Murder and Macaw: an Animal Cozy Mystery (Dusty Paws Mysteries Book 2) by Verena DeLuca

Author:Verena DeLuca [DeLuca, Verena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aconite Cafe
Published: 2024-03-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Wednesday, May 18th

SANDI PACED THE living room, bouncing between the sofa and fireplace, which made Polly nervous in her cage, flapping about and squawking. I sat in an armchair with Jake in the second one and watched her pace in silence. There was nothing I could say to alleviate her anxiety. Instead, I settled for glancing looks at Jake, who likewise looked at a loss about what to say—distinctly out of character for him.

Mike—Sandi’s father—had left rehab yesterday with thirty days of sobriety under his belt. By all accounts, he had been a model patient and took full advantage of the program—working the steps and even helping others acclimate to sobriety.

His sponsor Jay Leonard had placed a note in his file that said, “Mike shows a willingness to change, and a determination to maintain his sobriety for himself, as much as for his daughter Sandi.” To which Jake had been thrilled, and affirmed his decision to employ Mike, despite the risk to his own reputation as sheriff.

“What good is a commendation from the governor, if I can’t use my position to help my community?” Jake had asked when I questioned the idea, which put an end to any further discussion.

It was not that I thought Mike would relapse, more that I worried for Jake. But he was a grown man and entitled to his own risks.

The treatment facility had affixed the message to Sandi's letter that came on Monday, inquiring whether he might see her upon his return. She approached me right away, uncertain of her next step, and without hesitation, I urged her to agree. Those at Dale Mountain Retreat were permitted to take incoming calls but barred from making any—to avoid disruptions from their primary objective. The facility believed it was more beneficial for the patients to concentrate on their personal recovery during their time there, postponing any mending of relationships until after their departure.

Jake willingly offered to come along since he was planning to employ Mike regardless. We unanimously concluded that promptly providing Mike with employment would be the optimal way to maintain his sobriety and minimize the chances of a setback. Idle hands and all that. Moreover, Sandi sought additional emotional reinforcement, which Jake provided generously.

Through the front window, the crunch of gravel under tires heralded an arrival. I glanced out to see a pickup truck rolling up the driveway—its engine humming. I caught Jake's eye and nodded subtly toward the window. He paused mid-sentence, following my gaze.

Sandi, however, was too absorbed in her own world of nerves to take note. She continued her relentless pacing back and forth across the living room, each step a testament to her anxiety. Her hands knotted together, wringing in a rhythm that matched her steps.

Jake cleared his throat softly, and Sandi halted abruptly, turning toward us with wide, expectant eyes. "Is it him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Yes, he's here."

Sandi took in a sharp breath and squared her shoulders as if bracing herself for impact.

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