Otter Under Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

a programmer for the city. She and Otter met and became friends at one of AzTech’s Christmas parties.
    Duke, a beautiful German shepherd and Susan’s canine partner was running around the yard and splashing in the pool with joyous abandon. His black and silver fur gleamed in the sun as he pounded around the yard and streaked toward the water in the doggy equivalent of a cannon ball. He then crawled up the steps gave them a goofy grin and did it again.
    “Well it’s a pain to go dancing by yourself. I try to take a date, but it isn’t always possible.” Otter shook her head.
    “You could take Duke.”
    “Very funny ,”
    “I bet he could do it. Sometimes I think that dog is smart enough to drive a squad car.”
    Otter laughed a little. “Now that I think about it that would be kind of fun. At least it would be for one evening, until he busts someone in the building for possession.”
    “He’d probably clear the floor,” Susan agreed. “We’d have to shut the place down. That would be a pity since it sounds like a lot of fun.”
    “It is. At least I enjoy it.”
    “Speaking of dates and dancing, I was wondering if you would consider going on a blind date.”
    “Can he dance?”
    “He’s tall, he’s nice, and he’s smart. I don’t know if he likes to dance or not.”
    “What’s wrong with him? Is he a cop?”
    “There is nothing wrong with being a cop,” she said pretending to be insulted, “And no, he’s not a police officer. He works in the coroner’s office. He said it turns a lot of women off when they find out what he does. I thought that since you’re smart and find just about everything interesting, you wouldn’t mind.”
    “And what prompted you to get a date for this nice guy who works in the coroner’s office?”
    “He’s a friend. I’ve actually known him for years. He asked if I knew anyone intelligent and nice who wasn’t clingy and had an interesting career of her own. Those were his words exactly, and a little exasperated at that.”
    “It sounds to me like he’s just had a bad breakup.”
    “No, I think it’s just been a series of disappointing dates.”
    “OK, sure, why not? I dated an intern for a while in college; he took me to an autopsy on our first date.”
    “Omg, did he really? What did you do?”
    “At first it was a little awkward, I was dressed up in a dress and heels, but I was fascinated.”
    “What was the cause of death?”
    “Gunshot to the chest,”
    “Gruesome first date,”
    “It was, but like I said, I found it very interesting.”
    “Well I don’t think Joel will do that to you.”
    “That’s comforting. I just hope I’m not one more disappointment to him. Maybe he’s just too picky.”
    “I don’t think so. Just give it a try and if it doesn’t work, you did me a favor.”
    “I really like the part about you owing me a favor.”
    “If you don’t mind, I’ll text him your information and he can get in touch with you.”
    “Works for me,” Otter said, “so his name is Joel?”
    “Yes, Joel Buchanan,” She tapped a message out on her keypad and set her phone on the table, “and now I’m going to finish this nummy breakfast.”
    “You’re in law enforcement; I don’t think you’re allowed to use the word ‘nummy’.”
    Susan grinned, “You’d be surprised at the words I’m allowed to use.”
    They finished their omelets and fresh berries just as Duke came bounding up the steps to the table, all wet, happy dog. He shook himself all over Susan and she used a series of words that Otter was sure wouldn’t be allowed.
    Tuesday morning and Otter was getting testy. She was always prompt for appointments and expected everyone else to do the same.
    “He’s late,” she snapped at Annie as she paced around the front office. “Clark was supposed to be here 30 minutes ago.”
    Annie looked at her watch. “I hope he’s ok, he is not usually late. Maybe he ate too much barbeque for Labor Day and is still sleeping it