Poodle Versus The Rustler (Cottage Country Cozy Mysteries Book 9) by Anne Shillolo

Author:Anne Shillolo [Shillolo, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-05T22:00:00+00:00

17

Once again, I had the chance to relax on the Highlands Resort patio that overlooked the lake. Walford Wellington had suggested this spot for our interview. I had no complaints, other than a bad case of butterflies, as I thought of this coming Friday night, right here in this location, meeting Darius’s family for the first time. Not to mention Saturday afternoon.

But my chat with Wally quickly took my mind off my personal life.

We exchanged greetings and a bit of small talk, ordered coffee and croissants, and looked at the view. Finally, I cut to the chase. “Wally, thanks very much for agreeing to sit down for an interview. Could I ask you to start with some background? Maybe a few highlights from the early years of your career?”

It was unutterably boring. I didn’t know how I could dress up that litany of iffy enterprises and effusive self-promo. I tried to move him on, into the present day. “How does your purchase of Blue Sky Rodeo, Inc. tie into your role as a venture capitalist?”

“Well, Zora, I’m not getting any younger. I feel like having some fun. For me, the rodeo is almost a retirement project. It’s a going concern, and I’ve made a few changes so it’s even more profitable. But, I get to travel, I’ve met some great new people, and I’m enjoying myself. Clyde is taking over an increasing share of the work associated with Wellington Investments. Which is fine with me.”

I thought carefully about what angle to take next. Maybe a little deflection was in order. “I’m sure you understand that we’re covering the protests against the rodeo. Could you please comment, so we can include your side?”

“Of course. It’s ridiculous. Rodeo events are a time-honored tradition all over the world. And, as I said at my first media conference, we are careful to follow the rules and regulations for the sport at all times.”

I wasn’t sure that meant anything. The anti-rodeo protests were all over the world, too.

“Wally, my next questions have to do with comments made by other sources. I’d appreciate if you could clarify a few things.”

“By all means.”

“Have you hired another vet to attend to the animals and remain on call during the shows?”

“Yes, of course. We had to, after the first guy killed Spurs. What a shock that was!”

“What would you say if I told you that quite a few people don’t believe Dr. Jack Cameron is guilty?”

“Nonsense. Just protecting the hometown boy.”

“But he’s not. He’s only lived here for six months or so.”

“Still. That’s all it is. Who else would kill Spurs? One of us? Absurd! We’ve all known each other and worked together for ages. A random stranger? Highly unlikely.”

I had to agree with him there. “Spurs didn’t enjoy the best reputation. You must know that.”

“It’s nothing more than idle gossip from people with too much time on their hands.”

“Can I zero in on one particular rumor?”

“You might as well. Get it out of your system. I just hope this article of yours ends up being fair.

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