Desperate Housedogs Read online

  “You said you let them out on the patio?”

  “I did the first day,” Kevin said. “I thought maybe they’d smelled a wild animal or something. But there was nothing. Nothing I could see, anyway.

  “Well, let’s try it again.” Maybe there was a dead bird or squirrel and they’d picked up the scent. Could be it was the nose thing. Their super nose is why German Shepherd dogs make such great police K-9s, sniffing out drugs at airports or during traffic stops.

  Kevin opened the door and the dogs were out like a shot. They loped around the pool and after a circle or two, tramped through his flowers, and then headed down the side yard. We followed and got to the edge of the house just as the dogs galloped through the open gate.

  I looked at Kevin.

  He shrugged his line-backer shoulders in denial. “I didn’t leave it open.”

  If the dogs were running loose, there was an even better possibility they’d end up in doggie jail. I started after them, thanking my lucky stars I’d worn my running shoes instead of the really cute Marc Jacobs sandals I’d just bought. Still, Kevin got to the front of the house before I did.

  I could see the dogs halfway up the street and took off after them. A landscape worker, or, I suppose in Ruby Point he would be called a “horticulturist,” worked in one of the brick planters that lined the boulevard. Zeus and Tommy Boy were headed his way.

  I yelled, “Stop those dogs.”

  He looked up.

  “The dogs.” I gestured so emphatically it’s a wonder I didn’t dislocate something.

  He continued to stare.

  Sheesh. How dense can you be?

  Zeus and Tommy Boy ran up to him. Each grabbed a pant leg and held on.

  He swung his shovel at them, narrowly missing the two furry heads.

  Oh. No.

  Zeus growled and adjusted his hold on the guy. Judging by the look on his face, dog teeth had reached flesh this time. He continued to swing the shovel.

  Kevin was within earshot and used the commands we’d practiced.

  “Zeus, Tommy Boy. Off.”

  The dogs released the worker, but looked disappointed. I didn’t really blame them. I mean, seriously, what would you do if someone came after you with a shovel?

  I finally caught up with them.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Are you an idiot?”

  Kevin and I spoke in tandem. His was the voice of concern, mine the ill-mannered one.

  Hey, I’m from Texas and we don’t cotton to stupidity. Especially where it concerns our horses or our dogs.

  The guy had crawled up onto the planter. Clearly not a dog person and these were some big dogs. Okay, so maybe he’d reacted out of fear but still—a shovel?

  Zeus and Tommy Boy sat at attention but continued to eye him with interest.

  “Are you hurt?” I addressed the man but rested my hand on Tommy Boy’s back. I could feel the tension in his body, but both dogs stayed in place.

  The guy was young and wiry. His spiky black hair and multiple piercings suggested a latent punk rocker look. The legs of his blue jeans were ripped but I think they might have been before his encounter with Zeus and Tommy Boy. He jumped down from the planter and rubbed his leg.

  “You need to keep your killer beasts under control.” His dark eyes were hard and his posture tense.

  If the dogs had actually broken skin and he went to the emergency room, it would definitely be the canine slammer.

  “Well for cryin’ in a bucket, let me take a look.” I reached for his leg.

  He jerked backward as if he thought I might bite, too.

  “I’m fine.” His voice was as tight as a fist.

  Zeus and Tommy Boy both growled a deep rumble.

  I looked at Kevin hoping he understood the seriousness of the situation. “Do you have a first aid kit at your house?”

  He nodded.

  “Let’s take the dogs home and I’ll grab the kit.” I turned to the gardener. “You sit and catch your breath. I’ll be right back. Then we can take a look at your leg.”

  The guy continued to glare. With his dark, spikey hair, he kind of reminded me of one of those Texas horned lizards that puff up so they’re all spiny when they’re upset.

  Kevin gave the command for the dogs to follow and the four of us trouped back down the street toward his house. The dogs periodically glanced back as if to make sure the guy was staying put.

  It took very little time for Kevin to find his first aid kit and for me to head back to where we’d left Mister Angry Pants, but by the time I returned to the planter, the landscape worker was nowhere to be found.

  What a fruitcake. I guess he must have been okay or he would’ve stuck around. Heading back to Kevin’s to gather my things, I looked for one of the landscaping company’s trucks, but didn’t see a vehicle of any kind. On second thought, in such a fancy schmancy community they don’t often leave the maintenance trucks out in plain sight. Maybe he’d needed to move on to another area of Ruby Point.

  The morning had warmed up. I stopped back in at Kevin’s and reminded him to keep up the behavior modification. I felt sure it would eventually work. Sometimes dogs can get into a barking cycle and you have to break that cycle. I left with a promise to Kevin I’d check in tomorrow to see what kind of progress he’d made.

  I pulled out of the drive and drove a short ways down the street to my friend, Diana’s, house. Er, castle.

  Diana’s showcase abode dwarfed Kevin’s, and her graceful flower-filled front entrance always made me think of the magic and glamour of a bygone era in Hollywood. The era that brought us stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Katherine Hepburn and yes, Diana Knight.

  You might recognize the name. Diana Knight had been a perky heroine in a series of big screen romantic comedies a few decades ago and, though it turned out her leading man had been gay, the public still loved her. In fact, there had been a recent nostalgic resurgence of interest in her movies. She was still perky, at least in the personality sense.

  In the physical sense, not so much.

  Diana was a widow, I believe for the fourth time, having out-lived a college sweetheart, a fellow actor, a banker, and finally a business tycoon. She’d recently been keeping company with a local restaurateur though she claimed it wasn’t serious. She no longer acted but now used her considerable celebrity to advance her first love—rescue animals.

  We’d met because Diana volunteered at the Laguna Beach Animal Rescue League, and I did, too. We were in the throes of planning the annual “Fur Ball” which was a “cough-up some cash” black-tie affair for the ARL. Diana had chaired the event for the past few years, and somehow this year I’d been roped into being her co-chair.

  Being a co-chair with Diana meant there really wasn’t much heavy lifting involved because she had it down to a fine science. She and I had spent a day last week calling corporate sponsors and setting up the advertising, which in most cases Diana’d been able to get comped. It was near impossible to tell this woman no.

  Since I was in the area, I decided to drop off the final ad copy I’d picked up the day before from the graphic designer. I thought it had turned out great.

  The picture was a handsome Doberman in a tux waltzing with a classy Siamese in a ball gown under a title that said: “Fur Ball—Cough Up Some Cash for the Laguna Beach ARL” and then gave all the details of the event. It was a picture the graphic designer had manipulated via magic software, you understand. I can assure you no animals were embarrassed in the making of this ad.

  I was sure Diana would love it but still this was her big event and so I wanted to run it by her.

  I rang the doorbell and her housekeeper answered the door.

  “Hello, Bella. Is Diana here?” I asked.

  “No, I am sorry. She is not in at the moment. Can I give her a message?” The dark-haired beauty raised her soft musical voice to be heard over the cacophony of barking in the background.

  Diana often took the more difficult
rescue cases and at times had up to a dozen dogs in the house. Canine chaos.

  “Bella, honey, I don’t know how you do it.” I patted her arm. “Would you give her this, please?” I handed over the ad copy.

  Bella took the folder and promised to see that Diana got it.

  “Tell her I’ll give her a call tomorrow.”

  Back in my car, I waved at the Ruby Point guard, and then left the gated community. I turned in the direction of Main Beach. Heading down Broadway, I made a quick stop at Whole Foods, and then pointed myself toward home.

  My home is an eclectic blend of styles. It’s nothing like my mama’s house, which is always ready for a feature spread in House Beautiful. My house is hardly ever ready for its close-up. Not because I hadn’t been raised right but because I basically didn’t care about fancy things. It was clean, it was comfortable, it was mine.

  I walked in and kicked off my shoes.

  Dogbert, my rescue mixed-breed mutt, bounded across the room to greet me. He’s part Spaniel, part Terrier, and parts unknown. He’s the most adorable mutt alive.

  Always faithful, always thrilled to see me. He is the love of my life.

  I sat on the floor for some serious puppy hugs and flipped on the TV.

  I have an incredible view of the Pacific out my patio doors and an open floor plan that takes full advantage of it. I’d paid a pretty price for my gorgeous view but I’d never regretted it.

  Promising a long walk later, I gave Dog a final tummy rub and got to my feet. The television in my family room is visible from my kitchen, allowing me to monitor what’s happening in the world as I prepare dinner. I use the term “prepare dinner” loosely.

  I unpacked the organic mayonnaise I’d just purchased and opened a can of tuna. Sad, I know. Here I am within view of the ocean. You’d think I could get some fresh fish.

  I was soon swarmed by Thelma and Louise, my two cats. I dumped half the tuna into a bowl and set it on the floor. Dogbert hurried over but was too late.

  “None left for you, boy.” I smiled at his resigned sigh. Upstaged by the felines again.

  National news shifted to local news and I listened for an update on the weather as I stirred some fresh cilantro and mayo into what was left of the tuna.

  “Police are on the scene of what officers are calling an ‘unexplained death’ in the upscale gated community of Ruby Point.”

  That got my attention.

  Not just Diana and Kevin but practically all of the residents of Ruby Point are clients or acquaintances of mine.

  A female reporter, in a long-sleeved business suit that was much too warm for Southern California, and a hairdo that was much too big for this decade, gave the live report.

  “The body was found this afternoon and police are at this time going door to door speaking to residents. Officers have not yet identified the individual, but the investigation centers around the house you see behind me.”

  I tried to see the home behind Big-Hair but couldn’t quite make out the property. The homes in Ruby Point are all so different and individual that if I could get a glimpse I might recognized it, but I just couldn’t see enough to tell.

  The pounding on my door startled me. “Well, for cryin’ in a bucket! I’m coming and by the way I have a doorbell.” I stomped to the door and yanked it open.

  The doorway was filled with the poster boy for People’s Sexiest Man Alive. I’m not often speechless, but short of asking if Christmas had come early, I was at a loss for words.

  “Carolina Lamont?” His voice had a deep serious-as-a-heart-attack timbre.

  “Yes.”

  “Detective Judd Malone.”

  Uh-oh. I was pretty sure this was about my earlier break-in. I wouldn’t put it past Mel to call the police. But for the Laguna PD to send a detective? Really?

  “Do you have identification?” I asked.

  He hadn’t offered a badge or an ID and though I didn’t truly think serial killers looked like Brad Pitt’s brother and stalked pet therapists, you just can’t be too careful.

  He reached inside his jacket pocket and handed me a card.

  Apparently business cards had replaced badges.

  “May I come in?” He spoke awfully proper for a tough guy detective but, hey, I’m from Texas so it always seems to me that folks are puttin’ on airs.

  I opened the door a bit further and he shouldered past me.

  Judd Malone smacked of attitude. He wore black jeans, a black leather jacket and a chip on his shoulder. He scanned the room, his baby blues taking in my overstuffed couch, easy chairs and crowded bookshelves. Thelma and Louise, perched in the windowsill, replete with tuna, each opened an eye and then, unimpressed, went back to their beauty sleep. Dogbert climbed from his doggie bed, trotted over for a sniff, but then also dismissed Malone and went back to his nap.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Some southern hospitality is automatic. Even when you have an unannounced guest. Even a guest who might arrest you. “Coffee, coke, iced tea?”

  He shook his head and continued his scan.

  “Well, then. What can I help you with, Detective Judd Malone?”

  “I understand you visited Kevin Blackstone today?”

  Okay, maybe not about the brooch. “Yes, I did. What about Kevin?”

  I had a really bad feeling about this.

  “Kevin Blackstone is dead.”

  Chapter Three

  “Oh, my God. How?”

  “Cause of death has not yet been determined, ma’am.”

  Well, okay, Mr. Literal. I understood that but surely they had an idea whether he’d been in a car accident, had a heart attack, or if he’d been shot dead in a home invasion. You know, just the general category.

  I didn’t have to ask how they knew I’d been to see him. You have to check in with the guard when you enter Ruby Point. I’m sure it was noted for the record, so I didn’t go there.

  “Zeus and Tommy Boy?”

  He looked puzzled.

  “The dogs?”

  I’d ruled out the home invasion idea. I couldn’t imagine how anyone could get past the guards at Ruby Point, or if they had how they could’ve gotten close enough to Kevin to harm him. German Shepherds can be ferocious protectors and are fiercely loyal to their owners.

  “Are the dogs okay?”

  Detective Malone looked a little confused. “The dogs?”

  “Yes, Kevin Blackstone’s Shepherds. Are they alright?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Well, dammit, Detective, are they or aren’t they?”

  “When I arrived at the residence the dogs were shut out on the patio. They were pretty agitated but they appeared to be alright.”

  Well, of course, they were agitated. Their human, who in their minds they’d been charged to protect and serve, was dead.

  “What are you doing about the dogs?”

  “Excuse me, ma’am. You seem much more concerned about the dogs than the man.” The expression on his face was still no-reaction-cop-neutral but a little tic over his left eye gave away his irritation.

  I suddenly realized just how bad it sounded. I hadn’t inquired anything about Kevin—other than how he’d died—all of my concern had been for Zeus and Tommy Boy.

  “Well, of course, I’m concerned about Kevin but it sounds like concern for him would be wasted at this point.”

  “I believe animal control was en route and the dogs were to be taken to the Animal Shelter.”

  Detective Malone wanted to know why I was at Kevin’s, how long I’d stayed, and when I’d left. I recounted the details as well as I could and he listened. I thought he should take notes like all the television cops but he didn’t seem inclined to fit my stereotype.

  I called the shelter as soon as Detective Just-the-Facts-Ma’am Malone was gone. I got the answering service. Not to be deterred (I had cell phone numbers), I called Don, one my favorites of the group of full-time volunteers. He confirmed that Zeus and Tommy Boy were there.

&n
bsp; “So I can stop by and check on them, right?”

  “Sure, Caro. In fact, we were hoping you would.” Don Furry (I swear that’s his real name) was a good friend to me and a great friend to the animals of Orange County. “But if you don’t mind it’d be best to wait until tomorrow. The dogs were pretty worked up and we’ve only just got them settled down for the night.”

  I knew Don was right and he and the others at the shelter were taking good care of Zeus and Tommy Boy. I thanked him and promised to come by in the morning.

  What had happened to Kevin? He was way too young for heart problems, but the guy hadn’t necessarily been a health nut. You heard all the time about people who seemed perfectly healthy, athletes even, who just dropped dead. But the news had said “unexplained death.” And then there was the fact that a homicide detective had been the one asking the questions. Looked like Kevin’s death might not just be unexplained.

  What if he’d been murdered?

  By dawn the next morning, I hadn’t slept much. As I showered, the events of the day before played like a crazed recording in my head. There were too many unanswered questions.

  It was still unbelievable that Kevin Blackstone was dead. What if there was a murderer running around Ruby Point? And now what would happen to Zeus and Tommy Boy? Who would take the dogs? I wondered if Kevin had relatives in the area. I tried to picture whether I’d seen family pictures anywhere in his home and couldn’t remember any.

  I dressed for the day and gathered the materials to get the Fur Ball flyers printed. I started my car and hit the garage door button. It slid open and southern California sunshine rolled in. I reached in my bag for my sunglasses and settled them on my nose.

  Once downtown, I dropped the flyer off at Quick Print and then pulled into a parking spot in front of “Glitter,” my favorite jewelry store.

  “Well, good morning, Caro.” Grant Trask looked up as I entered. “Quite the business out at Ruby Point, huh? I guess the police are thinking Kevin Blackstone’s death wasn’t natural causes.”

  “Really?” Seeing as I’d been visited by a homicide detective, that made sense. “What do they think happened?”