Heavenly Corners Read online

  “We’re doing great, Grace, thanks. We were hoping to find a small companion for Aunt Irene,” I said.

  Grace looked at Yummy’s carrier. “I heard you inherited Yummy. Isn’t he just the sweetest?” She poked the tip of her finger in the mesh in the front of Yummy’s carrier, and he yipped and licked it. She looked up, “I think we have a dog as sweet as Yummy you might like. I should’ve asked. Do you want a dog or cat?”

  “Dog,” Aunt Irene answered.

  When Grace opened the door to the kennel area, all the dogs began to bark. She ushered us to the section where they kept smaller dogs.

  “Here’s the dog I had in mind.” She opened the cage and removed a small light brown dog. “Follow me,” Grace said leading us to another room where Aunt Irene could meet the dog without all the commotion of the big room.

  She placed the dog on the floor and Aunt Irene began to talk to her. The little dog ran to Aunt Irene, and she scooped her up. The dog licked her chin and settled into her arms.

  “Looks like a match,” I said. “What can you tell us about her?” I asked.

  “Her name is Peanut Butter, but she answers to Peanut. The kids in the family named her. She is half pedigree Norwich Terrier, and the vet is fairly certain the other half is mini-Dachshund. She’s a small dog. At eleven months, she’s nearly full size. She weighs seven pounds and won’t gain much more. Her life began as part of a scandal.” Grace reached over to pet Peanut.

  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 you at home, Annie?” Lucas asked.

  “No, I’m at the store straightening out the mess Detective Berg made.” I pushed another book back in place.

  “Did he damage anything?”

  “Not that I can tell, and the first editions look as if they were untouched and the cabinet is locked.” I sighed.

  “If you’ll be there for the next twenty minutes, I’ll have the keys to the mansion sent over via messenger.”

  “I’ll be here. Thanks, Lucas, but I can pick them up.”

  I listened while I straightened a few more books.

  “No problem for my biggest client. Take care, Annie.” I heard him hang up his desk phone.

  Biggest client? Me? Goodness gracious. I’m not sure if I like being the richest person in town. I’m not used to people doing things for me on this scale. I had to learn to be self-sufficient, and I’m proud of my accomplishments, but I do have a lot of work to do here. It’ll help to get the keys delivered. Do I need to tip the messenger?

  I saw the dogs chase each other over my feet and Aunt Irene laugh. I watched her push her way along the shelves in my rolling desk chair while straightening out the books on the bottom three shelves. I took care of the upper shelves. The special displays on the top shelf appeare
d untouched. We made a good team.

  My cell vibrated again. It was a text from Georgie:

  “Danger. Mags released.”

  I shuddered. Let’s hope she stays away or drops the lawsuit.

  I texted back:

  “Still working at the store. Let me know when you’re off. I’ll pick you up.”

  She texted in reply:

  “No need. Have my car. Meet at your place later.”

  I heard a knock at the front door. I still had the closed sign up. I saw the messenger outside the door. I opened the door, and he entered. I needed to prove who I was. My picture and name on my license were sufficient. I signed for a small package and offered him a tip.

  He said, “Mr. Stone took care of that. Have a good day.” He hurried on his way.

  About twenty minutes later, Aunt Irene and I were satisfied the store would look good when I opened in the morning. We took our tired dogs home. Each in their own carrier, they whined at each other on the ride home.

  I looked at her and said, “We don’t have to worry about them not getting along.”

  Aunt Irene wiped a tear from her eye. “Thanks for taking me and everything, Annie. It does get lonely in my cottage especially at night. I have enjoyed Yummy so much. Having Peanut will help me a lot.”

  I reached over and took her hand. She squeezed my hand so tightly; I thought my circulation would stop.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I told Aunt Irene to take Peanut to her cottage, and I would bring in all the supplies we purchased. I smiled when I saw the red leash embedded with rhinestones. Peanut is wearing a matching collar. Aunt Irene said the red goes well with her light brown fur and dark brown eyes. I understand why Yummy arrived with a similar rhinestone collar in blue. Inga and Aunt Irene were both dog lovers at heart. Inga spoiled Yummy, and Aunt Irene will do the same with Peanut. I can understand. I like to spoil Yummy, too.

  After I dropped all the purchases in Aunt Irene’s house, she asked me to come in and have a sandwich and tea.

  “I’ll be right back; I want to grab my mail and check it while I have lunch.” I turned and headed toward the front of my house.

  I heard Aunt Irene say, “Okay” as I hurried to my mailbox.

  The box, stuffed with mail, caused me a bit of difficulty pulling everything out.

  How in the world does Meg manage to get it all in here without tearing anything? Hmm, what’s this?

  I nearly dropped the pile of mail and caught it making a mess of the compact, neat stack Meg left. I caught a legal size envelope as it slipped out of the stack. My name and address were printed on the front of the envelope in letters that rivaled Laci’s kindergarten papers. I tore it open and raced back to my car. I called Aunt Irene and told her to lock her door, and I dialed 9-1-1.

  Officer Bill arrived within minutes. I lowered my window and handed him the letter. He held up his hand long enough to put on latex gloves. He picked it up by one corner, frowned at the message and slipped it and the envelope in an evidence bag.

  Tears slid down my cheeks. I can still see the printed words in my mind:

  Why aren’t you dead yet, Annie?

  Bill leaned in my window and asked, “Do you have any idea who did this?”

  ‘No,” I stammered.

  I saw Aunt Irene and Peanut approaching my car. She climbed into the passenger seat and asked what happened. Before I answered, I asked Bill if he could check out my house to be sure no one is in there waiting.

  “Of course, Annie. I was just going to suggest it.” He reached in and patted my hand that was still clutching my steering wheel.

  When Bill opened my door and pulled out his gun, I shuddered.

  Someone wants to kill me or at least wants me dead. Is Clark really involved? I slept in the same bed with a man who wants me dead. We went out on dates. How can someone be so conniving and evil?

  Bill returned and said my house was clear. “I’ll take this letter back to the office. The Postmaster will also be involved now. It’s a crime to mail a threat beyond the usual broken laws. Don’t you worry, Annie, we’ll find who’s doing this.”

  His smile didn’t do much to make me feel safer.

  “C’mon, let’s have lunch before you leave with Georgie,” Aunt Irene said.

  We placed both dogs in the puppy run and brought our lunch outside. The sunshine warmed the day, and it was beautiful on my patio.

  “I’ll be right back,” Aunt Irene said. I watched her walk back to her cottage and return in a few moments with a rifle in her hands.

  “What the heck are you doing?” I couldn’t believe I was looking at my petite aunt carrying a rifle.

  “Your grandpa taught your dad and me how to shoot these as soon as we could hold one. He believed women, as well as men, should be able to hunt and protect their families. Your dad gave me one of his hunting rifles before he left. I’ve gone out and practiced with it. I’m still a darn good shot. If a lunatic shows up, I’ll take him out.” She sat down, leaned the rifle next to her chair, and picked up her sandwich.

  I’m not sure what is scarier. A lunatic trying to kill me or my Aunt taking one out. I think she watches too many police shows, but for some odd reason I feel safer.

  I smiled at her and took a sip of my tea.

  #######

  I heard a car door slam and looked up to see Georgie walking toward my patio. She stopped, and the raised eyebrows and open mouth let me know she is trying to figure out why my aunt is eating lunch with a rifle.

  “Hi,” I said smiling. “Sit, have a cup of tea, and let me tell you about the latest threat. I’ll explain about the rifle.”

  Georgie sat, listened, and shook her head. “Well, at least you’re protected with two attack dogs and a little old lady with a rifle.”

  “Hey,” Aunt Irene retorted. “Who are you calling an old lady? I’ll have you know I can out shoot you any day Georgianna Roberts.” Aunt Irene sat back and stared at Georgie.

  Oh oh, she called her Georgianna Roberts. Her full name. I’m staying out of this. Georgie’s on her own.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect. Honest. I was just…umm,” Georgie stammered.

  Aunt Irene’s eye’s twinkled, and she began to laugh. “Gotcha, Georgie. You should have seen your face. I’ll clean up here and watch the dogs. You should head to the mansion while you still have a lot of daylight. I heard it’s going to storm late this afternoon.”

  I said, “That may only give us a couple of hours. We’ll see what we can find.” I stood and hugged Aunt Irene. Yummy usually whines when I get ready to leave. He was so busy playing with Peanut; he ignored me completely.

  Georgie called out, “My car’s behind yours. I’m driving.” She jogged toward my driveway.

  #######

  She pulled up in front of the mansion. “Where should I park? Which door would you like to use? This place looks bigger in the daylight. Are you going to live here? We could all live here.” She laughed. “Paul could finally have his own bathroom. Since Beth Ann is at college, he’s been using the guest bathroom, but next month he’ll be back to sharing one with me.” She looked out the windshield at the mansion craning her neck to look up to the third-floor windows.

  “I can’t afford to live here. It must cost a fortune.”

  “Inga managed,” Georgie quipped.

  “She was rich.”

  “So are you.”

  I sat staring at the house. Am I rich enough to live here?

  I glanced at Georgie, “I could never feel comfortable. It’s too big. I still think it would be too expensive.”

  “Didn’t Lucas say you inherited everything?”

  “I don’t remember. I was shocked when he said I inherited the house. He said a few other things. Something about the land up north and financial holdings. Then Mags passed out. It’s sort of a blur.” I bit my lip and leaned back in the car. “Do you think I have money, too?”

  “Yeah, that’s what the financial holdings must inclu
de. It’s how Inga afforded to live here. Who knows what she had invested in or owned? Now you have all that.” Georgie’s eyes were big as she stared at me. Then she wiggled her eyebrows and said, “Let’s go see your vast holdings Miss Rich.”

  I squinted at her. “Hmm, Miss Rich. Thanks. Don’t call me that in public. It’ll be all over town like fireflies on a warm summer’s night. I have all the keys. They’re labeled. There’s one for the front door, back door, garage, and storage.” I looked at the color coded keys in my hand.

  “We could have used that storage key last night.” She opened her car door.

  “Right,” I smiled. “How were you going to open a lock on the outside with a key when you’re locked inside?” I climbed out of her car and looked up at what caught her attention.

  “You have a point there,” Georgie answered.

  “What were you looking at on the house? I thought you were going to break your neck.” I still couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

  “The attic,” Georgie bubbled. “Haven’t you always wanted to explore an attic? You never know what kind of treasures might be forgotten in an attic.”

  “I think the entire house is full of treasures. I would like to check the study first. Maybe we can figure out what those men were looking for last night.” I walked up to the door and stopped before I slid the key in the lock.

  “What’s wrong,” Georgie said standing right behind me.

  I jumped. “Don’t sneak up on me. I feel as if I’m trespassing. I can’t believe all of this belongs to me.”

  “Us,” Georgie corrected me. “We promised in grade school that we would always share. I would enjoy being a little rich.” She leaned around me to smile at me. “Remember?”

  “Of course I remember. I think I might end up giving the house to the city to keep it from the developers. I can’t afford the taxes on this place. I’m not sure I have as much money as you think. I’ll have to ask Lucas. If you see something you like, you can have it. There are vases, knickknacks, paintings, and who knows what else. Lucas told me it all belongs to me, and if I want, I can take any of it home.”

  I turned the lock and one of the large double oak doors opened. I stepped into the foyer. My footsteps echoed, and Georgie’s echoed behind me.