Washed Up (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 4) (4 page)

Jim sat in the kennel office, staring at the computer monitor. A frown marred his rugged features, eyes glued to where Cheryl, the kennel assistant, was pointing.

“It’s the whole payroll, Jim,” she sputtered. “The direct deposits didn’t transfer. Are you sure you followed Gracie’s instruction sheet?”

“Yes, I did everything,” he insisted. “I don’t know why Gracie didn’t show you how to do this before she took off.”

“Because I was on vacation right before she left,” Cheryl answered with exasperation.

Jim looked at the slender woman and sighed. “I know. I know. You can write checks for everyone, and I’ll sign them. I’m not calling her today. She was acting pretty grouchy after the software problem yesterday.”

“She
is
on vacation and we
should
be able to handle 10 days without her. Can I look at the instruction sheet?”

Jim handed the paper to her. Cheryl scanned the precise instructions, which were typical of the boss’ attention to detail.

“What about the passwords? There are two that have to be entered.”

“I entered what it said on the sheet. Exactly. I’m sure.”

Cheryl took a deep breath and sat down in the molded plastic chair in front of the desk.

“Are you still logged in?”

Jim looked back at the screen, which now read, “Your session has timed out.”

“Not now.” A black Lab with tags jingling trotted into the office.

“Hey, Haley girl,” Cheryl greeted the dog. “I’ll bet you’re missing your mom like we are.”

The dog wedged herself between the desk and Cheryl’s knees to make sure a great deal of petting ensued.

“Excuse me, Haley. I need to look at the screen.” Cheryl gave the Lab a gentle push. “Why don’t I try signing in again, and maybe we’ll get lucky. If not, I’ll write the checks.”

“All right by me,” Jim conceded, leaving the desk chair available.

Cheryl slid into the wheeled chair and began typing the log-in information carefully. “Wait a minute,” she gasped. “The cap lock is on. No wonder it wasn’t taking the upload. It’s all case sensitive when you put in the file information.”

“How did I do that?” Jim grumbled. “I’m tellin’ you that I’m not touching this computer again.”

“It’s easy to do. I’ll have this taken care of in a minute.”

Haley leaned into Jim’s leg, her face looking expectantly at his for attention.

“Yeah, I know, girl. Only six more days,” he told the dog, rubbing her ears. “You’ll have to put up with me for a while longer.”

“There. It’s done,” Cheryl said happily. “We’re all getting paid.”

“Excellent work. Thanks.” He stepped quickly to the office doorway, checking the reception area for customers. Seeing none, he turned back to face Cheryl.

“What do you think of this trip?” he asked.

Cheryl raised her eyebrows quizzically at the black-haired man, whose physique and good looks had made her a little weak in the knees when she’d first started working for the kennel.

“I think it’s great that Gracie was able to actually get a vacation,” she answered in wide-eyed innocence.

Jim huffed and laughed. “You know what I’m getting at. What do you think about her and Marc?”

“I hope they’re figuring things out. But it’s really none of my business,” she answered diplomatically. “What do you think of this trip?”

“I think it’s a mistake, myself.”

“Really? Gracie was pretty excited about spending time with Marc. She may come back with a ring.”

Jim began pacing and gazing at the floor.

“I don’t think she could handle being married to a cop. She …”

His cell phone began ringing. Jim glanced at the readout and chuckled. “Speak of the devil,” he said, answering the call.

Cheryl suppressed a grin, watching Jim’s face light up. This little vacation was proving to be quite an eye-opener for the Milky Way Kennel staff.

Gracie drummed her fingers on the arms of the overstuffed chair, waiting her turn with the DEA agents, who were grilling Hank at the moment. Oddly, his short-lived disappearance had tweaked Amanda something fierce. An awkward scene between the two in the kitchen had forced Gracie to relocate immediately to the reading room. She picked up a trail map that lay on the bench next to her, hoping the interviews wouldn’t last long. Marc had left to take Max to a vet appointment for a follow-up on the German shepherd’s foot injury. He’d promised a jaunt to   Ramsey Canyon Preserve after lunch, which would be a welcome distraction after so much sitting around.

She traced a finger over the map, finally locating the trail she and Amanda had started yesterday morning. After the switchback, it evened out and wound gently to the mountain peak. She noticed that another trail marked Trail #283 led to two abandoned mines. That would be interesting to check out. If there was lost treasure up there, why shouldn’t she have a look? Maybe she could get Marc to explore the sites. If the old equipment were still around, it would at least make for some unique vacation photos rather than touristy ones of Tombstone gunfight reenactments.

The office door opened, and Hank made a hasty exit without acknowledging Gracie’s presence. By all appearances, Mr. Ramage’s interview hadn’t gone well. The man’s change of demeanor since their last meeting at the restaurant was odd. His friendliness had evaporated with no explanation. A sandy-haired DEA agent stood in the doorway, watching Hank leave. He smiled and motioned her into the office.

“I’m not sure how I can help,” she started.

“We’re trying to get an idea of times and the whereabouts of the trail crew when the body was discovered,” the agent said, sitting at the desk. “I’m Agent Miller, and this is Agent Galvez,” he said with a nod toward his shiny-headed partner. “Have a seat, Mrs. Andersen. I don’t think this will take long.”

Gracie felt her heart start pounding with anxiety as she sank into the leather club chair. She knew absolutely nothing that would help the agents, but why did she suddenly feel like a suspect? Disagreeable memories of quality time spent with Investigator Hotchkiss, who was relentless in her interrogation tactics, must be the reason.

“We understand that you accompanied Mrs. Littlefield yesterday. Were you with her when the body was found?”

“That’s right. We were on our way to meet the trail crew.”

“Did you see anyone around the area at the time?”

“No. Amanda called for help, and the guys came down within a few minutes.”

“Who was in the group?” Agent Galvez asked, placing a foot on a square black leather ottoman and leaning toward her.

The agent’s body language made her distinctly uncomfortable, and she tried to shift discreetly away from the man. What was he trying to do? Make her nervous?

“Uh … the crew leader, Gary. I don’t know his last name. And Hank Ramage.”

Gracie looked the agent in the eye, hoping he’d back off. When he didn’t, she rose from the chair. Sitting on its cushy arm, she gained a little confidence from the greater height.

“Anyone else?”

“Well, first the Border Patrol agents arrived. I don’t know their names. Then the two men showed up, and then the park ranger.”

The agent eased back from his intimidating posture and stood.

Agent Miller smiled and scribbled on a yellow legal pad. “What time was this, Ms. Andersen?”

“I didn’t look at my watch, but it must have been around 9:00. We got to the trailhead about 8:30, I think.”

“Did you know the victim, Manny Enriquez?”

“No. I’m here on vacation. At least, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

“Are you a friend of Mrs. Littlefield?” Agent Galvez asked.

“Well, not really. I’m staying here, and she’s been kind enough to show me around since my boyfriend, Deputy Marc Stevens, who’s on your special task force, has been working more than expected.” She hadn’t planned to throw out the cop card, but Agent Galvez was getting her riled.

“That’s right,” Agent Miller chimed in with a soothing tone. “What about Mr. Ramage? Was he with Gary Regan, or did he arrive separately at the scene?”

Gracie swallowed hard, her throat dry. “He was with Gary. They arrived at the same time.” She glanced at her watch, hoping the dynamic duo would wrap up the excruciating interview.

Agent Miller stopped writing and stood. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Andersen. Enjoy the rest of your stay.”

“That’s it?” The abrupt end took her by surprise.

“That’s it.” Agent Galvez managed an unenthusiastic smile and opened the office door for her.

Apparently, her lack of beneficial information had earned an early dismissal, which suited her fine. She found Amanda in the kitchen, working at her laptop.

“That was short and sweet,” Amanda commented, looking away from the screen.

“Very much so. I’m not disappointed in the least. Now maybe I can focus on my vacation.”

“I hope so. Is Marc coming back?”

“As soon as Max is checked out by the vet. I hope it’s not a serious injury. If it is, it could ruin his chances for the training in El Paso.”

“Marc’s really counting on that training.” Amanda closed the laptop. “It’s all he’s talked about lately. He and Cal really hit it off right before Cal was sent to Afghanistan. I don’t know if he’s said anything, but we sort of took him under our wing until he found an apartment that would allow Max as an occupant.”

“Marc’s mentioned your hospitality for those first few weeks and how helpful you were.”

“We know what it’s like to be in a new place and not have connections. Cal and I have always tried to help the newbies.” Amanda sighed, tapping a finger on the computer. “I guess I’d better see how much Hank was able to finish this morning.”

“Speaking of Hank, is he a suspect in this murder?” Gracie felt compelled to ask.

Amanda raised her eyebrows, frowning. “I’m not sure. Did the agents ask about him?”

“Yes. They wanted to know if he arrived with Gary.”

“They asked me the same thing.”

Amanda rose from her seat. She plucked a large strawberry from a wooden bowl on the kitchen counter and downed it with one bite. “Hank has been on the trail crew for a couple of months, but he’s always avoided working with Manny. Hank’s a bit of a loner. They would speak to each other, but I’ve always had the feeling that they didn’t hit it off.”

“Really? Hank told me that Manny was a good friend yesterday.”

Amanda shrugged. “Maybe I have the wrong impression. Anyway, Hank’s sure not himself today. In fact, he took off to work on another job a few minutes ago. Asked me if we could delay the rest of the work for a week or two. It’s not an emergency job, so I’ll let him cool off.”

The sound of a vehicle pulling into the parking area caught Gracie’s attention.

“Marc’s back,” she announced. “I’m going to try to talk him into hiking up to an old mine off the Hamburg trail.”

Amanda laughed. “That’s a pretty good hike. Be sure to take enough water if you go.”

Gracie nodded and went to greet Marc in the foyer.

“What’s the verdict on Max?”

“He’s out of commission for a couple of days. The worst news is that we were turned down for El Paso,” Marc reported glumly.

“I’m sorry.” She felt the complete inadequacy of her words.

“I know. I know. It’s stupid, but it happened.”

“So, are you available for some hiking, or aren’t you in the mood?”

“I should go check on Max. He’s supposed to be resting for a couple of days. This is really going to put a damper on our plans.”

Gracie’s heart sank. Of course, he needed to check on his injured dog. She should help him and forget about the hike. It wasn’t the end of the world. And Marc’s world had now changed in a big way. Not snagging the drug detection training with Max was a huge disappointment. It could also be a sign that his “opportunity” wasn’t quite right. Maybe he’d begin rethinking the Arizona plan. She certainly was.

“It’s fine. It’s kind of hot to be hiking anyway. I’ll go back with you and help with Max.”

“So, how’s the big guy? Is he okay?” Amanda asked, entering the foyer.

“Not really.” Marc recounted Max’s medical woes.

Amanda tut-tutted and shook her head in sympathy. “Poor Max. You can’t leave him in that apartment on his own.”

“I know. We’re headed back to sit with him. He’s supposed to be kept quiet—which will be a challenge.”

“So, you and Gracie are going to sit and keep Max quiet until she goes home?”

“Well, at least …” Marc stumbled over his answer.

“It’s all right, Amanda. Dogs are my business, and Max is a special case. We’ll be all right,” Gracie hastily came to Marc’s rescue.

“Don’t be crazy. Bring him over here. I’ll watch him while you two go have a good time. He can hang out in my quarters. Molly and Cochise will be glad to see him too.”

“That’s a lot to ask,” Marc hesitated. “He really needs to rest so the pad has a chance to heal well.”

“I can do that. I’ll turn on
Animal Planet
to keep him entertained. Go pick him up. Since the DEA boys seem to have monopolized my office for the day, I’ll be working from my living room.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Gracie brightened.

Exploring the mine area was once again an option.

.