Hounds, Harvest, and Homicide Read online

  “I can’t even imagine. His poor family.”

  “Yes, it destroyed their marriage. He and Susan are divorced now.” I thought about my daughter Hayden and how that could have just as easily have been her. My chest tightened at the thought of losing her. I knew I couldn’t survive another loss. I’d barely made it through Sam’s death. “It’s just awful.”

  “It’s too bad city council nixed the expansion request. It would have been good for the shelter.”

  “They had their reasons, but I can see both sides of that situation.”

  “Unfortunately,” George continued. “Our local government has declined a request to expand the center.”

  The crowd groaned, but he waved his hands again and shook his head. I scanned the crowd for the mayor and spotted him trying hard to keep his expression calm.

  “Some members of council believe the addition of thirty rooms for women and their children puts the community at risk, but we all know the truth, don’t we?” He mimicked the nods of the crowd. “It’s about the money. It’s always about the money.”

  The crowd applauded.

  “And that is why, right here, and right now, I’m asking for the council to reconsider their decision—money aside. Why? Because I’m committing to fund up to one million dollars of the expansion out of my own pocket.” He eyed the crowd and pointed directly at the mayor. “That clears up the budget issue, now doesn’t it, Mayor Barrett?”

  Everyone turned their heads to stare at the mayor.

  “Oh snap,” Mary said. “This is getting good. You didn’t tell me these things were like our cat room at the shelter.”

  I grinned. “The cat fights at the shelter are nothing compared to the explosion about to happen here. If the women get involved, we’re taking the puppies and running.”

  She laughed.

  George kept his pressure directed on Mayor Barrett. “What do you say, Mayor?”

  Max Hoover stood up. “Mr. Watson, with all due respect, now is not the time to discuss city business. Let’s all put it aside for now and let these women enjoy their night.”

  Mary bumped her shoulder into mine. “Max likes you.”

  I shifted my eyes to her and then back to Max. “He doesn’t like me. We’re friends, that’s all.”

  “Right.”

  “Of course, of course,” George said. “We’re here for the women tonight, but rest assured everyone, we’ll get that expansion. I can promise you that.”

  Mary chuckled. “This is fun. I’m coming next year for sure.”

  I shook my head. Mary could have the drama. I wanted nothing to do with it.

  “Aw, I love them all.”

  I’d been on the floor with one of the puppies and glanced up to see Beth Lennon a recent shelter adopter, admiring the puppies. “Hey, Beth. How’s Manny? Has he adjusted to his new home?”

  Her face brightened. “That dog is spoiled rotten. He’s already got three beds, but he still sleeps on mine.”

  I laughed. “That’s usually how it goes.”

  Beth adopted a mutt with wiry brown and gray hair a few weeks back. Manny didn’t bark. He talked. His constant chatter/growl combination won her over immediately.

  “Are you working for Riverwoods tonight?” I asked.

  “Only way I could afford such a fancy event was to work for the caterer, so yup.” She curtseyed. “Would you like a drink, ma’am?”

  “No, thank you. I’m good.”

  A playful smile stretched across her face. “Well, have fun with the puppies. I’m off to serve champagne. Pray I don’t spill on any of the fancy dresses.”

  “You got it.”

  I kept focused on the puppies and the few kids that came to the event, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from hearing other conversations around me. Sam would have called it snooping, but I wasn’t listening on purpose. I just happened to be near people chattering about things I probably shouldn’t hear.

  I recognized Turner Shaw, the owner of Shaw Construction, but I didn’t know the man talking to him.

  “You could have gotten that contract,” the man said.

  “That’s what I thought, but Watson’s not the great guy everyone thinks he is.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I scooted closer to Turner Shaw to listen. I was officially snooping.

  “He promised the big check before the expansion went to vote. Even promised the Mayor a piece of the pie from what I heard.”

  “You mean something like a kickback?”

  Turner pressed his lips together and then pushed them out, making a slight popping sound. “More like a pay to play kind of deal.”

  The man shook his head. “And the Mayor turned it down?”

  “The Mayor voted in favor of the expansion. It was Hoover and Morring that voted against it.”

  I knew Rick Morring, and it surprised me that he’d vote against something that would give him any form of notoriety. Morring liked being popular, and he liked being in the middle of drama, too.

  “I’m guessing it’ll come back to the table.”

  “From what I understand, it already has.”

  “Really? Then you’ve got a chance to win the bid.”

  “Watson’s willing to fund it, but how do you think he’s paying for the additional vote? He won’t take it out of his own pocket.” He shook his head. “I run a clean company, and I don’t take short cuts. If the expansion goes through, it won’t be my guys building it.”

  It appeared things were heading down an ugly road, but I hoped the shelter wouldn’t suffer because of it. I rounded up the puppies for a much needed break, and from the looks of them all snuggled together in piles, they needed it. I wandered over to the bar for a soda, and along with my Diet Coke, I got an earful of opinions about the declined expansion.

  “I think the decision was a good one,” Cindy Truelson said. “I don’t want to get rid of the shelter, of course, but I didn’t agree with the idea of an expansion. The building is already old and outdated. To add to it would make it even more unattractive. We’re trying to make the city appealing, and I just don’t think an addition is the way to go. Now, moving the shelter all together? That’s a viable option. We could build a brand-new facility in the unincorporated area off the highway. Not only would that free up an old outdated building for demolition, but it keeps the trash out of the city.”

  Cindy Truelson was the Chamber of Commerce chairman four years running and had her nose in everything related to town business. Some said she planned to run for mayor, but she’d yet to announce any campaign. I wasn’t a fan of Cindy’s, but not because she didn’t do a good job. I gave her credit for that. I just didn’t like her uppity attitude. Every time she spoke, she looked down her nose, which was probably necessary because it was a ski slope, but she could have left out the condescending tone.

  “Maybe you should suggest that at a council meeting,” Stacy Halstead said.

  Stacy was Cindy’s right hand gal, and effectively glued herself to the woman. I felt sorry for her, choosing to live in the shadow of a woman like that.

  “I’m positive I could get them to vote for new construction,” Cindy said. She turned toward me. “What do you think, Missy?”

  So much for flying under the radar. I pretended I wasn’t snooping on their conversation, even though I was. “I’m sorry?”

  “Moving the shelter to the unincorporated area of town. Don’t you think that’s wise? Stacy is right. I’m going to suggest it to council at the next meeting.”

  I really didn’t want to get involved in any of that mess. I swallowed a gulp of soda. “I’m just glad we have a place for women to go.”

  “Of course, but an even bigger place with all the modern conveniences would be an excellent option, especially if it’s out of city limits.”

  I wasn’t sure I agreed with her about the out of city limits part, but I did like the idea of giving the women a modernized shelter. “I’m not sure George Watson would open up his wallet for
that kind of funding.”

  “I’ve convinced greater men of lesser things.”

  “How nice for you.” I gave them both my combination em hmm nod with a snarky grin, and quickly walked away, smack dab into Max. “Oof,” I said as our bodies made contact. Heat crawled up my neck and landed on my cheeks. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” I backed away and gave myself a little space.

  “Running from the lioness?” His pearly whites were in full view.

  “I don’t like that woman.”

  He laughed. “Nobody likes Cindy Truelson, but they respect what she does.”

  “Do you know what she’s planning to propose at the next meeting?”

  He groaned. “Something to make her look good when she announces her election campaign?”

  “Do you really think she’s going to run?”

  “Sure seems to look that way.”

  “Maybe you should run against her?”

  He laughed. “Councilman is about as far as I want my political career to go.”

  “I wish you’d reconsider. You’d be a much better candidate than Cindy. She’s shifty. I just don’t trust her.”

  He patted me on the back. “You’d make a better candidate than me.”

  Rick Morring wandered over, and I groaned. He wanted to shut down my pooch parties, and every time I saw him, I prepared for a battle.

  He smirked. “Missy. Nice to see you here.” He glanced at the pooch party area. “Puppies, huh?” He tilted his head back and then focused back directly on my eyes. “Nice touch.”

  At least there was something nice in close proximity, I thought. And it clearly wasn’t Rick Morring.

  Max patted Rick on the shoulder. “Come on, not tonight, buddy. We’re here to support the women’s shelter, so how about we do that?”

  Rick sneered. “Well, well, well.” He eyed Max up and down like he was trying to decide if he could take him in a fight. “Look at you trying to be the hero twice tonight.”

  Max’s eyes darted to the empty glass in Rick’s hand. “How many of those have you had, buddy?”

  Rick wiggled the glass. “Not enough to think having dogs here is a good idea.” He narrowed his eyes at me and flicked his head back as he spoke. “They could have some fleas or a disease or something.” He shivered. “Ugh, gross.”

  “They’re up—”

  Max interrupted me, and as he guided me into the fenced area and away from Rick Morring, he shifted backward and said, “Weather’s getting rough out there, buddy. Might want to cool it on the drinks for now.”

  I felt Rick’s eyes burning into my back, and when I turned around, he flicked his head again and walked away.

  I fumed. “Why are you so buddy buddy with that awful man?”

  “Politics, my dear.”

  I pointed at the puppies. “These babies have all their shots, and the only way anyone here will get fleas is from that fleabag himself.”

  Max chuckled. “Maybe you should have a drink.”

  “Only if I can throw it in his face.”

  “Ignore him. He’s ineffectual.”

  “He’s on city council.”

  “Hopefully not for long. Elections are coming. Someone can beat him.”

  Max and I chatted a bit as I let the puppies back out and a crowd gathered on the other side of the gate. Max was right, the weather was getting dicey, and because of that, the kids had been bussed back to the shelter a few minutes before. Servers were preparing to get dinner out, but that didn’t stop the crowd from gathering. I let some in to play with the puppies.

  “Maybe you should take the dogs back before the roads get worse?”

  “That might have to happen.”

  I caught a glimpse of Cindy Truelson and George Watson in a corner. Neither of them looked happy. Cindy’s back was stiff as a board, and her chin tilted upward. She wiggled her finger at him as she talked. George leaned toward her, his hands on his hips, dipping his head down as he talked to her. Oh boy. Nothing about that conversation looked good.

  Cindy threw her hands out and shook them at George and then walked away.

  George smirked and sauntered over to the other side of the puppy fence where Turner Shaw stood by himself.

  Sunny, the happiest of the puppies, hence the name, barked. There were people still waiting to get into the puppy area, so I let a few more in and kept an eye on them, warning that puppies pottied when they’re excited, just in case some of the women forgot. I flicked my head for Max to follow me to the area of the turf near where George approached Turner.

  “You’re snooping,” Max said.

  I shushed him. “I’m observing the puppies.”

  He smirked.

  “It’s happening all right. You watch. Money talks, Turner, and it’s too bad you don’t want a piece of the action,” George said.

  “You can’t put those women and their kids at risk like that. I don’t cut corners to pad people’s pockets, Watson, and I’ll blow this thing up statewide if you try and make that happen. You’ll never do business here again.”

  George bowed up and his face turned red, but he kept his voice low and calm as the words slithered through his clenched jaw. “Threaten me all you want, buddy. I’m not afraid of some small-town construction owner that barely finished high school.”

  Turner Shaw caught me watching and walked away, but George stared at me with dark, narrowed eyes. “Missy,” he said, his eyes giving me a quick once over as he did. He gave Max a nod.

  I watched as he walked toward the back of the big room and behind the large curtains.

  My stomach churned. Even outside of the city people manipulated others to get their way. I didn’t know how to do that kind of thing, and I didn’t want to learn, but I kept my eyes and ears tuned for anything else related to the shelter’s expansion, just in case.

  Max bid me adieu and, as he called it, headed off to engage with his constituents. I kept my ears and eyes alert as I chatted with the group playing with the puppies.

  A little while later I caught a glimpse of Max in the far corner of the room over by the catwalk. The lights were dim enough that I couldn’t quite make out the woman with him from behind, but when she turned around, I knew right away. I knew Max’s political standing in town required him to mix and mingle, or like he’d said, engage with his constituents, but seeing him chatting with Cindy Truelson made the hairs on the back of my neck stiffen. When she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, I nearly chipped a tooth from clenching my jaw so hard.

  I wasn’t interested in Max that way. I wasn’t over Sam, could never be over the love of my life, and I didn’t think I’d ever date again, but something about that slight intimate moment got to me. I shook my head and brushed it off, focusing my attention back to the puppies.

  The emcee tapped on the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to take your seats and enjoy the incredible dinner provided by Riverwoods Restaurant. While you’re waiting for your food to arrive, take a moment to listen to the musical entertainment and give them a nod. Volunteers will be coming around shortly accepting any additional donations for the shelter. Thank you.”

  I giggled, picturing a small wicker basket being handed around like at Sunday church.

  I carted the puppies back to their crates for the evening. I didn’t expect they’d be out again except to go to the bathroom, which they’d done several times already. Thankfully, I had a quick clean up routine and a special spray that eliminated the odor. The puppies were exhausted, just like me. The Diet Cokes gave me a short burst of energy, but mostly, I needed food.

  Max brought over a plate, and my mouth watered.

  “I thought you’d be hungry, so I went to the kitchen and asked if they could throw a plate together.”

  I gladly took it from him. “I’m starving. Thank you so much.”

  It took the servers fifteen minutes to serve the room full of people. The quiet chatter while everyone ate made me think there wasn’t going to be any more bickering
or threatening about the expansion, which was a good thing. The night was meant to celebrate, not cat fight.

  Stacy Halstead rushed out of the back room and ran down the catwalk, screaming. She waved her hands over her head and yelled, “Someone call 9-1-1! He’s dead. George Watson is dead!”

  Chapter 2

  The town police chief Arson Wellington, was already at the event and took control, telling everyone to remain calm and stay put. A few minutes later, as sirens blared into the parking lot, he informed us that no one could leave until he gave the okay. A local doctor went behind the large curtains, but he never came back out to confirm anything. We all stood around waiting as the icy rain and snow mix outside accumulated on the ground.

  Max came over to check on me. “You okay?”

  I shrugged.

  “The roads are getting pretty bad.”

  “I don’t think we’re going anywhere for a while anyway.” I eyed the puppies who were all sound asleep on top of each other in the crates.

  I still had the plate of food he’d given me earlier in my hand. He took it and set it on a table next to the dogs. “Sit. You’ve been working hard all night.”

  I sat, but I’d completely lost my appetite. “You were back there. Did you see anything?”

  He shrugged. “No, but the coroner is here. I’m sure they’ll make some kind of announcement soon.”

  “Max, I’ve heard a lot of conversations tonight, and many that didn’t reflect positively on George. What if one of those people killed him?”

  His eyes shifted to me and then to the crowd around us. “It’s highly likely, but please, for now, keep that to yourself.”

  “I haven’t said anything to anyone.”

  “Good. Wellington isn’t letting any of us leave until someone’s interviewed everyone. When it’s your turn, tell them what you know.”

  “Of course, of course.” I thought about the last time I saw George Watson. “I saw him walk in the back, but I don’t know if he came out.”

  “Who?”

  “George. Right after he argued with Turner Shaw. He walked back to the curtain and walked behind it. You didn’t see?”