Girl's Best Friend (15 page)

Chapter 27

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I called Lucy as soon as I finished dinner that night. “Ever knit a doggie sweater?” I asked.

“Um, no. How come?”

“I think I found you a client.”

“Cool, thanks!”

“Well, don’t get too excited. You might feel differently once you actually meet this woman’s dog.”

“Any customer who’s not my grandma is definitely someone I want to work with,” said Lucy.

“Hey, how hard would it be for you to sneak out of your house at ten thirty tonight?” I asked.

“Not very hard. My parents will both be at the Manhattan restaurant and the babysitter is usually asleep on the couch by nine.”

“Perfect! Do you mind helping me out? I think I know where Kermit is, but I can’t spring him by myself.”

“Sounds like an adventure,” said Lucy. “I’m in!”

“Great. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Wait, where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” I replied.

As soon as I hung up I glanced at my watch. It was seven thirty—way too early for the second phone call I had to make. But just in time to hear Isabel’s news … 

I headed into the living room. “Is everyone ready to go?” I asked.

“The kitchen still needs to be cleaned up,” said Mom. “But you and Finn go downstairs. Your father and I will take care of that.”

“We will?” asked Dad, looking up from his book.

“We will,” she told him.

“Cool, let’s go,” said Finn.

Feeling slightly sick to my stomach, I followed him downstairs. Some peppy jazz music blared from Isabel’s apartment, and since the door was already open, we let ourselves in.

Isabel stood in her entryway, wearing the ring I’d found for her last week and a long baggy dress that could only be described as loud and peacocklike. It even had feathers on it. She’d gotten a sleek haircut, had dyed her hair a deeper shade of purple, and had traded in her simple wire-framed glasses for some cute chunky ones with bright red frames.

“Finn and Maggie, so lovely to see you. Come in, come in!”

Isabel raised the pink drink in her hand. “This is the most scrumptious watermelon margarita I’ve ever tasted. Would you like one? I mean, without the alcohol, of course.”

“Have any soda?” Finn asked.

“In the kitchen. Help yourself.” Isabel pointed. “And what about you, Maggie?”

“What’s the big news?” I asked, even though I was fairly certain I knew. I just needed to hear it from Isabel herself.

But rather than tell me, she laughed and put her arm around me. “My, aren’t you an anxious one tonight.”

“A little,” I admitted. “So what is it?”

“I’d prefer to wait until everyone gets here,” said Isabel. “So relax, have some food.”

“I’ll pass.” I felt too nervous to eat. At least until I saw the delicious-looking spread in the dining room. Three trays piled high with cheese, crackers, fruit, hummus, pita bread, quesadillas, empanadas, and guacamole. It was the chocolate cupcakes that made me change my mind, though. “I guess a small bite won’t kill me,” I said as I headed to the dessert end of the table.

Just then Glen knocked and walked inside. He was dressed in his cycling gear again, and he had his bike propped up in the hallway outside. “Hello, Ms. Franini,” he said with mock formality and a real bow.

“Oh hi, Glen,” Isabel said dryly, looking him up and down with a not-exactly-thrilled expression on her face. “I suppose I didn’t mention anything about a dress code for tonight.”

Glen smiled. “Just be glad I didn’t come over
after
my ride.”

“Good point,” said Isabel. “And what do I care! Why, you should’ve seen some of the outfits my old friends used to wear. Come in, come in, and have some food.”

He walked inside and Chloe followed him.

My parents showed up just a minute later. That meant everyone was here. I wished she’d just tell us the news already. The suspense was killing me!

Everyone was having so much fun hanging out, talking and laughing, eating and drinking. No one had any idea we’d soon be turned out. No one, that is, but me.

After ten minutes had passed, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I pulled Isabel away from her conversation with Chloe and said, “Everyone’s here, so can you make your big announcement?”

“Oh, there’s no rush,” said Isabel. “My plans aren’t definite and I still have plenty of things to iron out.”

That made sense. She’d probably have to hire a whole construction crew to turn her brownstone back into a single house. Still, evicting all her tenants would have to happen early in the process. Our days were numbered … 

“Just promise me you’ll give us all plenty of notice, okay?”

Isabel blinked at me in confusion. “Notice? Well, I don’t see why it should matter much to you.”

I couldn’t believe she was being so heartless. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” I cried. “Of course it matters!”

“But I’ll only be gone for half the year,” said Isabel.

“Wait. What?”

“I should ask you the same question,” she replied. “What are you talking about, dear?”

“Aren’t you kicking us out so you can have this whole brownstone to yourself again?”

Isabel gasped and clutched her chest, splashing her drink in the process. (Although she didn’t notice, and the stain got lost in the swirled pattern of her dress within seconds.) “Of course not! Why would I do that?”

“Because you can afford to, and because you always complain about how you’re crammed into such a small apartment.”

“I’m an old woman,” said Isabel. “Why ever would I need so much room?”

I couldn’t answer that, but I still had so many questions. Namely, “Where are you going, then?”

“Paris!” Isabel said, waving one hand through the air. “I’ve rented a lovely flat and I figure I’ll spend six months there and six months at home. That’s this year, anyway. Maybe I’ll try Rome next, or perhaps Buenos Aires. I’ve never even been to South America. And then there’s Bali. There are so many places I’d like to see and so little time … ”

“But what about Preston?”

“He’s coming, too.”

“Oh.” I tried not to look disappointed. I knew this was good news for Isabel and for all of us tenants. But hiding my feelings was impossible.

Isabel put her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Maggie. I know you’ll miss him. But you have other dogs to walk and a whole business to run. Not to mention school, your family, and your friends … ”

“It’s true,” I said. “Just, will you promise to send me a postcard?”

“Of course!” said Isabel.

“And pictures of Preston eating croissants?”

“It would be my pleasure,” she replied.

I took a deep breath, hoping she’d still be agreeable when I brought up my next—and more urgent—request. “There’s one more thing. Do you think I could borrow Preston tonight? Just for an hour or so. Maybe at around … ten thirty?”

“Well, I suppose so. But whatever for?” asked Isabel.

“Um, I can’t really say, but it’s important. And he’ll be safe. I promise.”

Isabel looked at me carefully. “So mysterious.”

“I’ll tell you all about it later, okay?”

“Okay, it’s a deal,” said Isabel. “On one condition. You’ve assured me that Preston will be safe, but can you say the same thing for yourself?”

“Absolutely,” I said with a nod. My voice didn’t even waver.

If only I felt as confident as I sounded … 

Chapter 28

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The party had ended two hours ago but my night was just beginning. At twenty past ten I took the phone into the bathroom—the only place I could find some privacy—crossed my fingers, and dialed a number I hoped I’d never need again.

“Is this Dr. Reese?” I asked as soon as someone picked up. I felt so legitimately panicked I didn’t even have to pretend to act scared.

“Yes, who’s calling?” asked the doctor.

“It’s me, Maggie Brooklyn. We spoke last week about Preston, my friend’s Irish wolfhound?”

“Oh yes, of course, the dog that needs heart surgery. Is he okay? I never heard from you and I’ve been worried.”

“That’s why I’m calling.” I gripped the phone tighter. “Preston isn’t doing so well and I think you were right. I think he needs surgery and I hope it’s not too late. Can I bring him by now?”

“What time is it?” asked Dr. Reese.

“It’s almost ten thirty,” I squeaked, hoping this would work. Ivy’s parents would be home in the morning. Ivy said if I didn’t find her dog, she’d ask Milo out first thing. But that’s not why I needed to act now.

I figured if I caught Dr. Reese off guard, really surprised her, I’d have a better chance of getting her to confess. And my plan seemed utterly foolproof, but the silence on the other end of the line made me nervous. “Dr. Reese? Are you still there? I wouldn’t be calling if this weren’t urgent. So can I bring him in?”

“Yes, of course,” Dr. Reese said. “Meet me at my office. I must warn you, though, the fee for emergency surgery is higher.”

“Isabel doesn’t have a problem with that,” I bluffed, amazed at the gall of this so-called doctor. “We’re just so worried about poor Preston. Do you think you can make him better?”

“Well, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do. Can you meet me at my office in ten minutes?”

“Absolutely!” I cried. “Thank you. Thank you so much. We’ll be right there.”

I hung up and crept back into my room.

Finn was already asleep—or so I thought. After I tiptoed across the floor and stuffed some pillows under my quilt, he shot straight up in his bed and asked, “Is it time?”

I jumped. “Oh, you scared me. I thought you were asleep.”

“Nope.” Finn pulled back his covers and swung his feet to the ground. He was fully dressed—already in sneakers, even. “So, what’s the deal? Where are we going?”

“
We’re
not going anywhere,” I said. “I have some important business to take care of and I was hoping you could be my cover.”

Finn shook his head. “Forget it. I’m tired of being your cover. It’s boring. If you’re going to rescue Kermit, I want in.”

“How did you know?”

“I talked to Lucy,” said Finn.

“When?”

“We talk all the time.” Finn looked at his watch. “So let’s go. She’s probably outside already and we shouldn’t keep her waiting.”

“Finn, you can’t come. You’re allergic to dogs.”

“Hardly.”

We both knew this was a lie, but there wasn’t enough time to argue.

“Fine, hold on a second.” I took my schoolbooks out of my backpack and loaded it with dog biscuits and spare leashes.

“Ready?” asked Finn.

I pointed to his bed. “What about your body double?”

Finn lined up his pillows on his bed and tucked the blanket around them.

“You’re skinnier than that.”

“Either way, this would never fool them. If they come in, we’re caught,” he said, but he still tucked the blankets tighter and added a soccer ball in place of his head.

Then we crept out through the dark and silent apartment.

“We’ve gotta get Preston,” I whispered once we made it downstairs. I let myself into Isabel’s place using my key, and I leashed up her dog. Then the three of us walked to Lucy’s. As planned, she was waiting on her front stoop.

“Finally,” she said, standing up and petting Preston.

“I would’ve been here sooner, but someone blabbed to Finn!” I said.

“Whoops, sorry!” Lucy raised one hand to her lips as if caught. Or was she merely trying to hide her smile? I couldn’t tell. “I figured we could use the backup. You’re not mad that I told him, are you?”

“It’s fine,” I said. “Let’s go.”

We headed for Sixth Avenue. By day, the sidewalks of Park Slope are crowded with kids and moms and dads and nannies and strollers. I figured they’d be empty now. The sun had set and the stores were closed. Why be out? But I was wrong. It seemed as if the daytime crowd had switched places with a whole new breed of humans. Now the sidewalks teemed with new life. People I’d never seen before went into bars and restaurants and hung out on street corners. But this put me at ease, because there’s nothing eerier than a deserted street.

“So, will you finally fill us in? Why do you think this veterinarian has Kermit?” asked Lucy.

“It’s not just Kermit,” I said. “It’s a bunch of other dogs, too. And I don’t even think she’s a real veterinarian.” I told them about my run-ins with Beckett and his mother. And how I suspected that their dog, Cookie, and Cassie’s dog, Bean, were one and the same.

“So you think Dr. Reese pretended that Cookie died in surgery just so her sister could resell her to someone else?” asked Finn.

“Basically,” I said. “Through Boutique Breeds by Brenda. A phony dog-breeding business, as far as I’m concerned. She listed pretty much every missing dog in the neighborhood when she told me what was available for sale.”

“Kermit, too?” asked Lucy.

“Well, no,” I admitted. “But I have a feeling she’s got him, too.”

“We snuck out of the house because you have a feeling?” asked Finn.

“It’s a strong feeling,” I told him. “And no one forced you to come.”

“Aren’t you worried that Dr. Reese might really try to perform surgery on Preston?” asked Lucy.

I bent down and scratched Preston behind his ears. “No, I’d never put Preston in that kind of danger. I’m not going to leave her alone with him for a second. And anyway, she’s not going to have the time. As soon as she takes me and Preston back to an exam room, you guys need to sneak inside and track down the missing dogs.”

“But what if we can’t find them?” asked Finn.

“You’ll hear them,” I said. “I did when we went in for the exam. That was Dr. Reese’s first mistake. She complained that she had no business and her waiting room was deserted, yet I heard a bunch of dogs barking from somewhere inside the building.”

“But what if those aren’t the right ones?” asked Lucy.

“If not, we’re in trouble. But I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing.”

“I hope so,” said Finn.

I stopped when we hit Sixth Avenue. “We’ll soon find out. You guys hang back here, okay? Wait about three minutes, then sneak in after me.”

“Okay. Good luck,” Lucy whispered.

“Thanks!” I replied, hoping I wouldn’t need it.

As soon as Preston and I turned the corner, I saw Dr. Reese waiting in front of her office, wearing a white lab coat over her dark suit.

“Thanks for meeting me here,” I said, hurrying over. “I’m so worried about Preston.”

“You did the right thing,” said Dr. Reese. She unlocked her door and walked inside. Preston and I followed, and luckily she didn’t try to lock the door behind us.

So far so good.

We went into the same exam room as last time. “Is this where you operate?” I asked.

Dr. Reese ignored the question. “Preston looks even sicker than before. It was dangerous, waiting this long.”

“I know. I’m so sorry. Isabel feels terrible. She wanted to get a second opinion and … ” Suddenly I stopped talking.

Dr. Reese was looking up at me. “Did she get that second opinion?”

“I don’t think so,” I bluffed, shaking my head. “We trust you.” It was hard to say it, but I knew I had to keep talking. Keep Dr. Reese distracted while Finn and Lucy snuck in.

Just then I heard the squeak of the door.

Unfortunately, Dr. Reese did, too. She looked up.

“Windy out, huh?” I asked.

Dr. Reese blinked at me behind her glasses.

“So what’s involved in this surgery, exactly?” I wondered.

“Well, I cut him open and repair his heart.”

“Uh-huh. And what’s your success rate?”

“Well, this surgery is rare,” said Dr. Reese. “But I haven’t lost any patients yet.”

I guess that statement could have been true, depending on her definition of “lost.”

Just then I heard a bark. Then another, until soon it sounded like we were in the middle of a dog kennel.

“Excuse me,” said Dr. Reese.

“Wait.” I grabbed the sleeve of her lab coat. “I have some more questions. Please don’t go.”

Dr. Reese pulled her arm free. “I really need to go check on my other patients.”

“How long will it take for Preston to recover?” I asked, trying to stall her.

“Just a few weeks,” said Dr. Reese, her hand on the doorknob. “You’ll want to keep Preston quiet. He shouldn’t run around until his stitches heal.”

“He’ll have stitches?”

“Of course he’ll have stitches.”

“I had stitches once,” I said, thinking if I just kept talking I could distract her. “On my elbow. I fell off my bike into a pile of broken glass. It hurt. A lot. Will Preston be in pain?”

Dr. Reese smiled and walked over to me. “Don’t worry so much.”

Just then, Finn sneezed. Which would’ve been bad enough even if Lucy hadn’t said, “Bless you.”

When we heard Finn say, “Thank you,” with crystal clear clarity—even through the door—I knew we were toast.

Dr. Reese flew out of the exam room.

Preston and I followed her down a long, narrow hall and through an open door.

We soon found ourselves in a brightly lit room with Finn and Lucy and seven dogs—Kermit included.

“We’ve got her!” I yelled.

“What’s going on here?” asked Dr. Reese.

“We should ask you the same question!” I said.

“This is a clear case of breaking and entering,” said Dr. Reese, pulling her cell phone out of her pocket. “If you kids don’t get out of here now, I’m calling the police.”

“Don’t bother,” said Finn. “We already did.”