ppp cove 06 - criminals on vacation Read Online Free PDF Page B

Buttercup just isn’t the winner Princess was. He’d have you believe that dog was the next champion, but everyone knows the truth. He likes to keep up appearances though. It was hard for him to slide down. And my Anastasia just shows better, and he knows.”
    “When was the last time you spoke to him? Also, when is the next time you expect to see him?” Poppy wasn’t sure what she was after, but any details could help.
    “Oh, let’s see, in March, I saw him at the big show in Miami,” she said, thinking about the next time. “And the next time is probably the show up in Atlanta. That one is in May, right about the time my son graduates college.”
    “Wow, already. Time flies,” Poppy said. “You must be so excited to see him for his graduation, with him being out of state.”
    Carmella barely flinched. “Oh, about that, I’m going to miss his graduation. It’s such a shame. I couldn’t believe the timing myself. It falls the same time that the dog show does. Atlanta is a big deal, so I can’t miss that one. I told him that I’d see him the following week when he gets back home. He’s moving clear across the country in the fall. I only get him for the summer. I can’t believe how fast he’s grown. I still remember him when he was a little boy and would only eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if they were cut into triangles, not squares.”
    Poppy’s stomach twisted. “You’re not going?”
    “Oh, he understands. In fact, he told me if I really wanted to go to the Atlanta show, he knows it’s a big one, and I should go. He said he’d be fine.” She looked flustered, realizing Poppy might have been judging her. “He knows I’m proud of him. I’ve told him numerous times. Besides, we’ll celebrate when he gets back home. I’ve got a big surprise for him.”
    Poppy watched Carmella fidget with her hands, trying to backtrack. “Really? Can I ask what it is? I love a good surprise.”
    “Well, shoot, I guess I can tell you. It won’t ruin the surprise for him.” She leaned in closer, as if her son who was states away might hear. “Well, I booked a spa vacation, you know the kind with the massage and fancy retreats. It will be a great way for us to unwind. He’s going to be thrilled!”
    “Sounds relaxing,” Poppy said.
    “The best part is that I found one that allows pets, so Anastasia can be pampered, too. Isn’t that right my sweet baby?” Her voice had shot up an octave as she turned her attention to the dog.
    “You’re bringing the dog to the spa vacation?” Poppy’s voice gave away her dismay.
    “You say it like…” Carmella said as she shook her head, “like it’s a bad thing. I just wanted some family time together. Anastasia misses her brother, don’t you baby?”
    “Her brother?” Poppy swallowed hard.
    “Well, you know…”
    Poppy redirected the conversation. “So, Harley, let’s get back to Harley Jettison. Where is he now? What’s his goal? And do you think he’s the kind of person that would steal a dog?”
    “I wouldn’t put it past him,” she said snippily.
    Poppy sat quietly for a minute, debating what to say next. She knew what she wanted to say, but thought better of it. Would her friend be angry with her? Would she flail about in anger? There was no delicate way to word things, so with a deep breath and an extended pause, she finally spilled what she was thinking. “Carmella, I’m sure you don’t want to hear this, but I think we should look closer at your son as a potential suspect.”
    Carmella flinched. “What? My son wouldn’t do that to me. That a ridiculous accusation. He loves me.”
    “You chose the dog show over his graduation.” She was trying not to sound judgmental, but if they were being realistic, maybe it was time to shine the spotlight on him. “You’re not the least bit worried that he’s feeling resentful?”
    “Well, no. I asked him. He would have told me if he had a problem,” she quipped.
    “Would he have? What