Dog Days Read online

  “There are acronyms for—?” He shook his head. “Now I’ve heard everything.”

  “Hey, I didn’t make them up.”

  Something else to put on my To Do list. Yes, it is upsetting, not so much the selling part (though that will be sad—to put it mildly), but the cleaning out of all the … stuff, and all the memories, that’s going to be the hardest part.

  Wyatt would probably not have as hard a time getting rid of his since he hasn’t lived in it very long—not in comparison. Me? Bernie and I bought this house together. I raised our boys here. It’s the only home they’ve ever known. I wondered how they would react to the news.

  I know they’re grown men….

  Just stop. I’m getting all teary-eyed.

  “That’s the day us guys get our Tuxes fitted.”

  “Yes, I know. You told me.”

  Chapter 14

  … MONDAY…

  * * *

  … August 24th…

  * * *

  DOC WESTON MET us in the lobby of the hospital and escorted us to the surgical wing. I was relegated to the waiting room.

  “Maggie, I know you’re worried about it, but trust me to take care of him, okay? He’s going to be fine. It sounds a lot worse that it really is.”

  I took a breath. “Okay, Doc. He’s in your hands.” I walked to where Wyatt stood, wrapped my arms around him, and stretched up on my toes for a kiss. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you more. Go get fixed up.”

  Doc led him through the doors, and I settled in to wait.

  It suddenly came to me that perhaps I should enlist some help from a higher power. “Um, hello, God? I know you don’t kill off people just because you can. Even I know that isn’t the way you work. But if you could just reach down and take care of Wyatt? Fix whatever it is that’s giving him fits? I’d be forever grateful.

  “I don’t talk to you as much as I should. Okay, very rarely. And, I promise to try and remedy that, but I have a dire situation here. Losing Bernie, even though it happened over a few years, and was more of a relief at the end than I care to admit, it took me a long time to get over. My boys, too. And I’m not blaming you for taking him. But back in January, I almost lost Wyatt. Now it looks like there’s some complications going on inside him. I can’t say I love him more than I did Bernie, but I do know it would about kill me to lose him.

  “The doctor doesn’t think there’s all that much to worry about, but it feels like it to me. I can’t lose this man, God. Please. I won’t ever be the same if he doesn’t pull through. Please let me keep him?

  “Good Lord that sounds selfish. Just, please, let him recover completely, and be well and whole again? Amen.”

  How was it Reverend Blanchard ended his prayers?

  “Oh, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen.”

  That should do it.

  After three hours of sitting, pacing, praying, pacing, and sitting some more, the doors at the end of the hall opened and Doc Weston walked towards me.

  Oh my God. Surgeons only show up when there’s bad news, right?

  Holy Christmas.

  He motioned me to a chair, and sat beside me. “I’m getting too old to stand that long without a break.”

  “Don’t keep me in suspense, Doc. How bad is it?”

  “Ah, Maggie.” He patted my knee.

  No, no, no. Unfortunately my brain goes to the worst case scenario first, every time. “What? Tell me all of it.”

  “You can stop worrying, Wyatt is going to be just fine.”

  Tears brimmed.

  “I made a few cuts, sucked out some yucky stuff, washed it all out with a medicated solution, and stitched him back up. He’s slathered in antibacterial cream, and he’ll be sore for a few days. I don’t want him going in to work until….” He paused, pulled out his phone and selected the calendar app. “He should be okay for duty on Friday, but only light duty. I want to see him next Monday to evaluate the situation. Make sure he keeps taking the antibiotics I gave him. Don’t let him miss a dose, I don’t want to have to do this again.

  “As I mentioned, desk duty only. At least until the stitches come out, probably next Thursday, in my office. I’ll have Regina call with the time.”

  Tears were streaming, at this point. The relief was indescribable. “Thank you, Doc.”

  He smiled and stood, hands in the pockets of his white coat.

  I got to my feet and gave him a hug.

  He patted my back. “Glad it was good news, today.”

  “Yeah,” I whispered. “Me, too.”

  “He should be coming around in a few minutes. I’ll tell him everything I told you. Then you can take him home. He’ll most likely sleep the rest of the day.”

  “Thank you, again.”

  With a nod, he shuffled down the hall.

  I looked up, hands steepled. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!”

  Chapter 15

  … TUESDAY…

  * * *

  … August 25th…

  * * *

  WYATT IS RESTING at home with Harley and Dawson—who is taking a vacay day. He and Gage are flip-flopping days for the next few—until Wyatt can return to duty. (My boys are so considerate, aren’t they?)

  Wyatt, of course, is not happy, but resigned himself, and as he’s in pain, he’s not protesting all that much.

  The phone rang, just after lunch.

  “Hi, Maggie. This is Vicki Sporelli.”

  “Vicki. This is a surprise.”

  “Yes, I know. But I thought I’d let you know, after you left the other day, I got curious. This past weekend I went up to the attic and scrounged around for my yearbooks. Finally found them, but couldn’t go through them until last night. I found him.”

  “Him?”

  “That guy I was telling you about? The one who was always staring at you. I forgot he graduated with me.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yup. I can’t get away today, but I could swing by tomorrow, bring it in for you.”

  “That would be great.”

  “Sure. Funny how you don’t think about school, or classmates for a long time, and then something triggers a memory, and you just have to investigate. It’s been … interesting, reading all the things my friends wrote all those years ago.”

  “Yeah, I guess it would be.”

  “Anyway, I’ll be by tomorrow, around one-ish. That’s usually when Pop comes in, so I can leave for a few, get some lunch, run errands, that sort of thing.”

  “I appreciate that, Vicki. Thanks again.”

  I relayed her info to Wyatt when I got home that night.

  “That doesn’t mean he’s your stalker.”

  “He’s not my anything. But it doesn’t mean he isn’t the stalker, either.”

  Chapter 16

  … WEDNESDAY…

  * * *

  … August 26th…

  * * *

  “DID YOU HEAR?”

  “Maybe. Hear what?”

  Lancy plopped herself into one of the chairs in front of my desk. “About the new shop going in next to that space downtown. Where the arcade used to be.”

  I sat in the other visitor’s chair. “No, I haven’t heard anything. What’s going in?”

  “Really? I thought you knew everything.”

  She was kidding, of course, but it still annoyed. “I do try to keep my finger on the pulse but— Why did you ask, if you thought I’d already know?”

  She smacked my arm. “Smart aleck.”

  “So what’s the news?”

  “A corset shop.”

  Court’s head popped up from behind his monitor. “A what?”

  My babysitter of the moment.

  “Wasn’t speaking to you.” Lancy beamed him a snarky smile. “Go back to your computer.”

  I tapped her shoulder.

  “Oh. Well, I was talking to Lemon the other day. Apparently someone on her
route is going to open a shop featuring lingerie. High end stuff.”

  “Victoria’s Secret stuff?”

  Was that hope in Court’s voice?

  “Not Victoria’s Secret.” She glared his way. “But something like it.”

  “You’re sure it’s a lingerie shop, and not an adult shop?”

  She blushed. “I didn’t ask. But surely it’s legit if the borough council approved it.”

  I waited for Court to respond, but it was quiet on the other side of the partition.

  “When is this supposed to happen?”

  “Lemon didn’t have any other particulars, but said probably around the end of the year.”

  “Huh. Interesting. Just in time for the Christmas rush.”

  “Yes, that’s true.”

  “So. Why are you really here?”

  “Well, a couple reasons, really. One, I was hoping to talk to Rick for a minute. And two, I needed to verify some things with you about Saturday.”

  “Well, Rick’s out, duh, as you can see. What do you need to know about Saturday?”

  “We’ll actually be buying our dresses that day?”

  “Hopefully, if we can find something we all agree on.”

  “Okay. Are we shopping for shoes, too? Or should we bring the ones we’ll be wearing at the wedding?”

  “If you have a pair, by all means bring them along. I have a pair that will work, unless something grabs my attention, and matches my dress. Does Morgantown have a better selection of shoe shops?”

  “Oh, absolutely.” She let out a moan. “I love shoes. Rick and I have had a few … discussions about the amount of them in my closet, and then it starts all over again when I bring home another box.”

  I kept my grin to myself. “To keep the peace, I’d say wear a pair from your vast collection. We’ll try our best to keep you distracted from buying any new ones.”

  “Oh, that’d be great. I do have a weakness.”

  The front door opened and Rick came in, smiling when he saw who was sitting next to me.

  Strolling over, he leaned down for a smooch. “Girl-talk at the precinct?”

  “We’re discussing our girl’s day out on Saturday.”

  He squatted beside Lancy’s chair. “I’m not going to tell you what to do, but please keep in mind our budget restraints? We’re saving for our own wedding, you know.”

  “I know perfectly well. Yes.”

  I’m going to try to keep the expenses, for everybody, to a minimum.”

  He stood and pointed at me. “One stipulation.”

  “What’s that?”

  A grin. “Don’t let her buy any shoes.”

  Lancy laughed. “We were just talking about that very thing.”

  “I’ll do my best, Rick.”

  “Good. I’ll leave you two alone to talk.”

  “So, what time? Are we meeting somewhere? Who’s driving?”

  “Um. I figure we’ll leave around seven.”

  Her eyes went wide. “In the morning?”

  “Yes, in the morning. Why?”

  “It’s just that Saturday is my sleep-in day. But,” A sigh. “No worries. I’ll suffer in silence. I rarely get to go anywhere with gal pals. This will be a special day so I won’t complain.”

  “We’re all meeting at my house. Wyatt doesn’t want me driving anywhere alone, and we’ve only got the Jeep. I’m sure he could drop me off, but….”

  “Okay. Who’s driving, then?”

  “My mom. Her car has the biggest trunk space.”

  She laughed.

  “I thought we’d stop for breakfast on the way down. And then, do lunch, too. Will that break the bank for you?”

  She waved away my concern. “Rick is saving, and yes, so am I, but my dad is insisting we let him pay for the wedding. And we’re both bringing in a good salary, so we’re doing good in that.

  “I don’t want anything big, kinda like yours. So Dad and Rick are working on things together.

  “I’m so glad they get along. And I just love his parents, too.”

  Wow. She changes subjects so fast it’s hard to keep up. “Yes, liking the in-laws is a big plus. I take it then you’re okay with having two meals out?”

  “Oh, shoot. Sorry, I got distracted. Yes, that’s just fine with me.”

  “Great. Then I’ll see you at my house, just before seven in the morning on Saturday.”

  “Okay if I bring a big GoCup of coffee?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll have a travel mug of my own.”

  “Uh, I could bring you one, too, if you want.”

  I smiled. “That would be most excellent.”

  “Good. How do you take it?”

  “With milk, or cream. Just not the powdered stuff.”

  “Oh, yuck. I hate that powdered creamer.” She stood. “Your house, Saturday at seven. Now I’ll go have a chat with my honey, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure.” I waved. “See ya.”

  “Bye.”

  JUST AFTER ONE, the doors rattled open, and Vicki Sporelli walked in carrying a box of … something, and a yearbook (distinctive with its gold and navy colors).

  “Hi.”

  She smiled, offering the box. “Thought y’all would like some sweets.”

  I opened the lid. “Filled cookies.”

  “There are cherry and apple.”

  “Excellent. Thank you. Have a seat while I put these over by the coffee pot.”

  I scarfed one of the cherry ones, knowing there wouldn’t be any left if I waited.

  “So.” I sat at my desk, facing her. “Who is this guy?”

  She opened the yearbook where she had a marker, and plopped it in front of me. “In there he’s listed as D. Clifton.”

  I studied the picture, but did not recognize him, or his name. “Nothing rings a bell.”

  “Yeah, I guess if you’d been aware of him, it might be different.”

  “Probably. I really appreciate you bringing this in. Do you mind if we keep it for a bit?”

  “Sure.” She stood. “Just drop it off when you’re done with it.”

  “Thanks. I will.”

  Rick walked past, sniffing.

  “Hope y’all enjoy the cookies.”

  “I knew I smelled something scrumptious. You can bet we will.”

  Vicki laughed and made her way to the exit. “Just don’t over-indulge. Bad for the diet.”

  He looked down at the two on his napkin. “Now you tell me.”

  With a wave, she was out the door.

  “So.” His mouth full of cookie, Rick pointed his chin at the book on my desk. “What’s with that?”

  “She brought it by to show me the picture of a guy she says used to follow Dandy and me around. He doesn’t look familiar to me.”

  He came around to look over my shoulder. “Looks like a geek.”

  “That’s kind of how she described him, too, but said he got dates with a lot of the cheerleaders.”

  “Really? Geez, were they dogs?”

  My eyebrows rose. “Dogs?”

  “Well, you gotta admit, he’s not exactly who you’d expect them to go out with.”

  I saw his point. “Can’t say either way. I wouldn’t have gone out with him.”

  “Interesting.”

  “I think—” Crap. I’d need an escort. “Would you do me a favor?”

  He popped the last bite into his mouth, and nodded.

  “Would you go with me to see Dandy? I want her to have a look at this guy. See if she recognizes him.”

  Swallowing, he nodded again. “Sure. Just let me grab my hat.”

  Ten minutes later, we were in the parking lot of The Inn at the End. “I could Google the guy for you, too. See if he’s in the system, or maybe famous for something.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”

  We walked into sweltering plant-wilting heat. Dandelion Jones, who prided herself on always being cool as a cucumber, was sweaty, looking more frazzled than I’ve ever seen her, and fanning her flushe
d face.

  “Dandy, what’s going on?”

  She glared my way. “Air-conditioning is on the fritz, and the idiotic repairman can’t get here for another hour. What are you doing here?”

  I knew her attitude wasn’t aimed at me, but I figured it would be in my best interest to approach with caution. “I have a picture to show you.”

  “You couldn’t wait until later?”

  “No. I really couldn’t as it pertains to our investigation. Besides, I was not aware you were having … issues.”

  She took a breath. “Sorry. I’m … not used to being at such a loss of control.”

  “I know that. If you could just take a quick peek, then I can be one less irritant you have to deal with.”

  “Are you trying to make me mad?”

  “Nope. Not at all.”

  “Where’s this picture you want me to look at?”

  I flipped open the yearbook and pointed. “Do you recognize this guy?”

  “Yeah. That’s Darren. We had like two dates when I was a sophomore.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. He only wanted to talk about you, though. Torqued me, so I never went out with him again.”

  “I don’t know him. He doesn’t even look like someone I remember seeing in the halls.”

  “You wouldn’t have, you only had eyes for Bernie.”

  “Huh. You could be right about that.”

  “Of course I’m right about that. Half the guys in our class looked at you, but you never saw anyone else.”

  “I didn’t realize I was so clueless in high school.”

  “Honey, you weren’t clueless, you were blind.”

  I heard a snort of laughter from behind me, and turned. “I beg your pardon.”

  “Just getting some new insight on my bonus mom.”

  Dandy giggled. “Bonus mom. I like that.”

  “Time to get back. Thanks for your help, Dandy.”

  Still chuckling, she waved. “Thanks for cheering me up.”

  “Good luck with the AC guy.”

  “If he’s not here in the next ten minutes, I’m going to melt.”