Curtain Call Catastrophe and The Bow Wow Bakery: A Doggy Bakery Cozy Mystery by Belinda Page

Author:Belinda Page [Page, Belinda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

With much on her mind, Sophie excused herself to check on Max. His scenes must have been completed, as he was resting in his chair beside Paisley, who was busy reading through some paperwork. On stage, Samir was working with a group of actors, directing them in a scene that involved an argument between the characters.

“I’ll have you know Max is one of the fastest learners I’ve met in this business,” Paisley told Sophie admiringly when she took a seat beside them. “Come on, boy. Let’s show your mama what you learned while she was away!”

The animal handler stood up.

“All right, Max. Show me your happy face!”

Max instantly adopted the expression he had when Sophie told him he was going to get a turkey jerky cupcake at the bakery. She was already impressed, but Paisley wasn’t done showing off the pup’s skills.

“Okay, now show me your angry face!” Max instantly fake-snarled, the same sound he made when he playfully tried to beat Sophie in tug-of-war.

Sophie clapped. “That’s amazing! You taught him both of those while I was gone?”

“Yup,” the animal handler confirmed proudly. “And he’s got one more under his belt. Show your mama your goofy face, bud!”

Sophie couldn’t contain her laughter when Max instantly hung his tongue out sideways and closed his eyes. “How on earth did you get him to make that face on command?” she asked Paisley. The woman seemed like a near-miracle worker, even if Max happened to be the most intelligent dog on the planet, at least according to Sophie.

Paisley winked. “I’ve been in this business quite a while, you know. These animals I work with form a special bond with me. You should have seen the parrot I once taught to recite Shakespeare.”

Sophie recalled how Penny had wreaked havoc during her audition. “You know, I might know a dog that could use your training services . . .” Before Paisley could reply, Samir announced that they were taking a half-hour break.

“Meet back here in thirty, everyone!” he told the actors, who all looked somewhat fatigued from going over their lines. Samir joined Sophie and Paisley.

“The rest of the scenes we’re working on tonight don’t feature Winston, so you’re both welcome to head out if you like.”

Paisley immediately began packing up her things. “It works out well for me to get out of here early, actually,” she told them. “I’ve got to run pick up an order of earthworms and nightcrawlers for my little axolotls at home.”

“Axolotls?” Sophie repeated, not sure she heard correctly.

“I’ve got four of them,” Paisley said, pulling up a picture on her phone to show her. Sophie leaned over and saw four white salamander creatures looking back at her. She had to admit they were pretty cute with their round black eyes and seemingly smiling mouths.

As Paisley waved goodbye and headed out for the evening, Samir whispered,

“You should be glad she didn’t show you pictures of all of her tarantulas. She’s got at least a dozen. I’ve never met a person who loves animals more than that woman.

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