Aunt Irene started to laugh. “Is this one of Alice Jasper’s pups?”
“Umm, yes it is. Is that a problem?”
“No,” Aunt Irene laughed. “I love a good scandal.”
“Scandal?” I asked.
“Yes,” Aunt Irene answered. “Alice is in my quilting circle and raises purebred Norwich Terriers. One somehow got out of her yard one night and was missing for two days. She came home in a family way, if you know what I mean.”
“Uh huh,” I mumbled leaning closer to listen to the story.
“Her neighbor has a mini-Dachshund that was always trying to dig his way into her yard. She was convinced that his dog impregnated hers. First, she was going to sue, and then she threatened to drown the pups when they were born. The Dachshund’s owner got a restraining order and shared the cost of the delivery. They gave the pups away free to good homes.”
I looked at Grace, “Okay, that’s quite a story, but how did Peanut end up here?”
“The family loves her, but due to the mother losing her job, they needed to move to a more reasonably priced rental which came with an upstairs neighbor who complained about the few times the dog was home alone and yipped or barked too much. They brought her here because we’re a no-kill shelter and send in a little money each week to help pay for her food. We’ve had her for a month. People often bring in dogs they can’t keep. It happens more often than you think especially after the holidays. She’s a sweetheart.” Grace stood. “I’ll leave you to make up your mind or look at other dogs and I’ll be out front.”
Aunt Irene was humming to Peanut and then said, “You have been in that little kennel for a whole month. You poor baby. I have a nice place for you to live, and I’ll bet Yummy will share his outside run. If not, we’ll get you one, too. Would you like that?”
Aunt Irene was hooked.
I cleared my throat. “Umm, Aunt Irene, Yummy has been very quiet here in his carrier and Peanut seems fine in your arms. Should we let them both out on the floor and be sure they don’t hate each other before we take her home and one attacks the other?”
Aunt Irene’s eyes saddened, but she nodded. “That would be a good idea. They are both sweet. I’m sure they’ll be okay.”
I prayed she was right as I opened Yummy’s carrier door, and she set Peanut down on the floor. There was no way she would go home without that dog and I sure wasn’t going to say she couldn’t.
Yummy and Peanut bounded to each other and stopped. They did an odd dance by circling each other, sniffing, yipping. They circled a few more times and barked. Then they walked to a blanket lying in the corner of the room and dropped down next to each other.
“That answers that,” Aunt Irene said. She stood and scooped up Peanut while Yummy began to whine. “Besides, with a lunatic running around breaking windows and trying to get in your store, this little one is my new burglar alarm.” She snuggled Peanut against her chest.
“Wonderful,” I mumbled as I placed Yummy in his carrier. “Not only do they get along, they’ve bonded.”
Aunt Irene laughed all the way to the front desk. I told her that Peanut was a gift from me. I paid all the fees and added some additional to help the homeless dogs. After all, I didn’t think Inga would mind if I shared part of her check to care for Yummy with less fortunate animals.
“Oh,” Grace added, “If you’re wondering, Peanut is current with all her shots and she’s been spayed. I know Yummy was neutered, so you’re good to go without unwanted puppy worries.” She smiled as she waved when we left.
“Oh my goodness gracious. I never thought about puppies. What a handful that would be. I’m glad that’s not a possibility.
“Ready to go to the pet store? You need a few things,” I asked Aunt Irene.
“Yes, we are,” she answered.
We had to drive past the hardware store on the way to the pet store, and I saw Clark helping a customer near the front window. He looked up and smiled as my car passed. He must have recognized it. How can you miss it? Ruby red. Ugh.
Thanks, Laci, I thought as I tried to slow my heart after seeing Clark. Aunt Irene was lost in puppy love and oblivious to everything around us.
We loaded up on supplies for Peanut at the pet store and stopped at the bookstore so I could check it out and see what, if any, damage had been done by Detective Berg. Aunt Irene took both dogs for a short walk before meeting me inside.
She unhooked the dogs from their leashes when she entered the back door. They took off chasing each other up and down the aisles. I had to laugh at their antics.
My phone vibrated. It was a text from Clark:
“Saw you and Aunt Irene. Is everything okay?”
He could see my car from the back door of the hardware store. I don’t need him walking down here. I had to text back. I made it simple:
“We’re fine. Busy in the store.”
You’re going to have to face him soon. Maybe, but not now. I need to straighten the shelves that Berg messed up and then Georgie and I will go to the mansion after lunch.
I called Lucas’ office and spoke to him. I was correct. I have every right to go to the house and do whatever I want and take things to my house if I feel like it. It’s all mine. He said not to worry about Mags and her lawsuit.
“Are
