Downton Tabby (12 page)

I found the address easily and pulled up in front of the small white house, parking in the shade. I popped open my trunk and lifted out the boxes Diana had sent. Bella had clearly marked which ones were destined for the library. A quick knock on the door brought Mary Jo, followed by a jaunty little black Scottish Terrier, whom she introduced as Niki. The dog hurried to greet me.

Scottish Terriers are independent and often stubborn, and Niki was no exception. The dogs can sometimes be hard to train because they were bred to work apart from their owners without direction. They often don’t do the best in obedience trials because they don’t really appreciate direction; they make up their own minds. It takes a strong owner to match a Scottie’s independence, but I sensed Mary Jo was up to it.

“So how did you decide to become a librarian?” I asked Mary Jo as we stacked the boxes from Diana on her large dining room table.

“Libraries and books have always been a part of my life from growing up in the Midwest to college, then as a working librarian, and finally a director. Now, my retirement has brought me here.”

“It seems like you enjoy the work.”

“I really do love it. It’s a great library, but it’s like a lot of libraries”—she shook her head—“there’s never enough money to meet the needs.”

“So, this exhibit is also a fundraiser?” I understood being under-funded and trying to fill the gap; I’d worked on several events for the Laguna Beach PUPS group, and believe me we’d come up with some interesting events to bridge our funding gap. The annual Cough Up Some Cash Fur Ball was one of my favorites.

“That’s right,” Mary Jo answered. “My other passion has been classic Hollywood movies, and amazingly we have had quite a few former leading men and leading ladies who have lived right here in our community.”

“We have?” I hadn’t known that.

“Oh, yes. From George Beranger, the silent film star, to Tab Hunter down the road in Dana Point. And there’s Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Edith Head, the costume designer, and of course, your friend, Diana Knight.

“I don’t know what all Diana sent, but she mentioned a special dress.”

Mary Jo began opening boxes. “Oh my, look at this.” She pulled out a silver sparkly dress with a full skirt and layers of crinoline. “She wore this in
Little Sis
.”

“It’s beautiful.” I admired the vintage styling. “And it appears to be in great shape.”

“I loved that movie.” Mary Jo held up the dress. “Diana played a female spy in the British Secret Intelligence Service, which you’ve probably more often heard referred to as MI6. The title was sort of a play on words. The character Diana played was able to gain all sorts of very helpful intelligence because no one suspected the glamorous ‘Little Sis.’” She laughed. “Sorry, my head is full of trivia like that.”

“No problem. I’ll have to see if I can find a copy of the movie. It sounds like fun.”

“Oh, I think you’ll love it. I’ll loan you my DVD.”

“I think there’s a book about the making of the movie in here as well.” I opened another box. “It’s a first edition, signed by the author and the costume designer, and Diana said she signed it as well.”

I pulled the book and a note from Diana from one of the smaller boxes. “It looks like from her note that she intends it to be part of the auction.”

“Oh, how wonderful!” Mary Jo was clearly excited by the prospect and so was Niki. The little black dog circled and barked as if trying to see what all the excitement was about.

“Hi, there.” I rubbed the top of his head. The terrier was a handsome guy. “Have you had Niki long?”

“It’s a long story, but my husband and I got him as the result of a Christmas present gone wrong. He was a gift for a two-year-old.” She shook her head. “A two-year-old who didn’t like his licking and nibbling.”

“Go figure, huh?” I shared Mary Jo’s view of the questionable decision to get a two-year-old any puppy.

“My husband, Rod, was really the Niki fan. And when he got sick, Niki helped him get moving and on the road to recovery. They had some great times. Since Rod has been gone, Niki and I have taken care of each other.”

“Sounds like a Christmas mistake that turned into a wonderful life for Niki.” I smiled at Mary Jo.

She paused for a moment. “And for me,” she said. “Let’s see what else we’ve got here.”

She moved back to the boxes from Diana. Clearly a no-nonsense lady.

I helped her open everything up. She seemed thrilled with Diana’s donations, and I knew Diana would be happy they were a hit.

“I understand you were the unfortunate person who discovered the young man who drowned.” She gave me a sidelong glance.

I nodded.

“I’m sorry. That must have been very difficult for you.”

“Thank you. Yes, it was terrible.”

“The two young men, Jake and Cash, donated several computers to the library for public use.” She set the last box aside. “I didn’t know either one of them well, but they seemed very nice. I hope the police get this sorted out.”

“I do, too,” I replied. “I guess I’d better be going.”

“Well, thank you so much for dropping the items off. I’ll get this all logged, and once the event is over we’ll send Ms. Knight a receipt for tax purposes.” She walked me to the door.

“No problem, I was happy to do it. Good luck with your exhibit.” I stepped outside and was walking to my car when Mary Jo called out.

“Oh, wait. I wanted to loan you that movie,
Little Sis,
that Diana is in.
”
She dashed back inside.

I turned my head just in time to see a late-model black SUV pull away from the curb. That did it. I was sure this time. I’d call Detective Malone and see if he was having me followed.

Mary Jo came hurrying out, movie in hand. “Here you go. I think you’ll love the movie and enjoy seeing your friend in it.”

“Thank you so much.” I was still distracted by the SUV. “I’ll get it back to you as soon as I can.”

I called Malone, not surprised by getting voice mail this time. I left a message for him to call me back, then turned my car toward home. Not taking my usual route, I glanced periodically in my rearview mirror as I drove. The steady traffic was full of SUVs of all colors, but not a dark-colored one that made the same turns I did. Either being followed was a big honking figment of my imagination or my tail was a real pro.

Chapter Ten

ALL DAY IN THE back of my mind, I’d looked forward to beach time that evening with Sam and the dogs. Once home I took a quick shower and changed out of my Stella McCartney and into something better suited for walking along the waves.

The cats had moved from their daytime spot in the sunshine streaming through the patio doors, to their preferred evening perch on the front windowsill in the living room. I put down fresh food and water, and they came to check it out, Thelma and Louise leading the way and Toria trotting behind.

After giving each of them a few pets, I grabbed Dogbert’s leash. He paced from me to the door, sensing something special was in store. We didn’t have to wait long for Sam to pick us up. I opened the door, and Dogbert shot out in a mad dash for the car.

Sam had brought Mac, his handsome Border Collie and the dog of my dreams. If I had a bigger place, I’d ask Mac to move in.

Dogs settled in the back, we made the short drive to downtown. After circling a few times we found a parking spot. Sam opened the door for me, and I climbed out. The dogs eagerly followed, their noses in the air. They knew where we were and what was in store.

At Main Beach dogs are allowed on the beach in the morning before nine and after six in the evening. We slipped off our shoes and started south, an easy walk on the cool wet sand. We took our time. Dogbert was happy to trot along beside us, easily keeping pace, his tongue hanging out. Mac was a bit more rambunctious. He loved the sand and sea. He’d run ahead, turn and splash in the water a little, and then run back to us. This time of day the beach was full of walkers and their furry family members.

“What’s the latest on Jake Wylie’s murder?” Sam asked as we ambled along the water’s edge.

I filled him in on the events of yesterday. The trip to Jake and Cash’s house, the intruder, the return trip with Malone, and the missing equipment.

“I wish we’d hear from Graham Cash again.” I paused, watching as the incoming tide brought the waves closer. “There has to be some explanation for his disappearance. If he has been kidnapped, by whom? And why?”

“Do you think the police are still focused on the idea that Cash is to blame?” He picked up a stick and threw it for Mac, and the dog raced down the beach to get it.

Being near the sea is always healing to me. I’m not sure if it’s the soothing sound or the vastness, but I felt the stress of the past two days slipping away as the cold water washed over my feet.

“It seems so.” I looked out at the deepening colors on the horizon listening to the soft whoosh of the waves. “I don’t think they have any other theories.”

“Ready to head back?” Sam took my hand.

I nodded and we turned around. An important thing you needed to remember when you parked near the boardwalk and walked the shoreline: you eventually have to walk all the way back to where you’ve parked your car.

As we approached the Main Beach lifeguard shack and the boardwalk, it got busier. More people, more dogs, more kids. Shouts from a volley game in progress filled the air, and little ones squealed as they climbed on the playground equipment. Sam and I brushed the sand off our feet and sat down on a bench to slip on our shoes. As I dusted the some of the sand from Dogbert’s paws, I noticed Wayne, the basset hound fan from the ARL, sitting on the next bench over. He hadn’t noticed us but seemed to be people watching.

“Hello, Wayne,” I spoke as we passed him. “A nice evening.”

“What?” He jumped. “Oh, sorry. Guess I was somewhere else.”

“Did I get your name right?” I asked.

“That’s right. Why?”

The poor guy was completely lacking in social skills, which I’m guessing might be a barrier to lining up new hedge and tree-trimming clients.

“Wayne and I met a couple of days ago and then ran into each other again today at the ARL,” I explained to Sam. “Wayne, this is my friend, Sam.” Sam offered his hand, and Wayne shook it. “And this is Mac and Dogbert.” I introduced the dogs.

Dogbert was exhausted and took advantage of our pause to rest his paws. Mac was a little standoffish with Wayne, which is unusual for him, but maybe he sensed the big guy only liked basset hounds. Or perhaps it was a bit of a pout on his part because beach time was over.

“Well, the dogs are tired and so am I,” I said to Sam. “Shall we go?”

“Enjoy your evening.” Sam nodded to Wayne.

We crossed PCH at the light and then walked over to Forest Avenue where the car was parked.

“What does your new friend, Wayne, do for a living?” Sam asked as we walked.

“Chelley at the ARL said he trims hedges and trees,” I answered. “His business is called, ‘The Cutting Hedge.’”

Sam groaned at the name.

“Why do you ask?” I looped my arm through his.

“Well, I like to think I’ve got a pretty macho handshake but Wayne’s grip may have broken something.” Sam smiled as he shook out his fingers. “I’m suddenly feeling like I need to hit the gym.” He chuckled.

We’d reached the Ferrari. He opened the passenger door, and the dogs scrambled in the back just as my phone rang. I glanced at the number.

“Detective Malone,” I explained to Sam as I pushed the button to take the call.

“This is Caro.” Hopefully he was calling regarding the message I’d left him about the police tailing me. If the police were keeping an eye on my comings and goings, I guess I didn’t have a problem with that kind of surveillance. I simply thought they should have told me.

“About this vehicle.” Malone got right to the point. “Can you describe it?”

“Don’t you know what kind of vehicle you sent to spy on me?”

“We don’t have anyone assigned to tail you.”

I felt the scamper of fear slide down my spine. “It was a dark-colored SUV, a big one, maybe blue, maybe black.” I swallowed. “If not your people, then who is following me?”

“I don’t know.” His tone was serious. “I want you to call it in immediately if you notice the SUV again.”

“No problem.” I would be happy to make that phone call. “I gather you also spoke with Heidi Sussman, Cash’s girlfriend.”

“Yes. She was helpful regarding the dispute with the neighbor about the cat.”

“Good.” I hesitated and there was silence for a few seconds.

“If you have something important to the case, Ms. Lamont, I’d suggest you not keep it to yourself.”

We were apparently back to Ms. Lamont.

“It’s not something I’m sure is relevant or important. But I overheard a conversation that suggested Jake and Cash had an argument last weekend while out with friends.” I paced back and forth on the sidewalk.

“What friends?”

“Well, that’s just it. I don’t know what friends. The conversation I overheard was between Heidi, Cash’s girlfriend, and another girl, who she called Morgan. I suggested to Heidi that she should call you, but if she didn’t say anything when you talked to her earlier, she must not think it’s important.”

“I will check it out.”

“Okay. Just thought you should know.”

“Thanks.” I could tell he was done talking to me.

And that was that. I’d done what I could.

Sam had clearly only heard one side of the conversation, but it was enough to create a worried crease between his handsome brows.

“No need for concern, sugar.” I touched his forehead with my finger. “I am staying as far away from this murder case as east is from west.”

He smiled and caught my finger. “As far away as you can while keeping the missing guy’s cat.”

“Truly I am contacting Detective Malone with anything suspicious. That’s why I called him about this SUV. It’s probably my imagination, but I’m being cautious.”

Sam pulled me into an embrace. “You’re one smart lady, Caro.” He leaned back slightly so he could see my face. “And beautiful and kind. But cautious is never a word I’d use to describe you.”