Pall in the Family Read Online Free PDF Page B

gently.
    Vi was rocking in her chair, knitting, when we came in. Baxter lay like a large lumpy carpet at her feet.
    â€œAny luck?” my mother asked.
    â€œNo, he’s too upset. All I could get out of him was ‘bacon,’” Vi said.
    â€œMaybe he’s hungry,” I said. Tuffy was always hungry, in my experience.
    I received a triple glare from Violet, Seth, and my mother. Baxter didn’t move.
    â€œHe’s traumatized, Clyde. Give the guy a break.” Seth leaned protectively over Tuffy.
    â€œI just knew something was going to happen. The horses over at Miller’s place have been agitated.” Vi rocked faster and her fingers flew with the needles. “I was over there a couple of days ago, but they wouldn’t tell me what was bothering them. My cat clients have completely clammed up. They’re usually such a gossipy bunch. I should have seen something like this coming.”
    Seth’s eyes grew wide; my mother just nodded. I looked at the ceiling.
    â€œSeth, I need to finish with the rest of the dogs. Do you want to come with me or stay with Tuffy?”
    â€œI think I’ll stay with Tuffy.” He curled himself around the dog, and I saw that he probably was just as upset as his new canine friend.
    â€œOkay, I’ll see you later.” I turned to leave.
    â€œWhat about lunch? I have sandwiches and brownies.” Mom gestured toward the kitchen.
    â€œI’m not that hungry, Mom. And I have to get to the rest of the dogs.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous. You have to eat. The dogs can wait a few minutes. Seth, let’s go.” She walked toward the dining room, assuming we would follow.
    We sat at the table—all of us. Seth pulled up a chair for Tuffy to sit in, and he began feeding the dog small pieces of lunch meat from his sandwich. Baxter didn’t need a chair. He rested his head on the table and with his eyes watched each bite I took like he was following a tennis match. A wet puddle formed under his chin. My mother didn’t eat, claiming she was too upset. I had taken about three bites when I heard my cell phone ringing in the front hall.
    I found my messenger bag in disarray and covered in Baxter slime. I’d forgotten about the treats I’d left in there. Apparently he’d found them. By the time I’d waded through my wet bag, my phone had stopped ringing. I was muttering Baxter’s name just as I heard a chair topple and my mother shout, “Baxter!”
    I ran into the dining room to see Baxter finishing off my sandwich. He caught sight of me and slunk over to hide behind Vi.
    â€œHe’s sorry, Clyde. The sandwich just looked really good,” Vi said, putting a protective hand on his head.
    I scowled at them and hit the voice mail button on my phone.
    â€œIt’s Mac. Call me.”
    I took a steadying breath and stood straighter. I hit callback, and I could tell my blood pressure was rising by the pounding in my head.
Here we go
.
    â€œClyde, I need you over here now,” Mac said, in greeting.
    â€œHi, Mac. It’s been a long time. . . .” I tried for a light and carefree tone, but it didn’t work.
    â€œSave it, Clyde. You’re lucky you’re not under arrest for leaving the scene of a crime.”
    â€œRight. See you in ten minutes.” I clicked the phone shut and took a deep breath. This was going to be worse than I thought, plus I’d have to skip the brownie.

4

    The boats bobbed and clanged in the small marina as I drove along River Street. Turning onto Main Street, I was greeted by downtown Crystal Haven. All the storefronts were freshly painted in bright colors for the summer tourist season. Many stores had hanging signs along the street to entice wandering shoppers. Even without the spiritualist draw, it would be a tourist town. It’s situated on the west coast of Michigan, south of Grand Rapids. This makes it close enough to Chicago for