Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly

Author:Linda Reilly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2021-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lyle’s estate.

The words rattled around in Carly’s head as she retraced her route toward home.

What did Lyle’s estate consist of? Was there a way she could find out who his legal heirs were? Surely Matt was one, but were there others?

Carly chided herself for not having checked into it sooner. After all, Lyle’s real estate included her eatery, and her eatery was her livelihood. She needed to be more proactive for her own sake.

Tomorrow was Monday. She vowed to find out who Lyle’s attorney was and pay them a visit.

That decided, Carly paused on the sidewalk. She’d intentionally left her cell in the apartment so she could enjoy her walk without interruption. Now she was beginning to feel lost without it. Another one of her mom’s warnings rang in her ears: Never go anywhere without your phone. You never know when you’ll have an emergency!

Should she go home or get a bit more exercise? Distance wise, she hadn’t walked all that far. She’d spent most of her time inside Janet’s home.

In a way, Carly felt bad for Janet, despite her brittle personality. Deep in her heart, the woman had adored Lyle. His death left a massive hole in her life.

According to Janet, she’d been crushed when she learned about his engagement to Tiffany. Had it pushed her over the edge? If I can’t have you, then no one can. It was an ancient motive, as cliché as they get.

But it happened.

Carly was deciding whether to head home or continue in the opposite direction when a thirtysomething woman with a black ponytail came bounding along the sidewalk toward her. Two dogs scampered ahead of her. A larger one with golden fur and a smaller dog that looked exactly like—

Carly’s heart jumped. “Dr. Anne! I’m so glad to see you.”

“Carly? I thought that was you.” Expertly juggling her two leashes, the chief’s daughter, Anne, beamed at her and then wrapped her in a one-armed hug. “Hey, I got your message yesterday. I started to call you back, but then I got interrupted with an emergency and it slipped my mind.”

Carly stooped down, and the little Morkie leaped into her arms. “You adopted Havarti. I’m so happy!”

The veterinarian laughed. “Wait a minute. I didn’t adopt him. I just haven’t sent him to the shelter yet, so I’m giving him some exercise. He’s such a good boy, aren’t you, Havarti?” she cooed to the pup. “He loves my boy Fritzie.”

Disappointed, Carly gave Fritzie a tickle under his chin. “Oh. I thought maybe Havarti was so cute you couldn’t resist him.”

“Every dog I treat is too cute to resist,” Dr. Anne said sweetly, “but I can only adopt so many. This little guy obviously adores you. Sure you won’t change your mind?”

Carly’s heart sank. “I can’t, Dr. Anne. I wish I could.”

“There are ways to make it work, you know. Think about it, okay?”

They hugged again, and the veterinarian strode off. Havarti turned and whined at Carly before trotting alongside his companion.

Carly continued along Main Street, regret weighing on her.

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