Paws for Trouble by Patricia Fry

Author:Patricia Fry
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781734875157
Publisher: Matilija Press
Published: 2020-06-19T04:00:00+00:00

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"Aren't they the greatest friends ever?" Savannah said over dinner that evening. "I mean, for Colbi and Damon to come here today ready to help us clean up—they're the best."

"Yes they are," Michael agreed. "Damon even wanted to mow the lawn and rake up those leaves under the shrubbery. I told him Antonio would be very unhappy to arrive tomorrow ready to do his gardening work and find nothing to do."

Savannah laughed. "Indeed, he would."

"So what do you hear about your wayward cousin?" Michael asked. "Was that Craig who called earlier?"

Before Savannah could answer, Gladys groaned. "I still can't believe what happened." When they looked at her, she said, "We all thought we were having a wonderful weekend of celebration when all along poor Jake was plotting to kill us."

Savannah chuckled. "Oh, Mom, I don't think he had murder in mind, do you?"

"What do you think he expected to happen when he set off that bomb?" Gladys carped.

Savannah winced. "Yeah, I guess it could have caused harm, but I think he was just trying to make a statement—you know, wreck our house a little, don't you, Michael?" When she saw the smirk on his face, she demanded, "What?"

"Boy, are you naïve," he said.

"Why, because I refuse to believe that a cousin of mine wanted to murder me?" she insisted.

"Well, it's a moot point," he said. "Jake's in jail, and hopefully he'll get exactly what he deserves."

"You are mad at him, aren't you?" she said.

"Darn right I am," Michael asserted. "How dare he accept our invitation and our hospitality, then turn around and stab us in the back."

She shuddered. "Ohhh, that's graphic. Gives me the heeby—jeebies."

"I was speaking figuratively, hon," he defended.

"I know, but…I mean, part of me is angry as all get—out, but I still remember Jake as a boy." She smiled. "He was the sweet one. He was my buddy. He'd even help me play tricks on the others, and together we'd create mysteries for them to solve. Remember, I told you I read every mystery I could get my hands on back then? I also made up stories. Jake would sit and listen to my stories. The others would get tired and leave."

"He probably had a crush on you, the older, more sophisticated cousin."

Gladys tittered. When Michael looked at her, she questioned, "Sophisticated?"

"She wasn't sophisticated?" he asked, amused.

"Not really. Michael, I could show you snapshots of her as a little girl that you won't believe."

"Mom," Savannah complained.

"Really?" Michael asked, his eyes flashing with mischief.

"Yes, I have albums up there in my room. Haven't you seen them?"

"I don't think so," he said.

"Mommy was a little girl?" Lily asked. "I want to see pictures."

"Okay, how about after dinner?" Gladys suggested. "I'll bring the albums down and we'll all look at pictures of Mommy as she was growing up."

"Now, Mom. I'm sure they have better things to do," Savannah complained.

"No, we don't," Michael said. "That sounds like a great way to spend the evening. Yes. I'm looking forward to that, Gladys. Thank you.

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