petra from the show. She’s a bit under the weather, and I wouldn’t want to take a chance of her becoming worse or infecting any of the other contestants. She just started feeling poorly this morning.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, it’s very disappointing. I do hope she recovers soon.”

  “Me too. Jessica is treating her now. I’m grateful for your understanding.”

  The phone line was silent for a moment, causing me to wonder if she had hung up, until she suddenly started speaking.

  “There’s a position open if you’d be interested in taking it on. One of my show judges had to bow out due to a family emergency. He’s had to leave for Iowa or some such place. If you’d be willing to step into his spot, I’d appreciate it. I can go over the rules of the position so you’ll know how to judge the games and then the rabbits themselves. What do you say?”

  My interest piqued by the offer, I quickly accepted. “I’d be happy to do that for you. Can I bring my pet rabbit along? He’s very well behaved, and won’t get in the way.”

  “That will be fine. Be here the day after tomorrow and I’ll show you around. You will need a complete explanation of what the position entails. I’m pleased to think you can be a judge, you have such a great reputation and your rabbits are marvelous creatures. I’ll see you around eleven that morning at the Windermere Exhibition Hall. Don’t be late.”

  The call ended and I leaned toward Bun, who had heard every word I’d said. He probably heard what Vera had said as well, but unsure, I whispered to him that he could accompany me to the show.

  “I won’t have to compete, will I? Cause if I do, you can count me out.”

  “You’ll be my second pair of eyes and can keep your ears to the ground. That way we’ll be aware of all that goes on. Can you do that?”

  “Sure can, and I won’t even have to work hard at it. Superpowers and all, you know what I mean?”

  “Mm, I do.”

  I heard Jessica call my name and shot out of the chair to greet her at the door as she came through the breezeway.

  Breathless, I asked, “Are the results in?”

  “They are. I’m happy to say Petra does not have an infection, she has an allergy. I checked her cage before coming in to tell you and noticed she has a new toy. Since we haven’t been feeding or treating her any differently, and nothing else has changed, other than the toy, I feel it’s safe to say she’s developed an allergy to it.”

  “She’s not seriously ill and isn’t contagious?”

  Jess shook her head.

  Delighted and relieved by the news, I hugged her. “Can Petra go back to her cage, so I can feed her? She must be hungry. I saved her food pocket.”

  “She’s already there, and I gave her the pocket. I also cleaned her cage and added alfalfa hay, too. She’s going to be fine. I wouldn’t recommend she go to the show, she might not feel up to it. I’ll keep an eye on her nasal passages and eye ducts in case they become clogged.”

  “This is such wonderful news. I’ve been so worried about the idea of having snuffles spread among the other rabbits, and Petra being ill. Are you hungry? You’ve had a busy morning.”

  “Yes, on both counts. Is lunch ready?”

  “No, but sandwiches will do, won’t they?”

  She nodded cheerfully.

  I gathered sandwich-making supplies while Jess set the table.

  Over lunch, we chatted about how Petra’s allergy issue would be dealt with. Then I related Vera’s offer on judging the competitions.

  “I’m able to take Bun along, the students will fill in the hours I’m away, and this presents the perfect opportunity to investigate Evelyn’s background. She could have been killed by someone from the show, not necessarily one of Carina’s friends at the birthday party.”

  “This will be exciting for you. Stay out of trouble, it’s the only warning I’ll offer you. Don’t worry about the workload here. I’ll help out in the mornings before you leave. I bet Bun will enjoy the goings-on and watching the rabbits engage in the games.”

  “It will be interesting, especially since I don’t have to get involved in them.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, Jess.” I looked at the clock and realized it was time for the rabbits to exercise. We turned toward the barn as the phone rang, and I motioned Jess to go ahead without me. The caller ID listed Sheriff Carver.

  “Hello, Jack. What’s up?”

  “Not much in the way of finding Evelyn’s killer. Have you made any progress?”

  “None to speak of. The rabbit show begins in a few days and since my rabbit won’t be competing, I’ve been asked to be a judge. It’ll give me a better chance to scope out contestant owners, the workers, and even the vendors.”

  “Just be careful. I don’t want any problems like you had the last time you investigated a death.”

  “I promise not to be foolish. I still get rattled when I think of what could have happened to me and Bun. What did happen was bad enough.”

  “Good, I’m glad to hear you’ll be sensible. Oh, uh, my wife tells me she’s been accepted into the wool spinning class that Molly Perkins teaches at your shop.”

  I heard his hearty sigh. “Juliette, you’ll put me in the poorhouse one of these days.”

  “Jack, you would never deny Meredith anything, so stop whining.”

  He snickered and said good-bye. I went in search of Jessica.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Low-beamed and sprawling, the Windermere Exhibition Hall bustled with activity. With Bun tucked inside his sling, I murmured for him to stay put and behave.

  I hadn’t planned on jumping out and running away like an out-of-control marble. I’d have thought you would give me more credit than that.” Bun’s whiskers jittered a tad as he craned his neck upward to look at me.

  I smoothed the fur on his head and went indoors. The hall was a perfect venue for this type of event with all the rooms large enough to hold just about anything. The rabbits would undoubtedly enjoy the space for their contests. We took in everything as we strode through the crowd. Energy filled the air as attendees worked to make the most of the assigned spaces.

  Beyond that was another, larger room designated for vendors. By this time, Bun rambled on about vendors and competitors
alike, insisting we’d gather information from all of them. I had reached the same conclusion and wasn’t above using Fur Bridge Farm to inveigle my way into everyone’s confidence. The more information and gossip, the better.

  Returning to the entrance, I noticed recently arrived rabbit owners and vendors stood in line to receive instruction packets and name badges. During the comings and goings, I became aware of the differences in the rabbit owners. Their attire and attitudes caught my eye first. Some were well-heeled and had haughty attitudes, while others dressed comfortably and acted down-to-earth. I wondered if the Westminster Dog Show was like this and hid my grin at the absurdity of the idea.

  “You’re laughing, I can feel it. What’s so funny?” Bun followed my line of sight, and instantly realized why I had laughed.

  “You compared them to the Westminster show? Don’t be ridiculous. This show beats that hands down.”

  Now who was being ridiculous?

  Many entrants hailed one another like old friends, while others raised a brow, and peered down at them for their frivolity while remaining aloof. I’d have been one of the friendly ones, no snobbery for me.

  Bun, still fascinated by it all, kept up his monologue as though I couldn’t or didn’t see what took place. I didn’t mind, since he often noticed details that I didn’t, or couldn’t, as a human being.

  We found Vera at the edge of the hall commanding her workers to do this or that. I stood by until she was finished. After a brief hello, Vera ordered an escort to take us through the building to introduce me to the vendors and entrants. She looked back at me and said, “I’ll see you afterward, I’m overwhelmed right now. Evelyn couldn’t have chosen a worse time to . . . uh, never mind.” With that, she marched off like a drill sergeant.

  My escort explained the system used for setting up the show, where help could be found if needed, and then introduced himself as David Murphy. We shook hands, he peered at Bun and then smiled.

  “That’s a beauty of a rabbit you’ve got there. Showing him, are you?”

  “No, he’s just along for the ride. No pun intended.”

  A chuckle followed, and he began to initiate my meet and greet when we reached the first rabbit station. More than half the stations were set up with rabbits in hutch-style cages, eating alfalfa hay or snacking on delicious morsels of some kind. Other owners were in the process of unpacking to settle their rabbit and merely nodded when we arrived at their spot.