To Fetch a Killer (Dog Groomer Mysteries Book 3) by Chelsea Thomas

Author:Chelsea Thomas [Thomas, Chelsea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-26T16:00:00+00:00

27

Taking the Case

“That right there’s a briefcase, Missy.” Todd of Todd’s Hardware was an old codger if there ever was one. Hunched over, grizzled, and with the demeanor of a ship captain caught on land.

“We know it’s a briefcase, Missy,” said Granny, emphasizing the word Missy. “We need you to get it open.”

Todd in turn adopted Granny’s surly tone of voice. “I gather you want the briefcase opened, but this is a hardware store, not a locksmith.”

“Says ‘Locksmith’ on your sign,” said Granny, crossing her arms.

You guessed it. Todd crossed his arms too. Like a man in the mirror. “Well, I stopped offering those services when Bush was in office. The first Bush.”

“Get a new sign then.”

“Signs are expensive. You buying?”

Granny took a step toward the counter. “I’ll buy a can of black spray paint from you and a ladder. Then I’ll climb the ladder and cross out the word locksmith. I’m helpful like that.”

“I would never willingly sell you supplies with which you plan to deface my business. This place has been around since JFK was shot.”

Lotta presidential references, I thought. Todd seemed to measure time in presidents.

“So have I,” said Granny. “A lot longer than that, in fact.”

“You’re old. I’m older.” Todd sat on a leather stool behind his counter. As I looked from him to Granny and back, I had the feeling it might be helpful for me to intervene. But I was having too much fun watching the verbal sparring match between the two grumpiest people I had come across.

“Tell me your age,” said Granny.

“You first.”

Granny laughed. “Old enough to know that trick. You’ll just add two years to whatever I say.”

“The girl can be an objective third party. You give her your license, and I’ll give her mine. She’ll tell us who is older, and therefore wiser, and therefore more deserving of respect.” The man fished his wallet out of his back pocket. It was four inches of receipts and dollar bills stuffed into cracked leather. Not to be outdone, Granny pulled her own wallet from her purse. It was just as wide, also stuffed with receipts and singles. The man held his license out toward me. I took a step back.

“If I involve myself in this ridiculous posturing, you’re going to dust off your locksmith skills and pop open a briefcase for us. Tell me we have a deal.”

“My fees are $100 and half of whatever is in the briefcase.”

I laughed. “You can have the hundred dollars. I don’t think the other part is true.”

Todd nodded. “Smart girl.”

I took the license. Then I took Granny’s and I compared the birthdays. I couldn’t believe my big, green eyes. “You were both born on March 31, 1940.”

“I don’t believe that.” Granny snatched both licenses from my hand. Her eyes scanned for the dates, and then she tossed them down on the counter. “Ridiculous.” She turned to Todd. “Tell me what time you were born.”

Todd scoffed. “I don’t know that. You’re crazy.” Todd stepped back and gave Granny a more discerning look.

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