The Case of the Eccentric Elkhound Read online

  I found Josie in the condo area putting Oslo through his daily paces. She had designed a series of activities for him that involved play and learning. As such, Oslo had recently learned to identify and retrieve a dozen different objects by name. This morning’s object was a toy elephant that Oslo was holding in his mouth by the trunk and playing keep away with. Josie was doing her best not to laugh but failing miserably.

  “Good morning,” I said, rubbing Oslo’s head.

  “Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to try to sleep in,” Josie said as she continued to study the dog’s movements closely.

  “Yeah, I was. But I was awake, so I figured I’d come down and play with the dogs for a while,” I said.

  “Uh-oh,” Josie said, chuckling. “Suzy’s got something on her mind. Want to talk about it?”

  “No, not yet,” I said, deciding to change the subject. “Did you do another round of x-rays on him yet?”

  “I did, and they look great. At some point, I’d like to do another MRI, but I don’t want to put him under sedation again just yet.”

  I removed the dog’s chart that was hanging on the side of the condo and took a look at it.

  “He’s gained another three pounds,” I said. “That’s good. And the stitches are out, right?”

  “Yeah, he’s eating like a horse. Aren’t you, Oslo?” she said, hugging the dog and grabbing the toy out of its mouth.

  Oslo barked at her to give it back and sat down staring at the elephant in her hand.

  “No, I think that’s enough for this morning,” Josie said, climbing to her feet and tossing the toy in the air.

  Oslo snatched it out of mid-air and pranced around in circles, obviously very proud of himself. As I watched, I realized I was already starting to feel a bit better.

  “He still gets tired easily, but that should pass soon,” Josie said, closing the door to the condo.

  She washed her hands in the nearby sink, then studied me closely as she dried them with a fresh towel.

  “Are you okay?” she said.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little preoccupied.”

  “Chef Claire’s birthday preoccupied, or is Calducci on your mind?”

  “This morning it’s pretty much all Calducci,” I said.

  “That’s what I figured. Do yourself a favor and try not to obsess, okay?”

  “Too late,” I said. “I was thinking about heading down to the restaurant for a late lunch. You want to come along? Maybe around two?”

  “I’d love to, but I’m booked solid all day. And I have a spaying scheduled for three. Say hi to Chef Claire for me. I haven’t seen her in three days.”

  “She’s working way too many hours,” I said.

  “It’ll settle down,” Josie said. “And she’s still in her honeymoon phase. Once the newness of the place wears off, she’ll figure out a way to cut back a bit.”

  “You’re probably right,” I said. “We went through the same thing the first year we opened.”

  “Yup,” she said. “Okay, I’m off to give some shots to a gorgeous Springer Spaniel. Want to tag along?”

  “No, I’m going to see how our new guests are settling in,” I said. “I’ll catch you later.”

  I headed off to our new section of the Inn. I found Sammy finishing up the morning feeding of the two dozen dogs who’d recently arrived. If this collection of strays and rescues didn’t take my mind off my latest obsession, nothing would.

  “Hey, Suzy,” Sammy said. “I was just about to let them all out for their morning run.”

  Sammy pushed the button that opened all the condo doors that led outside to the two-acre play area. Several dogs trotted outside immediately. Others continued to lie around their condo, relaxing.

  “Are they all getting settled in?” I said.

  “They’re doing good,” Sammy said. “Josie checked them all out yesterday and didn’t find anything major. It looks like the shelter that had them before they got here took good care of them.”

  “Yeah, they do good work,” I said, entering the condo of a beagle that was staring up at me with sad eyes. “They just don’t have the resources to keep them indefinitely.”

  “I can’t imagine putting any dog to sleep,” Sammy said, turning on the system that automatically refilled each dog’s water bowl. “That would be a heartbreaker.”

  “Yeah,” I said, absentmindedly scratching one of the beagle’s ears.

  “Are you okay, Suzy?”

  “I’m fine. You go ahead and get on with the rest of your day, Sammy. I’m going to hang out here for a while. But I’ll make sure I close the outside doors before I leave.”

  “Thanks,” he said, giving me a small wave and a curious look as he headed back inside toward the reception area.

  I spent about ten minutes with each dog and didn’t pay any attention to the time. When I did happen to glance at my watch four hours later, I was surprised by what time it was as well as by how much better I felt. But the thought rolling around my head simply refused to leave. I took a final look around at the new section of the Inn, made sure all the dogs were safe and sound, then got in my car and headed for C’s.

  The restaurant was in its normal lull between lunch and dinner, and the dining room and bar area were empty. But the kitchen was buzzing as various staff members went about the business of getting ready for that night. I found Chef Claire in the walk-in cooler checking her inventory levels.

  “Hey, stranger,” I said, glancing around at the wide variety of items on the shelves.

  “Hi, Suzy. Did you stop by to have some lunch?”

  “I did,” I said. “But I’m actually not feeling very hungry at the moment.”

  “Are you sick?”

  I laughed.

  “No, I’m not sick. Can’t a girl just feel like not eating?”

  “Sure, they can,” Chef Claire said. “It’s just that you never do.”

  “Funny. Are you ready for your birthday party?”

  “Sure. The only thing I have to do is show up, right? I think I can handle that.”

  “That’s all you need to do,” I said. “Your staff is going to handle all the food, and Josie and I will take care of everything else.”

  “Thanks again for doing this. I’m looking forward to it,” Chef Claire said. “Well, most of it anyway.”

  “You’re worried about what Jackson and Freddie might do, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, a little,” she said. “I’ve been putting off the conversation I need to have with both of them. And I think I might have waited a bit too long.”

  “Maybe they’ll surprise you,” I said, then felt the need to amend my comment. “Surprise you in a good way I mean.”

  “You mean maybe they’ll surprise me by not doing anything crazy?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’ve been stressing about it way too much. And I finally decided that I have no control over what they decide to do. The only thing I can control is how I react.”

  “Any idea about what they’re going to give you?” I said.

  “I have my suspicions. And I’m afraid it could be more jewelry. Jewelry of a highly personal nature that will demand a very serious response neither one of them is going to like hearing.”

  “Yes, that’s what Josie and I are afraid of as well. But we’re holding out hope that they won’t do anything that stupid.”

  “For their sake and mine, I sure hope not. A tennis bracelet is one thing, that’s something else altogether.”

  “I think both of them might be trying to force your hand,” I said.

  “Well, that’ll do it,” Chef Claire said, leading the way out of the walk-in. “They’ve both been trying to be cryptic and clever about it. Freddie’s been talking about how life-altering his gift is going to be. And Jackson’s been prattling on about how it’s something that every woman should want. Or need. Or some crap like that. At first, I thought it was cute, but it’s started to annoy me.”

  “Ye
ah, I get that,” I said, nodding. “They both have a tendency to revert to little boys at times.”

  “Do you think being annoyed by it makes me a bad person?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Ever since we opened the restaurant, I feel like I’ve become completely self-absorbed,” Chef Claire said, checking one of the ovens. “And I feel terrible because they’re both so good to me, and I care about both of them so much.”

  “But not enough to do that,” I said.

  “No. That’s the one thing I’m sure about.”

  “Then you need to tell them that,” I said.

  “I know,” Chef Claire said, closing the oven door a bit harder than she probably intended.

  Deciding that both of us would benefit from a new topic, I switched gears.

  “How’s Rocco working out?”

  “He’s doing great,” Chef Claire said. “He’s a really good bartender. And I don’t think anybody is going to get out of control when he’s working the bar.”

  “Sure, sure,” I said, glancing around the kitchen.

  “What’s the matter, Suzy? You seem preoccupied.”

  “Yeah. I guess I am. But it’ll pass.

  “I’m sure it will,” Chef Claire said, chuckling. “Just as soon as you figure out if you’re right about whatever is bugging you.”

  “Let’s hope so,” I said. “I know you’re busy so I’m going to get out of your hair.”

  “I’ll bring some goodies home later. Maybe that will make you feel better.”

  “It couldn’t hurt,” I said, waving as I left the kitchen.

  I wandered into the empty bar and found Rocco organizing his bar stations. He glanced up when he heard me coming.

  “Hey, Suzy. What’s up?”

  “Hi, Rocco. Is everything okay?”

  “It couldn’t be better. I love this place. What brings you here in the middle of the day?”

  “Actually, Rocco, I wanted to talk to you.”

  “Really?” he said, without glancing up from the lemons and limes he was cutting into quarters. “Should I try to guess what the topic is?”

  “The other day you said something that has stayed with me,” I said.

  “What was that?”

  “You said it wouldn’t be long before I figured out some things about what happened to Calducci,” I said.

  “I did say that, didn’t I? And have you?”

  “I think I might have,” I said as tears started to well in my eyes. “And I have no idea about what I should do.”

  Rocco glanced at me, then put his knife down and wiped his hands with a hand towel. He walked around to the other side of the bar and sat down on the stool next to me.

  “Talk to me,” he said.

  “I’ve been thinking about all the people who are connected in some way to Calducci.”

  “Okay.”

  “And they’ve all been associated with him for a very long time,” I said. “Well, at least they were.”

  “Yeah, Jimmy, despite all his flaws, and there were a lot of them, tended to be pretty loyal to the people around him.”

  “And Franny was basically his second in command, right?” I said, dabbing my eyes with a napkin.

  “Pretty much. Over the past couple of years, as they got closer, Franny was definitely the first person he went to for advice or when he needed something done. And she was in line to take over should anything ever happen to Jimmy.”

  “And Lou and his gang had pretty much adjusted to having her around in that role, right?”

  “Yeah. They didn’t like it at first, but they got used to having to deal with her. And that’s what Jimmy wanted, so they figured out a way to make it work.”

  “So, the loyalty factor went both ways?” I said.

  “Absolutely,” Rocco said, staring at me.

  “That’s what I thought.”

  He continued to stare at me, then a small smile appeared on his face. Eventually, I had to ask him about it.

  “What?” I said. “Did I say something funny?”

  “No, I was sitting here marveling at what a smart woman you are.”

  “I sure don’t feel very smart at the moment,” I said, exhaling loudly.

  “You should. Because what you’re feeling right now is confusion about what to do next,” Rocco said. “Nobody, apart from you and me, has put two and two together.”

  “It just doesn’t seem possible,” I said, shaking my head.

  “Suzy, if my previous time in that life taught me anything, it’s that when money and power are on the table, anything is possible. And anyone is capable of doing pretty much anything.”

  “But what if I’m wrong?”

  “You’re not,” Rocco said. “Although it seems impossible for you to believe at the moment, it’s the only thing that makes any real sense.”

  “What am I going to do about it?” I said, hearing a tinge of desperation creeping into my voice.

  “That’s something you’re going to have to figure out,” he said. “But I promise you I’ll be around to make sure nothing happens to you.”

  “How can people continue to be such a disappointment?”

  “Well, I’m just used to it,” Rocco said. “But you’re still comparing people to all your dogs. And people don’t stand a chance when you do that, right?”

  I nodded and smiled at him.

  “No, they don’t,” I said. “Thanks, Rocco.”

  “Anytime. I owe you. And be sure you let me know when you’re gonna need me around.”

  “I will. And I doubt if you’ll have to wait very long,” I said, climbing down from my stool.

  “I’d be surprised if I did.”

  “Thanks, Rocco. I’ll see you at the party.”

  I headed outside to my car, found the solitary nature of the drive strangely comforting, and took the long way home.

  Chapter 25

  I found Josie in the living room napping on a couch with Captain tucked under one arm, and Chloe nestled up against her other. All three were snoring softly, and I did my best not to disturb them, but Captain heard me and stirred. And when a hundred pound Newfie stirs, it pretty much gets everyone else’s attention. Chloe thumped her tail against the couch, then hopped down and was soon occupying my lap. I rubbed her head and sat waiting there quietly waiting for Josie, who was still wearing her scrubs, to wake up. Eventually, she sat up and blinked and yawned as she looked around the living room.

  “Hey. How long have I been out?” Josie said.

  “Probably a couple of hours,” I said.

  “How are we doing on time?”

  “We’re fine. Chef Claire is still in shower. What are you going to wear tonight?”

  “Probably these,” Josie said, laughing as she glanced down at her scrubs. “I don’t think I have the energy to shower and change. I’m beat.”

  “You’ve been hitting it hard the past few days,” I said. “And now that we’ve expanded, I think we’re going to have to hire at least a couple more techs.”

  “Yeah, I think that’s in the cards,” Josie said, climbing to her feet and arching her back. “You know, maybe a shower will help.”

  She headed off with Captain trailing close behind, and she passed Chef Claire in the doorway heading for the living room. Chef Claire had decided on summer casual and looked very comfortable in a pair of shorts and a loose-fitting blouse. She poured herself a glass of wine and topped mine off, spent a few moments rubbing Chloe’s belly, then sat down in an overstuffed chair.

  “Good call on the outfit,” I said. “You look great.”

  “Thanks,” she said, sipping her wine. “It’s the first time I’ve had to think about what to wear in a long time. And I’ve got a night off. Miracles do happen, huh?”

  “Any regrets?”

  “Not a one,” she said, shaking her head and smiling. “I love that restaurant, Suzy. And I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

  “Forget it,” I said, taking a sip of my win
e. “And happy birthday.”

  “Thanks,” she said, raising her glass in a toast.

  Captain lumbered back into the living room and climbed up on the couch next to me.

  “What happened, Captain? Did your mama kick you out of the bathroom?” I said, giving him a soft thump on the back.

  The dog snorted and wagged his tail as he kept a close eye on Chef Claire sitting a few feet away.

  “He’s amazing,” Chef Claire said, staring at the massive Newfie.

  “Yeah, he’s a good one,” I said, rubbing his head.

  “I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve decided I’d like to get a dog,” Chef Claire said. “A puppy. I’ve never had one. Do you have any down at the Inn at the moment?”

  “No, we don’t have a single puppy at the moment, but I’m sure it won’t be long,” I said. “What made you finally decide to get a dog?”

  “I think it was just the cumulative effect of being around you and Josie all these months. I wouldn’t have thought two people could be in such a good mood most of the time. And I figure it has to be the dogs. It certainly can’t be your charming personalities,” Chef Claire said, laughing.

  “Funny,” I said. “What kind of dog do you want to get?”

  “A big one. I’ve always wanted a big dog. And since I’m living on the River, one that likes the water.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be able to take care of that,” I said. “If you like, I can make a few calls.”

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  Josie entered wearing a ragged tee shirt and a pair of cutoff sweatpants. Her hair was wet, and she was rubbing her head vigorously with a towel. She stood in the center of the room with a frown on her face. Then she snapped her fingers and headed back out of the living room.

  “How does she do it?” Chef Claire whispered.

  “What? Look that good with absolutely no effort?”

  “Yeah. I don’t get it. And it sure isn’t fair.”